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2013 | 2015
TOUR GUIDE
INTERNATIONAL
EDITION
VISIT TRAVELTEX.COM TO PLAN YOUR TEXAS ADVENTURE
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WELCOME TO TEXAS, A PLACE LIKE NO OTHER.Explore our great state and see why Texas is like a whole other country. Hike the Palo Duro Canyon or search for the famed Marfa lights in Big Bend. Float the Frio River or laugh with friends old and new over a plate of smoky barbecue or spicy Tex-Mex in the Hill Country. Find adventure in the fabled Wild West history of the Panhandle or swim, surf, and fish in the Gulf. Whatever you choose, there’s a wide world of excitement out there for every Texas traveler.
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THE SEVEN REGIONS OF TEXAS10 Big Bend Country14 Gulf Coast 20 Hill Country 26 Panhandle Plains 30 Piney Woods 34 Prairies & Lakes 4 0 South Texas PlainsTHINGS TO DO AND SEE4 State of Amazement9 Texas Facts & Figures44 Western Experience:
Ranches and Rodeos48 Multicultural Events52 Shopping55 Wineries and Breweries56 Agriculture, Technical
& Medical Tours58 Beaches, State Parks
& Historic Sites60 Golf Courses
General Information �|�64 Meeting & Conference Facilities�| 65 Bus & Tour Companies�| 68 Convention & Visitors Bureaus
& Chambers of Commerce�| 70 Index�| 72
Meeting & Tour Info
How To Use Th is Book
Explore
2 | TEXAS INTERNATIONAL TOUR GUIDE 2013–2015
Symbols Used Here Are:1 Parking 2 Public Restrooms 4 Food
5 Party Facilities 3 Accessibility For Mobility-Impaired
International Airline Service
Texas Travel Information
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.
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Dive InVisiting the Gulf Coast is
the ideal way to experience a Texas way of living. The shoreline stretches from
Brownsville to Beaumont, passing through notable
beach towns like Galveston and Corpus Christi. Nearby
is Houston, a thriving international hub with a
wealth of museums, sports venues, and big-time
shopping centers.
GALVESTON ISLAND, GULF COAST REGION
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Spice It UpThe South Texas Plains will delight you. Not only will you find some of the best
Tex-Mex cuisine in the state here, but you can immerse
yourself in Texas history with visits to the Alamo and other missions across the
region.
SAN ANTONIO, SOUTH TEXAS PLAINS REGION
See It AllAustin has a lively spirit
that is evident in just about every part of the city. Run along the hike and bike
trail around Lady Bird Lake and you’ll see renegade art on the bridges or visit the Blanton Museum of Art
located on the University of Texas campus.
BLANTON MUSEUM OF ART, AUSTIN,
HILL COUNTRY REGION
6 | TEXAS INTERNATIONAL TOUR GUIDE 2013–2015
Saddle UpWelcome to Texas where wide-open spaces and big Texas sky full of stars will
win you over at first glance. Big Bend National Park sprawls over more than
324,000 hectares, while small towns like Marfa and Alpine have much to offer in the way of art and culture, and McDonald Observatory is the best place in the state
to gaze at the stars.
BIG BEND R ANCH STATE PARK, BIG BEND REGION
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Tee OffTexas has more than
800 golf courses ready to challenge any golfer, and
the emerald-green forests of the Piney Woods offer some
of the state’s very best links. Master your swing at one of the golf courses near The Woodlands, and then wind up your trip in Nacogdoches, the oldest
city in the state.
BLAKETREE NATIONAL GOLF CLUB,
MONTGOMERY, PINEY WOODS REGION
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MoveThe Panhandle has
something for everyone. Explore Caprock Canyons State Park or Palo Duro Canyon or travel down
Historic Route 66 through Amarillo and shop at the nearly 30 antique stores lining the town’s streets. Whatever you choose, you’ll be greeted by
friendly folk and majestic beauty.
PALO DURO CANYON, PANHANDLE PLAINS REGION
Texas Facts & Figures
Area 695,621 square kilometers (268,581 square miles)
Rank Second largest of the United States, both in geographical size and in population
Size North to south, 1,289 kilometers (801 miles). East to west, 1,244 kilometers (773 miles)
Highest Point Guadalupe Peak, 2,667 meters (8,749 feet)
Lowest Point Gulf of Mexico shoreline, at sea level
Coastline 1,068 kilometers (624 miles) along the Gulf of Mexico
Population 24,326,974
Entered Union December 29, 1845, 28th state
State Capital Austin, population 696,529
Largest City Houston, population 2,144,491
Counties 254
State Flower Bluebonnet
State Tree Pecan
State Bird Mockingbird
State Dish Chili
State Gem Texas Blue Topaz
State Stone Petrified Palmwood
State Song “Texas, Our Texas”
State Small Mammal Armadillo
State Motto Friendship
State Nickname Lone Star State
Time Zones Central Standard Time, GMT minus 6 hours (minus 5 during daylight savings time), except El Paso area, which is on Mountain Standard Time, GMT minus 7 hours (minus 6 during daylight savings)
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Shop Around
The shopping possibili-ties are endless in Dallas, which is proud to be the home of the original Nei-man Marcus store and
enough other upscale and hometown shops to have you browsing from dawn till dusk and beyond. The
new Perot Museum of Nature and Science makes
a fun day trip for every-body—kids and parents
alike.
GALLERIA DALLAS, PR AIRES AND LAKES REGION
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T R AV E L G U I D E S T A F F
A D V E R T I S I N G S A L E S O F F I C E S
AUSTIN 512-320-6900
Kristin Belt
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Melissa Scott
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DALLAS
214-871-7717 Aimee Deputy Cook Sunday O’Neil-Leek
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HOUSTON 713-871-8146 Cindy Kerley
Katy Park
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CANADA
905-885-0664 Dodd Media Group
CHICAGO 847-251-3483
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DETROIT 248-931-5256
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FLORIDA 954-493-7311
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Worldwide
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SPECIAL THANKS Kenny Braun
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Copyright © 2013 Texas Monthly Custom Publishing, a division of Emmis Publishing, L.P., d/b/a Texas Monthly. All Rights Reserved.
Barrel racing at the rodeo; Photo by Tyler Olson, ShutterStock
Trail ride through east Texas; Photo by Thomas Northcut, Getty Images
Canoeing in Big Bend National Park; Photo by Mark Gamba, Corbis
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BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK
RETURN TO THE WILD WEST IN THE BIG BEND REGION, where cacti dot the sweeping landscape, Longhorn cattle roam the wide-open spaces, and tumbleweeds flit across the road ahead. Hike in Big Bend National Park, gaze at the stars from McDonald Observatory, or browse the streets of El Paso, the Sun City.
Big Bend CountryExplore
Big Bend CountryExplore
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AlpineInitially 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 BendSul Ross State UniversityUS Hwy. 90 at Harrison, Entrance 4 Alpine, 79832432-837-8730, sulross.edu/museum
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 RioDel Rio is located on the Rio Grande Plain in Southwest Texas, 240 kilometers west of San Antonio. 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 Historic Downtown; play around on the beautiful San Felipe Golf Course or hold court at Judge Roy Bean's Jersey Lilly; 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, MexicoTake Spur 239 west approximately five kilometers to the international toll bridge830-775-3551, ciudadacuna.com.mx
This border town, named after Manuel Acuña, the romantic poet of the Mexican Revolution, offers delicious Mexican cuisine, plenty of shopping, and a lively nightlife. Before you drive across the border, check on Mexican car insurance and make sure you have your passport, 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 Museum1308 S. Main St., Del Rio, 78840830-774-7568, 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 14 buildings and 21 exhibits, among them the 1870 Perry Store, the La Zapa 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 15 hands-on exhibits for children. 12345
El PasoKnown 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 is for seekers and adventurers as much as it is for those who just want to relax. With more than 293 days of sunshine, you can hike or bike in the mountains and state parks, play a few rounds of golf, or visit historical sites year-round. And bring your family, because CQ Press has named El Paso the safest city in America for two consecutive years.
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Big Bend Country
Chamizal National Memorial800 S. San Marcial St., El Paso, 79905915-532-7273, nps.gov/cham
The memorial traces the long-standing border disputes that were resolved in 1963 by the Chamizal Treaty with a history video in Spanish and English. A multicultural visual and performing arts center houses theaters and galleries. 1235
El Paso Mission TrailSee individual mission addresses below915-851-9997, visitelpasomissiontrail.com
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., Socorro, 79927 915-859-7718
Nuestra Señora de 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 915-851-2333
El Paso Museum of ArtOne Arts Festival Plaza, El Paso, 79901915-532-1707, elpasoartmuseum.org
The museum’s permanent collection has over 5,000 works, including the 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 DavisMagnificent mountain vistas surround this historic community, originally established in 1854 as a military post. Today, Fort Davis National Historic Site, Davis Mountains 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 or chain stores and is home to the darkest night skies in the entire continental United States. Enjoy a variety of shopping and lodging and feel right at home with the locals.
Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center and Botanical Gardens43869 TX Hwy. 118 S., Fort Davis, 79734432-364-2499, cdri.org
Owned by the Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute, the center offers an intimate setting to experience the diversity 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 Observatory3640 Dark Sky Drive, McDonald Observatory, TX, 79734432-426-3640, 877-984-7827mcdonaldobservatory.org
From the observatory atop two mountain peaks—Mount Locke (2,070 meters) and Mount Fowlkes (2,030 meters)—stargazers can easily see forever. Currently the observatory has the world’s fifth-largest telescope, made up of 91 mirrors that form a 1,100 centimeter 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
A V E R A G E T E M P E R A T U R E S C °
Del Rio El Paso
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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, kilometers of hiking and ATV trails, several restaurants, and plenty of meeting facilities that make it a business destination as well as a high-powered resort.
Barton Warnock Visitor CenterOne mile east of Lajitas on FM 170, 79852432-424-3327, 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 desert garden that showcases the geological and biological diversity of the natural treasures of the Big Bend Region. 1235
LangtryA trip to West Texas is not complete without paying respects to the infamous Judge Roy Bean’s hometown. Bean, who founded Langtry in 1881, ran his courtroom from the saloon, earning his place among the great legends of the Old West. He allegedly named the town after an English actress, Lillie Langtry, who caught his fancy. 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).
Judge Roy Bean Visitors Center US Hwy. 90 W., Loop 25 at Torres Ave., Langtry, 78871432-291-3340
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 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
EL PASO ZOO
Fort StocktonLocated 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 Museum301 S. Main St., Fort Stockton, 79735432-336-2167, annieriggsmuseum.com
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
Fort Stockton Visitor Center1000 Railroad Ave., Fort Stockton, 79735 432-336-2264, 800-336-2166 tourtexas.com/fortstockton
The Historic Train Depot, built in 1911, houses the Fort Stockton Visitors 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
LajitasOriginally a Wild West cavalry post established in Comanche Indian country, Lajitas is now the site
MarathonAlthough 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 must-stay if you can work it out.
The PostFive miles south of Marathon on Post Rd.432-386-4516, marathontexas.com
There are still ruins here from Fort 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
MarfaSituated on a 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 1881, remain a mesmerizing and unexplained phenomenon. Visit this mecca for artists, poets, designers, and musicians, and enjoy dining to suit any taste. Chinati FoundationOne Cavalry Row, Marfa, 79843432-729-4362, chinati.org
This art museum, founded 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
MidlandHalfway between Fort Worth and El Paso lies Midland, dubbed “the Window to the West” and known as a great place to begin a tour of West Texas and the Big Bend region. In fact, 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 George W. Bush’s time here. Check out Jim Hall’s legendary race cars at the Chaparral Gallery or the World War II aviation nose art at the CAF Airpower Museum. Midland is a welcoming destination for any type of traveler.
CAF Airpower Museum9600 Wright Dr., Midland, 79706 432-567-3010, 877-767-7175 airpowermuseum.org, commemorativeairforce.org
The CAF Airpower Museum is world-renowned for their authentic World War II artifacts, the world's largest collection of Aviation Nose ArtTM and the annual CAF AIRSHO. The museum houses 40,000 square feet of hands-on permanent exhibits that detail the story of World War II airpower and also features 13 to 18 aircraft. 1235
Museum of the Southwest 1705 W. Missouri Ave. Midland, 79701432-683-2882, museumsw.org
The complex serves as the setting for traveling exhibitions and permanent collections of art focusing on the P
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Southwest. The Fredda Turner Durham Children’s Museum features “My Town,” “West Texas Keys,” a computer area, and other hands-on educational programs for the young ones. The Blakemore Planetarium offers public sky shows and group shows by reservation. 1235
Permian Basin Petroleum Museum1500 I-20 W., Midland, 79701432-683-4403, 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
OdessaVisit 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 the Roughnecks, a professional indoor football team. Switch gears from sports to science at the Odessa meteor crater, the largest in Texas. The White Pool House, the Globe of the Great Southwest, the Permian Playhouse, and the Midland-Odessa Symphony are other attractions that make Odessa a fun destination.
The Globe Theatre and the Anne Hathaway Cottage2308 Shakespeare Rd., Odessa, 79761432-332-1586, 432-580-3177 (tickets), globesw.org
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
Odessa Meteor Crater and MuseumWest of Odessa on I-20, exit 108432-381-0946 netwest.com/virtdomains/meteorcrater/about.htm
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 100 feet deep, the second-largest in the country. 12
Presidential Archive and Leadership Library4919 E. University Blvd., Odessa, 79762432-363-7737, thepresidentialmuseum.org
The only museum dedicated to the office of the presidency covers ever y administ rat ion, wi th 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. Bush Family Home, where two presidents and first ladies spent their early days in West Texas. 1235
TerlinguaThis 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.
River Rafting and Jeep Tours
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.
Big Bend River ToursOn FM 170, a quarter mile west of TX Hwy. 118 79852432-371-3033, 800-545-4240 bigbendrivertours.com
Desert Sports22937 FM 170, Terlingua, 79852 432-371-2727, 888-989-6900 desertsportstx.com
Far Flung Outdoor Center1 Adventure Ln., FM 170432-371-2633, 800-839-7238 ffoc.net
B Road Trips B
TOUR 1 Big Bend, Terlingua, Presidio
“Epic” may be the best word to describe Big Bend National Park: its immensity, its beauty, even its quiet. The place feels eternal. It’s the only U.S. park containing a complete mountain range, the Chisos. The diverse environments (mountain, desert, and river) offer countless opportunities to explore on foot, bike, or raft; set out on your own or with a guide who can teach you about the flora, fauna, and geology. Another way to see the park is as the settlers did: from the saddle. Outfitters offer horseback trips lasting from a few hours to a few days. Each November, Terlingua hosts an international chili cook-off that attracts chili aficionados by the thousands. The rest of the year, this former-mining-town-turned-ghost-town is a desert haven for artists, river guides, and adventurous spirits who don’t mind solitude. Read local authors’ works at Terlingua Trading Company and munch fried pickles and hear live music at La Kiva, a semi-underground cave bar. Terlingua is at one end of FM 170, known as the River Road, a scenic highway that ambles through 115 miles of the most isolated territory left in this country. The largest town is Presidio, settled by Spanish
missionaries. Ruidosa has an old adobe church and a general store; a few miles up a side road you can sink into the Chinati Hot Springs, bubbling up at 110 degrees.
TOUR 2 Marfa, Fort Davis, Balmorhea
The inexplicable “ghost lights” that have made Marfa famous have been the subject of speculation for centuries. Native Americans wondered about them; the television show Unsolved Mysteries visited. The mystery remains. These days, sundown draws the curious to an official viewing platform. Marfa is also known for its strong thermal updrafts, perfect for gliders. Neophytes can learn to pilot their own or just ride along with Marfa Gliders. To learn more about what soldiers faced while trying to protect wagons on the Chihuahua Trail, tour the Fort Davis National Historic Site, one of the best surviving examples of an Indian wars outpost. The nearby Prude Guest Ranch has been a working cattle ranch for 100 years and a guest ranch for 80, offering summer camp and other family-oriented activities, including chuckwagon cookouts, horseback rides, and hay rides. Millions of gallons of water gushing from San Solomon Springs
create a startling oasis in the desert; the springs explain why Balmorhea was originally settled. Now the springs feed the unusual pool at Balmorhea State Park, one of the largest natural-bottomed pools in the country. It covers almost two acres, and its 25-foot depths give scuba and skin divers incentive to splash in alongside swimmers.
TOUR 3 Midland, Monahans, Odessa
In Midland the Museum of the Southwest houses early and contemporary Southwestern art and American Indian art, in addition to a children’s museum and a planetarium. Writers and historians pore over documents at the Haley Memorial Library and History Center, renowned for its written records of the region’s history in cattle, the military, the railroad, mining, and politics; for more on the oil industry in particular, try the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum. In true Texas style, the folks at Susie’s South Forty Confections don’t just make candy, they once made the world’s largest piece of toffee.
This region, known as the Permian Basin, is an ancient ocean floor; with the water gone, decaying marine life slowly became the area’s abundant oil and gas. Monahans
is at the center of the basin, and it’s where you’ll find the dry Million Barrel Oil Tank, now a museum. Rolling sand dunes, some 70 feet tall, fill Monahans Sandhills State Park; sand toboggans and disks can be rented at park headquarters.
The annual Southwest Shakespeare Festival happens in Odessa, home to the Globe of the Great Southwest (a replica of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre). A long history in the cattle industry, which dominated the local economy before oil was discovered, is memorialized in the Parker House Ranching Museum. And long before the cattle, there was the meteor. Thousands of years ago, a plummeting meteor left a crater 550 feet across. Learn all about it at the Odessa Meteor Crater and Museum.
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GALVESTON ISLAND
T E X A S B E A C H E S L I N E D W I T H P A L M T R E E S S T R E T C H from Brownsville to Beaumont along 624 miles of pure coastline on the Gulf Coast, and beach towns like Corpus Christi, Galveston, Port Aransas, and South Padre Island are sprinkled across the map. Sail, swim, surf, or sink a line in the deep blue to catch freshwater and saltwater fish.
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Bay Area HoustonExplore outer space, savor fresh seafood, cruise warm waters, and take in the perfect Gulf Coast sun-set. Set between Houston and Galveston, the region attracts visitors for seafood, water recreation, stun-ning nature preserves, and two of Texas’s top attrac-tions, the Kemah Boardwalk and Space Center Hous-ton. Located only 15 minutes from Hobby Airport, the charming bayside region consists of 7 distinct cities along the coastline: Kemah, La Porte, League City, Nassau Bay, Seabrook, Webster, and Houston.
Kemah Boardwalk215 Kipp Ave., Kemah, 77565281-535-8100, 877-285-3624, kemahboardwalk.com
Enjoy the amusement park rides, browse the shops, dine at a waterfront restaurant, and take in the live en-tertainment and festivals. Indulge in an overnight stay at the Boardwalk Inn waterfront hotel. 12345
Space Center Houston1601 NASA Pkwy., Houston, 77058281-244-2100, 281-283-4755 (tours),spacecenter.org See Houston.
Bay CitySpecializing 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 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 Center2.5 kilometers west of Bay City on TX Hwy. 35 S.979-245-3336, mcbnc.org
This 13-hectare park on the Colorado River includes trails, bridges, wetlands, woods, prairies, an outdoor pavilion, gardens, and waterfalls along with an observa-tion deck and a pier on the river. 1235
BeaumontBeaumont 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 busi-ness suit for boots, jeans, and a cowboy hat and then head out to Crockett Street Entertainment Dis-trict for live music and Cajun cuisine.
Gator Country21159 FM 365, Beaumont, 77705409-794-9453, gatorrescue.com
Take a walk on the wild side at this family-oriented al-ligator theme park, home of Country Music Television’s Gator 911. Activities include observing feeding time and educational shows with reptiles. 12345
McFaddin-Ward House1906 Calder and Third, Beaumont, 77701409-832-2134, mcfaddin-ward.org
The detailed preservation and original furnishings of this 1906 Beaux-Arts colonial-style home and its carriage house are nationally noted. Besides guided tours there are cultural events and family-friendly activities. 12
Spindletop–Gladys City Boomtown Museum 5550 Jimmy Simmons Blvd. at US Hwy. 69, 77705409-880-1750, spindletop.org
This outdoor museum re-creates the boomtown that sprang up around Spindletop after the 1901 Lucas gusher with 15 period buildings and a 45-meter wooden derrick. 1235
Texas Energy Museum600 Main St., Beaumont, 77701409-833-5100, texasenergymuseum.org
Telling the colorful story of Texas, the exhibits and diora-mas highlight the science and history of oil from 1901 to the present. 123
BrazosportJust fifty 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 three hundred and thus, the great state of Texas was born. With more than forty miles of natural beaches, deep-sea fishing, birding, muse-ums, historical sites, a planetarium, wildlife refuges, and more, Brazosport is an affordable destination whether it’s for a large tour group or a family of four.
Sea Center Texas300 Medical Dr., Lake Jackson, 77566979-292-0100, tpwd.state.tx.us/seacenter
Get up close and personal with all sorts of sea life in the saltwater aquarium at this aquatic education center and state-of-the-art hatchery. 123
BrownsvilleWith its South Texas heritage, tropical palm trees, and exotic birds, Brownsville exudes its own spe-cial 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. Shop-ping 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 bird-ing, dolphin watching, and golfing, you’ll find a lush, bustling city full of fine arts and year-round fiestas in a pleasant tropical climate.
Gladys Porter Zoo500 Ringgold St., Brownsville, 78520956-546-7187, gpz.org
One of the state’s top zoos, the Gladys Porter provides natural habitats for more than 1,300 birds, mammals, and reptiles from all over the world. 12345
Rio Grande Valley Wing of the Commemorative Air Force Museum955 S. Minnesota, Brownsville, 78521956-541-8585, rgvwingcaf.com
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
CluteThe history of the city goes back to the 1800’s, when land was parceled out to the “Old 300,” the original group of Anglo settlers in Texas. Just 45 minutes south of Houston, the community of Clute is a hidden treasure, with wooded parks and pristine beaches. The Gulf breezes and mild climate accom-modate all kinds of outdoor activities, like golfing, diving, and beachcombing.
The Brazosport Center for the Arts and Sciences400 College Blvd., Clute, 77531979-265-7661, 877-265-7661, bcfas.org
This cultural complex serves as the home to four groups: the Brazosport Art League, the Brazosport Mu-seum of Natural Science, Center Stages Theater, and the Brazosport Planetarium. 1235
Mammoth Lake Scuba330 N. Dixie Dr., Bldg. A, Lake Jackson, 77566979-266-9771, mammothlakescuba.com
With 22 hectares of underwater attractions, all levels of divers are welcome. 12345
Corpus ChristiThis slice of paradise is now the largest coastal city in the state, with more than one hundred miles of beaches. Known as the “Birdiest City in America,”
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Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier2501 Seawall Blvd., Galveston, 77550855-789-7437, pleasure-pier.com
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 restaurants. 12345
Lone Star Flight Museum2002 Terminal Dr., Galveston, 77554409-740-7722, LSFM.org
Honoring outstanding aviation achievements and Tex-ans who have contributed to the advancement of avia-tion, this museum has more than twenty restored air-craft, including World War II fighters, bombers, liaison trainers, and executive planes. Flight experiences are available on these airplanes: B-17, B-25, T-6, and Stearman. 1235
Moody Gardens 1 Hope Blvd., Galveston, 77554409-744-4673, 800-582-4673 moodygardens.org
The 10-story glass Rainforest Pyramid includes three geographical regions with exotic plants, tropical fish, and waterfalls. Moody Gardens is also home to the Aquarium Pyramid, Palm Beach, and Ridefilm The-ater, as well as an IMAX and a 4-D special FX theater. 12345
Moody Mansion2618 Broadway, Galveston, 77550409-762-7668, 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
Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark2026 Lockheed, Galveston, 77554409-770-9283, schlitterbahn.com
During the summer enjoy more than 32 attractions, including water coasters, and family raft rides. When the weather turns cold, there are a dozen warm-water and heated adventures indoors. 12345
Texas Seaport Museum and the ElissaPier 21 #8, on Harborside Dr., Galveston, 77550 409-763-1877, galvestonhistory.org
The Elissa, Texas’s only 19th-century tall ship, docked in Galveston twice during the 1880’s to deliver cargo. Exhibits and multimedia recount the Elissa’s fascinating history. 25
HarlingenHarlingen’s picture-perfect subtropical climate wel-comes visitors to a fun-filled getaway. Enjoy year-round golf and amazing bird-watching. Visit the Iwo Jima Monument and Memorial—this stunning outdoor sculpture is on the grounds of Harlingen’s Marine Mili-tary Academy and is the original from which the mon-ument 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 World101 Bass Pro Dr., Harlingen, 78552956-291-5200, basspro.com
This 145,000-square-foot store is the signature anchor for the Cameron Crossing retail development at the in-tersection of US Highways 83 and 77. In addition to a huge selection of outdoor gear, this particular store fea-tures Uncle Buck’s Fish Bowl and Grill, complete with twelve lanes of underwater-themed bowling fun and the Black Widow Billiards room. 12345
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, art community, and marina located near restaurants, shops, and attractions.
Art Museum of South Texas1902 N. Shoreline Blvd., Corpus Christi, 78401361-825-3500, artmuseumofsouthtexas.org
Designed by Philip Johnson and Ricardo Legorreta, the buildings themselves are works of art, with dramatic win-dows that reveal a panoramic bay view. 12345
Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History 1900 N. Chaparral, Corpus Christi, 78401361-826-4667, ccmuseum.com
The booty of a 1554 Spanish shipwreck that sank off-shore 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 Center8545 S. Staples, Corpus Christi, 78413361-852-2100, stxbot.org
One hundred and eighty acres showcase the Butter-fly House, Plumeria Garden, Bromeliad Conservatory, Orchid House, and six other stunning gardens. Don’t miss Gator Lake, the Wetland Boardwalk, and the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail. 1235
Texas State Aquarium 2710 N. Shoreline Blvd., Corpus Christi, 78402361-881-1200, 800-477-4853 texasstateaquarium.org
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. 12345
Texas Surf Museum and South Texas Music Walk of Fame309 N. Water St., Corpus Christi, 78401
361-882-2364, texassurfmuseum.com
This museum, dedicated to all things surfing, celebrates the history of the sport in Texas with a collection of unique and rare surfboards. 135
USS Lexington Museum on the Bay2914 N. Shoreline Blvd., Corpus Christi, 78403361-888-4873, ext. 305, 800-523-9539, ext. 305 usslexington.com
Besides a deck the size of three football fields, this World War II aircraft carrier has all sorts of tunnels and compart-ments 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
Galveston IslandGalveston sits on a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico and offers 51 kilometers of beaches. The Strand Na-tional Historic Landmark District is full of restaurants, stores, antique shops, and live entertainment. Galves-ton is home to one of the largest and best-preserved concentrations of Victorian architecture in the coun-try. After an activity-filled day, stroll along Seawall Boulevard and enjoy the tranquility of the sunset.
Bishop’s Palace1402 Broadway, Galveston, 77550409-762-2475, galvestonhistory.org
Built in 1887, this mansion—with original furnish-ings—is on the American Institute of Architecture’s list of the one hundred most noteworthy buildings in the United States. 25
The Grand 1894 Opera House2020 Postoffice St., Galveston, 77550409-765-1894, 800-821-1894 thegrand.com
The eclectic roster of entertainers who have performed here over the years includes Al Jolson, the Marx Broth-ers, Bill Cosby, and Ray Charles. In 1993, the Texas Legislature designated the Grand as the Official Opera House of the State of Texas. 235 P
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Iwo Jima War Memorial and Museum at the Marine Military Academy 320 Iwo Jima Blvd., Harlingen, 78550956-421-9234, 800-365-6006, mma-tx.org
This private prep school emulates the U.S. Marines by issuing similar uniforms and honoring the same tradi-tions. 12345
HoustonHouston is a cultural mecca with an internation-ally famous theater district and outstanding mu-seums. It’s also known as a sports city, with pro-fessional teams in football, basketball, baseball, and soccer. 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 shop-ping mall, as well as at Highland Village, Uptown Park, and Rice Village.
Buffalo Bayou Partnership713-752-0314, buffalobayou.org
Whether your destination is Houston’s Sesquicentennial Park, Allen’s Landing, or the lush area west of down-town, this historic waterway offers pontoon boat rides along with canoe and kayak adventures for everyone. 135
Hermann Park 6001 Fannin, Houston, 77030 832-395-7000, houstontx.gov
This is one of Houston’s premier parks. Highlights in-clude the Houston Zoo, Miller Outdoor Theatre, the Mu-seum of Natural Science, the Japanese Garden, Bayou Parkland, and McGovern Lake. 12345
Holocaust Museum Houston5401 Caroline St., Houston, 77004713-942-8000, hmh.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 Science5555 Hermann Park Dr. Houston, 77030713-639-4629, hmns.org
Visitors here enjoy a world-class facility with a plan-etarium and the Cockrell Butterfly Center. There are four floors of dinosaurs, gems, minerals, and traveling exhibits. 12345
Houston Greenstreet1201 Fannin St. Houston, 77002832-320-1200, 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 din-ing and window-shopping on lovely streetscapes. 12345
Houston Zoo6200 Hermann Park Dr., Houston, 77030 (front gate) 1500 Cambridge St., Houston, 77030 (west gate)713-533-6500, houstonzoo.org
This educational and conservation resource is home to more than 4,500 exotic animals. African Forest features chimpanzees, rhinos, and giraffes. 12345
Minute Maid Park501 Crawford, Houston, 77002713-259-8000 (general info), 877-927-8767 (tickets), 713-259-8687 (tours), 713-259-8077 (The Team Store) astros.com
This majestic ballpark is the high-tech home field of the Houston Astros. 2345
Reliant ParkOne Reliant Park, Houston, 77054832-667-1400, 832-667-1842 (tours), reliantpark.com
This park serves as Houston’s premier trade-show, spor ts, enter tainment, and convention complex. 12345
Space Center Houston 1601 NASA Pkwy., Houston, 77058281-244-2100, 281-283-4755 (tours), spacecenter.org
NASA’s Official Visitor Center includes exhibits, a giant-screen theater, and behind-the-scenes tours. See the real Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo space capsules, watch astronauts in training, and try a space walk simulator. 12345
KingsvilleMrs. Henrietta King, matriarch of the legendary King Ranch, donated the land that became the historic city of Kingsville, the cultural center for the hun-dreds of thousands of acres that make up the famous King Ranch. Located just west of the Gulf of Mexico, Kingsville is the birthplace of the American ranching industry. Visit the unique shops in the downtown area, especially the King Ranch Saddle Shop.
1904 Train Depot104 E. Kleberg Ave., Kingsville, 78363361-592-8516, 800-333-5032 kingsvilletexas.com
The authentically restored 1904 Train Depot of Kings-ville 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, 78363361-595-1881, 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 CityOn the shores of Clear Lake, the city is located near both urban amenities and natural forests. Stroll through the historic downtown, dine beside the
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water, or splash your way through a marine excur-sion. Quaint fishing communities surround the city, providing relaxing, peaceful getaways.
Butler Longhorn Museum, Heritage Park and Educational Center1220 Coryell, League City, 77573281-332-1393, butlerlonghornmuseum.com
This Western heritage museum focuses on the history of the Longhorn breed of cattle. 1235
OrangeThe 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 city’s el-egance. Join in the fun with the Mardi Gras Festival, the Spring Music Festival, and the Fall Art Festival.
Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center2111 W. Park Ave., Orange, 77630409-670-9113, shangrilagardens.org
Nestled within 252 acres in the heart of Orange, Shan-gri La is an ecological wonderland and living museum for visitors of all ages to explore. 12345 Stark Museum of Art712 Green Ave., Orange, 77630409-886-2787, starkmuseum.org
This extensive collection of Western American art in-cludes books of North American birds by John James Audubon, porcelain birds by Dorothy Doughty, bronze Remingtons and Russells, and Western paintings by Albert Bierstadt and Thomas Moran. 123
Port AransasPort 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 PreserveEnd of Port St. adjacent to the Corpus Christi Ship Channel, Port Aransas, 78373361-749-4158 cityofportaransas.org/Nature_Preserve.cfm
This area is an important habitat for shorebirds and endangered and threatened species such as the piping plover. 123
University of Texas at Austin Marine Science Institute630 E. Cotter Ave. near the beach, Port Aransas, 78373361-749-6729, utmsi.utexas.edu
Visit this impressive institute’s seven aquariums, all teeming with local marine life, and enjoy a variety of educational films. 123
Port ArthurTake in the wildlife, try some fishing or bird-watch-ing, and enjoy other local resources like the seafood gumbo and barbecued crabs. Visit the Museum of the Gulf Coast for its cultural and historical exhibits, including the Texas Music Hall of Fame honoring Ja-nis Joplin and the Big Bopper, famed musicians that hailed from this area.
Buu Mon Buddhist Temple2701 Procter St., Port Arthur, 77640409-982-9319, buumon.org
The Buu Mon Temple and lotus gardens, which cul-tivate large varieties of lotus, bamboo, and water lil-ies, give you a glimpse of Southeast Asia in Texas. 123
Museum of the Gulf Coast700 Procter St., Port Arthur, 77640409-982-7000, museumofthegulfcoast.org
The Jurassic period to Janis Joplin—this unique re-gional museum has something for everyone, includ-ing natural history, fine and decorative art, popular culture, and the largest indoor mural in the Southwest. 123
Rockport-FultonRockport-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.
Aquarium at Rockport Harbor706 Navigation Cir., Rockport, 78382361-727-0016, 361-729-1050 (tours) rockportaquarium.com
Featuring a great variety of local marine life this aquar-ium has numerous exhibits, fun activities for kids, and a huge fish mobile. 1235
The Bay Education Center121 Sea Breeze Drive, Rockport, 78382361-749-3161, utmsi.utexas.edu
Science on a Sphere (SOS) is ready to amaze visitors. Created by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Ad-ministration, 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, 78382361-729-0386, visitfultonmansion.com
This historical site is operated by the Texas Historical Commisson. Restored in early 1989, the architectural landmark is open for visitors. 13
RosenbergBack 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 heri-tage 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.
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Rosenberg Railroad Museum1921 Ave. F, Rosenberg, 77471 281-633-2846, rosenbergrrmuseum.org
Modeled after the town’s original 1883 depot, the mu-seum 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 per-manent exhibits. Open Tue.–Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Sun. 1–5 p.m. (closed major holidays). Tours provided with admission. Call or visit website for fees and to sched-ule large groups. Partially accessible to the mobility impaired. 125
South Padre IslandSouth 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 accommoda-tions, meeting facilities, restaurants, and countless recreational activities. All that and a relaxing sunset make this a must-do vacation spot in Texas.
