the complete Tour Guide
Transcription
the complete Tour Guide
IN 2015 | 2017 TE R ED NAT IT I O I O NA N L TOUR GUIDE VISIT TRAVELTEX.COM TO PLAN YOUR TEXAS ADVENTURE MAKE YOUR OTHER VACATIONS Most vacations are centered around one thing – a beach, a big canyon, a few skyscrapers – you get the idea. But when you visit San Antonio and the Texas Hill Country, you’ll find a little bit of everything: roller coasters, 300-year-old missions, lavish resorts, scenic wineries and the largest outlet mall in the nation, not to mention a lot of other things ordinary vacations wish they had. S A N A N T O N I O T E X A S H I L L C O U N T RY. C O M A R A N S A S PA S S St a t e o f Amazement FEW PLACES PACK AS MUCH WONDER AS TEXAS. Head to the Panhandle to bike Palo Duro Canyon or ogle oddities along Old Route 66. Scoot boots in the hallowed dance halls of the Hill Country, a land of scenic drives, thriving culture, and sizzling barbecue. Tee off on immaculate greens or paddle cypress-lined swamps in the Piney Woods, then glide to the Gulf, where crystalblue waters promise aquatic delights. Hike the Guadalupe Mountains of the Big Bend region or marvel at the McDonald Observatory, a window to worlds even more vast than our dear Texas. PHOTOGRAPH: COURTESY OF KEVIN STILLMAN, TXDOT T RAVELT EX . CO M | 1 Explore 87 54 40 THE SEVEN REGIONS OF TEXAS 8 12 18 24 28 32 40 Big Bend Country Gulf Coast Hill Country Panhandle Plains Piney Woods Prairies & Lakes South Texas Plains ll 60 w THINGS TO DO AND SEE Plains 4 State of Amazement 44 Western Experience: EL PASO P Fabens 285 5 BIG BEND COUNTRY U 20 Pecos 54 10 V Horn Van Kent on 118 8 90 DE AN GR kt 10 62 RIO 60 54 Fort Davis Marfa 67 oc 58 a St 56 Ranches and Rodeos Multicultural Events Shopping Wineries and Breweries Education & Science Tours Beaches, State Parks, & Historic Sites Golf Courses Fo rt 48 52 55 1800 eminole 3855 Alpine Marathon 67 Meeting & Tour Info General Information|64 Meeting & Conference Facilities| 65 Bus & Tour Companies| 68 Convention & Visitors Bureaus & Chambers of Commerce| 70 Index| 72 118 8 385 5 Presidio Studyy Terlingua Butte 1700 BIG BEND How To Use Th is Book WITH THIS HELPFUL GUIDE, YOU CAN START your adventure in Texas. You’ll find information about each of the seven regions of Texas, with specifics about activities in the area. In each region, attractions are organized by city. Following a brief description of the city, you’ll see a listing of attractions, complete with such practical details as address, telephone number, and websites. Also look for state and national parks, beaches, ranches, golf courses, shopping, wineries, meeting and convention sites, and much more. Texas is home to more than 3,100 cities and towns, which is far more than could be included in this guide. Plenty of double-checking of numbers, addresses, and websites has gone into the production of this resource, but once you’ve decided on your itinerary, call places again to make reservations and get any updated information. Symbols Used Here Are: 1 Parking 5 Party Facilities 2 | 2 Public Restrooms 4 Food 3 Accessibility For Mobility-Impaired TEXAS INTERNATIONAL TOUR GUIDE 2015–2017 International Airline Service Texas Travel Information Perryton Stratford 3855 83 2877 Dalhart Dumas N DIA NA 385 CA AMARILL M O ER Canadian n RIV 60 Pampa Panhandle V Vega d efor yon Palo Duro Can State Park Her 27 Shamrock homa 40 C Clarendo n 2877 PANHANDLE AN E PL AINS N 83 an Childress 3855 Plainview Vernon 87 83 Lago Vistta Round Rockk RIV ER Selm a Langtry Del Rio Smiley Floresville 90 90 Uvalde 37 Pearsall 57 277 7 S CE Kenedy R VE Three Rivers ivers RI UE N t es eW org O RI 83 DE AN GR Ge 35 183 Panna na Maria Eagle Pass 59 Conroe 2 290 190 69 PINEY E W WO 96 Shenandoa ena h THE HE W WOODLANDS S Spring p g 90 Bea aumontt Katy Orange Port Arthur H HOUSTON a Le C Fe n 59 nta so Sa Jacks City gleton Angle ke Texa a e ut L Cl ity a RT yC ori PO rt Ba az OS S o Br RAZ ep e B r 35 F Goliad ad Mathis M hiss 77 181 Alice LAREDO REDO GU GULF AST COAST C Woodville Huntsville CL 77 Victo toria Beevillee 59 281 190 0 rg RE be E A d sen AK lan Ro EAR L Pear Gonzales Shiner 181 96 Jasper Hearne Bryan– y College Statiion C 79 Rockdale Navasota t A SAN ANTO ONIO O Brackettville Nacogdochess 79 ill ll H pe ap Ch cksbu ew Mill Spic rgg Kerrville Lu L cken k bach h Driftwood Mountain Citty Sisterdale JJohnson City Home Wimberley ne erppringg Blanco Comfort S o San Marcos o B Branch Pip 16 p ne ls Creee rue nfe k 281 G Brau 83 Bandera w ion e N ar Helotes M Seguin 2777 259 9 69 6 Washington CO 2 290 LO Giddings RA 6 DO RIV m L ER Brenham Lost Round Top ewi 71 sv Pines La Grange L ille Lockhart 77 Lulingg AUSTIN A ST TIN T TI IN ood Cyp ss Cypress 59 R RIVE Stonewall Lou 59 INE OS Frede ri 77 Salado Salad Georgeto etown 1431 20 Mount Enterprise Jacksonville Crocke Croc kett t Buffalo Karna Marshal Kilgore Henderson Palestine er y om ntg ille Mo tersv n Pla PEC Junction A Athens s Longview SAB Doss Sonora 90 Bertram Marble Fa Falllls k TYLER ER 10 31 is Enn ana ic Cors Jefferson Oa 20 RIV Lampasas pa 1833 Tow Burnet Burn urn 87 te Lufkin Temple T Kililleen Belton OS 83 271 hi 80 35 190 0 HILL COUNTRY RY 10 Sanderson 281 Brady W Wills Poin oint nt Elm Mott AZ 2777 285 84 59 Mount Pleasant CADDO D LAKE Sulphur p Springs 79 W co Wa Texarkana 30 West BR Eden 67 35E PRAIRIES RA & L AKES Brownwood Paint Rock ock 87 M McCamey 67 Ballinger er San An ngelo 3855 Hico Coman nche R Glen Rose 2899 chie Steph ephenville IVE Water Valley 67 82 271 A ALLAS DALL ha Waxa 87 Irving W G Gra Granbur y 35W 281 20 Paris e Midla and Colorado City CO LO RA DO R Farmers Branch LI TON ARLING A Abilene R RIVE 82 McKinney Greenville Plano d 30 lan Gar Mesquite q Terrell Grand Prairie Cleburn Big Spring FORT WORTH Mineral Wellss 1800 Anson Sweetwater O Odessa Gra Graham Stamford 20 3855 Haskell Snyder 1800 Lamesa Aspermont 84 Denton Jackssboro 3800 Celina Frisco 3800 35 2877 p T 3800 Tahoka Post 385 Brownfield Bowie 281 RED Gainesville 75 Bonham on LUBBOCK B K BOC BO 2777 Lewisville BR Denison Sherman 82 ER RIV Rich ards S AZO Ced ar P ark 83 Spur Gra pe F vine Molowe un r d 27 lo Ga 70 44 Wichita Falls 70 Paducah Buffa 84 Littlefield fie ulto Roc C RP Kingsville l 359 9 83 Falfurrias TH T H TEXAS L AINS A 281 77 Rio Grande City M Mission n Harlinggen McAllen Hidalgo BR T RAVELT EX . C O M | 3 Look Beyond From big city lights to small town treasures, feast your eyes on the beauty of the Prairies and Lakes region. Take in the endless culture and family fun of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex where museums, amusement parks, and sporting events are all within easy reach. DALLAS, PR AIRES AND LAKES REGION Go For The Green Whether in the market for a quiet walk in the forest, an early tee time, or something more action-packed, outdoor enthusiasts can head to the region’s parks, lakes, and greens and find it all. While shopping the historic city center of Mount Pleasant or strolling the vineyards of Conroe, you’ll find true Texas hospitality. BIG THICKET NATIONAL PRESERVE, 4 | TEXAS INTERNATIONAL TOUR GUIDE 2015–2017 PHOTO: STAN A. WILLIAMS, TXDOT PINEY WOODS REGION Roll Through Cruising through the Panhandle Plains toward Palo Duro Canyon, you may just find yourself transported to another era. Marvel at the ability of cities like Amarillo, Wichita Falls, and Lubbock to hold onto their warm-hearted sincerity while growing into vibrant centers of modern culture. CAPROCK CANYONS STATE PARK, PANHANDLE PLAINS REGION PHOTO: KEVIN STILLMAN, TXDOT Take It In Dance hall tunes float through the Hill Country, mingling with the sounds of songbirds and peaceful rivers. Tap your foot and sway along at historic venues in Gruene and Luckenbach, or treat yourself to a night on the town in Austin, the “Live Music Capital of the World.” GRUENE HALL, NEW BRAUNFELS, HILL COUNTRY REGION PHOTO: LAURA MCKENZIE T RAVELT EX . C O M | 5 Whether you’re gazing up at the endless stars of the Fort Davis night sky or taking in the vibrant colors of an El Paso sunset, the Big Bend region is always luminous. Take full advantage of the sunshine at Big Bend National Park, or explore towns like Midland and Alpine, where the welcome sign is always on. PHOTO: J. GRIFFIS SMITH, TXDOT Look Up BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK, Great Outdoors Pack your binoculars and your appetite, and get ready to experience the unique culture of the South Texas Plains. Birding and butterfly enthusiasts the world over visit the tropical Rio Grande Valley. Foodies flock here as well for renowned chefs serving up the best of Mexican cuisine with a Texas twist no matter where you go. ESTERO LLANO GRANDE STATE PARK, WORLD BIRDING CENTER, SOUTH TEXAS PLAINS REGION 6 | TEXAS INTERNATIONAL TOUR GUIDE 2015–2017 PHOTO: KENNY BRAUN BIG BEND REGION Splash Down With the sand between your toes and the ocean breeze kissing your cheek, it’s easy to fall in love with the Gulf Coast. Whether you’re feeling the tug of the line while fishing off the coast of Rockport-Fulton or the thrill of the big city in magnificent Houston, one thing’s for sure—you’ll always feel at home on these Texas shores. TRAVEL GUIDE STAFF PUBLISHER PRODUCTION MANAGER David Dunham Aaron Chamberlain DIRECTOR Carolyn Chavana PROJECT MANAGER WRITER Bekah S. McNeel Jenny Poon COPY EDITOR/ PROOFREADER DESIGN Chad Nichols Anthony Johnson RESEARCH AND FACT-CHECKING VP, PRODUCTION, TECHNOLOGY, AND OPERATIONS Roy Leamon Anne Heinen Taylor Prewitt AD TRAFFICKING SPECIAL THANKS Amanda Mallard Anne Cook Chase A. Fountain PORT ARANSAS, GULF COAST REGION Copyright © 2015 Texas Monthly Custom Publishing, a division of Emmis Publishing, L.P., d/b/a Texas Monthly. All Rights Reserved. ADVERTISING SALES OFFICES AUSTIN HOUSTON 512-320-6927 Elda Arellano Kristin Belt Andrea Brunner Robert Nusbaum Kim Todd 713-871-1643 Cindy Kerley Cathy Turner Vicki Varnado LOS ANGELES 323-801-0100 Samantha Greenfield ATLANTA 404-527-5500 Garrett Heaberlin NEW YORK CHICAGO 847-951-3483 Cheryl Schuldt DALLAS 214-871-7752 Aimee Deputy Cook Sunday O’Neil-Leek Leslie A. Shelton Cindy Sullivan 212-986-7664 Eve Bercovici Marian Conicella Ben Ekstrom Marisa Kest Nime La Fauci Nina Leone Carmen Torres WEST COAST 323-798-5501 Shana Wong DETROIT CANADA 248-931-5256 Mary Pat Kaleth FLORIDA 905-885-0664 Dodd Media Group 954-493-7311 Whitney Ford Dick HAWAII 808-739-2200 Debbie Anderson CENTRAL AMERICA 011-506-8492-2678 Punto Publicidad de Centromérica MEXICO 011-5255-5812-3992 Allied Partners Worldwide ON THE COVER, TEXAS TOUR GUIDE: ENGLISH, GERMAN, JAPANESE, SPANISH Big Bend National Park, Photos by Laurence Parent Photography, Inc. CHINESE Davis Mountains State Park, Fort Davis, Photo by Laurence Parent Photography, Inc. FRENCH PHOTO: KENNY BRAUN Big Bend National Park, Photo by Matthijs Hollanders, Shutterstock PORTUGUESE Fort Worth Stockyards, Photo by Michael Amador, TxDOT T RAVELT EX . CO M | 7 Ex plore Big Bend Country EVERY VISTA OF THE BIG BEND STRETCHES PAST WHERE the eye can see, to far reaches of the imagination. Whether you’re at a McDonald Observatory Star Party event, gazing across the majestic landscape of Big Bend National Park, or browsing the streets of El Paso, the Sun City, this spacious region offers ample room for the soul to roam. BIG BEND RANCH STATE PARK 8 | TEXAS INTERNATIONAL TOUR GUIDE 2015-2017 New Mexico Canutillo visit historical sites year-round. And bring your family, because CQ Press has named El Paso the safest city in America for four consecutive years. 385 54 62 10 El Paso Chihuahuas Triple A Baseball at Southwest University Park 285 Pecos 385 tS to ck t 10 Van Horn 10 GR AN 118 90 385 285 Alpine Marathon Sanderson 118 385 Presidio AV ER AGE T EMPER AT UR E S C ° January February March April May June July August September October November December Sunshine Days El Paso Mission Trail R 67 E RIV OS PEC DE Fort Davis 67 Marfa Del Rio 11 13 18 22 26 29 29 29 27 22 16 12 227 Southwest University Park is home to the Triple A baseball team, the El Paso Chihuahuas. The beautiful 7,500-seat venue, which has 23 luxury party suites, was named "2014 Ballpark of the Year" by baseballparks.com. Their concessions are also unique to the area and this is probably the only place in the world where you can chow down on delicious nachos served in a dog bowl. 1234 McCamey Fo r Kent RI O Mexico 1 Ballpark Plaza, El Paso, 79901 915-242-2000, elpasochihuahuas.com 20 54 Fabens on EL PASO Midland Odessa Study Terlingua Butte 170 Lajitas Laji tas El Paso 7 9 13 18 23 27 28 27 24 18 11 7 295 See individual mission addresses below 915-534-9630, visitelpasomissiontrail.com Langtry Del Rio BIG BEND Take a self-guided tour of these charming missions, which predate all other missions in Texas and California. They illustrate the substantial influence of early Spanish missionaries in El Paso’s Mission Valley. 123 Nuestra Señora de la Concepción del Socorro (Socorro Mission) 328 S. Nevarez Rd., El Paso, 79927 915-859-7718 Big Bend Country Nuestra Señora del Monte Carmelo (Ysleta Mission) 131 S. Zaragosa Rd., El Paso, 79907 915-859-9848 San Elizario Presidio Chapel 1556 San Elizario Rd., San Elizario, 79849 915-851-1682 El Paso Museum of Art One Arts Festival Plaza, El Paso, 79901 915-532-1707, elpasoartmuseum.org Alpine Initially called Murphyville, Alpine became the seat of Brewster County in 1887. With Big Bend National Park just a bit to the south, it has been dubbed the “Hub of Big Bend.” A town of style and Western charm, Alpine has an extensive collection of galleries and antiques shops. You can stroll through the historic district, explore the Museum of the Big Bend, or spend your days in the great outdoors—think camping, hunting, mountain climbing, swimming, hiking, or golfing. Museum of the Big Bend Sul Ross State University 400 N. Harrison St. Alpine, 79832 432-837-8143 museumofthebigbend.com PHOTO: CHASE FOUNTAIN, TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE For more than 70 years, this museum has been collecting and displaying Native–American and other artifacts that help explain the history of this vast region. The Jurassic period is represented by a large hanging model of the winged Texas Pterosaur. 1235 Del Rio Del Rio is located on the Rio Grande Plain in southwest Texas, 150 miles west of San Antonio. The hardest part about finding something to do in Del Rio is finding time to do it all. Del Rio offers an abundance of activities. The international waters of Lake Amistad are a paradise for fishermen, boaters, and divers; tour the Whitehead Memorial Museum or Laughlin Heritage Museum in the historic downtown; putter around on the beautiful San Felipe Golf Course; slip into the Val Verde Winery, the oldest bonded winery in Texas; or step into one of the many restaurants for a diversity of dishes, from Mexican to Thai to Texas steaks. Del Rio is a treasure chest of bright sights and sparkling attractions. Ciudad Acuña, Mexico Take Spur 239 west approximately three miles to the international toll bridge 830-775-3551, acuna.gob.mx This border town, named after Manuel Acuña, the Saltillo romantic poet, offers delicious Mexican cuisine, plenty of shopping, and a lively nightlife. Before going across the border, make sure you have your passport and check U.S. State Department travel advisories. If driving, check on Mexican car insurance, or just park on the U.S. side, walk across the toll bridge, and catch a taxi or bus to downtown. Toll fees vary. Whitehead Memorial Museum 1308 S. Main St., Del Rio, 78840 830-774-7568, whiteheadmuseum.org In 1962, the Whiteheads donated the Perry Mercantile Building for use as a museum. Over the years, structures have been added, and now the complex includes 9 buildings and 21 exhibits, among them the 1870 Perry Store, the La Zappa Chapel, and the Cadena Nativity exhibit. Also on the grounds are the graves of Judge Roy Bean and his son, Sam. The museum now includes hands-on exhibits for children. 12345 El Paso Known for friendliness and being the only Texas city that can boast a mountain in the middle of it, El Paso is what real adventure is all about. This is where conquistadors, Native Americans, cowboys, and the spice of Mexico came together to make a corner of Texas like no other place on earth. El Paso has never been a "package" experience. It's for seekers and adventurers as much as it is for those who just want to relax and find out what a real enchilada tastes like. With more than 293 days of sunshine, you can hike or bike in our mountains and state parks, play a few rounds of golf, or The museum’s permanent collection has over 5,000 works, including the Samuel H. Kress Collection of European art from the 13th through the 18th centuries, American art from the 19th and 20th centuries, and Mexican colonial art and retablos. 235 Fort Davis Magnificent mountain vistas surround this historic community, originally established in 1854 as a military post. Today, the Fort Davis National Historic Site, the Davis Moutains State Park, McDonald Observatory, the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center and Botanical Gardens, the Scenic Loop Drive, and the historic downtown area are but a few reasons people of all ages retreat to this area. Nestled in the Davis Mountains of far West Texas, the town has no traffic lights and is home to some of the darkest night skies in the entire continental United States. Enjoy a variety of shopping and lodging choices and feel right at home with the locals. Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center and Botanical Gardens 43869 TX Hwy. 118, Fort Davis, 79734 432-364-2499, cdri.org Owned by the Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute, the center offers an intimate setting to experience the flora and fauna of the desert region. Included are a cactus and succulent greenhouse, a botanical garden, indoor and outdoor interpretive exhibits, hiking trails, and a gift shop. 123 McDonald Observatory 3640 Dark Sky Dr., McDonald Observatory, TX, 79734 432-426-3640, 877-984-7827 mcdonaldobservatory.org From the observatory atop two mountain peaks— Mount Locke (6,791 feet) and Mount Fowlkes (6,660 feet)—stargazers can easily see forever. Currently the T RAVELTEX . C O M | 9 parts of Judge Bean’s tenure, and tours of the cactus garden explain how both pioneers and Native Americans used the plants in everyday life. 123 Marathon Although Marathon sits hundreds of miles from the sea, its founder, sea captain Albion Shepard, named it for Marathon, Greece, because of the surrounding landscape. Ironically, the town is situated in the center of an ancient seabed. Today, Marathon is a popular tourist destination along US 90, with restaurants, shops, and art galleries. Be sure to stop by the historic Gage Hotel while you’re there. Famous for its cuisine and classic West Texas hospitality, this landmark is a must-see—and a muststay if you can work it out. Post Park Five miles south of Marathon on Post Rd. 432-294-1096, marathontexas.com There are still ruins here from Camp Peña Colorado, built in 1879 to protect the area from Comanche raids. Natural springs feed a large pond, a feature that has made the site an oasis for centuries. Today it is a public park and a popular place for bird-watching, picnics, and dances. Overlooking the site are beautiful novaculite ridges called the Rainbow Cliffs. 1235 Marfa observatory has the world’s fifth-largest telescope, made up of 91 mirrors that form a 433-inch primary mirror array. The visitors center hosts special viewing nights each month (make your reservations several months in advance for this popular event), and visitors are also encouraged to attend public star parties on Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday nights. 1245 EL PASO ZOO Fort Stockton Located midway between San Antonio and El Paso, this Wild West town was formally established in 1859 as Camp Stockton. The army withdrew from Texas during the Civil War and abandoned Fort Stockton in 1861. Six years later Fort Stockton was reestablished by the 9th U.S. Cavalry Regiment, one of the new regiments organized after the Civil War and staffed with African American enlisted men known as buffalo soldiers. To see charming Fort Stockton, take a little time and head for the visitors center in its historic downtown. Get a look at life in old Fort Stockton at the Annie Riggs Memorial Museum and the Historic Fort Grounds or take the Historic Driving Tour. Annie Riggs Memorial Museum Lajitas Originally a U.S. Army Cavalry Post established to protect strategic local mining interests from raids by hostile parties during the Mexican Revolution that began nearby in November of 1910, Lajitas is now the site of the 27,000-acre community of an upscale golf resort and spa. Here you will find a private airport, an equestrian center, an exotic animal hunt club and lodge, a zip-line tour, an RV park, miles of hiking and ATV trails, several restaurants, and plenty of meeting facilities that make this a business destination as well as a high-powered resort. Barton Warnock Visitor Center One mile east of Lajitas on FM 170, 79852 432-424-3327, tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/barton-warnock At the eastern entrance to Big Bend Ranch State Park, the center (with gift shop) houses the exhibit “Una Tierra–One Land” and cultivates a 2.5-acre desert garden that showcases the geological and biological diversity of the natural treasures of the Big Bend Region. 1235 301 S. Main St., Fort Stockton, 79735 432-336-2167, annieriggsmuseum.org Langtry Built of adobe in 1899, this Victorian-style building with 13 rooms and a hidden courtyard features displays and exhibits depicting this period in the area’s history. The museum also houses a gift shop that carries not only Texana and Western items but also an excellent selection of local and regional history books. 123 A trip to West Texas is not complete without paying respects to the infamous Judge Roy Bean’s hometown. Bean, who founded Langtry in 1882, ran his courtroom from the saloon, earning his place among the great legends of the Old West. Today you can wander through the restored court chambers and be thankful that you were never on the receiving end of Judge Bean’s special brand of justice. The nearest hotels are in Comstock (30 minutes), Del Rio (60 minutes), and Sanderson (60 minutes). Fort Stockton Visitor Center 1000 Railroad Ave., Fort Stockton, 79735 432-336-2264, 800-336-2166 historicfortstocktontx.com The Historic Train Depot, built in 1911, houses the Fort Stockton Visitor Center with a large outdoor interpretive display area featuring the history of Fort Stockton, including Comanche, buffalo soldiers, vaqueros, early settlers, and Comanche Springs. The center also includes a renewable energy park using both solar and wind to power facilities. 123 10 | Judge Roy Bean Visitors Center US Hwy. 90 W./Loop 25 at Torres Ave., Langtry, 78871 432-291-3340 Judge Roy Bean, who dispensed liquor and justice here, was known as the “Law West of the Pecos.” This museum and travel center are housed behind the structure where he presided. The visitors center highlights TEXAS INTERNATIONAL TOUR GUIDE 2015-2017 Chinati Foundation One Cavalry Row, Marfa, 79843 432-729-4362, chinati.org This art museum, opened by artist Donald Judd in 1986, exhibits permanent large-scale installations of contemporary art. The foundation, located on the former site of Fort D. A. Russell at the edge of town, includes works by Judd, Carl Andre, Dan Flavin, Claes Oldenburg, Coosje van Bruggen, and John Chamberlain, as well as temporary exhibitions of other works. 12 Midland Halfway between Fort Worth and El Paso lies Midland, known as a great place to begin a tour of West Texas and the Big Bend region. While visiting The Tall City, travelers truly can "Feel the Energy." Midland International Airport is the closest airport to Big Bend National Park, offering first-class hospitality for groups large and small. Take the Bush Driving Tour to learn more about The Honorable George W. Bush’s time here. Check out Jim Hall’s legendary race cars at the Chaparral Gallery or the world's largest collection of World War II Aviation Nose ArtTM at the CAF Airpower Museum. Midland is a welcoming destination for any type of traveler. Museum of the Southwest 1705 W. Missouri Ave., Midland, 79701 432-683-2882, museumsw.org The Museum of the Southwest is comprised of the Juliette and Fred Turner, Jr. Memorial Art Gallery; a sculpture garden; the Fredda Turner Durham Children’s Museum; and the Marian West and William Blanton Blakemore Planetarium. The Museum of the Southwest hosts two major events every year: SeptemberFest, an annual juried art show the weekend following Labor Day, and Christmas at the Mansion throughout the month of December. 1235 PHOTO: MCDONALD OBSERVATORY, ETHAN TWEEDIE PHOTOGRAPHY MCDONALD OBSERVATORY, NEAR FORT DAVIS Situated on a nearly mile-high plateau in the Chihuahuan Desert, Marfa’s internationally known arts community and fabulous accommodations generate a lot of buzz. Marfa’s movie set–like architecture, ornate 1886 courthouse, and mountain vistas attract photographers and moviemakers, who always credit the remarkable skies and special light. The Marfa Mystery Lights, first documented in 1883, remain a mesmerizing and unexplained phenomenon. Visit this mecca for artists, poets, designers, and musicians, and enjoy dining to suit any taste. The Petroleum Museum 1500 I-20 W., Midland, 79701 432-683-4403, petroleummuseum.org The museum depicts the role of oil in shaping culture from prehistoric times to the present. Displays include 1,000-year-old reed maps from prehistoric populations, cowboy tack, railroad artifacts, an “underwater” walk through an ancient sea, and the Chaparral Gallery of Jim Hall’s race cars. 1235 Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center 1310 N. FM 1788, Midland, 79701 432-552-4430, wagnernoel.com The Globe Theatre and the Anne Hathaway Cottage Terlingua 2308 Shakespeare Rd., Odessa, 79761 432-580-3177, globesw.org This rejuvenated ghost town harbors a mystique that is fed by Wild West legend. It was once a prosperous mining village that produced 40 percent of the quicksilver in the nation in 1922, but by the forties, Terlingua had become a ghost town. Today the town has an array of funky shops, art galleries, and a historically refurbished four-room guesthouse. For local flavor, stop by the Starlight Theatre, a converted bar, eatery, and live-music venue. Though the city first gained notoriety in the sixties for the Terlingua International Championship Chili Cookoff, it now offers many other recreational activities, including raft trips, jeep tours, and horseback rides. This 410-seat octagonal replica of the Globe Theatre, the home of William Shakespeare’s acting company in England, houses a company that produces a community theater season and a Shakespeare festival. The Anne Hathaway Cottage, a replica of the cottage in which Shakespeare’s wife lived, has a lovely writers’ garden. 1235 The Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center is an $81 million brand-new, state-of-the-art, 108,000-square-foot facility that features everything from Broadway productions to local plays, famous comedians and musicians, mariachis, and jazz. The main hall includes 1,800 seats and two balconies with state-of-the-art acoustics. The Rea-Greathouse Recital Hall is a versatile recital and multipurpose space for groups of up to 200. The Rea Music and Academic Center is more than 10,000 square feet and will house the expanded UTPB music program. 123 Odessa Meteor Crater and Museum Over fifty thousand years ago, showers of meteorites collided with the earth at this spot, crushing the limestone bedrock and creating five craters. Over time, the desert winds have filled all but two of the pits with sediment. Walk a trail through the big crater, 550 feet wide and up to 17 feet deep, the second-largest in the country that is open to the public. 12 The water level of the Rio Grande will dictate whether your river excursion is a placid float or a challenging white-water adventure. Novices can hire a local commercial outfitter and guide service; experienced rafters can bring their own equipment. River trips range from half a day to a week in length. Trips within Big Bend National Park require backcountry use permits, available at any park ranger station. ATVs are now available. Odessa Presidential Museum and Leadership Library Big Bend River Tours Visit Odessa, in the heart of West Texas. Tour the Presidential Museum and Leadership Library for a rare glimpse into the lives of our past presidents. Sports lovers can watch ice hockey with the Jackalopes, the minor league affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers, or catch football with the West Texas Wildcatters, a professional indoor football team. Switch gears from sports to science at the Odessa meteor crater, one of the largest in Texas. The White-Pool House, the Globe of the Great Southwest, the Permian Playhouse, and the MidlandOdessa Symphony are other attractions that make Odessa a fun destination. 4919 E. University Blvd., Odessa, 79762 432-363-7737, thepresidentialmuseum.org 3100 Meteor Crater Road, Odessa, 79764 432-381-0946 The only museum dedicated to the of fice of the presidency covers every administration, with memorabilia, posters, campaign artifacts, and a doll collection commemorating our first ladies. The library houses the museum’s vast collection of rare books and other archival materials. It also features the George H. W. Bush Family Home, where two presidents and a first lady spent their early days in West Texas. 1235 B TOUR 1 Marfa, Alpine, Fort Davis Marfa made a name from its mysterious “ghost lights” and its glamorous ties to the 1956 film Giant. More recently the town has become an unlikely art mecca, attracting visitors in numbers that dwarf its population of 2,000. About two dozen galleries and studios sell works by artists both local and global. Cutting-edge musical acts like the XX raise the cool quotient with pop-up shows, and the full-scale replica of a Prada store merits a visit–and an Instagram. Tourists in Alpine find themselves caught between rocks and a not-sohard place. The beautiful microcrystalline mineral known as agate is the main draw at Woodward Ranch, where rockhounds hunt for gemstones for custom jewelry. The Last Frontier Museum adds to the geological fervor, while the town’s historic downtown bustles with boutiques, antique stores, art gallery walks, and poetry readings. Be transported to the Indian Wars by walking the ruins and restorations of Fort Davis National Historical Site, the site of a frontier military post that protected emigrants and freight wagons from raids. Appreci- River Rafting and Jeep Tours On FM 170, a quarter mile west of TX Hwy. 118 Terlingua, 79852 432-371-3033, 800-545-4240 bigbendrivertours.com Desert Sports 22937 FM 170, Terlingua, 79852 432-371-2727, 888-989-6900 desertsportstx.com Far Flung Outdoor Center 1 Adventure Ln., FM 170, Terlingua, 79852 432-371-2633, 800-839-7238 ffoc.net Road Trips B ate the area’s plant life on trail walks through the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center. Get a grander feel for the great outdoors at Davis Mountains State Park, where you can stay at the swanky Indian Lodge, park your RV, or set up camp underneath the trees. TOUR 2 Hueco Tanks, El Paso, Canutillo For a nature destination with flair, Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site is your spot. This range of hills and basins 30 miles east of El Paso has been an attraction for millennia–first with indigenous peoples, and more recently with rock climbers. Bouldering, hiking, bird–watching and camping are available, while guided tours enlighten visitors on the site’s unique geology and Native American wall paintings. A rich past meets present-day comforts in El Paso, where downtown development and youthful energy have upped the hip factor. Catch live music at flowering local venues, sample authentic dishes at one of countless Mexican restaurants, or admire 220 animal species at the El Paso Zoo. The 85-year-old Plaza Theatre hosts touring per- formers year-round, while the aptly named Scenic Drive offers a breathtaking view of El Paso and its sister city of Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. Continue west on Highway 28 and arrive in Canutillo, where Zin Valle Vineyards sits on an idyllic stretch of farm road. Canutillo, the town of Anthony, and the surrounding area encompass wineries, seasonal corn mazes, pecan farms, and bicycling paths. Get drenched at Wet N’ Wild Waterworld, where water slides give wedgies and a wave pool brings the undulating ocean to the desert southwest. TOUR 3 Balmorhea, Big Bend, Terlingua The stuff of summer dreams, Balmorhea State Park offers the world’s largest spring-fed swimming pool. Each day, the San Solomon Springs pumps up to 28 million gallons of freshwater through the 1.75-acre pool. Scuba divers can join swimmers in the water, which keeps to 72-76 degrees and stays clear even at depths of 25 feet. The idea of walking Big Bend, a national park larger than the state of Rhode Island, can be daunting. But hearty backpackers, day hikers, and wildlife watchers do it every day, winding up trails that rise above the 5,400-foot elevation of the Chisos Basin. Horseback might be easier, depending on your taste for hoofed travel–and your endurance. Rides last anywhere from one to five hours, or one to five days. You choose. Like a stretch of Burning Man that somehow stayed put, this outpost at the edge of Big Bend takes a winking stance at its own “ghost town” status. Artists, vagabonds, and connoisseurs of quirk are drawn by some of Terlingua’s striking digs: shocking-pink storefronts, half-subterranean dive bars, a sand-locked submarine, and a replica of the Statue of Liberty. But the former cinnabar-mining town is best known for two international chili cook-offs that draw more than 5,000 “chiliheads” every November. T RAVELTEX . C O M | 11 Ex pthloe re Gulf Coast THE BOUNTY OF TEXAS IS ON FULL DISPLAY across the sprawling shoreline of the Gulf Coast. Here, beach towns like Corpus Christi, Galveston, and Port Aransas supply sandy frolic for the thousands that throng the 624 miles of shoreline to swim, fish, boat, and surf, while Houston offers a cultural mecca as the fourth-largest city in the nation. HARVEST MOONINTERNATIONAL REGATTA, GALVESTON | TEXAS 12 TOUR GUIDE 2015-2017 6 Le 290 w isv Beaumont Spring ill 90 e RI 59 VE An gle ton LO CO A rg be ARE d sen E an Ro LAK earl R P EA CL R it yC Ba Victoria Port Arthur Katy 10 35 y a ori ute Cl T Orange ue ag Le City Fe GALVESTON R PO rt OS az Surfside Beach Br RAZ epo B Quintana Beach Fre Texas Energy Museum 600 Main St., Beaumont, 77701 409-833-5100, texasenergymuseum.org 77 37 Mathis Fulton Rockport Port Aransas 181 CORPUS CHRISTI Gulf Coast AV ER AGE T EMPER AT UR E S C ° Kingsville Gulf of G Mexico 77 Harlingen South Padre Island Port Isabel Brownsville Mexico Bay Area Houston Explore outer space, savor fresh seafood, cruise warm waters, and take in the perfect Gulf Coast sunset. Soak up the sun and gulf breezes in Bay Area Houston—the boating capital of Texas. Set between Houston and Galveston, the region attracts visitors for seafood, water recreation, stunning nature preserves, and two of Texas’s top attractions, the Kemah Boardwalk and Space Center Houston. Located only 15 miles from Hobby Airport, the charming bayside region consists of five distinct cities along 35 miles of coastline: Kemah, League City, Nassau Bay, Seabrook, and Houston. Kemah Boardwalk 215 Kipp Ave., Kemah, 77565 281-535-8100, kemahboardwalk.com Enjoy the amusement park rides, browse the shops, dine at a waterfront restaurant, and take in the live entertainment and festivals. Indulge in an overnight stay at the Boardwalk Inn waterfront hotel. 12345 Space Center Houston 1601 NASA Pkwy., Houston, 77058 281-244-2100, 281-283-4755 (tours), spacecenter.org See Houston. Bay City PHOTO: GALVESTON ISLAND CVB Specializing in ecotourism, Bay City will appeal to everyone in the family. For starters, there’s fishing, kayaking, and canoeing in Matagorda Bay and on the Colorado River. Matagorda County leads in the North American Audubon Society Great Backyard Bird Count, so be sure to bring your binoculars. Also, learn about area history at the excavation of La Salle’s ship La Belle. Matagorda County Birding Nature Center 1.7 miles west of Bay City on TX Hwy. 35 S. 979-245-3336, mcbnc.org 5550 Jimmy Simmons Blvd., 77705 409-880-1750, spindletop.org Beaumont’s early claim to fame—the Spindletop gusher—is authentically reproduced in this period museum of the early oil-rush town. See a working replica oil gusher, a general store, a dry goods store, a log cabin saloon, and a barbershop, among other buildings. 1235 HOUSTON a nt son Sa ack City J s ke exa La T Spindletop–Gladys City Boomtown Museum January February March April May June July August September October November December Sunshine Days Brownsville Houston 16 11 17 13 21 18 24 21 27 24 29 27 30 29 30 29 28 27 24 21 20 17 17 12 225 205 This 34-acre park on the Colorado River includes trails, bridges, wetlands, woods, prairies, an outdoor pavilion, gardens, and waterfalls along with an observation deck and a pier on the river. 1235 Matagorda County Museum 2100 Ave. F, Bay City, 77414 979-245-7502, matagordamuseum.org The museum tells the story of the incredible excavation of La Belle with exhibits of many artifacts from the excavation, including one of the three bronze cannons recovered. There is also an award-winning children’s museum in the basement of the building, made to look like an earlier 1900s version of the town. 1235 Beaumont The Texas Energy Museum tells the story of oil through colorful, state-of-the-art exhibits. These exhibits depict petroleum geology, formation of oil and gas, history and technology of oil production, and refining and petrochemicals. Talking robotic characters relate their stories of early Texas oil drilling amid historical surroundings and working artifacts. 123 Brazosport Just over 60 miles south of Houston, Brazosport is a coastal area made up of the communities of Clute, Freeport, Lake Jackson, and Surfside Beach. This is the very spot where Stephen F. Austin first settled his colony of 300 and thus, the great state of Texas was born. With more than 40 miles of natural beaches, deep-sea fishing, an aquarium and hatchery, birding, museums, historical sites, a planetarium, wildlife refuges, and more, Brazosport is an affordable destination whether it’s for a large tour group or a family. Sea Center Texas 300 Medical Dr., Lake Jackson, 77566 979-292-0100 tpwd.texas.gov/spdest/visitorcenters/seacenter/ Get up close and personal with all sorts of sea life in the 50,000-gallon saltwater aquarium at this aquatic education center and state-of-the-art hatchery. 123 Brownsville With its South Texas heritage, tropical palm trees, and exotic birds, Brownsville exudes its own special culture and charm. At the southernmost tip of the state, just across the international bridge from each other, downtown Brownsville and Matamoros, Mexico, are separated by only a short walk. Shopping and sightseeing are fabulous on both sides of the border, and nearby beach fun is also a big part of life in Brownsville. In addition to world-class birding, dolphin watching, and golfing, you’ll find a lush, bustling city full of fine arts and year-round fiestas in a pleasant tropical climate. The Cajuns call it “lagniappe,” but you’ll call it fun. Beaumont got on the map with Spindletop and is certainly known for its oil history and heritage. But here you can also experience what it’s like to canoe through the Big Thicket or take a walk on the wild side by holding a live alligator. Trade in your business suit for boots, jeans, and a cowboy hat and head out on the town for live music and Cajun cuisine. Gladys Porter Zoo Gator Country Rio Grande Valley Wing of the Commemorative Air Force Museum 21159 F.M. 365, Beaumont, 77705 409-794-9453, gatorrescue.com Gator Country provides a chance for visitors to feed and have hands-on interaction with live alligators. The adventure park is home to alligators, crocodiles, caiman, and many other reptiles. 12345 McFaddin-Ward House 1906 Calder Ave., Beaumont, 77701 409-832-2134, mcfaddin-ward.org The detailed preservation and original furnishings of this 1906 Beaux Arts colonial-style home and its carriage house are nationally noted. Guided tours, cultural events, and family-friendly activities are held throughout the year. 12 500 Ringgold St., Brownsville, 78520 956-546-7187, gpz.org One of the state’s top zoos, the Gladys Porter provides habitats for more than 1,600 birds, mammals, and reptiles from all over the world, including Africa, Asia, Australia, and the tropics. Don’t miss the newborn nursery. 12345 955 S. Minnesota, Brownsville, 78521 956-541-8585, rgvcaf.org This hangar museum, which houses working World War II aircraft from all over the world as well as vintage autos, presents an annual air show on the second weekend in March. The themed Barnstormers Lounge is open to the public. 12345 Clute The history of the city goes back to the 1800s, when land was parceled out to the “Old 300,” the original group of Anglo settlers in Texas. Just 45 minutes T RAVELTEX . C OM | 13 Galveston Island JAMES TURRELL “TWILIGHT EPIPHANY” SKYSPACE AT RICE UNIVERSITY, HOUSTON Galveston sits on a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico and offers 32 miles of beaches. The Strand National Historic Landmark District is full of restaurants, stores, antique shops, and live entertainment. Galveston is home to one of the largest and best-preserved concentrations of Victorian architecture in the country. After an activity-filled day, stroll along Seawall Boulevard and enjoy the tranquility of the sunset. Bishop’s Palace 1402 Broadway, Galveston, 77550 409-762-2475, galvestonhistory.org Built from 1887 to 1892, this mansion—with original furnishings—is on the National Register of Historic Places. 25 The Grand 1894 Opera House 2020 Postoffice St., Galveston, 77550 409-765-1894, 800-821-1894, thegrand.com The eclectic roster of entertainers who have performed here over the years includes Al Jolson, the Marx Brothers, Bill Cosby, and Ray Charles. In 1993, the Texas Legislature designated the Grand as the Official Opera House of the State of Texas. 235 Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier 2501 Seawall Blvd., Galveston, 77550 855-789-7437, pleasure-pier.com Located on the Gulf of Mexico, this multimillion dollar family destination brings the glory of Galveston’s famous history into the present with thrill rides for adults and kids, midway games, shopping, live music, entertainment, and a full-service restaurant. 12345 Lone Star Flight Museum The Brazosport Center for the Arts and Sciences 400 College Blvd., Clute, 77531 979-265-7661, 877-265-7661, bcfas.org The booty of a 1554 Spanish shipwreck that sank offshore is showcased at this museum. Tour a full-scale replica of Christopher Columbus’s ship the Pinta. A replica of the Niña is docked nearby. 12345 South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center 8545 S. Staples St., Corpus Christi, 78413 361-852-2100, stxbot.org This cultural complex serves as the home to five groups: the Brazosport Art League, the Brazosport Museum of Natural Science, the Brazosport Symphony Orchestra, Center Stages Theater, and the Brazosport Planetarium. 1235 S h o w c a s e d o n 18 2 a c r e s a r e t h e B u t t e r f l y House, Plumeria Garden, Bromeliad C onser vatory, Orchid House, and many other stunning gardens. Don’t miss Gator Lake, the Wetland Boardwalk, and the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail. 1235 Mammoth Lake Scuba and Water Park Texas State Aquarium 330 N. Dixie Dr., Bldg. A, Lake Jackson, 77566 979-529-9174, mammothlakewaterpark.com 2710 N. Shoreline Blvd., Corpus Christi, 78402 361-881-1200, 800-477-4853 texasstateaquarium.org This is the largest scuba-diving specific lake in the U.S. With 22 hectares of underwater attractions, all levels of divers are welcome. 