PRAIRIES & LAKES REGION: LULING TEXAS

LULING TEXAS

Map of Luling Location & Additional Luling Information

Luling Texas Watermelon Water Tower Luling was established in 1874 as a terminus for a branch of the Southern Pacific Railroaad and quickly developed a reputation as the "toughest town in Texas." This reputation came courtesy of cowboys working the Chisholm Trail who came to town with little use of law and order.

When the cattle drives ended in the 1880s, by the 1890s Luling had calmed down to being a quiet town of around 500.

When the cowboys left town, cotton became the dominant force in the Luling economy.

Until oil was discovered by Edgar. B. Davis who risked every penny he had to pay for drilling in the Luling area. On August 9, 1922 Rafael Rios No. 1 well came in after drilling 2,161 feet. This was followed by more wells, eventually opening up an oilfield 12 miles long and two miles wide.

With the discovery of oil the Luling economy quickly switched from being a railroad town and agriculture to focusing on oil for the next 60 years.

Eventually the railroads that had caused the foundation of the town of Luling, began pulling out of town for good in the 1930s and 40s.

At last count the population of Luling was 5,080.

There is no definitive answer as to how Luling got its name. Some will tell you the town was named after a Chinese railroad worker. Some say it was named after a judge named Luling. While others claim Luling was the maiden name of a railroad mogul's wife.

WHAT TO DO IN LULING

You can shop for antiques, collectibles and artists' artwork in the numerous shops that line Luling's Main Street. Luling has a Farmer's Market open all year long, with produce stands where you can find a variety of local produce, including the famous Luling watermelons.

Luling decorated oil well pump jacks Luling's barbecue in the form of Luling Bar B Q and City Market Bar B-Q, is nationally known, featured in various publications, including Reader's Digest, which picked Luling as the location of the best ribs in America.

In the historic Walker Brothers building you will find the Central Texas Oil Patch Museum. There are nearly 200 oil well pump jacks in Luling, decorated as movable art.

Luling is the end point for the Luling Zedler Mill Paddling Trail. The inland trail is becoming very popular with San Marcos River kayakers and canoers.

LULING FESTIVALS, SHOWS, EVENTS & THUMPS

The Luling Watermelon Thump takes place the last weekend of June. The Watermelon Thump is known around the world. For details about this year's Watermelon Thump go to the Watermelon Thump website. The Annual Hays-Caldwell Women's Center Auction raises funds to provide services to victims of domestic violence in Hays and Caldwell County. For more information go to the HCWC website. The Reflections of Texas Art Show celebrates Texas artist and art. At the Davis Street Quilt Show you will find new and antique quilts displayed in historic buildings. At the Night in Old Luling you will experience old-fashioned family entertainment. Hundreds of rubber ducks race down the San Marcos River in the Great Luling Rubber Duck Race.

During the holiday season you can visit Santa at the Christmas Arts & Crafts Show, drive the Yule Trail viewing more than 100 lighted Christmas signboards and see the giant antique Santa. During Cocoa & Carols Luling's shops stay open late for hot cocoa, shopping and Santa.

WHERE TO STAY IN LULING
Riverbend RV Park is located on the banks of the San Marcos River. At 4-D Guest Ranch you will find a Hunting Lodge and Cabins. Francis Ainsworth House is a Bed & Breakfast. Luling Inn is a motel. Carefree Inn is another Luling motel. Best Western Lockhart Hotel & Suites is in Luling.

WHERE TO EAT IN LULING

The 1896 Tavern is located on the first floor of the Francis-Ainsworth House. At Blake's Cafe you'll find burgers, pizza and country cooking. You can probably guess what type food you will find at China Palace. We have already told you you can find great barbecue at City Market Bar B-Q. We have also already mentioned Luling Bar B Q. You can also find barbecue at Grandma's Bar B-Q. At La Carreta Restaurant you will find Mexican food, which you will also find at Mr. Taco. The Coffee Shop is Luling's downtown coffee shop. Of the fast food national chains, in Luling you will find Subway, Dairy Queen and Pizza Hut.

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