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 33261 State Park Rd. Hwy. 100 South Padre Island, 78597 956-772-7873 schlitterbahn.com
With the Gulf waters in clear view across the dunes, this Brazilian-themed park thrills with uphill water coast-ers, tube chutes, and a wave pool, along with sandy beaches and a five-story water fun house. 12345
South Padre Island
Birding and Nature Center6801 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island, 78597956-243-8179, 888-761-2473, 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. 1235
SpringThis restored railroad village, originally settled by Ger-man immigrants, offers a full schedule of festivals and scores of shopping spots in Old Town Spring. Not far from downtown Houston, Spring encompasses the ac-tivity 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 ten 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, 77373281-353-9310, 800-653-8696 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, 77373281-355-3300, splashtownpark.com
Chosen as one of America’s top ten water parks, SplashTown is forty acres of fun. With more than thirty rides, slides, and water attractions, it entertains the whole family. 12345
Sugar Land
What was once a sugar plantation in the mid 19th century is now a thriving suburb of Houston. Incor-porated 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 city limits, fine dining, and cultural touchstones, like the Hous-ton Museum of Natural Science at Sugar Land.
Constellation Field1 Stadium Dr., Sugar Land, 77498281-240-4487, sugarlandskeeters.com
Home of the Sugar Land Skeeters of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, the park opened in April of 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
VictoriaFounded on the banks of the Guadalupe in 1824, Vic-toria was named after the first president of Mexico, Don Guadalupe Victoria. Now the town boasts more than one hundred examples of beautiful Victorian architecture listed on the National Register of His-toric Places. Victoria Market Days create a fun-filled shopping experience for visitors. Nearby Matagorda Bay offers excellent fishing in saltwater seas, and the Coleto Creek Reservoir is available for the freshwater angler.
Coleto Creek Reservoir and Park 365 Coleto Park Rd., Victoria, 77905 361-575-6366, coletocreekpark.com
Visit this scenic campground with freshwater lakes and ponds teeming with catfish, perch, crappie, and striped and largemouth bass. Enjoy boating and sandy beaches as well. Open daily 6 a.m.–10 p.m. Call or visit website for fees and campsite and cabin reservations. 1235
B Road Trips B TOUR 1 Galveston, Jamaica Beach, Kemah Skim across Galveston Bay to get up close to marine life and marsh birds with Captain Hal Newsom’s Airboat Tours; they can also take you flounder fishing at night. For beach parties and concerts, it’s East Beach (drinking on the beach is legal). Pedal a bike from the Island Bicycle Company to see the town and beach at your leisure, ending up at Fish Tales Seafood Grill, with its view of the Gulf of Mexico. Jamaica Beach is a perfect base for exploring Galveston Island State Park: 2,000 acres of marshes and salt flats, coves and bayous, the park is one of the last undeveloped places on Galveston Island. When development is what you want, head to Kemah, famous for its boardwalk lined with restaurants and amusements, including a 65-foot Ferris wheel overlooking Galveston Bay and an ornate double-decker carousel. Forbes magazine called it one of the top ten boardwalks in the United States. Zip over the bay
aboard the Boardwalk Beast; tour the Kemah Lighthouse District for shopping (and the lighthouse) and the Old School House Museum.
TOUR 2Corpus Christi, Mustang Island, Port Aransas The Museum of Science and History in Corpus Christi highlights the region’s natural history, science, people, and environment and includes items—anchors, guns, coins—recovered from shipwrecks off Padre Island. Tour the Texas Surf Museum to learn about the history and culture of the Texas surfing scene. The bay has some of the highest average wind speeds in North America, so world-class windsurfers come out to glide over its waves.
Mustang Island State Park occupies about 4,000 acres and 5 miles of beach; kayakers following the Mustang Island State Park Paddling Trail skirt around more than 20 miles of the island’s western shoreline, passing through prime fishing and bird-watching spots. Port Aransas is the only established town on Mustang Island, and it’s
the fishing capital of Texas. Plenty of guides and charters are ready to take you out and demonstrate why; four lighted piers allow fishing by day and night. Watch birds and wildlife from the new Port Aransas Nature Preserve or combine golf with ocean views at the Newport Dunes Golf Club.
TOUR 3 Kingsville, South Padre Island, Brownsville Train enthusiasts will want to visit the 1904 Kingsville Train Depot Museum, which recalls the glory days of early train travel, but the King Ranch remains the town’s most popular attraction. Captain King’s cattle were some of the first to be driven north on the enormous, storied cattle drives of the 1800’s. The Running W brand—the origins of which are a mystery—is one of the country’s most recognized, an icon in the cattle industry. At the King Ranch Saddle Shop, it’s on everything from glassware to a leather mouse pad to a jalapeño griller.
The main attraction on South Padre Island is the beach: wide and smooth, an ideal medium for sand castles
(several companies offer lessons), shell hunting, or kite flying. Learn to surf on the gentle waves (it’s the most popular surfing destination in the Gulf), or snorkel or scuba dive in the warm, clear water. If you’ve been fishing, you may find a restaurant that will cook your catch for dinner. There’s also a buzzing nightlife scene.
Buildings more than 150 years old populate Brownsville’s historic downtown district. The site of the first major battle in the U.S.-Mexican War, the Palo Alto Battlefield, is nearby. Brownsville is a world-famous birding destination: hundreds of birds and butterflies pass through during spring and fall migrations, drawn by the area’s abundant wildflowers.
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BARTON SPRINGS POOL, AUSTIN
W I T H T H E C A P I T A L C I T Y A T I T S H E A R T I N A U S T I N ,the Hill Country boasts a full calendar of live-music festivals, conferences, and celebrations all year long. Wine tours, river retreats, peach picking, and bluebonnet photo ops will let you check off a number of items on your Texas bucket list, and then you can kick back at one of the area’s cozy bed-and-breakfasts.
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AustinThe capital of Texas 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. Nearly two hundred live-music venues welcome visitors to experience a vibrant nightlife. During the day, they can tour the Texas Capitol, the Bob 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 hole, 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 and Riverside Sts.512-327-9271 (Bat Hot Line), 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 Art200 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. at Congress Ave. Austin, 78701512-471-7324 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. Call or visit website for fees, group or bus rates, and guided tours. 12345
Bullock Texas State History Museum1800 N. Congress Ave., Austin, 78701512-936-8746, 866-369-7108, TheStoryofTexas.com
The myths, legends, and facts of Texas are 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 Cafe, which has both indoor and outdoor dining. 12345
Circuit of the Americas9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd., Austin, 78617512-301-6600, 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 United States Grand Prix from 2012-2021. 12345
Harry Ransom CenterUniversity of TexasNortheast corner of 21st and Guadalupe Sts. Austin, 78712512-471-8944, 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 Center4801 La Crosse Ave., Austin, 78739512-232-0100, wildflower.org
The only facility of its kind in the country, this native plant center is dedicated to educating people about environmental necessity, economic value, and natural beauty. 12345
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The Long Center for the Performing Arts701 W. Riverside Dr., Austin, 78704512-457-5100, 512-474-LONG (box office)thelongcenter.org
One of Austin’s premier cultural arts venues, The Long Center features the biggest stage in Texas and 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 the city’s many independent theatrical and comedy groups. 1235
Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum2313 Red River St., Austin, 78705512-721-0200, lbjlibrary.org
Permanent exhibits include audiovisual presentations, historical displays, gifts from foreign dignitaries, and a replica of the Oval Office. 12345
Sixth Street and the Warehouse DistrictFive 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, live-music 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. 4
State Capitol and Capitol Visitors CenterState Capitol: E. 11th St. and Congress Ave., Austin, 78701, 512-463-0063, tspb.state.tx.usCapitol Visitors Center: 112 E. 11th St., Austin, 78701, 512-305-8400
Fourteen feet higher than the nation’s capitol, the Texas Capitol presides over downtown Austin from atop a gentle hill. The visitors center offers exhibits and short videos about the history of the Capitol and a gift shop. 1234
Zilker Park, Zilker Botanical Garden, and Barton Springs Pool2220 Barton Springs Rd. Austin, 78746512-974-2000 (info.), 512-476-9044 (pool), 512-477-8672 (garden), 512-974-3888 (nature center), 512-974-6797 (PARD reservation office), austintexas.gov
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 Science and Nature Center. Also in the park are hike-and-bike trails, a disc golf course, sand volleyball courts, and canoe and kayak rentals. 12345
BanderaA trip to Bandera should be a requirement for first-time travelers to Texas. Known as the Cowboy Capi-tal 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, which sponsors Western entertainers, chuck wagons, and trick ropers who 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 Museum510 13th St., Bandera, 78003830-796-3864, 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
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American shrunken head—not to mention artwork and a collection of 400 bells from around the world. 123
Hill Country State Natural Area10600 Bandera Creek Rd. Bandera, 78003830-796-4413, 512-389-8900 (reservations) tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/hill-country
Enjoy Hill Country beauty at this primitive 5,300-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. After a day on the trails, enjoy fishing and swimming in the creek pools. 125
BoerneThis 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 Weih-nachts 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 Band, the country’s oldest continuously active Ger-man band, for a taste of the Hill Country’s German-Texan culture.
Cave Without a Name325 Kreutzberg Rd., Boerne, 78006830-537-4212, cavewithoutaname.com
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
Cibolo Nature Center140 City Park Rd., Boerne, 78006830-249-4616, 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
BurnetThe Texas Legislature designated Burnet the Blue-bonnet Capital in honor of its annual cornucopia of spring wildflowers. Visitors can enjoy Lake Bu-
chanan year-round and may be fortunate enough 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 Dam17816 Hwy. 29 at Buchanan Dam, Burnet, 78609 512-793-2803, buchanan-inks.com
Built in the 30’s, the 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 Cruise443 Waterway Ln., Burnet, 78611512-756-6986, 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. 12
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FredericksburgWelcome 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 bed-and-breakfasts and stroll along historic Main Street, with more than 150 shops and art galleries. Hungry? More than 70 restaurants and Biergartens also await. You can tour and enjoy tast-ings at 14 local wineries. Take a hike at Enchanted Rock or soak up history in the parks and museums. Enjoy professional theater and Texas entertainers. Fredericksburg is a wonderful combination of Ger-man heritage and Texan hospitality.
National Museum of the Pacific War 340 E. Main St., Fredericksburg, 78624 (George W. Bush Gallery) 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, a 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, 78624830-990-1393, 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
GeorgetownThe 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 trans-formed into quaint antique shops, bookstores, and bed-and-breakfasts. The striking campus of South-western University is an integral part of the entire community. The Candle Factory offers tours, and 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 Cavern4200 S. I-35, Georgetown, 78626 512-931-CAVE, 877-931-CAVE, myinnerspacecavern.com
This cavern contains remnants of prehistoric mas-todons, wolves, and other ice-age animals. Try the standard Adventure Tour or the Wild Cave Tour. 1234
Johnson CityThe charming community of Johnson City, located right at the crossroads of the Texas Hill Country, is a scenic town named for an ancestor of President Lyn-don B. Johnson. It is also the jumping-off point for all things LBJ. The beautiful Lyndon B. Johnson Na-tional 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, 78636830-868-7128, nps.gov/lyjoPark Visitors Center: G St. and 100 E. Lady Bird Ln. LBJ Ranch District: near Stonewall on US Hwy. 290
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This park, which honors 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 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. (See also LBJ State Park and Historic Site listing under Stonewall.) Call or visit website for hours and fees. 1235
KerrvilleThe city is host to an array of activit ies and attractions, including the Texas State Arts and Craf t s Fair, and the Kerr v i l le Folk Fest ival. Galleries and shops, scenic drives, the Guadalupe River, exotic game ranches, starry evenings, fine accommodations, and an event-filled calendar all make Kerrville the perfect relaxing getaway.
Museum of Western Art1550 Bandera Hwy., Kerrville, 78028830-896-2553, museumofwesternart.org
Established in 1983 as a venue for contemporary
cowboy artists, the museum has themed exhibits focusing on hardworking cowboys, Native Americans, women of the West, settlers, and mountain men. The museum’s unique design was initiated by distinguished Texas architect O’Neil Ford, who was renowned for establishing the guiding principles of Southwestern-style architecture. 1235
New BraunfelsGerman 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. Summer br ings throngs of people to the scenic Hill Country area for tubing and rafting on the rivers, as well as for outings to Schlitterbahn Waterpark. Enjoy a hike you’ll never forget at Natural Bridge Caverns, Texas’s largest underground adventure. From the comfort of your own vehicle go on an African safari, Texas-style, at Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch.
Historic Gruene1601 Hunter Rd., New Braunfels, 78130830-629-5077, gruenetexas.com
Hit Texas’s oldest continuously operating dance hall to enjoy big-name performers. Gruene, pronounced “Green,” is also a launching spot for inner-tube trips
down the Guadalupe. Old Gruene Market Days offer shopping and dining, regularly inflating the population in this tiny town. 12345
Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort305 W. Austin St. New Braunfels, 78130830-625-2351, schlitterbahn.com
Voted by Amusement Today Magazine as the World’s Best Waterpark 13 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 RockWhether 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.
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Dell Diamond3400 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock, 78665512-255-2255, 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. Check out the website for game-day promotions. 12345
San MarcosLocated be tween Aus t in and San Anton io, 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 San Marcos Premium Outlets and the Tanger Outlet Center. The city is also home to Texas State University–San Marcos, 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.
Aquarena Center921 Aquarena Springs Dr., San Marcos, 78666512-245-7570, aquarena.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 Park1000 Prospect, San Marcos, 78666512-392-3760, 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
UvaldeWith 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, golfing, beautiful rivers, a fish hatchery, and an 80-million-year-old extinct volcano.
First State Bank of Uvalde 200 E. Nopal, Uvalde, 78801 830-278-6231, fsbuvalde.com
Often referred to as the most beautiful bank in Texas, this institution first opened in 1907. Except for a gov-ernment-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 an-tiques. Over 5,000 people visit every year. 1235
Janey Slaughter Briscoe Grand Opera House104 W. North St., Uvalde, 78801 830-278-4184, visituvalde.com
Built back in 1891 and carefully restored in the early 80’s, the Grand Opera House is the focal point of historic downtown Uvalde. It was once known as the site of many melodramas and performances of plays, musicals, and cultural works. 1235
B Road Trips B TOUR 1Stonewall, Fredericksburg, KerrvilleNamed for Confederate general Stonewall Jackson, Stonewall was the birthplace of President Lyndon B. Johnson. The Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park includes the small home where he was born and the LBJ Ranch, where he died. Across the Pedernales River is the seven-hundred-acre LBJ State Park and Historic Site, including a nature trail and a living history farm, where interpreters clad in period clothing reenact early 1900’s farm chores. The shopping district in Fredericksburg is called the Magic Mile; it begins east of the Admiral Nimitz Museum, dedicated to World War II leader Chester Nimitz, and continues to Marktplatz, filled with picnic tables and gardens. Along the way, visitors find historic buildings (many showing German influence), German restaurants and bakeries, and shops, including wine stores selling local products. Fredericksburg is a popular starting point for wine tours; there are more than three hundred bed-and-breakfasts in and around town. The Museum of Western Art in Kerrville celebrates the Old West; contemporary artists’ work fills the Kerr Arts and Cultural Center,
where more than six hundred members show and sell woodwork, photography, jewelry, and painting. The Kerrville Performing Arts Society brings concerts to town; the Point Theater stages plays under the stars by the Guadalupe River during the summer.
TOUR 2Boerne, Bandera, UvaldeBoerne is an emerging art town, according to Southwest Art magazine, with galleries displaying the work of one hundred resident artists and a Festival of Art and Music held every October. Go underground in the Cave Without a Name or in Cascade Caverns, which has a ninety-foot waterfall. Texas meets Hawaii at the Paniolo Ranch Bed-and-Breakfast Spa, with an outdoor hot tub for relaxed stargazing. In Bandera—the Cowboy Capital of the World—ride through the hills at a guest ranch and then hit the 11th Street Cowboy Bar for live music (and steak night on Wednesdays). Travel back to the Old West at the Frontier Times Museum, home to thousands of relics. Lost Maples State Natural Area is two thousand acres— crisscrossed with hiking paths—of limestone canyons, open
grasslands, and the uncommon Bigtooth maple. Find another forty miles of trails for horses, bikers, and hikers at Hill Country State Natural Area. The restored 1891 Janey Slaughter Briscoe Opera House in Uvalde once again hosts theater performances; the home of former vice president John Nance Garner is now a museum. Fort Inge Park is a nature preserve around Mount Inge, an extinct volcano about 140 feet tall.
TOUR 3Austin, Round Rock, GeorgetownThree floors of interactive exhibits tell the story of Texas at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. The 307-foot University of Texas Tower is open for tours; the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum displays audio, video, and documents related to the former president’s life and times. Walk to the top of Mount Bonnell for a view of the city and its surroundings. Inside Austin’s city limits are three man-made lakes; kayakers and boaters out on Lady Bird Lake around sunset will witness a million or so bats emerge from the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge. Head to the Broken Spoke,
an old-time honky-tonk, for live music and two-step lessons. The self-proclaimed Sports Capital of Texas, Round Rock attracts sports fans and athletes. Besides several parks with swimming pools and sports facilities, the town has several golf courses and a farm team for the Texas Rangers. Round Rock also boasts a symphony and the Sam Bass Community Theatre. Victorian architecture and antiques stores fill Georgetown’s historic square. For chicken-fried steak or a fresh-squeezed limeade, head to the Monument Cafe, designed to resemble an early 1900’s Texas roadside cafe. Evening entertainment includes plays and musicals at the Palace Theater. Hiking and biking trails encircle Lake Georgetown, stocked with largemouth bass and several other species.
WimberleyThe 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 Works6469 Ranch Rd. 12, San Marcos, 78666 512-393-3316, wgw.com
Owner Tim de Jong and other local artisans craft exquisite glass pieces and lighting fixtures here at this shop. Watch an amazing glass-blowing demonstration or take time to browse the gallery for a signed piece of glass art. 123
Wimberley Zip LinesLocated on Four Winns Ranch (see website for directions) 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 eight ziplines spanning 3/4 of a mile over the Wimberley Valley. 125
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Panhandle PlainsExplore
the
PALO DURO CANYON STATE PARK
H I T T H E T R A I L T O T H E P A N H A N D L E P L A I N S , home of innumerable ranches and the setting for your cowboy vacation. The landmark Route 66 stretches across the top of Texas, showcasing the region’s wide-open spaces and rural towns. Around Amarillo, the countryside dips into Palo Duro Canyon, where live performances take place every summer night set against the endless Panhandle sky.
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AbileneThe Texas frontier lives on in Abilene, the defining city of West Texas. Discover the wild at the Abilene Zoo and enjoy a stroll through downtown galleries, shops, and world-class exhibits. Navigate your way with the Windshield History Audio Tours, available at texasstartrading.com. Visit Abilene, the “Friendly Frontier” experience, a mix of Western history and contemporary culture.
Abilene Zoo2070 Zoo Ln., Nelson Park, Abilene, 79602325-676-6085, abilenezoo.org
Home to over 600 animals from around the globe, a visit to the Abilene Zoo is filled with fun and excitement for the entire family. Check out the king cobra at the Creepy Crawler Center and come eye to eye with giraffes on the giraffe bridge. 12345
Frontier Texas!625 N. First St., Abilene, 79601325-437-2800, frontiertexas.com
Visitors can relive the Old West with the help of state-of-the-art technology. You may find yourself in the middle of a card game shoot-out, a prairie thunderstorm, or even a spring evening filled with fireflies. 1235
The Grace Museum 102 Cypress St., Abilene, 79601325-673-4587, thegracemuseum.org
Built as a hotel in 1909, this pristine structure houses three museums. A tour of the first floor is a must.
Include a waltz across the marble ballroom and a stroll through the beautiful brick courtyard and restored lobby. 1235
AmarilloWith 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 world. 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 Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts, you’ll like this mix of the historic and the new along with the multitude of shopping and dining.
Amarillo Museum of Art2200 S. Van Buren St., Amarillo, 79109806-371-5050, 806-371-5392, amarilloart.org
Designed by noted architect Edward Durell Stone, this museum exhibits works from its impressive permanent collection of American modernist pieces and European paintings from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, 1235
American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame and Museum2601 I-40 E., Amarillo, 79104806-376-5181, quarterhorsemuseum.com
This facility is designed to showcase the stars of the American Quarter Horse world —the people and horses who have become legends. 35
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Don Harrington Discovery Center1200 Streit Dr., Amarillo, 79106806-355-9547, 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
Historic Route 66Rt. 66, Amarillo, 79106amarillo66.com
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 48 kilometers that lie within Amarillo alone there are 25 antiques shops and 15 restaurants. 12345
Kwahadi Museum of the American Indian9151 I-40 E., Amarillo, 79120806-335-3175, kwahadi.com
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
CanyonCanyon, 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 world. 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 Museum2503 Fourth Ave., Canyon, 79015806-651-2244, panhandleplains.org
Visit Texas’s largest history museum, with 2 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
HerefordThe 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 48 kilometer 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.
Deaf Smith County Historical Museum400 Sampson St., Hereford, 79045806-363-7070, deafsmithcountymuseum.org
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
LubbockOut on the plains of West Texas, catch a glimpse of the Old West at the National Ranching Heritage Center, complete with authentic buildings and restored his tor ic homes and windmil ls . The Buddy Holly Center, also the site of the Texas Musicians Hall of Fame, showcases the city’s impressive contr ibut ions to American music and the love for live music. Spend a day touring the area’s wineries or see if you can spot some crit ters at the prairie dog colony, then check out the nightli fe in the Depot Enter tainment District.
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B Road Trips B TOUR 1Abilene, San Angelo, Big SpringA living history museum with a twist, Frontier Texas!, in historic downtown Abilene, uses new technology to transport visitors to the Old West, setting them down in the middle of an Indian fight, a herd of stampeding buffalo, or a card game shoot-out. The Center for Contemporary Arts brings rotating art shows, in all kinds of media, through its four galleries; there are activities for kids at the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature, as well as exhibits appealing to all ages. With three lakes and the Concho River, San Angelo is surrounded by water, and visitors can get up close on Concho Cruises, the only cruise in West Texas. The Old Chicken Farm Art Center houses galleries, studios, a restaurant, and a bed-and-breakfast. Concho Avenue, the town’s first street, is now lined with shops and restaurants. Fort Concho, the frontier outpost to whom the town owes its existence, is now a museum and parade grounds. Comanche Trail Park encompasses the spring that gave Big Spring its name (early scouts reported it was 15 feet deep). It also includes a 7,000-seat limestone
amphitheater, and at Christmastime, more than a million lights illuminate the park. The Heritage Museum displays American Indian and oil industry history; temporary exhibits showcase local artists.
TOUR 2Amarillo, Canyon, Palo Duro CanyonYou can still drive Route 66 through Amarillo, stopping to explore its many antiques shops and small restaurants, such as the Golden Light Cafe, which has been there since the forties and is renowned for its burgers. At Route 66 Motor Speedway, stock and street cars race every Saturday, April through September. Cool off in Splash Amarillo’s wave pool and on the waterslides; the zero-gravity Sidewinder is one of only a handful in the world. Culture-seekers can choose from among performances of the Amarillo Little Theatre, Lone Star Ballet, Amarillo Opera, and Amarillo Symphony. At Canyon’s Elkins Ranch, a working cattle outfit for more than 75 years, options include guided horseback rides and Jeep tours or multiday pack trips and cattle drives. Or get up early for the ranch’s Cowboy Morning Breakfast: a hearty feed of eggs, sausage,
biscuits, and gravy at a camp-site near Palo Duro Canyon’s edge. The Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum is the state’s largest history museum; exhibit subjects range from dinosaurs to modern art. Recently the museum has begun collecting items related to Panhandle sports and athletes. Palo Duro Canyon is 120 miles long and hundreds of feet deep, with caves, hoodoos, and multicolored rock formations. Artist Georgia O’Keeffe described it as “a burning, seething cauldron, filled with dramatic light and color.” Inside the canyon, the Pioneer Amphitheater has been home to the summer music-and-dance extravaganza TEXAS! for more than forty years. Old West Stables offers guided horseback tours to favorite canyon sights: Timber Creek Canyon and the Lighthouse rock formation.
TOUR 3Lubbock, GrahamThe historical buildings on and around Lubbock’s Buddy Holly Avenue (Lubbock is Holly’s birthplace) make up the Depot Entertainment District; the area comes to life at night with music venues, sports bars, restaurants, and a microbrewery. Pick your own apples (there are thirty varieties) at
Hi Plains Orchards; the cafe serves their famous apple butter. Splashing through the log ride and the water coaster are highlights of Joyland Amusement Park; for cowboy boots and hats, try the Branding Iron Cowboy Outfitter. Graham’s downtown courthouse square is the largest in the country, and it’s filled with antiques stores and cafes; there’s also a 1919 movie theater, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Robert E. Richeson Memorial Museum has munitions, uniforms, and model planes, all relating to World War II. Paradise on the Brazos is an RV park as well as a bed-and-breakfast; you don’t have to stay there to ride its eight-mile mountain bike trail. The largest oak tree in the country—48 feet tall and 357 inches around—can be seen, by appointment only, a few miles south of Graham.
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Buddy Holly Center1801 Crickets Ave., Lubbock, 79401806-775-3560, buddyhollycenter.org
The center showcases three galleries: the Buddy Holly permanent exhibition, the Texas Musicians Hall of Fame, and a fine arts gallery. Traveling exhibits and a range of local music and community art programs are also supported. 1235
Depot Entertainment District19th St. and Buddy Holly Ave., Lubbock, 79401800-692-4035, 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
Museum of Texas Tech University3301 Fourth St., Lubbock, 79415806-742-2490, 806-742-2442, depts.ttu.edu/museumttu
This museum houses more than five million items in collections covering the arts, humanities, and sciences. The museum consists of several units, including the newly renovated state-of-the-art Moody Planetarium. 123
National Ranching Heritage Center3121 Fourth St., Lubbock, 79409806-742-0498, depts.ttu.edu/ranchhc
Here the story of ranching in North America is told through the preservation of 48 authentic structures displayed on a 16-acre site. Highlights include a cowboy bunkhouse, dugouts, windmills, a school, and several ranch homes. 123
Prairie Dog Town301 I-27 (in Mackenzie Park), Lubbock, 79403806-775-2687, playlubbock.com
At Prairie Dog Town, in Mackenzie Park, the whole family will get a kick out of observing these little animals in their natural habitat. 13
San AngeloFrom 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 GardenCorner of Pecos and N. Park St. at Civic League Park325-655-4136, 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, 76903325-653-3333, samfa.org
The building that houses San Angelo’s fine ar ts 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 FallsWhether you choose to visit for business or leisure, there is something for everyone. Wichita Falls boasts over 2,200 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 Waterpark1000 E. Central Fwy., Wichita Falls, 76301 940-322-5500, castawaycovewaterpark.com
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
Museum of North Texas History720 Indiana Ave., Wichita Falls, 76301 940-322-7628 , month-ntx.org
Permanent exhibits include “The Military Collection,” housing more than 3,000 items from the Civil War to the current conflict. 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 Conservatory2200 Third St., Wichita Falls, 76301 940-767-0843, riverbendnaturecenter.wordpress.com
Watch a profusion of emerging butterflies in the chrysallis stage at the Ruby N. Priddy Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. 1235
Wichita Falls Waterfall, River Trails, and Lucy Park100 Sunset Dr., Wichita Falls, 76301940-761-7490, wichitafallstx.gov
The falls were reconstructed in 1987, just about a century after a flood destroyed them. Today’s falls are 54 feet high and 35 to 45 feet wide. Take a hike on miles of landscaped, lighted trails that wind along the Wichita River all the way to Lucy Park. 1235
Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts
Lubbock provides more than 5,000 hotel rooms,
a civic center nearing 100,000 square feet in
flexible meeting space and an almost endless
variety of additional spaces sure to meet your
group’s needs. Between our one-of-a-kind
venues, intoxicating art district, savory cuisine
and world-renowned live music, we’ve got you
covered! Experience the real West Texas and
see what only Lubbock can do for your event.
visitlubbock.org 800.692.4035
meetings by day
monet
by night
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Piney WoodsExplore
the
T H E E A S T T E X A S C H A R M O F T H E P I N E Y W O O D S is evident in the sprawling lakes, beautiful bloom-ing azaleas, roses, and magnolias, and of course, the dense, lush woodlands contained within. The region has masterfully struck a balance between past and present, old and new.
DAINGERFIELD STATE PARK
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ConroeIf 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 Company13988 Calvary Road, Willis, 77318936-203-2697, nlcpc.com
Touring, fishing, and kayaking rentals are offered for individuals or small to medium-sized groups. 12
Downtown Conroe300 W. Davis, Conroe, 77301936-522-3014, cityofconroe.org
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 1900’s and don’t forget the forties-era Owen Theatre and the Corner Pub. Today, the beautiful historic buildings also house vintage stores, charming event spaces and diners, and art galleries. 12345
HendersonHenderson’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 Rusk County Oilfield Driving Tour includes history, museums, and shopping. The Wildflower Driving Tour amazes drivers each spring with beautiful scenic views. Martin Creek Lake State Park and several other lakes are just minutes away.
Depot Museum and Children’s Discovery Center514 N. High St., Henderson, 75652903-657-4303, depotmuseum.com
Henderson’s restored Missouri-Pacific Railroad depot contains more than 200 displays. On the grounds are a restored caboose, a cotton gin, and eleven historic buildings. 123
Jordan’s Plant Farm7523 TX Hwy. 42 S., Henderson, 75652903-854-2316, 800-635-1147, jordansplantfarm.com
This garden center, which set up shop in 1976 as a greenhouse, has now grown into a 74-acre attraction producing more than 300 varieties of plants. Providing a bit of old-fashioned ambience, the farm’s main building houses a hotel lobby, a general store and a saloon. 123
HuntsvilleA 60,000-pound statue of the town’s most famous resident stretches 77 feet up into the air near Interstate 45. Sam Houston is also honored at a memorial museum complex that bears his name, located on an 18-acre plot that was once his own. Step into Houston’s life at two of his furnished homes nearby and at the education center and exhibit hall. Other sites of interest in Huntsville include the Texas Prison Museum, the H.E.A.R.T.S. Veterans Museum, golf, and shopping.
Sam Houston Statue, Visitors Center, and Gift Shop7600 TX Hwy. 75 S., Huntsville, 77340936-291-9726, 800-289-0389, samhoustonstatue.net
A 67-foot-high statue of Sam Houston, titled A Tribute to Courage, stands on a 10-foot granite pedestal. 123
Sam Houston Memorial Museum1402 19th St., Huntsville, 77340936-294-1832, samhoustonmemorialmuseum.com
Visit the place where Sam Houston built his Woodland Home and where four of his eight children were born. Also moved to the property is the Steamboat House, where the Texas leader died. 1235
JeffersonFounded in the 1840’s, 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 Museum223 W. Austin St., Jefferson, 75657903-665-2775 jeffersonmuseum.com
Erected in 1890, the four-story former Post Office and Court Building exhibits and celebrates Jefferson’s boom days. Displays include a gun collection, the Carnegie Doll Collection, a 200-year-old loom, a quilt collection, and 16th- to 19th-century art pieces. 12
Turning Basin Riverboat Tours200 W. Bayou St., Jefferson, 75657903-665-2222, 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 1800’s. After the tour, stop in for a soda and some candy at the gift shop and bookstore. 12
KilgoreSurrounded 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 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 MuseumUS Hwy. 259 at Ross St., Kilgore, 75662903-983-8295, easttexasoilmuseum.com
Kilgore’s thirties oil boom is dramatically portrayed here through dioramas, films, and memorabilia. Re-creations 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. 123
Rangerette Showcase MuseumKilgore College, 1100 Broadway Blvd., Kilgore, 75662903-983-8265, 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. 123
LongviewSpring is a beautiful time in East Texas with dogwoods, azaleas, Bradford pears, and redwoods 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
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MarshallThe 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 1912 Ginocchio National 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.
Michelson Museum of Art216 N. Bolivar St., Marshall, 75670903-935-9480, 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 20th-century art collection of Dr. Bernard Kronenberg, which includes paintings, drawings, and lithographs by artists such as Milton Avery and David Burlick. 123
Texas and Pacific Depot Museum800 N. Washington Ave., Marshall, 75670903-938-9495, visitmarshalltexas.org
At the restored depot, visitors can explore the history of the Texas and Pacific Railroad with memorabilia set against the backdrop of an active railroad passenger station. 123
NacogdochesThis 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 Village6020 North St., Nacogdoches, 75963936-564-6631, millardscrossing.org
Th i s museum comp l e x i s named a f t e r t he 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 University Dr. at Stephen F. Austin State University Nacogdoches, 75962936-468-1832, azalea.sfasu.edu
This eight-acre azalea garden, the largest in Texas, is set in a lush green hardwood forest and features an amazing number of azaleas—7,500 flowers with 525 varieties. If you can’t schedule your visit during the spring azalea season, don’t despair—the 200 camellia, Japanese maple, and hydrangea varieties and the 400 ornamental trees and shrubs show their colors for visitors year-round. 123
ShenandoahThis cordial, active, upscale small city in the East Texas pine forest is just 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 Stadium19133 David Memorial Dr., Shenandoah, 77385936-709-3901, 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
TexarkanaWay back in 1850 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.
activity is attending one of the fun and unique festivals, including AlleyFest, a spring arts and music festival, and the Great Texas Balloon Race. Longview is the “Balloon Capital of Texas” and will be hosting the 2012–2014 U.S. National Hot Air Balloon Championships.
Gregg County Historical Museum214 N. Fredonia St., Longview, 75606903-753-5840, 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 Arts215 E. Tyler St., Longview, 75606903-753-8103, LMFA.org
This museum consists of a comprehensive collection of six sub-collectives and around 300 pieces of art, including paintings, drawings, prints, intaglio, pottery, photography, and sculpture. 1235
LufkinLufkin is considered the regional hub of East Texas, which includes twelve 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, 75904936-633-0399, ellentroutzoo.com
A diverse collection, this zoo includes 600 species of reptiles, waterfowl, and small mammals. 12345
Museum of East Texas503 N. Second St., Lufkin, 75901936-639-4434, metlufkin.org
This museum offers changing exhibitions of art and history, public programming, lectures, and gallery talks by artists and scholars. 123
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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 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.
Perot Theatre221 Main St., Texarkana, 75501903-792-4992, perottheatre.org
Restored in 1981 by 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, and musicals. 12
Texarkana Museum System219 N. State Line Ave., Texarkana, 75501903-793-4831, texarkanamuseums.org
This system includes three museums: the oldest brick building in Texarkana (the Museum of Regional History), Discovery Place Children’s Museum, and the Ace of Clubs House. 1235
TylerThousands of visitors stroll through this genteel town in the spr ing to v iew 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 quilting shows, 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 Zoo2203 Martin Luther King Blvd., Tyler, 75702903-593-0121, caldwellzoo.org
Featuring 85 acres of simulated natural habitats 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
Tyler Municipal Rose Garden Center420 S. Rose Park Dr., Tyler, 75702903-597-3130, tylerrosemuseum.com
The largest municipal rose garden in the world 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
The WoodlandsThe Woodlands is nestled amid 11,000 hectares of forest preserves just 30 minutes north of Houston. With outstanding hotels, world-class shopping, fine outdoor concerts at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, championship golf, and fine-dining venues, The Woodlands has blossomed into a great getaway destination. Climb aboard an air-conditioned water taxi and take a ride along the Woodlands Waterway or use the free trolley service to reach the entertainment venues and shopping areas. Get back to nature as well, with more than 233 kilometers of hike-and-bike trails.
Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion2005 Lake Robbins Dr., The Woodlands, 77380Located 27 miles north of Houston 281-363-3300, woodlandscenter.org
For the last 22 years, the Pavilion has been dedicated to providing a wide array of offerings. Entertainment includes contemporary and classical selections by the Houston Symphony, Houston Ballet, Houston Grand Opera, and world-renowned musicians. The Pavilion, which seats more than 16,000, is also the summer home of the Houston Symphony. 12345
WoodvilleThe appeal of beautiful countryside, lush forests, and pristine lakes is hard to resist. Enjoy fishing, sailing, and other water sports activities at the B. A. Steinhagen Reservoir or set out to explore nature hiking trails in the Big Thicket National Preserve. The nearby Alabama-Coushatta Indian Reservation adds a special flavor to the community with its glimpse into the life and history of Native Americans here. Woodville’s Heritage Village Museum attracts 25,000 visitors each year to learn about the area’s rich culture. The annual Dogwood Festival draws thousands on the first weekend in April.
Big Thicket National Preserve6102 FM 420, Kountze, 77625409-951-6700, 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, bird-watching, photography, hunting, fishing, and educational programs. 12
B Road Trips B TOUR 1 Tyler, Texarkana, Mount PleasantThe rose capital of the country, Tyler flaunts its flowers at the Tyler Rose Museum and Municipal Rose Garden, where 500 varieties bloom. Azaleas are also feted, on the Azalea Trail. Both azaleas and roses grow in the manicured gardens at the 1859 Goodman-Legrand Home and Museum. The Tyler Museum of Art focuses on 19th- and 20th-century art; the Hudnall Planetarium projects star shows on its 9-meter-diameter dome. Caddo Indian artifacts, early farm and medical tools, and re-creations of settlers’ rooms fill the Texarkana Historical Society and Museum. In a 1909 courthouse, the Regional Arts Center showcases local work.Crystal Springs Beach has a theme park—water slides and paddle/bumper boats—on a 4 hectare spring-fed lake. The James and Elizabeth Whatley Center for the Performing Arts brings lectures and plays to Mount Pleasant. Seven nearby lakes, including Monticello and Welsh, are renowned for their resident fish. Antiques shops and tearooms line Mount Pleasant’s historic downtown; other sights include the Titus County
Courthouse, a veterans memorial, and a Confederate monument.
TOUR 2Kilgore, Marshall, Caddo Lake, Jefferson, WoodvilleThe East Texas Oil Museum, on the Kilgore College campus, re-creates the thirties boom years of the country’s biggest oil field. Back then, more than one thousand derricks lined the streets of downtown Kilgore; it was called “the World’s Richest Acre.” Those derricks disappeared when the oil dried up, but the Kilgore Historical Preservation Society erected dozens of steel ones to simulate the scene. The clay around Marshall is ideal for stoneware, which has made pottery an area specialty. Marshall Pottery and Museum holds pottery-making demonstrations and relays the hundred-year history of one of the country’s largest manufacturers. The Ginocchio National Historic District occupies three square blocks in the downtown center, centered on an 1896 hotel. In a state filled with lakes, Caddo Lake has the distinction of being the only one that was naturally formed. Its more than 10,000 hectares cover twists, turns, and hidden bayous—and one of the world’s largest cypress forests. Cabins and lodges are
scattered along its shoreline. Caddo Outback Backwater Tours offers a menu of trips whose themes include nature, photography, alligators, and birding. On Jefferson Mule Drawn Wagon Tours, the theme is history and the guide is a native of the region with deep roots in Jefferson. The Grove, a registered historic landmark, is said to be one of the most haunted locations in Texas; spirit sightings date back one hundred years, and it has its own monthly e-zine about the ghostly goings-on. The town has many bed-and-breakfasts, such as Scarlett O’Hardy’s, next door to its museum and gift shop dedicated to all things Gone With the Wind. Weavers and blacksmiths practice their trades at the Woodville Heritage Village Museum, a living history museum. Swamp, forest, plains, and desert ecosystems come together in the Big Thicket National Preserve; 64 kilometers of hiking trails wind through.
TOUR 3The Woodlands, Conroe, HuntsvilleHundreds of retailers fill The Woodlands’s shopping mall, as well as a recently added satellite location of the Houston Museum of
Natural Science. Rent a kayak at the Riva Row Boat House to paddle the Woodlands Waterway or set out on foot on 225 kilometers of nature trails through the namesake woodlands. The Woodlands also has a concert pavilion, the four-star Woodlands Resort, and seven golf courses. Golfers also flock to Conroe, home to eight public courses. Lake Conroe is 34 kilometers long, filled with largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish, and its shore is lined with resorts, restaurants, and marinas. Huntsville is Sam Houston’s adopted hometown, and it features many reminders of the Texas leader, including Sam Houston Avenue in the heart of downtown’s Courthouse Square, and the Sam Houston Memorial Museum. The Texas Prison Museum details the history of Texas’s prisons and includes displays of contraband items and inmate art.
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Prairies & LakesExplore
the DOWNTOWN DALLAS SKYLINE
T H E P R A I R I E S A N D L A K E S R E G I O N O F F E R S U P endless opportunities—take the Dallas–Fort Worth Me-troplex. It spans over nine thousand miles and its cities’ limits are filled with stadiums that pack in sports fans to cheer on the Texas Rangers and Dallas Cowboys. Just outside of town, the lakes that surround the city make a big splash and are primed for weekend getaways and rural retreats.
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AddisonLocated 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 Taste Addison, 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 Saks Fifth Avenue.
Cavanaugh Flight Museum4572 Claire Chennault Rd., Addison, 75001972-380-8800, 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 Museum16251 Dallas Pkwy., Addison, 75001972-687-5720, marykay.com
Mary Kay Ash, the founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics, became famous for her beauty consultant incentives. Explore this company’s history through displays of the lavish rewards that she was known to bestow—from diamond bar pins to designer evening gowns. 1234
ArlingtonThe 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, there is always something to enjoy.
Cowboys StadiumOne Legends Way, Arlington, 76011817-892-4000, stadium.dallascowboys.com
Home of the Dallas Cowboys, Cowboys Stadium has a capacity of 100,000 for games and other major events. 12345
Rangers Ballpark in Arlington1000 Ballpark Way, Arlington, 76011817-273-5222, texasrangers.com
This stadium, with old-time-ballpark charm, also houses the Texas Rangers Hall of Fame. 12345
Six Flags Over Texas2201 Road to Six Flags East, Arlington, 76011817-640-8900, sixflags.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
BrenhamMore than the home of famous Blue Bell Creameries, quaint Brenham is known as the Bir thplace 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 Creameries1101 Blue Bell Rd. S., Brenham, 77833800-327-8135, bluebell.com
Tours feature a movie, views from the observation deck, and—naturally—samples of the final product. 123
Bryan–College StationBryan–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.
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Brazos Valley African American Museum500 E. Pruitt St., Bryan, 77803979-775-3961, bvaam.org
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 Museum1000 George Bush Dr. W., College Station, 77845 979-691-4000, bushlibrary.tamu.edu
George H.W. Bush’s White House years are documented at the nation’s tenth presidential library with 2 million photographs, 43 million pages of official and personal papers, 5,000 hours of video, and more than 100,000 artifacts. 1253
CleburneLocated a short drive from both Dallas and Fort Worth, Cleburne makes an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Combine small town ambiance with many impressive attractions including the Chisholm Trail Outdoor Museum, Splash Station, Plaza Theater, and much more. The new Cleburne Conference Center is capable of meeting the most discerning needs of event and convention planners. Combine that with a variety of hotels and restaurants, and you have the ideal venue for any meeting.
Chisholm Trail Outdoor Museum101 Chisholm Trail, Cleburne, 76033817-648-2815, jcchisholmtrail.com
See the past brought back to life at the Chisholm Trail Outdoor Museum, on the northwest side of Lake Pat Cleburne. On the grounds is the oldest log courthouse in Texas, a newly completed replica of an 1870’s jail, a full-time gunsmith, a blacksmith shop, and a replica sheriff’s office and schoolhouse. 123
Plaza Theatre Company111 S. Main St., Cleburne, 76033817-202-0600, plaza-theatre.com
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. 12453
CorsicanaIn 1894 Corsicana was the first city west of the Mississippi to discover oil. Now the city is better known as the Fruitcake Capital of the World. Established in 1896, the Collin Street Bakery ships 1.5 million of its Deluxe brand fruitcakes throughout the nation and 190 countries each year. History buffs relish the 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 the largest planetarium dome in Texas.
Collin Street Bakery401 W. Seventh Ave., Corsicana, 75110903-874-7477, 800-292-7400 collinstreet.com
Made world-famous by its fruitcakes, this bakery also makes several delicious flavors of cheesecake. 124
Pioneer Village912 W. Park Ave., Corsicana, 75110903-654-4846
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. 123
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DallasDallas’s 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 $15 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 14 distinctly different entertainment districts.
Dallas Arts District2200 Ross Ave., Ste. 4600 E, Dallas, 75201214-744-6642, thedallasartsdistrict.org
In the nation’s largest arts disctrict, visitors will find the Dallas Museum of Art, Nasher Sculpture Center, Trammell Crow Center’s public art and Crow Collection of Asian Art, and the Meyerson Symphony Center. 12345
Fair Park1121 1st Ave., Dallas, 75210214-426-3400, fairpark.org
This 112-hectare national historical landmark has eight museums and a Vietnam memorial. The State Fair of Texas is staged here every fall. Other attractions include the Children’s Aquarium of Fair Park, the African American Museum, Texas Discovery Gardens, and more. 12345
The Sixth Floor Museum411 Elm St., Dallas, 75202214-747-6660, jfk.org
This amazing museum contains more than four hundred photographs, films, artifacts, and an audio tour documenting the life, death, and legacy of President John F. Kennedy. 1235
DentonWith music, art, culture, and entertainment, Denton is a vibrant city. In Denton’s historic downtown there are museums, including the Historical Park of Denton County, the 1896 Courthouse-on-the-Square Museum, and the Denton Firefighters Museum, that merge with contemporary art and eclectic shopping. Enjoy driving tours through the beautiful horse country, great festivals, and quality accommodations.
Bayless-Selby House Museum317 W. Mulberry St., Denton, 76201940-349-2865, 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. 13
Courthouse-on-the-Square Museum110 W. Hickory St., Denton, 76201940-349-2850, dentoncounty.com/chos
This museum details county history and 19th-century life through artifacts, weapons, southwestern Native American pottery, and photographs. 1235
EnnisThe 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 drive-in theatre and the Ennis Public Theatre as well as the world-renowned drag racing facility, the Texas Motorplex.
Texas Motorplex7500 US Hwy. 287 W., Ennis, 75119972-878-2641, 800-668-6775, texasmotorplex.com
This NHRA track holds races and scheduled events during the season. Friday night “street nights” allow anyone to race on this world-famous, quarter-mile strip. 12345
Farmers BranchIn 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. The city is also the location of scenic Brookhaven College.
Farmers Branch Historical Park2540 Farmers Branch Ln.Farmers Branch, 75234972-406-0184, farmersbranch.info
The oldest rock structure in North Texas, the 1856 Gilbert House is the cornerstone of the park. 1235
Fort WorthThe sixteenth-largest city in the United States, Fort Worth is the “City of Cowboys and Culture.” 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.
Amon Carter Museum of American Art3501 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, 76107817-738-1933, cartermuseum.org
This museum offers a stunning survey of American art, from the first landscape painters of the 1830’s to modern artists of the 20th century. 123
DALLAS MUSEUM OF ART, DALLAS
Billy Bob’s Texas2520 Rodeo Plaza, Fort Worth, 76164817-624-7117, billybobstexas.com
The world’s largest honky-tonk, covering 9,290 square meters, has plenty of room for two-stepping all night long. 12345
Fort Worth Museum of Science and History1600 Gendy St., Fort Worth, 76107817-255-9300, 888-255-9300, fortworthmuseum.org
The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History’s new $80 million facility features experiences such as the Cattle Raisers Museum, the Fort Worth Children’s Museum, the state-of-the-art Noble planetarium, and more. 2345
Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District130 E. Exchange Ave., Fort Worth, 76164817-625-9715, fortworthstockyards.org
You’ll see Stockyards Station, the Vintage Railroad Depot, a daily cattle drive, and the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame and Sterquell Wagon Collection in a single stroll. 1245
National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame1720 Gendy St., Fort Worth, 76107817-336-4475, 800-476-3263, 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
Sundance Square420 Throckmonton St., Fort Worth, 76102817-255-5700, sundancesquare.com
Explore Fort Worth’s heralded 35-block shopping and entertainment district. 12345
Texas Motor Speedway3545 Lone Star Cir., Fort Worth, 76177817-215-8500, texasmotorspeedway.com
The second-largest sports facility in the United States (by seating), this track is home to the NASCAR Sprint Cup and Indy-style racing. Racing dates, racing schools, and big-name concerts occur year-round. 12345
FriscoJust a short drive north of Dallas, the city boasts four professional sports teams and one amateur team — Frisco RoughRiders baseball, FC Dallas soccer, Texas Legends basketball, and Texas Tornados hockey. Frisco is home to over three million square meters of retail and dining, including Stonebriar Centre, IKEA, Sam Moon Trading Company, and numerous boutiques. The city has a growing museum district with the Frisco Heritage Museum, Frisco Discovery Center, and coming soon, the Museum of the American Railroad.
FC Dallas Stadium9200 World Cup Way, Frisco, 75033214-705-6700, 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 RoseLong 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 North Central Texas, Glen Rose offers family-friendly attractions.
Dinosaur World1058 Park Rd. 59, Glen Rose, 76043254-898-1526, dinosaurworld.com
Walk among more than one hundred life-size dinosaurs in an outdoor museum. Search for real fossils to take home and enjoy a playground, picnic area, and indoor museum. 1235 P
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Welcome to a place where giants roam. This is Dallas, a city of BIG moments and infinite possibilities. With mind-blowing a�ractions and an exhibit featuring the bones of the first Alamosaurus ever discovered, memories made here are always larger than life. Start your journey at visitdallas.com.
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Fossil Rim Wildlife Center2299 CR 2008, Glen Rose, 76043254-897-2960, 888-775-6742, fossilrim.org
A 15-kilometers driving route through this 688 hectare park winds among free-roaming native and exotic animals from five continents. 12345
GranburyA rare city 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. Fine dining, wine tasting, art displays, and historical sites add to the appeal of Granbury.
Rio Brazos Dance Hall6611 Glen Rose Hwy., Granbury, 76048817-579-0808, riobrazoslive.com
The Rio Brazos Music Hall, Cafe and Cantina is an upscale but relaxed live music venue with an old-West-meets-funky-ranch vibe. “The Rio” offers a full-service bar and a restaurant. Affectionately deemed “Texas’s newest-oldest dancehall,” live music performances occur Wednesdays through Sundays. 12345
Grand PrairieGrand Prairie began as a village on the Texas and Pacific Railroad line during the Civil War. Today the city is popular with horse racing fans, who frequent Lone Star Park; with shoppers, who find treasure galore at the 65-hectare 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.
Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie1000 Lone Star Pkwy., Grand Prairie, 75050972-263-7223, 800-795-7223, lonestarpark.com
Enjoy world-class Thoroughbred and quarter horse racing in a seven-level, glass-enclosed grandstand along
with a European-style saddling paddock, a Las Vegas–style racebook, a restaurant, and more. 12345
GrapevineGrapevine is nestled between Dallas and Fort Worth. Visitors can 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 three-thousand-plus hectares of recreation on Lake Grapevine.
Grapevine Vintage Railroad705 S. Main St., Grapevine, 76051817-410-3123, gvrr.com
An 1896 steam engine and twenties-era Victorian coach cars take visitors from Grapevine’s Cotton Belt Depot to Fort Worth’s Stockyards Station. 123
IrvingCombining the flair of a big city with the ambiance 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 hosts some of the state’s most famous landmarks such as Movie Studios Las Colinas and the Mustangs of Las Colinas.
Mustangs of Las Colinas Sculpture and Exhibit5205 N. O’Connor Blvd., Irving, 75039972-869-9047, mustangsoflascolinas.com
This bronze peice, the largest equestrian sculpture in the world, exemplifies the mustang’s beauty and strength. 123
National Scouting Museum1329 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
KilleenOnce 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 star gazing at the Mayborn Planetarium and Space Theater, or spend the day pulling striped bass from the beautiful Stillhouse Hollow Lake or sailing on peaceful Lake Belton. While you’re here, take a trip to nearby Fort Hood, one of the world’s largest army bases.
Mayborn Planetarium and Space TheaterAcademic Dr., Killeen, 76549254-526-1800, 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
LewisvilleLewisville is an energetic destination with casual appeal just minutes away from Dallas and Fort Worth. The historic charm of Old Town features specialty stores, restaurants, outdoor art, and events throughout the year. Known for its glittering expansive lake, Lewisville offers diverse shopping and dining, pristine golf, and fun attractions.
Lewisville Lake Park600 Slake Park Rd., Lewisville, 75057972-219-3742, cityoflewisville.com
This park on the shores of 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
McKinneyMcKinney is a wonderful weekend getaway or family vacation destination. Just thirty 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.
Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife SanctuaryOne Nature Place, McKinney, 75069972-562-5566, heardmuseum.org
Witness nature in the native plant garden or the wildlife sanctuary. 125
PlanoPlano, 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 a Shawnee Trail cattle drive; the antiques district of historic downtown; Heritage Farmstead Museum; and the Interurban Railway Museum. Plano also has numerous shopping and dining opportunities and is host of the state’s largest hot air balloon festival, held every September.
Heritage Farmstead Museum1900 W. 15th St., Plano, 75075972-881-0140, heritagefarmstead.org
This impressive museum preserves a way of life from the early 1900’s. 125
Interurban Railway Museum 901 E. 15th St., Plano, 75074972-941-2117, interurbanplano.org
This station, now an off icial National Historic Landmark, was originally built in 1908 and chronicles Plano’s history and the history of the electric rail system in North Texas. 123
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Southfork Ranch3700 Hogge Rd., Parker, 75002972-442-7800, 800-989-7800, southforkranch.com
Home of the original Dallas television family, the Ewings, Southfork Ranch still draws fans from around the world. 12345
TempleAlready established as one of the Southwest’s primary medical centers, Temple is also one of Central Texas’s best-kept nature lovers’ secrets, with the Miller Springs nature complex and Lake Belton. 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.
Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center119 W. French St., Temple, 76501254-899-2935, czechmuseum.org
This museum documents where Czech culture meets Texas history and becomes an all-American experience. 12345
WacoWaco has something for everyone to love. Discover the prehistoric story that is told at the Waco Mammoth Site and the Mayborn Museum Complex or enjoy the refreshing Dr Pepper Museum. Learn about the legendary lawmen at the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum or take a walk on the wild side at the natural habitat Cameron Park Zoo. There are great restaurants and shopping and all around good fun in the Heart of Texas.
Dr Pepper Museum & Free Enterprise Institute300 S. 5th St., Waco, 76701254-757-1025, drpeppermuseum.com
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 1930’s country store. 12345
Mayborn Museum Complex1300 S. University Parks Dr. Baylor University Campus, Waco, 76706254-710-1110, maybornmuseum.com
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 Museum100 Texas Ranger Trail, Waco, 76706254-750-8631, 877-750-8631, 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
WaxahachieWaxahachie 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 Courthouse101 W. Main St., Waxahachie, 75165972-825-5000, co.ellis.tx.us
Take a tour of the most photographed courthouse in Texas and find out about its varied history. 123
B Road Trips BTOUR 1Denton, Fort Worth, Granbury, Glen RoseDenton is known for its buzzing live-music scene, and it draws hundreds of thousands each year to the Arts and Jazz Festival. Other Denton celebrations include the North Texas State Fair and Rodeo, now more than 80 years old; the Redbud Festival; the Holiday Lighting Festival; and the Denton Airshow. The Fort Worth Zoo now has a Museum of Living Art: a herpetarium housing almost 1,000 reptiles and amphibians, including a 5-meter Burmese python. Sundance Square comprises 35 blocks of restaurants and music clubs and the Bass Performance Hall, one of the world’s top opera houses. From the leather sofas and hide rugs to the cowboy art, there’s plenty of Old West atmosphere at the 100-year-old Stockyards Hotel. Bonnie and Clyde stayed here, as has Willie Nelson. Just down the street is the Cowtown Coliseum, which hosts Pawnee Bill’s Wild West Show. Tiki huts dot the wide, white sands at Granbury City Beach, next to the Granbury Resort Conference Center and Boardwalk. The long-tailed weasel and the free-tailed bat are on the wildlife checklist at the Acton Nature Center. The Inn on Lake Granbury has two acres of manicured grounds, a pool with a waterfall, and, of course, views of the lake. Glen Rose has been inhabited for more than 100 million years. You can see its earliest residents at Dinosaur World; its Dinosaur Trail features 100 life-size dinosaurs in an 8-hectare park. For still more, there’s
Land of the Dinosaurs, the “world’s best live-action dinosaur musical,” starring animatronic dinosaurs. In historic downtown Glen Rose, the LS Ranches Longhorn Museum pays tribute to the Texas icon.
TOUR 2Dallas, Denison, ShermanThe Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden consists of 26 hectares brimming with ornamental gardens, rare plants, and fountains. Museums are plentiful in Dallas, among them the Frontiers of Flight Museum, about the history of air and spaceflight, and the Museum of the American Railroad. Baby back ribs with root beer barbecue sauce are on the menu at Cowboy Chow, a restaurant inspired by chuckwagon cooking. In Denison, the Eisenhower Birthplace State Historic Site showcases the modest frame house where the 34th president was born, filled with furnishings like his family might have owned. Eisenhower State Park sits on the shores of Lake Texoma, which, at 36,000 hectares, is a major sailing destination. The area around the lake also includes two wildlife refuges, 54 parks managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, dozens of resorts, many campgrounds, and a handful of golf courses. Sherman’s 1896 C. S. Roberts House Museum, with much of its original furnishings intact, sits on Heritage Row, a strip of Victorian homes lining Crockett Street. The 1870’s three-story Kelly Square building is filled with shops, restaurants, and an event space. Exhibits at the Red River Historical Museum include unusual antique
kitchen gadgets and a large collection of arrowheads.
TOUR 3Arlington, Grapevine, Frisco A mechanical bull and a huge dance floor (and dance lessons several nights a week) bring the crowds to Arlington’s Cowboys Dancehall. River Legacy Parks is along the Trinity River; it’s home to armadillos and is one of the few known habitats of the rare Devil’s Cigar, a fungus that makes an audible hiss when it releases its spores. Arlington is also home to a couple of Six Flags parks, one of the most technologically advanced planetariums in Texas, and the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame, which details the game’s 5,000-year history. Lake Grapevine has more than 14 kilometers of hiking trails surrounding its area. The Grapevine Opry is a live country music show held in the historic Palace Theatre, just one of more than a dozen music venues in town. Grapevine’s bustling historic downtown hosts the open-air Grapevine Market, selling everything from jewelry to pies to antiques. A parade of lights and a North Pole Express train ride contribute to Grapevine’s designation as the Christmas Capital of Texas. Frisco’s public art program is easily appreciated on a driving tour of town, and the Texas Sculpture Garden is the largest private collection of contemporary Texas sculpture ever assembled and made available for public viewing. The interactive exhibits at the Frisco Heritage Museum let visitors run a 1900’s printing press and prepare cotton for weaving. At Randy White’s Hall of Fame Barbeque, the
former Dallas Cowboy uses only wood-burning pits to cook his ribs.
TOUR 4Irving, Waxahachie The Irving Arts Center features four galleries for exhibits and two auditoriums for the Irving Symphony and for ballet and theatrical performances. Campión Trails traverse through a greenbelt of forest and river habitats for walking, biking, and horseback riding. You can also launch a canoe there. Sports spectators in Irving can choose from soccer, hockey, football, NASCAR, horse racing, and rodeo. Victorian, Gingerbread, and Queen Anne are a few of the architectural styles you’ll see in Waxahachie; architecture is celebrated on the annual Gingerbread Trail every June. The Texas Theater on the Waxahachie town square has offered more than a century of entertainment: from vaudeville and burlesque in the 1800’s to singing cowboy movies to live bands, musicals, and open mic nights today. Waxahachie’s often-photographed nine-story courthouse features carvings that, according to local legend, tell the story of the carver’s unrequited love.
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South Texas PlainsExplore
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SAN ANTONIO, THE GATEWAY TO THE SOUTH TEXAS PLAINS, cooks up some of the best Tex-Mex in the whole state, plus, the many historic missions and churches throughout the Alamo City are living landmarks to the region’s cross-cultural diversity. A little closer to the border, you’ll find cities like McAllen, Hidalgo, and Laredo—quieter, smaller retreats throughout the beautiful Rio Grande Valley.
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Eagle PassHome to the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino, the only gaming casino in Texas, Eagle Pass lies on the Texas-Mexico 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, easy-going lifestyle enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.
Fort Duncan Museum310 Bliss Street, Eagle Pass, 78852830-758-1445, eaglepasstx.com
Fort Duncan Museum is located in the heart of historic Fort Duncan. Exhibits, artifacts, and photographs from the colonial period, Civil War, and the early 20th cen-tury in Texas and Northern Mexico and historic Eagle Pass can be viewed. 1253
Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino794 Lucky Eagle Dr., Eagle Pass, 78852830-758-1936, kickapooluckyeaglecasino.com
The Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino stands alone as Tex-as’s number one gaming casino. Experience excitement 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in a first-class facil-ity, with more than 1,800 electronic gaming machines. 124 3
GoliadSteeped 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 mis-sions, which constitute the only surviving example of a Spanish Colonial mission complex in Texas. Start
with the restored 1894 courthouse, which you can view along with several other markers in the area on a walking tour through downtown. The Angel of Goliad nature trail will take you walking and hiking along the San Antonio River.
Presidio la BahíaAcross the river from Goliad State Park and Historic Site, 1.5 miles south of Goliad on US Hwy. 183361-645-3752, 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
LaredoExplore, experience, enjoy, and savor Laredo’s rich history and unique culture. This southern getaway is the ideal venue for bargain buys of every kind. Just being in Laredo brings you close to Mexico, but if you desire an even closer look, go no farther than San Bernardo Avenue. This experience will certainly sati-ate your appetite for south-of-the-border decorative accents such as furniture, pottery, wrought iron, ta-lavera, and wood. Discover remarkable shopping and great savings around every corner.
Imaginarium of South Texas5300 San Dario Ave., Ste. 505, Laredo, 78041956-728-0404, imaginariumstx.org
Billed as a place for curiosity and creativity, the Imagi-narium is Laredo’s answer to a children’s museum, with hands-on learning experiences. Special programs like Tinkerings (about engineering concepts) are one of many educational opportunities. 1235
Lamar Bruni Vergara PlanetariumTexas A&M International University (TAMIU)5201 University Blvd., Laredo, 78041956-326-3663, tamiu.edu/planetarium
Planetarium shows include a variety of themes, from astrol-ogy to music to entertainment for children. Some features are also available in Spanish. 1235
Laredo Center for the Arts500 San Agustin, Laredo, 78040956-725-1715, laredoartcenter.org
Known for its unique architecture, this district takes you back to the Victorian era. See restored mansions from the 1880’s in Laredo’s first “suburb.” One of the examples of rehabilitated homes is the Thaison-Russell Home, built in classic Greek Revival style. 1
McAllenCelebrated as the City of Palms, McAllen lives up to the name, with more than forty varieties of palm trees lining its streets. Now a major commercial center, the city is the third-largest U.S. port of entry from Mexico. Visitors are drawn by the remarkable number and species of birds found at dozens of wildlife sanctuaries, all within an hour’s drive.
International Museum of Art and Science1900 Nolana Ave., McAllen, 78504956-682-0123, imasonline.org
Devoted to science and the arts, this Smithsonian-affili-ated 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 Refuge3325 Green Jay, Alamo, 78516956-784-7500, 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 AntonioSan 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 cosmopoli-tan blend of top-notch golf courses, remarkable din-ing and nightlife options, art galleries, spas, theme parks, and shopping dot the pedestrian cityscape along the River. San Antonio, one of America’s friendliest cities, truly offers an authentic experi-ence.
The Alamo300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, 78205 210-225-1391, thealamo.org
This small stone compound is a well-known site, repre-senting 300 years of Texas history. The Alamo is both historic and beautiful, a famous architectural landmark. 235
Brackenridge Park3700 N. St. Mary’s St., San Antonio, 78212210-207-3000, 210-207-7275 sanantonio.gov/parksandrec
One of the city’s most beloved parks, this 179 hectare refuge in the heart of the city offers a full day of family fun. There are trails for quiet walks and a stunning play-ground. The park is adjacent to the San Antonio Zoo and Japanese Tea Garden, which features a year-round gar-den, walkways, a waterfall, and koi ponds. 12345
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Briscoe Western Art Museum210 W. Market St., San Antonio, 78205210-299-4499, briscoemuseum.org
Set to open in October 2013, this museum occupies the former San Antonio Central Library building and features nine galleries on three floors showcasing his-toric and contemporary paintings, sculptures, Western artifacts, and much more.
Buckhorn Saloon and Museum and The Texas Rangers Museum318 E. Houston St., San Antonio, 78205210-247-4000, buckhornmuseum.com
Since 1881 this saloon has been known as a gath-ering place for good conversation, great food, and spectacular wildlife exhibits. Today, the saloon houses a cafe, gift shop, shooting gallery, and two museums. 2345
HemisFair Park200 S. Alamo St., San Antonio, 78205210-207-3677, sanantonio.gov/hemisfairpark
Here at the site of the 1968 World’s Fair you’ll find the Tower of the Americas, the Magik Children’s The-ater, the Instituto de Mexico, the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM), the Institute of Texan Cultures (see separate listings), the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, the Lila Cockrell Theater for the Per-forming Arts, and the Judge John H. Wood Jr. Federal Courthouse. 12345
Institute of Texan Cultures801 E. Cesar E. Chavez, San Antonio, 78205210-458-2300, 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 exhi-bitions 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 DistrictKing William Association 1032 S. Alamo St., San Antonio, 78210210-227-8786, 210-225-5924 (Steves Homestead)kingwilliamassociation.org
This 25-block area off St. Mary’s and Durango Streets still retains the charm of the late 19th-century neighbor-hood 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 District418 Villita St., Ste. 903, San Antonio, 78205210-207-8610, lavillita.com
La Villita (Spanish for “little town”) is a good name for this area, which was one of San Antonio’s earliest com-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
Majestic Theatre and Charline McCombs Empire Theatre224 E. Houston St., San Antonio, 78205210-226-5700, majesticempire.com
A Texas and national historic landmark, The Majestic Theatre is home to the San Antonio Symphony and Broadway in San Antonio. Clouds are projected onto the high ceiling of the Majestic, giving a magical feel to the ornate Mediterranean-style room. 235
Market Square (El Mercado)514 W. Commerce St., San Antonio, 78207210-207-8600, marketsquaresa.com
In this historic two-block downtown area of shops and restaurants, El Mercado, the largest Mexican market in the United States, is 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 house a fine collection of European and American art, including a rare book collec-tion and works by Cézanne, Degas, Picasso, Gauguin, Van Gogh, O’Keeffe, Rodin, Matisse, and Chagall. 1235
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 210-671-1110, lackland.af.mil
Randolph Air Force Base 210-652-1110, randolph.af.mil
Morgan’s Wonderland5223 David Edwards Dr., San Antonio, 78233210-495-5888, morganswonderland.com
Morgan’s Wonderland is the world’s first “ultra accessible family fun park” designed specifically for children and adults with special needs. This 25-acre park is a unique oasis that, through the spirit of inclusion, allows people of all abilities to play and learn in a fun and safe environ-ment. 12345
Natural Bridge Caverns26495 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd., San Antonio, 78266210-651-6101, naturalbridgecaverns.com
Discover incredible underground chambers filled with spectacular formations on a family-friendly guided tour along paved, lighted walkways. Natural Bridge Caverns is Texas’s largest and one of the premier show caves in the world. Open daily. 1245
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Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch26515 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd., San Antonio, 78266830-438-7400, wildliferanchtexas.com
This drive-through safari, stretching across 400 acres of ranchland, includes a petting zoo, a driving tour, and a collection of animals such as endangered white rhinos, giraffes, and lemurs. 12345
Paseo del Rio (River Walk)Downtown San Antonio, accessible via numerous bridges and entry points, including Commerce and Losoya Streets210-227-4262, thesanantonioriverwalk.com
The River Walk stretches north along the San Anto-nio 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 galler-ies line the banks along with public art installations. 12345
San Antonio Botanical Garden 555 Funston Pl., San Antonio, 78209 210-207-3250, sabot.org
A variety of plants from every region of the state are represented in this spectacular 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 Children’s Museum305 E. Houston St., San Antonio, 78205210-212-4453, sakids.org
The San Antonio Children’s Museum provides engaging hands-on experience. The museum offers interactive exhibits as well as weekly science and arts activities for children ages 10 and under. 235
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park2202 Roosevelt Ave., San Antonio, 78210 210-932-1001 (business offices), nps.gov/saan
San Antonio’s six Spanish missions were set along the San Antonio River between 1718 and 1731. All but the Alamo (see separate listing) continue to serve as active Roman Catholic parishes. 123
Mission Concepción 807 Mission Rd., San Antonio, 78210
Mission San Francisco de la Espada 10040 Espada Rd., San Antonio, 78214
Mission San José and Missions’ Visitors Center 6701 San José Dr., San Antonio, 78214
Mission San Juan Capistrano 9101 Graf Rd., San Antonio, 78214
San Antonio Zoo3903 N. St. Mary’s St., San Antonio, 78212210-734-7184, sazoo-aq.org
At this zoo, 3,500 animals live in beautifully designed naturalistic habitats. 12345
SeaWorld San Antonio10500 SeaWorld Dr., San Antonio, 78251800-700-7786, seaworld.com/sanantonio
Home to Shamu, dolphins, belugas, sharks, 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 new Aquatica water park in a lush resort-like setting. 12345
Six Flags Fiesta Texas17000 I-10 W., San Antonio, 78257210-697-5000, sixflags.com/fiestatexas
Hop from concert to roller coaster at this huge park known for its spectacular shows and rides. 1234
Witte Museum 3801 Broadway, San Antonio, 78209210-357-1900, wittemuseum.org
At the city’s premier museum of South Texas history, cul-ture, and natural science you’ll find traveling exhibits with real-life stories of South Texas as told by Spanish settlers, Chili Queens, trail drivers, ranchers, cowboys, and more. 1235
SelmaLocated just 25 kilometers northeast of downtown San Antonio, Selma was founded in 1847 along the Ci-bolo Creek. Selma is home to Retama Park, the Forum Shopping Center, and the Stagecoach Stop and Visi-tor’s Center, built on the site of Selma’s original 1850’s stagecoach stop.