12345 Corpus Christi This slice of paradise is the largest coastal city in the state, with more than 100 miles of beaches. Frequently ranked as the “Birdiest City in America,” this seaside escape is ideal not only for birding but also for fishing, surfing, and kiteboarding. Beachside relaxation meets big-city energy with a downtown entertainment district, an arts community, and a marina located near restaurants, shops, and attractions. Art Museum of South Texas 1902 N. Shoreline Blvd., Corpus Christi, 78401 361-825-3500, artmuseumofsouthtexas.org Designed by Philip Johnson and Ricardo Legorreta, the buildings themselves are works of art, with dramatic windows that reveal a panoramic bay view. 12345 Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History 1900 N. Chaparral St., Corpus Christi, 78401 361-826-4667, ccmuseum.com 14 | Take an aquatic journey from the shore to the depths of the Gulf of Mexico. Experience dive shows, feedings, and hands-on programs with sharks and stingrays. Newly added are the H-E-B Splash Park and Owen’s Paleo Park. 12345 Texas Surf Museum and South Texas Music Walk of Fame 2002 Terminal Dr., Galveston, 77554 409-740-7722, LSFM.org Honoring outstanding aviation achievements and Texans who have contributed to the advancement of aviation, this museum has more than 20 restored aircraft, including World War II fighters, bombers, liaison trainers, and executive planes. Flight experiences are available. 1235 Moody Gardens 1 Hope Blvd., Galveston, 77554 409-744-4673, 800-582-4673 moodygardens.com The 10-story glass Rainforest Pyramid includes three geographical regions with exotic plants, tropical fish, colorful macaws, reptiles, and waterfalls. Moody Gardens is also home to the Aquarium Pyramid and Discovery Museum, as well as an IMAX and a 4-D special FX theater. 12345 Moody Mansion 2618 Broadway, Galveston, 77550 409-762-7668, moodymansion.org This 31-room mansion is filled with original furnishings and memorabilia from W. L. Moody Jr. and his family. You will be amazed at the changing exhibits of art, jewelry, vintage clothing, and other items. 1235 309 N. Water St., Corpus Christi, 78401 361-882-2364 texassurfmuseum.org facebook.com/SouthTexasMusicWalkofFame Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark This museum, dedicated to all things surfing, celebrates the history of the sport in Texas with a collection of rare and unusual surfboards. 135 During the summer, enjoy outdoor attractions, including water coasters, body slides, and family raft rides. When the weather turns cold, there are a dozen warm-water and heated adventures indoors. 12345 USS Lexington Museum 2026 Lockheed, Galveston, 77554 409-770-9283, schlitterbahn.com/galveston 2914 N. Shoreline Blvd., Corpus Christi, 78403 361-888-4873, ext. 305, 800-523-9539, ext. 305 usslexington.com Texas Seaport Museum and the Elissa Besides a deck the size of three football fields, this World War II aircraft carrier has all sorts of tunnels and compartments to explore. Try your hand at the new Virtual Battle Stations, take a ride in the interactive flight simulator, and experience a movie in the MEGA Theater. 1245 The Elissa, Texas’s only 19th-century tall ship, docked in Galveston twice during the 1880s to deliver cargo. Multimedia exhibits recount the Elissa’s fascinating history. 25 TEXAS INTERNATIONAL TOUR GUIDE 2015-2017 Pier 21 #8, on Harborside Dr., Galveston, 77550 409-763-1877, galvestonhistory.org PHOTO: GREATER HOUSTON CVB south of Houston, the community of Clute is a hidden treasure, with 56 acres of wooded parks and pristine beaches. The Gulf breezes and mild climate accommodate all kinds of outdoor activities, like golfing, diving, and beachcombing. VIEW FROM PORT ISABEL LIGHTHOUSE STATE HISTORIC SITE Harlingen Harlingen’s picture-perfect subtropical climate welcomes visitors to a fun-filled getaway. Enjoy yearround golf and amazing birdwatching. Visit the Iwo Jima Monument and Memorial—this stunning outdoor sculpture is on the grounds of Harlingen’s Marine Military Academy and is the original from which the monument in Arlington, Virginia was cast. Explore the World Birding Center brimming with colorful green jays, wild parakeets, and chattering chachalacas. The best part? It’s only minutes from the beaches of South Padre Island and the legendary Laguna Madre Bay. Bass Pro Shop & Outdoor World 101 Bass Pro Dr., Harlingen, 78552 956-291-5200, basspro.com This 145,000-square-foot store is the signature anchor for the Cameron Crossing retail development at the intersection of U.S. highways 83 and 77. In addition to a huge selection of outdoor gear, this particular store features Uncle Buck’s Fish Bowl and Grill, complete with 12 lanes of underwater-themed bowling fun and a billiards table. 12345 Iwo Jima War Memorial and Museum at the Marine Military Academy PHOTO: CHASE FOUNTAIN, TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE 320 Iwo Jima Blvd., Harlingen, 78550 956-421-9234, 800-365-6006, mma-tx.org This private boarding school emulates the U.S. Marines by issuing similar uniforms and honoring the same traditions. The Iwo Jima War Memorial was the mold from which the bronze statue in Arlington, Virginia, was cast. 12345 Houston Houston is a cultural mecca with an internationally famous theater district and outstanding museums. It’s also known as a sports city, with professional teams in football, basketball, baseball, soccer, and hockey. Families enjoy Space Center Houston and the Houston Museum of Natural Science. World-class shopping is the order of the day at The Galleria, the nation’s fourth-largest shopping mall, as well as at Highland Village, Uptown Park, and Rice Village. Houston Zoo Buffalo Bayou Partnership This educational and conservation resource is home to more than 6,000 animals. African Forest features chimpanzees, rhinos, and giraffes. 12345 1113 Vine St., Ste. 215, 77002 713-752-0314, buffalobayou.org Whether your destination is Houston’s Sesquicentennial Park, Allen’s Landing, or the lush area west of downtown, this historic waterway offers pontoon boat rides along with canoe and kayak adventures for everyone. 1345 Hermann Park 6001 Fannin, Houston, 77030 832-395-7000, houstontx.gov/parks/ourparks/hermannpark.html This is one of Houston’s premier parks. Highlights include the Houston Zoo, Miller Outdoor Theatre, the Museum of Natural Science, the Japanese Garden, Bayou Parkland, and McGovern Lake. 12345 6200 Hermann Park Dr., Houston, 77030 (front gate) 713-533-6500, houstonzoo.org Minute Maid Park 501 Crawford, Houston, 77002 713-259-8000, astros.com This majestic ballpark is the high-tech home field of the Houston Astros. 2345 NRG Park 8400 Kirby Dr., Houston, 77054 832-667-1400, 832-667-1842 (tours), nrgpark.com This park serves as Houston’s premier trade-show, spor ts, enter tainment, and convention complex. 12345 Holocaust Museum Houston Space Center Houston 5401 Caroline St., Houston, 77004 713-942-8000, hmh.org 1601 NASA Pkwy., Houston, 77058 281-244-2100, 281-283-4755 (group tours) spacecenter.org The museum’s preeminent exhibit, “Bearing Witness: A Community Remembers,” focuses on Holocaust survivors living in the Houston metropolitan area. 123 Houston Museum of Natural Science 5800 Caroline St., Houston, 77030 713-639-4629, hmns.org Visitors here enjoy a world-class facility with an IMAX theater, a planetarium, and the Cockrell Butterfly Center. There are four floors of dinosaurs, gems, minerals, and traveling exhibits. 12345 GreenStreet 1201 Fannin St., Houston, 77002 832-320-1201, greenstreetdowntown.com This complex brings together the best of city life with fine restaurants, nightclubs, retail, and entertainment. It has an open-air center that allows for alfresco dining and window-shopping on lovely streetscapes. 12345 Out-of-this-world fun at NASA’s Official Visitor Center includes exhibits, a giant-screen theater, and behindthe-scenes tours. See the real Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo space capsules, watch astronauts in training, and try a space walk simulator. 12345 Kingsville Mrs. Henrietta King, matriarch of the legendary King Ranch, donated the land that became the historic city of Kingsville, the cultural center for the hundreds of thousands of acres that make up the famous working cattle ranch. Located just west of the Gulf of Mexico, Kingsville is the birthplace of the American ranching industry. Visit the shops in the downtown area, especially the King Ranch Saddle Shop. 1904 Train Depot 104 E. Kleberg Ave., Kingsville, 78363 T RAVELTEX . C OM | 15 The University of Texas at Austin Marine Science Institute 630 Cotter Ave. near the beach, Port Aransas, 78373 361-749-6711, utmsi.utexas.edu Visit this impressive institute’s seven aquaria, all teeming with local marine life, and enjoy a variety of educational films. 123 Port Arthur Beach or lake? Fishing, birding, or sailing? Don’t pick, just pack for Port Arthur’s upper Gulf Coast. Discover Sea Rim State Park, roseate spoonbills, gators, and Sabine Lake catches. Soaring bridges connect families to outdoor adventures. Dine on Cajun-spiced seafood and experience Janis Joplin at the Museum of the Gulf Coast. Museum of the Gulf Coast 700 Procter St., Port Arthur, 77640 409-982-7000, museumofthegulfcoast.org The Jurassic period to Janis Joplin—this unique regional museum has something for everyone, including natural history, fine and decorative art, popular culture, and the largest indoor mural in the Southwest. 123 Pompeiian Villa 1953 Lakeshore Dr., Port Arthur, 77640 409-983-5977, museumofthegulfcoast.org Ellwood, “the barbed wire King”, built this modest 10room “cottage” that was an authentic copy of a Pompeiian home of 74 AD with the rooms built around a traditional Roman peristyle, a three-sided courtyard to which each room has access. 1235 Rockport-Fulton 361-592-8516, 800-333-5032 kingsvilletexas.com The authentically restored 1904 Train Depot of Kingsville is a fascinating time capsule that reminds us of the importance of the railroad to Kingsville and South Texas. 123 King Ranch Museum 405 N. Sixth St., Kingsville, 78363 361-595-1881, king-ranch.com The King Ranch covers 825,000 acres—an area larger than Rhode Island. Saddles from all over the world, Texas flag replicas, and antique carriages and cars as well as videos on ranch history delight visitors. 1235 League City On the shores of Clear Lake, the city is located near both urban amenities and natural forests. Stroll through the historic downtown, dine beside the water, or splash your way through a marine excursion. Quaint fishing communities surround the city, providing relaxing, peaceful getaways. Butler Longhorn Museum and Heritage Park 1220 Coryell, League City, 77573 281-332-1393, butlerlonghornmuseum.com This Western heritage museum focuses on the history of the Longhorn breed of cattle. 1235 Orange When cowboys and Cajuns meet, something fun is bound to happen. Evidence of this abounds in Orange, which lies on Interstate 10 along the Texas-Louisiana border. The recorded history of Orange dates back to 1600, when French traders arrived in the area and brought the exotic culture of Acadia with them. Historic homes and museums feature the heritage of the 16 | city’s elegance. Join in the fun with the Mardi Gras Festival, the Art in the Park Spring Festival, and the SPORT Tunnel Boat Races event in the fall. First Presbyterian Church 902 W. Green Ave., Orange, 77631 409-883-2097, firstpresorange.com This impressive structure, on the National Register of Historic Places, is an outstanding example of classic Greek Revival architecture. Its dome is the only opalescent glass dome in the United States. 123 Frances Ann Lutcher Theater for the Performing Arts 707 W. Main, Orange, 77630 409-886-5535, lutcher.org Lutcher Theater is a 1,460-seat performing arts facility and is the largest Performing Arts Series from Houston, TX to New Orleans, LA. Since its opening in 1980, the theater has hosted only the best in big name entertainment. 123 Port Aransas Port Aransas is the perfect place to bird-watch, fish the Gulf waters, or play golf at the Arnold Palmer Signature links course. With local waters full of fresh catches, the seafood fare is exquisite, but you’ll also find steaks, pasta, and burgers prepared the “island way.” Port Aransas Nature Preserve End of Port St., adjacent to the Corpus Christi Ship Channel, Port Aransas, 78373 361-749-4158 cityofportaransas.org/Nature_Preserve.cfm This area is an important habitat for shorebirds and endangered and threatened species such as the piping plover. 123 TEXAS INTERNATIONAL TOUR GUIDE 2015-2017 Aquarium at Rockport Harbor 706 Navigation Cir., Rockport, 78382 361-727-0016, rockportaquarium.com Featuring a great variety of local marine life, this aquarium has numerous exhibits, fun activities for kids, and a huge fish mobile. 1235 The Bay Education Center 121 Sea Breeze Drive, Rockport, 78382 361-749-3161, utmsi.utexas.edu Science on a Sphere (SOS) is ready to amaze visitors. Created by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, SOS uses computers and video projectors to display astronomical, geological, oceanic, and atmospheric information on a 68-inch-diameter sphere. 123 Fulton Mansion State Historic Site 317 Fulton Beach Rd., Rockport, 78382 361-729-0386, visitfultonmansion.com This historical site is operated by the Texas Historical Commisson. Restored in early 1989, the architectural landmark is open for visitors. 13 Rosenberg Back in 1883, the Gulf, Colorado, and Santa Fe Railway purchased two hundred acres in Fort Bend County and laid out a town site. Named after Henry Rosenberg, the railroad’s president, the historic town of Rosenberg holds onto that original grid with heritage and charm. Lovingly restored buildings in the business district are alive with shops, museums, and restaurants. Events, concerts, and live theater, along with the nearby Brazos Bend State Park, make Rosenberg a family destination. Rosenberg Railroad Museum 1921 Ave. F, Rosenberg, 77471 281-633-2846, rosenbergrrmuseum.org PHOTO: CITY OF SOUTH PADRE ISLAND SOUTH PADRE ISLAND Rockport-Fulton is a diverse mix of coastal charm along with plentiful fishing, birding, and shopping. Whether you want a family weekend, a relaxing weeklong getaway, or a place to hold a business meeting, this picturesque beach community is a great destination. Modeled after the town’s original 1883 depot, the museum houses artifacts from past railways that served the region and is situated beside still-working tracks. A refurbished 1879 business rail car, a 1903 switching tower, and an elaborate HO model train layout are permanent exhibits. 125 South Padre Island South Padre Island is a favorite on the list of Texas beach destinations. Located off the southern tip of Texas, the area is a mecca for visitors. Beautiful beaches await, along with plenty of accommodations, meeting facilities, restaurants, fun nightspots, and countless recreational activities. All that and a relaxing sunset make this a must-do vacation spot in the Lone Star State. Island Equestrian Center 8805 Padre Blvd.,South Padre Island, 78597 956-761-4677, horsesonthebeach.com For a completely different view of the beach, take a jaunt along the shore—on a horse with a guide. 123 Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark 100 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island, 78597 956-761-1160, schlitterbahn.com/south-padre-island With the Gulf waters in clear view across the dunes, this Brazilian-themed park thrills with uphill water coasters, tube chutes, and a wave pool, along with sandy beaches and a five-story water fun house. 12345 South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center 6801 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island, 78597 956-761-6801, spibirding.com Climb to the top of a five-story observation tower (or take the elevator) for spectacular views of the Gulf of Mexico and the Laguna Madre; visit the exhibition hall; and saunter along the boardwalks for up-close views of birds, fish, crabs, and alligators—a photographer’s dream. 1235 Spring This restored railroad village, originally settled by German immigrants, offers a full schedule of festivals and scores of shopping spots in Old Town Spring. Not far from downtown Houston, Spring encompasses the activity of the big city and the leisurely pace of a small town. Make a trip to SplashTown, which was voted one of America’s top 10 water parks, and don’t miss the annual Texas Crawfish Festival, where you can sample this tasty local specialty. Old Town Spring 123-F Midway, Spring, 77373 281-353-9310, oldtownspring.com Enjoy the charm of this shopping village and browse through 150 antiques, arts and crafts, clothing, and specialty shops. The site of the Texas Crawfish Festival, Old Town Spring also offers restaurants and wine-tasting rooms. 124 SplashTown 21300 I-45 N., Spring, 77373 281-355-3300, wetnwildsplashtown.com Chosen as one of America’s top 10 water parks, SplashTown is 40 acres of fun. With more than 30 rides, slides, and water attractions, it entertains the whole family. 12345 Sugar Land Orange, South Padre Island, Brownsville Cajun meets cowboy in Orange, the state’s easternmost city, bordering Louisiana. The Stark Museum of Art specializes in depictions of the American West; its 19th- and 20thcentury collections brim with stark Texas landscapes, pioneer portraits, and naturalistic sculptures. Admire hundreds of plant species at the Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, or enjoy a show at the Lutcher Theatre for Performing Arts. Best known as a college spring break getaway, South Padre Island offers oceanic pursuits for all. Breakaway cruises include dolphin watching, eco-tours, parasailing, jet skiing, snorkeling, and deep sea and bay fishing. White beaches rim the entire island, which is only a half-mile at its widest point; Isla Blanca Park features two beachfront pavilions, a fishing jetty, restaurants, a boat ramp, and RV sites. Thirty miles southwest, Brownsville has its own outdoor assets. Boca Chica Beach is an undeveloped stretch of coastline good for swimming, fishing, surfing, and camping. Birders can Victoria Located on the Coastal Bend two hours from Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and Corpus Christi, Victoria is the perfect destination for tour groups and meetings. With roots reaching back to the 16th and 17th centuries, Victoria offers the beauty and rich history of one of the oldest Texas cities, along with excellent dining and attractions. A new conference center and nearly a dozen new hotels make Victoria a perfect base camp for meetings and Coastal Bend adventure. The Museum of the Coastal Bend 2200 E. Red River, Victoria, 77901 361-582-2511, museumofthecoastalbend.org Located on the Victoria College campus, this museum showcases the region’s rich multicultural heritage. The museum’s newest permanent exhibit, “Where Texas History Began,” opened spring 2014 and tells the story of 13,000 years of heritage in the Texas Coastal Bend. 1235 The Texas Zoo What was once a sugar plantation in the mid–19th century is now a thriving suburb of Houston. Incorporated in 1959, Sugar Land is located in Fort Bend County, 20 miles southwest of downtown Houston. Residents of and visitors to Sugar Land enjoy the wealth of shopping options located within the city limits, fine dining, and cultural touchstones, like the Houston Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land. 110 Memorial Dr., Victoria, 77901 361-573-7681, texaszoo.com Designated the National Zoo of Texas by the state legislature, the Texas Zoo is home to wildlife from Texas and the rest of the world. Traveling exhibits like the Aussie Kingdom and daily events like gator feeding and the Primate Encounter are unique experiences. 12345 Constellation Field 1 Stadium Dr., Sugar Land, 77498 281-240-4487, sugarlandskeeters.com B TOUR 1 Home of the Sugar Land Skeeters of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, the park opened in April 2012 and also hosts football and soccer games, plus concerts and other events. Constellation Field boasts one of the largest scoreboards in the minor leagues, towering 100 feet above the field and shaped like Texas’ borders. 12345 Road Trips B seek any of the area’s more than 500 bird species at Resaca De La Palma State Park, a subtropical habitat four miles west of town. See more than 360 species of animal, including 43 endangered, at the Gladys Porter Zoo. TOUR 2 Kingsville, Corpus Christi, Port Aransas Noted for its wildlife and railroad connections, Kingsville is perhaps best known as the birthplace of American ranching. At King Ranch, a still-operational outfit founded by Captain Richard King in 1865, daily tours explore 825,000 acres of history and nature. Afterward, nab a pair of one-of-a-kind boots at the King Ranch Saddle Shop, a 100-year-old store peddling leather cowboy refinements. More than 250 marine species are represented at Corpus Christi’s Texas State Aquarium, where you can interact with dolphins, sharks, and stingrays or romp in the H-E-B Splash Park. Walk the USS Lexington, a decommissioned World War II-era aircraft carrier repurposed as a museum of naval history. Or tour the Texas Surf Museum, which explores the Gulf Coast surfing scene with exhibits, films, and Hollywood memorabilia. Known as a hub of marine science research, Port Aransas gives up its riches to the unscientific as well. Fishing is king on this sole establishment of Mustang Island, where charters navigate the waters and lighted piers guide the way. Bird watchers will have a field day at Mustang Island State Park or the Port Aransas Nature Preserve, where tidal flats provide feeding areas for shorebirds and endangered species. TOUR 3 Houston, Clute, Brazosport Area A metropolis of 2.1 million residents, Houston overspills with shopping, dining, and so much more. Enjoy a movie or eat out in the Bayou Place, an entertainment complex in the 17-block Theater District. Attend games of professional baseball, basketball, football, or soccer at four world-class sports venues. Fill up on culture in Chinatown or the Mahatma Gandhi District, or enjoy any of 337 parks, including Hermann Park, home to the Houston Zoo and the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Spanning 55 acres, Mammoth Lake Scuba Park in Clute is no ordinary watering hole. The dive-specific lake is littered with exotic objects: wrecked boats, a submarine, antique fire trucks, an F-5 jet, a cave system, and a replica of a Colombian mammoth. Fishing and crabbing are popular at nearby beaches such as Bryan, Quintana, and Surfside, while the wildlife refuges at Brazoria and San Bernard provide 88,000 acres of birding. The site where Stephen F. Austin and the “Old 300” settlers landed, and thus the birthplace of modern Texas, the Brazosport Area encompasses Clute, Freeport, Lake Jackson, and Surfside Beach. Forty miles of natural beaches provide fishing, frolic, and primitive camping. Spy alligators, deer, and other critters at Wilderness Park, a 482-acre area with four miles of hiking trails, or fondle the fish at the touch tanks of Sea Center Texas marine hatchery. T RAVELTEX . C OM | 17 Ex ploe re th Hill Country FROM AUSTIN’S INDIE SPIRIT TO THE COWBOY CHARM OF Bandera and Uvalde, the rolling hills of Texas have nurtured uncompromising authenticity for generations. Sample the region’s bounty by tasting local wines, tubing down the Guadalupe River, picking peaches in Stonewall, or smelling barbecue and bluebonnets in one inhale. For a slice of heaven, indulge in the Hill Country. BLUE HOLE ON CYPRESS CREEK, WIMBERLEY 18 | TEXAS INTERNATIONAL TOUR GUIDE 2015-2017 vironmental necessity, economic value, and natural beauty. 12345 The Long Center for the Performing Arts 701 W. Riverside Dr., Austin, 78704 512-457-5100, 512-474-LONG (box office) thelongcenter.org 84 281 277 83 190 Lampasas 183 Tow 87 Burnet 10 OS PEC Doss Sonora Junction Fredericksburg Stonewall ER RIV 83 w Ne Brackettville 90 Georgetown Cypress wood Mill Spice CO Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum LO R AD OR IVE R fe Helotes Mexico 1431 One of Austin’s premier cultural arts venues features a large-scale performance hall with nearly perfect acoustics. The Austin Symphony, the Austin Lyric Opera, and Ballet Austin all stage their performances here, and the center also hosts touring Broadway shows and performances by many independent theatrical and comedy groups. 1235 79 Lago Round Rock Vista 290 AUSTIN Kerrville Luckenbach Driftwood Sisterdale Johnson City Wimberley ne Blanco 35 er Comfort Spring San Marcos BoBranch P ip 16 e Creee en k 10 281 Gru ls Bandera Mountain Home 277 Bertram Buffal o Gap Marble Falls Cedar Park Brady 67 n rau B 90 Uvalde Hill Country Austin Capital of the Lone Star State and the “Live Music Capital of the World,” Austin is full of heart and soul. Home to the prestigious University of Texas, the city is a hub for both educational and recreational pursuits. More than 250 live-music venues welcome visitors to experience a vibrant nightlife. During the day, they can tour the Texas Capitol, the Bullock Texas State History Museum, or boutiques along South Congress Avenue. Those who love the outdoors will be delighted by Barton Springs, a natural spring-fed swimming pool, and the city’s extensive network of greenbelts, parks, and nature preserves. Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge Bat Colony and South Congress Avenue Congress Ave. between Cesar Chavez St. and Riverside Dr. 512-327-9271 (Bat Hotline), batcon.org From roughly April through late September, Austin hosts North America’s largest urban bat colony, as one million bats migrate north from central Mexico to their favorite roost in the city—underneath the Ann Richards Congress Avenue Bridge. The show begins at dusk, when these creatures take flight in search of the evening’s food. Farther south down the avenue are shops, dining spots, unique accommodations, galleries, and music venues. 134 Blanton Museum of Art PHOTO: WILL VAN OVERBEEK/TXDOT 200 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Austin, 78701 512-471-7324, blantonmuseum.org Explore the notable permanent collection of more than 17,000 works, old master paintings, American and Latin American art, and an encyclopedic collection of prints and drawings. 12345 Bullock Texas State History Museum 1800 N. Congress Ave., Austin, 78701 512-936-8746, TheStoryofTexas.com The myths, legends, and facts of the Lone Star State are AV ER AGE T EMPER AT UR E S C ° Austin Uvalde January 10 11 February 12 13 March 17 17 April 21 22 May 24 25 June 27 28 July 29 29 August 29 29 September 27 27 October 22 22 November 16 16 December 11 11 Sunshine Days 229 225 brought together under one roof with interactive exhibits, artifacts never before publicly displayed, an IMAX theater, and the multisensory Texas Spirit Theater. Don’t miss the museum store and the Story of Texas Café, which has both indoor and outdoor dining. 12345 Circuit of the Americas 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd., Austin, 78617 512-301-6600, circuitoftheamericas.com CoTA is the world’s newest home for high performance motorsports racing. The track is the only purpose-built facility in the country designed for Formula 1™ racing and is the host circuit for the U.S. Grand Prix from 20122021. 12345 The Contemporary Austin Laguna Gloria, 3809 West 35th St., Austin, 78703, 512-458-8191; Jones Center, 700 Congress Ave., Austin, 78701, 512-453-5312 thecontemporaryaustin.org The Contemporary Austin showcases exhibits in two renowned and architecturally unique locations. Multidisciplinary exhibitions, programs, and special events have a visual arts focus. 235 Harry Ransom Center The University of Texas at Austin 300 W. 21st St., Austin, 78712 512-471-8944, hrc.utexas.edu One of the world’s finest cultural archives, the Ransom Center houses 36 million literary manuscripts, 1 million rare books, 5 million photographs, and more than 100,000 works of art. Highlights include the Gutenberg Bible (ca. 1450) and the world’s first photograph (ca. 1826). 23 Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center 4801 La Crosse Ave., Austin, 78739 512-232-0100, wildflower.org The only facility of its kind in the country, this native plant center is dedicated to educating people about en- 2313 Red River St., Austin, 78705 512-721-0200, lbjlibrary.org Permanent exhibits include audiovisual presentations, historical displays, gifts from foreign dignitaries, and a replica of the Oval Office. 1235 Sixth Street and the Warehouse District Five blocks south of the Texas State Capitol, between Congress Ave. and IH-35, 6street.com Being within walking distance of downtown hotels makes Sixth Street, known for its dance clubs, livemusic venues, and bars, one of the city’s most popular destinations. Just a few steps west, two blocks of Fourth and Fifth streets constitute the Warehouse District, where warehouses have been transformed into restaurants, clubs, and bars. 34 State Capitol and Capitol Visitors Center State Capitol: E. 11th St. and Congress Ave., Austin, 78701, 512-463-0063 Capitol Visitors Center: 112 E. 11th St., Austin, 78701, 512-305-8400 www.tspb.state.tx.us Fourteen feet higher than the nation’s capitol, the Texas Capitol presides over downtown Austin from atop a gentle hill. The Capitol Visitors Center offers exhibits and short videos about the history of the Capitol and a gift shop. 1234 Zilker Park, Zilker Botanical Garden, Austin Nature & Science Center, and Barton Springs Pool 2220 Barton Springs Rd., Austin, 78746 512-974-2000, 512-867-3080 (pool), 512-477-8672 (garden), 512-974-3888 (Nature Center), 512-974-6797 (PARD reservation office), austintexas.gov/department/zilker-metropolitan-park This huge city park is the site of the invigorating 68-degree spring-fed Barton Springs Pool, a playscape, a miniature train, an amphitheater, botanical gardens, and the Austin Nature and Science Center. Also in the park are hike-and-bike trails, a disc golf course, sand volleyball courts, and canoe and kayak rentals. 12345 Bandera Known as the “Cowboy Capital of the World,” this city has more dude ranches, champion rodeo cowboys, and old-time Texas honky-tonks per capita than most other places on the globe. Visit all the historic sites downtown, including the Frontier Times Museum. Gunfighters and Western entertainers perform every Saturday, March through November. Work on acquiring your Western wardrobe on Main Street at one of the many Western wear stores, then wet your whistle and hear some live music at one of the refurbished saloons in town. Frontier Times Museum 510 13th St., Bandera, 78003 830-796-3864, frontiertimesmuseum.org The best word for this museum is “eclectic.” You might come across vintage cowboy items, artifacts from Judge Roy Bean’s court, a stuffed two-headed goat, or a South T RAVELTEX . C OM | 19 TEXAS BLUEBONNETS KERRVILLE FOLK FESTIVAL Hill Country State Natural Area Band, the country’s oldest continuously active German band, for a taste of the Hill Country’s GermanTexan culture. 10600 Bandera Creek Rd., Bandera, 78003 830-796-4413, 512-389-8900 (reservations) tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/hill-country Cave Without a Name Enjoy Hill Country beauty at this primitive 5,400-acre park as you take advantage of 40 miles of multipurpose trails designed for hiking, biking, and equestrian use. Spend the night at one of the many primitive campsites, specially equipped equestrian campsites, or the group lodge. Fishing and swimming in the creek pools are permitted if water levels are sufficient. 125 This National Natural Landmark continues to impress visitors with its beauty. The cave tour ends on an underground segment where the Guadalupe River feeds through the Glen Rose aquifer. 125 Boerne This town was established in 1849 by a group of German intellectuals who wanted to form their own Utopia-like settlement. With events such as Market Days, Berges Fest, the Kendall County Fair, Key to the Hills Rod Run, Dickens on Main, and the Weihnachts Festival, there’s never a dull weekend. Don’t miss the Cibolo Nature Center or nearby hiking trails. Catch a summertime show by the Boerne Village 20 | 325 Kreutzberg Rd., Boerne, 78006 830-537-4212, cavewithoutaname.com Cibolo Nature Center & Farm 140 City Park Rd., Boerne, 78006 830-249-4616, cibolo.org This nature center features almost 100 acres of hiking trails, among them the beautiful Cibolo Creek area and marsh. Naturalist and educational programs are available. 1235 Burnet The Texas Legislature designated Burnet the Bluebonnet Capital in honor of its annual cornucopia of spring wildflowers. Visitors can enjoy Lake Buchanan year-round and may be fortunate enough TEXAS INTERNATIONAL TOUR GUIDE 2015-2017 to spy an American bald eagle in the winter. Deer hunters travel to Burnet in droves during the fall and winter, while in the spring and summer a trip to Longhorn Cavern State Park or the rock bluffs surrounding Inks Lake State Park is appealing. Visit Fort Croghan, take a hike at Hamilton Creek Park, or enjoy April’s Bluebonnet Festival, one of many charming events in Burnet. Lake Buchanan Dam 17816 Hwy. 29 at Buchanan Dam, Burnet, 78609 512-793-2803, buchanan-inks.com Built in the ’30s, the three-mile-long Buchanan Dam is said to be the largest multiarch dam in the country. Its construction created the Highland Lakes, a 128-mile chain of seven lakes, of which Lake Buchanan is the largest and highest. 123 Vanishing Texas River Cruise 443 Waterway Ln., Burnet, 78611 512-756-6986, 800-4RIVER4, vtrc.com On this two-hour cruise of Lake Buchanan, stay comfortable on the enclosed 70-foot deck while you enjoy the view of dramatic limestone cliffs along the shore. 125 PHOTO: LEENA ROBINSON / SHUTTERSTOCK American shrunken head—not to mention artwork and a collection of 400 bells from around the world. 123 Fredericksburg Welcome to this historic town full of distinctive shopping, food, and lodgings. Founded in 1846, the town’s strong German heritage is evident. Stay in one of the many guesthouses and stroll along historic Main Street, with more than 150 shops and art galleries. More than 70 restaurants and Biergartens also await. You can tour and enjoy tastings at more than two dozen local wineries. Take a hike at Enchanted Rock or soak up history in the parks and museums. Enjoy professional theater and Texas entertainers. National Museum of the Pacific War 340 E. Main St., Fredericksburg, 78624 830-997-8600, pacificwarmuseum.org Walk in the shadow of a B-25 bomber on the deck of the USS Hornet at this museum. Spread over several acres, the historic site includes the Nimitz Museum, the National Museum of the Pacific War, the George W. Bush Gallery, the Japanese Garden of Peace, the Veterans Walk of Honor and Memorial Wall, the Pacific Combat Zone, and the Plaza of Presidents. 1235 Wildseed Farms Market Center 425 Wildflower Hills, Fredericksburg, 78624 800-848-0078, wildseedfarms.com Open year–round, springtime is ordinarily the best bloom season for the wildflower crops at Wildseed Farms. The walking trail known as The Meadows sits in the heart of the fields and features row after row of the most popular Texas wildflowers. 1234 Georgetown The town of Georgetown, founded in 1848, boasts a traditional courthouse square that earned a Great American Main Street award and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Victorian buildings surrounding the square have been transformed into quaint antique shops, bookstores, and bed-and-breakfasts. The striking campus of Southwestern University is an integral part of the entire community. The Candle Factory offers tours, where visitors can observe as more than 1,000 varieties of hand-dipped candles are made. At Inner Space Cavern you can see evidence of Ice Age animals amid fantastic cave formations. Inner Space Cavern 4200 S. I-35, Georgetown, 78626 512-931-2283 myinnerspacecavern.com This cavern contains fossils of prehistoric mastodons, wolves, and other Ice Age animals. Try the standard Adventure Tour or the Wild Cave Tour. 1234 Johnson City PHOTOGRAPH: ©KEVIN STILLMAN/TXDOT The charming communit y of Johnson Cit y, located right at the crossroads of the Texas Hill Country, is a scenic town named for an ancestor of Former President Lyndon B. Johnson. It is also the jumping-off point for all things LBJ. The beautiful Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park, including the LBJ Ranch and the president’s childhood home, is a must-see item on the itinerary. Stroll through the quaint and historic downtown and browse the array of gift shops and antiques stores. A trip to the Texas Hills Vineyard, a few of the many art galleries, Pedernales Falls State Park, and the Exotic Zoo Resort also provide fun excursions in and around Johnson City. Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park 100 E. Lady Bird Ln., Johnson City, 78636 830-868-7128, nps.gov/lyjo LBJ Ranch District: near Stonewall on US Hwy. 290 This park to honor the 36th president and his family is divided into two districts. In Johnson City tourists can view exhibits and films, and they can also visit LBJ’s boyhood home, where he lived from age five until he left for college. The 1901 one-story frame house INNER SPACE CAVERN, GEORGETOWN T RAVELTEX . C OM | 21 F1 RACING, AUSTIN Kerrville Kerrville has a rare blend of arts, cultural, and outdoor activities. Enjoy unique shopping and dining opportunities, outdoor recreation with golf, tennis, shooting sports, and the river, as well as year-round events and festivals, numerous galleries and performing arts, all conveniently located in one city. Museum of Western Art 1550 Bandera Hwy., Kerrville, 78028 830-896-2553, museumofwesternart.com A venue for contemporary cowboy artists with themed exhibits focusing on hardworking cowboys, Native Americans, women of the West, settlers, and mountain men. 1235 Blending cultural history with the area’s natural history, the Nature Center includes rotating exhibits, walking paths, a wildflower meadow, butterfly gardens, native plants, and easy access to the Kerrville River Trail along the Guadalupe River. 123 New Braunfels German immigrants led by Prince Carl Solms of Braunfels, Germany, founded the town of New Braunfels on the banks of the Comal and Guadalupe rivers, in 1845. Prince Carl knew that this was the place to st ay and play. Summer brings throngs of people to the scenic Hill Country area for tubing and rafting jaunts on the rivers, as well as for outings to top Travel Channel pick, Schlitterbahn Waterpark. Enjoy a hike you’ll never forget at Natural Bridge Caverns, Texas’ largest underground adventure. From the comfort of your own vehicle go on an African safari, Texas-st yle, at Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch. Historic Gruene Riverside Nature Center 1601 Hunter Rd., New Braunfels, 78130 830-629-5077, gruenetexas.com 150 Francisco Lemos St., Kerrville, 78028 830-257-4837, riversidenaturecenter.org Hit Texas’ oldest continuously operating dance hall to enjoy big-name performers. Gruene, pronounced 22 | TEXAS INTERNATIONAL TOUR GUIDE 2015-2017 “Green,” is also a launching spot for inner-tube trips down the Guadalupe. Monthly Old Gruene Market Days offer shopping and dining, regularly inflating the population in this tiny town. 12345 Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort 305 W. Austin St., New Braunfels, 78130 830-625-2351, schlitterbahn.com Voted by Amusement Today magazine as the World’s Best Waterpark 17 years in a row, Schlitterbahn New Braunfels combines the natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country with a huge variety of water adventures for everyone in the family. 12345 Round Rock Whether you’re an athlete, a business traveler, or a vacationer, the collection of shopping, dining, and entertainment options in Round Rock will impress you. In this city, dubbed the Sports Capital of Texas, you can enjoy a baseball game with the Triple-A Round Rock Express at the Dell Diamond or take a turn at the city’s newest participant sport: shopping. Shop until you literally drop at Round Rock Premium Outlets and the nearby IKEA. PHOTO: CIRCUIT OF THE AMERICAS has been restored and furnished with period pieces and Johnson family items. Just down the street is the Johnson Settlement, headquarters for Lyndon’s grandfather’s cattle-driving enterprise. The Johnson Ranch, the family cemetery, and the “Texas White House” are also worth a visit. 1235 Dell Diamond 3400 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock, 78665 512-255-2255, roundrockexpress.com The Dell Diamond is the home field of the Round Rock Express baseball team and club. The sport court, moon jump, and rock-climbing wall ensure that every member of the family has fun. 12345 San Marcos Located in the Texas Hill Country between Austin and San Antonio, San Marcos is within driving distance of these metropolitan areas but nonetheless remains a world away from big-city life. The spring-fed, crystal-clear San Marcos River is popular for tubing, snorkeling, and kayaking. If shopping is your goal, you’ll be thrilled with the San Marcos Outlets, which are the largest in the country. The city is also home to Texas State University, Lyndon Baines Johnson’s alma mater and the only Texas university to have a U.S. president as an alumnus. Check out the museum dedicated to his college days on the historic downtown square. The Meadows Center (formerly Aquarena Center) 201 San Marcos Springs Dr., San Marcos, 78666 512-245-7570, meadowscenter.txstate.edu Here at the headwaters of the San Marcos River, you can watch the springs bubbling up from underground as you ride in a glass-bottom boat. Exhibits range from endangered species to history and archaeology. 1235 Wonder World Park 1000 Prospect St., San Marcos, 78666 512-392-3760, wonderworldpark.com This huge underground cave was formed 30 million years ago when a prehistoric ocean covered the area and an enormous earthquake occurred. Interesting attractions at the park include the 110-foot Tejas Observation Tower, the Anti-Gravity House, and Mystery Mountain.1245 Uvalde With the distinction of marking the beginning of the Texas Hill Country, this community exudes a rustic charm that is complemented by the intriguing history of the region. Uvalde provides a tempting menu of activities: shopping and antiquing, opera house shows, nature exploration at Garner State Park or Lost Maples State Natural Area, hunting, an 1840sera fort, golfing, beautiful rivers, a fish hatchery, and an 80-million-year-old extinct volcano. First State Bank of Uvalde and Briscoe Art and Antique Collection 200 E. Nopal, Uvalde, 78801 830-278-6231, fsbuvalde.com/online-gallery.aspx Often referred to as the most beautiful bank in Texas, this institution first opened in 1907. Except for a government-ordered “bank holiday” during the Depression, it has been open for business ever since. The bank is filled with collections of original art and classic antiques. Over 4,000 people visit every year. 1235 Janey Slaughter-Briscoe Grand Opera House 104 W. North St., Uvalde, 78801 830-278-4184, visituvalde.com Marble Falls, Stonewall, Fredericksburg Aquatic exploits abound at Marble Falls, the youngest of the Colorado River-fed Highland Lakes. Home to one of the nation’s largest drag boat races every August, the lake promises boating, canoeing, kayaking, waterskiing, swimming, and fishing. Enjoy an unmatched view at any of several lakefront restaurants, or trek to Sweet Berry Farm to pick berries or peruse the pumpkin patch, depending on the season. The spirit of Lyndon B. Johnson, our 36th president, lives on in his ancestral hometown of Stonewall. Guests at the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park receive a map and CD with narration about his birth home, family cemetery, and buildings where he made executive decisions. Across the Pedernales River is the 700-acre LBJ State Park and Historic Site, where visitors can spy roaming buffalo, traipse the trails, or watch the past reinterpreted at a living history farm. Like a Teutonic fairytale land brought to life, Fredericksburg imports charm from a bygone era. The town, established in 1846 by German settlers, includes 700 historical buildings and still observes traditional celebrations – from Oktoberfest to Schuetzenfests Wimberley The lovely village of Wimberley is tucked between Cypress Creek and the Blanco River, about one hour north of San Antonio and 45 minutes south of Austin. After a scenic drive, visitors will find numerous bed-and-breakfasts and resorts scattered along cypress-lined streams and among green, rolling hills. Wimberley Square is known for its shops filled with art, antiques, clothing, and furniture. Market Days, a popular tourist destination, is held on the first Saturday of each month from March through December. Wimberley Glass Works 6469 Ranch Rd. 12, San Marcos, 78666 512-213-4148, wgw.com Owner Tim deJong and other local artisans craft exquisite glass pieces and lighting fixtures here at this shop. Watch an amazing glassblowing demonstration or take time to browse the gallery for a signed piece of glass art. 123 Wimberley Zip Lines 300 Winn Valley Drive, Wimberley, 78676 512-847-9990, wimberleyzipline.com Your trained guide will teach you about the local ecosystem of plants and wildlife, local history, and other interesting Wimberley area facts. Then you’ll literally be whisked away at up to 30 miles per hour on one of the 10 ziplines spanning three-quarters of a mile over the Wimberley Valley. 