Save on fuel with local attractions
With rising fuel prices, travel may not be affordable for families, but family-fun shouldn’t take a backseat this spring and summer. The Examiner is exploring local attractions that don’t require taking out a loan for a tank of gas.
7D Ranch
Nestled in the rolling hills of Navasota, 7D Ranch is 1600 acres of tranquility and unforgettable experiences. Whether looking for tent camping under the stars, comfort of a cabin, or want to bring your RV, there are many ways to enjoy your stay at the ranch.
Bring your pole and enjoy fishing or try out the cowboy lifestyle with horseback riding lessons, guided trail rides, or book the complete cowboy experience with different packages that allow you to be a cowboy for a day or the whole weekend including learning to rope livestock, going on a cattle drive, sorting livestock or just sitting by the bonfire.
All residents have access to fishing ponds, kayaks, paddle boats and yard games including washers, cornhole and horseshoes. The ranch is also home to many exotic animals from Auodad to Zebras. There are also several other activities that are available including archery and skeet shooting.
If you would like the thrill of a hunt, 7D Ranch offers several hunting packages that include an array of animals: Oryx, Auodad, Texas Dall sheep, Black Hawaiian sheep, Red Stag, Bison, Wild Hog, Black Bucks and more.
At the end of a long day, enjoy relaxation at the Red Stag Saloon that is open on certain nights and features live music and adult beverages. The ranch also offers gift certificates that can be used for any of the activities and the ranch is also perfect for hosting birthday and anniversary parties.
Upcoming events at 7D Ranch include: April 2 – Chili Cookoff (free to attend); April 16 – Easter Egg Hunt (free to attend); May 7 – Mother’s Day Brunch (11 a.m.-2 p.m.); June 8-10 – Horse Camp (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.).
For more information visit www.7dranchtexas.com or call the office directly, 936-870-5114.
BeeWeaver
When fuel prices won’t let you travel far from the hive, BeeWeaver is a sweet getaway close to home.
Spend the day at the bee farm with tours, tastings and classes available most of the year. Tours start as low as $3 with the History and Honey Farm Tour – Visit BeeWeaver Honey Farm and WildFlyer Mead Company for a unique experience learning about the oldest beekeeping operation in Texas, touring a commercial apiary, learning about bees, honey, beekeeping and mead making. Please note you will be touring a working farm and apiary - come prepared with outdoor clothes/shoes, and adequate clothing for the weather conditions.
Public Hive Tour ($5) Join the bee expert in a live hive of bees! You will be comfortably protected in a screened in observation deck. The beekeeper will explain the tools and practices of beekeeping, as well as the biology of the honey bee and parts of a hive. See close up into a hive of bees. The Public Live Hive Tours are family friendly. Children age 3 and under are free.
Other tours are also available including: Private Hive Tour; Tour and Take; Bee Experience; Queen Catch Demo, Hive Tour, Mead Making, and Custom Tasting; Wildflyer Mead Tours and more.
Looking for a unique place to stay? BeeWeaver offers RV Campsites, The Loft at the Honey House and Binford Corner.
There are also several events throughout the year at BeeWeaver including free events: BuzzFest - May 28 ($5); INFUZZED – Sept. 24 (free); Holidazze – Dec. 4 (free).
Find out more about Bee-Weaver at www.beeweaver.com.
The Examiner will release a series of articles highlighting local attractions each week. If you would like your attraction considered for publication, email matthew.ybarra@navasotaexaminer.com or call 936-825-6484.