Retama ParkOne Retama Pkwy., Selma, 78154210-651-7000, retamapark.com
Retama Park has been bringing horse racing to South and Central Texas since 1995. Enjoy dining with a pan-oramic view of the entire racetrack at the Turf and Field Dining Room or Champions Sportsbar. Simulcasting is also available. 12345
TOUR 1San Antonio, Floresville, Kenedy The Alamo is a must-see, as is the River Walk; its new art-lined extension reaches to the San Antonio Museum of Art, located in a renovated brick brewery and housing everything from Greek antiquities to Latin American folk art. For an afternoon stroll, try the San Antonio Botanical Garden, which has a new bird-watching area, or the San Antonio Zoo. El Mercado, the largest Mexican market in the United States, hums with mariachi music, Mexican food, and shopping. Art, history, and live performance come together at the Museo Alameda. The elegant brick Wilson County courthouse anchors Floresville’s historic downtown area, which also includes the Wilson County Jailhouse Museum, with built-in gallows. The jail housed the sheriff and prisoners until the seventies.The Dewees Remschel House documents one prominent family’s contributions to the area. Outside town, Rancho de las Cabras—“the Goat Ranch”—was established in the mid-1700’s as a mission’s grazing grounds. It later became an archeological site and then a park, with guided tours. Kenedy is the horned toad capital of the world and also wildflower
country; head to Joe Gulley Park’s nature trails to see both. Mifflin Kenedy came to Texas as a steamboat captain and married the widow of a Mexican soldier. His family’s story is told at the Kenedy Ranch Museum and on some of the historical markers scattered throughout town.
TOUR 2Rio Grande Valley, McAllenThe lush Rio Grande Valley is a birding paradise—about 500 species have been spotted here—and it offers plenty of venues for birders to focus their binoculars, such as the Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park, with more than 283 hectares alongside the river. The World Birding Center, headquartered in Mission, has nine sites throughout the Rio Grande Valley. Butterflies also congregate here; the Mission City Hall has a butterfly garden. La Lomita Chapel, built in 1865, was a rendezvous spot for traveling padres. The trails and observation platforms in 16 hectares of wetlands in Edinburg, next to the 36-hectares Edinburg Municipal Park, are another ideal birding spot. Also in Edinburg is the Museum of South Texas History, where the main attraction is the Rio Grande Legacy, an exhibit that
includes the bow of a steamship and a replica train station. Quinta Mazatlan is a historic adobe home with gardens and birding trails in McAllen. The Chihuahua Woods Preserve safeguards the unique South Texas ecosystem, including many cacti; it attracts hundreds of birds, as well as other natives such as ocelots and threatened Texas tortoises. The only hand-drawn ferry on the Rio Grande is in McAllen: Los Ebanos Ferry was first used in the 1740’s by Spanish explorers. You can dance seven nights a week in McAllen—it’s the square dance capital of the world.
TOUR 3Goliad, Beeville, George West The restored courthouse is the centerpiece of Goliad’s downtown walking tour, which includes the Market House Museum and Fannin Plaza City Park. There’s a cannon Colonel Fannin used during the Texas Revolution and a hanging tree on the courthouse lawn, the site of court sessions and death sentences in the mid-1800’s. The chapel at Presidio la Bahía, established in 1749, is still used for religious services; part of the building is a museum. Colonel Fannin’s grave site is nearby. The Beeville Art Museum is a teaching museum, offering tours,
classes, and family art days. Coastal Bend College’s glassblowing facility is open for tours and weeklong workshops. A downtown revitalization effort is under way; historic storefronts such as the Bee County courthouse and the Rialto Theater are being restored. Wildlife—deer, turkey, javelina, quail—and wildflowers attract hunters and photographers. Surrounded by cattle ranches, George West is known for the folktales and cowboy poetry featured at its annual Storyfest. Memorabilia such as furniture, fossils, and sheet music are on display at the Grace Armantrout Museum. The preserved Longhorn on the courthouse lawn is Geronimo, a Texas legend. North of town, the rolling brush country of Choke Canyon State Park makes for good wildlife viewing.
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The Western Experience: Ranches
Wildcatter Ranch6062 TX Hwy. 16 S., Graham, 76450
940-549-3500, 888-462-9277 wildcatterranch.com
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If you’re looking for an authentic cowboy experience, you’ll find it at endless working ranches and classic rodeo events around the state.
Big Bend CountryCibolo Creek RanchHCR 67, 53 kilometers south of Marfa on TX Hwy. 67 432-229-3737, 866-496-9460 cibolocreekranch.comWorking, cattle, hunting, guest, resort, and special-events ranch. Accommodates 42 overnight (reservations required), 42 for restaurant.
Historic Prude Ranch201 Prude Guest Ranch Rd. off TX Hwy. 118 Fort Davis, TX 79734 432-426-3202, prude-ranch.comGuest, 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.comCattle, working, and special-events ranch. Accommodates 3,250 during the day (reservations required for large groups).
K-Bar Ranch and Hunting Lodge15448-A S. Jasper St., Odessa, 79766, 432-580-5880Working, hunting, and special-events ranch. Accommodates 250 during the day and 15 overnight (4-room bed-and-breakfast).
Kokernot 06 Ranch42700B TX Hwy. 17 north of Fort Davis 432-426-3380Working cattle and special-events ranch. Accommodates 18 overnight (three houses), 40 during the day.
Red Rock Ranch305 W. Broadway, Van Horn, 79855 800-735-6911, redrockranchtours.comTour ranch and game preserve. Accommodates up to 7 per tour.
Ten Bits Ranch6000 N. County Rd., Terlingua, 79852 866-371-3110, tenbitsranch.comGuest, resort, and special-events ranch. Accommodates up to 12 (4-room bed-and-breakfast).
Woodward Ranch1900 Calamity Creek Rd., Alpine, 79830 432-364-2271 woodwardranch.comCattle and guest ranch. Accommodates 11 overnight (cabins) and 10 RV hook-ups.
Gulf Coast American Cowboy Museum on the Taylor-Stevenson Ranch 11822 Almeda Rd., Houston, 77045 713-478-9677, americancowboymuseum.orgWorking and special-events ranch. Accommodates 200 during the day (reservations required).
Fennessey Ranch45 miles north of Corpus Christi, Bayside, 78340 361-529-6600, fennesseyranch.comCattle, working, hunting, and ecotourism ranch. Accommodates 40 (by appointment only).
George Ranch Historical Park10215 FM 762, Richmond, 77469 281-343-0218, georgeranch.orgCattle, working, and special-events ranch. Accommodates 3,000 during the day.
King Ranch2205 W. Hwy. 141, Kingsville, 78363 361-592-8055, king-ranch.comWorking ranch. Accommodates 200 (by appointment only). Guided bus tours daily
Spirit Inn of Mission Valley 3377 Lower Mission Valley Rd., Victoria, 77905 361-649-1697, spiritinnmv.comWorking, cattle, guest, and special-events ranch. Accommodates 24 overnight and 160 for events (reservations required).
Texas Oil Ranch Corporation 323501 Macedonia Rd., Hockley, 77447 281-859-1616, oilranch.comGuest, working, and special-events ranch. Accommodates 3,000 during the day, 500 per pavilion (groups and tours by appointment only).
Hill CountryBamberger Ranch Preserve2341 Blue Ridge Dr., Johnson City, 78636 830-868-2630 (reservations) bambergerranch.orgWorking ranch. Accommodates up to 100 during the day and 48 overnight.
BR Lightning Ranch818 FM 1283, Pipe Creek, 78063 830-535-4096, lightningranch.comGuest ranch. Accommodates 33 (seven guest cottages).
Dixie Dude Ranch833 Dixie Dude Ranch Rd., Bandera, 78003 830-796-7771, 800-375-9255 dixieduderanch.com, cccdixie@hctc.netDude ranch. Accommodates 65 overnight (20 rooms).
Enchanted Springs Ranch242 TX Hwy. 46 W., Boerne, 78006 830-249-8222, enchantedspringsranch.comSpecial-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).
Farm Country Club475 Pue Rd., Bandera, 78003 830-589-2276, farmcc.comSpecial-events ranch. Accommodates an unlimited number of guests during the day (by reservation only).
Flying L Guest Ranch566 Flying L Dr., Bandera, 78003 830-460-3001, 800-292-5134, flyingl.comGuest ranch. Accommodates 400 during the day and 250 overnight (84 sleeping units of several types).
Hill Country Equestrian Lodge1580 Hay Hollar Rd., Bandera, 78003 830-796-7950, hillcountryequestlodge.comGuest ranch. Accommodates approxi-mately 40 (four private cabins and five luxury suites).
Joshua Creek Ranch132 Cravey Rd., Boerne, 78006 830-537-5090, joshuacreek.comHunting ranch. Accommodates 42 overnight.
Locomotive 501 RanchP.O. Box 510, Uvalde, 78802 830-278-3939, locomotive501ranch.comGuest ranch, hunting ranch, and special-events ranch. Accommodates up to 500 for events.
Mayan Ranch350 Mayan Ranch Rd., Bandera, 78003 830-796-3312, 830-460-3036, mayanranch.comGuest ranch. Accommodates 120 (68 rooms).
Post Oak Farm1019 FM 3509, Burnet, 78611 512-756-4647, postoakfarm.comDude ranch. Accommodates 4 per session by appointment (reservations required).
Purple Sage Ranch Conference Center and Retreat 756 Purple Sage Rd., Bandera, 78003 830-796-7703, 800-373-0931 purplesageranch.comGuest ranch, hunting ranch, resort ranch, and corporate and special-events ranch. Accommodates 150 indoors and outdoors, and includes 52 beds for overnight guests.
Quiet Hill Ranch110 Quiet Hill Ranch Rd., Doss, 78618 830-669-2253, 800-544-2253 quiethillranch.comGuest ranch. Accommodates 28 (four log cabins and separate lodge).
Rancho Cortez872 Hay Hollar Rd., Bandera, 78003 830-796-9339, 866-797-9339, ranchocortez.comDude ranch and fitness ranch. Accommodates 82 (one bunkhouse and several individual private cabins).
Reunion Ranch850 County Rd. 255, Georgetown, 78633 512-515-6200, reunionranch1.com (reservations required)
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Mayan Ranch350 Mayan Ranch Rd., Bandera, 78003
830-796-3312, 830-460-3036, mayanranch.com
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Special-events ranch. Accommodates 5,000. Indoor facility accommodates 600 during day or evening.
Running R Guest Ranch9059 Bandera Creek Rd., Bandera, 78003 830-796-3984, rrranch.comDude ranch. Accommodates 60 onsight and a total of 180 overflow (14 cabins).
Shonto RanchLower Turtle Creek Rd., Kerrville, 78028 210-317-4578, shontoranch.comHunting ranch. Accommodates by appointment only during the day.
Silver Spur Guest Ranch9266 Bandera Creek Rd., Bandera, 78003 830-796-3037, silverspur-ranch.comGuest ranch. Accommodates 80 overnight (16 rooms).
Spanish Dagger Ranch and Nature Retreat 5619 Hwy. 90 E., Uvalde, 78801 830-591-4757, spanishdagger.comWorking ranch and guest ranch. Accom-modates 26 with full-service RV park.
Twin Elm Guest RanchFM 470 at TX Hwy. 16, Bandera, 78003 830-796-3628, 888-567-3049 twinelmranch.netDude ranch. Accommodates 87 (20 rooms).
White Lightning RanchStabled at 575 Hyatt Lost Pines, Lost Pines, 78612 512-680-0463 whitelightningranch.comOutdoors ranch. Accommodates 20–30 (in ranch building) and 10 horseback riders at a time.
Y.O. Ranch1736 Y.O. Ranch Rd., Mountain Home, 78058 830-640-3222, 800-YORANCH, yoranch.comGuest ranch. Accommodates unlimited number during the day and 42 overnight (13 cabins, one lodge). RV hookups (20) and meeting rooms also available.
Panhandle PlainsBall Ranch525 S. Hwy.83-84, Abilene, 79602 800-365-6507, ballranch.comSpecial-events ranch and Western-style dinner theater. Accommodates 200.
Bar H Dude RanchFM 3257, Clarendon, 79226 806-874-2634, 800-627-9871 barhduderanch.comWorking 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, 79066
806-665-9245, cottonwoodspring-sranch.orgWorking, guest, and special-events ranch. Accommodates 9 overnight, 150 outside, 90 in party barn.
Elkins Ranch11301 E. TX Hwy. 217, Canyon, 79015 806-488-2100, 800-658-2613 theelkinsranch.comSpecial-events ranch. Accommodates 200. Chuckwagon breakfast and dinner with live Western entertainment.
Guitar Ranch12 miles northwest of Spur on TX Hwy. 836 806-294-5455, guitar@abilene.comHunting and special-events ranch. Accommodates 16 (lodge).
Perini Ranch Steakhouse 3002 FM 89, Buffalo Gap, 79508 325-572-3339, periniranch.comWorking cattle ranch and restaurant. Accommodates 400 outdoors, 95 indoors, 90 on the patio.
River Breaks Ranch7802 Durrett Dr., Amarillo, 79124 806-374-0357, riverbreaks.comWorking cattle, guest, and special-events ranch. Accommodates 300 indoors and 1,000 outdoors.
Walnut Creek RanchOff US Hwy. 87 on Walnut Rd. Water Valley, 76958 325-484-3713, 877-690-6400, walnutcreekranch.comWorking and guest ranch. Accommodates 24 overnight.
Wildcatter Ranch6062 TX Hwy. 16 S., Graham, 76450940-549-3500, 888-462-9277 wildcatterranch.comGuest, resort, and special-events ranch. Accommodates 100 (34 rooms).
Piney WoodsBusy B Ranch1100 W. Prospect Rd., Jefferson, 75657 903-665-7448, busybranch.comGuest, Working, and hunting ranch. Accommodates 14 overnight.
Josey Ranch8623 TX Hwy. 43 N., Karnack, 75661 903-935-5358, barrelracers.comWorking and special-events ranch. Accommodates over 200.
Primitive Acres Guest Ranch19083 CR 3267 S., Mount Enterprise, 75681 903-822-3983, primitiveacres.comWorking and guest ranch. Accommodates 15 overnight.
Prairies & LakesAustin Ranch2009 Anderson Gibson Rd., Grapevine, 76051 817-410-6722, austinranch.netSpecial-events ranch. Accommodates 2,000.
Beaumont Ranch10736 CR 102, Grandview, 76050 888-864-6935, beaumontranch.comCattle, guest, and special-events ranch. Accommodates 350.
Buffalo Valley Event Center 2946 Ganzer Rd., Denton, 76207 940-482-3409 buffalovalleyeventcenter.comResort ranch and special-events ranch. Accommodates 600.
Circle R Ranch5901 Cross Timbers Rd., Flower Mound, 75022 817-430-1561, circlerranch.orgSpecial-events ranch. Accommodates 5,000. Pre-booked groups only.
Double D Ranch12809 Eastgate Dr., Mesquite, 75181972-289-2341, ddranchdallas.comSpecial-events ranch.
Kueckelhan Ranch7036 N. TX Hwy. 78, Bonham, 75418 903-583-5337, kueckelhanrodeo.comWorking ranch.
Lazy F RanchFM 1116 (one mile north of US Hwy. 87) Smiley, 78159 210-391-6378, lazyfranch.comWorking and guest ranch. Accommodates 28.
Lone Oak Ranch and Retreat8484 FM 372 S., Gainesville, 76240 940-668-2855, loneoakretreat.comGuest and special-events ranch. Accommodates 80 in hotel rooms and 150 in bunkhouses.
Nueces Canyon Ranch Equestrian Center 9501 US Hwy. 290 W., Brenham, 77833 979-289-5600, nuecescanyon.comCattle, guest, working, resort, and special-events ranch. Accommodates 100 during the day and 44 overnight (12 rooms).
46 | TEXAS INTERNATIONAL TOUR GUIDE 2013–2015
Ranches
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Cibolo Creek RanchHCR 67, 53 kilometers south of Marfa on TX Hwy. 67
432-229-3737, 866-496-9460 cibolocreekranch.com
The Ranch of Lonesome Dove 2005 Fox Fire Ln., Grapevine, 76092 817-329-1100, theranchoflonesomedove.comSpecial-events ranch. Accommodates 999 inside and 3,000+ at outdoor stage during the day.
Reunion Ranch10581 CR 312, Terrell, 75161 972-524-2222, reunionranch.comSpecial-events ranch, dude ranch. Accommodates up to 5,000 during the day.
Rio Cibolo Ranch1101 Ulrich Rd., Marion, 78124 830-914-3325, riociboloranch.comSpecial-events, cattle, and working ranch. Accommodates 5,000.
Rocking L Guest Ranch 240 Van Zandt, CR 3837, Wills Point, 75169
903-560-0246, rockinglranch.comGuest, resort, and special-events ranch. Accommodates 35.
Storybook Ranch3701 S. Custer Rd., McKinney, 75070 972-369-0874, storybookranch.orgSpecial-events ranch. Accommodates 750. Reservations required.
Texas Ranch Life10848 Cactus Ln., Chappell Hill, 77426 979-865-9461, texasranchlife.comCattle, dude, guest, working, hunting, resort, and special-events ranch. Accommodates 60 for lodging and 300 for events. Reservations required.
Wildcatter Ranch Resort 6062 TX Hwy. 16 S., Graham, 76450 940-549-3500, 888-462-9277 wildcatterranch.comGuest, working, resort, and special-events ranch. Accommodates 60-100 (34 rooms).
South Texas PlainsBarnhart Ranch and Nature Retreat 8212 FM 883, Berclair, 78107 361-375-2824, barnhartranchretreat.comCattle, guest, working, hunting, and spe-cial-events ranch. Accommodates up to 20.
Don Strange Ranch103 Waring Welfare Rd., Boerne, 78006 210-434-2331, donstrange.comSpecial-events ranch. Accommodates up to 10,000.
Enchanted Springs Ranch242 TX Hwy. 46 W., Boerne, 78006 830-249-8222, 800-640-5917 enchantedspringsranch.comWorking, special-events, entertainment, and wild animal park. Accommodates 2,000.
Knibbe Ranch10006 Spring Branch Rd., Spring Branch, 78070 830-885-7773, 877-656-4223 knibberanch.comWorking, cattle, and corporate special-events ranch. Accommodates 300–4,000 (no small groups).
Rio Cibolo Ranch1101 Ulrich Rd., Marion, 78124 830-914-3325, 800-713-9444 riociboloranch.comSpecial-events and entertainment ranch. Accommodates 5,000.
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O C T O B E R
AmarilloCowboy Mounted Shooting World Championship Finals 806-376-7767, cowboymountedshooting.com
N O V E M B E R
AmarilloWRCA World Championship Ranch Rodeo 806-374-WRCA, wrca.org
A P R I L
Wichita FallsTexas Ranch Roundup 940-687-4932, texasranchroundup.com
M A Y
AbileneWestern Heritage Classic 325-677-4376, westernheritageclassic.com
J U L Y
StamfordTexas Cowboy Reunion325-773-3138, tcrrodeo.com
A U G U S T
HerefordSpicer Gripp Memorial Roping 806-364-7474, spicergripp.com
Piney WoodsS E P T E M B E R
TexarkanaFour States Fair and Rodeo 870-773-2941, fourstatesfair.com
Prairies and LakesS E P T E M B E R
Lewisville Western Days Festival 972-219-3401, lewisvillewesterndays.com
O C T O B E R
Bryan Texas Reds Steak and Grape Festival 979-209-5528, bryantx.gov/texasredsfestival
Fort Worth Red Steagall Cowboy Gathering and Western Swing 817-444-5502, redsteagallcowboygathering.com
SeguinGuadalupe County Fair and PRCA Rodeo 830-379-6477, gcfair.org
J A N U A R Y
Fort Worth Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo 817-877-2400, fwssr.com
South Texas PlainsF E B R U A R Y
San AntonioSan Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo 210-225-5851, sarodeo.com
J U L Y
Bonham Kueckelhan 903-583-5337, kueckelhanrodeo.com
Big Bend CountryJ A N U A R Y
OdessaSandhills Stock Show and Rodeo 432-366-3951, sandhillsstockshowandrodeo.com
F E B R U A R Y
AlpineTexas Cowboy Poetry Gathering432-364-2487, cowboy-poetry.org
M A Y
Del Rio George Paul Memorial Bull Riding 830-775-9595, georgepaulmemorialbullriding.com
J U L Y
Del Rio Annual Rotary Rodeo 830-775-2095, drchamber.com
Gulf CoastN O V E M B E R
KingsvilleKing Ranch Ranch Hand Breakfast 800-333-5032, kingsvilletexas.com
F E B R U A R Y
HoustonHouston Livestock Show and Rodeo 832-667-1000, hlsr.com, rodeohouston.com
Hill CountryS E P T E M B E R
BoerneKendall County Fair830- 249-2839, kcfa.org
O C T O B E R
Kerr County Fair830-257-6833, kerrcountyfair.com
Panhandle PlainsS E P T E M B E R
Abilene West Texas Fair and Rodeo 325-677-4376, taylorcountyexpocenter.com
Amarillo Tri-State Fair and Rodeo 806-376-7767, tristatefair.com
LubbockNational Cowboy Symposium and Celebration806-798-7825, cowboy.org
Rodeos
S E P T E M B E R
West Texas Fair & RodeoAbilene
325-677-4376, taylorcountyexpocenter.com
F E B R U A R Y
Houston Livestock Show and RodeoHouston
832-667-1000, hlsr.com, rodeohouston.com
48 | TEXAS INTERNATIONAL TOUR GUIDE 2013–2015
Multicultural Events
S E P T E M B E R
Sandcastle DaysSouth Padre Island
800-767-2373, sandcastledays.com
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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 CountryO C T O B E R
Del RioFiesta de Amistad Activities include an arts and crafts show and the only parade that starts in one country and ends in another.830-774-8558, drchamber.com & cibvacuna.blogspot.com
El Paso Amigo Airshow“El Paso’s premier family event” features professional and military flying teams.915-562-6446, amigoairsho.org
MidlandCAF AirshowThis annual airshow presents reenactments of some of World War II’s most famous aerial battles.432-563-1000, 888-945-3008, airsho.org
N O V E M B E R
TerlinguaTerlingua International Chili ChampionshipWhat started in 1967 has become a world-renowned chili cook-off.432-887-8827, krazyflats.com & chili.org
AlpineARTWALK Bringing together artists from across the Southwest, this event celebrates the arts.432-837-3067, artwalkalpine.com
OdessaTejano Super Car Show This unique car show attracts world lowrider champions and awards more than 200 trophies in categories ranging from Best Car to Best Bicycle.432-337-2189, tejanosupercarshow.com
D E C E M B E R
Fort DavisFrontier Christmas This celebration re-creates all the classic Christmas activities, including caroling, and a lighting ceremony on the square. 432-426-3015, 800-524-3015, fortdavis.com
A P R I L
Midland Celebration of the Arts This festival brings together creative works from artists around the country. 432-687-1149, acmidland.org
M AY
El PasoAlfresco Fridays!Alfresco Fridays is a great way to hear some of the best established and up-and-coming local bands. 915-534-0600, visitelpaso.com
A U G U S T
MarfaMarfa Lights FestivalDance the night away under those mysterious lights on the lawn of one of the most magnificent courthouses in Texas. 432-729-4942, marfacc.com
AlpineBig Bend Balloon Bash The skies will be filled with the magnificent sight of hot-air balloons for this event. 432-837-7486, bigbendballoonbash.com
S E P T E M B E R
MidlandSeptemberFest This fund-raiser for the Museum of the Southwest celebrates with juried artists and craftspeople from all over the nation. 432-683-2882, museumsw.org
Gulf Coast
O C T O B E R
Rockport-FultonRockport SeafairRight on the harbor, this fun festival has a gumbo cook-off, live entertainment, and an outdoor boat show.361-729-6445, rockportseafair.com
Corpus ChristiTexas Jazz Festival Every year more than 50 bands gather at downtown Heritage Park for this free jazz festival.361-688-1296, texasjazz-fest.org
BeaumontBeaumont Blues & Jazz FestThe fest draws music lovers from around the region and state who enjoy blues, jazz, and zydeco plus local fare, art, and culture.800-782-3081, beaumontbluesfest.com
Bay Area HoustonWings Over Houston AirshowModern and historical aircraft perform in a six-hour flying demonstration. 713-266-4492, wingsoverhouston.com
N O V E M B E R
HarlingenRio Grande Valley Birding FestivalBirders travel to Harlingen for premier field trips, seminars, workshops, a trade show, and family programs.209-227-4823, rgvbf.org
F E B R U A R Y
GalvestonMardi Gras GalvestonCelebrate Mardi Gras Texas-style with nearly 250,000 partygoers. The Grand Night Parade is the biggest event. 866-505-4456, mardigrasgalveston.com
Port AransasWhooping Crane Festival This homage takes flight with nature workshops and field trips and a nature-based trade show.800-452-6278, whoopingcranefestival.org
BrownsvilleCharro Days FiestaExperience the weeklong celebration of border culture, including parades, dances, and festivities in the streets.956-542-4245, charrodaysfiesta.com
A P R I L
HoustonWorldFest-Houston Film FestivalWith 550 filmmakers from 33 countries, it’s no surprise that directors like Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, and Ang Lee won their first awards here.713-965-9955, 866-965-9955, worldfest.org
Port AransasTexas SandfestThis master sand competition also has open contests for family fun.800-452-6278, texassandfest.com
HoustonHouston International Festival Continuing its tradition as one of the largest presenters of world music, the festival features a different country each year.713-654-8808, ifest.org
Corpus ChristiBuccaneer Days With an illuminated night parade, other festivities include a PRCA rodeo, a barbecue challenge, fireworks and carnival midway.361-882-3242, bucdays.com
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O C T O B E R
Austin City Limits Music FestivalAustin
aclfestival.com
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HoustonHouston Art Car Parade Art Car has scores of hard-to-classify rolling contraptions, lowriders, costumed rollerskaters, musicians on floats, and hot-rodders.713-926-6368, orangeshow.org
GalvestonAIA Houston SandCastle CompetitionAlmost 60 teams compete for the Golden Bucket Award.713-520-0155, aiasandcastle.com
J U LY
Port AransasDeep Sea RoundupThe oldest fishing tournament on the coast includes surf, bay, fly-fishing, and offshore competitions.800-452-6278, deepsearoundup.com
South Padre IslandTexas International Fishing Tournament 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
S E P T E M B E R
South Padre IslandSandcastle DaysWatch master sand sculptors vie for big money prizes. Amateurs can also compete.800-767-2373, sandcastledays.com
Hill CountryO C T O B E R
FredericksburgOktoberfestFredericksburg celebrates its heritage with a German festival featuring singing, dancing, oompah bands, and food.830-997-8515, oktoberfestinfbg.com
WimberleyWimberley Market DaysMore than 475 vendors display crafts and antiques.512-847-2201, shopmarketdays.com
AustinAustin City Limits Music FestivalA celebration of the Austin music scene, this festival brings the magic of the famed series Austin City Limits outside the studio. aclfestival.com
New BraunfelsGruene Music & Wine FestThis event 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
AustinTexas Book FestivalThe event includes readings, panel discussions, music, a children’s tent, and a book fair.512-477-4055, texasbookfestival.org
N O V E M B E R
New BraunfelsWurstfestThe 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
AustinFun Fun Fun FestNational touring indie rock, punk, electronica, and metal bands converge on Austin’s urban park, Auditorium Shores.funfunfunfest.com
D E C E M B E R
San MarcosSights and Sounds of ChristmasA Night in Old Bethlehem re-creates a period marketplace and stages a live Nativity scene.512-393-8400, sights-n-sounds.org
M A R C H
AustinSouth by SouthwestThis event encompasses the interactive, film, and music festivals. More than 2,000 acts of all genres perform on more than 88 stages, entertaining some 30,000 fans.512-467-7979, sxsw.com
A P R I L
AustinAustin Food & Wine FestivalSample some of the best food in Central Texas, as well as products of Hill Country wineries.austinfoodandwinefestival.org
GeorgetownRed Poppy FestivalThis festival celebrates spring and the red poppy flower in Georgetown, the Red Poppy Flower Capital of Texas. 800-436-8696, redpoppyfestival.com
M AY
KerrvilleKerrville Folk FestivalWith more than 100 performing singers and songwriters, the nation’s longest-running songwriters’ fest is sure to cover your favorite musical genre.830-257-3600, kerrvillefolkfestival.org
A U G U S T
Marble FallsLakeFest Drag Boat RaceSee over 100 boats reaching speeds up to 250 miles per hour.830-693-2815, marblefallslakefest.com
BoerneKendall County FairDon’t miss the queen’s contest, rodeo, carnival, parade, arts and crafts, and nightly dances with top entertainers.830-249-2839, kcfa.org
BanderaCelebrate BanderaCelebrate all things cowboy with music, horses, and a Longhorn cattle drive down Main Street.830-796-4447, celebratebandera.com
Panhandle PlainsO C T O B E R
AmarilloCowboy Mounted Shooting World Championship FinalsThe competition features the international talent of 400 mounted shooters participating in different events and a flag presentation with over 100 horses and riders.888-960-0003,cowboymountedshooting.com
D E C E M B E R
San AngeloChristmas at Old Fort ConchoLive entertainment, cowboy poetry, Christmas stories, period gifts, and cavalry and infantry demonstrations ensure a great time for all.325-657-4441, 325-481-2646, fortconcho.com
A P R I L
AbileneBuffalo Gap Wine & Food SummitSeminars 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
LubbockRanch DaySpend some time in the Old West during this educational living history event. Activities for the 43rd annual Ranch Day include horseback riding, rope making, stick horse rodeo, chuck wagon samples, and more.806-742-0498, depts.ttu.edu
50 | TEXAS INTERNATIONAL TOUR GUIDE 2013–2015
Multicultural Events
O C T O B E R
Texas Renaissance FestivalPlantersville
800-458-3435, texrenfest.com
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Wichita FallsLegends of Western Swing Music FestivalWear your dancing boots to this event—there are two dance floors and music from 12 bands throughout the weekend!318-792-3303, legendsofwesternswingfestival.net
San AngeloShowdown in San Angelo Boat RacesWatch drag boats race in Lake Nasworthy. The event features more than 100 vessels. 325-655-4136, 800-372-1206, showdowninsanangelo.com
StamfordTexas Cowboy ReunionFamilies come together for a rodeo, chuckwagon and barbecue cook-off, and Western art trade show.325-773-3138, tcrrodeo.com
A U G U S T
Wichita FallsHotter’n Hell HundredThis race is one of the largest bike rides in the country, drawing more than 12,000 cyclists.940-322-3223, hh100.org
S E P T E M B E R
LubbockNational Cowboy Symposium & Celebration The event includes a Youth Wild West Day, horse-handling demonstrations, Native American activities, and Chuck Wagon Cookoff.806-798-7825, cowboy.org
Piney WoodsO C T O B E R
TylerTexas Rose Festival Visit the Rose Capital of America as the city marks the harvest of the rose.800-235-5712, texasrosefestival.net
N O V E M B E R
NacogdochesNine Flags FestivalCelebrate the heritage of Nacogdoches with events honoring the nine flags that have flown over the city.888-653-3788, nineflagsfestival.com
MarshallWonderland of Lights Visit Marshall for this holiday festival and see the city transformed by 10 million tiny white lights.903-702-7777, visitmarshalltexas.org
F E B R U A R Y
JeffersonMardi Gras UpriverCelebrate with three parades, street dances, a carnival, and arts and crafts.903-665-3733, mardigrasupriver.com
M A R C H
WoodvilleTyler County Dogwood FestivalWith three themed weekends over the blooming season, this fest celebrates the glorious dogwood trees. 409-283-2632, tylercountydogwoodfestival.org
A P R I L
HendersonAntique Tractor & Engine ShowVisitors can enjoy an antique-farm-equipment show, food booths, and kids’ activities, like a pedal-tractor pull.903-889-2671, visithendersontx.com
HuntsvilleGeneral Sam Houston Folk FestivalRelive the life and times of General Sam Houston. The festival is full of folklife demonstrations, a living-history theater, museum tours and music.936-294-1832, samhoustonmemorialmuseum.com
M AY
ConroeToyota Texas Bass ClassicThis three-day event features anglers from across all major tours and some of country music’s premier artists.866-907-0143, toyotatexasbassclassic.com
LongviewAlleyFestThe event's emphasis is on original artwork. Live music adds to the enjoyment, as well as an Alley Run. 903-237-4000, alleyfest.org
Prairies & LakesO C T O B E R
Round TopRound Top Festival Institute This series features more than 50 events, including symphony orchestras and guitar and percussion festivals.979-249-3129, festivalhill.org
Dallas State Fair of TexasThe 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
GonzalesGonzales “Come and Take It” DaysThe 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
Plantersville Texas Renaissance FestivalEnjoy the sights of the 16th century with daily performances, international cuisine, and strolling performers.800-458-3435, texrenfest.com
N O V E M B E R
Bryan-CollegeStationBrazos Valley WorldfestEnjoy displays, demonstrations, performances, and international food and vendors at this multicultural event.979-845-4016, brazosvalleyfair.com
FriscoChristmas in the SquareMore than 650,000 visitors flock to the pedestrian-friendly celebration to get into the holiday spirit.972-668-3065, friscosquare.com
D E C E M B E R
Waxahachie Bethlehem RevisitedThis 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
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A P R I L
FiestaSan Antonio
210-227-5191, 877-723-4378, fiesta-sa.org
J A N U A R Y
Arlington AT&T Cotton Bowl ClassicFans watch as the second-place team from the Big 12 competes against an SEC champion or runner-up. 888-792-2695, attcottonbowl.com
M A R C H
WashingtonTexas Independence Day CelebrationCelebrate the Texas Declaration of Independence signing with reenactments and a black gunpowder salute by the Texas Army. 936-878-2214 ext. 237, birthplaceoftexas.com
DallasDallas BloomsThe largest outdoor floral festival in the Southwest is beautiful with 500,000 flowers and themed topiaries.214-515-6500, dallasarboretum.org
Denton35 Denton Music FestivalPopular 35 Denton is a walkable four-day music festival programmed in the heart of downtown Denton.940-382-2097, 35denton.com
DallasSavor DallasThis annual event offers food and wine from all over the world.888-728-6747, savordallas.com
A P R I L
Grand PrairieSpring Thoroughbred Racing SeasonAt Lone Star Park, you can see live Thoroughbred horse racing Thursday through Sunday.972-263-7223, lonestarpark.com
Fort WorthMain St. Fort Worth Arts FestivalNine 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
CleburneAntique Alley TexasThis massive antiques sale spans 40 kilometers and several towns. 817-641-0183, myantiquealley.com
M AY
IrvingHP Byron Nelson ChampionshipMix business with pleasure and unparalleled entertainment—PGA Tour legends and exclusive golf events.hpbnc.org
AddisonTaste AddisonMore than 60 of Addison’s eateries prepare a variety of food at discounted prices.800-ADDISON, addisontexas.net
Irving DFW Dragon Boat FestivalThis family event celebrates Asian culture with boat races, dragon dancing, kite flying, and food from over eight countries.214-850-9986, dfwdragonboatfestival.com
A U G U S T
WestWestfest Polka FestivalCome out for a parade, live music on two stages, dancing, and a carnival.254-826-5058, westfest.com
S E P T E M B E R
GrapevineGrapeFestJoin wine novices and connoisseurs at the largest wine festival in the Southwest.800-457-6338, grapevinetexasusa.com
LewisvilleWestern Days FestivalCelebrate Western culture with food, live music, and cooking demonstrations.972-219-3401, lewisvillewesterndays.com
PlanoPlano Balloon FestivalThe largest balloon event in Texas has more than 65 hot air balloons, a parachute team, and kids’ activities.972-867-7566, planoballoonfest.org
South Texas PlainsO C T O B E R
GoliadGoliad Market DaysThe city hosts one of the largest street markets in South Texas. Vendors sell arts and crafts, jewelry and collectibles. 361-645-3563, goliadcc.org
D E C E M B E R
McAllenCandlelight PosadaCelebrate the area’s culture with luminarias and a live Nativity scene.956-682-2871, mcallenchamber.com
LaredoWashington’s Birthday CelebrationThis celebration is packed with more than 30 events, including pageants and entertainment by international celebrities.956-722-0589, wbcalaredo.org
F E B R U A R Y
LaredoLaredo Birding FestivalThis international photo tournament showcases privately owned landscapes from the southeast to northwest areas of the state.800-361-3360, visitlaredo.com
HidalgoBorderFestThis heritage and music festival includes live entertainment from more than 100 performers and 20 stages.800-580-2215, myborderfest.com
M A R C H
San AntonioSt. Patrick’s Day FestivalThe celebration features a festival, grand river parade with Irish music, and a dyed-green San Antonio River.210-227-4262,thesanantonioriverwalk.com
A P R I L
San AntonioFiestaDuring 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
J U N E
San AntonioTexas Folklife FestivalThis is a celebration of the rich heritage of more than 40 ethnic groups in Texas.210-458-2300, texasfolklifefestival.org
J U LY
LaredoLaredo International Sister Cities FestivalCome experience a live music festival, an artisans’ alley, and a Brontosaurus Rib Cooking Contest.800-361-3360, visitlaredo.com
52 | TEXAS INTERNATIONAL TOUR GUIDE 2013–2015
Shopping
The Domain11410 Century Oaks Terrace, Austin, 78758
512-795-4230, simon.com
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Whether you're looking for high-end fash-ion, small-town antiques, or bargain shop-ping, Texas has it all.