12 Built back in 1891 and carefully restored in the early ’80s, the Grand Opera House is the focal point of historic downtown Uvalde. It was once known as the site B TOUR 1 of many melodramas and performances of plays, musicals, and cultural works. 1235 Road Trips (marksmanship tournaments). Its main street, known as the Magic Mile, is lined with quaint shops, bakeries, restaurants, wine stores, and flourishes of German architecture. Ensconce yourself in one of the town’s 300 bed-andbreakfasts, or bone up on WWII history at the National Museum of the Pacific War. TOUR 2 New Braunfels, Wimberley, Dripping Springs Another town with German roots, New Braunfels hosts Wurstfest every November. The sausagecentric event includes oompah bands, art, food, beer, and games on fairgrounds next to the Comal River. Those cold, spring-fed waters provide miles of tubing fun in the summer, even flowing into rides at the original Schlitterbahn waterpark. Meaning “slippery road” in German, the 70-acre destination is open from late April to mid-September and features such popular attractions as the six-story-tall Master Blaster, an uphill water coaster. Take the farm and ranch roads north to Wimberley, a resort village noted for its pastoral scenery and one-of-a-kind shopping. Down-home tchotchkes, rare rocks and cowboy wares line the shelves in town square, where you’re sure to find B that perfect home addition. Admire more than 1,000 specimens of trees representing 160 species at the Central Texas Bonsai Exhibit, swim in the cypress-lined Blue Hole for a swim, or go on a zip–line tour over the Wimberley Valley. Towering live oaks, rich wine country, and geographic convenience make Dripping Springs a popular getaway. Located just 40 minutes west of Austin, this growing gateway to the Hill Country promises several wineries; tours of the vineyarddotted countryside are popular, and thousands flock to the annual Dripping with Taste Festival. Scope a 45-foot-tall waterfall at Hamilton Pool Natural Reserve, or scan the skies above Westcave Preserve for a glimpse of the endangered goldencheeked warbler. TOUR 3 Round Rock, Austin, San Marcos One of the nation’s fastest-growing cities, the shopping mecca of Round Rock boasts an IKEA, an outlet mall, and master-planned retail centers. But the city’s main brag is sports. Catch a game at the Dell Diamond, home of the Round Rock Express, a Texas Rangers farm team coowned by baseball great Nolan Ryan. Seek your own athletic glory at Old Settlers Park, a massive sports complex featuring disc golf, cricket, baseball, softball, soccer, and a pool. Thumb through Austin’s livemusic schedule to find world-famous headliners at many of the city’s 250 venues. UT Austin’s KLRU studios, the original taping location for PBS’s longest-running series, Austin City Limits, are open for free tours on Friday mornings. At sunset, witness a million bats emerge from the underside of Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge above Lady Bird Lake. Brave the locals’ disdain by going on a Segway tour of the State Capitol, or earn their respect by renting a bicycle downtown. Edgar Allen Poe’s writing desk is one of thousands of curios at the Harry Ransom Center. Also? Breakfast tacos. Have at ’em. San Marcos–or “San Marvelous,” as it’s been called– seems to be siphoning some of Austin’s cool with its hip perks for a young population. The town of 44,894 is passionate about live music, enjoying a Summer in the Park concert series and several festivals throughout the year. Go spelunking in the earthquake-formed caves of Wonder World, where visitors are free to take photos and touch the walls. Or take a glassbottom boat tour of Spring Lake at the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment. T RAVELTEX . C O M | 23 Ex pthloe re Panhandle Plains TRACE THE HIGHWAYS OF THE PANHANDLE PLAINS, where a staunch Old West history yields to the land’s timeless, rugged beauty. Palo Duro Canyon–the U.S.’s second-largest canyon–alone makes this region a nature-lover’s dream worthy of its Big Texas Sky. From Buffalo Gap’s western charm to Lubbock’s Buddy Holly nostalgia, the Panhandle is unlike any other place on Earth. TEXAS OUTDOOR MUSICAL, PALO DURO CANYON STATE PARK 24 | TEXAS INTERNATIONAL TOUR GUIDE 2015-2017 AV ER AGE T EMPER AT UR E S C ° Oklah hom ma 385 87 Perryton Stratford 83 Dalhart 287 Dumas 54 40 CA 60 Panhandle AMARILLO Vega Shamrock 40 Clarendon 287 yon Palo Duro State Park 27 Hereford Can 60 Farwell R IVE NR DIA Pampa Canadian NA 385 83 Littlefield 70 Spur LUBBOCK 180 Tahoka Brownfield Seminole Lamesa 380 Post 83 ZOS BRA Aspermont ER RIV 277 281 Graham Stamford Anson Snyder 180 Sweetwater 20 Big Spring 87 Colorado City CO LO RA DO Water Valley boro 380 Haskell 84 87 2601 I-40 E., Amarillo, 79104 806-376-5181, aqha.com/museum The American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame and Museum’s fantastic facility is designed to showcase the stars of the American quarter horse world —the people and horses who have become legends. 35 Don Harrington Discovery Center 1200 Streit Dr., Amarillo, 79106 806-355-9547, dhdc.org Explore, tinker, create, and play at the Discovery Center, with more than 55 hands-on exhibits and the Panhandle’s only Space Theater. 12345 Rt. 66, Amarillo, 79106 amarillo66.com 44 Wichita Falls 70 Paducah 27 380 American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame and Museum Historic Route 66 Vernon 84 385 Amarillo 2 4 8 14 19 24 26 25 21 14 8 3 260 Childress 385 Plainview Plains Abilene 7 8 13 18 23 27 29 29 24 18 12 8 244 January February March April May June July August September October November December Sunshine Days European paintings from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, Middle Eastern textiles, 9th-century Java sculpture, photography, and Asian art. 1235 Mineral Wells 180 Abilene 20 RI VE R San Anggelo 67 Brownwood Paint Rock 87 The history of the Wild West is synonymous with excitement, streng th, creativit y, and spirit. In Abilene, that frontier spirit lives on. Spend a few days scouting out the sights and sounds of this legendary area–a place where western heritage is both a birthright and a pastime. Take in Abilene’s spirited venues and inspiring art scene, and savor our mesquite–flavor dining that is truly in a class of its own. Abilene Zoo 2070 Zoo Ln., Nelson Park, Abilene, 79602 325-676-6085, abilenezoo.org Home to over 900 animals from around the globe, a visit to the Abilene Zoo is filled with fun and excitement for the entire family. Feed a giraffe, stroll through the Elm Creek Backyard, home to dozens of Texas species, or come eye–to–eye with a king cobra. 12345 Frontier Texas! 625 N. First St., Abilene, 79601 325-437-2800, frontiertexas.com PHOTO: TXDOT Frontier Texas! is one of the few storytelling museums in the world that features life-sized holograms; they tell the story of the men and women who lived and died on the Texas frontier. The Frontier Experience Theater also puts visitors in the center of an Indian raid, a west Texas thunderstorm, and a buffalo hunt. 1235 Get a glimpse of the customs and traditions of the people of the pueblos and plains. Explore the exhibits of fine paintings, bronze sculptures, and artifacts of Southwest culture. 12345 Eden Panhandle Plains Abilene Kwahadi Museum of the American Indian 9151 I-40 E., Amarillo, 79120 806-335-3175, kwahadi.com 83 Ballinger Route 66 represents the beginnings of America’s highway infrastructure and the transition from dirt roads to superhighways. The road tells the story of a newly mobile nation and of the democratization of travel. On the nearly 30 miles that lie within Amarillo alone there are 25 antiques shops and 15 restaurants. 12345 The Grace Museum 102 Cypress St., Abilene, 79601 325-673-4587, thegracemuseum.org Canyon Canyon, settled in 1887 as the headquarters of the T Anchor Ranch, was named for its location next to Palo Duro Canyon, the second-largest canyon in the nation. West Texas A&M University, where artist Georgia O’Keeffe once taught, is also here. The Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, the largest history museum in Texas, was built in 1933 on campus out of native Texas stone. Its doors are emblazoned with famous ranch brands. Be sure to see the summer musical TEXAS! in the canyon’s amphitheater. Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum The Grace, located in the heart of downtown in a 1909 hotel, is an AAM–accredited museum. Changing exhibits feature the best of Texas art, past and present. The Grace offers a variety of educational programs for all ages through new experiences in art, science, and history. 1235 2503 Fourth Ave., Canyon, 79015 806-651-2244, panhandleplains.org Amarillo Hereford With almost two million visitors each year from every corner of the world, Amarillo’s main (natural) attraction is Palo Duro Canyon State Park, where you’ll find the second-largest canyon of its kind in the nation. The summer musical TEXAS!, presented in the canyon’s amphitheater, transports the audience to the Old West. Whether strolling around the Cadillac Ranch or taking in a show at the GlobeNews Center for the Performing Arts, you’ll like this mix of the historic and the new along with the multitude of shopping and dining. The community of Hereford was named for the herds of Herefords that were raised here. Cows are still the primary source of commerce for the town, with approximately 1.9 million head of cattle within a 30-mile radius of the city—hence the proud moniker Beef Capital of the World. Hereford’s attractions include the Deaf Smith County Museum, the impressive Hereford Aquatic Center, and the John Pitman Municipal Golf Course. Amarillo Museum of Art 400 Sampson St., Hereford, 79045 806-363-7070 deafsmithcountymuseum.org 2200 S. Van Buren St., Amarillo, 79109 806-371-5050, 806-371-5392 amarilloart.org Designed by noted architect Edward Durell Stone, this museum exhibits works from the impressive permanent collection of American modernist pieces, Visit Texas’s largest history museum, with two million artifacts and 22 galleries. Other parts of the museum are devoted to the oil boom years, transportation, and a collection of Southwestern art. 1235 Deaf Smith County Historical Museum This museum documents life during pioneer days with a schoolroom, general store, living area, and kitchen. A collection of period buildings includes a chapel within the museum and a dugout house. 12 T RAVELTEX . C O M | 25 Lubbock From five award-winning wineries to live music rocking out almost every night, there’s something for everyone in Lubbock. Whether you want to enjoy a show at the famed Cactus Theater or treat your kids to the excitement of a hands-on, interactive museum or a movie under the stars, Lubbock has it all. A vibrant history can be discovered at the National Ranching Heritage Center, where 48 authentic structures dating back to the 1700s have been restored, or at the American Wind Power Center, which houses the largest collection of windmills in the world. Take in an eclectic art scene during Lubbock’s famous First Friday Art Trail and savor renowned wines from area-grown grapes. Bayer Museum of Agriculture 1121 Canyon Lake Dr., Lubbock, 79409 806-744-3786, agriculturalhistory.org Formerly the American Museum of Agriculture, this step back in time features interactive exhibits and historical displays dating to the pioneering years of agriculture. 123 Buddy Holly Center 1801 Crickets Ave., Lubbock, 79401 806-775-3560, buddyhollycenter.org The center houses permanent exhibits dedicated to the life and music of Buddy Holly. Memorabilia donated by family, friends, and fans of Lubbock’s favorite son are showcased. The center also houses the Lubbock Fine Arts Gallery. 1235 Depot Entertainment District 19th St. and Buddy Holly Ave., Lubbock, 79401 800-692-4035, visitlubbock.org Music fills the air as you walk the street admiring the neon lights, restaurants, and entertainment offered in the historic Depot Entertainment District. 12345 CADILLAC RANCH, AMARILLO TOUR 1 Jacksboro, Mineral Wells, Abilene Fort Richardson State Park and Historic Site in Jacksboro offers a double-whammy. Be transported to the post-Civil War era, when frontier settlers needed protection from native tribes, by exploring the seven buildings of a historic fort. Or lose yourself in the expansive park, which promises something for hikers, cyclists, swimmers, and fishermen. Next to the park, a sinewy 10-mile trail runs along Lost Creek, a main watershed for the city’s two lakes. Since 1885, with the discovery of a natural well alleged to cure mental illness and more, Mineral Wells has attracted thousands of pilgrims. Immerse yourself in a spartan soaking room or buy a bottle of water from one of the town’s entrepreneurs. Three miles east of the city, head to the Clark Gardens Botanical Park, replete with lush gardens and a massive outdoor model train exhibit. Drive southwest to Abilene, a varied city that boasts a state park, a war museum, and a contemporary arts center. In the confines of Fron- 26 | Road Trips tier Texas!, an interactive museum that plunks you into the Old West, nine “spirit guides” from different facets of frontier life walk visitors through the past. Pay a walletfriendly visit to the Abilene Zoo, home to more than 160 species of animals–from creeping insects to black rhinos and giraffes. TOUR 2 San Angelo, Paint Rock, Lubbock Touched by water on three sides, San Angelo is a burgeoning city founded on the site of the historic Fort Concho, now a museum. Into birding? Explore the Concho Valley, home to more than 332 species. Art aficionados flock to the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts and Education. For a sense of cosmic wonder, it’s warp-speed ahead to Angelo State University’s planetarium, which projects amazing 3-D views of more than 500 million stars. For beauty of a lower-tech sort, journey to the banks of the Concho River, where hues of red, yellow, white, black, and orange lick the aged limestone cliffs. Natural formations? Far from it. TEXAS INTERNATIONAL TOUR GUIDE 2015-2017 B The simple pictographs on the 70-foot-tall Paint Rock bluffs are mysterious visual tales left by generations of Native Americans. Year-round guided tours are available by appointment. Three hours northwest, Lubbock looms as a cultural force. The Buddy Holly Center celebrates its namesake and other notables in the Texas Musicians Hall of Fame. For a blast of hipsterdom, walk to the Depot Entertainment District, where tunes, eats, and microbrews await. Peruse the world’s largest collection of windmills at the American Wind Power Center, an old-time destination with zeitgeist appeal. Nurture your intellect at the world-renowned Museum of Texas Tech University, home to cutting-edge exhibits in many fields. TOUR 3 Palo Duro Canyon, Amarillo Extending 120 miles, Palo Duro Canyon carves an earthen gash that rivals the big sky above. Far from untouchable, the “Grand Canyon of Texas” annually attracts thousands to its 1,500 acres for hiking, camping, birding and sightseeing. Pitch a tent, rent fully furnished cabins, or hole up in a newly refurbished rock cabin. Take advantage of equestrian-use amenities and ride a horse to the renowned Lighthouse formation. In the summer, take in the spectacle of TEXAS!, a song-anddance show about the region’s intrepid early settlers. Just a few miles north, Amarillo boasts botanical gardens, a zoo, ranches, an amusement park, and scores of souvenir shops nodding to historic highway Route 66. Notch some bragging rights at the Big Texan Steak Ranch, the famous restaurant that offers a 72-ounce steak dinner for free– if you can finish the entire meal in an hour. For more high-minded pursuits, check the seasonal calendars of the Lone Star Ballet, Amarillo Opera, Amarillo Little Theatre, and Amarillo Symphony. PHOTO BY J. GRIFFIS SMITH, TEXAS HIGHWAYS MAGAZINE, AMARILLO CONVENTION VISITOR COUNCIL B PALO DURO CANYON STATE PARK LIGHTHOUSE, CANYON Museum of Texas Tech University 3301 Fourth St., Lubbock, 79409 806-742-2442, 806-742-2490 depts.ttu.edu/museumttu Explore exhibits featuring a total of nearly five million objects. Discover collections in the arts, humanities, and natural sciences, as well as the Moody Planetarium’s daily laser and star shows. 123 National Ranching Heritage Center 3121 Fourth St., Lubbock, 79409 806-742-2498, nrhc.ttu.edu This16-acre site houses 48 structures dating back to the 1700s, each authentically restored and furnished. The center depicts the life of North American ranchers through year-round events and tours, including the popular Candlelight at the Ranch in December and Ranch Days in April. 123 San Angelo PHOTO COURTESY OF AMARILLO CVC From its scenic river walk to the San Angelo State Park, frontier heritage is alive and well in this Old West town on the Concho River. Its beginnings can be traced back to Fort Concho, which today is recognized as the largest and best-preserved U.S. Army fort of the 19th century. Connecting the fort to the downtown is El Paseo de Santa Angela, a tree-lined pathway that winds along the river. Make time to explore the Museum of Fine Arts, Miss Hattie’s Bordello Museum, and the International Water Lily Garden. International Water Lily Garden 325-655-4136, 800-375-1206 internationalwaterlilycollection.com The garden, located in Civic League Park, hosts a variety of day and night lilies that can be visited at any time. 13 San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts One Love St., San Angelo, 76903 325-653-3333, samfa.org The building that houses San Angelo’s fine arts museum is an architectural masterpiece in itself, with three galleries, a rooftop sculpture garden, a library, an atrium, a studio, and an outdoor kiln. 1235 Wichita Falls Whether you choose to visit for business or leisure, there is something for everyone. Wichita Falls boasts over 2,000 affordable hotel rooms plus a seasonal waterpark, an 18-hole championship golf course, a nature conservatory, and a winery plus a host of museums and works of art located throughout the city. Wichita Falls is nestled in the North Texas area, only 20 minutes from two Indian Nation casinos. Castaway Cove Waterpark 1000 E. Central Fwy., Wichita Falls, 76301 940-322-5500, castawaycovewaterpark.com Museum of North Texas History 720 Indiana Ave., Wichita Falls, 76301 940-322-7628 , museumofnorthtexashistory.org Permanent exhibits include “The Military Collection,” housing more than 3,000 items from the Civil War to the current conflict. The centerpiece of this collection is the Iwo Jima Room. Heritage Hall features the collection of more than 500 cowboy hats gathered over the last 54 years from local ranchers and businessmen. 1235 River Bend Nature Center and Butterfly Conservatory 2200 Third St., Wichita Falls, 76301 940-767-0843, riverbendnaturecenter.org Watch a profusion of emerging but ter flies in the chrysallis stage at the Ruby N. Priddy Butterfly and Nature Conservatory and Peyton’s Place. 1235 Wichita Falls Waterfall and Hike and Bike Trails 100 Sunset Dr., Wichita Falls, 76302 940-761-7490, wichitafallstx.gov This 54-foot manmade waterfall is a multilevel cascade on the banks of the Wichita River. The falls are a perfect backdrop to the city’s Wichita River Trail as well as the additional 18 miles of lighted-concrete trails throughout the city. 1235 A tropical-themed paradise for the whole family, this waterpark features slides from 40-foot and 50-foot towers, a Kiddie Park, the Lazy River, and the Tidal Wave Pool. 12345 Corner of Pecos and N. Park Sts. at Civic League Park T RAVELTEX . C OM | 27 Ex pthloe re Piney Woods IN THE PINEY WOODS, THE JOURNEY IS EVERYTHING. Explorers can wander freely among a landscape of vast lakes, fast-flowing rivers, dense forests, and rippling bayous, as well as modern-day enclaves that magnetize shoppers and golfers. Beauty, culture, and history combine here to treat visitors to charming towns that promise a gentler kind of bustle. CADDO LAKE STATE PARK, KARNACK 28 | TEXAS INTERNATIONAL TOUR GUIDE 2015-2017 Arkansas Jefferson Texarkana 30 W 80 31 271 hi te Jefferson Oa k Karnack Longview Marshall 20 Kilgore Tyler 59 Henderson 79 Lou uisiiana Mount 59 Pleasant CADDO LAKE Jacksonville Mount Enterprise 59 IN SAB 259 Nacogdoches VER Crockett AV ER AGE T EMPER AT UR E S C ° E RI 69 Lufkin 96 Jasper Woodville 190 45 Piney Woods 190 Huntsville 59 69 96 Shenandoah The Woodlands ry gome Mont Conroe 90 Conroe If you’re looking for that “wow” factor to add to your next corporate, social, or group tour event, choose Conroe for unique and memorable venues and attractions. The city impresses tourists with sports and recreation facilities, outdoor experiences, historical venues, charming downtown locations, vineyards, wineries, breweries, and convention and conference centers. North Lake Conroe Paddling Company 13988 Calvary Road, Willis, 77318 936-203-2697, nlcpc.com Touring, fishing, and kayaking rentals are offered for individuals or small to medium-sized groups. 12 Downtown Conroe 300 W. Davis St., Conroe, 77301 936-522-3014, experiencedowntownconroe.com PHOTO: CHASE FOUNTAIN, TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT Step back in time as you walk through Conroe’s beautifully restored Downtown Historic District. The Old Capital Drugstore and the Crighton Theatre both date back to the early 1900s and don’t forget the fortiesera Owen Theatre and the Corner Pub. Today, the beautiful historic buildings also house vintage stores, charming event spaces and diners, and art galleries. 12345 Henderson Henderson’s picturesque downtown features historic buildings highlighted with colorful canvas awnings and filled with upscale shopping, eateries, and antiques. Enjoy watching old-fashioned sugarcane syrup being made at the Heritage Syrup Festival or visit the Rusk County Expo Center, where frequent equine events and rodeos are held. The East Texas Oilfield Driving Tour includes history, museums, and shopping. The Wildflower Driving Trails amaze drivers each spring with beautiful scenic views. Martin January February March April May June July August September October November December Sunshine Days Texarkana 6 8 13 18 22 26 28 28 24 18 12 7 213 Conroe 10 12 16 20 23 27 29 29 26 21 16 11 205 Creek Lake State Park and several other lakes are just minutes away. Depot Museum and Children’s Discovery Center 514 N. High St., Henderson, 75652 903-657-4303, depotmuseum.com Henderson’s restored Missouri Pacific Railroad depot contains more than 200 displays to intrigue the kids while the grown-ups browse the exhibits. On the grounds are a restored caboose, a cotton gin, and 12 historic buildings. 123 Huntsville Nestled in the tall pines of East Texas, you will find a serene place rich in history, culture, and outdoorsy fun. Huntsville, Texas was home to General Sam Houston, who fought for Texas’ independence, and is home to his 67-foot statue, “A Tribute to Courage,” located at the Sam Houston State Visitor Center. Huntsville is centered by a beautiful Historic Downtown Square, which is lined with exclusive antique shops, boutiques, and unique-toHuntsville eateries. Sam Houston Memorial Museum 1836 Sam Houston Ave., Huntsville, 77340 936-294-1832, samhoustonmemorialmuseum.com Sam Houston led the fight for Texas’ independence and then served as president of the Republic of Texas. The museum preserves two original homes—Woodland Home and the Steamboat House along with his law office and other structures. 1235 Texas Prison Museum 491 Hwy 75 N., Huntsville, 77320 936-295-2155, txprisonmuseum.org Texas Prison Museum is home to the Texas electric chair, Old Sparky, and many other interesting displays from the 150-plus years of our state’s prison history. 123 Founded in the 1840s, Jefferson established itself as one of the largest river ports in Texas and quickly earned the nickname “Queen of the Bayou.” Today, the historic town is also known as the “Bed–and– Breakfast Capital of East Texas,” entertaining visitors from around the world. Its fine antebellum homes and stately buildings now serve as antiques shops, hotels, galleries, and museums. With its brick-lined streets and nearly 70 entries on the National Register of Historic Places, along with a Carnegie library, bayou boat tours, historic home tours, and a local railway, Jefferson is a popular destination for all sorts of travelers. Jefferson Historical Museum 223 W. Austin St., Jefferson, 75657 903-665-2775, jeffersonmuseum.com Erected in 1888, the four-story former Post Office and Court Building exhibits and celebrates Jefferson’s boom days. Displays include a gun collection, a doll collection, a 200-year-old loom, a quilt collection, art pieces, and a model train exhibit in its own building. 12 Turning Basin Riverboat Tours 200 W. Bayou St., Jefferson, 75657 903-665-2222, jeffersonbayoutours.com Learn about the history, plants, and wildlife of East Texas in a one-hour narrated tour of Big Cypress Bayou. Discover the role Jefferson played as a major inland river port in the 1800s. After the tour, stop in for a soda and some candy at the gift shop and bookstore. 12 Kilgore Surrounded by pine forests and clear blue lakes, this city, about 120 miles east of Dallas, is best known for the Kilgore Rangerettes, an all-woman precision drill team founded in the forties and memorialized at the Rangerette Showcase and Museum. In 1930 this quiet farming community was propelled into world prominence by the discovery of one of the greatest oil fields of our time. Kilgore is home to fascinating attractions and events, including classic Shakespearean theater, the East Texas Oil Museum, and the steel oil derricks at the World’s Richest Acre Park. East Texas Oil Museum US Hwy. 259 at Ross St., Kilgore, 75662 903-983-8295, easttexasoilmuseum.com Kilgore’s 1930s oil boom is dramatically portrayed here through dioramas, films, and memorabilia. Recreations of stores, geological exhibits, and a simulated 3,800-foot elevator ride to inner-earth oil formations give visitors a glimpse into the excitement of an oil strike. A replica of an old drilling rig stands outside on the grounds. 123 Rangerette Showcase and Museum Kilgore College, 1100 Broadway Blvd., Kilgore, 75662 903-983-8265, rangerette.com In 1940 a group of young women known as the Kilgore College Rangerettes high-stepped onto the football field and made history as the first precision drill and dance team to perform during halftime at a sporting event. The showcase includes vintage costumes, awards, and mementos. 123 Longview Spring is a beautiful time in East Texas with dogwoods, azaleas, Bradford pears, and redbuds all in bloom. The area provides many opportunities for outdoor activities with an abundance of rivers and lakes where you can enjoy fishing, boating, and many other water sports. There are several wineries in the immediate area that are available for tours, dining, and of course, wine tasting. Another favorite activity is attending one of the fun and unique festivals including AlleyFest, a spring arts and music festival, and the Great Texas Balloon Race, which is T RAVELTEX . C O M | 29 Nacogdoches, 75962 936-468-1832, azalea.sfasu.edu This eight-acre azalea garden, the largest in Texas, is set in a lush green loblolly, mixed pine, and hardwood forest and features an amazing number of azaleas—7,500 flowers in 525 varieties. If you can’t schedule your visit during the spring azalea season, the 200 camellia, Japanese maple, and hydrangea varieties and the 400 ornamental trees and shrubs show their colors year-round. 123 Palestine Centrally located between Dallas and Houston, Palestine is a charming East Texas town that boasts more than 1,800 historic sites, including the Main Street district. Home to the Texas State Railroad and the Dogwood Trails, Palestine is graced with stately homes, gorgeous scenic drives and a Texas friendly welcome that offers a true Southern experience. Year-round railroad excursions, beautiful architecture, unique shopping, not to mention award-wining chefs, make Palestine the ideal place to visit. Recently named one of Texas’ top travel destinations. in its 37th year. Longview is the Balloon Capital of Texas and will host the U.S. National Hot Air Balloon Championships through 2015. Gregg County Historical Museum 214 N. Fredonia St., Longview, 75606 903-753-5840, gregghistorical.org Exhibits explain the importance of the discovery of oil in this region. Celebrating one hundred years of Gregg County history, the museum also features a military collection, a Caddo Indians exhibit, and an exhibit on architecture in Texas. 125 Longview Museum of Fine Arts 215 E. Tyler Ave., Longview, 75601 903-753-8103, LMFA.org This enjoyable museum consists of a comprehensive collection of more than 400 works of art, including paintings, etchings, woodcuts, collages, photography, and sculpture by contemporary regional artists. 1235 Lufkin Lufkin is considered the regional hub of East Texas, which includes 12 surrounding counties and is known for its forests that stretch for several miles. Visitors are happy to explore the many assets the community has to offer and enjoy the enviable weather. Relax and let your surroundings dictate a new appreciation for all the good things Lufkin has to offer. Dine at an array of restaurants, shop to your heart’s content, and stay at accommodating hotels. Enjoy theater, musical performances, museums, the zoo, and more. Ellen Trout Zoo 402 Zoo Cir., Lufkin, 75904 936-633-0399, ellentroutzoo.com A diverse collection, this lovely 15-acre zoo includes nearly 700 reptiles, birds, and mammals. 12345 Museum of East Texas 503 N. Second St., Lufkin, 75901 936-639-4434, metlufkin.org This museum offers changing exhibitions of art and art history, public programming, lectures, and gallery talks by artists and scholars. 1235 Marshall The town of Marshall embraces its heritage with many impressive historic sites. The beautiful 1900’s county courthouse is also home to the Harrison County Historical Museum. The Texas and Pacific Depot Museum, located in the Ginocchio National 30 | Museum for East Texas Culture In Reagan Park, 400 Micheaux Ave., Palestine, 75801 903-723-1914, museumpalestine.org Historic District, illustrates the huge impact of the railroad’s arrival in this area. The Michelson Museum of Art is another must-see. During the holidays, Marshall is completely transformed by thousands of tiny bulbs illuminating the entire city during the dazzling Wonderland of Lights festival. Rooms in this 1915 schoolhouse display artifacts and special interest exhibits. Exhibits include an authentic vintage classroom, a log cabin, railroad memorabilia, and much more. It is a recorded Texas Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 125 Michelson Museum of Art 825 W. Spring St., Palestine, 75801 903-723-3014, 800-659-3484, visitpalestine.com 216 N. Bolivar St., Marshall, 75670 903-935-9480, michelsonmuseum.org The Michelson, established in 1985 to care for the works of Russian-American artist Leo Michelson, features several different periods in the 70 years of his career. Also on display is the Gloria and Bernard Kronenberg Collection of 20th-century art, which includes paintings, drawings, and lithographs by ar tists such as Milton Aver y and David Burliuk. 123 Texas & Pacific Depot Museum 800 N. Washington Ave., Marshall, 75670 903-938-9495, visitmarshalltexas.org At the restored depot, visitors can explore the history of the Texas & Pacific Railroad with memorabilia set against the backdrop of an active railroad passenger station. 123 Nacogdoches This city, known as the oldest in Texas, was named for Caddo Indian twins who once lived in the area. Sent away by their father, the chief, to found their own tribes, the twin who settled three days toward the west was Nacogdoches. The other brother, Natchitoches, settled three days to the east, in Louisiana. Step back in time during a visit to the Stone Fort Museum and Oak Grove Cemetery, the resting place of four signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence. Nine different flags have flown over Nacogdoches’s long history. Millard’s Crossing Historic Village 6020 North St., Nacogdoches, 75965 936-564-6631, millardscrossing.org This museum complex is named af ter the railroad track that once crossed the Millard family property, which borders the north side of the historic village. Established by the late Lera Millard Thomas, the village comprises a broad sampling of 19th-century East Texas architecture. 125 Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden in the SFA Gardens Stephen F. Austin State University TEXAS INTERNATIONAL TOUR GUIDE 2015-2017 Palestine Main Street District A Texas Main Street City that covers 44 blocks of downtown, Old Town, and the Courthouse Square. Enjoy beautiful architecture, unique shopping, antiques, restaurants, and bakeries. 12345 Texas State Railroad 789 Park Rd. 70, Palestine, 75801 903-683-2561, 888-987-2461, texasstaterr.com A Texas treasure since 1881, the Texas State Railroad hosts events such as the Polar Express™ Train Ride, year-round steam excursions, and food & wine special event trains. 1245 Shenandoah This cordial, active, upscale small city in the East Texas pine forest is 56 kilometers north of Houston. The array of first-class shopping, dining, lodging, and entertainment will have visitors wondering where to start. Glistening lakes and creeks nearby draw those who enjoy water recreation. Don’t miss Lake Conroe and the Spring Creek Greenway project. CISD Natatorium and Woodforest National Bank Stadium 19115 David Memorial Dr., Shenandoah, 77385 936-709-7560, athletics.conroeisd.net Located on the same grounds, these two separate complexes host a variety of sporting and recreational events in Shenandoah. The natatorium features a $14 million world-class indoor competitive Olympic pool and diving area that was built in 2008, and the massive outdoor stadium hosts football, soccer, and other sporting events. 123 Texarkana Way back in 1841, the boundary between Texas and Arkansas was established in the piney woods of East Texas and southwest Arkansas. The aptly named city of Texarkana’s post office/courthouse is the only U.S. post office built atop a state line, thus straddling two states. Visitors have their picture taken “straddlin’ the line” at this, the second-most-photographed courthouse in the United States. Folks also enjoy the beautifully restored Perot Theatre and the Regional PHOTO: BENTWATER YACHT & COUNTRY CLUB BENTWATER YACHT & COUNTRY CLUB, MONTGOMERY Arts Center. The city is filled with interesting houses, including the Ace of Clubs House, a 22-sided Italianate Victorian home built in 1885 with the winnings from a poker game. for more than 2,000 animals native to Africa, North America, and South America, other points of interest include an aquarium, a reptile house, and a petting zoo. 1234 Perot Theatre Tyler Municipal Rose Garden Center 219 Main St., Texarkana, 75501 903-792-4992, perottheatre.org 420 S. Rose Park Dr., Tyler, 75702 903-531-1212, tylerparksandrec.com Restored in 1981, funded in part by the Perot Foundation, along with Texarkana natives H. Ross Perot and his sister Bette, this Italian Renaissance classic has become a celebrated venue for national and international performers in music, dance, theater, musicals, and more. 12 The largest municipal rose garden in the nation, the center is filled with 38,000 bushes and around 500 varieties of roses. These spectacular 5 hectares blaze with a fragrant profusion of color during rose season, which lasts from mid-May to the beginning of November. 1235 Texarkana Museums System The Woodlands 219 N. State Line Ave., Texarkana, 75501 903-793-4831, texarkanamuseums.org This system is made up of four museums, including the oldest brick building in Texarkana (the Museum of Regional History), Discovery Place Children’s Museum, and the Ace of Clubs House. 1235 Tyler Thousands of visitors stroll through this genteel town in the spring to view the azaleas and dogwoods, but one of the most impressive aspects of Tyler is its unique rose heritage. Known as the “Real Rose of Texas,” Tyler turns the Municipal Rose Center into a 14-acre floral extravaganza. Roses bloom between May and November, and October’s Rose Festival also features teas and the queen’s coronation. Other noteworthy sites around town include the Caldwell Zoo, Brookshire’s World of Wildlife Museum, and the beautiful wooded Tyler State Park. Caldwell Zoo 2203 Martin Luther King Blvd., Tyler, 75702 903-593-0121, caldwellzoo.org Featuring 85 acres and simulated natural habitats Located just 30 minutes north of Houston, the natural setting of The Woodlands provides groups with a relaxed, distraction-free environment amid 28,000 acres of forest preserves, while offering venues for after-hours gatherings, from the shopping, dining, and entertainment in Market Street to the restaurants and wine bars of Waterway Square. Groups also enjoy the area’s unique offsite catered experience on board The Woodlands Waterway Cruisers, while team building in The Woodlands takes on a new meaning in the rolling green space of Town Green Park or in kayaks on The Woodlands WaterwayTM. Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Caddo Lake, Carthage, Mount Pleasant Freshwater fish animate the shallow waters of Caddo Lake State Park, 26,800 acres of sloughs, bayous, and ponds straddling the TexasLouisiana state line. Largemouth bass are good all year, while crappies, white bass, and chain pickerel are plentiful in late winter and early spring. Rent a boat in nearby Uncertain, Texas; canoe and cabin rentals are available on site. Park headquarters offers insight on Caddo Indians, steamboat nostalgia, Prohibition, and moonshine. Since 1998, the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame in Carthage has inducted more than 45 musical legends, including two hometown boys. An exhibition area covers local Jim Reeves and Lone Star heroes such as Gene Autry, Willie Nelson, and Waylon Jennings. Before you peruse, pick a song on a Texas-themed jukebox; afterward, head upstairs to the Tex Ritter Museum to learn about the Grand Ole Opry star (and father of actor John Ritter). Mount Pleasant features a historic downtown, nine city parks, In the past few years Tyler County has welcomed several new restaurants, quaint shops, and supercenters. Of course, the area still has the old standbys—local stores like Sullivan’s Hardware and Jarrott’s that have made their mark in history. Enjoy fishing, sailing, and other water sports activities at the B. A. Steinhagen Lake or set out to explore nature hiking trails in the Big Thicket National Preser ve. The nearby Alabama-Coushatta Indian Reser vation adds a special flavor to the community with its glimpse into the life and history of Native Americans here. The annual Dogwood Festival draws thousands on the first weekend in April. Big Thicket National Preserve 6102 FM 420, Kountze, 77625 409-951-6700, nps.gov/bith A convergence of ecosystems that occurred here during the last ice age brought together, in one geographical area, the eastern hardwood forests, the Gulf coastal plains, and the midwestern prairies. The preserve includes nine land units, six water corridors encompassing more than 39,254 hectares, and a natural habitat for many birds, animals, and unusual plants. It also offers camping, interpretive hikes, birdwatching, photography, hunting, fishing, and educational programs. 12 2005 Lake Robbins Dr., The Woodlands, 77380 Located 27 miles north of Houston 281-363-3300, woodlandscenter.org The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presents a full schedule of world-class recording artists where guests can enjoy covered, reserved seating or the soft, green hillside. Moreover, the Pavilion’s House of Blues Hospitality Tent offers space for up to 300 with a fullservice bar and dining options, waitstaff, and a climate-controlled environment with private restrooms. 