AREA ATTRACTIONS

from Destination Shiner: Cleanest Little City in Texas

WORSHIP IN SHINER

For the last several years, Shiner’s Annual Half Moon Holidays celebration has been located in Green-Dickson Park during the 4th of July holiday weekend. Craft and food booths, barbecue cook-off, live music, parade, and washer tournament are all part of the festivities, followed by the Spoetzl Brewery Fireworks Spectacular. The park is located at 65 Co Rd 350.

LOCAL TREASURES Must see sites in Shiner

VISITORS WILL WANT TO CZECH OUT ALL OF THESE SHINER GEMS

Green-Dickson Municipal Park is a 148-acre facility located at the northwest edge of town. The park features children’s playgrounds, covered picnic areas with barbecue pits, lighted tennis and volleyball courts, fishing, a first class baseball/softball complex and an enclosed pavilion with an air-conditioned dining and kitchen facility. There are also several spaces for overnight camping (RV’s only) with hookups. The Edwin Wolters Memorial Museum is an outstanding legacy of Shiner’s history. Its displays include an antique gun collection, old-time country store, dinosaur bones, embroidery and hand stitchery collections, a delightful doll display, musical instruments, an implement shed, and many other interesting antiques. The Wolters Museum is located at 306 South Avenue I and is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and every second and fourth Sunday, from 2 to 5 p.m. and online at www.woltersmuseum.org.

First opened in 1895, the Louis Ehlers Cigar Factory produced three favorite cigars, the “Becky Brown,” “Katy Lee,” and “Good Company.” These historic buildings, including the offices of the Shiner Chamber of Commerce, are located at 817 N. Avenue E/Hwy 90-A, directly across the street from the old City Hall.

One of Shiner’s real jewels is the Catholic Church. Blessed under the names of Saints Cyril and Methodius, two missionaries who first brought Christianity to Bohemia and Moravia, the church is truly an awe-inspiring sight. Dedicated in 1921, the red brick Romanesque Revival style architecture features a majestic altar, painted murals, beautiful statues, and astonishing stained glass windows imported from Bavaria. In 1994, a total renovoation of the church began with the bell tower being repaired and a stained glass window of the Good Shepherd installed above the main entrance at the front of the church. In 1995, the interior walls were repainted and sealed, carpet was laid throughout the church floors, pews were repaired and stained, and statues were touched up. Almost 100 years after its dedication, the church is still known

Above: A young girl discovers the joys of fishing at Green-Dickson Municipal Park.

SHINER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

as one of the most eye-catching landmarks in South Central Texas, drawing visitors from around the world who stop regularly to photograph and tour the church. Its beauty is enhanced by six stained glass windows and a huge mural of Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane which overlooks the altar. The church is located at 306 S Ave F, Shiner.

The one-square-block Welhausen Park is located just a block west of downtown Shiner on Ave. E (Hwy 90-A). It features an historic bandstand, children’s playground and various monuments describing Shiner’s historic past. The picturesque setting is reminiscent of yesteryear America and beautiful when decorated with a holiday lighting display beginning December 1. Welhausen Park features a series of plaques, monuments, and historical markers. There is even a howitzer cannon on display, as well as a time capsule buried onsite. The park is open year-round for locals and visitors to the area. Street parking is free, but there are not any services or restrooms.

Built new in the late 1990’s, the Shiner Public Library, also known as the Hoffie & Lank Wolters Shiner Public Library, offers books, magazines, and free Internet access to Shiner residents. The building also includes a public meeting room used for art and music exhibits as well as cultural events. The Shiner Public Library is located at 115 E 2nd Street, just one block off of Avenue E/Hwy 90-A.

The Gaslight Theatre, Shiner’s first Opera House lives again. Originally the setting for plays, balls, political debates, church socials, town meetings and “social hops,” the Opera House claimed a center of Shiner’s social life from 1895 until 1927. Today, the Gaslight Theatre is known for its outstanding amateur productions held three times a year. Call the Box Office at 361-594-2079 for reservations and information about upcoming performances. Their address is 207 East 7th Street in downtown Shiner.

To learn more about Shiner’s attractions, visit www.shinertx.com.