Big Bend CountryBuffalo Girls and The Brown Bag440 S. Main St., Del Rio, 78840830-768-4837, buffalogirlsboutique.com
Cielo Vista Mall8401 Gateway Blvd. W., El Paso, 79925915-779-7071, simon.com/mall/cielo-vista
Outlet Shoppes at El Paso7051 S. Desert Blvd., Canutillo, 79835915-877-3208, theoutletshoppesatelpaso.com
Bella Terrazza116 N. Main St., Fort Stockton, 79735432-336-0200, bellaterrazza.net
Boardwalk Shops at Lajitas1 Main St., Lajitas, 79852432-424-5000
Hotel Paisano Gallery and Gifts207 N. Highland Ave., Marfa, 79843432-729-4134, hotelpaisano.com
Midland Park Mall4511 N. Midkiff Rd., Midland, 79705432-694-1663, simon.com/mall/midland-park-mall
Music City Mall4101 E. 42nd St., Odessa, 79762432-550-2483, musiccitymall.net
Gulf CoastKemah Lighthouse Shopping DistrictCorner of Sixth and Bradford, Kemah, 77565, 281-538-4165, kemah.net
Bay City Historic Downtown DistrictTown Square, TX Hwy. 60 and TX Hwy. 35, 77414877-878-5386, visitmatagordacounty.com
Parkdale Mall6155 Eastex Fwy., Beaumont, 77706409-898-2222, parkdalemalltx.com
Sunrise Mall2370 N. Expwy., Brownsville, 78521956-541-5302, sunrisemalltx.com
Bleu Frog Mercantile1710 S. Alameda, Corpus Christi, 78404361-881-1091, bleufrogmercantile.com
Lamar Park3800 S. Alameda, Corpus Christi, 78411361-880-5870, lamarpark.com
La Palmera5488 South Padre Island Dr.Corpus Christi, 78411361-991-5718, lapalmera.com
Historic Downtown GalvestonThe Strand at 23rd St., Galveston, 77550409-763-7080, downtowngalveston.org
Valle Vista Mall2020 S. Expwy. 83, Harlingen, 78552956-425-8392, simon.com/mall/valle-vista-mall
Factory Stores of America Outlet Center805 Factory Outlet Dr., Hempstead, 77445979-826-8277, vfoutlet.net
Gulfway Plaza at La Marque11001 Delaney Rd., La Marque, 77568409-938-3333, gulfwayplaza.com
Highland Village4055 Westheimer Rd., Houston, 77027713-850-3100, shophighlandvillage.com
Houston Galleria5085 Westheimer Rd., Houston, 77056713-966-3500, galleriahouston.com
Katy Mills5000 Katy Mills Cir., Katy, 77494281-644-5015, katymills.com
Uptown Park1133 Uptown Park Blvd., Houston, 77056713-850-1400, uptownparkhouston.com
The Woodlands Mall1201 Lake Woodlands Dr.The Woodlands, 77380281-363-3409, thewoodlandsmall.com
Historic Downtown KingsvilleKleberg Ave. area, Kingsville, 78363800-333-5032, kingsvilletexas.com
League City Historic DistrictHeritage Square, Park and Main Sts.League City, 77573leaguecityhistoricshoppes.com
Coastal Closet1726 State Hwy. 361 Ste. DPort Aransas, 78373361-749-1881, coastalclosetpa.com
Rockport Heritage District AssociationAustin St., Rockport, 78382800-242-0071
Rosenberg Historic Downtown DistrictFirst, Second, and Third Sts. and Ave GRosenberg, 77471832-595-3300, 866-367-8236visitrosenberg.com
Victoria Mall7800 N. Navarro, Victoria, 77904361-576-1291, shopvictoriamall.com
Hill CountryThe Arboretum10000 Research Blvd., Austin, 78759512-338-4437, simon.com/mall/ barton-creek-square
Barton Creek Square Mall2901 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., Austin, 78746512-327-7040, simon.com/mall/ arboretum-at-great-hills
The Domain11410 Century Oaks Terrace, Ste. 210, Austin, 78758512-795-4230, thedomaininaustin.com
Lakeline Mall11200 Lakeline Mall Dr., Cedar Park, 78613512-257-7467, lakelinemall.com
2nd Street DistrictSecond St., between San Antonio and Colorado, Austin, TX2ndstreetdistrict.com
South CongressCongress Ave., south of bridge, Austin, 78704512-474-5171, austintexas.org
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North Park Center8687 N. Central Expwy., Dallas, 75225214-363-7441, northparkcenter.com
Historic Downtown DistrictMain St., Boerne, 78006830-249-7277, visitboerne.org
Fredericksburg Historic Downtown Shopping District302 E. Austin St., Fredericksburg, 78624830-997-6523, visitfredericksburgtx.org
Kerrville Downtown Historic DistrictEarl Garrett and Water Sts., Kerrville, 78028830-792-3535, KerrvilleTexasCVB.com
New Braunfels Marketplace651 N. Business I-35, New Braunfels, 78130830-620-7475, nbmarketplace.com
Round Rock Premium Outlets4401 I-35 N., Round Rock, 78664512-863-6688, premiumoutlets.com/roundrock
San Marcos Premium Outlets3939 I-35 S., San Marcos, 78666512-396-2200, primeoutlets.com/sanmarcos
Tanger Outlet Center4015 I-35 S., San Marcos, 78666512-396-7446, tangeroutlet.com/san-marcos
Historic Downtown Shopping District201 N. Getty, Uvalde800-588-2533, visituvalde.com
Wimberley Square14100 Ranch Rd. 12,Wimberley, 78676512-847-2201, wimberley.org
Panhandle PlainsDowntown Historical DistrictDowntown Abilene from N. First St. to N. Sixth St.Abilene, 79601325-676-2556, 800-727-7704abilenevisitors.com
Mall of Abilene4310 Buffalo Gap Rd., Abilene, 79606325-698-4351, mallofabilene.com
Georgia Street Mall for Arts and Crafts2701 Westhaven Village,Amarillo, 79109806-355-5658, georgiastmall.com
Historic Route 66 Antiques DistrictRuns down Sixth Ave.,from Western St. to Georgia St.877-398-1211, amarillo66.com
Westgate Mall7701 I-40 W., Amarillo, 79121806-358-7221, westgatemalltx.com
Downtown SquareFourth Ave. and 15th St., Canyon, 79015806-655-7815, 800-999-9481, canyonchamber.org
Kingsgate Center82nd St. and Quaker Ave., Lubbock, 79424806-745-9718, kingsgatecenter.com
South Plains Mall6002 Slide Rd., Lubbock, 79414806-792-4653, southplainsmall.com
Historic DistrictConcho Ave. between Oakes and Chadburn Sts.,San Angelo, 76903325-655-4136, visitsanangelo.org
Sikes Senter Mall3111 Midwestern Pkwy., Wichita Falls, 76308940-692-5501, sikessenter.com
Piney WoodsOutlets at Conroe1111 League Line Rd., Conroe, 77303936-756-0904, outletsatconroe.com
National Register Historic District100 E. Main St., Henderson, 75652903-392-8232, 866-650-5529, hendersontx.us
Historic Downtown Huntsville1203 University Ave., Huntsville, 77340936-291-5920, huntsvillemainstreet.com
Barton and Beane101 N. Kilgore St., Kilgore, 75662903-986-3600, bartonandbeane.com
The Weisman Center211 N. Washington Ave., Marshall, 75670903-934-8836
Mount Pleasant Town SquareMadison, Jefferson, First, and Second Sts.,Mount Pleasant, 75455903-572-8567, mtpleasanttx.com
Historic Downtown Nacogdoches200 E. Main St., Nacogdoches, 75961936-564-7351, 888-653-3788, visitnacogdoches.org
Sam Moon17941 I-45 S., Shenandoah, 77385936-321-1400, sammoon.com
Broadway Square Mall4601 S. Broadway Ave., Tyler, 75703903-561-2121, simon.com
VF Factory Outlet Center440 US Hwy. 59 Loop S., Livingston, 77351936-327-7881, vfoutlet.net
Prairies & LakesThe Parks at Arlington Mall3811 S. Cooper St., Arlington, 76015817-467-0200, theparksatarlington.com
Historic Downtown Bryan213B S. Main St., Bryan, 77803979-822-4920, downtownbryan.com
Wright Plaza Shopping Mall115 Main St. S., Cleburne, 76033214-202-5550
Nolan River Mall1663 Henderson W., Cleburne, 76033817-645-2455
VF Outlet Mall316 Factory Outlet Dr., Corsicana, 75109903-874-1503, vffo.com
Galleria Dallas13350 Dallas Pkwy., Dallas, 75240972-702-7100, galleriadallas.com
Highland Park Village42 Highland Park Village, Dallas, 75205214-443-9898, hpvillage.com
NorthPark Center8687 N. Central Expwy., Dallas, 75225214-363-7441, northparkcenter.com
West Village3699 McKinney Ave., Dallas, 75204214-219-1144, westvil.com
54 | TEXAS INTERNATIONAL TOUR GUIDE 2013–2015
Shopping
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The Shops at Willow Bend6121 W. Park Blvd., Plano, 75093
972-202-4900, shopwillowbend.com
Historic Downtown DistrictMain St., Denison, 75020903-465-1551, denisontexas.us
Golden Triangle Mall2201 I-35E South,Denton, 76205940-566-6024, shopgoldentraingle.com
Ennis Historic Downtown Shopping District100 W. Ennis Ave., Ennis, 75119972-878-4748, 888-366-4748, visitennis.org
Montgomery Plaza2600 7th St. W., Fort Worth, 76107817-348-9477, montgomeryplaza.com
Stockyards Station130 E. Exchange Ave., Fort Worth, 76164817-625-9715, stockyardsstation.com
Sundance SquareBetween Second and Fifth Sts., Fort Worth, 76102817-255-5700, sundancesquare.com
West 7thUniversity Drive N. and W. Seventh St.Fort Worth, 76107817-810-9076, west-7th.com
IKEA7171 IKEA Dr., Frisco, 75034888-888-4532, ikea-usa.com
Firewheel Town Center245 Cedar Sage Dr., Garland, 75040972-675-8085
Resistol & Stetson Factory Outlet721 Marion Dr.Garland, 75042972-494-0511, resistolhat.com
Historic Downtown Square100 N.E. Barnard St., Glen Rose, 76043888-346-6282, glenrosetexas.net
Discovery Architectural Antiques409 St. Francis St., Gonzales, 78629830-672-2428, discoverys.com
Granbury Historic Shopping DistrictDowntown Granbury, 76048877-936-1201, granburytx.com
Granbury ShoppingUS Hwy. 377, Granbury, 76048877-936-1201, granburytx.com
Traders Village2602 Mayfield Rd., Grand Prairie, 75052972-647-2331, tradersvillage.com
Under Armour2950 W. I-20 #926Grand Prairie, 75052972-602-8383, paragonoutlets.com
Grapevine Mills3000 Grapevine Mills Pkwy., Grapevine, 76051972-724-4900, simon.com
Historic Downtown Greenville2500 Lee St., Greenville, 75401903-455-1510, greenvillechamber.com
Uptown Forum2610 Lee St., Greenville, 75401903-455-1510, greenvillechamber.com
Irving Mall3880 Irving Mall,Irving, 75062972-255-0571, simon.com/mall/irving-mall
La Grange Main Street SquareFayette County Courthouse Square, La Grange, 78945979-968-8701, cityoflg.com
Historic Downtown McKinney111 N. Tennessee St., McKinney, 75069972-547-2660, downtownmckinney.com
Tanger Outlet Center301 Tanger Dr., Terrell, 75160972-524-6034, tangeroutlet.com
Town East Mall2063 Town East Mall, Mesquite, 75150972-270-4431, towneastmall.com
The Shops at Legacy5741 Legacy Dr., Plano, 75024469-467-9995, shopsatlegacy.com
The Shops at Willow Bend6121 W. Park Blvd., Plano, 75093972-202-7110, shopwillowbend.com
D & D Farm Ranch5161 I-10 E. Seguin, 78155830-379-7340, d-dfarmranch.com
VF Factory Outlet614 Bill Bradford Rd.Sulphur Springs, 75482903-885-0015, vfoutlet.com
Temple Mall3111 S. 31st St., Temple, 76502254-778-4847, templemall.com
South Texas PlainsSoho Goliad: The Emporium of Fine Art, Gifts, and Antiques130 N. Courthouse Square, Goliad, 77963361-645-2268, goliadcc.org
Downtown Shopping DistrictFrom Zaragoza St. to Matamoros St., Lar-edo, 78040956-795-2200, visitlaredo.com
Mall del Norte5300 San Dario Ave., Laredo, 78041956-724-8191, malldelnorte.com
San Bernardo Avenue Shopping DistrictSan Bernardo Ave., Laredo, 78040956-795-2200, 800-361-3360, visitlaredo.com
Alamo Quarry Market255 E. Basse Rd., San Antonio, 78209210-824-8885, quarrymarket.com
North Star Mall7400 San Pedro Ave., San Antonio, 78216210-342-2325, northstarmall.com
The Rim17503 La Cantera Pkwy., San Antonio, 78257210-641-1777, therimsa.com
Rivercenter Mall849 E. Commerce St., San Antonio, 78205210-225-0000, shoprivercenter.com
The Shops at La Cantera15900 La Cantera Pkwy.,San Antonio, 78256210-582-6255,theshopsatlacantera.com
The Forum at Olympia Parkway8320 Agora Pkwy., Selma, 78154210-566-7604, theforum-sa.com
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Wineries & Breweries
Big Bend CountryZin Valle Winery7315 Canutillo La Union Rd., Canutillo, 79835915-877-4544, zinvalle.comOpen Fri.–Mon. noon–5 p.m. by appoint-ment only.
Val Verde Winery100 Qualia Dr., Del Rio, 78840830-775-9714, valverdewinery.comOpen Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Gulf CoastSaint Arnold Brewing Company2000 Lyons Ave., Houston, 77020800-801-6402, 713-686-9494, saintarnold.com Tours and tastings weekdays at 3 p.m., Sat. starting at 11 a.m. Admission: $7. Special-event rental maximum 400.
Piney Woods Country Winery and Vineyard3408 Willow Dr., Orange, 77632409-883-5408, pineywoodswines.comTastings Mon.–Sat. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Call ahead. Adults only. Admission: Free.
Haak Vineyards and Winery6310 Avenue T, Santa Fe, 77510409-925-1401, haakwine.comMon.–Fri. 11 a.m.–6 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m.–7 p.m., Sun. 12 p.m.–5 p.m. Ad-mission: $10.
Bruno and George Winery400 Messina Rd., Sour Lake, 77659409-963-8235, brunoandgeorge.comTours and tastings by appointment.
Hill CountryComfort Cellars Winery723 Front St., Comfort, 78013830-995-3274Call or visit website for hours and tasting hours. Tastings $3. Groups of 10 or more call ahead.
McReynolds Winery706 Shovel Mountain Rd., Cypress Mill, 78663, 830-825-3544, mcreynoldswines.comTours and tastings Fri.–Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. noon–6 p.m. Tastings $5. Groups of 10 or more call ahead. Tastings during the week by appointment.
Driftwood Estate Winery4001 Elder Hill Rd., Driftwood, 78619512-858-9667, driftwoodvineyards.comTastings, sales, and gift shop daily 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Tastings $5. Groups of 10 or more $10; call ahead.
Bell Mountain Vineyards463 Bell Mountain Rd., Fredericksburg, 78624830-685-3297, bellmountainwine.comTours, tastings, and picnic facility open Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Other days by ap-pointment only. Admission: Free.
Chisholm Trail Winery2367 Usener Rd., Fredericksburg, 78624 Off US Hwy. 290 W., nine miles west of Fredericksburg830-990-2675, chisholmtrailwinery.comOpen daily noon–6 p.m., closed major holidays.
Rancho Ponte Vineyard315 Ranch Rd. 1376, Fredericksburg, 78624830-990-8555, ranchoponte.comTastings Sun.–Fri. 11 a.m.–5 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m.–6 p.m., 6 tastings for $10, includes wine glass
Fredericksburg Winery247 W. Main St., Fredericksburg, 78624830-990-8747, fbgwinery.comCall or visit website for tasting hours and fees. For tours and groups of 10 or more call ahead for reservations.
Grape Creek Vineyard10587 US Hwy. 290 E., Fredericksburg, 78624, 830-644-2710, grapecreek.comVisit website for tour and tasting informa-tion. Call the tasting room to book tours and group tours.
Torre Di Pietra Winery10915 US Hwy. 290 E., Fredericksburg, 78624, 830-644-2829, texashillcountrywine.comTastings and sales daily 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Tastings: premium $5, reserved $10. Groups of 12 or more call ahead.
Texas Hills Vineyard878 Ranch Rd. 2766, Johnson City, 78636 830-868-2321, texashillsvineyard.comCall or visit website for tour and tasting hours. Admission: Free. Groups of 12 or more call ahead.
Pillar Bluff Vineyards300 Burnet County Rd. 111, Lampasas, 76550512-556-4078, pillarbluff.comOpen Fri.–Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 12:30–5 p.m. Admission: Free. Groups of 12 or more call ahead.
Flat Creek Estate24912 E. Singleton Bend, Marble Falls, 78654512-267-6310, flatcreekestate.comTastings Tue.–Sun. noon–5 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Tastings $6–$12. Groups of 8 or more call ahead. Bistro open Fri.-Sun. 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Dry Comal Creek Vineyards1741 Herbelin Rd., New Braunfels, 78132830-885-4121, drycomalcreek.comTastings and sales daily noon–5 p.m. Tours only on weekends. Call or visit web-site for rates or groups of 10 or more.
Sister Creek Vineyards1142 Sisterdale Rd. (FM 1376)Sisterdale, 78006830-324-6704, sistercreekvineyards.comAdmission: Free. Call or visit website for tour and tasting hours and large groups.
Spicewood Vineyards1419 Burnet County Rd. 409Spicewood, 78669830-693-5328, spicewoodvineyards.comTours, tastings, and sales Wed.–Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. noon–5 p.m. Tastings and tours $2. Large groups call ahead. Reservations required for tours.
Becker Vineyards464 Becker Farms Rd., Stonewall, 78671830-644-2681, beckervineyards.comOpen Mon.–Thurs. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Fri.–Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. noon–6 p.m. Six tastings for $10, includes wine glass.
Woodrose Winery662 Woodrose Ln., Stonewall, 78671830-644-2539, woodrosewinery.comCall or visit website for tastings and sales hours and groups of 10 or more. Admis-sion: Free. Tastings $3 and $5.
Fall Creek Vineyards1820 County Rd. 222, Tow, 78672325-379-5361, 512-476-4477, fcv.comTasting hours Mon.–Fri. 11 a.m.–4 p.m, Sat. 11 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. noon–4 p.m. Tastings $5.
Panhandle PlainsCap Rock Winery408 E. Woodrow Rd., Lubbock, 79423806-686-4452, caprockwinery.comOpen Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 12:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m.
Llano Estacado Winery3426 E. FM 1585, Lubbock, 79404806-745-2258, llanowine.comCall or visit website for hours and group tours. Admission: Free.
McPherson Cellars Winery1615 Texas Ave., Lubbock, 79401806-687-9463, mcphersoncellars.comCall or visit website for hours.Admission: Free.
D’Vine Wine113 E. Concho Ave., San Angelo, 76903325-482-WINE, sanangelo.dvinewineusa.comCall or visit website for hours. Admission: Free.
Wichita Falls Vineyards and Winery3399 Peterson Rd. S., Ste. B, Iowa Park, 76367, 940-855-2093, wichitafallsvineyardsandwinery.comCall or visit website for hours and group tours. Admission: Free.
Piney WoodsEnoch Stomp Vineyard and Winery871 Ferguson Rd. (CR 4312), Harleton, 75651, 903-240-1587, enochsstomp.com
Call or visit website for tasting hours and admission.
Bernhardt Winery9043 CR 204, Plantersville, 77363936-894-9829, bernhardtwinery.comCall or visit website for tasting hours, fees, and group tours.
Prairies & LakesTara Vineyards and Winery8603 CR 3914, Athens, 75752903-675-7023, tarawinery.comCall or visit website for hours, fees, and group reservations.
Pleasant Hill Winery1441 Salem Rd., Brenham, 77833979-830-8463, pleasanthillwinery.comCall or visit website for hours, fees, and group reservations.
Windy Winery4232 Clover Rd., Brenham, 77833979-836-3252, windywinery.comCall or visit website for hours, fees, and group tour reservations.
Messina Hof Winery and Resort4545 Old Reliance Rd., Bryan, 77808800-736-9463, messinahof.comCall or visit website for fees, hours, and group tour reservations.
Rahr and Sons Brewery Company701 Galveston Ave., Fort Worth, 76104817-810-9266, rahrbrewing.comOpen Wed. 5–7:30 p.m., Sat. 1–3 p.m.Admission: $10 (comes with free pint glass).
Barking Rocks Winery1919 Allen Ct., Granbury, 76048817-579-0007, barkingrockswine.comCall or visit website for fees, hours, and tour reservations.
Delaney Vineyards and Winery2000 Champagne Blvd., Grapevine, 76051817-481-5668, delaneyvineyards.comCall or visit website for fees, hours,and group tour reservations.
La Buena Vida Vineyards416 E. College St., Grapevine, 76051817-481-9463, labuenavida.comCall or visit website for fees and hours.
Su Vino Winery120 S. Main St., Ste. 40, Grapevine, 76051817-424-0123, suvinowinery.comCall or visit website for fees and hours.
Spoetzl Brewery (producer of Shiner beer)603 E. Brewery St., Shiner, 77984800-574-4637, shiner.comCall or visit website for hours and tours.Admission: Free.
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Agriculture, Technical, & Medical Tours
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Marshall Pottery4901 Elysian Fields Rd., Marshall, 75672
903-927-5400, marshallpottery.com
Big Bend CountryDepartment of Biology, Sul Ross State UniversityBiology WSB, Room 216, Box C-64Sul Ross State University, Alpine, 79832432-837-8050, sulross.edu/section/33/biology
Focus: various biological topics; caters to tour group requests. Contact: Chris Ritzi. Accommodates 100 (by reservation only).
Laughlin Air Force Base47 FTW/PA, 561 Liberty Dr., Ste. 3 Laughlin AFB, 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).
Sibley Nature Center1307 E. Wadley, Midland, 79705432-684-6827, sibleynaturecenter.org
Focus: Flora, fauna, human, and natural history of the Llano Estacado. Nature Trail open daily. Contact: Richard Galley (for group tours). Accommodates up to 70.
Gulf CoastMatagorda County CVB Agriculture Tours201 Seventh St., Bay City, 77414877-878-5386, visitmatagordacounty.comFocus: Rice, turf, cattle, agriculture, and aquaculture. Contact: Heidi Simmons. Accommodates 30–50.
Port Corpus Christi222 Power St., Corpus Christi, 78401800-580-7110, portofcorpuschristi.com
Focus: Maritime-related industries. Contact: Patricia Cardenas. Accommodates 100 (by appointment only)
Eco-Art Adventure2415 Ave. K, Galveston, 77550409-770-0722, artistboat.org
Focus: Kayak and walking environmental tours at Galveston Bay combined with art workshops. Accommodates 25 (reservations required)..Aloe King Educational Farm Tours1947 Mile 6 North Rd., Mercedes, 78570877-312-1835, aloeking.com
Focus: Growing and processing of aloe vera, trolley rides, and nature trail. Contact: John Downing. Accommodates 10–24 (by appointment only).
Sam Houston Boat Tour7300 Clinton Dr. at Gate 8, Houston, 77029713-670-2416, portofhouston.com
Focus: International port operations and shipping. Accommodates 2 groups of 45 (by appointment only).
Where the Chefs Eat Houston Culinary Tours3815 Westheimer, Houston, 77027713-437-5275, houstonculinarytours.com
Focus: International cuisine. Accomodates 16 (reservations required).
Sea Turtle, Inc.6617 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island, 78597956-761-4511, 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 Laboratory100 Marine Lab Dr., South Padre Island, 78597956-761-2644, utpa.edu/csl
Focus: Marine science. Contact: Dr. Miguel Nevarez. Accommodates 50 for self-guided tours (reservations required for large groups).
Hill CountryBoggy Creek Farm3414 Lyons Rd., Austin, 78702512-926-4650, boggycreekfarm.com
Focus: Organic vegetables, fruits, flowers, and smoke-dried tomatoes. Contact: Carol Ann Sayle. Accommodates 30.
Aransas National Wildlife Refuge6 miles south of Austwell on FM 2040, 77950361-286-3559, 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).
CCA-CPL Marine Development Center4300 Waldron Rd., Corpus Christi, 78418361-939-7784, tpwd.state.tx.us/fishboatfish management/hatcheries/ccacpl.phtml
Focus: Fish hatchery, marine aquaculture. Contact: Debbie Grime. Accommodates up to 40 (by appointment only).
Padre Island National Seashore20301 Park Rd. 22, Corpus Christi, 78418361-949-8068, nps.gov/pais
Focus: Surf fishing, windsurfing, beach vegetation and marine life, natural beach habitat, sand dunes, mud flats, endangered species of turtles, and sunbathing. Accommodates an unlimited number.
Crowe’s Nest Farm10300 Taylor Ln., Manor, 78653512-272-4418, crowesnestfarm.org
Focus: Stewardship of Texas agricultural and wildlife resources. Contact: Diane Crowe. Accommodates approximately 150.
SFC–Austin Farmers’ MarketEast: 2835 E. MLK Jr. Blvd., Austin, 78702Downtown: Fourth and Guadalupe, Austin, 78701 The Triangle: 46th and Lamar, Austin, 78798 Sunset Valley: 3200 Jones, Austin, 78745 512-236-0074, austinfarmersmarket.org
Focus: Largest certified growers-only farmers’ market in the state. Offers locally grown food year-round. Accommodates approx. 150.
Texas Wine Tours154 Deike Hunter Ln., Fredericksburg, 78624877-TEX-WINE, texas-wine-tours.com
Focus: Wine tasting. Contact: Jim or Mary Thompson. Accommodates 2–14.
Heart of the Hills Fishery Science Center5103 Junction Hwy., Mountain Home, 78058830-866-3356, tpwd.state.tx.us
Focus: Freshwater fisheries research and education. Contact: Bob Betsill. Accommodation based on call-ahead reservation.
Central Texas Technology Center2189 FM 758, New Braunfels, 78130830-609-2100, alamo.edu/cttc
Focus: Welding, manufacturing, mechanical, technical training, and traditional college curriculum. Contact: Chester Jenke. Accommodates 25.
A. E. Wood State Fish Hatchery507 Staples Rd., San Marcos, 78666512-353-0572, tpwd.state.tx.us
Focus: Bass and catfish. Contact: Robert Schmid. Call ahead for reservations for large groups.
San Marcos National Fish Hatchery and Technology Center500 E. McCarty Ln., San Marcos, 78666512-353-0011, fws.gov/southwest/fisheries/san_marcos
Focus: Endangered aquatic species. Contact: Tom Brandt. Accommodates 20.
Uvalde National Fish Hatchery754 County Rd. 203, Uvalde, 78801830-278-2419, fws.gov/southwest/fisheries/uvalde
Focus: Raise threatened and endangered species. Accommodation varies according to schedule.
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Old Oaks Ranch and Fiber Arts Center601 Old Oaks Ranch Rd. Wimberley, 78676512-847-8784, theoldoaksranch.com
Focus: Yarn and fiber, alpacas, and sculpture garden. Accommodation varies according to schedule; reservations required.
Central Texas Bonsai Exhibit12404 Ranch Rd. 12, Wimberley, 78676512-847-2514, bonsaiexhibittexas.com
Focus: More than 160 species of trees and more than 1,000 containers of specimen trees.
PanhandleCedar Gap Farm293 County Rd. 563, Tuscola, 79562325-669-2879, cedargapbirds@gmail.com
Focus: Birds and wildlife. Accommodates up to 40 (by reservation).
Daphne’s Tour and Travel6703 Terryville Dr., Amarillo, 79109806-576-8191, daphnestours.com
Focus: Cattle and agricultural tours. Accommodates 50 (by reservation).
American Wind Power Center1701 Canyon Lake Dr., Lubbock, 79403806-747-8734, windmill.com
Focus: Wind power and wind power history. Accommodates 20 (by reservation).
Apple Country at High Plains Orchards12206 E. TX Hwy. 62, Idalou, 79329806-781-1753, applecountryorchards.com
Focus: Apple picking and orchard tour. Accommodates unlimited number in orchards.
Buster’s Gin, LLC4165 Quail Rd., Ropesville, 79358806-863-2669, cottonhost.com/70186/
Focus: Cotton. Accommodates 40 (tours only in the fall, reservations required).
Texas Tech Meat Science LaboratoryIndiana and Marsha Sharp Fwy., Lubbock, 79409 806-742-2805, raiderredmeats.com
Focus: Meat-processing lab. Accommodates 20 (reservations required in April).
Blue Bell Creameries1101 Blue Bell Rd. S., Brenham, 77833800-327-8135, bluebell.com
Focus: Ice cream production. Accommodates 30. Reservations required for 15 or more.
Burton Cotton Gin and Museum307 N. Main St., Burton, 77835979-289-3378, cottonginmuseum.org
Focus: Cotton and cotton ginning. Reservations required for group tours.
Antique Rose Emporium 9300 Lueckemeyer Rd., Brenham, 77833979-836-5548, weareroses.com
Focus: Growers. retailers of antique roses and many other native plants. Reservations required for group tours.
Baylor University Medical Center3500 Gaston Ave., Dallas, 75246214-820-2833, baylorhealth.com
Focus: Bronzed hand collection and other medical artifacts. Accommodates 25.
North Texas Horse Country Tour414 Parkway, Denton, 76201940-382-7895, horsecountrytours.com
Focus: Horses and equine industry.
The Windmill Farm and Bed-and-Breakfast6625 Colony Rd., Tolar, 76476254-835-4168, thewindmillfarm.com
Focus: Restored windmills. Contact: Ruby Rickgauer. Accommodates 50. Call ahead for guided tours.
Jersey Barnyard 3117 TX Hwy. 159, La Grange, 78945979-249-3406, 800-382-2880, texasjersey.com
Focus: Dairy production and barnyard animals. Accommodates 150.
Chambersville Tree Farms 7032 CR 971, Celina, 75009214-295-1058, chambersvilletreefarms.com
Focus: Sustainable organic horticulture. By appointment only.
Pat Lobb Toyota “Green” Dealership3350 S. Central Expwy., McKinney, 75070888-310-1752, patlobbtoyota.com
Focus: Energy and environmental design. Accommodates 40. Reservations required.
NTX Automotive Museum and Event Center677 W. Campbell Rd., Richardson, 75080972-664-9418, ntxautomuseum.com
Focus: Classic and muscle cars. Accommodates 50.
Aermotor Windmill Company, Inc.4276 Dan Hanks Ln., San Angelo, 76904 325-651-4951, aermotorwindmill.com
Focus: Water-pumping windmill manufacturing.
Producers Livestock Auction1131 N. Bell St., San Angelo, 76903 325-653-3371, producersandcargile.com Focus: Livestock auction. Accommodates 50.
Piney WoodsMarshall Pottery4901 Elysian Fields Rd., Marshall, 75672903-927-5400, marshallpottery.com
Focus: Hand-turned pottery, stoneware, and garden gift center. Accomodates approximately 200.
Master Gardeners1708 Industrial Rd., Mount Pleasant, 75455903-572-0261
Focus: Flower beds and rainwater harvesting.
International Paper, Texarkana Mill9978 FM 3129, Queen City, 75572903-796-7101, internationalpaper.com
Focus: Paper manufacturing. Reservations required.
Chamblee’s Rose Nursery10926 US Hwy. 69 N., Tyler, 75706 903-882-5153, 800-256-7673, chambleeroses.com
Focus: Rose-growing nursery. Accommodates 60. Reservations required.
Coffee City USA13195 TX Hwy. 155 S., Tyler, 75703903-509-9102, 888-583-9526, coffeecityusa.com
Focus: Coffee roasting and flavoring. Accommodates 50. Reservations required.