12345 B TOUR 1 Woodville Road Trips B and proximity to seven lakes. The largest is Lake Bob Sandlin, offering fishing for largemouth bass, catfish and crappies; Lake Cypress Springs, Lake Monticello, and Welsh Reservoir are also fine spots. Take a chocolate factory tour at Sweet Shop USA, where kettles bubble with chocolate, toffee, and caramel. Other area attractions include a bluebird nesting trail and a Confederate monument. TOUR 2 The Woodlands, Shenandoah, Huntsville A retail oasis surrounded by thick forests, The Woodlands provides world-class shopping, unrivaled outdoor concerts, and championship golf. In Town Center, the downtown of the master-planned community, you can shop at the 200-vendor mall or browse the luxury boutiques of Market Street. Ride a water taxi on the Woodlands Waterway, a manmade river coursing through the township. Or foray into the actual woods, where 194 miles of hiking and cycling trails await. For a slice of Venice in East Texas, head to Shenandoah’s Portofino Center, where Roman fountains and 10-foot-tall waterfalls beautify a mall featuring 40 retailers. The Footprints in Courage Museum includes an overview of the local timber industry, an homage to the military, and an exhibit on David the Bubble Boy, a local who fought a rare immune disease. The adopted home of Texas leader Sam Houston, Huntsville is now home to a complex of memorial museums featuring Houston’s homes, law office, and personal effects. Gawk at his grave in the Oakwood Cemetery, or stand under the shadow of a 67-foottall statue in his likeness. At Blue Lagoon, certified scuba divers can explore ice-blue waters fed by artesian springs. TOUR 3 Alto, Nacogdoches, Gladewater U.S. 69, Texas 21, and farm roads wind through the idyllic scenery around Alto, a town known for its relatively high elevation, its tomatoes, and its archeological treasures. At Caddo Mounds State Historic Site, smooth grassland gives way to large mounds built by the Hasinai people more than 1,200 years ago. On a guided walking trail, visitors learn about the two temple mounds, the burial mound and remnants of a nearby village. Nacogdoches, the “Oldest Town in Texas,” started out as a Caddo Indian settlement, became a Spanish mission in the 1700s, and … well, let’s just say nine flags have flown here. North of the city, Millard’s Crossing Historic Village walks visitors back to settlers’ times. Splashes of vibrant color mark the eight acres of Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden, where peak bloom time happens in late March and early April. Easy days and easier nights are the hallmark of Gladewater, a former oil-boom town now considered the “Antique Capital of East Texas.” Country-western music and comedy fill the Gladewater Opry every Saturday night, a town tradition. Boating, swimming, fishing, and picnicking are abundant at Lake Gladewater, a pristine 6,950-acre impoundment of Glade Creek. T RAVELTEX . C OM | 31 Ex pthloe re Prairies & Lakes AMID THE NATURAL AND CULTURAL RICHES OF THE Prairies and Lakes region, the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex shines as one of the world’s top destinations. The Dallas Arts District goes far beyond regional interests to command a truly worldwide scope, while the Fort Worth Stockyards keep the Metroplex rooted in Texas tradition. From museums and shopping to sports and roller coasters, you’re sure to find thrills worthy of a hearty Texas “Yee-haw.” AT&T PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, STRAUSS SQUARE, DALLAS 32 | TEXAS INTERNATIONAL TOUR GUIDE 2015-2017 Oklahoma ah homa Denison Sherman Bowie Farmers Branch FORT WORTH Grand Prairie 20 xa Wa Sulphur Springs Wills Point 20 289 hie h ac Glen Rose Cleburne Stephe phenvillee 35W Plano 30 and Garl Mesquite Terrell AS Granbury 82 is Enn ana ic Cors 31 Athens 35E Hico West Comanche 45 Elm Mott Palestine Waco Buffalo 35 6 Killeeen Temple Belton 79 77 OS AZ BR Hearne Bryan– College Station Navasota Rockdale ER RIV 290 71 O R VE RI Gonzales Shiner AD Smiley R LO n Seguin 500 E. Pruitt St., Bryan, 77803 979-775-3961, bvaam.org AV ER AGE T EMPER AT UR E S C ° Dallas/Fort Worth January 6 February 9 March 14 April 19 May 23 June 27 July 29 August 29 September 26 October 19 November 13 December 8 Sunshine Days 232 LLouisian u iana Waco 7 10 14 19 24 28 30 30 26 21 14 9 229 CO Luling 105 M on Washington tg om Giddings 6 er y Brenham Ch Round Top app ell La Grange Hi ll 10 rio Ma Arkan Ark nsas 271 LL DA Irving Arlington Paris McKinney Greenville dson Gra F pevin Molower e und Richar Lewisville Denton R RIVE 75 Frisco Celina Addison 67 Bonham Gainesville 35 287 281 RED Brazos Valley African American Museum 183 Addison Located just minutes from Dallas, Addison blends the variety of a big city with the ambience of a small town. The city’s more than 170 restaurants ensure plenty of dining options to choose from. Popular special events like Kaboom Town and Oktoberfest celebrate the city’s diversity. Shopping is another highlight here, with the Galleria Dallas nearby, offering prestigious stores such as Nordstrom and Gucci. Cavanaugh Flight Museum 4572 Claire Chennault St., Addison, 75001 972-380-8800, cavanaughflightmuseum.com One of the premier aviation museums in the United States, this is the home of more than 50 vintage warplanes from World War I to the present. 1235 Mary Kay Museum 16251 Dallas Pkwy., Addison, 75001 972-687-5720, marykaymusuem.com Mary Kay Ash, the founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics, became famous for her beauty consultant incentives. Explore this company’s history and see displays of the lavish rewards that she was known to bestow—from diamond bar pins to designer evening gowns. 1234 Arlington The city of Arlington is centrally located in one of the most rapidly developing—and exciting—regions of the country. The Entertainment District is home to two professional sports teams: the Texas Rangers and the Dallas Cowboys. With Six Flags Over Texas and Hurricane Harbor, as well as the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame, Arlington will make you live your dreams out loud! PHOTO: CARTER ROSE AT&T Stadium One AT&T Way, Arlington, 76011 817-892-4000, stadium.dallascowboys.com AT&T Stadium has a capacity of 100,000 for games and other major events. The center-hung video board is the largest installation in the world. 12345 Prairies & Lakes This museum chronicles the African–American history of the Brazos Valley community. Come see the “We Grew Up in the Brazos Valley” wall, with interviews of residents who recall life more than 90 years ago. 123 George Bush Presidential Library and Museum 1000 George Bush Dr. W., College Station, 77845 979-691-4000, bush41.org George H.W. Bush’s White House years are documented at the nation’s tenth presidential library with two million photographs, 44 million pages of official and personal papers, 5,000 hours of video, and more than 100,000 artifacts. 1253 Cleburne Cleburne is the ideal location for your next meeting. Whether it’s a small meeting, a major conference or sporting event, Cleburne has a wide variety of unique venues and exciting entertainment! The Cleburne Conference Center features 45,000 square feet of versatile space that meets the needs of the most discerning event and convention planners. The venue also hosts a 297 seat performing arts center that can be used for general sessions or seminars. Cleburne offers over 700 hotel rooms and is conveniently located minutes away from the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Chisholm Trail and Big Bear Native American Museum 101 Chisholm Trail, Cleburne, 76033 817-648-0989, jcchisholmtrail.com This stadium, with old-time-ballpark charm, also houses the Texas Rangers Baseball Hall of Fame. 12345 The museum sits on the actual Chisholm Trail with teepees, Wardville Courthouse, a blacksmith shop, and life size cattle drive silhoulettes that greet you as you enter. The museum features the Big Bear Native American Museum with history from the first Native Americans in 15,000 B.C. to the present day. 1235 Six Flags Over Texas Plaza Theatre Company 2201 Road to Six Flags East, Arlington, 76011 817-640-8900, sixflags.com/overtexas 111 S. Main St., Cleburne, 76033 817-202-0600, plaza-theatre.com Six Flags Over Texas offers fun for the entire family with 13 roller coasters, including Tony Hawk’s Big Spin. And don’t forget other extreme favorites, like the Titan, Superman, and Batman. 12345 This award-winning live theater-in-the-round is open year-round on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. It features performances from classic musicals like Disney’s Beauty and the Beast to hilarious comedies like Arsenic and Old Lace. 1253 Globe Life Park in Arlington 1000 Ballpark Way, Arlington, 76011 817-273-5222, texasrangers.com Brenham More than the home of famous Blue Bell Creameries, quaint Brenham is known as the Birthplace of Texas. The signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence took place nearby on March 2, 1836 at what is now the Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Surrounded by idyllic fields of wildflowers, horse farms, and wineries, Brenham offers fishing, boating, birding, hiking, or camping in the area along picturesque Lake Somerville. Blue Bell Creameries 1101 Blue Bell Rd. S., Brenham, 77833 800-327-8135, bluebell.com Tours feature a movie, views from the observation deck, and—naturally—samples of the final product. 123 Bryan–College Station Bryan–College Station is a destination for family fun, romantic escapes, sporting events, and traveling professionals. Discover a region so diverse that you can wander through the scenic campus of Texas A&M University, enjoy shopping and dining downtown, tour a winery, go to a museum, and more, all in one day. With two cities offering the best attractions in Texas, there is so much for visitors to explore, experience, and enjoy. Gone with the Wind Remembered Museum 305 E. Second St., Cleburne, 76031 gwtwremembered.com The Gone with the Wind Remembered Museum contains one of the most comprehensive and extensive collections of GWTW memorabilia in the world. The museum is state of the art, with a number of original pieces and items that are extremely rare. 123 Corsicana In 1894, Corsicana was one of the first cities west of the Mississippi to discover oil. Now the city is better known as the Fruitcake Capital of the World. Established in 1896, Collin Street Bakery ships 1.5 million of its Deluxe brand fruitcakes to every state and 190 countries each year. History buffs relish the Gaston T. Gooch Library, with its collection of Native American artifacts, and music lovers enjoy the Lefty Frizzell Country Music Museum at Pioneer Village. Stargazers, don’t miss Cook Center and one of the largest planetarium domes in Texas. Collin Street Bakery 401 W. Seventh Ave.,Corsicana, 75110 903-874-7477, collinstreet.com Made world-famous by its fruitcakes, this bakery also makes several delicious flavors of cheesecake and other goodies. 1234 T RAVELTEX . C OM | 33 Planning a successful meeting is one BIG job. That’s why Dallas has a staff designed to help you with every part of the process — finding the best venue, the right transportation or that perfect hotel. And when everything is all said and done, you’ll find plenty of ways to have a moment to yourself. Make any event easy at VisitDallas.com/Meetings. Pioneer Village 912 W. Park Ave., Corsicana, 75110 903-654-4846, cityofcorsicana.com Navarro County’s surviving historic structures—eighteen buildings filled with artifacts—are preserved here, including the Hartzell General Store, an 1860’s pioneer home, and an 1840’s Indian trading post. Don’t miss the Lefty Frizzell Museum, which chronicles the life of the famous country singer. 1235 Dallas Dallas’ slogan “Big Things Happen Here” describes the essence and vitality of a city built on big dreams, freshly blazed trails, and an attitude that all things are possible. The city is experiencing a renaissance, and more than $20 billion in new and ongoing urban development assists in creating a richly diverse city with the largest urban arts district in the nation, countless luxury accommodations, the best shopping in the Southwest, award-winning dining, and 15 distinctly different entertainment districts. Bishop Arts District 319 N. Bishop Ave., Dallas, 75208 bishopartsdistrict.com Once one of Dallas’ best hidden treats, this two-block former warehouse area sits in the North Oak Cliff neighborhood of South Dallas. It’s home to more than 60 boutiques, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and galleries, making it one of Dallas’ most unique (and not-sosecret) districts. 12345 The Continental Avenue Bridge 109 Continental Ave., Dallas, 75207 214-671-9500, dallascontinentalbridge.com As part of the most recent improvements to the Trinity River Corridor, the Continental Avenue Bridge and West Dallas Gateway offers activity space with an up-close view of the Trinity River and Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge. Grab a snack from one of the food trucks that make a daily stop, lounge on a chair or take on a chess match or fitness class. 123 Dallas Arboretum 8525 Garland Rd., Dallas, 75218 214-515-6500, dallasarboretum.org The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens features 66 acres with 11 lush display gardens that offer seasonal color all year long. Home of Dallas Blooms, the Southwest’s largest outdoor floral festival, the Arboretum provides a tranquil oasis where visitors are surrounded by the beauty of all four seasons. 12345 Dallas Arts District 2200 Ross Ave., Dallas, 75201 214-744-6642, thedallasartsdistrict.org Dallas proudly boasts the largest contiguous urban arts district in the nation, spanning 68 acres and 19 blocks, and is home to some of Dallas’ most significant cultural landmarks, including the AT&T Performing Arts Center, the Dallas Museum of Art, the Meyerson Symphony Center, and the Dallas City Performance Hall. Other must-see stops include the Crow Collection of Asian Art and Nasher Sculpture Center. Take a stroll through the district and visit each one — they’re all within walking distance of each other. 12345 Dallas Museum of Art 1717 N. Harwood St., Dallas, 75201 214-922-1200, dma.org The Dallas Museum of Art’s collection includes American masterpieces by Church, O’Keeffe and Wyeth, contemporary art by Pollock, Rothko, Warhol, and Lichtenstein, European and impressionist art by Renoir, Van Gogh, Cezanne, and Monet, and art of the Americas, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific. Special temporary exhibits are on display throughout the year. 12345 Dallas World Aquarium 1801 N. Griffin St., Dallas, 75202 214-720-2224, dwazoo.com The adventure at the Dallas World Aquarium begins at the 36 | top of the rainforest exhibit, where exotic birds and lounging sloths can be seen along with a wide array of animals that are part of the many conservation projects. The aquarium also features 85,000 gallons of saltwater exhibits, including a coral reef ecosystem with fish from around the world and a 40-foot long tunnel that features stingrays and sharks. Experience the outdoor South Africa exhibit and catch a glimpse of black-footed penguins, Shoebill storks, and Madagascar giant day geckos. 12345 Dallas Zoo 650 S. R. L. Thornton Fwy., Dallas, 75203 469-554-7500, dallaszoo.com Named one of “20 Best Zoos” by USA Today, the Dallas Zoo is the largest zoological experience in Texas, with a 106-acre park, thousands of animals and an education department that offers programs for all ages. Visit the Giants of the Savanna exhibit, an 11-acre safari experience where visitors can get up close and personal with giraffes, elephants, lions, cheetahs, and many other African species. 12345 GeO-Deck 300 Reunion Blvd. E., Dallas, 75207 866-204-0622, 214-712-7040, reuniontower.com See our city from over 500 feet in the air at one of Dallas’ most recognized structures. Enjoy the view and interact with Halo, the deck’s digital information system, to learn about Dallas, its landmarks, Reunion Tower’s light shows, milestone events in the city, and more. 12345 George W. Bush Presidential Center 2943 SMU Blvd., Dallas, 75205 214-200-4300, bushcenter.org The George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum holds the largest electronic records collection in the entire Presidential Library system with more than 200 million email messages and nearly four million photographs. Visit Freedom Hall, a high definition video wall montage of the 44 U.S. presidents, and a full-sized Oval Office. The museum and an accompanying 15acre urban park reside on the campus of Southern Methodist University, the alma mater of former First Lady Laura Bush. 12345 Klyde Warren Park 2012 Woodall Rodgers Freeway., Dallas, 75201 214-716-4500, klydewarrenpark.org Klyde Warren Park opened in 2012 and introduced a central green space in the middle of a bustling downtown scene. The 5.2-acre park delivers a comprehensive activities calendar for locals and visitors, including daily fitness classes, a dog park, a children’s center, games, and live music. Connectivity was key in picking the spot above Woodall Rodgers Freeway for the park; visitors can get to Klyde Warren Park via foot, trolley, or bicycle from multiple neighborhoods. 13 Perot Museum of Nature and Science 2201 N. Field St., Dallas, 75201 214-428-5555 The Perot Museum of Nature and Science, home to 11 permanent exhibit halls and various traveling exhibitions throughout the year, delivers hours of fun for children, adults, and life-long learners alike. Learn the history of the building—a $185 million project designed by 2005 Pritzker Architecture Prize Laureate Thom Mayne—in a gallery spanning its conception to present day. Catch a view of Downtown Dallas from the museum’s glass-encased elevator as you work your way up to the top floor and back down. 1235 Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza 411 Elm St., Dallas, 75202 214-747-6660, jfk.org The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza chronicles the assassination and legacy of President John F. Kennedy with documentary films, photographs, and artifacts. Walk through a timeline of Kennedy’s life and presidency and the moments of November 22 as an entire nation stood by. A live feed from the museum webcam features a real-time view from the TEXAS INTERNATIONAL TOUR GUIDE 2015-2017 sniper spot, and two arenas in the museum were recreated to appear as they did in 1963. 12345 Trinity Groves 425 Bedford St., Dallas, 75212 214-744-0100, trinitygroves.com This 15-acre restaurant, retail, artist, and entertainment destination sits at the base of the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge in West Dallas. Trinity Groves’ mission is to foster the growth of startup businesses, building upon Dallas’ culture of innovation and entrepreneurism. Pay a visit to a brewery, culinary events center, and multiple restaurants. The area is also home to the Restaurant Concept Incubator program, which encourages culinary entrepreneurs to develop restaurant concepts to become the newest addition on the block. 12345 Denton With music, art, culture, and entertainment 35 miles north of Dallas–Fort Worth in the heart of the North Texas horse country, Denton’s pulse is vibrant. Day and night, it’s “hip to be square” in Denton’s historic downtown where museums, including the Historical Park of Denton County, the 1896 Courthouse-on-the-Square Museum, and the Denton Firefighters Museum merge with contemporary art and eclectic shopping. Days give way to spirited nightlife, unique dining, and live music venues. Enjoy driving tours through the beautiful horse country, great festivals, and quality accommodations and discover Denton. Bayless-Selby House Museum 317 W. Mulberry St., Denton, 76201 940-349-2865, dentoncounty.com Part of the Historical Park of Denton County complex, this Queen Anne–style house illustrates life in Denton at the turn of the century, offering workshops, lectures, and tours several times a month. 13 Courthouse-on-the-Square Museum 110 W. Hickory St., Denton, 76201 940-349-2850, dentoncounty.com This museum details county history and 19th-century life through artifacts, weapons, southwestern Native American pottery, and photographs. 1235 Amon Carter Museum of American Art Texas Motor Speedway 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, 76107 817-738-1933, cartermuseum.org 3545 Lone Star Cir., Fort Worth, 76177 817-215-8500, texasmotorspeedway.com This museum offers a stunning survey of American art, from the first landscape painters of the 1830s to modern artists of the 20th century. 123 The second-largest NASCAR facility in the U.S. (by seating), this track is home to the NASCAR Sprint Cup and Indy-style racing. Racing dates, racing schools, and bigname concerts occur year-round. 12345 Bass Performance Hall 525 Commerce St., Fort Worth, 76102 817-212-4200, basshall.com Frisco The Bass Performance Hall houses the opera, symphony, a ballet company, and the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. It also hosts Broadway musicals and an array of eclectic entertainment. 1235 Frisco is Texas’s rising star, known as one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S. Just a short drive north of Dallas, the city boasts four professional sports teams—Frisco RoughRiders baseball, FC Dallas soccer, Texas Legends basketball, and home office and practice ice for the Dallas Stars NHL team. Frisco is home to over eight million square feet of shopping and dining, including Stonebriar Centre, IKEA, Sam Moon Trading Company, and numerous boutiques. iFly Indoor Skydiving is the city’s coolest new attraction. Billy Bob’s Texas 2520 Rodeo Plaza, Fort Worth, 76164 817-624-7117, billybobstexas.com The world’s largest honky-tonk, covering 100,000 square feet, has plenty of room for two-stepping all night long. 12345 Fort Worth Museum of Science and History 1600 Gendy St., Fort Worth, 76107 817-255-9300, 888-255-9300, fortworthmuseum.org AT&T STADIUM, ARLINGTON The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History features experiences such as the Cattle Raisers Museum; the Fort Worth Children’s Museum; the state-of-the-art Noble Planetarium; Dinolabs; paluxysaurus jonesi, the official dinosaur of Texas; Energy Blast; the Omni IMAX Theater; Innovation Studios, and more. 12345 Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District Ennis 130 E. Exchange Ave., Fort Worth, 76164 817-624-4744, fortworthstockyards.org The city of Ennis celebrates its Czech heritage and natural beauty. In spring, Ennis focuses on the bluebonnet, with 64 kilometers of mapped trails and a festival in honor of the state flower. The National Polka Festival, the Fall Festival, and the Lights of Ennis attract visitors from all around each year. Ennis’s downtown is inviting, with unique restaurants and specialty shopping. The city is home to a nearby drive-in theatre and two public theaters, as well as the world-renowned dragracing facility, the Texas Motorplex. Walking is the best way to explore the district. You’ll see Stockyards Station, the Grapevine Vintage Railroad, a daily cattle drive, the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, and the Sterquell Wagon Collection in a single stroll. 1245 Texas Motorplex 7500 US Hwy. 287 W., Ennis, 75119 972-878-2641, 800-668-6775, texasmotorplex.com Celebrating over 26 years, this NHRA track holds races and scheduled events during the season. Saturday night “street nights” allow anyone to race on this worldfamous quarter-mile strip. 12345 Farmers Branch In the middle of the Dallas Metroplex, Farmers Branch offers easy access to area attractions, including sporting events, theaters, museums, world-class shopping, historical sites, and amusement parks. Farmers Branch Historical Park 2540 Farmers Branch Ln. Farmers Branch, 75234 972-406-0184, fbhistoricalpark.com The oldest rock structure in North Texas, the 1856 Gilbert House is the cornerstone of the park.1235 Fort Worth The 16th-largest city in the United States, Fort Worth is the “City of Cowboys and Culture.” New and renovated hotel offerings, restaurants, and exciting tourism venues only enhance the city’s reputation as a premier leisure travel destination. Visitors can experience Sundance Square, one of the most dynamic downtowns in the nation, exciting Western heritage in the Stockyards National Historic District, and the artistic masterpieces of Fort Worth’s Cultural District. Kimbell Art Museum 3333 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, 76107 817-332-8451, kimbellart.org The Louis I. Kahn-designed Kimbell Art Museum has everything from Egyptian and Roman antiquities to Mesoamerican and African art, and is home to Michelangelo’s first painting. 12345 Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth 3200 Darnell St., Fort Worth, 76107 817-738-9215, themodern.org Designed by internationally known architect Tadao Ando, this museum maintains one of the foremost collections of postwar art in the central U.S., including painting, sculpture, and photography. 12345 National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame 1720 Gendy St., Fort Worth, 76107 817-336-4475, cowgirl.net Country music legend Patsy Cline, author Laura Ingalls Wilder, and sharpshooter Annie Oakley are just a few of those memorialized here, the only museum dedicated to honoring the women of the American West. 1235 Stockyards Championship Rodeo 121 E. Exchange Ave., Fort Worth, 76164 817-625-1025, stockyardsrodeo.com Every weekend year-round, the Stockyards Championship Rodeo displays bull riding, barrel racing, calf roping, and more. 12345 Sundance Square 420 Throckmonton St., Fort Worth, 76102 817-255-5700, sundancesquare.com Explore Fort Worth’s heralded 35-block shopping and entertainment district. 12345 Toyota Stadium 9200 World Cup Way, Frisco, 75033 214-705-6700, 888-323-4625 fcdallas.com Home to the FC Dallas Major League Soccer team, this 20,000-seat stadium, entertainment center, and youth sports complex also offers concerts and festivals. 12345 Glen Rose Long known as the Dinosaur Capital of Texas, the city voted “America’s Dream Town” in 2004 is becoming one of the top family destinations in the state. Located among the rolling hills and rivers of northcentral Texas, Glen Rose offers family-friendly attractions. Dinosaur World 1058 Park Rd. 59, Glen Rose, 76043 254-898-1526, dinosaurworld.com Walk among more than 100 life-size dinosaurs in an outdoor museum. Search for real fossils to take home and enjoy a playground, picnic area, and indoor museum. 1235 Fossil Rim Wildlife Center 2299 CR 2008, Glen Rose, 76043 254-897-2960, 888-775-6742 fossilrim.org A 9.5-mile driving route through this 1,700-acre park winds among free-roaming native and exotic animals from five continents. You may see cheetahs, giraffes, and even a white rhino. 12345 Granbury A rare jewel awaits here in the heart of the Brazos River Valley alongside Lake Granbury. Strolling through the Victorian downtown reminds you of a time gone by as you discover more than 40 unique shops, boutiques, and art galleries. Treat yourself to a Broadway-style musical at the 1886 Granbury Opera House. Fine dining, wine tasting, art displays, and historical sites add to the appeal of Granbury. Brazos Drive-In Theatre 1800 West Pearl St., Granbury, 76048 817-573-1311, thebrazos.com Visit one of the few drive-in movie theaters left in Texas. 12345 Grand Prairie Grand Prairie began as a village on the Texas and Pacific Railroad line during the Civil War. Today the city is popular with horseracing fans, who frequent Lone Star Park; with shoppers, who find treasure galore at the 120-acre flea market, Traders Village; and with music lovers, who head to the Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie. Outdoor types enjoy water sports, camping, and fishing at Joe Pool Lake and a round of golf at a nearby course. T RAVELTEX . C O M | 37 Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie 1000 Lone Star Pkwy., Grand Prairie, 75050 972-263-7223, 800-795-7223, lonestarpark.com Enjoy world-class Thoroughbred and quarter horse racing in a multi-level, glass-enclosed grandstand along with a European-style saddling paddock, a Las Vegas– style racebook, a restaurant, and more. 12345 Grapevine Located between Dallas and Fort Worth, this historic city is a convenient alternative to the urban Metroplex. Meander through the shops and artisans’ studios downtown. Hop aboard the Grapevine Vintage Railroad or unwind at one of the winery tasting rooms. Play a round of golf or take advantage of 8,000-plus acres of recreation on Lake Grapevine. Grapevine Vintage Railroad 705 S. Main St., Grapevine, 76051 817-410-3123, gvrr.com An 1896 steam engine and Victorian era coach cars take visitors from Grapevine’s Cotton Belt Depot to Fort Worth’s Stockyards Station. 1235 Irving Combining the flair of a big city with the ambience of a small town, Irving will capture your fancy with its easygoing spirit and opportunities for recreation and relaxation. Located adjacent to DFW International Airport, the city is home to more than 75 hotels and numerous Fortune 500 companies, and boasts some of the state’s most famous landmarks such as Glenn Beck’s Mercury Studios and The Mustangs of Las Colinas. The Mustangs of Las Colinas Sculpture and Museum BASS PERFORMANCE HALL, FORT WORTH Reigning as the largest equestrian sculpture in the world, nine bronzed mustangs stand tall, at one and a half times life size, to memorialize the rich heritage of Texas while embodying beauty and strength attributed to the mustang. 123 National Scouting Museum 1329 W. Walnut Hill Ln., Irving, 75038 972-580-2100, 800-303-3047, bsamuseum.org From the Norman Rockwell Art Gallery to the full-sized indoor campsites, the museum is filled with interactive exhibits and more than 600,000 artifacts. 1235 Killeen Once a railroad town, Killeen is now one of the fastest-growing cities in Texas. Take in a play at the Vive Les Arts Theatre, do some stargazing at the Mayborn Science Theater, or spend the day pulling striped bass from the beautiful Stillhouse Hollow Lake or sailing on peaceful Belton Lake. While you’re here, take a trip to nearby Fort Hood, the world’s largest military installation. Mayborn Science Theater Academic Dr., Killeen, 76543 254-526-1768, starsatnight.org Embark on an imaginary journey through time and space. Since opening in 2003, this theater has treated thousands of visitors to planetarium star shows and laser light shows. 1253 Lewisville Lewisville is an energetic destination with casual appeal just minutes away from Dallas and Fort Worth, nestled in the heart of North Texas. The historic charm of Old Town features specialty stores, restaurants, outdoor urban parks, and events throughout the year. Known for its glittering expansive lake, Lewisville offers diverse shopping and dining, world-class golf, fun attractions, and beautiful family-friendly hotels. 38 | Lewisville Lake Park Heritage Farmstead Museum 600 Sandy Beach Rd., Lewisville, 75057 972-219-3550, cityoflewisville.com 1900 W. 15th St., Plano, 75075 972-881-0140, heritagefarmstead.org This 662-acre public park on the shores of 29,592-acre Lewisville Lake provides recreational activities including fishing, water sports, boating, picnic areas, RV and tent camping, pavilions, a 24-hour fishing barge, swimming, and beaches. 1235 This impressive four-acre museum preserves a way of life from the early 1900s. 125 McKinney McKinney is a wonderful weekend getaway or family vacation destination. Just 30 miles north of Dallas, McKinney was established in 1848 and has become one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. The city embraces its historical roots while looking to the future with cutting-edge technology and an eye towards the environment. Enjoy a friendly small-town feel with plenty of restaurants, shopping attractions, and lodging options. Interurban Railway Museum 901 E. 15th St., Plano, 75074 972-941-2117, interurbanplano.org This station, now an official Texas Historic Landmark, was originally built in 1908 and chronicles Plano’s history and the history of the electric rail system in North Texas. 123 Southfork Ranch 3700 Hogge Rd., Parker, 75002 972-442-7800, 800-989-7800, southforkranch.com Home of the original Dallas television family, the Ewings, Southfork Ranch still draws fans from around the world. 12345 Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary Temple One Nature Place, McKinney, 75069 972-562-5566, heardmuseum.org Already established as one of the Southwest’s primary medical centers, Temple is also one of Central Texas’ best-kept nature lovers’ secrets, with the Miller Springs nature complex and Belton Lake. Drive across Belton Dam at sunset for a breathtaking view and stop to admire the restored mural that adorns the side of the dam. Explore the intriguing history of Temple’s Czech community at the downtown Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center and its railroad history at the Railroad and Heritage Museum, located in the restored 1910 Santa Fe Depot. Witness nature in the native plant garden or the wildlife sanctuary. 125 Plano Plano, located minutes from downtown Dallas, has a little something for everyone. Visitors can browse around attractions like Legacy Town Center’s Bassus Plaza with sculptures of the Shawnee Trail cattle drive; the brick-paved antiques district of the historic downtown; Heritage Farmstead Museum; and the Interurban Railway Museum. Nearby Southfork Ranch, home of the world-famous Ewings, is a well-known favorite. Plano also has numerous shopping and dining opportunities and is host of the state’s largest hot air balloon festival, held every September. TEXAS INTERNATIONAL TOUR GUIDE 2015-2017 Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center 119 W. French St., Temple, 76501 254-899-2935 This museum documents where Czech culture meets Texas history and becomes an all-American experience. PHOTO: FORT WORTH CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU 5221 N. O’Connor Blvd., Irving, 75039 972-869-9047, mustangsoflascolinas.com Exhibits focus on the early Czech immigrants and their struggle to survive in Texas. 12345 Waco Waco and Heart of Texas offers a variety of ways to fill your days! If you’re a nature enthusiast, you can choose a hiking or biking adventure or go paddling down the river. For a cultural experience, visit one of our many unique museums or a local winery. If retail therapy is what you need, we have plenty of shops, from antique to zany. You’ll find plenty of local flavor in our restaurants and when it’s time to wind down for the evening, enjoy one of our award winning hotels. Dr Pepper Museum & Free Enterprise Institute 300 S. 5th St., Waco, 76701 254-757-1025, drpeppermuseum.com Mayborn Museum Complex 1300 S. University Parks Dr. Baylor University Campus, Waco, 76706 254-710-1110, maybornmuseum.com The Mayborn Museum Complex offers fun for visitors of all ages. The 17 hands-on discovery rooms allow young minds to explore with themes ranging from vertebrates to transportation, health to sound. 123 Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum 100 Texas Ranger Trail, Waco, 76706 254-750-8631, texasranger.org Learn about the oldest state law enforcement agency at the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum. Dating back to Spanish and Mexican origins, the museum’s 12,000 artifacts include badges, firearms, tack and personal gear. The Hall of Fame is dedicated to the 30 brave Texas Rangers who gave their lives in the line of duty and others who served with great distinction. 1235 Waco Mammoth Site This museum celebrates the history of Dr Pepper, the oldest major brand soft drink in America. A fun place for visitors of all ages, it contains three floors of exhibits including an interior artesian well, 25 years of Dr Pepper commercials, and a re-creation of a 1930s country store. 12345 Waxahachie Waxahachie takes pride in its rich heritage. Strolling through its historic downtown, anchored by the state’s most photographed courthouse, you still can see remnants of the famed Shawnee Trail. Designated as the Queen of the Cotton Belt, the Crape Myrtle Capital of Texas, and the Movie Capital of Texas, Waxahachie has also become known as the Gingerbread City. Ellis County Courthouse 101 W. Main St., Waxahachie, 75165 972-825-5000, co.ellis.tx.us Take a tour of the most photographed courthouse in Texas and find out about its varied history. 123 6220 Steinbeck Bend Rd., Waco, 76708 254-750-7946, wacomammoth.org The Waco Mammoth Site is the first and only recorded discovery of a nursery herd of Pleistocene mammoths, according to the National Park Service. This discovery has received both national and international attention B Road Trips B TOUR 1 TOUR 2 Forming one half of a metroplex with Fort Worth, Dallas sprawls with thriving urban centers, at least a dozen arts districts, and museums galore. Learn about the life, death, and legacy of Former President John F. Kennedy at the Sixth Floor Museum in Dealey Plaza, or sit in a fullsize replica of the Oval Office at the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum. Experience a manmade tornado in the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, or see one of the city’s six professional sports teams play a home game. An amazing flea market experience awaits at Traders Village in Grand Prairie. Open every weekend, the 160-acre market includes 3,500 retailers, plus rides, games, and food. Lone Star Park hosts Thoroughbred horse racing from April to July with a slate of weekly promotions. Catch a concert or play in the Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie, a 6,300-capacity indoor venue with state-of-the-art trappings. Get your “I’m a Pepper” swag at the gift shop of the Dr Pepper Museum in Waco, where the worldfamous soda is celebrated on three floors of exhibits. Bison, rhinos, and specimens from 300 other species roam the 52-acre Cameron Park Zoo near the Brazos River. Or visit the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum, where more than 14,000 artifacts shed light on Texas’ oldest law enforcement agency. Connecting Dallas and Fort Worth, Grapevine rounds out its modern splendor with doses of history. In addition to luxury hotels, wine tours, and historic buildings, the area boasts a vintage rail line with an authentic steam train. Walk through the underwater tunnel at Sea Life Grapevine Aquarium, where 5,000 sea creatures swim, or explore blocky wonderlands at Legoland Discovery Center. Head east to Arlington, where Six Flags Over Texas promises roller coasters, live-action shows, and thrill rides like the 400-foot Texas SkyScreamer. The first of a famous chain, the park adjoins Hurricane Harbor, a Six Flags waterpark. Dallas Cowboys fans can enjoy games at AT&T Stadium, while baseball fans pack Rangers Ballpark. The Planetarium at UT Arlington boasts a 60-foot dome with a digital firmament of exoplanets and virtual trips to the moon. The state’s fifth-largest city, Fort Worth earns its sobriquet as the “City of Cowboys and Culture.” Cowtown Coliseum hosts a yearround rodeo and Pawnee Bill’s Wild West Show, a cowboy stunt show. Learn some history at the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame or enjoy grub, boot-scootin’ and rodeo at Billy Bob’s Texas. For pursuits with a bit less twang, drive to Sundance Square, a 35-block district of restaurants, retail, galleries, music clubs, and the opera house of Bass Performance Hall. Dallas, Grand Prairie, Waco by both archaeologists and paleontologists, and the site has been recommended to become a national park by the U.S. Department of the Interior. 1235 Grapevine, Arlington, Fort Worth TOUR 3 Mesquite, Denton, McKinney On the eastern boundary of Dallas, Mesquite offers 1,115 acres of parks and a four-mile shopping, dining, and entertainment district called The Rows of Texas. Rodeo City Music Hall hosts family-style gospel shows the first Friday of each month, while the half-mile track at Devil’s Bowl Speedway features races with every type of automobile, including sprint cars, modifieds, and motorcycles. For a summertime diversion, head to the Mesquite Pro Rodeo on Friday and Saturday nights. Home to two state universities, the quintessential college town of Denton enjoys a flourishing live music scene. Local and touring bands play beloved venues such as the Abbey Underground and Hailey’s Club, while the Arts & Jazz Festival draws hundreds of thousands every year. Art lovers can peruse the Center for Visual Arts’ two exhibit spaces or walk the Unit Art Path, a selfguided walking tour of 36 iconic artworks at the University of North Texas. You can find shopping, sommeliers, and science aplenty in McKinney, home to at least four wineries, a historic downtown square with 100 businesses, and Third Monday Trade Days, where 900 vendors peddle antiques, arts, and crafts. The Heard Natural Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary, founded by naturalist Bessie Heard, is a 289-acre site with native and exotic animal exhibits, plant gardens, and animatronic dinosaurs. TOUR 4 BryanCollege Station, Washington, Round Top Nestled in the Brazos River Valley, the twin cities of Bryan-College Station are the home base of Texas A&M University. Visit campus and explore the George Bush Presidential Library, where you can find a segment of the Berlin Wall, ord-nance from Operation Desert Storm, a TBM Avenger Aircraft, and gifts and correspondence from Bush’s tenure as the nation’s 41st president. The area offers eight other museums, horticulture gardens, and shopping in downtown Bryan. Head south to Washington, also known as “Washington-on-theBrazos,” “Old Washington,” or simply “The Birthplace of Texas,” where 59 founding fathers signed the Texas Declaration of Independence in 1836. At a 293-acre historic site, you can traipse through Independence Hall, visit a living history farm, take a selfie in front of the Six Flags Over Texas Monument, or dip into sovereign-state history at the Star of the Republic Museum. The tiny town of Round Top has big attractions. Thrice a year, the Round Top Antiques Fair draws thousands of collectors looking to find that perfect, one-of-a-kind piece. Elizabethan drama lovers flock to the farmstead of Shakespeare at Winedale to see students from the University of Texas at Austin bring The Bard’s works to life. The 217acre complex of the Round Top Festival Institute offers year-round tours, hiking and biking–when it’s not the site of a massively influential music festival in June and July. T RAVELTEX . C O M | 39 Ex plore th e South Texas Plains THOSE WHO SEEK THE DISTINCTIVE AND ORIGINAL FLAVOR of Texas can’t miss the South Texas Plains, where Texas meets Mexico in a signature blend of Spanish and American cultures. The gateway to the region, San Antonio, is home to Texas’ most notable landmark, the Alamo, and not too far away, Tex-Mex joints and mariachi bands line the River Walk. Head farther south to experience the tropical beauty of the Rio Grande Valley, where 500 avian species soar. MISSION|SAN JOSÉ, SAN ANTONIO MISSIONS NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK 40 TEXAS INTERNATIONAL TOUR GUIDE 2015-2017 Lamar Bruni Vergara Planetarium Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) 5201 University Blvd., Laredo, 78041 956-326-2463, tamiu.edu/planetarium South Texas Plains Planetarium shows include a variety of themes, from astrology to music to entertainment for children. Some features are also available in Spanish. 1235 281 10 Republic of Rio Grande Museum SAN ANTONIO 1005 Zaragoza St., Laredo, 78040 956-727-0977, webbheritage.org Floresville The museum is housed in one of Laredo’s oldest structures located on San AgustÍn Plaza downtown. According to local legend, the structure served as the capitol of the Republic of the Rio Grande in 1840. 12345 181 Pearsall 57 Panna Maria Eagle Pass SR E EC Goliad 37 NU Beeville rs ve Ri est e re W Th rge o Ge 83 O RI D AN GR 35 59 E AV ER AGE T EMPER AT UR E S C ° Kenedy IV 277 Mexicoo ER Alice January February March April May June July August September October November December Sunshine Days Laredo San Antonio 13 11 16 12 20 17 24 21 27 24 30 28 31 29 31 29 28 27 24 21 18 16 14 11 220 222 Eagle Pass Home to the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino, the only gaming casino in Texas, Eagle Pass lies on the TexasMexico border, at the tip of Texas Highway 57—228 kilometers southwest of San Antonio. Its small–town charm, friendly people and amenities contribute to make Eagle Pass a perfect location for small group meetings. While on an accelerated growth path, the community has been able to retain the laid-back, easygoing lifestyle enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. Fort Duncan Museum and Fort Duncan 310 Bliss St., Eagle Pass, 78852 830-758-1445, eaglepasstx.us Fort Duncan Museum is located in the heart of historic Fort Duncan. Exhibits, artifacts, and photographs from the colonial period, early exploration, Civil War, and the early 20th century in Texas and Northern Mexico and historic Eagle Pass can be viewed. 1253 Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino 794 Lucky Eagle Dr., Eagle Pass, 78852 1-888-255-8259, kickapooluckyeaglecasino.com The Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino stands alone as Texas’ number one gaming casino. Experience excitement 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in a firstclass facility, with more than 2,000 electronic gaming machines, the anticipation of fast-paced Texas hold ‘em poker, live bingo, and much more. 124 3 281 Laredo 359 Falfurrias 83 281 Rio Grande City Mission McAllen Hidalgo view along with several other markers in the area on a walking tour through the downtown. The Angel of Goliad nature trail will take you walking and hiking along the San Antonio River. Presidio la Bahía Across the river from Goliad State Park and Historic Site, 1.5 miles south of Goliad on US Hwy. 183 361-645-3752, presidiolabahia.org The history of this restored fort, established in 1749 at its present location, constitutes a catalog of major battles in the area. Now a museum with artifacts from the battles, it is the only fully restored Spanish presidio that has guest quarters available for rental. 