Tour Texas

Ennis, located just 20 miles south of downtown Dallas, is a perfect weekend getaway for you or your family.  The town offers a unique and eclectic historic shopping district, recreational activities at Lake Bardwell, stock car races, family-oriented events at 85 Speedway, and 40 miles of bluebonnets on the “Official Bluebonnet Trail of Texas” in April.  But the most notable event in Ennis that you don’t want to miss is their annual National Polka Festival. 

The festival began 47 years ago as a means of celebrating the area's Czech heritage, and has grown to attract as many as 50,000 visitors!  Ennis’ National Polka Festival allows you to fully experience all that Czech heritage has to offer, including Czech traditions, religious customs, dancing, authentic Czech food,  and14 sensational live polka bands including the “Texas Dutchmen” and the Grammy Award-winning “Brave Combo”. 

Continuing its tradition of being held on Memorial Day weekend, this year’s festival is scheduled for Friday, May 24 through Sunday, May 26, throughout downtown Ennis, including The KJT, KC, and Sokol Halls. The festival kicks off Friday with a Czech dance at 7:00 p.m., featuring polka music and a King and Queen Dance contest.  All are encouraged to come decked out in full Czech “Kroi” costumes.  Saturday at 10:00 a.m. is a Czech parade, featuring elaborate floats, polka bands, clowns, costumes, and an appearance by the Shriners.  Throughout the weekend, traditional Klobase sandwiches, face painting, rock climbing, bounce houses, and a kolache-eating contest add to the fun.   

Whatever your cultural heritage, Ennis invites you to come “Czech out” the National Polka Festival for a weekend of fun for the whole family. 

After 40 consecutive years of successful festivals, including a 2012 turnout of 50,000 attendees, you know the creators of the Pasadena Strawberry Festival are doing something right!  But really, where else can you find some of country music’s biggest stars, an epic mud volleyball tournament, an authentic Texan BBQ cook off, and the world’s largest strawberry shortcake all in one place?  Only in Pasadena, Texas!

It all began 40 years ago when Pasadena earned itself the proud title of “Strawberry Capitol of the South”.  To celebrate San Jacinto Day – the 1836 battle against Mexico which secured Texas’ independence – the city of Pasadena decided to host its first annual Pasadena Strawberry Festival.  Today, the festival has grown to fill the 106-acre Pasadena Convention Center and fairgrounds, with over 500 volunteers and 50,000 attendees!

If you haven’t attended before, this year’s 40^th annual celebration is the year to join in the fun!  The excitement kicks off on Friday, May 11^th at 10 a.m. with the Pasadena Strawberry Festival Parade, and fun for the whole family. The following weekend brings in the country music, featuring performances by Brian Evans, Casey Donahew Band, Keith McCoy, Pat Green Band, and numerous others.  For those of you with little ones, the Buzzberry Kids Adventure Zone provides endless entertainment with arts and crafts, a strawberry-eating contest, pony rides, a petting zoo, inflatable games, a live puppet show, and much more!  For those of a competitive nature who don’t mind getting down-and-dirty, the annual mud volleyball tournament is a competition of seriously messy proportions.  After you’ve exhausted your energy diving into the mud, dive into world-record holding deliciousness with a plate of Pasadena’s Strawberry Shortcake –the 2005 Guinness book of World-Record largest cake at 1905 square feet!

The best part of the Pasadena Strawberry Festival is the cause behind it all: proceeds from the Pasadena Strawberry Festival benefit The San Jacinto Day Foundation.  This foundation funds various projects including scholarships for area high school and college students, books for college libraries, preservation and promotion of Texas History, and fundraising efforts for local civic, youth and non-profit groups.  

Bring out the family and join in the Texas-sized fun that keeps on giving at this year’s 40^th annual Pasadena Strawberry Festival! 

Because Texas was once a part of Mexico, many traditions and festivities of Mexican heritage are very much alive in Texas, the most well-known of which is the celebration of Cinco de Mayo.  “Cinco de Mayo,” as you may know, is Spanish for “the fifth of May,” and commemorates the anniversary of the 1862 battle between Mexico and France in the Mexican state of Puebla.  While the largest celebration occurs in Puebla each year, Cinco de Mayo is richly celebrated throughout Mexico as well as many cities in the U.S., especially cities throughout Texas.  Here is a list of some of the primary hot-spots for Cinco de Mayo festivities throughout Texas:

1. San Antonio is the largest Texas city closest to Mexico, and therefore maintains the strongest ties to Mexican heritage. Thus, San Antonio annually hosts quite a celebration for Cinco de Mayo at its historic Market Square.  Festivities include Mariachis, Tejano and Conjunto music groups, Folklorico dancers, arts and crafts, concerts, and of course a cornucopia of authentic Mexican food. The Cinco de Mayo events at Market Square usually draw between 30,000 and 50,000 visitors annually. 