Moore Farms22142 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)
Prairies & LakesRiver Legacy Living Science Center703 N.W. Green Oaks Blvd., Arlington, 76006817-860-6752, riverlegacy.org
Focus: Nature center, wildlife, plant life, Trinity River, environmental education, and preservation. Accommodates 25.
Texas Agricultural Education and Heritage Center390 Cordova Rd., Seguin, 78155830-379-0933, 830-379-1122, texagedu.org
Focus: Farming and ranching. Reservations required.
Texas AgriLife Extension Service1200 W. Houston St.Sulphur Springs, 75482903-885-3443, hopkins.agrilife.org
Focus: Agriculture and natural resources, family consumer science, community development, and youth development. Accommodates 30 (by appointment only).
Texas State Technical College3801 Campus Dr., Waco, 76705254-867-2005, waco.tstc.eduFocus: All 45 areas of technical education. Accommodates 70.
South Texas PlainsLamar Bruni Vergara Envi-ronmental Science CenterLaredo Community College 1 West End Washington St., Laredo, 78040956-764-5701, lbvesc@laredo.edu tommiller@laredo.edu
Focus: Environmental and water conser-vation, living lab, plant rescue for cactus and orchids confiscated at international bridges.
San Antonio Lighthouse for the Blind2305 Roosevelt Ave., San Antonio, 78210210-533-5195, salighthouse.org
Focus: Industrial plant and rehabilita-tion center for the sight-impaired with computers that have Braille output. Ac-commodates approximately 30.
58 | TEXAS INTERNATIONAL TOUR GUIDE 2013–2015
Beaches, State Parks & Historic Sites
Surfside BeachOn Bluewater Hwy., Surfside, 77541
979-233-1531, surfsidetx.org
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With more than 1,000 kilometers of coastline and almost 700,000 square kilometers of land, Texas is full of oppor-tunity to explore the wilderness or relax on a sandy beach. The destinations be-low are only a sampling. For a complete listing, visit TravelTex.com.
Big Bend CountryAmistad National Recreation Area9685 US Hwy. 90 W., Del Rio, 78840830-775-7491, nps.gov/amis
Big Bend National Park Big Bend National Park, 79834 Visitors center: 432-477-2251Chisos Mountains Lodge: 432-477-2291, nps.gov/bibe
Big Bend Ranch State Park 1900 Saucedo Rd., Presidio, 79845432-358-4444, tpwd.state.tx.us
Davis Mountains State Park1.6 kilometers north of Fort Davis, TX Hwy. 17 to TX Hwy. 118 N.432-426-3337, tpwd.state.tx.us
Fort Leaton Historic SiteE. FM 170, Presidio, 79845432-229-3613, tpwd.state.tx.us
Franklin Mountains State Park1331 McKelligon Canyon Rd., El Paso, 79930915-566-6441, tpwd.state.tx.us
Guadalupe Mountains National Park400 Pine Canyon Dr., Salt Flat, 79847915-828-3251, nps.gov/gumo
Hueco Tanks State Park and Historical Site6900 Hueco Tanks Rd. 1, El Paso, 79938 915-857-1135, tpwd.state.tx.us
Magoffin Home State Historic Site1120 Magoffin Ave., El Paso, 79901915-533-5147, visitmagoffinhome.com
Seminole Canyon State Park and Historic Site US Hwy. 90 W., Park Rd. 67, Comstock, 78837432-292-4464, tpwd.state.tx.us
Gulf CoastAnahuac National Wildlife Refuge4017 FM 563, Anahuac, 77514409-267-3337, fws.gov/refuge/anahuac
Aransas National Wildlife Refuge6 miles south of Austwell on FM 2040, 77950361-286-3559, fws.gov/refuges/aransas
B E A C H E S
Boca Chica Beach 35 kilometers east of Brownsville on the Gulf of Mexico, 956-546-3721, 800-626-2639, brownsville.org
Corpus Christi Bay Area1823 N. Chaparral, Corpus Christi, 78401800-766-2322, visitcorpuschristitx.org
Crystal Beach 1754 Hwy 87, Crystal Beach, 77650, 409-684-5940, 800-386-7863,bolivarchamber.org
Galveston East Beach1923 Boddeker Dr., Galveston, 77550409-797-5111, galveston.com/eastbeach
Galveston Island Area866-505-4456, galveston.com/beachparks
Isla Blanca ParkRd. 100, 33174 State Park Rd., South Padre Island, 78597956-761-5493, co.cameron.tx.us/parks/isla_blanca
Island Equestrian Center8805 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island, 78597, 956-761-4677, horsesonthebeach.com
Lighthouse Beach andBird Sanctuary700 Lighthouse Beach Rd.,Port Lavaca, 77979361-552-2959, plchamber.com
Malaquite Beach Complex and Campground20420 Park Rd. 22,Corpus Christi, 78418361-949-8068, nps.gov/pais
Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge/San Bernard National Wildlife RefugeBrazoria NWR: 24907 FM 2004,Angleton, 77515San Bernard NWR: 6801 County Rd. 306, Brazoria, 77422979-964-4011, fws.gov/southwest/ref-uges/texas/texasmidcoast/index.htm
Galveston Island State Park14901 FM 3005, Galveston, 77554409-737-1222, tpwd.state.tx.us
Goose Island State Park202 S. Palmetto St., Rockport, 78382361-729-2858, tpwd.state.tx.us
Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge22817 Ocelot Rd., Los Fresnos, 78566956-748-3607 ex. 111, fws.gov/refuge/laguna_atascosa
Palo Alto Battlefield National Historic Park7200 Paredes Line Rd., Brownsville, 78520956-541-2785, nps.gov/paal
Sabal Palm Grove Audubon Center and Sanctuary8400 Southmost Rd., Brownsville, 78521956-541-8034, sabalpalmsanctuary.org
San Jacinto Battleground Battleship Texas State Historic Site One Monument Circle, La Porte, 77571281-479-2431, 281-479-2421 (museum), sanjacinto-museum.org, tpwd.state.tx.us
Mustang Island State Park17047 Hwy 361361-749-5246, tpwd.state.tx.us
Padre Island National Seashore20420 Park Rd. 22 Corpus Christi, 78418361-949-8068, nps.gov/pais
Porretto Beach10th St. and Seawall Blvd., Galveston, 77550, 281-808-3431, porrettobeach.com
Quintana Beach County Park330 Fifth St., Freeport, 77541From TX Hwy. 288 in Freeport, take FM 1495 south 3 kilometers, then take County Rd. 723 east 6 kilome-ters to the park entrance.979-233-1461, 800-872-7578,brazoria-county.com/parks/quintana
San Luis Pass Beach14001 CR 257, Freeport, 77541979-233-6026, 800-372-7578, brazoria-county.com/parks/san_luis_pass
Seawolf Park–Pelican Island100 Sea Wolf Pkwy., Galveston, 77550409-797-5114, galveston.com/seawolfpark
South Padre Island956-761-6433, 800-767-2373, sopadre.com
Stewart Beach Park201 Seawall Blvd., Sixth St. and Seawall Blvd., Galveston, 77550409-797-5182, galveston.com/stewartbeach
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Surfside Beach1304 Monument Dr., Surfside Beach, 77541979-233-1531, surfsidetx.org
Hill CountryEnchanted Rock State Natural Area16710 Ranch Rd. 965, Fredericksburg, 78624830-685-3636, tpwd.state.tx.us
Garner State Park234 Ranch Rd. 1050, Concan, 78838830-232-6132, tpwd.state.tx.us
Guadalupe River State Park3350 Park Rd. 31, Spring Branch, 78070 830-438-2656, tpwd.tx.us
Hill Country State Natural Area10600 Bandera Creek Rd., Bandera, 78003830-796-4413, 512-389-8900 (reservations), tpwd.state.tx.us
Inks Lake State Park3630 Park Rd. 4 W., Burnet, 78611512-793-2223, tpwd.state.tx.us
Kerrville-Schreiner State Park2385 Bandera Hwy., Kerrville, 78028830-257-7300, kerrville.org
Longhorn Caverns State Park6211 Park Rd. 4, Burnet, 78611830-598-2283, 877-441-2283,longhorncaverns.com or tpwd.state.tx.us
Lost Maples State Natural Area37221 FM 187, Vanderpool, 78885830-966-3413, tpwd.state.tx.us
Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park 199 Park Rd. 52, Stonewall, 78671830-868-7128, nps.gov/lyjo
Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic SiteUS 290; enter on Park Rd. 52, Stonewall, 78671830-644-2252, tpwd.state.tx.us
McKinney Falls State Park5808 McKinney Falls Pkwy., Austin, 78744512-243-1643, tpwd.state.tx.us
Pedernales Falls State Park2585 Park Rd. 6026, Johnson City, 78636830-868-7304, tpwd.state.tx.us
Martin Creek Lake State Park9515 County Rd. 2181-D, Tatum, 75691903-836-4336, tpwd.state.tx.us
Martin Dies Jr. State Park634 Park Rd. 48, Jasper, 75951409-384-5231, tpwd.state.tx.us
Mission Tejas State Park120 State Park Rd. 44, Grapeland, 75844936-687-2394, tpwd.state.tx.us
Northeast Texas Blue Bird Trail1604 N. Jefferson, Mount Pleasant, 75455903-572-8567, texasforesttrail.com/plan-your-adventure/historic-sites-and-cities/sites/northeast-texas-bluebird-trail
Starr Family Home State Historic Site407 W. Travis, Marshall, 75670903-935-3044, tpwd.state.tx.usvisitstarrfamilyhome.com
Tyler State Park789 Park Rd. 16, Tyler, 75706903-597-5338, tpwd.state.tx.us
Prairies & LakesBastrop State Park3005 TX Hwy. 21 E., Bastrop, 78602512-321-2101, tpwd.state.tx.us
Buescher State Park100 Park Rd. 1E, Smithville, 78957512-237-2241, tpwd.state.tx.us
Cleburne State Park5800 Park Rd. 21, Cleburne, 76033 817-645-4215, tpwd.state.tx.us
Dinosaur Valley State Park1629 Park Road 59, Glen Rose, 76043254-897-4588, tpwd.state.tx.us
Eisenhower State Park 50 Park Rd. 20, Denison, 75020903-465-1956, tpwd.state.tx.us
Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge9601 Fossil Ridge Rd., Fort Worth, 76135817-392-7410, fwnaturcenter.org
Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge6465 Refuge Rd., Sherman, 75092903-786-2826, fws.gov/refuge/hager-man
Lake Whitney State Park 433 FM 1244, Whitney, 76692254-694-3793, tpwd.state.tx.us
Meridian State Park173 Park Rd. 7, Meridian, 76665254-435-2536, tpwd.state.tx.us
Panhandle PlainsAbilene State Park150 Park Rd. 32, Tuscola, 79562325-572-3204, tpwd.state.tx.us
Caprock Canyons State Park and Trailway850 Caprock Canyon State Park Road, Quitaque, 79255, 806-455-1492, tpwd.state.tx.us
Copper Breaks State Park777 Park Rd. 62, Quanah, 79252940-839-4331, tpwd.state.tx.us
Fort Griffin Historical Site1701 US Hwy. 283 N., Albany, 76430325-762-3592, tpwd.state.tx.us,visit.fortgriffin.com
Lake Arrowhead State Park229 Park Rd. 63, Wichita Falls, 76310940-528-2211, tpwd.state.tx.us
Lake Brownwood State Park200 Park Rd. 15, Brownwood, 76801325-784-5223, tpwd.state.tx.us
Lake Colorado City State Park4582 FM 2836, Colorado City, 79512325-728-3931, tpwd.state.tx.us
Lake Meredith National Recreation Area419 E. Broadway, Fritch, 79036806-857-3151, nps.gov/lamr
Lubbock Lake Landmark State Historical Park2401 Landmark Dr., Lubbock, 79415 806-742-1116,depts.ttu.edu/musemttu/lll
Palo Duro Canyon State Park11450 Park Rd. 5, Canyon, 79015806-488-2227, tpwd.state.tx.us
Piney WoodsAtlanta State Park927 Park Rd. 42, Atlanta, 75551903-796-6476, tpwd.state.tx.us
Big Thicket National Preserve6102 FM 420, Kountze, 77625409-951-6700, nps.gov/bith
Caddo Lake State Park245 Park Rd. 2, Karnack, 75661903-679-3351, tpwd.state.tx.us
Lake Bob Sandlin State Park341 State Park Rd. 2117, Pittsburg, 75686903-572-5531, tpwd.state.tx.us.
Lake Livingston State Park300 Park Rd. 65, Livingston, 77351936-365-2201, tpwd.state.tx.us
Monument Hill and Kreische Brewery State Historic Sites414 Texas 92 Spur, La Grange, 78945979-968-3144, tpwd.state.tx.us
Palmetto State Park78 Park Rd. 11 S, Gonzales, 78629830-672-3266, tpwd.state.tx.us
Texas State Railroad State ParkPark Rd. 76, off US 84 W., Rusk, 75785903-683-2561, 877-726-7245,texasstaterr.com
Washington-on- the-Brazos State Historical Park23400 Park Rd. 12, Washington, 77880936-878-2214, birthplaceoftexas.com
South Texas PlainsBentsen–Rio Grande Valley State Park2800 S. Bentsen Palm Dr., Mission, 78572956-584-1107, tpwd.state.tx.us,theworldbirdingcenter.com/bentsen.html
Choke Canyon State Park (Calliham Unit)TX Hwy. 72, Calliham, 78007361-786-3868, tpwd.state.tx.us
Falcon State Park146 Park Rd. 46, Falcon Heights, 78545956-848-5327, tpwd.state.tx.us
Fannin Battleground State Historic Site734 FM 2506, Fannin, 77906512-463-7948, visitfanninbattleground.com
Goliad State Historical Park108 Park Rd. 6, Goliad, 77963361-645-3405, tpwd.state.tx.us
Lake Casa Blanca International State Park5102 Bob Bullock Loop, Laredo, 78044956-725-3826, tpwd.state.tx.us
Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge3325 Green Jay, Alamo, 78516956-784-7500, fws.gov/refuge/santa_ana
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Golf Courses
The Westin La Cantera Hill Country Resort16641 La Cantera Pkwy., San Antonio, 78256
210-558-4653, 800-446-5387, westinlacantera.com
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Included here is a sampling of golf courses found throughout the state.
* Indicates semi-private course
Big Bend Country
AlpineAlpine Country Club 1610 Loop Rd., Alpine, 79830432-837-2752
Del RioSan Felipe Country Club1530 US Hwy. 90 E., Del Rio, 78840830-775-3953, sanfelipecc.com
El PasoButterfield Trail Golf Course1858 Cottonwoods, El Paso, 79906915-772-1031, butterfieldtrailgolf.com
Lone Star Golf Club1510 Hawkins Blvd., El Paso, 79925915-591-4927, lonestargolfclub.net
Painted Dunes Desert Golf Course12000 McCombs Rd. (off TX Hwy. 54),El Paso, 79934915-821-2122, painteddunes.com
Fort StocktonDesert Pines Golf Course1572 Blaine McCallister LoopFort Stockton, 79735432-336-2050
LajitasBlack Jack’s Crossing Golf Course at Lajitas* 1 Main St., Lajitas, 79852432-424-5080, blackjackscrossing.com
MarfaMarfa Municipal Golf Course Golf Course Rd. (FM 1112), Marfa, 79843, 432-729-4043
MidlandHogan Park Municipal Golf Course3600 N. Fairgrounds Rd., Midland, 79705432-685-7360, hoganparkgolf.com
Nueva Vista Golf Club6101 W. Wadley, Midland, 79707432-520-0500, nuevavistagolf.com
Ranchland Hills Golf Club*1600 E. Wadley, Midland, 79705432-682-2041, ranchlandhillsgolf.com
OdessaRatliff Ranch Golf Links7500 N. Grandview Ave., Odessa, 79765432-550-8181, ratliffranchgolfodessa.com
HarlingenTony Butler Municipal Golf Course2640 S. M St., Harlingen, 78550956-216-5970, visitharlingentexas.com
Treasure Hills Golf Club* 3009 N. Augusta National Dr.Harlingen, 78550956-365-3100, treasurehillsgolfclub.com
HoustonBear Creek Golf World16001 Clay Rd., Houston, 77084281-859-8188, bearcreekgolfworld.com
Clear Creek Golf Club3902 Fellows Rd., Houston, 77047713-738-8000, clearcreekgolfclub.com
Columbia Lakes Resort & Conference Center188 Freeman Blvd., West Columbia, 77486979-345-6161, columbialakesgolf.com
Cypresswood Golf Club21602 Cypresswood Dr., Spring, 77373281-821-6300, cypresswood.com
Glenbrook Park Golf Course8205 N. Bayou Dr., Houston, 77017713-649-8089, glenbrookgolfcourse.com
Gus Wortham Park Golf Course7000 Capitol, Houston, 77011713-928-4260, houstontx.gov/municipalgolf/ guswortham.html
Hermann Park Golf Course2155 N. MacGregor Way, Houston, 77030713-526-0077, hermannparkgc.com
Sunset Country Club Golf Course*9301 Andrews Hwy., Odessa, 79764432-366-1061
PresidioLoma Paloma Golf Course and RV ParkFive miles east of Presidio on FM 170432-229-2992, sinco@mztv.net
Gulf Coast
Bay Area HoustonBay Forest Golf Course201 Bay Forest Dr., La Porte, 77571281-471-4653, bayforestgolf.com
Bay CityRio Colorado Golf CourseFM 2668 at Riverside Park, Bay City, 77414979-244-2955, riocoloradogolfcourse.com
BeaumontBayou Din Golf Club8537 LaBelle Rd., Beaumont, 77705409-796-1327, aquilagolf.com
Belle Oaks Golf Club15075 Country Club Rd.,Beaumont, 77705, 409-796-1311
Henry Homberg Municipal Golf Course5940 Babe Zaharias Dr., Beaumont, 77705, 409-842-3220
Iron Oaks Golf Club4654 Iron Oaks Dr., Beaumont, 77713409-866-9191
BrazosportThe Wilderness Golf Club501 TX Hwy. 332 W., Lake Jackson, 77566979-297-4653, thewildernessgc.com
Corpus ChristiGabe Lozano Sr. Golf Center4401 Old Brownsville Rd.Corpus Christi, 78405361-826-8016, lozanogolfcenter.com
Oso Beach Municipal Golf Course5601 S. Alameda, Corpus Christi, 78412361-826-8010, osobeachgolf.com
Padre Isles Country Club*14353 Commodore Dr., Corpus Christi, 78418361-949-8006, padreislescc.com
Galveston IslandMoody Gardens Golf Course1700 Sydnor Ln., Galveston, 77554409-683-4653, moodygardensgolf.com
Jersey Meadow Golf Course8502 Rio Grande, Jersey Village, 77040713-896-0900, jerseymeadow.com
Kingwood Cove Golf Club805 Hamblen Rd., Kingwood, 77339281-358-1155, kingwoodcove.com
Melrose Park Golf Course 401 E. Canino Rd., Houston, 77076281-931-4666, houstontx.gov/municipalgolf/melrose.html
Memorial Park Golf Course1001 E. Memorial Loop Dr., Houston, 77007713-862-4033, memorialparkgolf.com
Pasadena Municipal Golf Course1000 Duffer Ln., Houston, 77034281-481-0834, ci.pasadena.tx.us
Pine Crest Golf Club3080 Gessner Dr., Houston, 77080713-462-4914
Redstone Golf Club5860 Wilson Rd., Humble, 77396281-459-7800, redstonegolfclub.com
Sharpstown Park Golf Course6600 Harbor Town Dr., Houston, 77036713-988-2099, sharpstowngc.com
Tour 18 Houston3102 FM 1960 E., Humble, 77338281-540-1818, tour18golf.com
KingsvilleL. E. Ramey Golf Course2522 E. Escondido, Kingsville, 78363361-592-1101
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League CityBeacon Lakes Golf Club801 FM 646 W., Dickinson, 77539281-337-1459, beaconlakesgolf.com
Port AransasNewport Dunes Golf Club265 Palm Island Dr., Port Aransas, 78373361-749-4653, newportdunesgolf.com
Port ArthurBabe Zaharias Memorial Golf Course3500 Jimmy Johnson Blvd., Port Arthur, 77642409-722-8286, aquilagolf.com
South Padre IslandLong Island Village Golf Course*950 S. Garcia, Port Isabel, 78578956-943-7520, longislandvillage.com
South Padre Island Golf Club*1 Golf House Rd., Laguna Vista, 78578956-943-5678, spigolf.com
VictoriaColony Creek Country Club*301 Colony Creek Dr., Victoria, 77904361-576-0020, colonycreek.net
Riverside Golf Course302 McCright, Victoria, 77901361-573-4521, vpiariversidegolf.com
Hill CountryAustinBarton Creek Resort*8212 Barton Club Dr., Austin, 78735800-336-6158 (reservations)512-329-4000, bartoncreek.com
Grey Rock Golf Club*7401 TX Hwy. 45, Austin, 78739512-288-4297, greyrockgolfclub.com
Horseshoe Bay Resort*200 Hi Circle N., Horseshoe Bay, 7865745 miles from Austin, near Marble Falls877-611-0112, hsbresort.com
Jimmy Clay and Roy Kizer Municipal Golf Complex5400 Jimmy Clay Dr., Austin, 78744512-444-0999, austintexas.gov/depart-ments/jimmy-clay-golf-course
Lions Municipal Golf Course2901 Enfield Rd., Austin, 78703512-477-6963,austintexas.gov/departments/lions-munic-ipal-golf-course
Morris Williams Golf Course4300 Manor Rd., Austin, 78723512-926-1298, austintexas.gov/depar-ments/morris-williams-golf-club
San MarcosQuail Creek Golf Club* 2701 Airport Hwy. 21, San Marcos, 78666512-353-1665, quailcreek-cc.com
UvaldeThe Club at Concan520 Mountain Valley Dr.,Concan, 78838830-232-4471, concangolf.com
Uvalde Memorial Golf Course221 E. Doughty, Uvalde, 78801830-278-6155, uvaldetx.com
WimberleyQuicksand Golf Course*1 Pro Ln., Wimberley, 78676512-847-9700
Panhandle Plains
AbileneDiamondback Golf Club1510 E. Industrial Blvd., Abilene, 79602325-690-9190, diamondbackgolfclub.biz
Maxwell Municipal Golf Course1002 S. 32nd St., Abilene, 79602325-692-2737, golfmaxwell.com
AmarilloComanche Trail Golf Course4200 S. Grand St., Amarillo, 79103806-378-4281, comanchetrail.com
Ross Rogers Municipal Golf Course722 N.W. 24th Ave., Amarillo, 79107806-378-3086, comanchetrail.com
CanyonPalo Duro Creek Golf Club50 Country Club Dr., Canyon, 79015806-655-1106, palodurocreekgolfcourse.com
HerefordJohn Pitman Municipal Golf Course400 S. Main St., Hereford, 79045806-363-7139, hereford-tx.gov/golf_course.htm
LubbockMeadowbrook Golf Course601 Municipal Dr., Lubbock, 79403806-765-6679, golfmeadowbrook.com
The Rawls Course at Texas Tech3720 Fourth St., Lubbock, 79415806-742-4653, therawlscourse.com
Reese Golf Center1406 Quitsna Ave., Lubbock, 79416806-885-1247, 806golf.com
Wolfdancer Golf Club at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa575 Hyatt Lost Pines, Lost Pines, 78612512-308-9653, wolfdancergolfclub.com
BanderaFlying L Guest Ranch Golf Course566 Flying L Dr., Bandera, 78003800-292-5134, flyingl.com
BoerneTapatio Springs Golf Resort and Conference Center1 Resort Way, Boerne, 78006800-999-3299, 830-537-4197, tapatio.com
BurnetDelaware Springs Municipal Golf Course600 Delaware Springs Blvd., Burnet, 78611512-756-8471, delawaresprings.com
FredericksburgLady Bird Johnson Municipal Golf Course341 Golfers Loop, Fredericksburg, 78624830-997-4010, golffredericksburg.com
GeorgetownLegacy Hills Golf Club301 Del Webb Blvd., Georgetown, 78633512-948-7560, sctxca.org
White Wing Golf Course151 Dove Hollow, Georgetown, 78633512-948-7570, sctxca.org
KerrvilleScott Schreiner Golf Course1 Country Club Dr., Kerrville, 78028830-257-4982, golfkerrville.com
New BraunfelsThe Bandit Golf Club*6019 FM 725, New Braunfels, 78130830-609-4665, banditgolfclub.com
Canyon Lake Golf Club405 Watts Ln., Canyon Lake, 78133830-899-3372, canyonlakegolfclub.com
Landa Park Golf Course180 Golf Course Rd., New Braunfels, 78130830-221-4340, nbtexas.org
Round RockForest Creek Golf Club99 Twin Ridge Pkwy., Round Rock, 78664512-388-2874, forestcreek.com
Teravista Golf Club*4333 Teravista Club Dr., Round Rock, 78664512-651-9850, teravistagolf.com
Shadow Hills Golf Course6002 Third St., Lubbock, 79416806-793-9700, shadowhillsgolf.com
Stone Gate Golf Course11010 Indiana Ave., Lubbock, 79423806-748-1448, playstonegategolf.com
San AngeloQuicksand Golf Course2305 Pulliam St., San Angelo, 76905325-482-8337, quicksandsanangelo.com
River Hills Golf Club3301 Riverside Golf Club Rd., San Angelo, 76903, 325-653-6130
Santa Fe Municipal Golf Course603 W. Beauregard Ave., San Angelo, 76903325-657-4485
Wichita FallsChampions Course at Weeks Park4400 Lake Park Dr., Wichita Falls, 76302940-767-6107, weeksparkgolf.com
River Creek Park Golf Course1605 FM 1177, Burkburnett, 76354940-855-3361, golfrivercreek.com
Piney Woods
ConroeLa Torretta Lake Resort and Spa600 La Torretta Blvd., Montgomery, 77356936-448-3027, latorrettalakeresort.com
The Links at West Fork Golf CourseOne Golf Ridge Dr., Conroe, 77304936-760-1776, westforkgolf.com
Wedgewood Golf Course5454 TX Hwy. 105 W., Conroe, 77304936-441-4653, wedgewoodgolfcourse. com
HuntsvilleRaven Nest Golf Club457 I-45 S., Huntsville, 77340936-438-8588, ravennestgolf.com
KilgoreMeadowbrook Country Club1306 Houston St., Kilgore, 75662903-984-3387
LongviewAlpine Golf Course2385 Smelley Rd., Longview, 75605, 903-753-4515
Longview Country Club3275 TX Hwy. 42 N., Longview, 75604903-759-9251
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Golf Courses
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Wood Hollow Golf Club5121 N. McCann Rd., Longview, 75605903-663-4653, woodhollowgolfclub.com
LufkinCrown Colony Country Club900 Crown Colony Dr., Lufkin, 75901936-637-8800, crown-colony.com
Lufkin Country Club1624 Sayers St., Lufkin, 75904936-632-2848
Neches Pines Golf Course900 E. Lumberjack Dr., Diboll, 75941936-829-5086, cityofdiboll.com
MarshallThe Challenge at Cypress Hills1126 Cypress Valley Ln., Waskom, 75692903-938-4941, thechallengegolfgroup.com/golf-clubs/cypress-hills
Oak Lawn Municipal Golf Course4307 Victory Dr., Marshall, 75672903-935-7555
Mount PleasantCountry Club of Mount Pleasant1000 Country Club Dr., Mount Pleasant, 75455903-572-0751, countryclubmtpleasant.com
NacogdochesWoodland Hills Golf Club359 CR 5021, Nacogdoches, 75964936-564-2762, woodlandhillsgolfclub.com
TexarkanaNew Haven Golf Club2321 Line Ferry Rd., Texarkana, 71854870-774-5771, newhavengc.com
Oak Grove Golf ClubOne Oak Grove Dr., New Boston, 75570903-223-8402, oakgrovegolf.com
TylerGarden Valley Golf Club22049 FM 1995, Lindale, 75771903-882-6107, 800-443-8577, gardenvalleytx.com
Peach Tree and Oak Hurst Golf Courses6212 CR 152 W., Bullard, 75757903-894-7079, easttexasgolf.com
Pine Springs Golf Club5630 CR 334, Tyler, 75708903-526-4653, pinespringsgolfclub.com
The WoodlandsPanther Trail2311 N. Millbend Dr., The Woodlands, 77380281-882-3000, canongatetexas.com
CleburneCleburne Golf Links2501 Country Club Rd., Cleburne, 76033817-641-4501, cleburnelinks.com
DallasCedar Crest Golf Course1800 Southerland Ave., Dallas, 75203214-670-7615, golfcedarcrest.com
Keeton Park Golf Course2323 Jim Miller Rd., Dallas, 75227214-670-8784, keetonpark.com
Luna Vista Golf Course11223 Luna Rd., Dallas, 75229214-670-6322, lunavistagolf.com
Stevens Park Golf Course1005 N. Montclair Ave., Dallas, 75208214-670-7506, stevensparkgolf.com
Tenison Park Golf Course3501 Samuell Blvd., Dallas, 75223214-670-1402, tenisonpark.com
DenisonDenison Country Club5216 FM 84, Denison, 75020903-465-4488, denisongolfandcountryclub.com
Elkhart Golf Club1740 FM 1817, Elkhart, 75839903-764-2461
Grayson County College Golf Course56 Golf Dr., Denison, 75020903-786-9719, grayson.edu/website/golfcourse/default.aspx
DentonGainesville Municipal Golf Course2240 Weber Dr., Gainesville, 76240940-668-4560, gainesville.tx.us
Texas Woman’s University Pioneer Golf Course1200 Frame St., Denton, 76209940-898-3163, twu.edu/golf
Turtle Hill Golf Course7708 FM 373 N., Muenster, 76252877-759-4896, playtheturtle.net
EnnisOld Brickyard Golf Course605 N. I-45, Ferris, 75125972-842-8700, oldbrickyardgolf.com
Farmers BranchCoyote Ridge Golf Club1640 W. Hebron Pkwy., Carrollton, 75010972-395-0786, coyoteridgegolf.com
Indian Creek Golf Club1650 W. Frankford Rd., Carrollton, 75007972-466-9850, indiancreekgolfclub.com
Prairies & Lakes
ArlingtonChester W. Ditto Golf Course801 Brown Blvd., Arlington, 76011817-275-5941, arlingtongolf.com
Lake Arlington Golf Course1516 W. Green Oaks Blvd., Arlington, 76013817-451-6101, arlingtongolf.com
Meadowbrook Park Golf Course1300 E. Dugan St., Arlington, 76010817-275-0221, arlingtongolf.com
Tierra Verde Golf Club7005 Golf Club Dr., Arlington, 76001817-478-8500, arlingtongolf.com
AthensAthens Country Club500 Park Dr., Athens, 75751903-675-8594, athenscountryclub.org
Twin Lakes Golf Course300 CR 4207, Canton, 75103903-567-1112, twinlakesgolfcourse.com
BastropLost Pines Golf ClubBastrop State Park Rd. 1ABastrop, 78602512-321-2327, lostpinesgolfclub.com
Pine Forest Golf Club636 Riverside Dr., Bastrop, 78602512-321-1181, pineforestgolfclub.com
BonhamLegacy Ridge Golf Club2201 Country Club Dr., Bonham, 75418903-640-4800, legacyridge.com
BrenhamBrenham Country Club4107 TX Hwy. 105 E., Brenham, 77833979-836-1733, brenhamcc.com
The Falls Golf Resort and Club1750 N. Falls Dr, New Ulm, 78950979-992-3123, thefallsresort.com
Bryan-College StationBriarcrest Country Club1929 Country Club Dr., Bryan, 77802979-776-0133, briarcrestcc.org
Bryan Municipal Golf Course206 W. Villa Maria Rd., Bryan, 77801979-823-0126, bryangolf.com
Texas A&M Golf ClubTexas A&M University CampusCollege Station, 77845979-845-0126, recsports.tamu.edu
Fort WorthGolf Club at Champions Circle15801 Championship Pkwy., Fort Worth, 76177817-497-2582, championscirclegolf.com
Golf Club at Fossil Creek3401 Clubgate Dr., Fort Worth, 76137817-847-1900, thegolfclubatfossilcreek.com
Iron Horse Golf Course6200 Skylark Cir., North Richland Hills, 76180817-485-6666, ironhorsetx.com
Lost Creek Golf Club4101 Lost Creek Blvd., Aledo, 76008817-244-3312, lostcreekgolf.com
Meadowbrook Golf Course1815 Jenson Rd., Fort Worth, 76112817-457-4616, fortworthgolf.org
Pecan Valley Golf Course6400 Pecan Valley Dr., Fort Worth, 76132817-249-1845, fortworthgolf.org
Rockwood Golf Course1851 Jacksboro Hwy., Fort Worth, 76114817-624-1771, fortworthgolf.org
Waterchase Golf Club8951 Creek Run Rd., Fort Worth, 76120817-861-4653, waterchasegc.com
Z. Boaz Golf Course3200 Lackland Rd., Fort Worth, 76116817-738-6287, fortworthgolf.org
FriscoThe Trails of Frisco10411 Teel Pkwy., Frisco, 75034972-668-4653, thetrailsoffriscogc.com
GarlandFirewheel at Garland600 Campbell Rd., Garland, 75044972-205-2795, golffirewheel.com
GarlandSquaw Valley Golf Course2439 TX Hwy. 67 E., Glen Rose, 76043800-831-8259, squawvalleygc.com
Glen RoseSquaw Valley Golf Course2439 TX Hwy. 67 E., Glen Rose, 76043800-831-8259, squawvalleygc.com
GranburyGranbury Country Club 1611 Rockview Dr., Granbury, 76049817-573-9912, granburycc@sbcglobal.net
Hidden Oaks Golf Course2701 Hideaway Bay Ct., Granbury, 76049817-279-1078, hiddenoaksgolf.net
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Grand PrairiePrairie Lakes Golf Course3202 S.E. 14th St., Grand Prairie, 75052972-263-0661, prairielakesgolf.com
Riverside Golf Club3000 Riverside Pkwy., Grand Prairie, 75050817-640-7800, riverside-golfclub.com
Tangle Ridge Golf Club818 Tangle Ridge Dr., Grand Prairie, 75052972-299-6837, tangleridge.com
GrapevineBear Creek Golf Club3500 Bear Creek Ct., DFW Airport, 75261972-456-3200, bearcreek-golf.com
Cowboys Golf Club1600 Fairway Dr., Grapevine, 76051817-481-7277, cowboysgolfclub.com
Grapevine Golf Course3800 Fairway Dr., Grapevine, 76051817-410-3377, grapevinegc.com
GreenvilleWebb Hill Country Club438 FM 2358, Wolfe City, 75496903-496-2221, webbhillcountryclub.com
IrvingTwin Wells Golf Course2000 E. Shady Grove Rd., Irving, 75060972-438-4340, twinwellsgc.com
KilleenCourses of Clear CreekBldg. 52381 (off Battalion Ave.), Fort Hood, 76544254-287-4130, hoodmwr.com
Stonetree Golf Club of Killeen1600 Stonetree Dr., Killeen, 76543254-501-6570, golfkilleen.com
La GrangeFrisch Auf! Valley Country Club575 Country Club Dr., La Grange, 78945979-968-3965, frischaufvalleycountryclub.com
LewisvilleThe Lakes at Castle Hills699 Lady of the Lake Blvd., Lewisville, 75056972-899-7400, castlehillsgolfclub.com
Lake Park Golf ClubSix Lake Park Rd., Lewisville, 75057972-219-5661, lakeparkgc.com
McKinneyOak Hollow Golf Course3005 N. McDonald St., McKinney, 75071972-562-0670, oakhollowgolf.com
The Lake Country Club5608 Flat Rock Rd., Waco, 76708254-756-2161, thelakecountryclub.com
Twin Rivers Golf Club1000 Bear Ridge Dr., Waco, 76712254-848-7800, twinriversgolfclub.net
WaxahachieWaxahachie Country Club1920 W. 287 Bus. Hwy., Waxahachie, 75165972-937-3521, waxahachiecountryclub.com
South Texas Plains
LaredoCasa Blanca Golf Course3900 Casa Blanca Lake Rd., Laredo, 78041956-726-2019, golfcasablanca.com
McAllenMartin Valley Ranch Golf Course7400 W. Expwy. 83, Mission, 78572956-585-6330, martinvalley.com
Meadow Creek Golf Course in the Valley1300 Circle Dr., Mission, 78572956-581-6267, meadowcreekinthevalley.net
Monte Cristo Golf and Country Club2919 N. Kenyon Rd., Edinburg, 78541956-381-0964, montecristogcc.com
Palm View Golf Course2701 S. Ware Rd., McAllen, 78503956-681-3444, mcallen.net/golf
Shary Municipal Golf Course2201 N. Mayberry, Mission, 78572956-580-8770, missiontexas.us/departments/golf
San AntonioThe Bandit Golf Club6019 FM 725, New Braunfels, 78130830-609-4665, banditgolfclub.net
Brackenridge Golf Course2315 Ave. B, San Antonio, 78215210-226-5612, alamocitygolftrail.com
Canyon Springs Golf Club24405 Wilderness Oak, San Antonio, 78260210-497-1770, canyonspringsgc.com
Cedar Creek Golf Course8250 Vista Colina, San Antonio, 78255210-695-5050, alamocitygolftrail.com
Fort Sam Houston Golf Course1050 Harry Wurzbach Rd., San Antonio, 78209210-221-5863, fortsamhoustonmwr.com
WestRidge Golf Course9055 N. Cotton Ridge Rd., McKinney, 75070972-346-2212, westridgegolfcourse.com
MesquiteMesquite Golf Club825 I-30, Mesquite, 75150972-270-7457, mesquitegc.com
ParisPine Ridge Golf Course5615 Pine Mill Rd., Paris, 75462903-785-8076
PlanoChase Oaks Golf Club7201 Chase Oaks Blvd., Plano, 75025214-509-4653, chaseoaks.com
Los Rios Country Club1700 Country Club Dr., Plano, 75074972-424-8913, thenewlosrios.com
Pecan Hollow Golf Course4501 E. 14th St., Plano, 75074972-941-7600, pecanhollowgc.com
Ridgeview Ranch Golf Club2701 Ridgeview Dr., Plano, 75025972-390-1039, ridgeviewgc.com
SeguinThe Golf Club of Seguin300 Chaparral Dr., Seguin, 78155830-303-0669, thegolfclubofseguin.com
Max Starcke Park Municipal Golf Course650 W. River Dr., Seguin, 78155830-401-2490, seguintexas.gov
ShermanNorthern Challenge Golf Club520 Champion Ln., Sherman, 75092903-891-8700, northernchallenge.com
Sulphur SpringsLinks at Land's End285 Private Rd., Yantis, 75497866-913-4110, golflakefork.com
Sulphur Springs Country Club511 CR 3451 Sulphur Springs, 75482903-885-4861, sulphurspringscc.com
TempleSammons Golf Links2727 W. Adams Ave., Temple, 76504254-771-2030, golfsammons.com
WacoCottonwood Creek Golf Course5201 Bagby Ave., Waco, 76711254-745-6009
James Connally Golf Course7900 Concord Rd., Waco, 76705254-799-6561, connallygolf.com
The Golf Club of Texas13600 Briggs Ranch Rd., San Antonio, 78245210-677-0027, golfcluboftexas.com
Hyatt Hill Country Golf Club9800 Hyatt Resort Dr., San Antonio, 78251210-520-4040, hillcountry.hyatt.com
Mission del Lago Golf Course1250 Mission Grande Rd., San Antonio, 78221210-627-2522, alamocitygolftrail.com
Northern Hills Golf Club13202 Scarsdale, San Antonio, 78217210-655-8026, northernhillsgolfclub.com
Olmos Basin Golf Course7022 N. McCullough Ave., San Antonio, 78216210-826-4041, alamocitygolftrail.com
Palmer Course at La Cantera17865 Babcock Rd., San Antonio, 78255210-558-2365, 800-446-5387, westinlacantera.com
Quarry Golf Club444 E. Basse Rd., San Antonio, 78209210-824-4500, quarrygolf.com
The Republic Golf Club4226 S.E. Military Dr., San Antonio, 78222210-359-0000, republicgolfclub.net
The Westin La Cantera Hill Country Resort16641 La Cantera Pkwy., San Antonio, 78256210-558-4653, 800-446-5387, westinlacantera.com
Riverside Golf Course203 McDonald Rd., San Antonio, 78210210-533-8371, alamocitygolftrail.com
Silverhorn Golf Club of Texas1100 W. Bitters Rd., San Antonio, 78261210-545-5300, silverhorngolfclub.com
TPC San Antonio23808 Resort Pkwy. San Antonio, 78261210-491-5800, tpcsanantonio.com(Open to resort guests and members only)
Willow Springs Golf Course202 AT&T Center Pkwy., San Antonio, 78219210-226-6721, alamocitygolftrail.com
Woodlake Golf Club6500 Woodlake Pkwy., San Antonio, 78244210-661-4141, woodlakegolfclub.com
64 | TEXAS INTERNATIONAL TOUR GUIDE 2013-2015
General InformationOffice of the Governor, Economic Development and Tourism512-936-0101, 800-888-8839, travel.state.tx.usComplimentary marketing support available to travel plan-ners includes the following: informational brochures, state highway maps, itinerary planning, and travel, trade, and media familiarization tours. For more information on Texas tourism, visit TravelTex.com. For materials avail-able to travel planners and information for the trade and media visit travel.state.tx.us.
