Our pets are part of the family, and their health and safety is always a concern. Here are simple steps that will ensure your furry friends stay out of harm’s way.

Highs & lows: Examine your home from your pet’s eye level. Get on your hands and knees and note what you see. You’ll likely notice potential hazards that you might miss standing up. Common items include candy wrappers, toy and game pieces, coins, and pills (like the Advil you dropped last month). Check the places your vacuum cleaner doesn’t reach. Also remember that cats can jump, so if you have any feline friends, keep anything you don’t want them having access to off the countertops.

Hazardous material: Anything with sharp edges should be removed from an area your pet goes. Carefully examine the pet’s toys, as there may be some the pet should only play with while you’re there to supervise. Loose strings, whether part of a toy or the string on your blinds, should be secured. Plastic bags & anything else plastic should be kept off the floor as your pet might eat it and suffer an intestinal blockage. Mothballs, batteries, and nicotine products can cause death if ingested, so store them wisely. Keep your toilet lids closed (or shut all bathroom doors) to prevent your pet from using them as a water dish. The residue from cleaning products could be harmful to them.

An abundance of recreational land in Texas makes it a wonderful state for people with pets. If you and your pet need more room to roam, you’ll both love the natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country. Let Texas Homesites show you land for sale in gated Texas Communities that offer the amenities you dream of and the security you want. For more information on the Texas real estate market, find Texas Homesites on Facebook and Twitter today.

Here is a basic guide to baby-proofing a home.

Windows: Tie up the cords to blinds so that the baby doesn’t get tangled in them. Never place a highchair or crib near blinds. Install window guards or adjust windows so they won’t open more than six inches. Keep furniture and anything else the baby may climb on away from windows.

Doors: If there are doors you don’t want the baby opening, place doorknob covers on the handles.

Electric safety: Cover all unused electric outlets with safety plugs that snap into the outlets. Check behind furniture to make sure you’ve left no exposed outlets.

Fireplace: A hearth cover is a good idea to prevent a child who is learning to crawl or walk from falling into the fireplace. Never leave a child unsupervised near a fireplace.

Stairs: When the baby starts crawling, place a gate at the bottom of the stairwell. Always position the gate so that the side with the safety latch is out of the child’s reach. If you’re carrying your baby up and down stairs, be certain the way is clear of anything that might cause you to trip.

Furniture: Don’t use unstable furniture that your baby could overturn. Fasten bookcases and other tall pieces to the wall. Keep drawers shut and don’t encourage your child to play with them to avoid finger injuries.

Appliances: When possible, use the back burners for cooking and always turn the handles of pots and pans toward the counter so the baby isn’t tempted to reach for them. You should not allow your baby to play at your feet as you cook. Teach your child that the oven is hot at all times and that it is never to be touched. Keep small appliances, such as toasters and coffee makers, out of your child’s reach.

Miscellaneous: Keep all cleaning products and medicine in a high cabinet or in a locked cabinet.

Texas is a wonderful place to raise a family. If you’re considering a new home for your growing family, let Texas Homesites help. We can show you land for sale in master planned communities where you can begin custom building a home. For more information on Texas real estate, find Texas Homesites on Facebook and Twitter today.

City Tavern: Located in the heart of Downtown Dallas’ Main Street District, City Tavern serves fresh food seven days a week and features live music Wednesday through Saturday. There is a free weekly Thursday night show, and an occasional Tuesday or Sunday performance. Consider City Tavern for a night out or your next private party.

Crossroad’s Saloon & Steakhouse: Crossroads is a great place to eat, relax, and listen to live music in Fredericksburg. They serve lunch, fresh seafood, grilled steaks, and homemade desserts. Sip one of their many fine wines or a cold beer while you enjoy live music. They’re open late on Fridays and Saturdays, and you can dance to the music on the wooden dance floor.

Billy Bob’s: This Fort Worth establishment bills itself as the World’s Largest Honky Tonk, and there is nothing you won’t find inside. Listen to live music, take dance lessons, browse the gift shop, watch live bull riding, and dine at Billy Bob’s Roadhouse Café, all under one roof!