1235 Laredo Located deep in the heart of South Texas, Laredo is the edge of the U.S. and the beginning of a visitor experience that embodies a duality simply by existing on the border of two countries. Laredo is the beginning of the Lone Star State and a travel experience that is American, Texan, and Mexican all at once. Its location lends itself to a perfect blend of culture, language, culinary influences, and ambience that can only be found deep in the heart of South Texas. Imaginarium of South Texas PHOTO: KENNY BRAUN Goliad 5300 San Dario Ave., Ste. 505, Laredo, 78041 956-728-0404, istx.org Steeped in Texas history, Goliad is the third-oldest municipality in the state. One of the highlights of the area’s legacy is Presidio la Bahía and its two missions, which constitute the only surviving example of a Spanish Colonial mission complex in Texas. Start with the restored 1894 courthouse, which you can Located inside Mall del Norte, the Imaginarium provides a bicultural, creative learning experience, primarily through hands-on exhibits that nurture an individual sense of inquiry and that inspire youth with a focus on science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM). 1235 McAllen Celebrated as the City of Palms, McAllen lives up to the name, with more than 40 varieties of palm trees lining its streets. Now a major commercial center, the semi-tropical city is the third-largest U.S. port of entry from Mexico. Visitors are drawn by the exceptional cuisine, warm winter weather, and the remarkable number and species of birds found at dozens of wildlife sanctuaries, all within an hour’s drive. International Museum of Art and Science 1900 Nolana Ave., McAllen, 78504 956-682-0123, imasonline.org Devoted to science and the arts, this Smithsonian-affiliated museum features Mexican folk art, masks, textiles, and contemporary American and regional prints. The offerings include a collection of European paintings, a children’s Discovery Pavilion, a Latin gallery, and a cafe. 12345 Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge 3325 Green Jay, Alamo, 78516 956-784-7500, friendsofsouthtexasrefuges.org With nearly 500 species, the refuge has one of the most diverse populations of birds in the nation. Santa Ana also attracts 300 species of butterflies and has many rare plants and animals. 123 San Antonio San Antonio, home to the ledgendary Alamo and the famed River Walk, hosts a vibrant mix of culture, cuisine, architecture, and moving history—not to mention diverse languages and music. A cosmopolitan blend of top-notch golf courses, remarkable dining and nightlife options, art galleries, spas, theme parks, and shopping dot the pedestrian cityscape along the Rio. San Antonio, one of America’s friendliest cities, truly offers an authentic experience. The Alamo 300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, 78205 210-225-1391, thealamo.org This small stone compound is a well-known site, representing 300 years of Texas history. The Alamo is both historic and beautiful, a famous architectural landmark. 235 Briscoe Western Art Museum 210 W. Market St., San Antonio, 78205 210-299-4499, briscoemuseum.org The Briscoe Western Art Museum, the main building of which is nearly 38,000 square feet and occupies the former San Antonio Central Library building, features nine galleries on three floors showcasing historic and contemporary paintings, sculptures, Western artifacts, and much more. 1235 Buckhorn Saloon and Museum and The Texas Rangers Museum 318 E. Houston St., San Antonio, 78205 210-247-4000, buckhornmuseum.com Since 1881 this saloon has been known as a gathering place for good conversation, great food, and spectacular wildlife exhibits. Today, the saloon houses a cafe, gift shop, shooting gallery, and two museums. 2345 T RAVELTEX . C O M | 41 RIVER WALK, SAN ANTONIO Do Seum, San Antonio’s Museum for Kids 2800 Broadway, San Antonio, 78209 210-212-4453, sakids.org Imagine a spectacular, fun learning environment focused on science, technology, engineering, and math, connected with literacy and creative arts. The Do Seum features 65,000 square feeet of exhibits, plus 30,000 square feet of outdoor exhibits and activities. 12345 Institute of Texan Cultures 801 E. Cesar E. Chavez, San Antonio, 78205 210-458-2300, texancultures.com Exhibits, artifacts, and historical photographs trace the contributions of the amazingly varied cultural and ethnic groups that had a part in developing Texas. The museum has 65,000 square feet of displays and exhibitions that tell stories of Texans, plus a library focused on cultural and ethnic history. The institute hosts the Texas Folklife Festival each June. 1234 King William Historic District This 25-block area off St. Mary’s and Durango streets still retains the charm of the late 19th-century neighborhood established by prominent German merchants. The Steves Homestead, at 509 King William St., is one of the finest Victorian house museums in the Southwest. 345 La Villita Historical District 418 Villita St., Ste. 903, San Antonio, 78205 210-207-8614, lavillita.com La Villita (Spanish for “little town”) is a good name for this area, which was one of San Antonio’s earliest com- 42 | Majestic Theatre and Charline McCombs Empire Theatre 224 E. Houston St., San Antonio, 78205 210-226-5700, majesticempire.com A Texas and national historic landmark, The Majestic Theatre is home to the San Antonio Symphony and Broadway in San Antonio, seating more than 2,300. Clouds are projected onto the high ceiling of the Majestic, giving a magical feel to the ornate Mediterranean-style room. 235 An operating brewery from 1883 to 2001, this site is now a culinary hub nestled on the banks of the San Antonio River Walk. Chefs congregate at the Culinary Institute of America, food lovers gather at the year-round Pearl Farmers Market, and shoppers hunt for one-of-akind goods in an eclectic array of shops. 12345 Military Bases San Antonio supports multiple military bases. Most are open to tours with advance reservations. Two museums at Fort Sam Houston are open to the public. Fort Sam Houston 210-221-1211, samhouston.army.mil Lackland Air Force Base Market Square (El Mercado) 210-671-1110, jsba.af.mil 514 W. Commerce St., San Antonio, 78207 210-207-8600, marketsquaresa.com Randolph Air Force Base In this historic two-block downtown area of shops and restaurants, El Mercado, the largest Mexican market in the U.S., is crammed full of imported goods from south of the border. 234 McNay Art Museum 6000 N. New Braunfels Ave., San Antonio, 78209 210-824-5368, mcnayart.org Philanthropist Marion Koogler McNay’s elegant Spanish-style home and landscaped grounds now house a fine collection of European and American art, including a rare book collection and works by Cézanne, Degas, Picasso, Gauguin, Van Gogh, O’Keeffe, Rodin, Matisse, and Chagall. 1235 210-652-1110, jsba.af.mil Morgan’s Wonderland 5223 David Edwards Dr., San Antonio, 78233 210-495-5888, morganswonderland.com Morgan’s Wonderland is an ultra-accessible family fun park designed specifically for children and adults with special needs, along with their family members, caregivers, friends, and the entire community. This 25-acre park is an oasis that, through the spirit of inclusion, allows people of all abilities to play, learn, and share life-changing experiences together, in a fun and safe environment. 12345 Natural Bridge Caverns Pearl Brewery 26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd., San Antonio, 78266 210-651-6101, naturalbridgecaverns.com 200 E. Grayson St., San Antonio, 78215 210-212-7260, atpearl.com Discover incredible underground chambers filled with spectacular formations on a family-friendly guided tour TEXAS INTERNATIONAL TOUR GUIDE 2015-2017 PHOTO: COURTESY OF SAN ANTONIO CVB King William Association 1032 S. Alamo St., San Antonio, 78210 210-227-8786, 210-225-5924 (Steves Homestead) kingwilliamassociation.org munities. Today, the charming adobe homes are used as gift shops, artisans’ studios, and restaurants, as well as the site of the Night in Old San Antonio event each April. 2345 along paved, lighted walkways. Natural Bridge Caverns is Texas’ largest and one of the premier show caves in the world. 1245 Mission San José and Missions’ Visitors Center Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch Mission San Juan Capistrano 26515 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd., San Antonio, 78266 830-438-7400, wildliferanchtexas.com 9101 Graf Rd., San Antonio, 78214 This drive-through safari, stretching across 400 acres of ranchland, includes a petting zoo, a visitors center, a driving tour, and a collection of animals such as endangered white rhinos, giraffes, and lemurs. 12345 San Antonio Museum of Art Paseo del Rio (River Walk) Downtown San Antonio, accessible via numerous bridges and entry points, including Commerce and Losoya Streets 210-227-4262, thesanantonioriverwalk.com The River Walk stretches north along the San Antonio River and connects to the San Antonio Museum of Art, culminating at the 125-year-old Pearl Brewery, a vibrant urban village. Shops, restaurants, and galleries line the banks along with public art installations. 12345 San Antonio Botanical Garden 6701 San José Dr., San Antonio, 78214 200 W. Jones Ave., San Antonio, 78215 210-978-8100, samuseum.org SAMA is housed in the historic Lone Star Brewery along the new Museum Reach section of the San Antonio River Walk. 12345 San Antonio—the SAGA 115 N. Main Ave., San Antonio, 78205 210-225-9800, mainplaza.org This captivating 7,000-square-foot video art installation tells the story of the discovery, settlement, and development of San Antonio. Projected on the facade of the 18th-century San Fernando Cathedral in the historic Main Plaza, this reccuring piece was created by renowned French artist Xavier de Richemont. 12345 A variety of plants from every region of the state are represented in this spectacular 33-acre complex. In addition to the formal garden, highlights include an herb collection, a Japanese garden, and a designated area designed specifically for the blind. 12345 San Antonio Missions National Historical Park 2202 Roosevelt Ave., San Antonio, 78210 210-932-1001 (business offices), nps.gov/saan Five missions represent the largest concentration of Spanish colonial missions in North America, and they have been nominated for World Heritage status. Also see listing for The Alamo. 123 Mission Concepción SeaWorld San Antonio 10500 SeaWorld Dr., San Antonio, 78251 800-700-7786, seaworld.com/sanantonio Home to Shamu, dolphins, belugas, sea lions, sharks, otters, penguins, and others, the park stages major shows, including “One Ocean,” which features Shamu. Ride the Great White inverted coaster, the Steel Eel, and the Shamu Express kid-sized coaster. Experience the Aquatica water park in a lush resort-like setting. 12345 At the city’s premier museum of South Texas history, culture, and natural science you’ll find traveling exhibits and now, with the new South Texas Heritage Center, real-life stories of South Texas as told by Spanish settlers, chili queens, trail drivers, ranchers, cowboys, and more. 1235 Selma One Retama Pkwy., Selma, 78154 210-651-7000, retamapark.com Retama Park has been bringing horse racing to South and Central Texas since 1995. Enjoy dining with a panoramic view of the entire racetrack at the Terrace Dining Room or Race Book and Sports Bar. Simulcasting is also available. 12345 Six Flags Fiesta Texas Hop from concert to roller coaster at this huge park known for its spectacular shows and rides. 1234 B In April, thousands flock to the Strawberry Festival, a celebration of Poteet’s favorite export. Known as the “Strawberry Capital of Texas,” the town of 3,371 produces 40 percent of the state’s strawberries and has the sevenfoot-tall monument to prove it. Snap up a festival ticket and enjoy a rodeo, fiddlers’ contest, fireworks, and more. Or tour the Poteet Country Winery, which specializes in strawberry and mustang grape wines. The Alamo and River Walk are common denominators for any San Antonio visit, while higher brows seek out the San Antonio Museum of Art. For something more unusual, head to the Alamo Plaza, where the Amazing Mirror Maze warps your perception and the Vault Laser Challenge immerses you in a game of motion-sensing lasers. The 3801 Broadway, San Antonio, 78209 210-357-1900, wittemuseum.org Retama Park Mission San Francisco de la Espada Poteet, San Antonio, Floresville Witte Museum At this zoo, 3,500 animals live in beautifully designed naturalistic habitats. 12345 17000 I-10 W., San Antonio, 78257 210-697-5000, sixflags.com/fiestatexas TOUR 1 This recently opened center combines modern design and historic architecture, preserving and incorporating the original facade of the Municipal Auditorium. Patrons enjoy performances in the state-of-the-art theater. An outdoor performance plaza connects to the River Walk. 1235 3903 N. St. Mary’s St., San Antonio, 78212 210-734-7184, sazoo-aq.org 807 Mission Rd., San Antonio, 78210 10040 Espada Rd., San Antonio, 78214 100 Auditorium Cir., San Antonio, 78205 210-223-3333, tobincenter.org Located just 25 kilometers northeast of downtown San Antonio, Selma was founded in 1847 along the Cibolo Creek. Selma is home to Retama Park, the Forum Shopping Center, and the Stagecoach Stop and Visitor’s Center, built on the site of Selma’s original 1850s stagecoach stop. San Antonio Zoo 555 Funston Pl., San Antonio, 78209 210-207-3250, sabot.org Tobin Center for the Performing Arts Road Trips B Alamo Ghost Hunt serves up history wrapped in heebie-jeebies in a tour of 13 haunted locations. Engines purr and thunder at Cycle Ranch Motocross Park, where international drivers compete in over 20 major races a year. Located 30 minutes from San Antonio in Floresville, the attraction has 100 acres of red dirt and gorgeous oaks, with tracks to accommodate allterrain vehicles, bikes, and more. You won’t need quite as much adrenaline to explore the historic Canary Islanders Cemetery or traipse through 18-century ruins at the Rancho De Las Calabras. TOUR 2 San Juan, Roma, Three Rivers Hundreds of pilgrims trek to the Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan Del Valle National Shrine in San Juan to pray and admire its Italian bronzed, life-sized statues. The Virgin Mary was an important figure to the area’s migrant workers, a theme that continues at the Cesar Chavez Memorial, honoring the labor rights leader. Also pay respects at Liberty Park, a memorial for U.S. servicemen from San Juan who fell in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Bass fishing draws anglers from near and far to the reservoir at Falcon State Park, about 15 miles west of Roma. The park is beloved for its idyllic vistas, bountiful wildlife, and rich wintertime birding. Perched on a bluff above the Rio Grande, the Roma Historic District is the perfect place to trace the area’s history; 38 buildings dating from 1829 to 1900 compose a National Historic Landmark. Hugging the shores of a 26,000acre reservoir, Choke Canyon State Park offers boating, fishing, picnicking, and waterskiing in a perennially warm climate. The park hosts an annual birding festival in Three Rivers–named for the Atascosa, Nueces, and Frio rivers. The town hosts the Big Bang Salsafest during Fourth of July Weekend–so steel your taste buds. TOUR 3 Rio Grande Valley Fans of feathered beasts know exactly where to lug their binoculars: the World Birding Center. Extending over 120 miles of the Rio Grande Valley, the network of nine birding sites draws droves of people agog over the region’s 500-plus species. South of the city of Mission, Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park spans 760 acres and claims 325 species of birds and more than 200 species of butterflies. T RAVELTEX . C O M | 43 The Western Experience: Ranches Dixie Dude Ranch 833 Dixie Dude Ranch Rd., Bandera, 78003 830-796-7771, 800-375-9255 dixieduderanch.com, [email protected] Big Bend Country Cibolo Creek Ranch HCR 67, 38 miles south of Marfa on TX Hwy. 67 432-229-3737, 866- 496-9460 cibolocreekranch.com Working, cattle, hunting, guest, resort, and special-events ranch. Accommodates 44 overnight (reservations required), 42 for restaurant. Historic Prude Ranch 201 Prude Guest Ranch Rd. off TX Hwy. 118, Fort Davis, 79734 432-426-3201, prude-ranch.com Guest, hunting, and special-events ranch. Accommodations include bunkhouses, guest lodges, family cabins, and 30 RV hookups. Indian Cliffs Ranch and Cattleman’s Steakhouse Exit 49 Fabens, five miles north of I-10 915-544-3200, cattlemansranch.com Cattle, working, and special-events ranch. Accommodates 3,250 during the day (reservations required for large groups). Indianhead Ranch 3110 Indianhead Ranch Rd. Del Rio, 78840 830-775-6481, indianheadranch.com Guest, hunting, and special-events ranch. Accommodates 15 overnight (three houses and two rooms in the lodge). 44 | Kokernot 06 Ranch King Ranch Dixie Dude Ranch 42700B TX Hwy. 17, north of Fort Davis 432-386-3402, o6ranch.com Working, cattle, and special-events ranch. Accommodates 18 overnight (three houses), 40 during the day. 2205 W. Hwy. 141, Kingsville, 78363 361-592-8055, king-ranch.com Working ranch. Accommodates 200 (by appointment only). Guided bus tours daily. Ten Bits Ranch Spirit Inn of Mission Valley 833 Dixie Dude Ranch Rd., Bandera, 78003 830-796-7771, 800-375-9255 dixieduderanch.com, [email protected] Dude ranch. Accommodates 65 overnight (20 rooms). 6000 N. County Rd., Terlingua, 79852 866-371-3110 tenbitsranch.com Guest, resort, and special-events ranch. Accommodates up to 12 (4-room bedand-breakfast). 3377 Lower Mission Valley Rd., Victoria, 77905 361-649-5333, spiritinnmv.com Working, cattle, guest, and special-events ranch. Accommodates 24 overnight and 160 for events (reservations required). Gulf Coast Texas Oil Ranch Corporation American Cowboy Museum on the TaylorStevenson Ranch 11822 Almeda Rd., Houston, 77045 713-478-9677 americancowboymuseum.org Working and special-events ranch. Accommodates 200 during the day (reservations required). Farm Country Club Hill Country 566 Flying L Dr., Bandera, 78003 800-292-5134, flyingl.com Guest ranch. Accommodates 400 during the day and 250 overnight (84 sleeping units of several types). Bamberger Ranch Preserve 45 miles north of Corpus Christi on FM 2678, Bayside, 78340 361-529-6600, fennesseyranch.com Cattle, working, hunting, and ecotourism ranch. Accommodates 40 (by appointment only). 2341 Blue Ridge Dr., Johnson City, 78636 830-868-2630 (reservations), bambergerranch.org Working ranch. Accommodates up to 100 during the day and 48 overnight on 5,500 acres. 10215 FM 762, Richmond, 77469 281-343-0218, georgeranch.org Cattle, working, and special-events ranch. Accommodates 3,000 during the day. TEXAS INTERNATIONAL TOUR GUIDE 2015–2017 242 TX Hwy. 46 W., Boerne, 78006 830-249-8222, enchantedspringsranch.com Special-events ranch. Accommodates 3,000 during the day (one room located on the ranch and 150 rooms at Tapatio Springs Golf Resort and Conference Center). 23501 Macedonia Rd., Hockley, 77447 281-859-1616, oilranch.com Guest, working, and special-events ranch. Accommodates 3,000 during the day, 500 per pavilion (groups and tours by appointment only). Fennessey Ranch George Ranch Historical Park Enchanted Springs Ranch BR Lightning Ranch 818 FM 1283, Pipe Creek, 78063 830-535-4096, lightningranch.com Guest ranch. Accommodates 33 (7 guest cottages). 475 Pue Rd., Bandera, 78003 830-589-2276, farmcc.com Special-events ranch. Accommodates an unlimited number of guests during the day (by reservation only). Flying L Guest Ranch Hill Country Equestrian Lodge 1580 Hay Hollar Rd., Bandera, 78003 830-796-7950 hillcountryequestlodge.com Guest ranch. Accommodates approximately 40 (4 private cabins and 5 luxury suites). PHOTO: DIXIE DUDE RANCH If you’re looking for an authentic cowboy experience, you’ll find it at endless working ranches and classic rodeo events around the state. Joshua Creek Ranch White Lightning Ranch Wildcatter Ranch Josey Ranch 132 Cravey Rd., Boerne, 78006 830-537-5090, joshuacreek.com Hunting ranch. Accommodates 42 overnight. Stabled at 575 Hyatt Lost Pines, Lost Pines, 78612 512-680-0463 Outdoors ranch. Accommodates 20–30 (in ranch building) and 10–15 horseback riders at a time. 6062 TX Hwy. 16 S., Graham, 76450 940-549-3500, 888-462-9277 wildcatterranch.com Guest, resort, and special events ranch. Accommodates 35 single occupancy, 56 double occupancy (16 cabin suites, 16 hotel rooms, two guest houses). 8623 S.H. 43 N. Karnack, 75661 903-935-5358, barrelracers.com Working and special-events ranch. Accommodates over 200. Locomotive 501 Ranch P.O. Box 510, Uvalde, 78802 830-278-3939, 501ranch.com Guest, hunting, and special-events ranch. Mayan Ranch 350 Mayan Ranch Rd., Bandera, 78003 830-796-3312, 830-460-3036 mayanranch.com Guest ranch. Accommodates 120 (68 rooms). Purple Sage Ranch Conference Center and Retreat 756 Purple Sage Rd., Bandera, 78003 830-796-7703, 800-373-0931 purplesageranch.com Guest, hunting, resort, and corporate and special-events ranch. Accommodates 150 indoors and outdoors, and includes 52 beds for overnight guests. Quiet Hill Ranch 110 Quiet Hill Ranch Rd., Doss, 78618 830-669-2253, 800-544-2253 quiethillranch.com Guest ranch. Accommodates 28 (4 log cabins and separate lodge). Rancho Cortez 872 Hay Hollar Rd., Bandera, 78003 830-796-9339, 866-797-9339, ranchocortez.com Dude and fitness ranch. Accommodates 82 (1 bunkhouse and several individual private cabins). Reunion Ranch 850 County Rd. 255, Georgetown, 78633 512-515-6200, reunionranch1.com Special-events ranch. Accommodates 5,000. Indoor facility accommodates 600 during day or evening (reservations required). Shonto Ranch 845 Lower Turtle Creek Rd., Kerrville, 78028 210-317-4578, shontoranch.com Hunting ranch. Accommodates by appointment only during the day. Silver Spur Guest Ranch 9266 Bandera Creek Rd., Bandera, 78003 830-796-3037, silverspur-ranch.com Guest ranch. Accommodates 80 overnight (16 rooms). Twin Elm Guest Ranch PHOTO: ©MAYAN RANCH 810 FM 470 at TX Hwy. 16, Bandera, 78003 830-796-3628, 888-567-3049 twinelmranch.com Dude ranch. Accommodates 87 (20 rooms). West 1077 Guest Ranch 9061 Bandera Creek Rd., 78003 830-796-5675, west1077.com Guest ranch. Accommodates 35 overnight (14 cabins). Y.O. Ranch 1736 Y.O. Ranch Rd., Mountain Home, 78058 830-640-3222, 800-YORANCH yoranch.com Guest ranch. Accommodates unlimited number during the day and 42 overnight (13 cabins, 1 lodge). RV hookups (20) and meeting rooms also available. Panhandle Plains Ball Ranch 525 S. Hwy. 83-84, Abilene, 79602 325-698-2186, theballranch.com Special-events ranch and Western-style dinner theater. Accommodates 200. Bar H Dude Ranch Piney Woods Busy B Ranch 1100 W. Prospect Rd., Jefferson, 75657 903-665-7448, busybranch.com Guest, working, and hunting ranch. Accommodates 14 overnight. Cowboy Solution 21978 Bays Chapel Rd., Richards, 77873 281-732-4963, cowboysolution.com Equestrian leadership development and cowboy campouts. Prairies & Lakes Austin Ranch 2009 Anderson Gibson Rd., Grapevine, 76051 817-481-1536, austinranch.net Special-events ranch. Accommodates 2,000. Beaumont Ranch 10736 CR 102, Grandview, 76050 888-864-4000, beaumontranch.com Cattle, guest, and special-events ranch. Accommodates 350. Buffalo Valley Event Center 2946 Ganzer Rd. W., Denton, 76207 940-482-3409, buffalovalleyeventcenter.com Resort and special-events ranch. Accommodates 600. 12064 Bar H Ranch Rd., Clarendon, 79226 800-627-9871, barhduderanch.com Working cattle, dude, guest, hunting, resort, and special-events ranch. Accommodates 400 during the day and 78 overnight (17 rooms). Cottonwood Springs Guest Ranch 1600 TX Hwy. 70 N., Pampa, 79065 806-665-7126 cottonwoodspringsranch.org Working, guest, and special-events ranch. Accommodates 9 overnight. 150 outside, 90 in party barn. Elkins Ranch 11301 E. TX Hwy. 217, Canyon, 79015 800-658-2613, theelkinsranch.com Working cattle and special-events ranch. Accommodates 200. Chuck-wagon breakfast and dinner with live Western entertainment. Perini Ranch Steakhouse 3002 FM 89, Buffalo Gap, 79508 800-367-1721, periniranch.com Guest ranch and restaurant. Accommodates 400 outdoors, 95 indoors, 90 on the patio. River Breaks Ranch 7802 Durrett Dr., Amarillo, 79124 806-374-0357, riverbreaksranch.com Working cattle, guest, and special events ranch. Accommodates 300 indoors and 1,000 outdoors. Walnut Creek Ranch 4651 Walnut Rd. Water Valley, 76958 877-690-6400, walnutcreekranch.com Guest ranch. Accommodates 24 overnight (3 guest houses). Mayan Ranch 350 Mayan Ranch Rd., Bandera, 78003 830-796-3312, 830-460-3036 mayanranch.com T RAVELT EX . C O M | 45 Ranches Texas Horse Park 811 Pemberton Hill Rd., Dallas, 75217 469-804-2660, texashorsepark.com Texas Ranch Life 10848 Cactus Ln., Chappell Hill, 77426 979-865-3649, texasranchlife.com Cattle, dude, guest, working, hunting, resor t, and special-events ranch. Accommodates 60 for lodging and 300 for events. Reservations required. Wildcatter Ranch 6062 TX Hwy. 16 S., Graham, 76450 940-549-3500, 888-462-9277 wildcatterranch.com Guest, resort, and special events ranch. Accommodates 35 single occupancy, 56 double occupancy (16 cabin suites, 16 hotel rooms, two guest houses). South Texas Plains Barnhart Ranch and Nature Retreat 8212 F.M. 883, Berclair, 78107 361-375-2824, barnhartranchretreat.com Cattle, guest, working, hunting, and special-events ranch. Accommodates up to 20. Don Strange Ranch 103 Waring Welfare Rd., Boerne, 78206 210-434-2331, donstrange.com Special-events ranch. Accommodates up to 10,000. Enchanted Springs Ranch Circle R Ranch Lone Oak Ranch and Retreat Reunion Ranch 5901 Cross Timbers Rd., Flower Mound, 75022 817-430-1561, circlerranch.org Special-events ranch. Accommodates 5,000. Pre-booked groups only. 8484 FM 372 S., Gainesville, 76240 940-668-2855, loneoakretreat.com Guest and special-events ranch. Accommodates 80 in hotel rooms and guest houses and 150 in bunkhouses and cabins. 850 CR 255, Georgetown, 78633 512-515-6200, reunionranch1.com Special-events and dude ranch. Accommodates up to 5,000 during the day. Double D Ranch 12809 Eastgate Dr., Mesquite, 75181 972-289-2341, ddranchdallas.com Special-events ranch. Nueces Canyon Ranch Equestrian Center 7036 N. TX Hwy. 78, Bonham, 75418 903-583-5337, kueckelhanrodeo.com Working ranch. 9501 US Hwy. 290 W., Brenham, 77833 979-289-5600, nuecescanyon.com Cattle, guest, working, resort, and specialevents ranch. Accommodates 100 during the day and 44 overnight (12 rooms). Lazy F Ranch The Ranch of Lonesome Dove 15547 FM 1116 (one mile north of US Hwy. 87), Smiley, 78159 210-391-6378 lazy-f-working-guest-ranch.com Working and guest ranch. Accommodates 28. 2299 Lonesome Dove Rd., Southlake, 76092 817-329-1100 theranchoflonesomedove.com Special-events ranch. Accommodates 999 inside and 3,000+ at outdoor stage during the day. Kueckelhan Ranch 46 | TEXAS INTERNATIONAL TOUR GUIDE 2015–2017 Rio Cibolo Ranch 1101 Ulrich Rd., Marion, 78124 830-914-3325, riociboloranch.com Special-events, cattle, and working ranch. Accommodates 5,000. Rocking L Guest Ranch 240 Van Zandt, CR 3837, Wills Point, 75169 903-560-0246, rockinglranch.com Guest, resort, and special-events ranch. Accommodates 35. Storybook Ranch 3701 S. Custer Rd., McKinney, 75070 972-369-0874, storybookranch.org Special-events ranch. Accommodates 750. Reservations required. Knibbe Ranch 10006 Spring Branch Rd. Spring Branch, 78070 830-885-7773, 877-656-4223 knibberanch.com Working, cattle, and corporate specialevents ranch. Accommodates 300– 4,000 (no small groups). Rio Cibolo Ranch 1101 Ulrich Rd., Marion, 78124 830-914-3325, riociboloranch.com Special-events, cattle, and working ranch. Accommodates 5,000. PHOTO COURTESY OF: WILDCATTER RANCH Wildcatter Ranch 6062 TX Hwy. 16 S., Graham, 76450 940-549-3500, 888-462-9277 wildcatterranch.com 242 TX Hwy. 46 W., Boerne, 78006 830-249-8222 enchantedspringsranch.com Special-events ranch. Accommodates 3,000 during the day (one room located on the ranch and 150 rooms at Tapatio Springs Golf Resort and Conference Center). Rodeos AUGUST Big Bend Country SEPTEMBER Piney Woods JANUARY Bandera MARCH Denton Huntsville North Texas State Fair & Rodeo Walker County Fair & Rodeo 940-387-2632, ntfair.com Odessa Sandhills Stock Show and Rodeo 432-366-3951 sandhillsstockshowandrodeo.com FEBRUARY Alpine Texas Cowboy Poetry Gathering 432-837-2326, cowboy-poetry.org APRIL Del Rio George Paul Memorial Bull Riding 830-775-9595 georgepaulmemorialbullriding.com JUNE Pecos West of the Pecos Rodeo 800-588-2855, pecosrodeo.com J U LY Del Rio Annual Rotary Rodeo 830-775-2095, drchamber.com Celebrate Bandera 800-364-3833, celebratebandera.com Boerne Kendall County Fair 830-249-2839, kcfa.org Panhandle Plains APRIL Lubbock Ranch Day MARCH Beaumont YMBL South Texas State Fair & Rodeo 409-832-9991, ymbl.org Houston Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF: UVALDE CVB 512-218-5400, frontierdays.com AUGUST Fredericksburg Gillespie County Fair 830-997-2359, gillespiefair.net OCTOBER Prairies and Lakes Seguin Western Heritage Classic 817-877-2400, fwssr.com South Texas Plains 325-677-4376 westernheritageclassic.com APRIL FEBRUARY JUNE Athens San Antonio Plainview Henderson County Go Texan Rodeo San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo Guadalupe County Fair and PRCA Rodeo 830-379-6477, gcfair.org 903-675-5181, athenscc.org 210-225-5851, sarodeo.com 806-296-1320, myplainview.com JUNE–AUGUST MARCH J U LY Mesquite Goliad Stamford Mesquite Championship Rodeo at Resistol Arena Goliad County Fair & Rodeo Plainview Daily Herald Bar None Rodeo 361-645-8204, goliad.agrilife.org 972-285-8777, mesquiterodeo.com 325-773-3138, tcrrodeo.com AUGUST Wichita Falls Texas Ranch Roundup 940-687-4933 texasranchroundup.com SEPTEMBER Amarillo Tri-State Fair and Rodeo National Cowboy Symposium and Celebration Frontier Days 972-219-3401 lewisvillewesterndays.com Abilene Kingsville Round Rock 870-773-2941, fourstatesfair.com Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show & Rodeo Lubbock J U LY Western Days Festival Four States Fair and Rodeo Fort Worth NOVEMBER Hill Country Lewisville Texarkana MAY 806-376-7767, tristatefair.com 800-333-5032, king-ranch.com SEPTEMBER JANUARY 832-667-1000, rodeohouston.com King Ranch Ranch Hand Breakfast SEPTEMBER 806-742-0498, nrhc.ttu.edu Texas Cowboy Reunion Gulf Coast 936-291-8763, walkercountyfair.com 806-798-7825, cowboy.org OCTOBER Amarillo Cowboy Mounted Shooting World Championship Finals 888-960-0003 cowboymountedshooting.com NOVEMBER Amarillo WRCA World Championship Ranch Rodeo 806-374-9722, wrca.org Southwest Texas Junior College Rodeo 2319 W. Main St., Uvalde, 78801 830-591-7232 swtjc.edu T RAVELT EX . C OM | 47 Multicultural Events DECEMBER Fort Davis Frontier Christmas This celebration re-creates all the classic Christmas activities, including caroling, cocoa, cookies, and a lighting ceremony on the square to round out the activities. 432-426-3015, 800-524-3015, fortdavis.com Gulf Coast JANUARY Galveston Mardi Gras Galveston Celebrate Mardi Gras Texas-style with nearly 250,000 partygoers. The Grand Night Parade is the biggest event, and the fest concludes with the Fat Tuesday Parade. 866-505-4456 mardigrasgalveston.com Port Aransas Whooping Crane Festival JANUARY This homage takes flight with nature workshops and field trips, a naturebased trade show, and seminars by renowned speakers. 800-452-6278, whoopingcranefestival.org Galveston 866-505-4456, mardigrasgalveston.com Texas is packed with culture from corner to corner, which means you'll find plenty of interesting events to enjoy. Most occur annually, but be sure to call or visit websites for specific dates and additional details. Big Bend Country APRIL Midland Celebration of The Arts This festival brings together creative works from artists around the country. 432-687-1149, acmidland.org El Paso NOVEMBER Sun City Music Festival Terlingua Check out one of the most popular electronic dance music festivals in the world, over Labor Day Weekend, at El Paso's Ascarate Park. suncitymusicfestival.com Midland SeptemberFest This fundraiser for the Museum of the Southwest celebrates with artists and craftspeople from all over the nation. 432-683-2882, museumsw.org OCTOBER Terlingua International Chili Championship What started in 1967 has become a world-renowned chili cook-off. 972-935-2402, abowlofred.com Alpine APRIL ARTWALK Bringing together artists from across the Southwest, this free event celebrates the arts with the cooperation of Alpine’s galleries, private studios, and artrelated shops. 432-837-3067, artwalkalpine.com Del Rio Del Rio Odessa Fiesta de Amistad Cinco de Mayo Activities include an arts and crafts show, the Miss Del Rio Pageant, and the only parade that starts in one country and ends in another. 830-774-8558, drchamber.com Tejano Super Car Show SEPTEMBER Marfa Marfa Lights Festival Dance the night away under the shine of those mysterious desert lights on the lawn of one of the most magnificent courthouses in Texas. For free. 432-729-4942, marfacc.com 48 | Sanderson Prickly Pear Pachanga This annual festival is a local celebration of fall, the beginning of hunting season, and the area’s most bountiful asset— the prickly pear cactus. 915-562-6446, amigoairsho.org TEXAS INTERNATIONAL TOUR GUIDE 2015–2017 Charro Days Fiesta Experience the week-long celebration of border culture, including parades, dances, and festivities in the streets. 956-542-4245, charrodaysfiesta.com M AY Celebrate Mexico’s victory over France with cultural music, folklorico dancing, food, and more. 830-775-3551, drchamber.com Brownsville This unique car show attracts world lowrider champions and awards more than 200 trophies in categories ranging from Best Car to Best Bicycle. Add hydraulic car-hopping, model car contests, live Tejano, rhythm and blues, and rap music, and an art contest, and you’ve got a real party. 432-337-2189 tejanosupercarshow.com Houston WorldFest-Houston Film Festival With 550 filmmakers from 33 countries and more than 20,000 film buffs, it’s no surprise that directors like Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, and Ang Lee won their first awards here. 713-965-9955, worldfest.org Port Aransas Texas Sandfest Now a qualifying contest for the world championships, this master sand competition also has open contests for family fun. 800-452-6278 texassandfest.com Corpus Christi Buccaneer Days With an illuminated night parade, other festivities include a PRCA rodeo, a barbecue tailgate party, a carnival midway, and two parades. 361-882-3242, bucdays.com PHOTOGRAPH: KIM CHRISTENSEN PHOTOGRAPHY Mardi Gras Galveston Houston Bay Area Houston AUGUST Austin Houston Art Car Parade Wings Over Houston Airshow Marble Falls Fun Fun Fun Fest Not your ordinary car show, The Art Car Parade has scores of hard-to-classify rolling contraptions, lowriders, costumed rollerskaters, musicians on floats, and hot-rodders. 713-926-6368, thehoustonartcarparade.com Modern and historical aircraft perform in a six-hour flying demonstration. 713-266-4492 wingsoverhouston.com LakeFest Drag Boat Race Rock, punk, electronica, and metal bands converge on Austin’s Auditorium Shores park. Concurrent activities include comedy and action sports. funfunfunfest.com JUNE Galveston AIA Houston SandCastle Competition Almost 60 teams, including professional architects and designers from the American Institute of Architects, compete for the Golden Bucket Award. 713-520-0155, aiasandcastle.com NOVEMBER Harlingen Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival Birders from everywhere migrate to Harlingen for premier field trips, seminars, workshops, a trade show, and family programs. 209-227-4823, rgvbf.org See over 100 boats on a liquid quartermile race track, reaching speeds up to 250 miles per hour. 830-693-2815 marblefallslakefest.com Boerne Kendall County Fair This event displays the best agriculture products and livestock from Kendall County and the surrounding Hill Country. 830-249-2839, kcfa.org OCTOBER DECEMBER Fredericksburg Galveston J U LY Oktoberfest Dickens on the Strand Port Aransas This fest takes you back to the Victorian era, with Dickens characters, carolers, and street performers. Come decked out in Victorian fashion and get in for half price. 409-750-9108, dickensonthestrand.org Each year Fredericksburg celebrates its heritage with a German festival featuring singing, dancing, oompah bands, German wurst, sauerkraut, and baked goods. 830-997-4810 oktoberfestinfbg.com Deep Sea Roundup The oldest fishing tournament on the coast includes surf, bay, fly-fishing, and offshore competitions. 800-452-6278, deepsearoundup.com AUGUST Hill Country South Padre Island MARCH Texas International Fishing Tournament Austin Anglers of all ages try to reel in trophies for bay and offshore fishing at the largest saltwater fishing competition in Texas. 956-943-8438, tift.org South by Southwest South Padre Island This event encompasses the interactive, film, music festivals and more, drawing filmmakers and bands from all over the world. More than 2,200 acts of all genres perform on more than 100 stages, entertaining some 30,000 fans. 512-467-7979, sxsw.com Sandcastle Days APRIL SEPTEMBER Watch master sand sculptors vie for big money prizes. Amateurs can also compete. 800-767-2373 sandcastledays.com Austin Austin Food & Wine Festival Rockport-Fulton Those who enjoy sumptuous wine and cuisine gather for classes, seminars, and tastings. austinfoodandwinefestival.com Rockport Seafair Georgetown OCTOBER Right on the harbor, this fun festival has a gumbo cookoff, live entertainment, and an outdoor boat show. 361-729-6445, rockportseafair.com Brownsville Brownsville Latin Jazz Festival This internationally recognized musical event features the most distiguished artists in Latin jazz and an abundance of musicians, dancers, and local talent. 956-831-9590 artsinbrownsville.org Red Poppy Festival This festival celebrates spring and the red poppy flower in Georgetown, the Red Poppy Flower Capital of Texas. 800-436-8696, redpoppyfestival.com MAY Kerrville Kerrville Folk Festival The nation’s longest-running songwriters’ festival with more than 100 performing singers & songwriters. 830-257-3600, kerrville-music.com Wimberley Wimberley Market Days More than 475 vendors display crafts and antiques. 512-847-2201, shopmarketdays.com Austin Austin City Limits Music Festival A musical celebration hosting more than 130 artists from around the globe, this festival also offers local eats and wares, kids activities, and green iniatiives. aclfest.com New Braunfels Gruene Music & Wine Fest This Americana event benefiting United Way of Comal County features the best in live Texas music and the best in Texas food and wine at Gruene Hall and The Grapevine. 830-629-5077 gruenemusicandwinefest.org Austin Texas Book Festival Your favorite authors give readings and participate in book signings. This free event also includes panel discussions, music, a children’s tent, and a book fair. 512-477-4055, texasbookfestival.org NOVEMBER DECEMBER San Marcos Sights and Sounds of Christmas A Night in Old Bethlehem re-creates a period marketplace and stages a live Nativity scene. 512-393-8400 sights-n-sounds.org Panhandle Plains APRIL Abilene Buffalo Gap Wine & Food Summit Seminars promote the art of pairing wine with food. Texas and California wineries and Texas chefs are featured. Tickets are sold in advance. 800-367-1721, buffalogapsummit.org JUNE San Angelo Showdown in San Angelo Boat Races Watch drag boats race around a track in Lake Nasworthy. The event features more than 100 vessels and 9,000 onlookers. 325-655-4136, showdowninsanangelo.com Wichita Falls Legends of Western Swing Music Festival Wear your dancing boots to this event—there are two dance floors and music from 12 bands throughout the weekend! 318-792-3303 J U LY Stamford Texas Cowboy Reunion Ranch families come together for a rodeo, chuckwagon and barbecue cook-off, Western art trade show, and more. 325-773-3138, tcrrodeo.com New Braunfels Wurstfest The food, dancing, and Gemütlichkeit (fun and fellowship) of this German festival in honor of wurst brings folks from all over. 830-625-9167, 800-221-4369 wurstfest.com T RAVELT EX . C OM | 49 Multicultural Events AUGUST Wichita Falls Hotter’n Hell Hundred This aptly named race–100 miles in 100-degree weather–is one of the largest bike rides in the country, drawing more than 12,000 cyclists. 940-322-3223, hh100.org SEPTEMBER Lubbock National Cowboy Symposium & Celebration This event celebrates cowboy music, poetry, and storytelling, and features an ever-popular Chuck Wagon Cookoff. 806-798-7825, cowboy.org DECEMBER San Angelo Christmas at Old Fort Concho Piney Woods FEBRUARY AUGUST Hotter'n Hell Hundred Wichita Falls 940-322-3223, hh100.org MAY OCTOBER FEBRUARY Conroe Tyler Dallas Toyota Texas Bass Classic Texas Rose Festival Dallas Blooms Visit the Rose Capital of America as the city marks the harvest of the rose. 903-597-3130 texasrosefestival.net The largest outdoor floral festival in the Southwest bursts into bloom with 500,000 flowers and themed topiaries. 214-515-6500, dallasarboretum.org Celebrate with three parades, street dances, a carnival, and arts and crafts. 903-665-2672, mardigrasupriver.com This three-day event features anglers from across all major tours and some of country music’s premier artists with event proceeds benefitting the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and its youth outdoor programs. 866-907-0143, toyotatexasbassclassic.com APRIL Huntsville Henderson General Sam Houston Folk Festival Jefferson Mardi Gras Upriver Antique Tractor & Engine Show NOVEMBER Marshall Wonderland of Lights Visit Marshall for this holiday festival and see the city transformed by 10 million tiny white lights. 903-935-4526, marshalltexas.net Visitors can enjoy an antique-farmequipment show, food booths, and kids’ activities, like a pedal-tractor pull. 903-889-2671, visithendersontx.com Relive the life and times of General Sam Houston. The festival is full of folklife demonstrations, a living-history theater, museum tours, live music, and more. 936-294-1832, samhoustonmemorialmuseum.com Woodville J U LY Tyler County Dogwood Festival Longview Prairies & Lakes With three themed weekends over the blooming season, this fest celebrates the glorious dogwood trees. 409-283-2632, tylercountydogwoodfestival.org Great Texas Balloon Race JANUARY 50 | It’s a world class event attracting the very best competitive pilots from across the U.S. and the world. Balloon Glows and live concerts are on Fri. and Sat. nights. 903-753-3281, greattexasballoonrace.com TEXAS INTERNATIONAL TOUR GUIDE 2015–2017 Nacogdoches Nine Flags Festival Celebrate the heritage of Nacogdoches with events honoring the nine flags that have flown over the city. 888-653-3788, nineflagsfestival.com Frisco NCAA Division I FCS Championship Game Each year two teams bring the highest level of collegiate play to determine one true champion. ncaa.com/fcs Washington Texas Independence Day Celebration Celebrate the anniversary of the Texas Declaration of Independence signing where it happened with reenactments and a black gunpowder salute by the Texas Army. 936-878-2214 ext. 237, birthplaceoftexas.com MARCH Denton 35 Denton Music Festival Popular 35 Denton is a walkable four-day music festival programmed in the heart of downtown Denton. 35denton.com APRIL Cleburne Antique Alley Texas This massive antiques sale spans 25 miles and several towns. 817-240-4948 antiquealleytexas.com PHOTO COURTESY OF: MICHAEL AMADOR, TXDOT Live entertainment, cowboy poetry, Christmas stories, period gifts, and cavalry and infantry demonstrations ensure a great time for all. 325-657-4441 fortconcho.com Fort Worth SEPTEMBER Gonzales MARCH Main St. Fort Worth Arts Festival Grapevine Gonzales “Come and Take It” Days Hidalgo Nine blocks of Fort Worth’s historic brick-paved Main Street become a marketplace of food, arts, crafts, and live entertainment. 