Texas Parks & Wildlife Department800-792-1112, tpwd.state.tx.usThe Texas State Parks Pass is a $60 annual one-card membership program that rewards visitors with unlimited free entry to 120 state parks and state historic sites.
Texas Regulations for Out-of-State Motor CarriersFederal Motor Carrier Safety Administrationfmcsa.dot.gov, 800-832-5660An out-of-state motor bus company must have Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) authority registered under the Unified Carrier Registration Sys-tem (UCR) program with the state where it is do-miciled 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 Ve-hicles at 888-368-4689 or visit txdmv.gov.
Fuel Tax
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 vehicles 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 Comptroller at 800-252-1383 or visit window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/fuels.
Highway System, Driving Laws, and Safety Belts
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 during the day and 65 mph at night for passenger vehicles on numbered state or US 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 veihicle 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.
Gateways to Texas Airports Flight Time in Hours
B Information Center B
Airport Information
Abilene Regional Airport325-676-6200, abilenetx.com/airport
Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport806-335-1671ci.amarillo.tx.us/departments/airport.html
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport512-530-2242, ci.austin.tx.us/austinairport
Southeast Texas Regional Airport (Beaumont)409-719-4900, co.jefferson.tx.us/setra/frames.htm
Corpus Christi International Airport361-289-0171 x1210, cctexas.com/airport
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport 972-973-8888, dfwairport.com
Dallas Love Field214-670-6080, dallas-lovefield.com
El Paso International Airport915-780-4749, elpasointernationalairport.com
Valley International Airport (Harlingen/South Padre Island)956-430-8600, flythevalley.com
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (Houston)281-230-3100, fly2houston.com
William P. Hobby Airport (Houston)713-640-3000, fly2houston.com
Laredo International Airport956-795-2000, ci.laredo.tx.us/airport
Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport806-775-2044, flylia.com
McAllen-Miller International Airport956-681-1500, mcallenairport.com
Midland International Airport (Midland/Odessa)432-560-2200, flymaf.com
San Angelo Regional Airport/Mathis Field325-659-6409 x3, sanangelotexas.us/airport
San Antonio International Airport210-207-3411, sanantonio.gov/aviation
Tyler-Pounds Regional Airport903-531-2343, cityoftyler.org
Wichita Falls Municipal Airport940-855-3621, cwftx.net
Alcohol Consumption Laws
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 2010, 26 of the state’s 254 counties are “dry,” which means alcohol is not sold anywhere. For additional information visit tabc.state.tx.us.
Mexico Travel Regulations
Mexico regulations change frequently, so visitors are advised to check beforehand with the Mexican consul-ate about proper entrance and exit documentation. The U.S. Department of State website includes important requirements for entering and exiting Mexico, vehicle per-mit information, customs regulations, driving and insur-ance 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 800-44- MEXICO (639-426).
Texas Travel Information Centers 800-452-9292, txdot.gov/travel/information_centers.htm The Texas Department of Transportation operates 12 in-formation centers with professional travel counselors of-fering 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . US 75/US 69 (from Oklahoma)
Gainesville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I-35 (from Oklahoma)
Langtry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .US 90, Loop 25
Laredo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I-35 and US 83 (from Mexico)
Orange . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I-10 (from Louisiana)
Rio Grande Valley . . . . . . US 77 and US 83 in Harlingen
Texarkana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I-30 (from Arkansas)
Waskom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I-20 (from Louisiana)
Wichita Falls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I-44, US 277/US 281 (from Oklahoma)
Amtrak InformationFor information and reservations, call 800-872-7245 or visit amtrak.com.
2013–2014 U.S. and Texas Holidays
September 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Labor Day
November 11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Veterans Day
November 28. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thanksgiving Day*
December 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Christmas Day
January 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . New Year’s Day
January 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Martin Luther King Jr. Day
February 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Presidents’ Day
March 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Texas Independence Day
April 21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .San Jacinto Day
May 26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Memorial Day
June 19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Emancipation Day
July 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Independence Day
August 27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lyndon B. Johnson’s Birthday
*The state of Texas may grant its employees additional holidays, such as the day after Thanksgiving.
Austi
n
DFW El Pa
soHou
ston
San A
ntonio
Atlanta 2.25 2 3 2 2.25
Chicago 2.5 2.25 2.75 2.5 2.5
Denver 2.25 2 2 2.5 2.25
Los Angeles 3.25 3.25 2.25 3.75 3.25
Miami X 2.5 X 2.25 X
New York 3.5 3.25 X 3.5 3.75
Orlando 2.25 2.25 X 2.25 2.25
San Francisco 4 4 X 4.5 4
Seattle 4.24 4.25 X 4.75 X
St. Louis X 1.5 X 2 X
Washington 3 2.75 X 2.75 3.25
TRAVELTEX.COM | 65
Hospitality Texas-Style!
Big BendAlpineCONFERENCE FAC IL I T IES TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 33,500 SQ. FT.
Alpine Civic Center801 W. Holland St.432-837-3301, ci.alpine.tx.us
MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . 2,720 sq. ft.HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 503
Del RioCONFERENCE FAC IL I T IES TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 50,000 SQ. FT.
Del Rio Civic Center1915 Veterans Blvd.830-774-8642, cityofdelrio.com
MEETING SPACE . . . . . . .23,117 sq. ft.HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 1,041
El PasoCONFERENCE FAC IL I T IES TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 385,000 SQ. FT.
Judson F. WilliamsConvention CenterOne Civic Center Plaza915-534-0600, 800-351-6024 visitelpaso.com
MEETING SPACE . . . . . 133,100 sq. ft.HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 7,549
Fort DavisHOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 300
Fort StocktonCONFERENCE FAC IL I T IES TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 25,398 SQ. FT.
Pecos County Civic Center1674 Airport Dr.432-336-6261
MEETING SPACE . . . . . . .11,187 sq. ft.HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 1,069
Lajitas HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 101
MarathonHOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 71
Marfa HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 90
Midland CONFERENCE FAC IL I T IESTOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 185,000 SQ. FT.
Midland Center105 N. Main St.432-682-6234, themidlandcenter.com
MEETING SPACE . . . . . . .17,500 sq. ft.HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 2,702
OdessaCONFERENCE FAC IL I T IESTOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 198,267 SQ. FT.
Ector County Coliseum Complex4201 Andrews Hwy.432-366-3541, ectorcountycoliseum.org
MEETING SPACE . . . . . 186,000 sq. ft.HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 3,300
PresidioHOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 101
Gulf CoastBay Area HoustonCONFERENCE FAC IL I T IESTOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 55,000 SQ. FT.
Bay Area Community Center5002 E. NASA Pkwy.281-326-2955, visitbayareahouston.com
MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . . 7,000 sq. ft.HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 3,045
Bay CityCONFERENCE FAC IL I T IESTOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 80,000 SQ. FT.
Bay City Civic Center201 Seventh St. 979-245-8333, 800-806-8333
MEETING SPACE . . . . . . .40,000 sq. ft. HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 930
BeaumontCONFERENCE FAC IL I T IESTOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 187,000 SQ. FT.
Beaumont Civic Center701 Main St.409-838-3435, 800-782-3081 beaumont-tx-complex.com
MEETING SPACE . . . . . . .51,000 sq. ft.
Ford Park5115 I-10 S.409-951-5400, 877-266-6939 bookfordpark.com
MEETING SPACE . . . . . . .94,000 sq. ft.HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 3,475
BrazosportCONFERENCE FAC IL I T IESTOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 25,000 SQ. FT.
Lake Jackson Civic Center333 TX Hwy. 332 E.979-415-2600, lakejackson-tx.gov
MEETING SPACE . . . . . . .16,000 sq. ft. HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 900
BrownsvilleCONFERENCE FAC IL I T IESTOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 99,600 SQ. FT.
Brownsville Events Center1 Events Center Blvd.956-554-0700, eventscenter.cob.us
MEETING SPACE . . . . . . .13,530 sq. ft. HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 2,350
CluteHOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 690
Corpus ChristiCONFERENCE FAC IL I T IESTOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 330,000 SQ. FT.
American Bank Center1901 N. Shoreline Blvd. 361-826-4700, americanbankcenter.com
MEETING SPACE . . . . . 240,000 sq. ft.BREAKOUT ROOMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 10,500
Galveston IslandCONFERENCE FAC IL I T IESTOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 291,356 SQ. FT.
Galveston Island Convention Center at the San Luis Resort5600 Seawall Blvd.409-797-5163, 866-505-4456 galvestonislandconventioncenter.com
MEETING SPACE . . . . . 140,000 sq. ft. HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 4,449
HarlingenCONFERENCE FAC IL I T IESTOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 137, 829 SQ. FT.
Harlingen MunicipalAuditorium Complex1204 Fair Park Blvd.956-216-5990, harlingenarts.com
MEETING SPACE . . . . . . .13,000 sq. ft.HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 1,200
HoustonCONFERENCE FAC IL I T IESTOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 3,000,000 SQ. FT.
George R. Brown Convention Center1001 Avenida de las Americas713-853-8000, 800-427-4697 houstonconventionctr.com
MEETING SPACE . . . .1,200,000 sq. ft.
Reliant ParkOne Reliant Park832-667-1400, reliantpark.com
MEETING SPACE . . . .1,600,000 sq. ft. HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 65,000
KingsvilleCONFERENCE FAC IL I T IESTOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 45,600 SQ. FT.
Texas A&M University– Kingsville Memorial Student Union Building1050 W. Santa Gertrudis Ave.361-593-4173 osa.tamuk.edu/eventplanning
MEETING SPACE . . . . . . .60,000 sq. ft.HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 552
League CityCONFERENCE FAC IL I T IESTOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 36,800 SQ. FT.
South Shore Harbour Resort and Conference Center2500 South Shore Blvd.281-334-1000, 800-442-5005 sshr.com
MEETING SPACE . . . . . . .25,000 sq. ft.HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 480
OrangeHOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 818
Port AransasCONFERENCE FAC IL I T IESTOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 36,000 SQ. FT.
Port Aransas Civic Center710 W. Ave. A361-749-4111, cityofportaransas.org
MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . . 8,315 sq. ft. HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 4,095
Port ArthurCONFERENCE FAC IL I T IESTOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 44,540 SQ. FT.
Robert A. “Bob” Bowers Civic Center3401 Cultural Center Dr.409-985-8801, portarthur.net
MEETING SPACE . . . . . . .20,000 sq. ft.HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 1,524
Rockport/FultonHOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 1,500
RosenbergCONFERENCE FAC IL I T IESTOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 20,000 SQ. FT.
Rosenberg Civic Center3825 Hwy. 36 S. 832-595-3520, ci.rosenberg.tx.usMEETING SPACE . . . . . . . 16,000 sq. ft
HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 703
South Padre IslandCONFERENCE FAC IL I T IESTOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 45,000 SQ. FT.
South Padre Island Convention Centre7355 Padre Blvd.956-761-3000, 800-657-2373 sopadre.com
MEETING SPACE . . . . . . .45,000 sq. ft.HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 4,000
Hill CountryAustinCONFERENCE FAC IL I T IESTOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 1,381,400 SQ. FT.
Austin Convention Center500 E. Cesar Chavez512-404-4000 austinconventioncenter.com
MEETING SPACE . . . . . 374,255 sq. ft. HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 28,103
BoerneCONFERENCE FAC IL I T IESTOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 19,471 SQ. FT.
Boerne Convention and Community Center820 E. Adler Rd.,830-249-2811, 888-750-2811, ci.boerne.tx.us
MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . . 7,971 sq. ft.HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 643
BurnetCONFERENCE FAC IL I T IESTOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE NOT AVAILABLE AT
PRESS TIME
Burnet Community Center401 E. Jackson512-756-6180, cityofburnet.com
MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . . 9,600 sq. ft.
66 | TEXAS INTERNATIONAL TOUR GUIDE 2013-2015
FredericksburgTOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 32,000 SQ. FT.
HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 1,122
GeorgetownTOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 12,000 SQ. FT.
HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 342
Horseshoe BayHOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 425
Horseshoe Bay Resort 200 Hi Circle N.830-598-2511, 877-611-0112 hsbresort.com
KerrvilleHOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 1,145
New BraunfelsCONFERENCE FAC IL I T IESTOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 110,000 SQ. FT.
New Braunfels Civic/Convention Center375 S. Castell Ave.800-572-2626, meetnb.com
MEETING SPACE . . . . . . .50,000 sq. ft.HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 2,771
Round RockCONFERENCE FAC IL I T IESTOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 28,900 SQ. FT.
United Heritage Center3400 E. Palm Valley Blvd.512-255-2255, roundrockexpress.com
MEETING SPACE . . . . . . .10,000 sq. ft.HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 2,022
San MarcosCONFERENCE FAC IL I T IESTOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 104,000 SQ. FT.
City of San Marcos Conference Center1001 E. McCarty Lane, 512-392-6450, toursanmarcos.com/meet/index.html
MEETING SPACE . . . . . . .78,000 sq. ft.HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 1,641
UvaldeCONFERENCE FAC IL I T IESTOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 51,665 SQ. FT.
Willie de Leon Civic Center324 E. Main St.830-278-3315, uvaldetx.com
MEETING SPACE . . . . . . .14,000 sq. ft.HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 394
WimberleyHOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 400
Panhandle PlainAbileneCONFERENCE FAC IL I T IESTOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 350,000 SQ. FT.
Abilene Civic Center1100 N. Sixth St.325-676-6211, abilenetx.com/civiccenter
MEETING SPACE . . . . . 130,000 sq. ft.HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 3,200
AmarilloCONFERENCE FAC IL I T IESTOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 367,000 SQ. FT.
Amarillo Civic Center and Auditorium401 S. Buchanan806-378-4297, amarillociviccenter.com
MEETING SPACE . . . . . 410,000 sq. ft.HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 5,800
CanyonHOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 169
HerefordHOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 500
LubbockCONFERENCE FAC IL I T IESTOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 300,000 SQ. FT.
Lubbock Memorial Civic Center1501 Mac Davis Ln.806-775-2242, lubbockciviccenter.com
MEETING SPACE . . . . . 300,000 sq. ft.HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 5,072
San AngeloCONFERENCE FAC IL I T IESTOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 47,200 SQ. FT.
McNease Convention Center500 Rio Concho Dr.325-653-9577, sanangelotexas.us
MEETING SPACE . . . . . . .24,000 sq. ft.HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 1,800 Wichita FallsCONFERENCE FAC IL I T IESTOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 175,564 SQ. FT.
Wichita Falls Multi-Purpose Events Center1000 Fifth St. 940-716-5500, 800-799-6732 wfmpec.org
MEETING SPACE . . . . . . .57,137 sq. ft.HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 2,284
Piney WoodsConroeCONFERENCE FAC IL I T IESTOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 217,000 SQ. FT.
Lone Star Convention and Expo Center9055 Airport Rd.936-538-8000, 877-843-6346 thelonestar.org
MEETING SPACE . . . . . 167,000 sq. ft.HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 1,627
HendersonCONFERENCE FAC IL I T IESTOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 14,000 SQ. FT.
Henderson Civic Center1005 TX Hwy. 64 W.903-392-8232, 866-650-5529 hendersontx.us
MEETING SPACE . . . . . . .10,600 sq. ft.HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 315
HuntsvilleCONFERENCE FAC IL I T IESTOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 42,795 SQ. FT.
Veterans Conference Center455 TX Hwy. 75 N.936-295-5959, 936-355-1050 veteransconferencecenter.org
MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . . 9,400 sq. ft.HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 814
JacksonvilleCONFERENCE FAC IL I T IESTOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 15,850 SQ. FT.
Norman Activity Center526 E. Commerce St.903-586-3510 ext. 10, jacksonvil-letexas.com
MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . . 7,567 sq. ft.HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 420
JeffersonCONFERENCE FAC IL I T IESTOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 10,000 SQ. FT.
Jeffersonian Institute120 E. Austin St.903-665-2700, jeffersonian.com
MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . . 4,000 sq. ft.HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 175
KilgoreHOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 414
LongviewCONFERENCE FAC IL I T IESTOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 91,538 SQ. FT.
Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center100 Grand Blvd.903-237-1230, cityoflongview.com
MEETING SPACE . . . . . . .40,000 sq. ft.HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 2,751
LufkinCONFERENCE FAC IL I T IESTOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 75,000 SQ. FT.
Pitser Garrison Civic Center601 N. Second St.936-633-0279, cityoflufkin.com
MEETING SPACE . . . . . . .16,000 sq. ft.HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 1,160
MarshallCONFERENCE FAC IL I T IESTOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 40,000 SQ. FT.
Marshall Convention Center2501 S.E. End Blvd.903-935-4472, visitmarshalltexas.org
MEETING SPACE . . . . . . .14,000 sq. ft.HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 908
Mount PleasantCONFERENCE FAC IL I T IESTOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 23,000 SQ. FT.
Mount Pleasant Civic Center1800 N. Jefferson Ave.903-575-4190, mpcity.org
MEETING SPACE . . . . . . .21,000 sq. ft.HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 779
Nacogdoches CONFERENCE FAC IL I T IESTOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 30,000 SQ. FT.
Hotel Fredonia200 N. Fredonia St.936-564-1234, 800-594-5323 hotelfredonia.com
MEETING SPACE . . . . . . .15,000 sq. ft.HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 977
ShenandoahHOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 604
TexarkanaHOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 1,054
TylerCONFERENCE FAC IL I T IESTOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 220,000 SQ. FT.
Harvey Convention Center2000 W. Front St.903-531-1349, cityoftyler.org
MEETING SPACE . . . . . . .35,000 sq. ft.HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 2,600
The WoodlandsCONFERENCE FAC IL I T IESTOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 150,000 SQ. FT.
The Woodlands Resort and Conference Center2301 N. Millbend Dr.281-367-1100, 800-433-2624woodlandsresort.com
MEETING SPACE . . . . . . .60,000 sq. ft.
The Woodlands Waterway Marriott/Convention Center1601 Lake Robbins Dr.281-367-9797, marriott.com/houmw
MEETING SPACE . . . . . . .70,000 sq. ft.HOTELSHOTEL CLASSIFICATIONS AND TOTAL ROOMS NOT AVAILABLE AT PRESS TIME
Prairies & LakesAddisonCONFERENCE FAC IL I T IESTOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 180,000 SQ. FT.
Addison Conference and Theatre Centre15650 Addison Rd.972-450-6241, 800-233-4766 actonline.com
MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . . 6,600 sq. ft.HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 3,972
ArlingtonCONFERENCE FAC IL I T IESTOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 350,000 SQ. FT.
Arlington Convention Center1200 Ballpark Way817-459-5000, arlingtoncc.com
MEETING SPACE . . . . . . .87,100 sq. ft.HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 5,100
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AthensCONFERENCE FAC IL I T IESTOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 25,000 SQ. FT.
Cain Center915 S. Palestine St.903-677-2001, athenscaincenter.com
MEETING SPACE . . . . . . .14,496 sq. ft.
Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center5550 FM 2495903-676-2277, tpwd.state.tx.us/tffc
MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . . 4,400 sq. ft.HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 356
BrenhamCONFERENCE FAC IL I T IESTOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 61,200 SQ. FT.
Fireman’s Training Center1101 US Hwy. 290 W. 979-337-7300, cityofbrenham.org
MEETING SPACE . . . . . . .10,672 sq. ft.HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 592
Bryan–College StationCONFERENCE FAC IL I T IESTOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 220,000 SQ. FT.
Brazos County Expo5827 Leonard Rd.979-823-3976, brazoscountyexpo.com
MEETING SPACE . . . . . . .63,991 sq. ft.HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 3,763
CleburneCONFERENCE FAC IL I T IESTOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 77,500 SQ. FT.
Cleburne Conference Center1501 W. Henderson St.817-556-8860, cleburneconference.com
MEETING SPACE . . . . . . .45,000 sq. ft.HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 735
DallasCONFERENCE FAC IL I T IESTOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 1,500,000 SQ. FT.
Dallas Convention Center650 S. Griffin St.214-939-2750, 877-684-7322 dallasconventioncenter.com
MEETING SPACE . . . .1,000,000 sq. ft.
Dallas Market Center2100 Stemmons Fwy.214-655-6100 dallasmarketcenter.com
MEETING SPACE . . . . . 202,000 sq. ft.HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 75,000
DentonCONFERENCE FAC IL I T IESTOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 67,000 SQ. FT.
Denton Civic Center321 E. McKinney St.940-349-8733, dentonciviccenter.com
MEETING SPACE . . . . . . .10,965 sq. ft.HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 2,000
DFW AirportHOTELSHOTEL CLASSIFICATIONS NOT AVAILABLE AT PRESS TIMETOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 1,109
EnnisCONFERENCE FAC IL I T IESTOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 59,950 SQ. FT.
Sokol Activity Center2622 E. TX Hwy. 34972-878-5987, sokolennis.com
MEETING SPACE . . . . . . .27,000 sq. ft.HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 475
Farmers BranchHOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 2,170
Fort WorthCONFERENCE FAC IL I T IESTOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 800,000 SQ. FT.
Fort Worth Convention Center1201 Houston St.817-392-6338 fortworthconventioncenter.com
MEETING SPACE . . . . . 253,226 sq. ft.HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 14,000
FriscoCONFERENCE FAC IL I T IESTOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 124,000 SQ. FT.
Frisco Conference Center7600 John Q. Hammons Dr.972-712-7200 embassysuitesdallasfrisco.com
MEETING SPACE . . . . . . .90,000 sq. ft.HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 1,723
Glen RoseCONFERENCE FAC IL I T IESTOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 22,627 SQ. FT.
Somervell County Expo Center202 Bo Gibbs Blvd.254-897-4509, glenroseexpo.org
MEETING SPACE . . . . . . .44,000 sq. ft.HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 648
GranburyCONFERENCE FAC IL I T IESTOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 28,000 SQ. FT.
Granbury Resort Conference Center621 E. Pearl St.682-936-1200, 877-936-1201 granburytx.com
MEETING SPACE . . . . . . .20,000 sq. ft.HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 674
Grand Prairie CONFERENCE FAC IL I T IESTOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 18,000 SQ. FT.
Ruthe Jackson Center3113 S. Carrier Pkwy.972-237-7500, ruthejacksoncenter.com
MEETING SPACE . . . . . . .18,000 sq. ft.HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 2,507
GrapevineCONFERENCE FAC IL I T IESTOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 800,000 SQ. FT.
Grapevine Convention Center1209 S. Main St.817-410-3459, grapevinetexasusa.com
MEETING SPACE . . . . . . .23,500 sq. ft.HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 5,000
Irving CONFERENCE FAC IL I T IESTOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 300,000 SQ. FT.
Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas500 W. Las Colinas Blvd.972-252-7476 irvingconventioncenter.com
MEETING SPACE . . . . . 100,000 sq. ft.HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 12,033
LewisvilleCONFERENCE FAC IL I T IESTOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 69,998 SQ. FT.
Lewisville Convention Center at the HiltonGarden Inn785 St. Hwy. 121 Bypass972-459-4600 visitlewisville.com
MEETING SPACE . . . . . . .16,996 sq. ft.HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 2,487
McKinney HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 889
Mesquite CONFERENCE FAC IL I T IESTOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 197,500 SQ. FT.
Mesquite Convention Center and Exhibit Hall1700 Rodeo Dr.972-329-3100, mesquitehampton.com
MEETING SPACE . . . . . . .56,000 sq. ft.HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 1,856
Plano CONFERENCE FAC IL I T IESTOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 240,000 SQ. FT.
Plano Centre2000 E. Spring Creek Pkwy.972-941-5840, planocentre.com
MEETING SPACE . . . . . . .86,400 sq. ft.HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 4,297
Richardson CONFERENCE FAC IL I T IESTOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 203,000 SQ. FT.
Eisemann Center forPerforming Arts2351 Performance Dr.972-744-4600, eisemanncenter.com
MEETING SPACE . . . . . . .40,398 sq. ft.HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 2,338
Sherman CONFERENCE FAC IL I T IESTOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 30,083 SQ. FT.
Sherman Municipal Ballroom405 N. Rusk St.903-957-0310, 888-893-1188 shermantx.org
MEETING SPACE . . . . . . . . 4,838 sq. ft.HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 856
Temple CONFERENCE FAC IL I T IES
TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 47,000 SQ. FT.
Frank W. Mayborn Civic and Convention Center 3303 N. Third St.254-298-5720, mayborncenter.com
MEETING SPACE . . . . . . .40,000 sq. ft.HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 2,700
WacoHOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 3,835
WaxahachieHOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 538
South Texas PlainsEagle PassCONFERENCE FAC IL I T IES
TOTAL MEETING SPACE 44,003 SQ. FT.
International Center for Trade3295 Bob Rogers Dr.830-773-7781, eaglepasstx.us
MEETING SPACE . . . . . . .19,623 sq. ft.HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 824
LaredoCONFERENCE FAC IL I T IES
TOTAL MEETING SPACE 40,000 SQ. FT.
Laredo Civic Center2400 San Bernardo Ave.956-794-1700, ci.laredo.tx.us
MEETING SPACE . . . . . . .24,470 sq. ft.HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 4,125
McAllenCONFERENCE FAC IL I T IESTOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE 225,000 SQ. FT.
McAllen Convention Center700 Convention Center Blvd. 956-681-3800 mcallenconventioncenter.net
MEETING SPACE . . . . . 175,000 sq. ft. HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 3,600
San AntonioCONFERENCE FAC IL I T IES TOTAL CITY MEETING SPACE
NOT AVAILABLE AT PRESS TIME
Alamodome100 Montana St.210-207-3663, 800-884-3663 alamodome.com
MEETING SPACE . . . . . . .30,648 sq. ft.
Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center200 E. Market St.210-207-8500, 877-504-8895 sahbgcc.com
MEETING SPACE . . . . . 440,000 sq. ft.HOTELSTOTAL ROOMS AVAILABLE 44,357
68 | TEXAS INTERNATIONAL TOUR GUIDE 2013-2015
Big Bend CountryEL PASOAround and About Tours Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6716 Mesa Grande, El Paso, 79912915-833-2650Dos Naciones Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .One Civic Center Plaza, El Paso, 79901915-544-0062Si! El Paso Tours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .109 N. Oregon St., El Paso, 79901915-541-1308, sielpasotours.com
FORT STOCKTONGreyhound Lines, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 404 E. Dickinson, Fort Stockton, 79735432-336-5151, greyhound.com
MARFAMarfa Flyer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105 E. 1st St., Marfa, 79843432-386-0228
MIDL ANDBig John’s Limo Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2508 N. Big Spring St., Midland, 79705432-570-6699
ODESSAAll Aboard America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10615 W. County Rd. 127, Odessa, 79765432-561-8529, 800-628-1335, allaboardamerica.com
Gulf CoastBEAUMONTSun Travel Trailways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6711 Smith Rd., Beaumont, 77713409-840-4600, 888-898-2638, suntravel.org
CORPUS CHR IST IDaisy Charter and Shuttles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1602 N. Tancahua, Corpus Christi, 78401361-883-8876, 800-285-8601, daisytours.comFun Time Tours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 505 Palm Dr., Corpus Christi, 78408361-289-7965
GALVESTONGalveston Island Tours. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 502 20th St., Ste. 1861, Galveston, 77550409-765-8687, 888-425-8687, galvestonislandtours.com
HARL INGENValley Transit Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .215 E. Monroe, Harlingen, 78550956-423-4287, valleytransitcompany.com
HOUSTONCarrington Tours. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6502 North Shepherd Dr., Houston, 77091713-695-3444 Coach America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .950 McCarty Dr., Houston, 77029713-671-0991, coachamericahouston.comJapan Tours and Travel, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2900 Weslayan, Ste. 600, Houston, 77027713-520-8654, japantours.comJoy Tours and Travel Ground Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . .P.O. Box 450675, Houston, 77245713-434-0301, joytoursntravel.comMerlo’s Limousines and Charters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 634 W. Parker Rd., Houston, 77091713-742-0774, 866-367-5466, merloscharters.comSierra Trailways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1502 Galveston St., South Houston, 77587713-947-2877, 800-422-7401, sierratrailways.com
VIP Express Bus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10782 Bellaire Blvd., Houston, 77072281-933-9933, 888-984-7287,vipexpressbus.com
Hill CountryAUST INAround Austin, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10000 Liriope, Austin, 78750512-371-9111, around-austin.comAustin Overtures Destination Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16104 Fisher Hollow Trail, Leander, TX 78641 512-659-9478, austinovertures.comCaplan Miller Events4410A Burnet, Austin, TX 78756 512-610-7700, caplanmiller.comCirca Texas, An RK Group Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8301 Springdale Rd. Ste. 480, Austin, TX 78724512-610-3334, circatexas.comClink Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3006 Bee Cave Rd. Ste. C-250, Austin, TX 78746512-236-0264, clinkevents.comDestinations by Kennedy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5810 Trade Center Dr., Suite 500, Austin 78744512-899-8991, destinationsbykennedy.comElegant Limousine & Charter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1023 Springdale Rd. #102, Austin, TX 78726512-477-5466, elegantride.usKerrville Bus/Coach America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 512-389-0090, iridekbc.comPRA Destination Management Austin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3755 Capital of Texas Hwy., Austin, TX 78704512-608-4728 fax 512-608-4734, pra.comR&R Limousine & Bus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1127 Old Bastrop Hwy., Austin, TX 78742512-947-7433, rrlimobus.comSJO-Pro Tours, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .104 W. 55 1/2 St., Austin, 78751512-467-2345, 866-776-4126, sjoprotours.comStar Shuttle and Charter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1135 Gunter St., Ste. 102, Austin, 78702512-479-8100, starshuttle.com
MANORClark Travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12725 US Hwy. 290 E., Ste. 2, Manor, 78653512-272-5568, 800-580-1757, clarktravel.net
TAYLORClark Travel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3406 W. 2nd St.Taylor, 76574512-365-1511, 800-581-1757clarktravel.com
WIMBERLEYTourworks, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2400 River Rd., Wimberley, 78676512-847-2215, toursoftexas.com
Panhandle PlainsAB ILENEBilbrey Tours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3262 S. 27th St., Abilene, 79605325-692-1308, 888-692-1308, bilbreytours.comKincaid Coaches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .I-40 and S. Whitaker Rd., Amarillo, 79104800-998-1901, kincaidcoach.com
LUBBOCKCitibus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 801 Texas Ave., Lubbock, 79401806-712-2000, citibus.com
Bus & TourCompanies
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TRAVELTEX.COM | 69
Piney WoodsLONGV IEWTri-City Charter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6065 S.E. Loop 281, Longview, 75602903-663-5514, tricitycharter.com
MOUNT PLEASANTGreyhound Lines, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2428 W. Ferguson Rd., Mount Pleasant, 75455903-572-8661, 800-454-2487, greyhound.com
TYLERLone Star Trailways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2828 Teague Dr., Tyler, 75713903-561-6095, 800-541-6095 trailways.com
Prairies & LakesARL INGTONDan Dipert Tours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7301 W. Pioneer Pkwy., Arlington, 76013817-543-3700, 800-433-5335 dandipert.com
DALL ASAll In One Tour Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145 World Trade Center, Dallas, 75207 214-698-0332, 888-698-0332allinonetourservices.com Dallas Segway Tours. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1907 N. Lamar St., Dallas, 75202972-821-9054, dallassegwaytours.comDiscover Dallas Tours, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4410 Glenwick Ln., Dallas, 75205214-521-3737, discoverdallastours.com
FORT WORTHCowtown Bus Charters, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5504 Forest Hill Dr., Fort Worth, 76119817-531-3287, 877-287-4897 cowtowncharters.com
GRAND PRA IR IECentral West of Texas, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3426 S. Gilbert Rd., Grand Prairie, 75050972-399-1059, 800-533-1939, bus-charter.comCoach America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 710 E. Davis St., Grand Prairie, 75050214-988-3000, 800-256-4723 dfw.coachamerica.comLone Star Coaches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2425 Houston St., Grand Prairie, 75050972-623-1100, 800-933-1132, lonestarcoaches.com
I RV INGRoadrunner Companies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1634 E. Irving Blvd., Irving, 75060972-721-0545, 800-829-8687 roadrunnercompanies.comExecutive Coach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .506 N. Loop 12, Irving, 75061214-492-1300, usacoach.net
K ILLEENArrow Trailways of Texas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 403 N. Second St., Killeen, 76541254-526-2229, 800-392-0768 arrowtrailways.com
SHERMANSellers Tours. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P.O. Box 2222, Sherman, 75091-2222903-465-8442, 800-711-6116sellerstours.com
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TAYLORClark Travel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3406 W. 2nd St., Taylor, 76574512-365-1511, 800-581-1757clarktravel.com
TEMPLEGreyhound Lines, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 S. Fifth St., Temple, 76501254-773-4123, greyhound.com
WACOCentral Texas Trails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 320 S. 16th St., Waco, 76701254-754-2395, 800-792-3304 centraltexasbus.com
South Texas PlainsL AREDOCougar Bus Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209 Flecha Ln., Laredo, 78045956-726-9978cougarbuslines.com
MCALLENSanborn Tours. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P.O. Box 936, McAllen, 78505-0936956-682-9872, 800-395-8482 sanborns.com
SAN ANTONIOCity Tours Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1731 S. San Marcos Ste. 826, San Antonio, 78207210-492-4144, 210-281-9900 citytoursinc.com Circa Texas, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1220 E. Commerce St., San Antonio, 78205210-225-4535, therkgroup.comCoach America/Kerrville Bus Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1430 E. Houston St., San Antonio, 78202210-226-7371, 800-256-2757, iridekbc.comDaisy Charters and Shuttles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1505 E. Houston St., San Antonio, 78202210-225-8600, 800-285-8601,daisycharters.com Destination: San Antonio. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200 E. Grayson St., Ste. 114 San Antonio, 78215210-822-5001destination-sanantonio.comMary’s Tours and Travel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . San Antonio210-224-5005People Express, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11106 Dreamland Dr.San Antonio, 78230210-737-7777, 866-504-7433 peoplexpress.com Regent Coach Lines, Ltd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 515 Sherman St., San Antonio, 78202210-212-0510, 877-440-8708 regentcoachline.comRiver City Executive Coach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1210 Hallmark Dr., San Antonio, 78216210-226-4855, 800-584-4855 usacoach.net Sendero Tours and Travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15507 Heimer Rd., San Antonio, 78232210-545-9690, 800-395-0436Star Shuttle and Charter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 338 N.E. Loop 410, San Antonio, 78216 210-341-6000, 800-341-6000 starshuttle.com
70 | TEXAX INTERNATIONAL TOUR GUIDE 2013-2015
CVBs & Chambers of CommerceEach 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 CVB 1101 N 1st St, Abilene, 79601 325-676-2556, 800-727-7704 abilenevisitors.comAllen CVB 305 Century Pkwy, Allen, 75013 214-509-4671, 888-375-9655 visitallentexas.comAlpine CVB/COC 106 N 3rd St, Alpine, 79830 432-837-2326, 800-561-3712 alpinetexas.comAlvin CVB 121 E Willis St, Alvin, 77511 281-585-3359, 800-331-4063 alvintexas.orgAmarillo COC and Convention & Visitor Council PO Box 9480, Amarillo, 79105 806-374-1497, 800-692-1338 visitamarillotx.comAndrews COC & CVB 700 W Broadway St, Andrews, 79714 432-523-2695, andrewstx.comAngleton COC 445 E Mulberry St, Angleton, 77515 979-849-6443, angletonchamber.orgAnthony CVB 401 Wildcat Dr., Anthony, 79821 915-886-3944, townofanthony.orgAransas Pass COC 130 W Goodnight Ave, Aransas Pass, 78336 361-758-2750, 800-633-3028 aransaspass.orgAustin CVB 301 Congress Ave Ste 200, Austin, 78701 512-474-5171, 800-926-2282 austintexas.orgBalch Springs COC 12400 Elam Road, Balch Springs, 75180 972-557-0988, balchspringschamber.orgBalcones Heights CVB 4522 Fredericksburg Rd Ste A37 Balcones Heights, 78201-6588 210-732-0055, reachfortheheights.orgBandera County CVB PO Box 171, Bandera, 78003 830-796-3045, 800-364-3833 banderacowboycapital.comBastrop County 806 Water, Bastrop, 78602 512-581-7176, co.bastrop.tx.usBay Area Houston CVB 913 Meyer Rd, Seabrook, 77586 281-474-9700, 866-611-4688 visitbayareahouston.comBeaumont CVB PO Box 3827, Beaumont, 77704 409-880-3749, 800-392-4401 beaumontcvb.comBee County COC 1705 N Saint Marys St, Beeville, 78102 361-358-3267, beecountychamber.orgBellmead COC PO Box 154615, Bellmead, 767155 254-799-1552, bellmeadchamber.comBelton Area COC PO Box 659, Belton, 76513 254-939-3551, beltonchamber.comBig Spring CVB 215 W 3rd St, Big Spring, 79720 432-263-8235, 866-430-7100 visitbigspring.comBlanco COC PO Box 626, Blanco, 78606 830-833-5101, blancochamber.com
Boerne CVB 1407 S Main St, Boerne, 78006 830-249-7277, 888-842-8080 visitboerne.orgBrady Chamber/CVB 101 E 1st St, Brady, 76825 325-597-3491, 888-577-5657 bradytx.comBrazosport Convention & Visitors Council 300 Abner Jackson Pkwy Lake Jackson, 77566 979-285-2501, 888-477-2505 brazosport.orgBrenham/Washington County COC & CVB 115 W Main St, Brenham, 77833 979-836-3696, 888-BRENHAM visitbrenhamtexas.comBrewster County Tourism Council - Visit Big Bend Tourism PO Box 479, Alpine, 79831 877-BIG-BEND, visitbigbend.comBrownfield COC PO Box 152, Brownfield, 79316 806-637-2564, brownfieldchamber.comBrownsville CVB 650 Ruben M. Torres Sr. Blvd Brownsville, 78520 956-546-3721, 800-626-2639 brownsville.orgBrownwood CVB PO Box 880, Brownwood, 76804 325-646-9535, visitbrownwood.comBryan-College Station CVB 715 University Dr E, College Station, 77840, 979-260-9898, 800-777-8292 visitaggieland.comCanyon Lake Area COC 3934 Fm 2673, Canyon Lake, 78133 830-964-2223, 800-528-2104 canyonlakechamber.comChildress COC PO Box 35, Childress, 79201 940-937-2567, childresschamber.comCity of Athens Dept. of Tourism 201 W. Corsicana St, Ste 2 Athens, 75751 903-677-0775, 888-294-2847 athenstx.orgCity of Bastrop Convention & Exhibit Center PO Box 427, Bastrop, 78602 512-332-8800, cityofbastrop.orgCity of Baytown PO Box 424, Baytown, 77522 281-420-5343, visitbaytown.comCity Of Bedford 2000 Forest Ridge Dr, Bedford, 76021 817-952-2128, bedfordtx.govCity of Buda Tourism Department PO Box 1218, Buda, 78610 512-295-7170, budatxtourism.comCity of Canton 119 N Buffalo St, Canton, 75103 903-567-1849, 877-462-7467 visitcantontx.comCity of Cedar Hill, Economic Development 285 Uptown Blvd Building 100 Cedar Hill, 75104 972-291-5132, whycedarhill.comCity of Cedar Park CVB 450 Cypress Creek, Building 3 Cedar Park, 78613 512-401-5070, cedarparktexas.govCity of Center PO Box 1744, Center, 75935 936-598-2941, centertexas.orgCity of Duncanville 201 James Collins Blvd Duncanville, 75116 972-780-5086, duncanville.comCity of Granbury 621 E Pearl St, Granbury, 76048 817-573-1114, 800-950-2212 granburytx.comCity of Grand Prairie, Tourism 2170 N Belt Line Rd Grand Prairie, 75050 972-595-5401, 800-288-8386 gptexas.com
City of Jefferson 102 N Polk St, Jefferson, 75657 903-665-3733, City of Kingsville Tourism 1501 N Hwy 77, Kingsville, 78363 361-592-8516, 800-333-5132 kingsvilletexas.comCity of Marfa Dept of Tourism PO Box 787, Marfa, 79843 432-729-4772City of Pearland CVB 1200 Pearland Parkway, Pearland, 77581 281-605-9461, 877-485-PEAR visitpearlandtexas.usCity of Presidio PO Box 1899, Presidio, 79845 432-229-3517, cityofpresidio.comCity of Red Oak PO Box 393, Red Oak, 75154 469-218-1202, redoaktx.orgCity of Richland Hills 3200 Diana Dr, Richland Hills, 76118 817-299-1845, richlandhills.comCity of Roanoke Visitor Center & Museum 114 N Oak St, Roanoke, 76262 817-491-6090, roanoketexas.comCity of Rosenberg PO Box 32, Rosenberg, 77471 832-595-3524, 866-367-8236 visitrosenberg.comCity of Southlake 1400 Main St Ste 300, Southlake, 76092 817-748-8652, visitsouthlaketexas.comCity of Sugar Land 2700 Town Center N Blvd Sugar Land, 77479 281-275-2333, visitsugarlandtx.orgCleburne COC 1511 W. Henderson, Cleburne, 76033 817-645-2455, 888-5CLEBURNE visitcleburne.comCleveland CVB 907 E Houston, Cleveland, 77327 281-592-2667Clifton COC 115 N Avenue D Clifton, 76634 254-675-3720, cliftontexas.orgClute Visitors Bureau PO Box 1292, Clute, 77531 979-265-2508, 888-462-5883 goclute.comConroe CVB 505 W Davis St, Conroe, 77301 936-522-3500, 877-466-6763 playinconroe.comCopperas Cove COC & Visitors Bureau 204 E Robertson Ave Copperas Cove 76522 254-547-7571, copperascove.comCorpus Christi CVB 101 N Shoreline Blvd Ste 430 Corpus Christi, 78401 361-881-1877, 800-678-6232 visitcorpuschristitx.orgCorsicana CVB 301 S Beaton St, Corsicana, 75110 903-654-4851, 877-648-2688 visitcorsicana.comDallas CVB 325 N Saint Paul St Ste 700 Dallas, 75201 214-571-1000, dallascvb.comDecatur COC PO Box 474, Decatur, 76234 940-627-3107, decaturtx.comDel Rio COC/CVB 1915 Veterans Blvd, Del Rio, 78840 830-775-3551, 800-889-8149 drchamber.comDenison COC/CVB PO Box 325, Denison, 75021 903-465-1551, denisontexas.usDenton CVB PO Box P, Denton, 76202 940-382-7895, 888-381-1818 discoverdenton.com
DeSoto COC 2010 N Hampton Rd Ste 200, DeSoto 75115 972-224-3565, visitdesototexas.com or desotochamber.orgDonna Tourist Information Center 921 Miller Ave, Donna, 78537 956-464-9640, ci.donna.lib.tx.usDripping Springs COC PO Box 206, Dripping Springs, 78620 512-858-4740, drippingspringstx.orgEagle Pass COC PO Box 1188, Eagle Pass, 78853 830-773-3224, 888-355-3224 eaglepasstexas.comEast Montgomery County Improvement District PO Box 1019, New Caney, 77357 281-354-4419, emctx.comEdinburg CVB PO Box 85, Edinburg, 78540 956-383-4974, 800-800-7214 edinburg.comEl Paso CVB 1 Civic Center Plz, El Paso, 79901 800-351-6024, 800-351-6024 elpasocvb.comEnnis CVB PO Box 1237, Ennis, 75120 972-878-4748, 888-366-4748 visitennis.orgExperience Arlington 1905 E Randol Mill Rd, Arlington, 76011 817-265-7721, 800-433-5374 arlington.orgFarmers Branch Tourism Department 13000 William Dodson Parkway Farmers Branch, 75234 972-247-3131, visitfarmersbranch.comFort Bend Convention/Visitors Services 445 Commerce Green Blvd Sugar Land, 77478 281-491-0800, visitfortbend.comFort Stockton CVB 1000 E Railroad Ave, Fort Stockton, 79735, 432-336-2264, 800-336-2166 historicfortstocktontx.comFort Worth CVB 111 W 4th St Ste 200, Fort Worth, 76102 817-336-8791, 800-433-5747 fortworth.comFredericksburg Convention & Visitor Bureau 302 E Austin St, Fredericksburg, 78624 830-997-6523, 888-997-3600 visitfredericksburgtx.comFrisco CVB 7601 Gaylord Pkwy Ste 100, Frisco, 75034 972-292-5250, 877-463-7472 visitfrisco.comGainesville Area COC PO Box 518, Gainesville, 76241 940-665-2831, 888-585-4468 gogainesville.netGalveston CVB PO Box 1080, Galveston, 77553 409-797-5146, 866-505-4456 galveston.comGarland CVB PO Box 469002, Garland, 75046 972-205-2749, 888-879-0264 visitgarlandtx.comGeorgetown CVB PO Box 409, Georgetown, 78627 512- 930-3545, (800) 436-8696 visitgeorgetown.comGilmer Civic Center PO Box 760, Gilmer, 75644 903-797-8888, gilmer-tx.comGlen Rose CVB PO Box 2037, Glen Rose, 76043 254-897-3081, 888-346-6282 glenrosetexas.netGonzales COC and Agriculture 414 Saint Lawrence St, Gonzales, 78629 830-672-6532, gonzalestexas.com
TRAVELTEX.COM | 71
Graham CVB 458 Oak St, Graham, 76450 940-549-0401, 866-549-0401 visitgrahamtexas.comGrapevine CVB 636 S Main Street, Grapevine, 76051 817-410-3185, 800-457-6338 grapevinetexasusa.comGreater Houston CVB 4 Houston Center, 1331 Lamar, Ste 700 Houston, 77010 713-437-5200, 800-4HOUSTON visithoustontexas.comGreater New Braunfels Chamber/CVB PO Box 311417, New Braunfels, 78131 830-625-2385, 800-572-2626 nbjumpin.comGreenville Chamber/CVB PO Box 1055, Greenville, 75403 903-455-1510, greenvillechamber.comHamilton COC & Visitors Center PO Box 429, Hamilton, 76531 254-386-3216, hamiltontexas.comHarlingen CVB 311 E Tyler Ave, Harlingen, 78550 956-423-5440, 800-531-7346 visitharlingentexas.comHenderson Tourism Department 400 W. Main St, Henderson, 75652 903-657-6551, 866-650-5529 visithendersontx.comHillsboro Chamber/CVB PO Box 358, Hillsboro, 76645 254-582-2481, 800-HILLSBORO hillsborochamber.orgHistoric Red River County COC 101 N Locust St, Clarksville, 75426 903-427-2645, redrivercoc.comHuntsville Department of Tourism 1212 Avenue M, Huntsville, 77340 936-291-9726, 800-289-0389 huntsvilletexas.comHurst Conference Center 1601 Campus Dr, Hurst, 76054 817-581-0044, hurstcc.comIrving CVB 500 W. Las Colinas Blvd, Irving, 75039 972-252-7476, 800-247-8464 irvingtexas.comKerrville CVB 2108 Sidney Baker St, Kerrville, 78028 830-792-3535, kerrvilletexascvb.comKilgore COC & Visitors Bureau 813 N Kilgore St, Kilgore, 75662 903-984-5022, kilgorechamber.comKilleen CVB 3601 S WS Young Dr, Killeen, 76542 254-501-3888, visitkilleen.comKyle COC PO Box 900, Kyle, 78640 512-268-4220, kylechamber.orgLake Travis COC 1415 Ranch Road 620 S Ste 202 Austin, 78734 512-263-5833, laketravischamber.comLamar County/Paris Visitor & Convention Council 8 West Plz, Paris, 75460 903-784-2501, 800-727-4789 paristexas.comLampasas County COC 205 S Highway 281, Lampasas, 76550 512-556-5172, lampasaschamber.orgLaredo CVB 501 San Agustin Ave, Laredo, 78040 956-795-2200, 800-361-3360 visitlaredo.comLeague City COC 1101 W Main St, Ste R League City, 77573 281-338-7339, leaguecitychamber.comLewisville CVB PO Box 299002, Lewisville, 75029 972-219-3726, 800-657-9571 visitlewisville.com
Longview CVB 410 N Center St, Longview, 75601 903-753-3281, visitlongviewtexas.comLufkin CVB 1615 S Chestnut St, Lufkin, 75901 936-633-0349, 800-409-5659 visitlufkin.comMadison County COC 113 W Trinity St, Madisonville, 77864 936-348-3591, madisonvillechamber.comMadisonville Visitor’s Information 113 W Trinity, Madisonville, 77864 936-348-9333, madisonvilletexas.orgMansfield TX We’ve Got Game 210 Smith St, Mansfield, 76063 817-804-5785, mansfieldsgotgame.comMarble Falls/Lake LBJ COC 916 Second Street, Marble Falls, 78654 830-693-2815, marblefalls.orgMarshall CVB 301 N Washington, Marshall, 75670 903-702-7777, visitmarshalltexas.orgMatagorda County CVB PO Box 768, Bay City, 77404 979-245-8333, 877-TRVL-FUN visitmatagordacounty.comMcAllen CVB PO Box 790, McAllen, 78505 956-682-2871, mcallencvb.comMcKinney CVB 200 W. Virginia, McKinney, 75069 214-544-1407, 888-649-8499 visitmckinney.comMesquite CVB PO Box 850137, Mesquite, 75185 972-204-4928, 800-541-2355 realtexasflavor.comMidland CVB 109 N Main St, Midland, 79701 432-683-3381, 800- 624-6435 visitmidlandtexas.comMineral Wells Area COC PO Box 1408, Mineral Wells, 76068 940-325-2557, 800-252-MWTX mineralwellstx.comMount Pleasant/Titus County COC 1604 N Jefferson Ave Mount Pleasant, 75455 903-572-8567, mtpleasanttx.comNacogdoches CVB 200 E Main St, Nacogdoches, 75961 936-564-7351, 888-OLDEST-TOWN visitnacogdoches.orgNederland COC/Tourist Bureau PO Box 891, Nederland, 77627 409-722-0279, nederlandtx.comOdessa CVB PO Box 3626, Odessa, 79760 432-333-7871, 800-780-4678 odessacvb.comOrange CVB PO Box 520, Orange, 77631 409-883-1011, 800-528-4906 orangetexas.orgPalestine CVB and Economic Development Corporation 100 Willow Creek Pkwy Ste A, Palestine, 75801 903-729-4100, 800-659-3484 visitpalestine.comPecos Area COC/CVB PO Box 27, Pecos, 79772 432-445-2406, pecostx.comPlainview Main Street/CVB 901 Broadway St, Plainview, 79072 806-296-1119, plainviewtx.orgPlano CVB PO Box 860358, Plano, 75086 972-941-5843, 800-817-5266 planocvb.comPort Aransas COC & Tourist Bureau 403 W Cotter Ave, Port Aransas, 78373 361-749-5919, 800-45-COAST portaransas.org
Port Arthur CVB 3401 Cultural Center Dr Port Arthur, 77642 409-985-7822, 800-235-7822 visitportarthurtx.comPort Lavaca COC 2300 State Highway 35 N, Port Lavaca, 77979 361-552-2959, 800-556-PORT portlavacatx.orgPortland COC PO Box 388, Portland, 78374 361-643-2475, 877-643-2475 portlandtx.orgRichardson CVB PO Box 830309, Richardson, 75083 972-744-4035, 888-690-7287 richardsontexas.orgRockport-Fulton COC 319 Broadway St, Rockport, 78382 361-729-6445, 800-242-0071 rockport-fulton.orgRockwall Area COC 2850 Shoreline Trl # 63 Rockwall, 75032 972-771-5733, rockwallchamber.orgRound Rock CVB 231 E Main St Ste 150 Round Rock, 78664 512-218-7023, sportscapitaloftexas.comRural Texas Tourism Center 289 W Railroad Row, Giddings, 78942 979-542-2067, ruraltexastourism.orgSan Angelo CVB 418 W Avenue B, San Angelo, 76903 325-655-4136, 800-375-1206 visitsanangelo.orgSan Antonio CVB 203 S Saint Marys St Ste 200 San Antonio, 78205 210-207-6700, 800-447-3372 sanantoniovisit.comSan Marcos CVB 617 N Interstate 35, San Marcos, 78666 512-393-5930, 888-200-5620 toursanmarcos.comSealy CVB PO Box 586, Sealy, 77474 979-885-3222, 877-558-7245 visitsealy.comSeguin CVB 116 N Camp St, Seguin, 78155 830-401-0810, 800-580-7322 visitseguin.comShenandoah CVB 19265 David Memorial Dr, Shenandoah, 77385 281-292-5953, 800-207-9463 shenandoahtxcvb.comSherman Department of Tourism PO Box 1106, Sherman, 75091 903-892-7230, 888-893-1188 shermantx.orgSonora COC and CVB PO Box 1172, Sonora, 76950 325-387-2880, 888-387-2880 sonoratx-chamber.comSouth Padre Island CVB 7355 Padre Blvd South Padre Island, 78597 956-761-3000, 800-657-2373 sopadre.comSpring Texas Visitors Bureau PO Box 1952, Spring, 77383 281-228-2355, 888-878-6746 shopspringtexas.comStephenville COC PO Box 306, Stephenville, 76401 254-965-5313, stephenvilletexas.orgSulphur Springs Department of Tourism 1200 Cessna Drive Sulphur Springs, 75482 903-885-5614, 888-300-6623 visitsulphurspringstx.orgSweetwater COC & CVB PO Box 1148, Sweetwater, 79556 325-235-5488, 800-658-6757 sweetwatertexas.org
Taylor COC 1519 N Main St, Taylor, 76574 512-365-8485, taylorchamber.orgTemple CVB 120 W Central Ave, Temple, 76501 254-298-5379, 800-479-0338 discovertemple.comTerrell COC/CVB PO Box 97, Terrell, 75160 972-563-5703, 877-TERRELL terrelltexas.comTexarkana COC PO Box 1468, Texarkana, 75504 903-792-7191, texarkana.orgTexarkana CVB 4803 Jefferson Ave, #75 Texarkana, 71854 870-330-0941, texarkanaCVB.comThe Colony CVB 6800 Main St, The Colony, 75056 972-624-3104, 877-264-4396 visitthecolonytx.comThe Woodlands CVB 2801 Technology Forest Blvd, The Woodlands, 77381 281-363-2447, 877-963-2447 visitthewoodlands.comTyler CVB 315 N. Broadway, Tyler, 75702 903-592-1661, 800-235-5712 tylertexas.comUvalde CVB 300 E Main St, Uvalde, 78801 830-278-4115, 800-588-2533 visituvalde.comVan Horn CVB PO Box 488, Van Horn, 79855 432-283-2682, 866-424-6939 vanhorntexas.orgVernon COC PO Box 1538, Vernon, 76385 940-552-2564, vernontexas.netVictoria CVB PO Box 1758, Victoria, 77902 361-485-3116, 800-926-5774 visitvictoriatexas.comVillage of Salado PO Box 219, Salado, 76571 254-947-8634, salado.comVisit Addison PO Box 9010, Addison, 75001 972-450-6202, addisontexas.netVisit Lubbock 1500 Broadway Fl 6, Lubbock, 79401 806-747-5232, 800-692-4035 visitlubbock.orgWaco and The Heart of Texas PO Box 2570, Waco, 76702 254-750-5810, wacocvb.comWaxahachie CVB 2000 Civic Center Lane Waxahachie, 75165 972-938-3434, waxahachiecvb.comWeatherford COC & Visitor Center PO Box 310, Weatherford, 76086 817-596-3801, 888-594-3801 visitweatherford.comWeslaco Area COC 275 S. Kansas, Weslaco, 78596 956-968-2102, weslaco.comWest COC PO Box 123, West, 76691 254-826-3188, west-tx.comWharton COC 225 N Richmond Rd, Wharton, 77488 979-532-1862, whartontexs.comWichita Falls CVB 1000 5th St, Wichita Falls, 76301 940-716-5500, 800-799-6732 wichitafalls.org
72 | TEXAS INTERNATIONAL TOUR GUIDE 2013-2015
AAbilene, 27, 28, 47,
49, 61
Addison, 35, 51
Agricultural tours, 56-57
Airports, 64
Alcohol consumption
laws, 64
Alpine, 11, 47, 48,
56, 60
Amarillo, 27, 28, 47, 49,
57, 61
Amtrak, 64
Arlington, 35, 39, 51,
57, 62
Athens, 62
Austin, 21, 25, 49,
56, 61
BBalmorhea, 13
Bandera, 21-22, 25,
49, 61
Bastrop, 62
Bay Area Houston, 15,
48, 60
Bay City, 15, 56, 60
Beaches, 16, 18, 19,
58-59
Beaumont, 15, 48, 60
Beeville, 43
Big Bend, 13
Big Spring, 28
Boerne, 22, 25, 47,
49, 61
Bonham, 47, 62
Brazosport, 15, 60
Brenham, 35, 57, 62
Breweries, 55
Brownsville, 15, 19, 48
Bryan-College Station, 35,
47, 50, 62
Burnet, 22, 61
Bus and tour companies,
68-69
CCaddo Lake, 33
Canyon, 27, 28, 61
Chambers of Commerce,
70-71
Cleburne, 35, 51, 62
Clute, 15
College Station, 35,
50, 62
Conference facilities,
65-67
Conroe, 31, 33, 50, 61
Convention and visitors’
bureaus, 70-71
Corpus Christi, 15-16, 19,
48, 56, 60
Corsicana, 35
DDallas, 36, 39, 50, 51,
57, 62
Del Rio, 11, 47, 48, 60
Denison, 39, 62
Denton, 36, 39, 51,
57, 62
Driving laws, 64
EEagle Pass, 41
El Paso, 11, 48, 60
Ennis, 36, 62
Events. See Multicultural
events; Rodeos
FFarm tours. See Agricul-
tural technical, and
medical tours
Farmers Branch, 36, 62
Festivals. See Multicultural
events
Floresville, 43
Fort Davis, 11, 13, 48
Fort Stockton, 12, 60
Fort Worth, 36, 39, 47,
51, 62
Fredericksburg, 23, 25,
49, 56, 61
Frisco, 36, 39, 50, 62
Fulton, 18, 48
GGalveston Island, 16, 19,
48, 49, 56, 60
Garland, 62
George West, 43
Georgetown, 23, 25,
49, 61
Glen Rose, 36, 38,
39, 62
Golf courses, 60-63
Goliad, 41, 43, 51
Gonzales, 50
Graham, 28
Granbury, 39, 62
Grand Prairie, 38, 51, 63
Grapevine, 38, 39,
51, 63
H Harlingen, 16-17, 48, 60
Henderson, 31, 50
Hereford, 27, 47, 61
Hidalgo, 51
Historic sites, 58-59
Holidays. See Multicultural
events
Hotels, 65-67
Houston, 17, 47, 48, 49,
56, 60
Huntsville, 31, 33, 50, 61
I Irving, 38, 39, 51, 63
J Jamaica Beach, 19
Jefferson, 31, 33, 50
Johnson City, 23-24
K Kemah, 19
Kenedy, 43
Kerrville, 24, 25, 49, 61
Kilgore, 31, 33, 61
Killeen, 38, 63
Kingsville, 17, 19, 47, 60
L La Grange, 63
Lajitas, 12, 60
Langtry, 12
Laredo, 41, 51, 57, 63
League City, 17-18, 61
Lewisville, 38, 47, 51, 63
Longview, 31-32, 50,
61-62
Lubbock, 27, 28, 29, 47,
49, 50, 57, 61
Lufkin, 32, 62
M Malls. See Shopping
Marathon, 12
Marble Falls, 49
Marfa, 12, 13, 48, 60
Marshall, 32, 50, 57, 62
McAllen, 41, 43, 51, 63
McKinney, 38, 57, 63
Medical tours, 56-57
Mesquite, 63
Mexico, 64
Midland, 12-13, 48,
56, 60
Monahans, 13
Motor carrier regulations,
64
Mount Pleasant, 33,
57, 62
Multicultural events,
48-51
Mustang Island, 19
N Nacogdoches, 32, 50, 62
New Braunfels, 24, 49,
56, 61
O Odessa, 13, 47, 48, 60
Orange, 18
Outlet malls. See Shopping
P Palo Duro Canyon, 28
Paris, 63
Parks, 58-59
Plano, 38-39, 51, 63
Plantersville, 50
Port Aransas, 18, 19, 48,
49, 61
Port Arthur, 18, 61
Presidio, 13, 60
R Ranches, 44-46
Rio Grande Valley, 43
River rafting, 13
Road trips
Big Bend Country, 13
Gulf Coast, 19
Hill Country, 25
Panhandle Plains, 28
Piney Woods, 33
Prairies and Lakes, 39
South Texas Plains, 43
Rockport–Fulton, 18, 48
Rodeos, 47
Rosenberg, 38
Round Rock, 24-25, 61
Round Top, 50
S San Angelo, 28, 29, 49,
50, 57, 61
San Antonio, 41-43, 47,
51, 57, 63
San Marcos, 25, 49,
56, 61
Seguin, 47, 57, 63
Selma, 43
Shenandoah, 32
Sherman, 39, 63
Shopping, 52-54
South Padre Island, 19,
49, 56, 61
Spring, 19
Stamford, 47, 50
State parks, 58-59
Stonewall, 25
Sugar Land, 19
Sulphur Springs, 63
T Technical tours, 56-57
Temple, 39, 63
Terlingua, 13, 48
Texarkana, 32-33, 47, 62
Tour companies, 68-69
Travel Information Center,
64
Trips. See Road trips
Tyler, 33, 50, 57, 62
U Uvalde, 25, 61
V Vehicle information, 64
Victoria, 19, 61
Visitors’ bureaus, 70-71
W Waco, 39, 57, 63
Washington, 51
Waxahachie, 39, 50, 63
West, 51
Wichita Falls, 29, 47,
50, 61
Wimberley, 25, 49,
57, 61
Wineries, 55
The Woodlands, 33, 62
Woodville, 33, 50
Index
THE PREMIER DESTINATION OF NORTH TEXAS FOR FAMILY FUN.
Fantastic family fun. Great friendly atmosphere. Whether you enjoy indoor or outdoor activities, Grapevine has something for everyone.
Treat your family to a fascinating array of attractions and fun all waiting for you in Grapevine.
Over 200 restaurants and fantastic shopping
Excursions on our vintage train and several winery tasting rooms
Outstanding attractions perfect for the entire family such as the Grapevine Glockenspiel, LEGOLAND® Discovery Center, SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium, and many more
Over 81 holes of championship golf
The Grapevine Visitors Shuttle is a great opportunity to explore a part of historic Texas while on layovers of at least four hours at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. Experience great shopping, dining and entertainment while waiting for your next flight. Catch the shuttle at Grand Hyatt DFW at Terminal D and stops include Historic Downtown Grapevine, Grapevine Mills mall and more! Visit www.GrapevineTexasUSA.com/Shuttle for more information.
Visit us at www.GrapevineTexasUSA.com or call toll-free 1-800-457-6338.
ALL WITHIN 5 MINUTES OF DALLAS-FORT WORTH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.
SEA LIFE Aquarium
What you hear is true. With a compact downtown, welcoming vibe and more than 250 live music venues throughout the city, Austin has a rhythm all its own.
AustinTexas.org/meet
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