2.In North Texas, Denton’s Cinco de Mayo celebration is “centered on the spirit of celebration and friendship” and showcases a parade, rich cultural traditions, songs, dances, art exhibits, and Mexican food, as well as a 5k run for all ages.  What started several years ago as a very small celebration has grown to include two entertainment stages and use of the whole Quakertown Park and Civic Center.  The celebration in Denton draws over 6,000 visitors annually.  

3. Austin’s celebrations give an extra incentive to attend: proceeds are donated to the Fiestas Patrias of Austin scholarship fund, as well as various community programs.  At Fiestas Patrias 8^th annual two-day Cinco de Mayo celebration, Mexican traditions fill the air with a variety of Tejeno and conjunto bands that bring the heart and soul of Mexico to life.  Highlighting the event this year will be performances by: Gary Hobbs, Baraja de Oro, Joel Guzman y Sara Fox, Los Fantasmas del Valle, Yayo Castillo y grupo Rumores, and many more.  Chuy’s will also be celebrating their 30^th annual Hot to Trot 5k and Kids 5k on May 5, with proceeds benefitting the Special Olympics. 

4. San Marcos joins in the fun with a three-day event featuring their "Viva"! Cinco de Mayo parade which takes place at 10 a.m. on May 5 in downtown San Marcos.  The festivities also include: a state-wide cook-off, a Miss and Little Miss Cinco de Mayo pageant, Folkloric dancers, and live music all at the Hays County Civic Center. 

Wherever you’re from and whatever your background, take time to join in the celebrations and excitement of Cinco de Mayo has to offer, bringing Mexico’s history and traditions to life.  Arriba! 

It’s that time again where we offer you the chance to win your free tickets to great Texas adventures!  Right now we are offering 9 pairs of tickets to the Buckhorn Saloon and Museum in San Antonio, TX! 

Conveniently located in the heart of downtown San Antonio, just two blocks from The Alamo and a block from the Riverwalk, a visit to Buckhorn Saloon and Museum provides you with the perfect starting point for a day of exploration of the city.

The museum’s lure is in part due to its intriguing origins.  In 1881, Seventeen-year-old Albert Friedrich, a bartender and bellhop at the Southern Hotel on Main Plaza in downtown San Antonio decided to roll up his entrepreneurial sleeves and start a saloon across the street.

After learning that many patrons passing through couldn’t afford to purchase a drink by conventional means at The Buckhorn Saloon, Albert decided to start trading horns and antlers in exchange for his beverages.  His collection grew to become one of the world’s largest and most unique collections of horns and antlers.

Today the museum – one of the oldest in the state – features wildlife from all across the globe, including fish from the seven seas and animals from every continent.  The halls of the museum comprise over 520 species of wildlife – many of which are record holders, including a 1,056 pound black marlin and a 10,000 year old pre-historic Irish elk.  Visitors of all ages continue to visit year after year and marvel at one of the most elaborate collection of animals in the world!

Enter now to experience The Buckhorn Saloon and Museum – for free!

Here’s how to enter:
1. Leave a comment here on the blog and answer this question: What is your favorite thing to do in the summer in Texas?
2. Send an e-mail to tickets@TourTexas.com with your name and mailing address.  We will need this to mail your tickets to you if you win.

The first 9 people to complete both steps will receive two free tickets to Buckhorn Saloon and Museum!

Don’t forget to complete both steps!  Good luck!! 

While most Texans are familiar with SXSW and ACL - located in Austin, the “music capital of the world,”- many are unaware of the other music festivals available around the state.  Your music festival opportunities aren’t limited to two a year, nor are they limited to Austin!  One such festival, “Wildflower!,” is an award-winning, multi-day eclectic arts and music festival located just north of Dallas and features six performance stages, a Taste of Texas Food Garden, a family-friendly Kidz Korner, and a whole lot more!