Stubb’s BBQ: When it comes to superb dining and live music, there is no place that fuses the two quite as beautifully as Stubb’s. This Downtown Austin staple has hosted Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash, and musicians hoping for a big break still flock to Stubb’s. Sip cold beer and sample their famous BBQ sauces while listening to rising stars.

The Cove: This restaurant, beer garden, and live music venue in San Antonio is a must visit. They serve beef, bison, lamb, and chicken that are all grass fed—no hormones or antibiotics. Their greens are organic and their oils are non-hydrogenated. Enjoy their wholesome food and live music indoors or outdoors.

Texans know how to celebrate the good things in life. If Texas appeals to you, now is a great time to buy land in Texas. Let Texas Homesites show you available options, from home sites in master planned communities to golfing communities in Texas. You’ll love the amenities of a master planned community, and the convenience of big city living just a short drive away. For more information on Texas real estate, find Texas Homesites on Facebook and Twitter today.

You may have seen it in a movie, but do people really swap houses? Indeed, they do. House swapping can be a fascinating way to vacation, and here is a basic guide on the ins and outs of how to make it happen.

Join the club: There are many organizations that set up home exchanges, and most charge a small fee. They can provide you with valuable information about where homes are available. Some organizations will explain to you how to contact an owner and set up an exchange, while others will make the arrangements for you.

Be flexible: Plan the time you want to exchange homes as far in advance as possible, and try and be flexible about the dates. You should write a standard letter of invitation, which invites other exchangers to stay in your home while you occupy theirs. In the letter, describe your home, any amenities available, your neighborhood, and what, if any, transportation will be available (many home exchanges include the use of a car as well). Also include any information about your community that you think is useful, such as amenities and attractions potential swappers might want to check out. Your home will not be the only option for those looking to exchange, so make it as attractive as possible.

Common concerns: Obviously many homeowners are reticent to allow strangers to occupy their home. Problems with home exchanges are quite rare, especially when it’s a direct exchange, as you are expected to care for the property of your trading partner while they care for yours. Both parties should be adequately insured before agreeing on an exchange, and it’s a good idea to sign an informal, written agreement so that everyone’s expectations are clear. When the exchange is complete, make sure to leave your trading partner’s home in the condition you found it.

A home exchange is the perfect way to experience an area you’re considering moving to permanently. If a move is in your future, consider the beautiful Texas Hill Country. Texas Homesites will show you land for sale in master planned communities with luxurious amenities. Begin custom building on a home site nestled in the rolling Texas hills. For more information on Texas real estate, find Texas Homesites on Facebook and Twitter today.

Canyon Lake, Texas is conveniently located 40 miles north of San Antonio and 25 miles west of New Braunfels and San Marcos. A Texas Hill Country treasure, this small town is known for the lake that shares its name. The lake boasts a surface area of 8,230 acres and 80 miles of shoreline. Here are some of the many activities available at Canyon Lake.

Stay at The Lodge at Turkey Cove: This waterfront lodge has amazing views of Canyon Lake and 2.5 acres of water frontage with direct access to the lake. From May through September, the Lodge offers excursion packages that include wine tasting, river tubing, canoeing and kayaking on the lake, fishing, sight-seeing, and a cowboy bonfire! It’s perfect for group events or a relaxing weekend getaway.

See the Gorge: Take a tour of the Canyon Lake Gorge and witness the power of water. See dramatic vistas, lagoons, waterfalls, dinosaur tracks estimated to be 110 million years old, and the hydraulic dynamics of Glen Rose Limestone. For safety purposes, the Gorge is only open to guided tours.

Go boating: Launch your own or rent a boat and explore Canyon Lake’s 80 miles of shoreline and thousands of acres of crystal-clear water. If you’re hungry, dock near Lucky Sailor Oyster Bar. This lakeside restaurant sits near a 400-slip marina and will deliver food dockside.

Hike or bike: If you want to see the beauty of Canyon Lake up close, grab a stick (or a bike) and discover the trails around Canyon Lake. Some trails cross Canyon Dam, some wind along the path of Guadalupe River, and some line the lake’s shoreline.

