Originally called Sylvan, the name was changed to honor Newton Carmean, the first postmaster in 1892.
Central Texas
Central Texas is characterized by prairies and lakes, two lane roads that twist and climb, green valleys and limestone cliffs. It's rich in German heritage, wineries, abundant wildflowers, crystal clear rivers lined with cypress and oak, music, cafes offering ample country cooking, and history.
It's also a great outdoor destination for hiking, tubing, swimming, and camping.
Map of Central Texas Points
Things to See & Do in Central Texas
Mission San Juan Capistrano in San Antonio
Originally founded in 1716 in eastern Texas, Mission San Juan Capistrano was transferred in 1731 to its present location. In 1756, the stone church, a friary, and a granary were completed. A larger...
Johnson City Feed Mill
I don’t know the story behind the shoes on this wall, but here in Texas we have boots on fence posts, bicycles on barns, trees and on fences… seems anything is fair game to try out a new...
Giddings
Giddings, county seat of Lee County, is on U.S. highways 290 and 77, fifty-five miles east of Austin and 100 miles west of Houston. The land was originally part of Stephen F. Austin’s colony...
Colorful Tour of the Hill Country Painted Churches
When immigrants from Moravia found passage into Galveston, the Ellis Island of the South, many headed for the Texas Hill Country bringing a piece of their homeland with them.
Virginia Field Park, Calvert
Virginia Field Park, a gorgeous green space within the Historic District of Calvert, originated in 1868 as a donation for park space from the Houston and Texas Central Railroad. The large red roofed...
Frio River in the Hill Country
The word frÃo is Spanish for cold, a clear reference to the spring-fed coolness of the river.
Bluff Dale
Bluff Dale, on U.S. Highway 377 and the North Paluxy River in northeastern Erath County, was originally called Bluff Spring by the pioneers who settled near the site’s artesian wells. Bluff...
Old barn in New Bielau
Photo Rob Sneed
Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Fredericksburg
Several black families were residing in Gillespie County by the 1870s. A schoolhouse was built in 1877 on property adjacent to this later church site. Blacks probably met in the school for worship...
15 Texas Best Sunrises
The BEST Texas sunrises? Well, that's not exactly true because there are just so many more than 15 of them.
Starlite Drive-In in Schertz
The ticket booth and marquee are still standing. In its day, capacity was around 200 cars. photo by Noel Kerns
Day Trippin’ in Dripping Springs
When people think of Dripping Springs, the “Gateway to the Hill Country”, many think of Hamilton Pool or West Cave Preserve. Both are spectacular outdoor spaces to spend a day. But there...
Luckenbach
Luckenbach maintains a ghost town feel with its small population and strong western roots. The post office closed April 30, 1971 and its zip code retired.
Sunset in McKinney Falls
Sunset in McKinney Falls State Park, located at the southeastern edge of Austin around the confluence of Onion and Williamson Creeks and is administered by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department...
Tow
Residents pronounce the name of the town, Tow, as if it rhymed with “cow,” rather than “toe” as might be expected. Tow is located on Ranch Road 2241, approximately 61 miles...
Driftwood
Driftwood, seventeen miles northwest of San Marcos in central Hays County, grew up in the 1880s as a supply center for neighboring ranches and farms. Pioneers settled in the area, then known as...
Hempstead
Hempstead is in Waller County, Texas. The community, located at the junctions of U.S. Highway 290, Texas State Highway 6, and Texas State Highway 159, is around fifty miles northwest of Downtown...