Wildflower! arts and music festival began in 1993 as a small community event held in a local park in northeast Richardson.  It was designed as an event to celebrate the blooming of the wildflowers in the area as well as bring people together to ‘celebrate the impact of music… by creating access to a broad array of musical experiences and to encourage the education, development, and appreciation of diverse musical genres.’  Over the years, the festival has seen performances from some of the biggest names in the industry, including Lisa Loeb, Bowling For Soup, Peter Frampton, The Dixie Chicks, Blues Traveler, Ryan Cabrera, Smash Mouth, Sister Hazel, Miranda Lambert, Tanya Tucker, and numerous others.  In two decades, the festival has grown to become the area’s most recognized and anticipated musical event, spanning over 30 acres and featuring multiple stages, arts, music, exhibits, and family activities. 

The best part about learning of this festival now is: you still have an opportunity to get in for free!  More than just free admission to the festival, entering the contest (detailed out below) is an opportunity to win access to complimentary food and drinks in the VIP Hospitality Area, A souvenir festival poster, special seating at main stages, and free hotel accommodations – an ultimate fun-filled weekend package!

To enter the contest, visit TourTexas.com and click the “contest” tab at the top of the page.  At the bottom of the contest page, you will have an opportunity to fill out a brief amount of information.  Be sure to make note: You can enter once a day leading up to the drawing to increase your chances of winning!  GOOD LUCK! 

In light of San Jacinto Day rapidly approaching (April 21), I set out to investigate the origins of Texans’ pride.  When it comes to state pride, there’s really no questioning that Texans are unparalleled in their love for their state.  I feel as though I’ve seen it all – from oversized Texas tattoos to a full set of longhorns on the front of a truck driving down the interstate.  When they say “everything’s bigger in Texas,” Texas pride is included.  

Where does this pride come from?  I did a little digging, and here are my top five reasons that justify Texas pride:

1. History.  This has to encompass the most substantial aspect of Texans’ pride.  Though most are familiar with the phrase “remember the Alamo,” many are unaware of what the battle fought there really consisted of.  Though it ended in a defeat for the Texans, the mere fact that the Texans persisted and that the battle raged on for nearly two weeks without surrender, fighting with only 100 troops combating Mexico’s 1,500 is a feat worthy of recognition. Colonel William Barret Travis’ words amidst the battle illustrate the men’s courage: “To the People of Texas and all Americans in the world,” “I shall never surrender or retreat,” and “Victory or Death.” 

If there is one thing that could ignite a surge of bravery to suit-up for battle throughout the rest of Texas, it was seeing the unwavering valiance of the men who fought at the Alamo.  Thus, The Battle of San Jacinto took place less than a month after The Battle of The Alamo in what is now the bay area of Houston, with much different results.  In a battle lasting only 18 minutes, hundreds of Mexican soldiers were killed, injured, or captured, compared to a mere 35 Texans.  General Santa Anna was captured, and negotiations were made for Texas to become independent from Mexico.  What other state can boast of such gallant history?

2. All the landscapes you need in one place.  When it comes to diversity of land, Texas seems to be a country unto itself yet again.  This is in part due to the fact that, quite frankly, Texas is huge.  Okay, our disjointed neighbors of the north (Alaska) may be the one state that has bragging rights on size bigger than Texas, but how often do you hear of people flocking to the tundra? Not when they find out that Texas has it all – from deserts and plains, farmlands and forests, to the rich urban culture of city life, there’s not much you can want landscape-wise that you can’t find in Texas... unless, of course, it’s tundra.

3. Southern hospitality and chivalry.  There’s just something about the “yes sirs” and “yes ma’ams” down here that I just can’t get enough of.  I’ve visited a great number of states, but few can hold a torch to Texas when it comes to the sweetness of the south.  It’s no wonder that Frisco, TX made Forbes’ list of America’s Friendliest Towns, or that San Antonio was listed as #1 on NBC Today’s list of Friendliest Cities in America.  It’s more than just a happenstance disposition; it’s a way of life that has been engrained in Texans for years.  And with universities like Texas A&M bringing up men of honor in the corps, it’s not hard to see why southern gentlemen are still alive and well in Texas.