If you’re considering the Texas Hill Country for more than a vacation, let Texas Homesites show you land for sale in Texas. Land prices might surprise you, and the scenic home sites available in master-planned communities throughout the Hill Country will exceed your expectations. Begin reaping the rewards of owning land today. For more information on Texas real estate, find Texas Homesites on Facebook and Twitter.

Here are some places to visit and things to see in the Texas Hill Country town of Kerrville.

Visit Riverside Nature Center: Don’t miss this former farm, which has been transformed into a sanctuary for wildlife and native plants. The arboretum on the premises has over 140 species of trees, as well as cacti, wildflowers, grasses, birds, insects, and other animals. Take a stroll on walking trails that lead you to the banks of the Guadalupe River.

Tour the Museum of Western Art: This museum is dedicated to the appreciation, promotion, and preservation of Western American heritage, especially artistic expressions and artifacts. In addition to art and artifacts, the museum houses a 3,000-volume Western art and history research library. Located on Bandera Highway, the museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, and group tours can be arranged. It’s approximately 100 miles from Austin and 60 miles from San Antonio.

Explore Kerrville-Schreiner Park: This 500-acre recreation and camping park is located on Bandera Highway. The park has over 100 campsites, in addition to cabins, a recreation hall with central air and heat, and a dining hall. It even has an amphitheater. Another unique feature is a ranch house available to rent. It includes a full kitchen, washer/dryer, living room with fireplace, and it sleeps eight people.

Kerrville is home to many unique attractions, and visitors often find it difficult to leave the beauty of the Texas Hill Country. Close to big city amenities but secluded and peaceful, the Hill Country is a great place to buy land in Texas. Let Texas Homesites show you land for sale in Texas, including wonderful properties in master-planned communities. For more information on Texas real estate, find Texas Homesites on Facebook and Twitter today.

Comfort, Texas is a tiny town with a rich history and a downtown you don’t want to miss. Here’s what you need to know about Comfort.

Finding Comfort: Comfort is a small town in the Texas Hill Country. It’s conveniently located 45 miles northwest of San Antonio and 70 miles west of Austin. You’ll find Comfort where I-10 meets Highway 87. If you continue heading north on Highway 87, you’ll bump into another fantastic Hill Country town: Fredericksburg.

Historical Matters: German immigrants established the town of Comfort in 1854. Most of them were Freidenkers (“Freethinkers”) who advocated reason and democracy over religious or political authoritarianism. Many of Comfort’s founders had taken part in the 1848 German Revolution and sought freedom in America. In addition to Comfort, German Freethinkers helped to establish Luckenbach, Boerne, Cypress Mill, and Sisterdale. The Freethinkers were abolitionists who did not support the secession of Texas during the American Civil War.

Comfort’s downtown is one of the most well-preserved historic business districts in Texas. It has over 100 structures dating back to the 1800s, and nearly the entire downtown is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Comfort today: The Happy H Ranch is a Comfort favorite that hosts many private parties, weddings, and corporate events. If you’re seeking Comfort food, 814 A Texas Bistro is conveniently located in the historic downtown in a building that was formerly the Comfort Post Office. The ‘814’ refers to the building’s original street address. Be sure to drop by Comfort Cellars Winery on Front Street and sample some Hill Country wine.

Comfort is one of many Hill Country towns new land buyers are considering. If the beauty of theTexas Hill Country appeals to you, let Texas Homesites show you land for sale in Texas. Enjoy luxurious, peaceful living in a master-planned community, as well as the amenities of big cities like San Antonio and Austin. The Hill Country is tucked away from city noise but an easy drive to the amenities you want. For more information on Texas real estate, find Texas Homesites on Facebook and Twitter today.

Nestled between Cypress Creek and the Blanco River, and surrounded by rolling hills, Wimberley is a small Texas town with a lot to offer. Here are some things to do in Wimberley.

Visit the Farmer’s Market: Wimberley hosts the oldest outdoor market in the *Texas Hill Country. Visit the over 475 booths overflowing with delectable goodies. Enjoy a day of shopping under the shade trees while you listen to live music. The market is open on the first Saturday of every month, March through December, and admission is free.

