Gonzales tourism: What's next?

GONZALES — Gonzales is on some major crossroads. With I-10 running just north and U.S. 183 and 90-A bisecting the community, the area should be crawling with travelers wanting to stop and take a break or stay the night to see the birthplace of Texas independence.

The tourism potential here is a strong one. Yes, people flock to see the cannon on a regular basis and rodeos fill J.B. Wells Park almost every weekend of the year, but what else could attract visitors to this fair city?

One of the greatest untapped potentials of Gonzales has to be the Guadalupe River. Towns all up and down its meandering path have seen it as an economic driver for their communities.

Of course New Braunfels has their tubing operations that bring millions of dollars into town each year, but other towns have sprouted restaurants along the banks of which diners enjoy the views. For example, Seguin has the Power Plant Bar & Grill and Victoria the Pump House.

Considering that Independence Park runs alongside one bank of the river and J.B. Wells Park the other, it would seem only right for a tubing or canoe outfit to set up shop here. With the implementation of the Guadalupe River Paddling Trail and the information that GBRA has provided online about it, the thought seems even more reasonable.

Another looming potential is Gonzales' entrance into the Film Friendly Texas program run by the Texas Film Commission. The program aims to connect filmmakers to locations across the state and communities are encouraged to streamline permitting processes that would allow a film production to close streets or utilize parks for filming scenes and crew setup.

And how does tourism flow in the wake of a film production coming to town? If Gonzales were lucky, it could score a feature film, like Marfa's “Giant,” Archer's “The Last Picture Show,” or even Smithville's “Hope Floats.” Films that have gone on to critical or financial success often create fan clubs of eager fans intent of traveling to where their favorite flick was make in order to get a picture beside a landmark.

But plenty is already in place to draw people to town. Probably one of the biggest generators of out-of-town tourism is October's Come and Take It festival. Each year the city spends thousands of dollars in advertising expenses to put “heads in beds,” which simply put is hotel rentals. Businesses stay open and people spend their time touring the town in between bands, the parade, carnival attractions and other activities.

But just look at the other events that are booked annually. The Main Street Concert Series and Winterfest are advertised across the state. Independent events like the Hot Rod Standoff, Independence Relays, Templin Saloon's Mardi Gras street dance and the Texas Freedom Road Fest bring in even more visitors, and the many rodeos, stock shows, church picnics, softball tournaments, fun runs and nighttime club shows all add to the mix. 

With a detailed coordination led by the Gonzales Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Chamber of Commerce, this city can be a leader in Texas Tourism Week by promoting what it has best: vast natural resources, interesting downtown destinations and residents willing to share it all with others.