4. Texas continues to produce greatness.  Starting from the top, three out of the last nine U.S. Presidents have been from Texas.  Texas can also boast of having its very own cuisine: Tex-Mex, a sensation your tastebuds can never seem to get enough of.  Speaking of tastebuds, Blue Bell ice cream, boasting with dozens of mouthwatering flavors, also originated in Texas.  Texas has also produced a number of the world’s top musical talent including Willie Nelson, Beyonce Knowles, George Strait, Buddy Holly, Jessica Simpson, Miranda Lambert, Pat Green, and numerous others.  But are any of these really as substantial as being able to boast of Chuck Norris, Texas Ranger? From the political scene to the music scene and more, Texas has been generating impressive talent since its inception.

5. The economy.  In terms of gross domestic product, if Texas were its own country, it would rank 14^th in the world – just below Australia and above Mexico, with a total GDP of $1.3 trillion (according to 2011 stats).  I’d say that’s something to boast about.  Along with that, Texas has maintained a significantly lower unemployment rate than the national average, escaped the foreclosure bust that crippled other states, and tapped into even greater oil money than before through a process called “fracking”.  If ever there came a day when Texans felt the need to secede, combine the state’s self-sufficient economy with their love for guns and all I can say is, “don’t mess with Texas.” 

To say that football is a big deal in Texas might be the understatement of the year.  From “America’s Team” - The Dallas Cowboys - having planted their roots in the DFW area decades ago, to $60 million dollar stadiums for high school teams, to intense training at the peewee level, the roots of football in Texas run deep.  But what if I were to tell you that there was a new kind of “football” on the rise in Texas?

FC Dallas Major League Soccer was established in 1995 as one of Major League Soccer’s charter members. FC Dallas supporters are more than just fans, they are part of the team. They chant, cheer, jump, and wave banners in order to intimidate the opponent and will the home team to victory. Supporters don't just watch the game, they change the game.  The FC Dallas experience is designed to engage with the fans, especially the kids.  Unlike the Cowboys where a dream to meet the players may never be fulfilled, FC Dallas provides numerous opportunities to obtain autographs from players, behind-the-scenes access, or even the opportunity to walk on the field with the players at the start of the game, an exciting opportunity rarely found in other sports.

But FC Dallas’ investment in kids doesn’t stop at the stadium walls.  The FC Dallas Foundation was established to find ways to give back to the community, especially disadvantaged youth.  From building high-end soccer fields in underprivileged neighborhoods, to hosting soccer clinics and promoting healthy lifestyles, the FC Dallas team has been dedicated to helping kids succeed on and off the field. 

The games definitely have an advantage from a financial perspective as well.  Where you can pay up to $120 just to park at a Dallas Cowboys football game, you can gain admittance for a family of four to an FC Dallas game at the same price, and parking is free.  For families who like to stick to a schedule, soccer provides another bonus: games are 90 minutes long, with 20 minutes for half time.  And for dads with road rage, you can relax at FC Dallas: with the toll way just a soccer ball kick away from the parking lot, post-game traffic jams are something you won’t have to worry about. 

2013 has been an especially exciting year for FC Dallas, with an undefeated home game record including an intense 3-2 home game win against their in-state rival, the Houston Dynamo.  But the most-anticipated game of the season is still to come: the April 13 game against FC Dallas’ long-standing rival team, the Los Angeles Galaxy.  With FC Dallas currently in first place in the Western Conference, and LA Galaxy the two-time defending MLS Cup champions, this game is guaranteed to bring fans to the edge of their seat – if they can even get one!  The FC Dallas/LA Galaxy game has been standing room only for three years in a row, and set the all-time single-game attendance record last season with 21,867 fans in attendance!

For more information or to buy tickets, contact inside sales associate Richard German at (469) 365-0046 or by email at rgerman@fcdallas.net

While Texas is known for its two-stepping honky-tonk of a good time, there are a few places across Texas that are known for their unique and impressive live performances.  If you haven't experienced any of the following, it's time you "went on tour" to these music and performance venues!

1. Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion – The Woodlands, TX

Located just north of Houston, The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion outdoor amphitheatre was rated the second most popular amphitheater worldwide in 2012.  Performances of the past have brought the arts to the masses, with productions by the Houston Symphony, Houston Ballet and Houston Grand Opera.  Popular touring artists of the past include Frank Sinatra, Bette Midler, Van Halen, Rod Stewart, Britney Spears, and more recent names including Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean, One Direction, Kelly Clarkson, and Train.  From performances in the arts to popular contemporary artists, the pavilion offers an array of entertainment in a unique outdoor atmosphere. 