Visit Blue Hole Regional Park: Spanning 126 acres near downtown Wimberley, this park features a rustic swimming hole, soccer fields, tennis courts, an amphitheater, a recreational pavilion, hiking and biking trails, and more. Spend a day at the park or extend your stay in the camping area.

Shop at Wimberley Glass Works: You don’t want to miss this unique Wimberley shop. It has a wide selection of both indoor and outdoor lighting options, and if the owners don’t have what you’re looking for in stock, they can custom make it. Be sure to browse the selection of vases, sculptures, and other gifts.

See the stars under the stars at the Corral Theatre: You’ll love Wimberley’s own walk-in theatre. See a movie every weekend from May 6 through Labor Day. Movies show Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings. Tickets are only $5, and anyone under four or over 85 gets in free! Some seating is available, or you can bring your own lawn chair. Refreshments are available at the concession stand. You can even rent the theatre for a special occasion.

If spending the day in the Texas Hill Country isn’t long enough for you, let Texas Homesites show you Texas land for sale. Land is available in master-planned communities as well as golfing communities in Texas. For more information, find Texas Homesites on Facebook and Twitter today.

A city that grew and developed alongside the university for which it is named, College Station, Texas is a wonderful place to call home. Here is a brief history of the unique Texas town.

College Station’s beginning is inextricably tied to the founding of Texas’ first institution of higher education, Texas A&M, in 1876. The campus quickly became the community’s focal point, and the U.S. Postal Service named the area “College Station” in 1877.

In 1930, the community just north of College Station (known then as North Oakwood) was incorporated as part of the city of Bryan. College Station continued to grow, and in 1938 the citizens voted to incorporate the city. John H. Binney served as College Station’s first mayor. The first city council meeting was held on February 25, 1939 in the Administration Building on the Texas A&M campus.

In 1942, Ernest Langford, known to many as the “father of College Station,” began a 26-year stint as mayor of College Station. Following World War II, the College Station population continued to grow, with the non-student population reaching almost 8,000 by 1950.

The city owes its name, and its existence, to Texas A&M’s location along a railroad. Today, the College Station-Bryan area is the sixteenth-largest metropolitan area in Texas, with a population of about 203,000 people. Estimates predict the Bryan-College Station population will reach approximately 260,000 by the year 2030.

The secret is out, and new land buyers are increasingly considering the Bryan-College Station area as the perfect spot to build their dream home in Texas. Texas Homesites can show you land for sale in the master-planned communities like King Oaks. Only four miles from Bryan-College Station’s many amenities, King Oaks offers serene one- to three-acre home sites. For more information on the Texas real estate market, find Texas Homesites on Facebook and Twitter today.

With so much to see and do in Texas, it’s easy to overlook some of the Lone Star State’s natural wonders. Located in the Hill Country town of New Braunfels, Natural Bridge Caverns should top your list of must-see places in Texas.

Discovery and excavation: Discovered in March of 1960 by students from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, the caverns were excavated shortly thereafter. During development, arrowheads and spearheads dating from 5,000 B.C. were found. Workers discovered a jawbone and femur belonging to a black bear species that went extinct over 8,000 years ago near the front entrance. On July 3, 1964, the caverns opened to the public. In 1971, Natural Bridge Caverns became a registered United States National Natural Landmark.

Tour the Caverns: There are numerous tours offered at the Caverns. The Discovery Tour, the original and most popular tour, takes visitors through a half-mile of the largest and most spectacular cavern in Texas. You’ll walk 180 feet below ground while a tour guide educates you on the details of your surroundings. Other great tours include the Hidden Passages Tour and the Lantern Tour. Before you leave, be sure to visit the Mining Company and Rock Shop where you can pan for treasure!

For years, the natural wonders of Texas have lured explorers and people interested in staking a claim to a piece of Texas land. New land buyers continue to flock to Texas, and ample land is available in Texas Hill Country. Let Texas Homesites show you land for sale in Texas. You can begin custom building a home in a tranquil setting that’s a convenient drive to numerous big city amenities. For information on available land in Texas, find Texas Homesites on Facebook and Twitter today.