Texas Chainsaw Massacre House

 Somehow, years ago, I was talked into watching the movie "Texas Chainsaw Massacre." It is not a fond memory. It has been called one of the most important horror movies ever made. I wouldn't know about that since it is one of only five "horror" movies I've ever seen. The other four I consider horror movies were not even close to Texas Chainsaw Massacre and its tale of a chainsaw welding maniac and his cannibal family. I hated what I saw of it. My eyes were closed most of the time. Originally a farmhouse built in 1909 in Round Rock, Texas, it became an iconic element in the movie. If you've never seen it, the words "chainsaw massacre" will give you an idea of what happens in and around the house.

I kind of forgot about the movie over the years, only remembering when a sequel or prequel of the Leatherface franchise would come out. But then I heard the house in the movie had been made into a restaurant. Now we're talking!

In 1998, the house was cut into pieces, hauled to Kingsland, Texas and put back together as part of the famous Antlers Hotel. It was completely renovated and became the Grand Central Café and Club Car Bar. I found it while on one of my road trips in Texas. Naturally, I couldn't pass up eating a meal in the cannibals' house.

Pulling up to it, the house is not near as scary as it appeared in the movie. There was a short line of people waiting so I gave my name and waited out on the wide covered porch. I didn't have to wait long before being called inside. Walking across the wooden floor, I was shown into a small room which served as one of the dining rooms. A very nice and informative waitress quickly arrived, gave me a menu and began reciting scenes in the movie that had been shot in this very room. She also told me there were a number of artifacts upstairs from the movie and I was welcome to go up and see them.

A large cheeseburger and a huge mound of fries arrived. Appropriate to the location, a large knife was stabbed into the middle of the burger. It was enough food for two people. The burger was perfect - juicy meat in buns that had just a touch of crisp on the inside and the fries were scrumptious. It was a top-10 burger on my scale! My waitress came back often to check on me and the couple at the next table and I struck up a fun, interesting conversation about the movie, the house and the food.

After doing as much damage as I could to that huge mound of fries, I made my way up the creaky wooden stairs. There were plenty of paraphernalia from the movie, with pictures of the characters and stills hanging on the walls. I didn't spend much time up there as it brought back uncomfortable memories and was a bit spooky as well, but you know what? If I'm ever back in Kingsland, I'll be going there again for the wonderful food. And maybe this time, I'll have a steak, rare.

Postcard From Lost Maples

Lost Maples State Natural Area is located about 70 miles northwest of San Antonio, Texas in the southern Hill Country area and is most famous for the beautiful colors it exhibits each fall. The preserve is a Texas State Natural Area rather than a state park which means the primary focus is protection of the park's natural undeveloped state. All of its nearly 3,000 acres are therefore restricted from recreational vehicles and access is controlled. Only hiking (and of course, photography) on its 11 miles of trails and a few overnight campers are allowed.   

Lost Maples got its name for a large stand of Big Tooth Maple trees. Rather strange is Maple trees have a very hard time surviving in West Texas. No one knows exactly where these came from or how they got here as they are so far removed from any other Maple trees that they are considered "lost." The fortuitous combination of persistent water and high limestone walls have given protection to them since ancient times.

In addition to the Maples, Little walnut, sycamore, Texas oaks and Lacey oaks cover the area and add to the wonderful fall colors. A bubbling stream adds to the beauty of the park and gives a relaxing background for hikers. 

The park is a wonderful place to visit any time of the year, but the fall season, typically from mid-October through November, is the most popular and therefore the most crowded, especially on weekends. If you are looking for more solitude and relaxation, visit the park mid-week. My visit was on a Wednesday and there were many long stretches of trail  where I never encountered another person. If you go (and you really should make the effort), please follow the "Leave No Trace" wilderness code.