Things to do / Travel Guide
Anyone who's been to Texas knows that most everything there is BIG. The behind-the-scenes and factory tours in the southeast Texas region are no exception. From breweries to a salsa cannery to a glassworks factory to the immense complex that is the Johnson Space Center, not only will your car's engine get quite the workout driving from place to place, but your feet will be put to the test, too!
Brewery Tours in Southeast Texas
Whether at the Saint Arnold Brewing Company in Houston, or the Spoetzel Brewery in Shiner, your factory visit will surely be enhanced by a free taste test of their brew (assuming you're of legal drinking age). Spoetzel's is the oldest independent brewery in the state, offering many varieties and flavors to its fans. And Saint Arnold's, the city's first microbrewery, doesn't just give you beer along with your tour - you even get to keep a souvenir glass for free!
Behind-the Scenes Tour of the Johnson Space Center
Surrounded by rockets, boosters, and spacecraft of all kinds, you're guaranteed to be wowed over and over again at the Johnson Space Center. Keep in mind that this tour doesn't come cheap, and that admission is limited to visitors over age 10. You'll see Mission Control, which is what astronauts refer to when saying “come in Houston,” or “Houston we have a problem.” With some luck, you might even get to see some astronauts preparing for missions to the International Space Station.
Factory Tours near Austin
Nothing says Tex-Mex like some spicy saucy salsa! Jardine Foods, in Buda, south of Austin offers visitors a free tour of their factory, where you can watch the entire salsa-making process from cooking to packaging. After a walk through their facilities and a sampling of their specialties, you'll be convinced that salsa isn't just a dance.
Further southwest, in Wimberly, you can take a factory tour of Wimberly Glass Works, one of the top glass studios in the state. Watch glassblowers demonstrate their craft, integrating gold and silver into their exquisite molten glass designs. You'll also have the chance to purchase a unique scintillating specimen as a souvenir.
Behind-the-scenes and factory tours are typically family-friendly activities good for a short and interesting diversion from a region's mainstream tourist activities. Generally inexpensive, visitors are often given complimentary tastes and samples, like at Pape's Pecan Company, in Seguin, east of San Antonio. Note that some tours have irregular hours and admission restrictions. Click on the individual icons for more practical information.
Behind-the-Scenes and Factory Tours in Houston, Austin, San Antonio, Padre Island and Southeastern Texas
Behind-Scenes-Factory-Tours
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