817-336-2787 mainstreetartsfest.org GrapeFest Join wine novices and connoisseurs at the largest wine festival in the Southwest. 817-410-3195, grapevinetexasusa.com The first shot of the Texas Revolution was fired in Gonzales, an event that’s worthy of celebration in these parts. 888-672-1095 gonzalestexas.com Lewisville Grand Prairie Round Top Western Days Festival Spring Thoroughbred Racing Season Celebrate Western culture with food, live music on four festival stages, a children's activity area, car show, cooking demonstrations, and the World TamaleEating Championship. 972-219-3401, lewisvillewesterndays.com Round Top Festival Institute At Lone Star Park, you can see live Thoroughbred horse racing Thursday through Sunday. 972-263-7223, lonestarpark.com MAY Plano Bonham Plano Balloon Festival Heritage Day Celebration Bonham Heritage Day offers a variety of events, including crafts, food vendors, cavalry re-enactors, and more. 903-583-9830, visitbonham.com One of the largest balloon events in Texas gets off the ground with more than 50 hot air balloons, a parachute team, and kids’ activities. 972-867-7566, planoballoonfest.org West Irving AT&T Byron Nelson Championship Mix business with unparalleled entertainment—come play at the Nelson. hpbnc.org Westfest Polka Festival Come out for a parade, live music on two stages, dancing, and a carnival. 254-826-5058, westfest.com OCTOBER Irving Dallas Annual DFW Dragon Boat, Kite, and Lantern Festival State Fair of Texas This family event celebrates Asian culture with boat races, dragon dancing, kite flying, and food from over eight countries. dfwdragonboatfestival.com The state fair draws people with exhibits, music, livestock, and the Texas Star (one of North America’s tallest Ferris wheels). 214-565-9931, bigtex.com This series features more than 50 events, including symphony and chamber orchestras and guitar and percussion festivals. 979-249-3129 festivalhill.org NOVEMBER Bryan-CollegeStation Brazos Valley Worldfest Enjoy displays, demonstrations, performances, and international food and vendors at this multicultural event. 979-845-4016, brazosvalleyworldfest.com Frisco Christmas in the Square More than 650,000 visitors flock to the pedestrian-friendly celebration to get into the holiday spirit. 469-633-7117, friscosquare.com BorderFest This internationally award-winning heritage and music festival includes live entertainment from more than 100 performers, 20 stages, parades, crafts, and food. 956-843-2734, myborderfest.com APRIL San Antonio Fiesta During 11 days of fun, choose from over 100 events throughout the city. Highlights include the Battle of Flowers Parade and Night in Old San Antonio. 210-227-5191, 877-723-4378, fiesta-sa.org JUNE San Antonio Texas Folklife Festival This is a celebration of the rich heritage of more than 40 cultural groups in Texas with a smorgasbord of ethnic foods, storytelling, music, dance, and arts and crafts. 210-458-2300, texancultures.com J U LY Laredo DECEMBER Laredo International Sister Cities Festival Waxahachie Some 199 booths feature handcrafted jewelry, home decor, food, and more. Bethlehem Revisited This event re-creates Bethlehem on the night that Christ was born with more than 150 cast members and live animals. 972-937-2390, waxahachiechamber.com 956-795-2200, visitlaredo.com OCTOBER Goliad Goliad Market Days JANUARY The city hosts one of the largest street markets in South Texas. Vendors sell arts and crafts, jewelry, collectibles, and more. 361-645-3563, goliadcc.org Laredo DECEMBER Washington’s Birthday Celebration McAllen This celebration is packed with more than 30 events,including two parades, fireworks, a jalapeño-eating contest, an airshow, and more. 956-722-0589, wbcalaredo.org Celebrate the area’s culture with luminarias and a live Nativity scene. 956-682-2871, mcallencvb.com South Texas Plains Candlelight Posada PHOTO COURTESY OF: STAN A. WILLIAMS, TXDOT FEBRUARY Laredo Laredo Birding Festival MARCH BorderFest Hidalgo 956-843-2734, myborderfest.com This celebration of all things birding includes field trips, beginner birding workshops, film screenings, and an art contest. 956-718-1063, laredobirdingfestival.com T RAVELT EX . C O M | 51 Shopping Round Rock Premium Outlets 4401 I-35 N., Round Rock, 78664 512-863-6688, premiumoutlets.com/roundrock Big Bend Country Outlet Shoppes at El Paso 7051 S. Desert Blvd., Canutillo, 79835 915-877-3208, theoutletshoppesatelpaso.com Buffalo Girls and The Brown Bag 440 S. Main St., Del Rio, 78840 830-768-4837 Cielo Vista Mall 8401 Gateway Blvd. W., El Paso, 79925 915-779-7071 simon.com/mall/cielo-vista Bella Terrazza 116 N. Main St., Fort Stockton, 79735 432-336-0200 Boardwalk Shops at Lajitas 1 Main St., Lajitas, 79852 432-424-5000 Hotel Paisano Gift Shop and Boutique, and Greasewood Gallery 207 N. Highland Ave., Marfa, 79843 432-729-4134, hotelpaisano.com Midland Park Mall 4511 N. Midkiff Rd., Midland, 79705 432-694-1663 simon.com/mall/midland-park-mall Music City Mall 4101 E. 42nd St., Odessa, 79762 432-550-2483, musiccitymall.net Gulf Coast Bay City Historic Downtown District Town Square, TX Hwy. 60 and TX Hwy. 35, Bay City, 77414 877-878-5386 visitmatagordacounty.com 1710 S. Alameda St., Corpus Christi, 78404 361-881-1091, bleufrog.com Lamar Park 3850 S. Alameda St., Corpus Christi, 78411 361-880-5870, lamarpark.com La Palmera 5488 South Padre Island Dr., Corpus Christi, 78411 361-991-3755, lapalmera.com Historic Downtown Galveston The Strand at 23rd St., Galveston, 77550 409-763-7080, downtowngalveston.org Historic Jackson Street Parkdale Mall E. Jackson Ave. and 3rd St., Harlingen, 78550 956-423-5440 visitharlingentexas.com 6155 Eastex Fwy., Beaumont, 77706 409-898-2222, parkdalemalltx.com Valle Vista Mall Sunrise Mall 2020 S. Expwy. 83, Harlingen, 78552 956-425-8392 simon.com/mall/valle-vista-mall 2370 N. Expwy., Brownsville, 78521 956-541-5302, sunrisemalltx.com 52 | Bleu Frog Mercantile TEXAS INTERNATIONAL TOUR GUIDE 2015–2017 Factory Stores of America Hempstead 805 Factory Outlet Dr., Hempstead, 77445 979-826-8277, vfoutlet.com Highland Village 4055 Westheimer Rd., Houston, 77027 713-850-3100 shophighlandvillage.com Houston Galleria 5085 Westheimer Rd., Houston, 77056 713-966-3500 simon.com/mall/the-galleria Uptown Park 1101 Uptown Park Blvd., Houston, 77056 713-850-1400 uptownparkhouston.com Katy Mills 5000 Katy Mills Cir., Katy, 77494 281-644-5015, katymills.com Historic Downtown Kingsville Kleberg Ave. area, Kingsville, 78363 800-333-5032, kingsvilletexas.com PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF: AUSTIN CVB Whether you're looking for high-end fashion, small-town antiques, or bargain shopping, Texas has it all. Gulfway Plaza at La Marque 11001 Delaney St., La Marque, 77568 804-308-1603, gulfwaylamarque.com Historic League City Main Street between Hwy. 3 and F.M. 270, League City, 77573 281-554-1000, visitleaguecity.com League City Historic District Heritage Square, Park and Main sts. League City, 77573, leaguecityhistoricshoppes.com Rockport Heritage District Association Austin St., Rockport, 78382 800-242-0071 Rosenberg Historic Downtown District Second, Third, and Fourth Sts. and Ave F, G, and H, Rosenberg, 77471 866-367-8236, visitrosenberg.com Victoria Mall Hill Country 2nd Street District Second Street, between San Antonio and Colorado, Austin, 78701 512-745-8413, 2ndstreetdistrict.com The Arboretum 10000 Research Blvd., Austin, 78759 512-338-4437 simon.com/mall/the-arboretum Barton Creek Square Mall 2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., Austin, 78746 512-327-7040 simon.com/mall/barton-creek-square The Domain 11200 Lakeline Mall Dr., Cedar Park, 78613 512-257-7467 simon.com/mall/lakeline-mall Fredericksburg Historic Downtown Shopping District Fredericksburg Visitor Information Center 302 E. Austin St., Fredericksburg, 78624 830-997-6523 visitfredericksburgtx.com James Avery Jewelry Visitor Center & Store 145 Avery Road N., Kerrville, 78028 830-895-6800, jamesavery.com 11410 Century Oaks Terrace, Ste. 210, Austin, 78758 512-795-4230 simon.com/mall/the-domain New Braunfels Marketplace South Congress Round Rock Premium Outlets PHOTO: NICK SIMONITE 7800 N. Navarro, Victoria, 77904 361-576-1291, shopvictoriamall.com Congress Ave., south of bridge, Austin, 78704 512-474-5171, austintexas.org The Woodlands Mall Historic Downtown District 1201 Lake Woodlands Dr., The Woodlands, 77380 281-363-3409, thewoodlandsmall.com Lakeline Mall Main St., Boerne, 78006 830-249-7277, visitboerne.org 651 N. Business I-35 New Braunfels, 78130 830-620-7475, nbmarketplace.com 4401 I-35 N., Round Rock, 78664 512-863-6688 premiumoutlets.com/roundrock San Marcos Premium Outlets 3939 I-35 S., San Marcos, 78666 512-396-2200 premiumoutlets.com/sanmarcos Tanger Outlet Center 4015 I-35 S., San Marcos, 78666 512-396-7446 tangeroutlet.com/sanmarcos Historic Downtown Shopping District N. Getty Street, Uvalde 800-588-2533, visituvalde.com Wimberley Square 14010 Ranch Rd. 12, Wimberley, 78676 Wimberley Merchants Association wimberleymerchants.com Panhandle Plains Downtown Historic and Cultural District Downtown Abilene from N. First St. to N. Sixth St. and Hickory St. to Treadway Blvd., Abilene, 79601 325-676-2556, 800-727-7704 abilenevisitors.com The Pearl Brewery 303 Pearl Pkwy, Ste. 300, San Antonio, 78215 210-212-7260, atpearl.com T RAVELT EX . C OM | 53 Shopping Mall of Abilene Sam Moon Center IKEA Town East Mall 4310 Buffalo Gap Rd., Abilene, 79606 325-698-4351, mallofabilene.com 17943 I-45 S., Shenandoah, 77385 936-321-1400, sammoon.com 7171 IKEA Dr., Frisco, 75034 888-888-4532, ikea-usa.com 2063 Town East Mall, Mesquite, 75150 972-270-4431, towneastmall.com Georgia Street Mall for Arts and Crafts Broadway Square Mall Firewheel Town Center The Shops at Legacy 4601 S. Broadway Ave., Tyler, 75703 903-561-7055, simon.com/mall/ broadway-square 245 Cedar Sage Dr., Garland, 75040 972-675-1041 firewheeltowncenter.com 5741 Legacy Dr., Plano, 75024 shopsatlegacy.com Prairies & Lakes Resistol and Stetson Factory Outlet 6121 W. Park Blvd., Plano, 75093 972-202-7110, shopwillowbend.com 721 Marion Dr., Garland, 75042 972-494-0511, resistolhat.com D&D Texas Outfitters Historic Route 66 Antiques District Runs down Sixth Ave., from Western St. to Georgia St., Amarillo amarillo66.com Westgate Mall 7701 I-40 W., Amarillo, 79121 806-358-7221, westgatemalltx.com Downtown Square Fourth Ave. and 15th St., Canyon, 79015 806-655-7815, 800-999-9481, canyonchamber.org Kingsgate Center The Parks at Arlington 3811 S. Cooper St., Arlington, 76015 817-467-0200 theparksatarlington.com Historic Downtown Bryan 216 W. 26th St., Bryan, 77803 979-822-4920, downtownbryan.com VF Outlet 316 Factory Outlet Dr., Corsicana, 75109 903-874-1503, vfoutlet.com Bishop Arts District 82nd St. and Quaker Ave., Lubbock, 79424 806-745-9718, kingsgatecenter.com 319 N. Bishop Ave., Dallas, 75208 bishopartsdistrict.weebly.com South Plains Mall 13350 Dallas Pkwy., Dallas, 75240 972-702-7100, galleriadallas.com 6002 Slide Rd., Lubbock, 79414 806-792-4653, southplainsmall.com Downtown Historic District Concho Ave. between Oakes and Chadburn Sts., San Angelo, 76903 325-655-2345, visitsanangelo.org Sikes Senter Mall 3111 Midwestern Pkwy., Wichita Falls, 76308 940-692-5501, sikessenter.com Piney Woods National Register Historic District 100 E. Main St., Henderson, 75652 903-657-6551, 866-650-5529 hendersontx.us Barton & Beane 101 N. Kilgore St., Kilgore, 75662 903-986-3600, bartonandbeane.com VF Outlet 440 US Hwy. 59 Loop S., Livingston, 77351 936-327-7881, vfoutlet.com The Weisman Center 211 N. Washington Ave., Marshall, 75670 903-934-8836, theweisman.com Mount Pleasant Downtown Madison, Jefferson, First, and Second Sts. Mount Pleasant, 75455 903-572-8567, mtpleasanttx.com Historic Downtown Nacogdoches 200 E. Main St., Nacogdoches, 75961 936-564-7351, 888-653-3788, visitnacogdoches.org 54 | Galleria Dallas Highland Park Village 47 Highland Park Village, Dallas, 75205 214-443-9898, hpvillage.com West Village Historic Courthouse Square 101 N.E. Barnard St., Glen Rose, 76043 254-897-3081, glenrosetexas.net Discovery Architectural Antiques 409 St. Francis St., Gonzales, 78629 830-672-2428, discoverys.net Granbury Historic Shopping District 201 E. Pearl St., Granbury, 76048 817-573-5299, granburysquare.com Granbury Shopping US Hwy. 377, Granbury, 76048 800-950-2212, granburytx.com Traders Village 2602 Mayfield Rd., Grand Prairie, 75052 972-647-2331, tradersvillage.com Under Armour 3699 McKinney Ave., Dallas, 75204 214-443-9118, westvil.com 2950 W. I-20, Grand Prairie, 75052 972-602-6744, underarmour.com Wild Bill's Western Store Grapevine Mills Historic Downtown District 3000 Grapevine Mills Pkwy., Grapevine, 76051 972-724-4900, simon.com/mall/ grapevine-mills Main St., Denison, 75020 903-465-1551, cityofdennison.com Crossroads Mall 311 N. Market St., Dallas, 75202 214-954-1050, wildbillswestern.com Golden Triangle Mall 2201 IH-35E, Denton, 76205 940-566-6024 shopgoldentriangle.com Rayzor Ranch Town Center Intersection of I-35 and U.S. Hwy. 380, Denton rayzorranch.com Ennis Downtown Historic District Ennis Ave., Ennis, 75119 972-878-4748, 888-366-4748, visitennis.org Montgomery Plaza 2600 7th St. W., Fort Worth, 76107 817-348-9477, montgomeryplaza.com Stockyards Station 130 E. Exchange Ave., Fort Worth, 76164 817-625-9715, stockyardsstation.com West Seventh 2821 W. Seventh St., Fort Worth, 76107 817-810-9076, west-7th.com TEXAS INTERNATIONAL TOUR GUIDE 2015–2017 6834 Wesley St., Greenville, 75401 903-454-8181, crossroadsmalltx.com Uptown Forum 2610 Lee St., Greenville, 75401 903-454-1522, greenvillechamber.com Irving Mall 3880 Irving Mall, Irving, 75062 972-256-0572, simon.com/mall/ irving-mall La Grange Main Street Square Fayette County Courthouse Square, La Grange, 78945 downtownlagrange.com Historic Downtown McKinney 111 N. Tennessee St., McKinney, 75069 972-547-2660 downtownmckinney.com Antique Gallery Mall 3330 N. Galloway Ave., Mesquite, 75150 972-270-7700, antiquegallerymesquite.com The Shops at Willow Bend 516 I-10 E., Seguin, 78155 830-379-7340, ddtexasoutfitters.com VF Outlet 614 Bill Bradford Rd. Sulphur Springs, 75482 903-885-0015, vfoutlet.com Temple Mall 3111 S. 31st St., Temple, 76502 254-778-4847, templemall.com South Texas Plains Soho Goliad: The Emporium of Fine Art, Gifts, and Antiques 130 N. Courthouse Square, Goliad, 77963 361-645-2268, goliadcc.org Mall del Norte 5300 San Dario Ave., Laredo, 78041 956-724-8191, malldelnorte.com San Bernardo Avenue Shopping District San Bernardo Ave., Laredo, 78040 956-795-2200, 800-361-3360 visitlaredo.com Alamo Quarry Market 255 E. Basse Rd., San Antonio, 78209 210-824-8885, quarrymarket.com North Star Mall 7400 San Pedro Ave., San Antonio, 78216 210-340-6627, northstarmall.com The Rim 17503 La Cantera Pkwy., San Antonio, 78257 210-641-1777, therimsa.com Rivercenter Mall 849 E. Commerce St., San Antonio, 78205 210-225-0000, shoprivercenter.com The Shops at La Cantera 15900 La Cantera Pkwy., San Antonio, 78256 210-582-6255 theshopsatlacantera.com The Forum at Olympia Parkway 8320 Agora Pkwy., Selma, 78154 210-566-7604, shoptheforumsa.com PHOTOGRAPH: © THE SHOPS AT WILLOW BEND 2701 Westhaven Village, Amarillo, 79109 806-355-5658, georgiastmall.com Wineries & Breweries Big Bend Country Zin Valle Vineyards 7315 Canutillo La Union Rd, Canutillo, 79835 915-877-4544, zinvalle.com Open Fri–Mon noon–5 p.m., or by appointment Val Verde Winery 100 Qualia Dr., Del Rio, 78840 830-775-9714 valverdewinery.com Open Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Gulf Coast Yepez Vineyard 12739 F.M. 2354, Baytown, 77520 281-573-4139 yepezvineyard.com Tasting room: (Sept.–May) Fri.–Sat. 12 p.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m.–6 p.m.; (June–Aug) Fri.–Sat. 12 p.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m.–8 p.m. Southern Star Brewing Company 1207 N. FM 3038 E., Conroe, 77303 936-441-2739, southernstarbrewery.com Tours every Saturday at 2 p.m., free; T-shirts, mugs, and food for sale. Saint Arnold Brewing Company 2000 Lyons Ave., Houston, 77020 800-801-6402, 713-686-9494 saintarnold.com Tours Mon.-Fri. at 3:30 p.m. No Label Brewing Company 5351-A 1st St., Katy, 77493 281-693-7545, nolabelbrew.com Tastings on Sat. at noon. Braman Winery Tasting Room 3333 FM 369, Richmond, 77406 281-762-1375 bramanbrands.com Open Tue.–Thu. 2 p.m.–9 p.m., Fri.–Sat. 12 p.m.–10 p.m. Closed Sun.–Mon. Live Oak Brewing Co. Bell Mountain Winery Community Beer Company 3301 E. 5th St. #B, Austin, 78702 512-385-2299 www.liveoakbrewing.com Tours Sat. at 5 p.m., reservations required. 463 Bell Mountain Rd., Willow City, 78675, 830-685-3297, bellmountainwine.com Open Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., or by appointment. 1530 Inspiration Dr., Dallas, 75207 214-751-7921 communitybeer.com Thirsty Planet Brewing Company The Bella Vista Ranch Real Ale Brewing Co. 3101 Mount Sharp Rd., Wimberley, 78676, 512-847-6514, texasoliveoil.com Tasting room open Thu.–Fri. 12 p.m.–5 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., and Sun. 12 p.m.–4 p.m. 231 San Saba Ct., Blanco, 78606 830-833-2534, realalebrewing.com Tours Fri. 2–5 p.m. Panhandle Plains Brennan Vineyards The Winery at Willow Creek 802 S. Austin St., Comanche, 76442 325-356-9100, brennanvineyards.com Open Wed.–Fri. 11 a.m.–5 p.m., Sat. noon.–5 p.m. 4353 S. Treadaway Blvd., Abilene, 79602, 325-690-9463, thewineryatwillowcreek.com Open Tues.–Thu. 4 p.m.–10 p.m., Fri.– Sat. 12 p.m.–11 p.m. 11160 Circle Dr., Austin, 78736 512-579-0679, thirstyplanet.net Tours Sat. 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Bending Branch Winery 142 Lindner Branch Trail, Comfort, 78013, 830-995-2948, bendingbranchwinery.com Open Thurs. 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 12 p.m.–5 p.m. Duchman Family Winery 13308 F.M. 150 W., Driftwood, 78619 512-858-1470, duchmanwinery.com Tasting room open daily; available for private events. Bell Springs Winery 3700 Bell Springs Rd., Dripping Springs, 78620, 830-483-9463, bellspringswinery.com Tasting room open Thurs.-Mon; available for private events Twisted X Brewing Company 23455 W. R.R. 150, Dripping Springs, 78620 512-829-5323, texmexbeer.com Tours Mon.-Thurs. 1 p.m-8 p.m, Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun. 12 p.m.-6 p.m. Chisholm Trail Winery Hill Country 2367 Usener Rd., Fredericksburg, 78624, 830-990-2675, chisholmtrailwinery.com Open daily noon–6 p.m., closed major holidays 512 Brewery Pillar Bluff Vineyards 407 Radam, F200, Austin, 78745 512-921-1545, 512brewing.com Tours on Sat. Adelbert's Brewery 2314 Rutland Dr., #100, Austin, 78758 512-662-1462, adelbertsbeer.com Tours Fri. 5 p.m.-8 p.m., Sat. 1-4 p.m. Austin Beerworks 3009 Industrial Terrace, Austin, 78758 512-821-2494, austinbeerworks.com Tours Thurs.-Sun. Jester King Brewery 13187 Fitzhugh Rd., Bldg. B Austin, 78736 512-537-5100 jesterkingbrewery.com Open for tours Fri.-Sun. 300 C.R. 111, Lampasas, 76550 512-556-4078, pillarbluff.com Open Fri.–Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 12:30 p.m.–5 p.m. Kerrville Hills Winery 3600 Fredericksburg Rd., Kerrville, 78028, 830-895-4233, kerrvillehillswinery.com Open Thurs.–Mon. 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Rogness Brewing Co. 2400 Patterson Industrial Dr., Pflugerville, 78660 512-670-2537, rognessbrewing.com Check website for events. Becker Vineyards 464 Becker Farms Rd., Stonewall, 78671, 830-644-2681, beckervineyards.com Open Mon.–Thu. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Fri.– Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. noon–6 p.m. Bar Z Winery 19290 F.M. 1541, Canyon, 79105 806-488-2214, barzwines.com Tasting room Mon.–Wed. by private reservation, Thu.–Fri. 5 p.m.–10 p.m., Sat. 4 p.m.–10 p.m. Christoval Vineyards and Winery 5000A Cralle Rd., Christoval, 76935 325-315-8077, christovalvineyards.com Open Thu.–Sun. 11:30 a.m.–8:00 p.m. Llano Estacado Winery 3426 E. F.M. 1585, Lubbock, 79404 1-800-634-3854, llanowine.com Tours/tastings on Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 12 p.m.–5 p.m. McPherson Cellars Winery Deep Ellum Brewing Company 2823 St. Louis St., Dallas, 75226 214-888-3322 deepellumbrewing.com Rahr and Sons Brewery Company 701 Galveston Ave., Fort Worth, 76104 817-810-9266, rahrbrewing.com Open Wed. 5–7:30 p.m., Sat. 1–3 p.m. Admission: $10 (comes with free pint glass). Barking Rocks Winery 1919 Allen Ct., Granbury, 76048 817-579-0007 barkingrockswine.com Call or visit website for fees, hours, and tour reservations. Delaney Vineyards and Winery 2000 Champagne Blvd., Grapevine, 76051 817-481-5668, delaneyvineyards.com Call or visit website for fees, hours, and group tour reservations. La Buena Vida Vineyards 416 E. College St., Grapevine, 76051 817-481-9463, labuenavida.com Call or visit website for fees and hours. Su Vino Winery 120 S. Main St., Ste. 40, Grapevine, 76051 817-424-0123, suvinowinery.com Call or visit website for fees and hours. Spoetzl Brewery (Producer of Shiner Beer) 1615 Texas Ave., Lubbock, 79401 806-687-9463 mcphersoncellars.com Open Mon.–Sat. 11 a.m.–6 p.m. (Sept.-Apr.), Mon.–Sat. 11 a.m.–7 p.m. (May-Aug.). 603 E. Brewery St., Shiner, 77984 361-594-3852, shiner.com Call or visit website for hours and tours. Admission: Free. Piney Woods Freetail Brewing Co. Tara Vineyard & Winery 8603 C.R. 3914, Athens, 75752 903-675-7023, tarawinery.com Tours Sat. at 2:30 p.m. Los Pinos Ranch Vineyards 658 C.R. 1334, Pittsburg, 75686 903-855-1769 lospinosranchvineyards.com Open Thu. 5 p.m.–9 p.m., Fri.–Sat. 12 p.m.–11 p.m., Sun. 12 p.m.–6 p.m. South Texas Plains 4035 N. Loop 1604 W., #105 San Antonio, 78257 210-395-4974, freetailbrewing.com Open Mon.-Sat. 11 a.m.-12 a.m., Sun. 12 p.m.-12 a.m. Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling 4834 Whirlwind Dr., San Antonio, 78217 210-775-2099 drinkrangercreek.com Check website for events/tours. Prairies & Lakes Messina Hof Winery and Resort 4545 Old Reliance Rd., Bryan, 77808 979-778-9463, messinahof.com Call or visit website for fees, hours, and group tour reservations. Bishop Cider Company 509 N. Bishop Ave., Dallas, 75208 214-364-7728, bishopcider.com T RAVELT EX . C OM | 55 Education & Science Tours Seagull II Harbor Tour and Dolphin Watch Pier 22 at the Texas Seaport Museum, Galveston, 77550 409-765-8687, galvestonhistory.org Focus: Historical harbor tours with dolphin watching. Accommodates 49 (call for reservations for groups of 20 or more). Sam Houston Boat Tour 7300 Clinton Dr., Houston, 77020 713-670-2416, portofhouston.com Focus: International port operations and shipping. Accommodates two groups of 45 (by appointment only). Where the Chefs Eat Houston Culinary Tours 713-554-1735 houstonculinarytours.com Focus: A variety of culinary-oriented tour options and events. Accomodates 30 (reservations required). Aloe King/Educational Farm Tours 1947 Mile 6 North Rd., Mercedes, 78570 956-565-5102, aloeking.com Focus: Growing and processing of aloe vera, trolley rides, and nature trail. Contact: John Downing. Accommodates 10–24 (by appointment only). Grace Heritage Ranch/ Educational Farm Tours CHEF JUSTIN YU, OXHEART, HOUSTON 713-554-1735, houstonculinarytours.com Big Bend Country Department of Biology, Geology, and Physical Sciences, Sul Ross State University WSB 216, Box 64 SRSU, Alpine, 79832 432-837-8112, www.sulross.edu/bgps Focus: Biological and geological specimen collections and greenhouses reflecting the local environment; planetarium. Accommodates up to 40 (by reservation only). Laughlin Air Force Base 47 FTW/PA, 561 Liberty Dr., Ste. 3 Laughlin AFB, near Del Rio,78843-5226 830-298-5393, laughlin.af.mil Focus: History and mission or daily operations of the base. Contact: Joel Langton. Accommodates 10–50 (reservations required at least three weeks in advance). 56 | Sibley Nature Center 1307 E. Wadley, Midland, 79705 432-684-6827, sibleynaturecenter.org Focus: Flora, fauna, human, and natural history of the Llano Estacado. Nature trail open daily. Contact Richard Galle for group tours. Accommodates up to 70. Gulf Coast Aransas National Wildlife Refuge 6 miles south of Austwell on FM 2040, 77950 361-286-3559, fws.gov/refuge/aransas Focus: Wildlife management of the wintering home of the only naturally migrating flock of whooping cranes. Auto tour and nature trails. Contact: Vicki Muller. Accommodates 100 (guided and van tours available by reservation). TEXAS INTERNATIONAL TOUR GUIDE 2015–2017 CCA-CPL Marine Development Center 4300 Waldron Rd., Corpus Christi, 78418 361-939-7784 tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/fish/ management/hatcheries/ccacpl.phtml Focus: Fish hatchery, marine aquaculture. Contact: Debbie Grime. Accommodates up to 40 (by appointment only) Port Corpus Christi 222 Power St., Corpus Christi, 78401 800-580-7110, portofcorpuschristi.com Focus: Maritime-related industries. Contact: Patricia Cardenas. Accommodates 100 (by appointment only). Eco-Art Adventures 2627 Ave. O, Galveston, 77550 409-770-0722, artistboat.org Focus: Kayak and walking environmental tours at Galveston Bay combined with art workshops. Accommodates 50 (reservations required). Sea Turtle, Inc. 6617 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island, 78597 956-761-4511 seaturtleinc.org Focus: Sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation. Contact: Jeff George. Accommodates 120 (reservations required for groups of 20 or more). Closed Mondays. University of Texas–Pan American/ Coastal Studies Laboratory 100 Marine Lab Dr., South Padre Island, 78597 956-761-2644, utpa.edu/csl Focus: Marine science. Contact: Dr. Miguel Nevarez. Accommodates 50 for guided tours (reservations required for large groups). Hill Country Boggy Creek Farm 3414 Lyons Rd., Austin, 78702 512-926-4650, boggycreekfarm.com Focus: Organic vegetables, fruits, flowers, and smoke-dried tomatoes. Contact: Carol Ann Sayle. Accommodates 30. PHOTOGRAPH BY JULIE SOEFER, GHCVB Where the Chefs Eat Houston Culinary Tours 27539 Old Alice Rd., Santa Monica, 78569 844-847-4844 graceheritageranch.com Focus: Ranch tours with animal interaction and hands-on opportunities at a 100–acre homestead in beautiful Willacy County in the Rio Grande Valley. Contact: Brian and Mary Schalk. SFC Austin Farmers’ Market EAST: Alexander Ave. and E. 17th St., Austin, 78702 DOWNTOWN: Fourth and Guadalupe Sts., Austin, 78701 THE TRIANGLE: 46th and Lamar Sts., Austin, 78798 SUNSET VALLEY: 3200 Jones Rd., Austin, 78745 512-236-0074, sustainablefoodcenter.org Focus: One of the largest certified growers-only farmers’ markets in Texas. Offers locally grown food year-round. Accommodates 5–10. Crowe’s Nest Farm 10300 Taylor Ln., Manor, 78653 512-272-4418, crowesnestfarm.org Focus: Stewardship of Texas agricultural and wildlife resources. Contact: Diane Crowe. Accommodates approximately 150. Central Texas Technology Center 2189 FM 758, New Braunfels, 78130 830-609-2100, alamo.edu/cttc Focus: Welding, manufacturing, mechanical, technical training, and traditional college curriculum. Contact: Chester Jenke. Accommodates 25. A. E. Wood State Fish Hatchery 507 Staples Rd., San Marcos, 78666 512-353-0572, tpwd.texas.gov Focus: Sportfish including bass and catfish. Call ahead for reservations for large groups. San Marcos Aquatic Resource Center 500 E. McCarty Ln., San Marcos, 78666 512-353-0011 fws.gov/southwest/fisheries/san_marcos Focus: Linking academic research and fish hatcheries. Accommodates 20. Uvalde National Fish Hatchery 754 County Rd. 203, Uvalde, 78801 830-278-2419 fws.gov/southwest/fisheries/uvalde Focus: Raise threatened and endangered species. Accommodation varies according to schedule. Central Texas Bonsai Exhibit 12404 Ranch Rd. 12, Wimberley, 78676 512-847-2514, bonsaiexhibittexas.com Focus: More than 160 species of trees and more than 1,000 containers of specimen trees. Panhandle Plains Daphne’s Tour and Travel 6703 Terryville Dr., Amarillo, 79109 806-576-8191, daphnestours.com Focus: Cattle and agricultural tours. Accommodates 50 (by reservation). Apple Country at Hi-Plains Orchards 12206 E. TX Hwy. 62, Idalou, 79329 806-781-1753, applecountryorchards.com Focus: Apple picking and orchard tour. Accommodates unlimited number in orchards. American Wind Power Center 1701 Canyon Lake Dr., Lubbock, 79403 806-747-8734, windmill.com Focus: Wind power and wind power history. Call for reservations. Texas Tech Meat Science Laboratory Indiana Ave. and Marsha Sharp Fwy., Lubbock, 79409 806-742-2804, raiderredmeats.com Focus: Meat-processing lab. Accommodates 20 (reservations required in April). Buster’s Gin, LLC 4165 Quail Rd., Ropesville, 79358 806-863-2669, cottonhost.com/70186/ Focus: Cotton. Accommodates 40 (tours only in the fall, reservations required). Aermotor Windmill Company, Inc. 4276 Dan Hanks Ln., San Angelo, 76904 325-651-4951, aermotorwindmill.com Focus: Water-pumping windmill manufacturing. Producers Livestock Auction 1131 N. Bell St., San Angelo, 76903 325-653-3371, producersandcargile.com Focus: Livestock auction. Accommodates 50. Piney Woods Moore Farms 22142 CR 181, Bullard, 75757 903-894-1030, moorefarms.com Focus: Farmers’ market and pumpkin patch. Open for the month of October each year. Accommodates several hundred visitors (reservations suggested for large groups). Marshall Pottery Coffee City USA Jersey Barnyard 13195 TX Hwy. 155 S., Tyler, 75703 903-509-9102, 888-583-9526 coffeecityusa.com Focus: Coffee roasting and flavoring. Accommodates 50 to 70. Reservations required. 3117 TX Hwy. 159, La Grange, 78945 979-249-3406, texasjersey.com Focus: Dairy production and barnyard animals. Accommodates 150. Prairies & Lakes 677 W. Campbell Rd., Richardson, 75080 972-664-9418, ntxautomuseum.com Focus: Classic and muscle cars. Accommodates 50. River Legacy Living Science Center 703 N.W. Green Oaks Blvd., Arlington, 76006 817-860-6752, riverlegacy.org Focus: Nature center, wildlife, plant life, Trinity River, environmental education, and preservation. Accommodates 25. Antique Rose Emporium 10000 FM 50, Brenham, 77833 979-836-5548, weareroses.com Focus: Growers. retailers of antique roses and many other native plants. Reservations required for group tours. Blue Bell Creameries 1101 Blue Bell Rd. S., Brenham, 77833 800-327-8135, bluebell.com Focus: Ice cream production. Accommodates 30. Reservations required for 15 or more. Texas Cotton Gin Museum 307 N. Main St., Burton, 77835 979-289-3378, cottonginmuseum.org Focus: Cotton and cotton ginning. Reservations required for group tours. Chambersville Tree Farms 7032 CR 971, Celina, 75009 972-837-4223 chambersvilletreefarms.com Focus: Sustainable organic horticulture. By appointment only. Food Tours of America 3839 McKinney Ave., Ste. 155-762 Dallas, 75204 888-871-2052 foodtoursofamerica.com Focus: Food tasting and cultural walking tour through 125-year-old Uptown. Texas Discovery Gardens 4901 Elysian Fields Rd., Marshall, 75672 903-927-5400 marshallpotterystore.com Focus: Hand-turned pottery, stoneware, and garden gift center. Accomodates approximately 200. 3601 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Dallas, 75210 214-428-7476 texasdiscoverygardens.org Focus: Organic and sustainable insectarium and botanic garden. Accommodates 30. International Paper, Texarkana Mill North Texas Horse Country Tour 9978 FM 3129, Queen City, 75572 903-796-7101, internationalpaper.com Focus: Paper manufacturing. Reservations required. Chamblee’s Rose Nursery 10926 US Hwy. 69, Tyler, 75706 903-882-5153, 800-256-7673 chambleeroses.com Focus: Rose-growing nursery. Accommodates 50. Reservations required. 414 Parkway, Denton, 76201 888-381-1818, horsecountrytours.com Focus: Horses and equine industry. Resistol and Stetson Hat Factory 601 Marion Dr., Garland, 75042 resistolhat.com Focus: Cowboy hat factory tour. North Texas Automotive Museum Texas Agricultural Education and Heritage Center 390 Cordova Rd., Seguin, 78155 830-379-0933, 830-379-1122 texagedu.org Focus: Farming and ranching. Reservations required. Texas AgriLife Extension Service 1200 W. Houston St. Sulphur Springs, 75483 903-885-3443, hopkins.agrilife.org Focus: Agriculture and natural resources, family consumer science, community development and youth development. Accommodates 30 (by appointment only). The Windmill Farm and Bed-and-Breakfast 6625 Colony Rd., Tolar, 76476 254-835-4168, thewindmillfarm.com Focus: 40+ restored windmills. Contact: Ruby Rickgauer. Accommodates 50. Call ahead for guided tours. Texas State Technical College 3801 Campus Dr., Waco, 76705 254-799-3611, waco.tstc.edu Focus: All 45 areas of technical education. Accommodates 70. South Texas Plains Lamar Bruni Vergara Environmental Science Center Laredo Community College 1 West End Washington St., Laredo, 78040 956-764-5701, facebook.com/LBVESC Focus: Environmental and water conservation, living lab, plant rescue for cactus and orchids confiscated at international bridges. San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind 2305 Roosevelt Ave., San Antonio, 78210 210-533-5195, salighthouse.org Focus: Industrial plant and rehabilitation center for the sight-impaired with computers that have Braille output. Accommodates approximately 30. Toyota Motor Manufacturing Visitor & Education Center 1 Lone Star Pass, San Antonio, 78221 210-263-4002, toyotatexas.com Focus: Auto manufacturing. Accommodates 40. Guests must be at least 6 or older. T RAVELT EX . C O M | 57 Beaches, State Parks & Historic Sites San Jacinto Battleground/ Battleship Texas State Historic Site MUSEUM: One Monument Cir., La Porte, 77571 SHIP: 3523 Independence Pkwy. S., 77581 281-479-2421 (museum), 281-479-2431 (ship) sanjacinto-museum.org, tpwd.state.tx.us BEACHES Boca Chica Beach 35 kilometers east of Brownsville on the Gulf of Mexico, 956-546-3721, 800-626-2639, brownsville.org Corpus Christi Bay Area 1823 N. Chaparral, Corpus Christi, 78401 800-766-2322, visitcorpuschristitx.org Crystal Beach 1754 Hwy 87, Crystal Beach, 77650, 409-684-5940, 800-386-7863, bolivarchamber.org Galveston Island Area 866-505-4456, galveston.com/beachparks Isla Blanca Park Rd. 100, 33174 State Park Rd., South Padre Island, 78597 956-761-5493, co.cameron.tx.us/parks/isla_blanca Matagorda Bay 6430 FM 2031, Matagorda, 77457 855-392-7638, lcra.org Island Equestrian Center Franklin Mountains State Park Big Bend Country 400 Pine Canyon Dr., Salt Flat, 79847 915-828-3251, nps.gov/gumo Amistad National Recreation Area 9685 US Hwy. 90 W., Del Rio, 78840 830-775-7491, nps.gov/amis Big Bend National Park Big Bend National Park, 79834 432-477-2251 (park headquarters) 877-444-6777 (camping) 432-477-2291 (Chisos Mountains Lodge), nps.gov/bibe Big Bend Ranch State Park 1900 Sauceda Ranch Rd., Presidio, 79845 432-358-4444, 512-389-8919 (reservations) tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/big-bend-ranch Davis Mounttains State Park Four miles northwest of Fort Davis, TX Hwy. 118 432-426-3337, 512-389-8900 (lodge reservations) tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/davismountains Fort Leaton State Historic Site 16953 FM 170 E., Presidio, 79845 432-229-3613 tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/fort-leaton 58 | 1331 McKelligon Canyon Rd., El Paso, 79930 915-566-6441 tpwd.state.tx.us/franklin Guadalupe Mountains National Park Hueco Tanks State Park and Historical Site 6900 Hueco Tanks Rd. 1, El Paso, 79938 915-857-1135, 512-389-8900 (reservations) tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/hueco-tanks Magoffin Home State Historic Site 1120 Magoffin Ave., El Paso, 79901 915-533-5147, visitmagoffinhome.com Seminole Canyon State Park and Historic Site US Hwy. 90 W., Park Rd. 67 Comstock, 78837 432-292-4464 tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/ seminole-canyon Aransas National Wildlife Refuge 6 miles south of Austwell on FM 2040, 77950 361-286-3559, fws.gov/refuges/aransas 700 Lighthouse Beach Rd., Port Lavaca, 77979 361-552-2959, plchamber.com 24907 FM 2004, Angleton, 77515 SAN BERNARD NWR: 6801 County Rd. 306, Brazoria, 77422 979-964-4011, fws.gov/refuge/ san_bernard, fws.gov/refuge/brazoria Malaquite Beach Complex and Campground BRAZORIA NWR: Galveston Island State Park 14901 FM 3005, Galveston, 77554 409-737-1222, tpwd.state.tx.us Goose Island State Park 202 S. Palmetto St., Rockport, 78382 361-729-2858, tpwd.state.tx.us Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge 22817 Ocelot Rd., Los Fresnos, 78566 956-748-3607 ex. 111, fws.gov/refuge/laguna_atascosa Palo Alto Battlefield National Historic Park Gulf Coast Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge Sabal Palm Grove Audubon Center and Sanctuary TEXAS INTERNATIONAL TOUR GUIDE 2015–2017 Lighthouse Beach and Bird Sanctuary Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge/San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge 7200 Paredes Line Rd., Brownsville, 78520 956-541-2785, nps.gov/paal 4017 FM 563, Anahuac, 77514 409-267-3337, fws.gov/refuge/anahuac 8805 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island, 78597 956-761-4677, horsesonthebeach.com 8400 Southmost Rd., Brownsville, 78521 956-541-8034, sabalpalmsanctuary.org 20420 Park Rd. 22, Corpus Christi, 78418 361-949-8068, nps.gov/pais Mustang Island State Park 17047 Hwy 361 361-749-5246, tpwd.state.tx.us Padre Island National Seashore 203420 Park Rd. 22, Corpus Christi, 78418 361-949-8069, nps.gov/pais Porretto Beach 10th St. and Seawall Blvd., Galveston, 77550, 281-808-3431, porrettobeach.com San Luis Pass Beach 14001 CR 257, Freeport, 77541 979-233-6026, 800-372-7578, brazoria-county.com/parks/san_luis_pass Seawolf Park–Pelican Island 100 Sea Wolf Pkwy., Galveston, 77550 409-797-5114, galveston.com/seawolfpark PHOTOGRAPH: ROBERT SEWARD With more than 1,000 kilometers of coastline and almost 700,000 square kilometers of land, Texas is full of opportunity to explore the wilderness or relax on a sandy beach. The destinations below are only a sampling. For a complete listing, visit TravelTex.com. South Padre Island Pedernales Falls State Park 956-761-6433, 800-767-2373, sopadre.com 2585 Park Rd. 6026, Johnson City, 78636 830-868-7304, tpwd.state.tx.us Stewart Beach Park 201 Seawall Blvd., Sixth St. and Seawall Blvd., Galveston, 77550 409-797-5182, galveston.com/stewartbeach Surfside Beach 1304 Monument Dr., Surfside Beach, 77541 979-233-1531, surfsidetx.org Hill Country Enchanted Rock State Natural Area 16710 Ranch Rd. 965, Fredericksburg, 78624 830-685-3636 tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/ enchanted-rock Garner State Park 234 Ranch Rd. 1050, Concan, 78838 830-232-6132, tpwd.state.tx.us Guadalupe River State Park 3350 Park Rd. 31, Spring Branch, 78070 830-438-2656, tpwd.tx.us Hill Country State Natural Area 10600 Bandera Creek Rd., Bandera, 78003 830-796-4413, 512-389-8900 (reservations) tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/hill-country Inks Lake State Park 3630 Park Rd. 4 W., Burnet, 78611 512-793-2223, tpwd.state.tx.us Panhandle Plains Abilene State Park 150 Park Rd. 32, Tuscola, 79562 325-572-3204, tpwd.state.tx.us Caprock Canyons State Park and Trailway 850 Caprock Canyon State Park Road, Quitaque, 79255 806-455-1492, tpwd.state.tx.us Copper Breaks State Park Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park 100 E. Lady Bird Ln., Johnson City, 78636 830-868-7128, nps.gov/lyjo LBJ RANCH DISTRICT: near Stonewall on US Hwy. 290 Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site 199 State Park Rd. 52, Stonewall, 78671 830-644-2252, tpwd.texas.gov/ state-parks/lyndon-b-johnson McKinney Falls State Park 5808 McKinney Falls Pkwy., Austin, 78744 512-243-1643, tpwd.state.tx.us Mission Tejas State Park 120 State Park Rd. 44, Grapeland, 75844 936-687-2394, tpwd.state.tx.us Northeast Texas Blue Bird Trail Starr Family Home State Historic Site Lake Arrowhead State Park 407 W. Travis St., Marshall, 75670 903-935-3044 visitstarrfamilyhome.com 229 Park Rd. 63, Wichita Falls, 76310 940-528-2211, tpwd.state.tx.us Lake Brownwood State Park 200 Park Rd. 15, Brownwood, 76801 325-784-5223, tpwd.state.tx.us Lake Colorado City State Park 4582 FM 2836, Colorado City, 79512 325-728-3931, tpwd.state.tx.us Lake Meredith National Recreation Area 419 E. Broadway, Fritch, 79036 806-857-3151, nps.gov/lamr Lubbock Lake National Historic Landmark Palo Duro Canyon State Park 37221 FM 187, Vanderpool, 78885 830-966-3413, tpwd.state.tx.us 634 Park Rd. 48, Jasper, 75951 409-384-5231, tpwd.state.tx.us 1701 US Hwy. 283 N., Albany, 76430 325-762-3592, tpwd.state.tx.us, visit.fortgriffin.com 2385 Bandera Hwy., Kerrville, 78028 830-257-7300, kerrville.org Lost Maples State Natural Area Martin Dies Jr. State Park Fort Griffin Historical Site 777 Park Rd. 62, Quanah, 79252 940-839-4331, tpwd.state.tx.us 2401 Landmark Dr., Lubbock, 79415 806-742-1116, lubbocklake.musm.ttu.edu 6211 Park Rd. 4 S., Burnet, 78611 512-756-4680, longhorncaverns.com 9515 County Rd. 2181-D, Tatum, 75691 903-836-4336, tpwd.state.tx.us 1604 N. Jefferson, Mount Pleasant, 75455 903-572-8567, texasforesttrail.com/ plan-your-adventure/historic-sites-andcities/sites/northeast-texas-bluebird-trail Kerrville-Schreiner State Park Longhorn Cavern State Park Martin Creek Lake State Park 11450 Park Rd. 5, Canyon, 79015 806-488-2227, palodurocanyon.com Piney Woods Atlanta State Park Tyler State Park 789 Park Rd. 16, Tyler, 75706 903-597-5338, tpwd.state.tx.us Prairies & Lakes Bastrop State Park 100 Park Road 1A, Bastrop, 78602 512-321-2101, tpwd.state.tx.us/ state-parks/bastrop Buescher State Park 341 State Park Road 2117, Pittsburg, 75686 903-572-5531 tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/ lake-bob-sandlin Lake Livingston State Park 300 Park Rd. 65, Livingston, 77351 936-365-2201, tpwd.state.tx.us Monument Hill and Kreische Brewery State Historic Sites 414 State Loop 92, La Grange, 78945 979-968-5658, tpwd.texas.gov/stateparks/monument-hill-kreische-brewery Palmetto State Park 78 Park Rd. 11 S, Gonzales, 78629 830-672-3266, tpwd.state.tx.us Texas State Railroad State Park Park Rd. 76, off US 84 W., Rusk, 75785 903-683-2561, 877-726-7245, texasstaterr.com Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historical Park 23400 Park Rd. 12, Washington, 77880 936-878-2214, birthplaceoftexas.com South Texas Plains Bentsen–Rio Grande Valley State Park 2800 S. Bentsen Palm Dr., Mission, 78572 956-584-1107, tpwd.state.tx.us, theworldbirdingcenter.com/bentsen.html TX Hwy. 72, Calliham, 78007 361-786-3868, tpwd.state.tx.us 5800 Park Rd. 21, Cleburne, 76033 817-645-4215, tpwd.state.tx.us Dallas Heritage Village 1515 S. Harwood St., Dallas, 75215 214-421-5141, dallasheritagevillage.org Dealey Plaza 411 Elm St., Dallas, 75202 Dinosaur Valley State Park Eisenhower State Park Lake Bob Sandlin State Park 173 Park Rd. 7, Meridian, 76665 254-435-2536, tpwd.state.tx.us Cleburne State Park Big Thicket National Preserve 245 Park Rd. 2, Karnack, 75661 903-679-3351, tpwd.state.tx.us Meridian State Park Choke Canyon State Park (Calliham Unit) 1629 Park Road 59, Glen Rose, 76043 254-897-4588, tpwd.state.tx.us Caddo Lake State Park Main and Market Sts., Downtown Dallas, 75201 214-747-6660, jfk.org 100 Park Rd. 1E, Smithville, 78957 512-237-2241, tpwd.state.tx.us 927 Park Rd. 42, Atlanta, 75551 903-796-6476, tpwd.state.tx.us 6102 FM 420, Kountze, 77625 409-951-6700, nps.gov/bith John F. Kennedy Memorial 50 Park Rd. 20, Denison, 75020 903-465-1956, tpwd.state.tx.us Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge 9601 Fossil Ridge Rd., Fort Worth, 76135 817-392-7410, fwnaturcenter.org Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge Falcon State Park 146 Park Rd. 46, Falcon Heights, 78545 956-848-5327, tpwd.state.tx.us Fannin Battleground State Historic Site 734 FM 2506, Fannin, 77960 512-463-7948 visitfanninbattleground.com Goliad State Park and Historic Site 108 Park Rd. Six, Goliad, 77963 361-645-3405, tpwd.state.tx.us Lake Casa Blanca International State Park 5102 Bob Bullock Lp., Laredo, 78041 956-725-3826 Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge 3325 Green Jay, Alamo, 78516 956-784-7500, fws.gov/refuge/santa_ana 6465 Refuge Rd., Sherman, 75092 903-786-2826 fws.gov/refuge/hagerman Lake