Get Away to Glen Rose
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Take an adventure this summer – one that doesn’t require a plane, a passport or even a lot of packing. It’s just a short 90-minute drive from Dallas/Ft. Worth, yet it’s a world away. The destination? Glen Rose, Texas.

Your first stop will take you to Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, located just outside of Glen Rose. Known as one of the most progressive conservation and education centers in the United States, Fossil Rim is sprawled over hundreds of acres surrounding Chalk Mountain. Steer the family through the scenic wildlife drive in the comfort of your own car and surround yourself with free-ranging herds of majestic African savanna wildlife including various antelope, giraffe, wildebeest, zebra and more. Fossil Rim even provides the food for you to feed the animals from your car. Or, plan ahead and take advantage of guided tours by Fossil Rim’s experts, and learn even more interesting facts about these animals. It’s a true safari experience.

For animal tracking on an even larger scale, head just northwest of town to Dinosaur Valley State Park, where you’ll discover some of the best preserved dinosaur tracks in the world. The dinosaur tracks are located in the riverbed, plus the park features two life-size dinosaur models.

After visiting the animals and dinosaur tracks, take a reprieve from the summer Texas heat by strolling through the shops in and around Glen Rose. Many feature antiques, jewelry and other collectibles.

Restaurants also abound in Glen Rose, which was voted the “American Dream Town” in 2004. Just about every dining option is available, from fast to local flavor to five-star luxury. As for accommodations, consider one of the more than 25 bed-and-breakfasts, cabins, hotels and lodges – again ranging from affordable to rustic elegance. Two favorites, located right on the 1,500 Fossil Rim Wildlife Reserve are the the Lodge at Fossil Rim and the Foothills Safari Camp. The Lodge features spacious guestrooms overlooking a spring-fed pool, while the more adventurous guests choose the tented cabins of the Safari camp.

Of course, being within driving distance of Glen Rose means its easy to bring the golf clubs. And they’ll get good use at the Squaw Valley Golf Course, rated as one of the top 10 public golf courses in Texas. This 36-hole golf course offers challenging rounds for both the skilled golfer or the weekend player.

To learn more and to check out the festivals, events taking place during your visit, go to www.glenrosetexas.net, the website for the Glen Rose Convention and Visitors Bureau or check out www.glenrosearea.com.