Whitney State Park 433 FM 1244, Whitney, 76692 254-694-3793, tpwd.state.tx.us T RAVELT EX . C OM | 59 Golf Courses 15075 Country Club Rd., Beaumont, 77705 409-796-1311 Henry Homberg Municipal Golf Course 5940 Babe Zaharias Dr., Beaumont, 77705 409-842-3220, henryhomberggolfcourse.com Iron Oaks Golf Club 4654 Iron Oaks Dr., Beaumont, 77713 409-866-9191 Brazosport The Wilderness Golf Club 501 TX Hwy. 332 W., Lake Jackson, 77566 979-297-4653, thewildernessgc.com Corpus Christi Lozano Golf Center 4401 Old Brownsville Rd., Corpus Christi, 78405 361-826-8016, lozanogolfcenter.com Oso Beach Municipal Golf Course 5601 S. Alameda St., Corpus Christi, 78412 361-826-8010, osobeachgolf.com Padre Isles Country Club (semiprivate) 14353 Commodore Dr., Corpus Christi, 78418 361-949-8006 BlackHorse Golf Club 12205 Fry Rd., Cypress, 77433 281-304-1747, blackhorsegolfclub.com Moody Gardens Golf Course Lajitas Odessa Black Jack’s Crossing Golf Course at Lajitas Ratliff Ranch Golf Links Alpine Country Club (9 holes) 1 Main St., Lajitas, 79852 432-424-5080, blackjackscrossing.com 7500 N. Grandview Ave., Odessa, 79765 432-550-8181, 432-550-8181, ratliffranchgolfodessa.com 1011 Loop Rd., Alpine, 79830 432-837-2752 Marfa Del Rio Marfa Municipal Golf Course (9 holes) Sunset Country Club Golf Course (semiprivate) Big Bend Country Alpine San Felipe Country Club (9 holes) 1530 US Hwy. 90 E., Del Rio, 78840 830-775-3953, sanfelipecc.com El Paso Butterfield Trail Golf Club (semiprivate) Golf Course Rd. (RR 1112), Marfa, 79843 432-729-4043 Midland Hogan Park Golf Course 9301 Andrews Hwy., Odessa, 79762 432-366-1061 Presidio Loma Paloma Golf Course and RV Park Five miles east of Presidio on FM 170, 79845 432-229-2992 1858 Cottonwoods, El Paso, 79906 915-772-1038, butterfieldtrailgolf.com 3600 N. Fairgrounds Rd., Midland, 79705 432-685-7360, hoganparkgolf.com Lone Star Golf Club Nueva Vista Golf Club 1510 Hawkins Blvd., El Paso, 79925 915-591-4927, lonestargolfclub.net 6101 W. Wadley, Midland, 79707 432-520-0500, nuevavistagolf.com Bay City Painted Dunes Desert Golf Course Ranchland Hills Golf Club 7320 F.M. 2668 at Riverside Park, Bay City, 77414 979-244-2955, riocoloradogolfcourse.com 12000 McCombs St., El Paso, 79934 915-821-2122, painteddunes.com (semiprivate) 1600 E. Wadley, Midland, 79705 432-683-2041, 432-682-3729, ranchlandhills.com Gulf Coast Rio Colorado Golf Course Fort Stockton Beaumont Desert Pines Golf Course Bayou Din Golf Club 1572 Blaine McCallister Loop, Fort Stockton, 79735 432-336-2050 8537 Labelle Rd., Beaumont, 77705 409-796-1327, aquilagolf.com 60 | TEXAS INTERNATIONAL TOUR GUIDE 2015–2017 Belle Oaks Golf Club 1700 Sydnor Ln., Galveston, 77554 409-683-4653, moodygardensgolf.com Harlingen Tony Butler Municipal Golf Course 2640 S. M St., Harlingen, 78550 956-216-5970, visitharlingentexas. com/outdoors/golf Treasure Hills Golf Club 3009 N. Augusta National Dr., Harlingen, 78550 956-365-3100, treasurehillsgolfclub.com Houston Bear Creek Golf World 16001 Clay Rd., Houston, 77084 281-859-8188, bearcreekgolfworld.com Clear Creek Golf Club 3902 Fellows Rd., Houston, 77047 713-738-8000, clearcreekgolfclub.com Columbia Lakes Resort, Conference Center, and Country Club 188 Freeman Blvd., West Columbia,77486 979-345-6161, columbialakesgolf.com Cypresswood Golf Club 21602 Cypresswood Dr., Spring, 77373 281-821-6300, cypresswood.com PHOTO COURTESY OF: BLACKHORSE GOLF CLUB Included here is a sampling of golf courses found throughout the state. Galveston Island Glenbrook Park Golf Course 8205 N. Bayou Dr., Houston, 77017 713-649-8089, glenbrookgolfcourse.com Golf Club of Houston 5860 Wilson Rd., Humble, 77396 281-459-7820, golfclubofhouston.com Gus Wortham Park Golf Course 7000 Capitol St., Houston, 77011 713-928-4260, houstontx.gov/ municipalgolf/guswortham.html Port Arthur Bandera Uvalde Babe Zaharias Memorial Golf Course Flying L Guest Ranch Golf Course The Club at Concan 3500 Jimmy Johnson Blvd., Port Arthur, 77642 409-722-8286, aquilagolf.com 566 Flying L Dr., Bandera, 78003 800-292-5134, flyingl.com South Padre Island Long Island Village Golf Course (semiprivate) 33840 S. Garcia, Port Isabel, 78578 956-943-7520, longislandvillage.com Hermann Park Golf Course South Padre Island Golf Club (semiprivate) 2155 N. MacGregor Way, Houston, 77030 713-526-0077, hermannparkgc.com 1 Golf House Rd., Laguna Vista, 78578 956-943-4653, spigolf.com Jersey Meadow Golf Course 8502 Rio Grande St., Jersey Village, 77040 713-896-0900, jerseymeadow.com Kingwood Cove Golf Club 805 Hamblen Rd., Kingwood, 77339 281-358-1155, kingwoodcove.com Melrose Park Golf Course Boerne Tapatio Springs Golf Resort and Conference Center Burnet Quicksand Golf Course and Grill (semiprivate) Delaware Springs Municipal Golf Course Victoria The Club at Colony Creek Fredericksburg Panhandle Plains 301 Colony Creek Dr., Victoria, 77904 361-576-0020, theclubatcolonycreek.con Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Golf Course Diamondback Golf Club (semiprivate) Riverside Golf Course 302 McCright Dr., Victoria, 77901 361-573-4521, vpiariversidegolf.com 341 Golfers Loop, Fredericksburg, 78624 830-997-4010, golffredericksburg.com Georgetown Memorial Park Golf Course Austin Barton Creek Resort & Spa White Wing Golf Course Pine Crest Golf Club 3080 Gessner Dr., Houston, 77080 713-934-0085, pinecrest.phantomgolf.com Sharpstown Park Golf Course 6600 Harbor Town Dr., Houston, 77036 713-988-2099, sharpstowngc.com Tour 18 Houston 3102 FM 1960 E., Humble, 77338 281-540-1818, tour18golf.com Kingsville L. E. Ramey Golf Course Golf Course Rd., Kingsville, 78363, 361-592-1101 1 Pro Ln., Wimberley, 78676 512-847-9700 quicksandatwoodcreekwimberley.com 600 Delaware Springs Blvd., Burnet, 78611 512-756-8471, delawaresprings.com Hill Country 1000 Duffer Ln., Houston, 77034 281-481-0834, ci.pasadena.tx.us 221 E. Doughty, Uvalde, 78801 830-278-6155, uvaldetx.com Wimberley 301 Del Webb Blvd., Georgetown, 78633 512-948-7560, golf.sctxca.org Pasadena Municipal Golf Course Uvalde Memorial Golf Course 1 Resort Way, Boerne, 78006 855-627-2243, tapatioresort.com 401 E. Canino Rd., Houston, 77076 281-931-4666, houstontx.gov/ municipalgolf/melrose.html 1001 E. Memorial Loop Dr., Houston, 77007 713-862-4033, memorialparkgolf.com 520 Mountain Valley Dr., Concan, 78838 830-232-4471, concangolf.com Fazio Canyons Fazio Foothills Palmer Lakeside Crenshaw Cliffside (semiprivate) 8212 Barton Club Dr., Austin, 78735 866-572-7369 (reservations), 512-329-4000, omnihotels.com/hotels/ austin-bartoncreek/golf Grey Rock Golf Club 7401 TX Hwy. 45, Austin, 78739 512-288-4297, greyrockgolfclub.com Horseshoe Bay Resort (semiprivate) 200 Hi Circle N., Horseshoe Bay, 78657 55 miles from Austin, near Marble Falls 877-611-0112, hsbresort.com Jimmy Clay and Roy Kizer Municipal Golf Complex 5400 Jimmy Clay Dr., Austin, 78744 512-444-0999, austintexas.gov/ department/jimmy-clay-golf-course Legacy Hills Golf Club 151 Dove Hollow, Georgetown, 78633 512-948-7570, golf.sctxca.org Kerrville Scott Schreiner Golf Course 1 Country Club Dr., Kerrville, 78028 830-257-4982 New Braunfels The Bandit Golf Club Abilene 1510 E. Industrial Blvd., Abilene, 79602 325-690-9190, diamondbackgolfclub.biz Maxwell Municipal Golf Course 1002 S. 32nd St., Abilene, 79602 325-692-2737, golfmaxwell.com Amarillo Comanche Trail Golf Course 4200 S. Grand St., Amarillo, 79103 806-378-4281, comanchetrail.com Ross Rogers Municipal Golf Course 722 N.W. 24th Ave., Amarillo, 79107 806-378-3086, comanchetrail.com Canyon (semiprivate) Palo Duro Creek Golf Club 6019 FM 725, New Braunfels, 78130 830-609-4665, banditgolfclub.com 50 Country Club Dr., Canyon, 79015 806-655-1106, palodurocreekgolfcourse.com Lakeside Golf Club 405 Watts Ln., Canyon Lake, 78133 830-899-3372, lakesidegolfclub.com Landa Park Golf Course 180 Golf Course Rd., New Braunfels, 78130 830-221-4340, landaparkgolfcourse.com Round Rock Hereford John Pitman Municipal Golf Course 400 S. Main St., Hereford, 79045 806-363-7139, hereford-tx.gov/golf_course.htm Lubbock Meadowbrook Golf Course Lions Municipal Golf Course Forest Creek Golf Club 2901 Enfield Rd., Austin, 78703 512-477-6963, austintexas.gov/ department/lions-municipal-golf-course 99 Twin Ridge Pkwy., Round Rock, 78664 512-388-2874, forestcreek.com Morris Williams Golf Course Teravista Golf Club Port Aransas 3851 Manor Rd., Austin, 78723 512-974-8333, austintexas.gov/ 3720 Fourth St., Lubbock, 79415 806-742-4653, therawlscourse.com Palmilla Beach Resort & Golf Club department/morris-williams-golf-course 4333 Teravista Club Dr. Round Rock, 78665 512-651-9850, teravistagolf.com Wolfdancer Golf Club at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa San Marcos 1406 Quitsna Ave., Lubbock, 79416 806-885-1247, 806golf.com 575 Hyatt Lost Pines Rd., Lost Pines, 78612 512-308-9653, wolfdancergolfclub.com 2701 Airport Hwy. 21, San Marcos, 78666 512-353-1665, quailcreek-cc.com League City Beacon Lakes Golf Club 801 FM 646, Dickinson, 77539 281-337-1459, beaconlakesgolf.com 2685 Snapdragon, Port Aransas, 78373 361-749-4653, newportdunesgolf.com Quail Creek Country Club 601 Municipal Dr., Lubbock, 79403 806-765-6679, meadowbrook.com The Rawls Course at Texas Tech University Reese Golf Center Shadow Hills Golf Course 6002 Third St., Lubbock, 79416 806-793-9700, shadowhillsgolf.com T RAVELT EX . C OM | 61 Golf Courses 11010 Indiana Ave., Lubbock, 79423 806-748-1448, playstonegategolf.com San Angelo Quicksand Golf Course 2305 Pulliam St., San Angelo, 76905 325-482-8337, quicksandsanangelo.com Riverside Hills Golf Club 3301 Riverside Golf Club Rd., San Angelo, 76901 325-653-6130 Oaklawn Municipal Golf Course 4307 Victory Dr., Marshall, 75672 903-935-7555, marshalltexas.net Mount Pleasant Bastrop Denton Lost Pines Golf Club Texas Woman’s University Pioneer Golf Course Bastrop State Park, 201 Park Rd. 1A, Bastrop, 78602 512-321-2327 Mount Pleasant Country Club Pine Forest Golf Club 1000 Country Club Dr., Mount Pleasant, 75455 903-572-1804, countryclubmtpleasant.com Bonham 605 N. I-45, Ferris, 75125 972-842-8700, oldbrickyardgolf.com Legacy Ridge Golf Course Farmers Branch Nacogdoches 636 Riverside Dr., Bastrop, 78602 512-321-1181, pineforestgolfclub.com 2201 Country Club Dr., Bonham, 75418 903-640-4800, legacyridge.com Santa Fe Park Golf Course Woodland Hills Golf Club 111 W. River Dr., San Angelo, 76903 325-657-4485 359 CR 5021, Nacogdoches, 75964 936-564-2762, woodlandhillsgolfclub.com Brenham Texarkana 4107 TX Hwy. 105, Brenham, 77833 979-836-1733, brenhamcc.com Wichita Falls Champions Course at Weeks Park New Haven Golf Club 4400 Lake Park Dr., Wichita Falls, 76302 940-767-6107, weeksparkgolf.com 2321 Line Ferry Rd., Texarkana, AR 71854 870-774-5771, newhavengc.com River Creek Park Golf Course Oak Grove Golf Club 1605 FM 1177, Burkburnett, 76354 940-855-3361, golfrivercreek.com Piney Woods Kilgore Meadowbrook Golf & Event Center 1306 Houston St., Kilgore, 75662 903-984-3155, cityofkilgore.com Longview Alpine Golf Club One Oak Grove Dr., New Boston, 75570 903-223-8402, oakgrovegolf.com 6212 CR 152 W., Bullard, 75757 903-894-7079, easttexasgolf.com Pine Springs Golf Club The Challenge at Oak Forest The Woodlands 2044 Oak Forest Country Club Dr., Longview, 75605 903-297-3932, thechallengeatof.com Panther Trail Lufkin Crown Colony Country Club 900 Crown Colony Dr., Lufkin, 75901 936-637-8811, crown-colony.com Lufkin Country Club 1624 Sayers St., Lufkin, 75901 936-632-2848, lufkincountryclub.com Neches Pines Golf Course 900 Lumberjack Dr., Diboll, 75941 936-829-5086, nechespinesgolf.com Marshall The Challenge at Cypress Hills 1126 Cypress Valley Ln., Waskom, 75692 903-938-4941, thechallengegolfgroup.com/ golf-clubs/cypress-hills 2311 N. Millbend Dr., The Woodlands, 77380 281-882-3000, canongatetexas.com Prairies & Lakes Arlington Chester W. Ditto Golf Course 801 Brown Blvd., Arlington, 76011 817-275-5941, arlingtongolf.com Lake Arlington Golf Course 1516 W. Green Oaks Blvd., Arlington, 76013 817-451-6101, arlingtongolf.com Meadowbrook Park Golf Course 1300 E. Dugan St., Arlington, 76010 817-275-0221, arlingtongolf.com Tierra Verde Golf Club 1640 W. Hebron Pkwy., Carrollton, 75010 972-395-0786, coyoteridgegolfclub.com Indian Creek Golf Club Fort Worth Bryan-College Station Golf Club at Champions Circle The Campus Course at Texas A&M Texas A&M University Campus, 1 Bizzell St., College Station, A77843 979-845-1723, tamucampuscourse.com 15801 Championship Pkwy., Fort Worth, 76177 817-497-2582, championscirclegolf.com Golf Club at Fossil Creek 3401 Clubgate Dr., Fort Worth, 76137 817-847-1900, thegolfclubatfossilcreek.com Meadowbrook Golf Course Cleburne 1815 Jenson Rd., Fort Worth, 76112 817-457-4616, fortworthgolf.org Cleburne Golf Links Pecan Valley Golf Course 2501 Country Club Rd., Cleburne, 76033 817-641-4501, cleburnelinks.com 6400 Pecan Valley Dr., Fort Worth, 76132 817-249-1845, fortworthgolf.org Dallas Rockwood Golf Course Cedar Crest Golf Course 1851 Jacksboro Hwy., Fort Worth, 76114 817-624-1771, fortworthgolf.org 1800 Southerland Ave., Dallas, 75203 214-670-7615, golfcedarcrest.com Keeton Park Golf Course 2323 Jim Miller Rd., Dallas, 75227 214-670-8784, keetonpark.com Stevens Park Golf Course 1005 N. Montclair Ave., Dallas, 75208 214-670-7506, stevensparkgolf.com Tenison Park Golf Course 3501 Samuell Blvd., Dallas, 75223 214-670-1402, tenisonpark.com Denison Denison Golf & Country Club 5216 FM 84, Denison, 75020 903-465-4488, denisongolfandcountryclub.com Waterchase Golf Club 8951 Creek Run Rd., Fort Worth, 76120 817-861-4653, waterchasegc.com Frisco The Trails of Frisco Golf Club 10411 Teel Pkwy., Frisco, 75034 972-668-4653, thetrailsoffriscogc.com Garland Firewheel at Garland 600 W. Campbell Rd., Garland, 75044 972-205-2795, golffirewheel.com Glen Rose Squaw Valley Golf Course 7005 Golf Club Dr., Arlington, 76001 817-548-5050, arlingtongolf.com Grayson College Golf Course 2439 TX Hwy. 67 E., Glen Rose, 76043 254-897-7956, squawvalleygc.com Athens 56 Golf Dr., Denison, 75020 903-786-9719, grayson.edu/website/ golfcourse/default.aspx Granbury Athens Country Club 500 Park Dr., Athens, 75751 903-675-8595 62 | Coyote Ridge Golf Club 1750 N. Falls Dr., New Ulm, 78950 979-992-3123, thefallsresort.com 206 W. Villa Maria Rd., Bryan, 77801 979-823-0126, bryangolf.com Peach Tree and Oak Hurst Golf Courses Old Brickyard Golf Course 1650 W. Frankford Rd., Carrollton, 75007 972-466-9850, indiancreekgolfclub.com Garden Valley Golf Club 22049 FM 1995, Lindale, 75771 903-882-6107, 800-443-8577, gardenvalleytx.com Ennis The Falls Resort & Golf Club Travis B. Bryan Municipal Golf Course 5630 CR 334, Tyler, 75708 903-526-4653, pinespringsgolfclub.com 3275 TX Hwy. 42 N., Longview, 75604 903-759-9251 Brenham Country Club Tyler 2385 Smelley Rd., Longview, 75605 903-753-4515 Longview Country Club 1200 Frame St., Denton, 76209 940-898-3163, twu.edu/golf TEXAS INTERNATIONAL TOUR GUIDE 2015–2017 Granbury Country Club 1611 Rockview Dr., Granbury, 76049 817-573-9912, granburycountryclub.com PHOTOGRAPH: © LAJITAS RESORT Stone Gate Golf Course Hidden Oaks Golf Course 2701 Hideaway Bay Ct., Granbury, 76049 817-279-1078, hiddenoaksgc.com Grand Prairie Prairie Lakes Golf Course 3202 S.E. 14th St., Grand Prairie, 75052 972-263-0661, prairielakesgolf.com WestRidge Golf Course 9055 N. Cotton Ridge Rd., McKinney, 75070 972-346-2212, westridgegolfcourse.com Mesquite Waxahachie Waxahachie Country Club 1920 W. 287 Bus. Hwy., Waxahachie, 75165 972-937-3521, waxahachiecountryclub.com Mesquite Golf Club Hyatt Hill Country Golf Club 9800 Hyatt Resort Dr., San Antonio, 78251 210-520-4040, hyatthillcountrygolf.com/home Mission del Lago Golf Course 1250 Mission Grande Rd., San Antonio, 78221 210-627-2522, alamocitygolftrail.com 825 I-30, Mesquite, 75150 972-270-7457, mesquitegc.com South Texas Plains 818 Tangle Ridge Dr., Grand Prairie, 75052 972-299-6837, tangleridge.com Paris Laredo Max A. Mandel Municipal Golf Course 13202 Scarsdale, San Antonio, 78217 210-655-8026, northernhillsgolfclub.com Grapevine Pine Ridge Golf Course 5615 Pine Mill Rd., Paris, 75462 903-785-8076 27700 FM 1472, Laredo, 78045 956-726-2000, themaxlaredo.com Olmos Basin Golf Course 3500 Bear Creek Ct., Dallas, 75261 972-456-3200, bearcreek-golf.com Plano McAllen Cowboys Golf Club Los Rios Country Club 1700 Country Club Dr., Plano, 75074 972-422-8068, losrioscountryclub.com Martin Valley Ranch Golf Course 7022 McCullough Ave., San Antonio, 78216 210-826-4041, alamocitygolftrail.com Tangle Ridge Golf Club Bear Creek Golf Club 1600 Fairway Dr., Grapevine, 76051 817-481-7277, cowboysgolfclub.com Grapevine Golf Course 3800 Fairway Dr., Grapevine, 76051 817-410-3377, grapevinegc.com Greenville Wright Park Municipal Golf Course 4903 Moulton St., Greenville, 75402 903-457-2996, inparksweplay.com Irving Twin Wells Golf Course Pecan Hollow Golf Course Ridgeview Ranch Golf Club 1300 Circle Dr., Mission, 78572 956-581-6267, meadowcreekinthevalley.net Quarry Golf Club Richardson Monte Cristo Golf and Country Club The Republic Golf Club Sherrill Park Golf Course 2919 N. Kenyon Rd., Edinburg, 78542 956-381-0964, montecristogcc.com 2701 Ridgeview Dr., Plano, 75025 972-390-1039, ridgeviewgc.com 2001 E. Lookout Dr., Richardson, 75082 972-234-1416, sherrillparkgolf.com Killeen 650 W. River Dr., Seguin, 78155 830-401-2490, seguintexas.gov Stonetree Golf Club of Killeen 1600 Stonetree Dr., Killeen, 76543 254-501-6575, golfkilleen.com La Grange Frisch Auf! Valley Country Club 575 Country Club Dr., La Grange, 78945 979-968-3965, frischaufvalleycountryclub.com Lewisville Hank Haney Golf Ranch 2791 S. Stemmons Freeway, Lewisville, 75067 972-315-5300, hankhaney.com Lake Park Golf Club 6 Lake Park Rd., Lewisville, 75057 972-219-5661, lakeparkgc.com McKinney Oak Hollow Golf Course 3005 N. McDonald St., McKinney, 75071 972-562-0670, oakhollowgolf.com 17865 Babcock Rd., San Antonio, 78255 210-558-2365, 800-446-5387, resortlacantera.com Meadow Creek in the Valley Golf Club Seguin Bldg. 52381 (off Battalion Ave.), Fort Hood, 76544 254-287-4130, hoodmwr.com Palmer Course at La Cantera 4901 E. 14th St., Plano, 75074 972-941-7600, pecanhollowgc.com 2000 E. Shady Grove Rd., Irving, 75060 972-438-4340, twinwellsgc.com Courses of Clear Creek 7400 W. Expwy. 83, Mission, 78572 956-585-6330, martinvalley.com Northern Hills Golf Club Max Starcke Park Golf Course Sherman Stone Creek Golf Club 2200 Club House Dr., Sherman, 75092 903-870-7980, stonecreekcc.com Sulphur Springs Sulphur Springs Country Club 511 CR 3451, Sulphur Springs, 75482 903-885-4748, sulphurspringscc.com Links at Land’s End Palm View Golf Course 2701 S. Ware Rd., McAllen, 78503 956-681-3444, palmviewgolf.com Shary Municipal Golf Course 2201 N. Mayberry, Mission, 78572 956-580-8770, missiontexas.us/departments/golf San Antonio The Bandit Golf Club 6019 FM 725, New Braunfels, 78130 830-609-4665, banditgolfclub.net Brackenridge Park Golf Course 2315 Ave. B, San Antonio, 78215 210-226-5612, alamocitygolftrail.com Canyon Springs Golf Club 285 Private Rd., Yantis, 75497 903-383-3290, golflakefork.com 24405 Wilderness Oak, San Antonio, 78260 210-497-1770, canyonspringsgc.com Temple Cedar Creek Golf Course Sammons Golf Links 8250 Vista Colina, San Antonio, 78255 210-695-5050, alamocitygolftrail.com 2727 W. Adams Ave., Temple, 76504 254-771-2030, golfsammons.com Waco Cottonwood Creek Golf Course 5201 Bagby Ave., Waco, 76711 254-745-6009, waco-texas.com/ cms-cottonwoodcountryclub Twin Rivers Golf Club Fort Sam Houston Golf Course 1050 Harry Wurzbach Rd., San Antonio, 78209 210-221-5863 444 E. Basse Rd., San Antonio, 78209 210-824-4500, quarrygolf.com 4226 S.E. Military Dr., San Antonio, 78222 210-359-0000, republicgolfclub.net The Resort Course at La Cantera 16641 La Cantera Pkwy., San Antonio, 78256 210-558-4653, 800-446-5387, resortlacantera.com Riverside Golf Course 203 McDonald Rd., San Antonio, 78210 210-212-7572, alamocitygolftrail.com Silverhorn Golf Club of Texas 1100 W. Bitters Rd., San Antonio, 78253 210-545-5300, silverhorngolfclub.com TPC San Antonio (semiprivate) 23808 Resort Pkwy., San Antonio, 78261 210-491-5800, tpcsanantonio.com Open to resort guests and members only. Willow Springs Golf Course 202 AT&T Center Pkwy., San Antonio, 78219 210-226-6721, alamocitygolftrail.com Woodlake Golf Club 6500 Woodlake Pkwy., San Antonio, 78244 210-661-4141 Briggs Ranch Golf Club 2818 Rustlers Tr.., San Antonio, 78245 210-670-9400, briggsgolf.com 1000 Bear Ridge Dr., Waco, 76712 254-848-7800, twinriversgolfclub.net T RAVELT EX . C O M | 63 General Information Texas Regulations for Out-of-State Motor Carriers Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration 800-832-5660, fmcsa.dot.gov An out-of-state motor bus company must have Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) authority registered under the Unified Carrier Registration System (UCR) program with the state where it is domiciled and select Texas as a state in which it will travel. Proper insurance and fees must be filed with the state where the company is registered. For more information, contact the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles at 888-368-4689 or visit txdmv.gov. Commercial Vehicle Information Commercial tours must buy trip permits or provide apportioned license tags. Permits may be obtained from any of the state’s county tax assessor-collector offices by calling the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, Vehicle Titles and Registration Division at 888-368-4689. Tour companies based in member states of the International Registration Plan may obtain apportioned license tags and cab cards from their state; the base state collects and pays fees to other states traveled by the vehicle, so the vehicle’s driver does not have to purchase trip permits. For more information, contact the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles at 888-368-4689 or visit txdmv.gov. Fuel Tax Mexico regulations change frequently, so visitors are advised to check beforehand with the Mexican consulate about proper entrance and exit documentation. The U.S. Department of State website includes important requirements for entering and exiting Mexico, vehicle permit information, customs regulations, driving and insurance information, and tips for traveling abroad. See travel .state.gov for more information, or to find out more about traveling by car into Mexico, call 800-44MEXICO (639-426). Texas Travel Information Centers 800-558-9368, txdot.gov/travel/information_centers.htm The Texas Department of Transportation operates 12 information centers with professional travel counselors offering a wealth of literature, trip planning, and information such as road conditions. Located around the state, the centers are open daily, except major holidays. Amarillo . . . . . . . . I-40 (from Oklahoma and New Mexico) Anthony . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I-10 (from New Mexico) Austin ..................................... Capitol Complex Denison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.S. 75/U.S. 69 (from Oklahoma) Gainesville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I-35 (from Oklahoma) Langtry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.S. 90, Loop 25 Laredo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .I-35 and U.S. 83 (from Mexico) Orange .............................. I-10 (from Louisiana) Rio Grande Valley . . . . U.S. 77 and U.S. 83 in Harlingen Texarkana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I-30 (from Arkansas) Waskom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I-20 (from Louisiana) Wichita Falls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I-44, U.S. 277/U.S. 281 (from Oklahoma) A qualified motor vehicle is one that has a registered gross weight greater than 26,000 pounds or that has three or more axles, or is a vehicle used in combination (example: truck plus trailer), with the combined weight exceeding 26,000 pounds. Such vehicles are required either to be registered under the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) or to purchase a $50 trip permit. If the company runs more than five trips a calendar year into the state, the motorcoach company must register under IFTA. For more information, contact the Texas State Controller at 800-252-1383 or visit window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/fuels. December 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Christmas Day Highway System, Driving Laws, and Safety Belts January 18 Nine primary interstate highways serve Texas. Passing is illegal where there is a continuous yellow stripe on the driver’s side of the center line. Speed limits are 30 mph in any urban district; 70 mph on numbered state or U.S. highways outside urban districts; and 60 mph on county roads, all unless otherwise posted. Use of wireless communication devices is prohibited in school zones unless the vehicle is stopped or the device is used in conjunction with a hands-free device. Texas law requires safety belts to be worn by drivers and all passengers in vehicles equipped with safety belts, regardless of age. Children under age eight or under 57 inches tall are required to be restrained in child safety seats. For more information, visit txdot.gov/safety. 64 | Amtrak Information For information and reservations, call 800-872-7245 or visit amtrak.com. 2015–2016 U.S. and Texas Holidays November 11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Veterans Day November 26. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thanksgiving Day* January 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . New Year’s Day ................... Martin Luther King Jr. Day February 15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Presidents’ Day March 2 ........................ Texas Independence Day April 21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . San Jacinto Day May 30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Memorial Day June 19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Emancipation Day July 4 ................................... August 27 ................ Independence Day Lyndon B. Johnson’s Birthday September 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Labor Day *The state of Texas may grant its employees additional holidays, such as the day after Thanksgiving. TEXAS INTERNATIONAL TOUR GUIDE 2015-2017 Information Center B Gateways to Texas Airports Atlanta 2.25 2 3 2 2.25 Chicago 2.25 2 2.75 2.5 2.5 Denver 1.75 125 1.25 2 1.75 Los Angeles El Paso Flight Time in Hours San Antonio 512-389-4800, 800-792-1112, tpwd.state.tx.us The Texas State Parks Pass is a $70 annual one-card membership program that rewards visitors with unlimited free entry to more than 90 state parks and state historic sites. Mexico Travel Regulations B Houston Texas Parks and Wildlife Department The legal drinking age is 21. Open containers of alcoholic beverages are not allowed in vehicles. Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is punishable by a minimum term of confinement of 72 hours. As of November 2014, 10 of the state’s 254 counties are “dry,” which means alcohol is not sold anywhere. For additional information, visit tabc.state.tx.us. DFW 512-936-0100, 800-888-8839, travel.state.tx.us Complimentary marketing support available to travel planners includes the following: informational brochures, state highway maps, itinerary planning, and trade and media familiarization tours. For more information on Texas tourism, visit TravelTex.com. For materials available to travel planners and information for the trade and media visit travel.state.tx.us. Alcohol Consumption Laws Austin Office of the Governor, Economic Development and Tourism 3 2.75 1.75 3 2.75 Miami 2.75 2.75 3.75 2.25 2.75 New York 3.75 3.5 5 3.5 4 2.5 2.5 3.5 2.25 2.5 Orlando San Francisco 3.25 3 2.25 3.5 3.25 4 3.5 3.25 4 3.75 2 1.75 2.5 2 3.25 3.25 3 4.25 3 3.5 Seattle St. Louis Washington Airport Information Abilene Regional Airport 325-676-6367, iflyabi.com Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport 806-335-1671, airport.amarillo.gov Austin-Bergstrom International Airport 512-530-2242, austintexas.gov/airport Jack Brooks Regional Airport (Beaumont) 409-719-4900, flysetx.com Corpus Christi International Airport 361-289-0171, ext. 1210, corpuschristiairport.com William P. Hobby Airport (Houston) 713-640-3000, fly2houston.com Laredo International Airport 956-795-2000, cityoflaredo.com/airport Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport 806-775-2044, flylia.com McAllen-Miller International Airport 956-681-1500, mcallenairport.com Midland International Airport (Midland/Odessa) 432-560-2200, flymaf.com San Angelo Regional Airport/Mathis Field 325-659-6409, ext. 3, sanangelotexas.us/airport Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport 972-973-3112, dfwairport.com San Antonio International Airport 210-207-3433, sanantonio.gov/aviation Dallas Love Field 214-670-5683, dallas-lovefield.com Tyler-Pounds Regional Airport 903-531-2343, cityoftyler.org/ departments/airport El Paso International Airport 915-780-4749, elpasointernational airport.com Valley International Airport (Harlingen/ South Padre Island) 956-430-8600, flythevalley.com George Bush Intercontinental Airport (Houston) 281-230-3100, fly2houston.com Wichita Falls Municipal Airport 940-855-3623, flywichitafalls.net Hospitality Texas-Style! Big Bend Alpine C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 33,500 SQ. FT. Alpine Civic Center 801 W. Holland St. 432-837-3301, cityofalpine.com MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . . . . . .652 sq. ft. HOTELS TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 662 Del Rio C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 50,000 SQ. FT. Del Rio Civic Center 1915 Veterans Blvd. 830-774-8641, cityofdelrio.com MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . . . 22,600 sq. ft. HOTELS TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 1,041 El Paso C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 385,000 SQ. FT. Judson F. Williams Convention Center 1 Civic Center Plaza 915-534-0600, 800-351-6024 visitelpaso.com MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . 133,100 sq. ft. Ector County Coliseum Complex Corpus Christi Port Aransas C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S 4201 Andrews Hwy. 432-366-3541, ectorcountycoliseum.org C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 330,000 SQ. FT. TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 36,000 SQ. FT. American Bank Center Port Aransas Civic Center 1901 N. Shoreline Blvd. 361-826-4700, americanbankcenter.com MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . . . 76,000 sq. ft. 710 W. Ave. A 361-749-4111, cityofportaransas.org MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . . . . 8,315 sq. ft. HOTELS HOTELS TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 10,500 TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 4,095 Galveston Island Port Arthur C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . 223,000 sq. ft. HOTELS TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 3,300 Presidio HOTELS TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 101 Gulf Coast Bay Area Houston C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 55,000 SQ. FT. Bay Area Community Center 5002 NASA Pkwy. 281-326-2955, visitbayareahouston.com MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . . . . 7,000 sq. ft. HOTELS TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 3,045 Bay City C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 80,000 SQ. FT. Bay City Civic Center 201 Seventh St. 979-245-8333, 800-806-8333 MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . . . 20,976 sq. ft. TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 291,356 SQ. FT. TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 44,540 SQ. FT. Galveston Island Convention Center at the San Luis Resort Robert A. “Bob” Bowers Civic Center 5600 Seawall Blvd. 409-797-5163, 866-505-4456 galvestonislandconventioncenter.com MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . 128,850 sq. ft. HOTELS TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 4,449 Harlingen C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 137,829 SQ. FT. Harlingen Municipal Auditorium Complex 1204 Fair Park Blvd. 956-216-5990, harlingenarts.com MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . . . 13,000 sq. ft. HOTELS TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 1,200 Houston HOTELS C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 930 TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 3,000,000 SQ. FT. Beaumont George R. Brown Convention Center TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 7,600 C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S Fort Davis Beaumont Civic Center 1001 Avenida de las Americas 713-853-8000, 800-427-4697 houstonconventionctr.com MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . 869,581 sq. ft. HOTELS HOTELS TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 250 Fort Stockton C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 187,000 SQ. FT. 701 Main St. 409-838-3435, 800-782-3081 beaumontcityevents.com MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . . . 41,300 sq. ft. TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 25,398 SQ. FT. Pecos County Civic Center 1674 Airport Dr. 432-336-6261 MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . . . 11,187 sq. ft. HOTELS TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 1,069 Lajitas HOTELS Ford Park 5115 I-10 S. 409-951-5400, 877-266-6939 fordpark.com MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . . . 94,000 sq. ft. HOTELS TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 3,475 Brazosport TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 93 C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S Marathon Lake Jackson Civic Center HOTELS TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 71 Marfa HOTELS TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 85 TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 25,000 SQ. FT. 333 TX Hwy. 332 E. 979-415-2600, lakejackson-tx.gov MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . . . 16,000 sq. ft. HOTELS TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 900 Midland Brownsville C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 149,267 SQ. FT. TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 99,600 SQ. FT. NRG Center One Reliant Park 832-667-1400, reliantpark.com MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . 706,213 sq. ft. HOTELS 3401 Cultural Center Dr. 409-985-8801, portarthur.net MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . . . 20,000 sq. ft. HOTELS TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 1,524 Rockport/Fulton HOTELS TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 1,500 Rosenberg C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 20,000 SQ. FT. Rosenberg Civic Center 3825 Hwy. 36 S. 832-595-3520, ci.rosenberg.tx.us MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . . . 16,000 sq. ft. HOTELS TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 703 South Padre Island C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 65,000 SQ. FT. South Padre Island Convention Centre 7355 Padre Blvd. 956-761-3000, 800-657-2373 sopadre.com/meetings/facilities/ MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . . . 45,000 sq. ft. HOTELS TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 4,000 Hill Country TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 65,000 Austin Kingsville C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 1,381,400 SQ. FT. TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 45,600 SQ. FT. Austin Convention Center Texas A&M University– Kingsville Memorial Student Union Building 500 E. Cesar Chavez 512-404-4000 austinconventioncenter.com MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . 370,967 sq. ft. 700 University Blvd. 361-593-4173, tamuk.edu/eventplanning MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . . . 15,560 sq. ft. HOTELS HOTELS Boerne TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 552 League City C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 36,800 SQ. FT. South Shore Harbour Resort & Conference Center TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 35,000 C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 19,471 SQ. FT. Boerne Convention and Community Center 820 E. Adler Rd., 830-249-2811, 888-750-2811, ci.boerne.tx.us MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . . . . 7,971 sq. ft. 105 N. Main St. 432-682-6234, themidlandcenter.com MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . . . 12,000 sq. ft. 2500 South Shore Blvd. 281-334-1000, 800-442-5005 sshr.com MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . . . 25,000 sq. ft. HOTELS 1 Events Center Blvd. 956-554-0700, eventscenter.cob.us MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . . . 14,734 sq. ft. HOTELS HOTELS HOTELS TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE NOT AVAILABLE AT PRESS TIME Clute Orange Burnet Community Center HOTELS HOTELS Midland Center TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 4,483 Odessa C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 200,000 SQ. FT. Brownsville Events Center TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 2,350 TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 690 TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 480 TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 818 TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 643 Burnet C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S 401 E. Jackson 512-756-2530, cityofburnet.com MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . . . . 9,600 sq. ft. T RAVELTEX . C OM | 65 Fredericksburg Amarillo Huntsville Nacogdoches TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 38,000 SQ. FT. C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 367,000 SQ. FT. TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 42,795 SQ. FT. TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 30,000 SQ. FT. Amarillo Civic Center and Auditorium Veterans Conference Center HOTELS HOTELS TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 1,122 Georgetown TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 12,000 SQ. FT. HOTELS TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 342 TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 977 401 S. Buchanan 806-378-4297, amarillociviccenter.com MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . 300,000 sq. ft. 455 TX Hwy. 75 N. 936-295-5959, 936-355-1050 veteransconferencecenter.org MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . . . 11,000 sq. ft. HOTELS HOTELS Texarkana TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 5,800 TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 814 Horseshoe Bay Canyon Jacksonville HOTELS HOTELS C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 425 TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 169 Kerrville Hereford HOTELS HOTELS TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 1,145 TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 500 TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 5,850 SQ. FT. Norman Activity Center 526 E. Commerce St. 903-586-3510 ext. 10, jacksonvilletexas.com New Braunfels Lubbock C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 110,000 SQ. FT. TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 300,000 SQ. FT. New Braunfels Civic/ Convention Center Lubbock Memorial Civic Center 375 S. Castell Ave. 800-572-2626, meetnb.com MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . . . 25,147 sq. ft. 1501 Mac Davis Ln. 806-775-2242, lubbockciviccenter.com MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . 120,000 sq. ft. C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S HOTELS HOTELS TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 2,771 TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 5,300 Round Rock San Angelo 120 E. Austin St. 903-665-2700, thejeffersonianinstitute.com MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . . . 10,625 sq. ft. C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S HOTELS TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 28,900 SQ. FT. TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 47,200 SQ. FT. TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 175 United Heritage Center and Intel Club McNease Convention Center Kilgore 3400 E. Palm Valley Blvd. 512-255-2255, delldiamondevents.com MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . . . . 9,400 sq. ft. 500 Rio Concho Dr. 325-653-9577, sanangelotexas.us MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . . . 24,000 sq. ft. HOTELS TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 2,700 HOTELS TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 2,022 San Marcos C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 120,000 SQ. FT. City of San Marcos Conference Center 1001 E. McCarty Lane, 512-392-6450, toursanmarcos.com/meet MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . . . 78,800 sq. ft. HOTELS TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 2,047 Uvalde Wichita Falls C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 175,564 SQ. FT. Wichita Falls Multi-Purpose Events Center Wimberley HOTELS TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 400 Abilene C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 350,000 SQ. FT. Abilene Civic Center 1100 N. Sixth St. 325-676-6211, abilenetx.com/civiccenter MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . 130,000 sq. ft. HOTELS HOTELS C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 217,000 SQ. FT. Lone Star Convention and Expo Center 9055 Airport Rd. 936-538-8000, 877-843-6346 thelonestar.org MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . 101,000 sq. ft. TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 1,627 Henderson C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 13,250 SQ. FT. Henderson Civic Center 1005 TX Hwy. 64 W. 903-392-8232, 866-650-5529 hendersontx.us MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . . . 10,566 sq. ft. HOTELS TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 315 TEXAS INTERNATIONAL TOUR GUIDE 2015-2017 HOTELS TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 604 HOTELS TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 1,054 Tyler C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 230,000 SQ. FT. Harvey Convention Center 2000 W. Front St. 903-531-1349, cityoftyler.org MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . . . 27,667 sq. ft. HOTELS TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 2,700 The Woodlands C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 155,000 SQ. FT. The Woodlands Resort and Conference Center 2301 N. Millbend Dr. 281-367-1100, 800-433-2624 woodlandsresort.com MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . . . 60,000 sq. ft. The Woodlands Waterway Marriott/Convention Center Longview 1601 Lake Robbins Dr. 281-367-9797, marriott.com/houmw MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . . . 70,000 sq. ft. C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S HOTELS TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 414 Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center 100 Grand Blvd. 903-237-1230, cityoflongview.com MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . . . 40,000 sq. ft. TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 2,751 Lufkin C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S Pitser Garrison Civic Center TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 3,300 66 | Jeffersonian Institute TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 63,000 SQ. FT. TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 1,928 HOTELS Panhandle Plains TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 10,000 SQ. FT. HOTELS Conroe TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 394 Jefferson HOTELS Willie de Leon Civic Center HOTELS TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 420 1000 Fifth St. 940-716-5500, 800-799-6732 wfmpec.org MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . . . 57,137 sq. ft. Piney Woods 300 E. Main St. 830-278-4115, visituvalde.com MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . . . 20,000 sq. ft. HOTELS TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 103,538 SQ. FT. TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 51,665 SQ. FT. C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . . . . 5,000 sq. ft. Shenandoah 601 N. Second St. 936-633-0279, cityoflufkin.com MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . . . 26,730 sq. ft. HOTELS HOTEL ROOMS AVAILABLE 2,157 Prairies & Lakes Addison C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 200,000 SQ. FT. Addison Conference and Theatre Centre 15650 Addison Rd. 972-450-6241, 800-233-4766 actonline.com MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . . . 12,000 sq. ft. HOTELS TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 4,000 TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 1,160 Arlington Marshall C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 40,000 SQ. FT. Marshall Convention Center 2501 S.E. End Blvd. 903-935-4472, visitmarshalltexas.org MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . . . 30,000 sq. ft. HOTELS TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 350,000 SQ. FT. Arlington Convention Center 1200 Ballpark Way 817-459-5000, arlingtoncc.com MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . . . 88,500 sq. ft. HOTELS TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 5,100 TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 908 Athens Mount Pleasant C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 23,000 SQ. FT. Mount Pleasant Civic Center 1800 N. Jefferson Ave. 903-575-4190, mpcity.net MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . . . 21,000 sq. ft. HOTELS TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 779 TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 25,000 SQ. FT. Cain Center 915 S. Palestine St. 903-677-2000, caincenterinc.org MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . . . 14,682 sq. ft. Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center 5550 FM 2495 903-676-2277, tpwd.state.tx.us/tffc MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . . . . 5,000 sq. ft. HOTELS TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 356 Brenham C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 61,200 SQ. FT. Fireman’s Training Center 1101 US Hwy. 290 W. 979-337-7575, cityofbrenham.org/fire MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . . . 10,672 sq. ft. HOTELS TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 764 Bryan–College Station C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 220,000 SQ. FT. Brazos County Expo 5827 Leonard Rd. 979-823-3976, brazoscountyexpo.com MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . . . 41,600 sq. ft. HOTELS TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 4,200 Farmers Branch Irving Temple HOTELS C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 300,000 SQ. FT. TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 47,000 SQ. FT. Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas Frank W. Mayborn Civic and Convention Center 500 W. Las Colinas Blvd. 972-252-7476 irvingconventioncenter.com MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . 100,000 sq. ft. 3303 N. Third St. 254-298-5720, mayborncenter.com MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . . . 46,931 sq. ft. TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 2,170 Fort Worth C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 800,000 SQ. FT. Fort Worth Convention Center 1201 Houston St. 817-392-6338 meetinfortworth.com/fort-worthconvention-center MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . 340,235 sq. ft. HOTELS TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 14,000 Frisco C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 124,000 SQ. FT. Frisco Conference Center 7600 John Q. Hammons Dr. 972-712-7200 embassysuitesdallasfrisco.com MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . . . 90,000 sq. ft. HOTELS TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 1,874 Glen Rose HOTELS TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 11,000 Lewisville C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 93,400 SQ. FT. Lewisville Convention Center at the Hilton Garden Inn TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 2,061 McKinney HOTELS Somervell County Expo Center 1501 W. Henderson St. 817-556-8860, cleburneconference.com MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . . . 19,596 sq. ft. 202 Bo Gibbs Blvd. 254-897-4509, glenroseexpo.org MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . . . 19,180 sq. ft. HOTELS HOTELS TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 176,200 SQ. FT. Mesquite Convention and Expo Center 1750 Rodeo Dr. 972-204-4925, realtexasflavor.com MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . . . 21,264 sq. ft. HOTELS C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Granbury Resort Conference Center 650 S. Griffin St. 214-939-2750, 877-684-7322 dallasconventioncenter.com MEETING SPACE . . . . . . 1,035,945 sq. ft. 621 E. State Loop 426 682-936-1200, 877-936-1201 granburytx.com MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . . . 20,000 sq. ft. HOTELS TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 75,000 Denton C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 67,000 SQ. FT. Denton Civic Center 321 E. McKinney St. 940-349-8733, dentonciviccenter.com MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . . . 10,965 sq. ft. C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 18,000 SQ. FT. Ruthe Jackson Center TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 320,000 SQ. FT. Plano Centre 2000 E. Spring Creek Pkwy. 972-941-5840, planocentre.com MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . 122,500 sq. ft. HOTELS Eisemann Center for Performing Arts HOTELS TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 1,922 TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 2,400 Grapevine Sherman C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S HOTELS DFW Airport 1209 S. Main St. 817-410-3459, grapevineconventioncenter.com MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . . . 14,027 sq. ft. Sherman Municipal Ballroom and Kidd-Key Auditorium Greenville TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 59,950 SQ. FT. Sokol Activity Center 2622 E. TX Hwy. 34 972-878-7959, sokolennis.com MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . . . 30,000 sq. ft. HOTELS TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 400 TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 5,400 C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE NOT AVAILABLE AT PRESS TIME HOTELS TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 4,125 McAllen 700 Convention Center Blvd. 956-681-3800 mcallenconventioncenter.net MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . 174,000 sq. ft. TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 203,000 SQ. FT. HOTELS C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S TOTAL MEETING SPACE 51,470 SQ. FT. McAllen Convention Center 2351 Performance Dr. 972-744-4600, eisemanncenter.com MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . . . 40,398 sq. ft. Ennis Laredo C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S 3113 S. Carrier Pkwy. 972-237-7500, ruthejacksoncenter.com MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . . . 12,000 sq. ft. HOTELS TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 1,178 Richardson Grapevine Convention Center TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 1,109 HOTELS C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 30,083 SQ. FT. HOTELS 3295 Bob Rogers Dr. 830-773-7781, eaglepasstx.us MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . . . 19,623 sq. ft. TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 4,900 TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 800,000 SQ. FT. TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 2,000 TOTAL MEETING SPACE 44,000 SQ. FT. 6700 Arena Blvd. 956-791-9192, learena.com MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . . . 27,000 sq. ft. TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 25,000 SQ. FT. Grand Prairie Eagle Pass Laredo Energy Arena C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S 2100 N. Stemmons Fwy. 214-655-6100 dallasmarketcenter.com MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . 200,000 sq. ft. TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 642 C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 1,500,000 SQ. FT. TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 655 HOTELS TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 1,856 Plano HOTELS TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 538 International Center for Trade Cleburne Conference Center Dallas Market Center HOTELS C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 77,500 SQ. FT. C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S Waxahachie TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 1,243 C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S Dallas TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 3,624 Cotulla HOTELS TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 22,627 SQ. FT. Granbury HOTELS MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . . . 17,000 sq. ft. C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 648 Waco South Texas Plains C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 726 TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 2,070 785 SH 121 Bypass 972-459-4600 visitlewisville.com Mesquite Cleburne HOTELS 405 N. Rusk St. 903-892-7230 shermantx.org MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . . . . 4,838 sq. ft. HOTELS TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 856 TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 225,000 SQ. FT. HOTELS TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 3,600 San Antonio C O N F E R E N C E FA C I L I T I E S TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE NOT AVAILABLE AT PRESS TIME Alamodome 100 Montana St. 210-207-3663, 800-884-3663 alamodome.com MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . 160,000 sq. ft. Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center 200 E. Market St. 210-207-8500, 877-504-8895 sahbgcc.com MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . 514,000 sq. ft. HOTELS TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 44,357 Fletcher Warren Civic Center 5501 US Hwy. 69, 75402 903-457-3188, ci.greenville.tx.us MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . . . . 6,587 sq. ft. HOTELS TOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 800 T RAVELTEX . C OM | 67 Destination Management Co. Charter Company Tour Operator Receptive Operator Tour Packaging Step-on Guides Language Capabilities Scheduled Sightseeing Tours Convention/Meetings Incentive Packaging Ag/Tech Tours Destination Management Co. Charter Company Tour Operator Receptive Operator Tour Packaging Step-on Guides Language Capabilities Scheduled Sightseeing Tours Convention/Meetings Incentive Packaging Ag/Tech Tours Bus & Tour Bus & Tour Companies Companies Big Bend Country E L PA S O Around and About Tours Inc. 6716 Mesa Grande, El Paso, 79912 915-833-2650 Dos Naciones, Inc. 1611 E. Paisano Drive, El Paso, 79901 915-544-0062 Si! El Paso Tours 109 N. Oregon St., El Paso, 79901 915-541-1308 sielpasotours.com F O R T S T O C KT O N Greyhound Lines, Inc. 404 E. Dickinson Blvd., Fort Stockton, 79735 432-336-5151 greyhound.com MIDLAND Big John’s Limo Service 2508 N. Big Spring St., Midland, 79705 430-222-0234 ODESSA All Aboard America 10615 W. County Rd. 127, Odessa, 79765 432-561-8529, 800-628-1335 allaboardamerica.com Gulf Coast BEAUMONT Sun Travel Trailways 6711 Smith Rd., Beaumont, 77713 409-840-4600, 888-898-2638 suntravel.org CORPUS CHRISTI Daisy Charter and Shuttles 1602 N. Tancahua, Corpus Christi, 78401 361-883-8876, 800-285-8601 daisycharters.com Fun Time Tours 505 Palm Dr., Corpus Christi, 78408 361-289-7965 G A LV E S T O N Galveston Island Tours 502 20th St., Ste. 1861, Galveston, 77550 409-765-8687, 888-425-8687 galvestonislandtours.com HARLINGEN Valley Transit Co. 215 E. Monroe, Harlingen, 78550 956-423-4287, 800-580-4710 valleytransitcompany.com HOUSTON All America Travel & Tours Debbie Hsieh 6918 Corporate Dr., #A-14, Houston, 77036 713-981-8868 First Class Tours, Inc. 12703 Eastex Fwy., Houston, 77039 310 F.M. 1960, Houston, 77073 281-590-8800, 281-443-1200 firstclasstours.net HGS Travel Solutions Nora Hernandez 11211 Katy Fwy., Ste. 440A, Houston, 77079 713-722-0395 hgstravel.com Houston CityPASS 888-330-5008, 208-787-4300 citypass.com/houston 68 | J&J Tours Katherine McDonnell 702-985-4873, 888-511-5558 jjtours.com Japan Tours & Travel, Inc. Tokiko Matsumoto 2900 Weslayan St., Ste. 600, Houston, 77027 713-520-8654 japantours.com Joy Tours & Travel P.O. Box 450675, Houston, 77245 713-434-0301 joytoursntravel.com KFCI Leo Yao 3350A Hwy. 6, Ste. 280, Sugar Land, 77478 832-866-3377 visitexas.com MegaBus.com 877-462-6342 megabus.com Sierra Stage Coaches 1502 Galveston St., South Houston, 77587 713-947-2877, 800-422-7401 Texana Tours Richard Cook P.O. Box 132496, Spring, 77393 281-772-9526 texanatours.com Hill Country AUSTIN Around Austin, Inc. 10000 Liriope Cove, Austin, 78750 512-371-9111, around-austin.com Austin Overtures 602 E. 4th St., Austin, 78701 512-659-9478 aotoursaustin.com Circa 8301 Springdale Rd., Ste. 400, Austin, 78724 210-223-0926, ext. 227 circatexas.com/Austin/index.asp Clark Travel 3406 W. 2nd St., Taylor, 76574 512-365-1511, 800-580-1757 clarktravel.net Coach USA/Kerrville Bus Company 916 E. Koenig Ln., Austin, 78752 512-389-0090, 800-256-2757 iridekbc.com Cowboy Harley Davidson of Austin 10917 S. I-35, Austin, 78747 512-448-4294 cowboyharleyaustin.com Destination: Austin 9600 Escarpment Blvd., Ste. 745-257, Austin, 78749 512-391-1944 destination-austin.com Hill Country Motorcycle Rentals 512-645-6450 hillcountrymotorcyclerentals.com R&R Limousine & Bus 1127 Old Bastrop Hwy., Austin, 78742 512-947-7433 rrlimobus.com Red Velvet Events 7000 N. MoPac Expwy., Ste. 450, Austin, 78731 512-380-9688, 888-233-0807 redvelvetevents.com SuperShuttle/ExecuCar of Austin 3600 Presidential Blvd., Austin, 78762 512-929-3900 supershuttle.com execucar.com TEXAS INTERNATIONAL TOUR GUIDE 2015-2017 TA Y L O R Clark Travel 3406 W. 2nd St., Taylor, 76574 512-365-1511, 800-580-1757 clarktravel.net WIMBERLEY Tourworks, Inc. 2400 River Rd., Wimberley, 78676 512-847-2215 toursoftexas.com Panhandle Plains ABILENE Bilbrey Tours 3262 S. 27th St., Abilene, 79605 325-692-1308, 888-692-1308 bilbreytours.com AMARILLO Kincaid Coaches 800-998-1901 kincaidcoach.com/charters LUBBOCK Citibus 801 Texas Ave., Lubbock, 79401 806-712-2000 citibus.com Piney Woods LONGVIEW Tri-City Charter 6065 S.E. Loop 281, Longview, 75602 903-663-5514 tricitycharter.com MOUNT PLEASANT Greyhound Lines, Inc. 2428 W. Ferguson Rd., Mount Pleasant, 75455 903-572-8661, 800-454-2487 greyhound.com TYLER Lone Star Trailways 2828 Teague Dr., Tyler, 75701 903-561-6095, 800-541-6095 trailways.com Prairies & Lakes ARLINGTON Dan Dipert Tours 7301 W. Pioneer Pkwy, Arlington, 76013 817-543-3700, 800-433-5335 dandipert.com DALLAS AlliedPRA Dallas/Fort Worth 1125 S. Ball St., Ste. 105, Grapevine, 76051 817-329-5100 alliedpra.com All in One Tour Services 145 World Trade Center, Dallas, 75207 214-698-0332, 888-698-0332 allinonetourservices.com Big D Fun Tours 214-400-9020 bigdfuntours.com Dallas Segway Tours 1907 N. Lamar St., Dallas, 75202 800-880-2336 dallassegwaytours.com Discover Dallas Tours 4410 Glenwick Ln., Dallas, 75205 214-521-3737 discoverdallastours.com Echo Transportation 5012 Mosson Rd., Fort Worth, 76119 817-572-4114, 800-468-8239 echotransportation.com EEM Custom Tours 4703 W. Lovers Ln., Dallas, 75209 214-366-9777 eemcustomtours.com Heritage Tours, LLC 6320 Lyndon B. Johnson Fwy. Ste. 129, Dallas, 75240 214-265-7782 heritagetoursllc.com Premier Transportation Services 1341 W. Mockingbird Ln., Dallas, 75247 214-351-7000 premierofdallas.com SuperShuttle/ExecuCar of Dallas 1840 W. Airfield Dr., #300, Dallas, 75261 972-615-2410 supershuttle.com execucar.com Texas Holiday Travel 3824 Cedar Springs Rd., #1017, Dallas, 75219 940-456-0471 texasholidaytravel.com V.I.P. Services Carolina Borges 214-368-9067 texasviptour.com PHOTO: MAJECZKA / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM FORT WORTH All In One Tour Services World Trade Center, Ste. 145-8 P.O. Box 421461, Dallas, 75234 214-939-0333 allinonetourservices.com Destinations By JMC Juanita Gonzalez 800-945-0950, 469-576-9532 [email protected] Gotta Go Tours by Patti Patti Harrell 5012 Mosson Rd., Fort Worth, 76119 972-355-1189, 817-330-3304 gottagotoursbypatti.com HGS Travel Solutions 11211 Katy Fwy., Ste. 440A, Houston, 77079 713-722-0395 hgstravel.com Texas Holiday Travel 1300 Herron Bend, Graham, 76450 940-456-0471 texasholidaytravel.com V.I.P. Services Carolina Borges 214-368-9067 texasviptour.com KILLEEN Arrow Trailways of Texas 201 E. Avenue C, Killeen, 76541 254-526-2229, 800-792-3351 arrowtrailways.com SHERMAN Sellers Tours P.O. Box 2222, Sherman, 75091-2222 903-465-8442, 800-711-6116 sellerstours.com TEMPLE Clark Travel 7766 I-35 N., Temple, 76501 254-770-1200, 800-440-3072 clarktravel.net Greyhound Lines, Inc. 20 S. Fifth St., Temple, 76501 254-773-4123 greyhound.com WACO Central Texas Trails 320 S. 16th St., Waco, 76701 254-754-2395 South Texas Plains LAREDO Cougar Bus Lines 209 Flecha Ln., Laredo, 78045 956-726-9978, 866-734-7376 cougarbuslines.com MCALLEN Sanborns Tours, Inc. 2015 S. 10th St., McAllen, 78503 956-682-9872 SAN ANTONIO Alamo Trolley 216 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, 78205 210-247-0238 thealamotrolley.com Circa 1220 E. Commerce St., San Antonio, 78205 210-224-0926 circatexas.com/sanantonio/index.asp City Tours Inc. 1731 S. San Marcos, Bldg. #826, San Antonio, 78207 Tours or charters, 210-492-4144 citytoursinc.com Coach USA/Kerrville Bus Company 1430 E. Houston St., San Antonio, 78202 210-226-7371, 800-474-3352 iridekbc.com Daisy Charters and Shuttles 1505 E. Houston St., San Antonio, 78202 210-225-8600, 800-285-8601 daisycharters.com Destination: San Antonio 200 E. Grayson St., Ste. 114, San Antonio, 78215 210-822-5001 destination-sanantonio.com Grayline of San Antonio 210-341-6000, 800-341-6000 grayline.com/sanantonio Grayline Star Shuttle and Charter 1343 Hallmark Dr., San Antonio, 78216 210-341-6000, 800-341-6000 starshuttle.com Regent Coach Lines, Ltd. 515 Sherman St., San Antonio, 78202 210-212-0510, 877-440-8708 regentcoachline.com R&R Limousine & Bus 118 E. Turbo Dr., San Antonio, 78216 210-979-2922 rrlimobus.com GRAND PRAIRIE Central West of Texas, Inc. 3426 S. Gilbert Rd., Grand Prairie, 75050 972-399-1059, 800-533-1939 bus-charter.com Lone Star Coaches 2425 Houston St., Grand Prairie, 75050 972-623-1100, 800-933-1132 lonestarcoaches.com IRVING Roadrunner Charters 8972 Trinity Blvd., Hurst, 76053 817-510-6700 roadrunnercompanies.com Executive Coach 506 N. Loop 12, Irving, 75061 214-492-1300 usacoach.net T RAVELT EX . C O M | 69 CVBs & Chambers of Commerce EACH OF THE CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAUS AND CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE LISTED BELOW IS EITHER A MEMBER OF THE TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAUS OR INCLUDED IN THIS GUIDE. LISTINGS ARE IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER BY CITY. Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau 1101 N. 1st St., Abilene, 79601-5810 325-676-2556 abilenevisitors.com Addison Economic Developlment and Tourism P.O. Box 9010, Addison, 75001-9010 972-450-7079 addisontexas.net Allen Convention and Visitors Bureau 301 Century Pkwy, Allen, 75013 214-509-4669 visitallentexas.com Alvin Convention & Visitors Bureau 121 E. Willis St., Alvin, 77511-2449 281-585-3359 alvintexas.org Amarillo Convention & Visitor Council P.O. Box 9480, Amarillo, 79105-9480 806-374-1497 visitamarillotx.com Andrews Chamber of Commerce & CVB 700 W. Broadway St., Andrews, 79714-6121 432-523-2695 andrewstx.com Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau 602 E. Fourth St., Austin, 78701 512-474-5171 austintexas.org Balch Springs Chamber of Commerce 12400 Elam Rd., Balch Springs, 75180 972-557-0988 balchspringschamber.org Bastrop County 211 Jackson St., Bastrop, 78602 512-581-7176 explorebastropcounty.com Bay Area Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau 913 Meyer Rd., Seabrook, 77586-3500 281-474-9700 visitbayareahouston.com Beaumont Convention & Visitors Bureau P.O. Box 3827, Beaumont, 77704-3827 409-880-3749 beaumontcvb.com Bell County Expo Center P.O. Box 206 / 301 W. Loop 121, Belton, 76513 254-933-5353 bellcountyexpo.com Bellmead Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 154615, Bellmead, 76715-4615 254-799-1552 bellmeadchamber.com Belton Area Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 659, Belton, 76513-0659 254-939-3551 beltonchamber.com Ben J. Rogers Regional Visitors Center 5055 I-10 S., Beaumont, 77705-4215 409-842-0500 co.jefferson.tx.us./visitorcenter/brrvc.htm Big Spring Convention & Visitors Bureau 113 E. 3rd St., Big Spring, 79720-2426 432-263-8235 visitbigspring.com Blanco Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 626, Blanco, 78606 830-833-5101 blancochamber.com Brady/ McCulloch County Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center 101 E. 1st St., Brady, 76825-4906 70 | 325 597-3491 bradytx.com Brenham/Washington County Chamber of Commerce and CVB 115 W. Main St., Brenham, 77833-3641 979-836-3696 visitbrenhamtexas.com Brewster County Tourism CouncilVisit Big Bend Tourism P.O. Box 479, Alpine, 79831-0479 877-BIG-BEND visitbigbend.com Brownsville Convention & Visitors Bureau 650 Ruben M. Torres Sr. Blvd., Brownsville, 78520 956-546-3721 brownsville.org Brownwood Convention & Visitors Bureau P.O. Box 880, Brownwood, 76804-0880 325-646-9535 visitbrownwood.com Bryan-College Station Convention & Visitors Bureau 1101 University Dr. E., Ste. 108, College Station, 77840-1804 979-260-9898 visitaggieland.com Canton Visitors Bureau 119 N. Buffalo St., Canton, 75103-1353 903-567-1849 visitcantontx.com Childress Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 35, Childress, 79201 940-937-2567 childresschamber.com City of Alpine P.O. Box 50273, Alpine, 78763 512-472-6630 alpinetexas.com City of Bastrop Convention & Exhibit Center P.O. Box 427, Bastrop, 78602 512-332-8984 cityofbastrop.org City of Baytown P.O. Box 424, Baytown, 77522 281-420-5343 visitbaytown.com City Of Bedford 2000 Forest Ridge Dr., Bedford, 76021-1895 817-952-2128 bedfordtx.gov City of Buda Tourism Department P.O. Box 1218, Buda, 78610-1218 512-295-7170 budatxtourism.com City of Cedar Hill, Tourism 285 Uptown Blvd., Bldg. 100, Cedar Hill, 75104-3526 469-272-2902 visitcedarhill.com City of Cedar Park Tourism Department 450 Cypress Creek, Bldg. 3, Cedar Park, 78613 512-401-5070 cedarparkfun.com City of Deer Park 710 E. San Augustine, Deer Park, 77536 281-478-7246 deerparktx.gov City of Duncanville 201 James Collins Blvd., Duncanville, 75116-4818 972-780-5074 duncanville.com City of Grand Prairie, Tourism 2170 N. Belt Line Rd., Grand Prairie, 75050-9634 972-595-5401 gptexas.com City of Jefferson—Tourism 102 N. Polk St., Jefferson, 75657-2214 903-665-3733 visitjeffersontexas.com City of Katy 910 Ave. C, Katy, 77493 281-574-8653 cityofkaty.com TEXAX INTERNATIONAL TOUR GUIDE 2015-2017 City of Kingsville P.O. Box 1428, Kingsville, 78363 361-592-8516 kingsvilletexas.com City of Mount Pleasant 1800 N. Jefferson, Mount Pleasant, 75455 City of Nassau Bay 1800 Space Park Dr., Ste. 200, Nassau Bay, 77058 281-336-6283 nassaubay.com City of Navasota 200 E. McAlpine, Navasota, 77868 936-825-6475 navasotatx.gov City of Pearland Convention & Visitors Bureau 11200 Broadway St., Pearland, 77584 281-605-9461 visitpearlandtexas.us City of Pflugerville P.O. Box 589 / 100 E. Main St., Pflugerville, 78691 512-990-6113 pfuntx.com City of Port Isabel 305 E. Maxan St., Port Isabel, 78578 956-943-2682 pieventcenter.com City of Rosenberg P.O. Box 32, Rosenberg, 77471-0032 832-595-3330 cityofrosenberg.com City of Southlake 1400 Main St., Ste. 300, Southlake, 76092 817-748-8652 visitsouthlaketexas.com Cleburne Chamber of Commerce 1511 W. Henderson, Cleburne, 76033 817-645-2455 visitcleburne.com Cleveland Convention & Visitors Bureau 210 Peach Ave., Cleveland, 77327 281-592-2395 visitclevelandtexas.com Clifton Chamber of Commerce 115 N. Ave. D, Clifton, 76634-1617 254-675-3720 cliftontexas.org Clute Visitors Bureau P.O. Box 1292 / 100 Parkview Dr., Clute, 77531-1292 979-265-2508 goclute.com Conroe Convention & Visitors Bureau 505 W. Davis St., Conroe, 77301-2872 936-522-3500 playinconroe.com Copperas Cove Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau 204 E. Robertson Ave., Copperas Cove, 76522-2928 254-547-7571 copperascove.com Corpus Christi Convention & Visitors Bureau 101 N. Shoreline Blvd., Ste. 430, Corpus Christi, 78401-2825 361-881-1877 visitcorpuschristitx.org Dallas Convention & Visitors Bureau 325 N. Saint Paul St., Ste. 700, Dallas, 75201-3874 214-571-1000 dallascvb.com Del Rio Convention and Visitors Bureau 1915 Veterans Blvd., Del Rio, 78840 830-775-3551 Denton Convention & Visitors Bureau 414 Parkway, Denton, 76201 940-382-7895 discoverdenton.com Destination El Paso 1 Civic Center Plz, El Paso, 79901-1153 800-351-6024 visitelpaso.com Dripping Springs Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 206, Dripping Springs, 78620 512-858-4740 drippingspringstx.org Duncan Convention & Visitors Bureau P.O. Box 981 / 800 Chisholm Trail Pkwy, Duncan, 73534 580-252-2900 duncanok.org Eagle Pass Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 1188, Eagle Pass, 78853-1188 830-773-3224 eaglepasstexas.com East Montgomery County Improvement District P.O. Box 1019, New Caney, 77357-1019 281-354-4419 emctx.com Edinburg Convention & Visitors Bureau P.O. Box 85, Edinburg, 78540-0085 956-383-4974 edinburg.com Ennis Convention & Visitors Bureau P.O. Box 1237, Ennis, 75120-1237 972-878-4748 visitennis.org Experience Arlington 1905 E. Randol Mill Rd., Arlington, 76011-8214 817-265-7721 arlington.org Farmers Branch Tourism Department 13000 William Dodson Pkwy, Farmers Branch, 75234 972-247-3131 visitfarmersbranch.com Fort Worth Convention & Visitors Bureau 111 W. 4th St., Ste. 200, Fort Worth, 76102-3974 817-336-8791 fortworth.com Fredericksburg Convention & Visitor Bureau 302 E. Austin St., Fredericksburg, 78624-4212 830-997-6523 visitfredericksburtTx.com Frisco Convention & Visitors Bureau 6801 Gaylord Pkwy, Ste. 401, Frisco, 75034 972-292-5250 visitfrisco.com Funtrackers Family Entertainment 9605 SPID, Corpus Christi, 78418 361-937-9400 funtrackers.com Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 518, Gainesville, 76241-0518 940-665-2831 gogainesville.net Galveston Convention & Visitors Bureau P.O. Box 1080, Galveston, 77553-1080 409-797-5146 galveston.com Garland Convention & Visitors Bureau P.O. Box 469002, Garland, 75046-9002 972-205-2749 visitgarlandtx.com Georgetown Convention & Visitors Bureau P.O. Box 409, Georgetown, 78627-0409 512- 930-3545 visitgeorgetown.com Gilmer Civic Center 1218 U.S. 271 N., Gilmer, 75644 903-797-8888 gilmer-tx.com Glen Rose Convention & Visitors Bureau P.O. Box 2037, Glen Rose, 76043-2037 254-897-3081 glenrosetexas.net Gonzales Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture 414 Saint Lawrence St., Gonzales, 78629-4022 830- 672-6532 gonzalestexas.com Graham Convention & Visitors Bureau 608 Elm St., Graham, 76450-2522 940-549-0401 visitgrahamtexas.com Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau 636 S. Main St., Grapevine, 76051 817-410-3185 grapevinetexasusa.com Greater Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau 4 Houston Center, 1331 Lamar, Ste. 700, Houston, 77010 713-437-5200 visithoustontexas.com Greater New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce 390 S. Seguin Ave., New Braunfels, 78130 830-625-2385 innewbraunfels.com Harker Heights Chamber 552 E. FM 2410, Ste. B, Harker Heights, 76548 254-699-4999 Harlingen Convention & Visitors Bureau 311 E. Tyler Ave., Harlingen, 78550-9121 956-423-5440 visitharlingentexas.com Henderson Tourism Department 1500 Lake Forest Pkwy, Henderson, 75652-5557 903-392-8232 visithendersontx.com Hillsboro Chamber/Convention & Visitors Bureau P.O. Box 358, Hillsboro, 76645-0358 254-582-2481 hillsborochamber.org Huntsville Department of Tourism 1212 Ave. M, Huntsville, 77340-4608 936-291-9726 huntsvilletexas.com Irving Convention & Visitors Bureau 500 W. Las Colinas Blvd., Irving, 75039 972-252-7476 irvingtexas.com Kerrville Convention and Visitors Bureau 2108 Sidney Baker, Kerrville, 78028 830-792-3535 kerrvilletexascvb.com Kilgore Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau 813 N. Kilgore St., Kilgore, 75662-5860 903-984-5022 kilgorechamber.com Killeen Convention & Visitors Bureau 3601 S. W S Young Dr., Killeen, 76542-2805 254-501-3888 visitkilleen.com Kyle Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 900, Kyle, 78640 512-268-4220 kylechamber.org Lamar County/Paris Visitor and Convention Council 8 West Plz, Paris, 75460-5741 903-784-2501 paristexas.com Lampasas Chamber of Commerce 205 S. Hwy. 281 / P.O. Box 627, Lampasas, 76550 512-556-5172 lampasaschamber.org Laredo Convention & Visitors Bureau 501 San Agustin Ave., Laredo, 78040-8126 956-795-2200 visitlaredo.com Levelland Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Programs 1101 Ave. H, Levelland, 79336 806-894-3157 levelland.com Lewisville Convention & Visitors Bureau P.O. Box 299002, Lewisville, 75029-9002 972-219-3726 visitlewisville.com Llano Visitor Center & Chamber of Commerce 100 Train Station Dr., Llano, 78643 325-247-5354 Longview Convention & Visitors Bureau 410 N. Center St., Longview, 75601-6403 903-753-3281 visitlongviewtexas.com Lufkin Convention & Visitors Bureau 1615 S. Chestnut St., Lufkin, 75901-5705 936-633-0349 visitlufkin.com Madisonville Visitor’s Information 113 W. Trinity, Madisonville, 77864 936-348-9333 madisonvilletexas.org Mansfield CVB 210 Smith St., Mansfield, 76063 817-804-5785 mansfieldsgotgame.com Marble Falls/Lake LBJ Chamber of Commerce 916 Second St., Marble Falls, 78654 830-693-2815 marblefalls.org Matagorda County Convention & Visitors Bureau P.O. Box 768, Bay City, 77404-0768 979-245-8333 visitmatagordacounty.com McAllen Convention & Visitors Bureau P.O. Box 790, McAllen, 78505-0790 956-682-2871 mcallencvb.com McKinney Convention & Visitors Bureau 200 W. Virginia, McKinney, 75069 214-544-1407 visitmckinney.com Mesquite Convention & Visitors Bureau P.O. Box 850137, Mesquite, 75185-0137 972-204-4928 realtexasflavor.com Midland Convention & Visitors Bureau 109 N. Main St., Midland, 79701-5247 432-683-3381 visitmidlandtexas.com Mineral Wells Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau P.O. Box 1408, Mineral Wells, 76068-1408 940-325-2557 visitmineralwells.org Mount Pleasant/Titus County Chamber of Commerce 1604 N. Jefferson Ave., Mount Pleasant, 75455-2330 903-572-8567 mtpleasanttx.com Nacogdoches Convention & Visitors Bureau 200 E. Main St., Nacogdoches, 75961-5212 936-564-7351 visitnacogdoches.org Nederland Chamber 1515 Boston Ave., Nederland, 77627 409-722-0279 nederlandtx.com Odessa Convention & Visitors Bureau P.O. Box 3626, Odessa, 79760 432-333-7871 odessacvb.com Old Blanco County Courthouse Preservation Society 300 Main St., Blanco, 78606 830-833-2211 historicblanco.org Old Town Spring Visitors Bureau 606 Spring Cypress / P.O. Box 1952, Spring, 77383 281-288-8177 shopspringtexas.com Orange Convention & Visitors Bureau P.O. Box 520, Orange, 77631-0520 409-883-1011 orangetexas.org Palestine Convention & Visitors Bureau and Economic Development Corporation 100 Willow Creek Pkwy, Ste. A, Palestine, 75801-4387 903-723-3014 visitpalestine.com Pearland Convention & Visitors Bureau 11200 Broadway, Ste. 1390, Pearland, 77584 713-436-5595 visitpearland.com Pecos Area Chamber of Commerce CVB 100 E. Dot Stafford St. / P.O. Box 27, Pecos, 79772 432-445-2406 pecostx.com Port Aransas Chamber of Commerce & Tourist Bureau 403 W. Cotter Ave., Port Aransas, 78373-4037 361-749-5919 portaransas.org Port Arthur Convention & Visitors Bureau 3401 Cultural Center Dr., Port Arthur, 77642 409-985-7822 visitportarthurtx.com Richardson Convention & Visitors Bureau P.O. Box 830309, Richardson, 75083-0309 972-744-4036 richardsontexas.org Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce 319 Broadway St., Rockport, 78382 361-729-6445 rockport-fulton.org Rural Texas Tourism Center 289 W. Railroad Row, Giddings, 78942-2623 979-542-2067 ruraltexastourism.org San Angelo Convention & Visitors Bureau 418 W. Ave. B, San Angelo, 76903-6702 325-655-4136 visitsanangelo.org San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau 203 S. Saint Mary’s St., Ste. 200, San Antonio, 78205-2725 210-207-6700 sanantoniovisit.com San Marcos Convention & Visitor Bureau 617 N. I-35, San Marcos, 78666-6944 512-393-5930 toursanmarcos.com Sealy Convention & Visitors Bureau P.O. Box 586, Sealy, 77474 979-885-3222 visitsealy.com Seguin Convention & Visitors Bureau 116 N. Camp St., Seguin, 78155 830-401-0810 visitseguin.com Shenandoah Convention & Visitors Bureau 19265 David Memorial Dr., Shenandoah, 77385 281-292-5953 visitshenandoahtx.com Sherman Department of Tourism P.O. Box 1029, Sherman, 75091-1106 903-893-1184 shermantx.org Snyder Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 840, Snyder, 79550 Sonora Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau P.O. Box 1172, Sonora, 76950-1172 325-387-2880 sonoratx-chamber.com South Padre Island Convention & Visitors Bureau 7355 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island, 78597-7719 956-761-3000 sopadre.com Stephenville Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 306, Stephenville, 76401-0004 254-965-5313 stephenvilletexas.org Sulphur Springs Department of Tourism 1200 Cessna Dr., Sulphur Springs, 75482 903-885-5614 visitsulphurspringstx.org Sweetwater Chamber of Commerce & CVB P.O. Box 1148, Sweetwater, 79556-1148 325-235-5488 sweetwatertexas.org Taylor Chamber of Commerce 1519 N. Main St., Taylor, 76574-3053 512-365-8485 taylorchamber.org Temple Convention & Visitors Bureau 120 W. Central Ave., Temple, 76501-7646 254-298-5379 discovertemple.com Terrell Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 97, Terrell, 972-524-5703 The Colony Convention & Visitors Bureau 6800 Main St., The Colony, 75056 972-624-3104 visitthecolonytx.com The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau 2801 Technology Forest Blvd., The Woodlands, 77381 281-363-2447 visitthewoodlands.com Tyler Convention & Visitors Bureau 315 N. Broadway, Tyler, 75702 903-592-1661 tylertexas.com Uvalde Convention & Visitors Bureau 300 E. Main St., Uvalde, 78801-5641 830-278-4115 visituvalde.com Victoria CVB P.O. Box 1758, Victoria, 77901 361-485-3116 visitvictoriatexas.com Village of Salado P.O. Box 219, Salado, 76571-0218 254-947-8634 salado.com Visit Boerne 1407 S. Main, Boerne, 78066 830-249-7277 Visit Granbury 116 W. Bridge St., Granbury, 76048 817-573-1114 granburytx.com Visit Lubbock 1500 Broadway, Fl 6, Lubbock, 79401-3117 806-747-5232 visitlubbock.org Visit Plano P.O. Box 860358, Plano, 75086-0358 972-941-5843 planocvb.com Visit Sugar Land Convention & Visitor Services 2700 Town Center N. Blvd., Sugar Land, 77479 281-275-2333 visitsugarlandtx.org Waco and The Heart of Texas P.O. Box 2570, Waco, 76702-2570 254-750-5810 wacocvb.com Waxahachie Convention & Visitors Bureau 2000 Civic Center Ln., Waxahachie, 75165 469-309-4040 waxahachiecvb.com Weatherford Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center P.O. Box 310, Weatherford, 76086-0310 817-596-3801 visitweatherford.com Weslaco Area Chamber of Commerce 275 S. Kansas, Weslaco, 78596 956-968-2102 weslaco.com Wharton Chamber of Commerce 225 N. Richmond Rd., Wharton, 77488-3837 979-532-1862 whartontexs.com Wichita Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau 1000 5th St., Wichita Falls, 76301-1523 940-716-5500 wichitafalls.org Wimberley Valley Chamber of Commerce, Convention Center and Visitors Bureau 14100 Ranch Rd. 12/P.O. Box 12, 78676 512-847-2201 wimberley.org T RAVELTEX . C OM | 71 Index A Abilene, 25, 26, 47, 49, 61, 66, 68 Addison, 33, 66 Airports, 64 Alcohol consumption laws, 64 Alpine, 9, 11, 47, 48, 60, 65 Alto, 31 Amarillo, 25, 26, 47, 61, 64, 66, 68 Amtrak, 64 Anthony, 64 Arlington, 33, 39, 62, 66, 68 Athens, 47, 62, 66–67 Austin, 19, 23, 49, 61, 64, 65, 68 B Balmorhea, 11 Bandera, 19–20, 47, 61 Bastrop, 62 Bay Area Houston, 13, 49, 65 Bay City, 13, 60, 65 Beaches, State Parks, and Historic Sites, Big Bend Country, 58 Gulf Coast, 58–59 Hill Country, 59 Panhandle Plains, 59 Piney Woods, 59 Prairies and Lakes, 59 South Texas Plains, 59 Beaumont, 13, 47, 60, 65, 68 Big Bend, 11 Boerne, 20, 47, 49, 61, 65 Bonham, 51, 62 Brazosport, 13, 17, 60, 65 Brenham, 33, 62, 67 Breweries, 55 Brownsville, 13, 17, 48, 49, 65 Bryan-College Station, 33, 39, 51, 62, 67 Burnet, 20, 61, 65 Bus and tour companies, 68–69 C D Dallas, 36, 39, 50, 51, 62, 67, 68–69 Del Rio, 9, 47, 48, 60, 65 Denison, 62, 64 Denton, 36, 39, 47, 50, 62, 67 DFW airport, 64, 67 Dripping Springs, 23 Driving laws, 64 E Eagle Pass, 41, 67 Education and science tours, Big Bend Country, 56 Gulf Coast, 56 Hill Country, 56–57 Panhandle Plains, 57 Piney Woods, 57 Prairies and Lakes, 57 South Texas Plains, 57 El Paso, 9, 11, 48, 60, 65, 68 Ennis, 37, 62, 67 F Caddo Lake, 31 Canutillo, 11 Canyon, 25, 61, 66 Carthage, 31 Chambers of commerce, 70–71 Cleburne, 33, 50, 62, 67 Climate, Big Bend Country, 9 Hill Country, 19 Panhandle Plains, 25 Piney Woods, 29 72 | Prairies and Lakes, 33 South Texas Plains, 41 Clute, 13–14, 17, 65 Commercial vehicle information, 64 Conference facilities and hotels, Big Bend Country, 65 Gulf Coast, 65 Hill Country, 65–66 Panhandle Plains, 66 Piney Woods, 66 Prairies and Lakes, 66–67 South Texas Plains, 67 Conroe, 29, 50, 66 Convention and visitors’ bureaus, 70–71 Corpus Christi, 14, 17, 48, 60, 65, 68 Corsicana, 33, 36 Cotulla, 67 CVBs. See Convention and visitors’ bureaus Farmers Branch, 37, 62, 67 Festivals. See Multicultural events Floresville, 43 Fort Davis, 9–10, 11, 48, 65 Fort Stockton, 10, 60, 65, 68 Fort Worth, 37, 39, 47, 51, 62, 67, 69 Fredericksburg, 21, 23, 47, 49, 61, 66 Frisco, 37, 50, 51, 62, 67 Fuel taxes, 64 G Gainsville, 64 Galveston Island, 14, 48, 49, 60, 65, 68 Garland, 62 Georgetown, 21, 49, 61, 66 Gladewater, 31 Glen Rose, 37, 62, 67 Golf courses, Big Bend Country, 60 Gulf Coast, 60–61 Hill Country, 61 Panhandle Plains, 61–62 Piney Woods, 62 Prairies and Lakes, 62–63 South Texas Plains, 63 Goliad, 41, 47, 51 Gonzales, 51 Granbury, 37, 62–63, 67 Grand Prairie, 37–38, 39, 51, 63, 67, 69 Grapevine, 38, 39, 51, 63, 67 Greenville, 63, 67 H Harlingen, 15, 49, 60, 65, 68 Henderson, 29, 50, 66 Hereford, 25, 61, 66 Hidalgo, 51 Highway system, 64 Historic Sites. See Beaches, State Parks, and Historic Sites Holidays, 64 See also Multicultural events Horseshoe Bay, 66 Hotels. See Conference facilities and hotels Houston, 15, 17, 47, 48, 49, 60–61, 65, 68 Hueco Tanks, 11 Huntsville, 29, 31, 47, 50, 66 I Irving, 38, 51, 63, 67, 69 J Jacksboro, 26 Jacksonville, 66 Jefferson, 29, 50, 66 Johnson City, 21–22 K Kerrville, 22, 49, 61, 66 TEXAS INTERNATIONAL TOUR GUIDE 2015-2017 Kilgore, 29, 62, 66 Killeen, 38, 63, 69 Kingsville, 15–16, 17, 47, 61, 65 New Braunfels, 22, 23, 49, 61, 66 L Odessa, 11, 47, 48, 60, 65, 68 Orange, 16, 17, 64, 65 Outlet malls. See Shopping La Grange, 63 Lajitas, 10, 60, 65 Langtry, 10, 64 Laredo, 41, 51, 63, 64, 67, 69 League City, 16, 61, 65 Lewisville, 38, 47, 51, 63, 67 Longview, 29–30, 50, 62, 66, 68 Lubbock, 26–27, 47, 50, 61–62, 66, 68 Lufkin, 30, 62, 66 M Maps, Big Bend Country, 9 Gulf Coast, 13 Hill Country, 19 Panhandle Plains, 25 Piney Woods, 29 Prairies and Lakes, 33 South Texas Plains, 41 Texas, 2–3 Marathon, 10, 65 Marble Falls, 32, 49 Marfa, 10, 11, 48, 60, 65 Marshall, 30, 50, 62, 66 McAllen, 41, 51, 63, 67, 69 McKinney, 38, 39, 63, 67 Meeting information. See Conference facilities and hotels; Convention and visitors’ bureaus Mesquite, 39, 47, 63, 67 Mexico travel regulations, 64 Midland, 10–11, 48, 60, 65, 68 Mineral Wells, 26 Motor carrier information, 64 Mount Pleasant, 31, 62, 66, 68 Multicultural events, Big Bend Country, 48 Gulf Coast, 48–49 Hill Country, 49 Panhandle Plains, 49–50 Piney Woods, 50 Prairies and Lakes, 50–51 South Texas Plains, 51 N Nacogdoches, 30, 31, 50, 62, 66 O P Paint Rock, 26 Palestine, 30 Palo Dura Canyon, 26 Paris, 63 Pecos, 47 Plainview, 47 Plano, 38, 51, 63, 67 Port Aransas, 16, 17, 48, 49, 61, 65 Port Arthur, 16, 61, 65 Poteet, 43 Presidio, 60, 65 R Ranches, Big Bend Country, 44 Gulf Coast, 44 Hill Country, 44–45 Panhandle Plains, 45 Piney Woods, 45 Prairies and Lakes, 45–46 South Texas Plains, 46 Richardson, 63, 67 Rio Grande Valley, 43, 64 Road trips, Big Bend Country, 11 Gulf Coast, 17 Hill Country, 23 Panhandle Plains, 26 Piney Woods, 31 Prairies and Lakes, 39 South Texas Plains, 43 Rockport-Fulton, 16, 16–17, 49, 65 Rodeos, 47 Roma, 43 Rosenberg, 65 Round Rock, 22–23, 47, 61, 66 Round Top, 39, 51 S San Angelo, 26, 27, 49, 50, 62, 66 San Antonio, 41–43, 47, 51, 63, 67, 69 San Juan, 43 San Marcos, 23, 49, 61, 66 Sanderson, 48 Seat belts, 64 Seguin, 47, 63 Selma, 43 Shenandoah, 30, 31, 66 Sherman, 63, 67, 69 Shopping, Big Bend Country, 52 Gulf Coast, 52–53 Hill Country, 53 Panhandle Plains, 53–54 Piney Woods, 54 Prairies and Lakes, 54 South Texas Plains, 54 South Padre Island, 17, 49, 61, 65 Spring, 17 Stamford, 47, 49 State Parks. See Beaches, State Parks, and Historic Sites Stonewall, 23 Sugar Land, 17 Sulphur Springs, 63 T Taylor, 68 Temple, 38–39, 63, 67, 69 Terlingua, 11, 48 Texarkana, 30–31, 47, 62, 64, 66 Texas Parks and Wildlife, 64 Texas tourism office, 64 Three Rivers, 43 Tour operators. See Bus and tour companies Travel information centers, 64 Trips. See Road trips Tyler, 31, 50, 62, 66, 68 U Uvalde, 23, 61, 66 V Vehicle information, 64 Victoria, 17, 61 W Waco, 39, 63, 67, 69 Washington, 39, 50 Waskom, 64 Waxahachie, 39, 51, 63, 67 West, 51 Wichita Falls, 27, 47, 49, 50, 62, 64, 66 Wimberley, 23, 23, 49, 61, 66, 68 Wineries and Breweries, 55 The Woodlands, 31, 62, 66 Woodville, 31, 50 THE PREMIER DESTINATION OF NORTH TEXAS. A COMPLETE VACATION AWAITS 5 MINUTES FROM DALLAS-FORT WORTH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. Whether it’s at the beginning or end of your visit to Texas, you can turn your stopover into a magical experience. Historic Grapevine is a short shuttle ride away and the perfect place for you and your family to enjoy great shopping, dining and entertainment, either before the next leg of your trip or before you go home. Urban Wine Trail with many winery tasting rooms and over 200 unique restaurants, with choices to satisfy every palate and budget Outstanding attractions perfect for the entire family such as the Grapevine Vintage Railroad excursion train, LEGOLAND® Discovery Center, SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium, and many more Fantastic shopping and idyllic day spas 81 holes of championship golf The Grapevine Visitors Shuttle is your exclusive transportation with stops that include Historic Downtown Grapevine, Grapevine Mills and more Whether you enjoy indoor or outdoor activities, Grapevine has something for everyone. Visit us at www.GrapevineTexasUSA.com or call 817-410-3185. LADY BIRD LAKE Home to spring-fed pools and lush green spaces, the Live Music Capital of the World® can provide a truly spectacular setting. Live. Music. AustinTexas.org