2. Billy Bob’s – Fort Worth, TX

A list of music venues in Texas would never be complete without mentioning one of Texas’ largest and most popular country entertainment locations: Billy Bob’s in Fort Worth, Texas.  With 30 individual bar locations, live and mechanical bull riding, an enormous dance floor, country music’s biggest stars and the ability to accommodate up to 6,000 people, Billy Bob’s can definitely be considered a “Texas-size” venue.  After being named “Country Music Club of the Year” eleven times since its opening in 1981, you can be sure that Billy Bob’s will not disappoint.

3. Gruene Hall – Gruene, Texas

If you are looking for a historic atmosphere to enjoy your tunes, Gruene Hall should be at the top of your Texas bucket list.  Built in 1878, Gruene Hall is the oldest continually running dance hall in Texas. It is also the birthplace to a number of musicians including George Strait, Lyle Lovett, and Hal Ketchum among others.  With old wood floors, an authentically rustic Texan atmosphere, and live music by popular country artists, Gruene Hall beckons you to throw on your cowboy boots and two-step the night away.

4. Palo Duro Canyon Park – Amarillo, TX 

Located in Amarillo, Texas, Palo Duro Canyon is a breathtaking 60-mile long and 800-foot deep canyon recognized for its spectacular hiking, birding, camping, fishing, and mountain biking.  One of the coolest experiences at Palo Duro Canyon, however, is the live performance of the outdoor musical drama, “TEXAS”.  With over 60 performers, singers, and dancers and set in one of the most unique and authentic performance locations, TEXAS has attracted millions of fans from all over the world since its first production almost 50 years ago. 

5. Stubbs – Austin, TX

If you’re a beer-drinking, Bar-B-Q eating, not-just-country-music-loving kind of Texan, Stubbs Bar-B-Q in Austin, Texas may be your new favorite venue. Located in downtown Austin at the corner of 8^th Street and Red River, Stubbs occupies a prime location in the heart of the music capital of the world.  Though smaller than some of the other names on our list, Stubbs holds its own with a variety of big names in music today.  Artists scheduled on the list for 2013 include Dropkick Murphys, Coheed and Cambria, Slightly Stoopid, Needtobreathe, and numerous others. 

What could be better than an event with wine and art coupled together?  Wine and art coupled together Texas style, amidst the historic and eclectic scenery of Old Town Spring, TX! SpringFest Wine and Art Festival, one of the largest wine exhibition and tasting events in Houston, will be taking place Saturday, March 23 and Sunday, March 24.  And this isn’t their first rodeo: this year will mark the 15^th annual SpringFest celebration!

With participating wineries including Cap Rock Winery, Braman Winery, Fall Creek Vineyards, Landon Winery, Piney Woods Winery, Red 55 Winery and numerous others, attendees are given an ample variety of top Texas wines to quench the palate.  Wine tasting tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door, and include five wine tastings and a commemorative SpringFest wine glass.  Proceeds of SpringFest will go to benefit the Spring Preservation League, a non-profit foundation dedicated to the preservation and beautification of Old Town Spring, community projects and service organizations. 

Even if you don’t consider yourself a wine connoisseur, come join in the fun of live entertainment, delicious food, and original artwork by Texas artists.  Entertainment will include Joshua Messick, Paco and the Boys, and the Jazz Connection.  Drawings will also be held Saturday and Sunday for participants to win a gift basket from Trader Joe’s or Old Town Spring merchandise.  Apart from wine tasting, the event is free to attend! 

After you’ve had your fill of SpringFest, be sure to check out all that the historic Old Town Spring has to offer: with more than 150 shops and numerous great dining options, you’re sure to find your fill of unique, hometown Texas-style fun.

For more information and to buy tickets, visit their website here. 

Alright all you competitive contest-lovers, it's that time again for you to win free stuff!  Right now we are offering 11 pairs of tickets for the combo of The Ultimate Mirror Maze Challenge and The Vault Laser Challenge in San Antonio, TX!

The Ultimate Mirror Maze Challenge is a winding maze of fun for all ages, with surprising corners, dead ends, and continuous circles! For an extra challenge, the maze offers 3D prism glasses.  With these passes that last all day, challenge yourself to see how fast you can make it through!

The Vault laser challenge is equally intense.  Test out your stealthy skills in a real-life James Bond kind of way with this laser beam challenge!  As laser beams illuminate and the timer starts, it is your job to see how fast you can make it across the room without coming into contact with one of the beams of light.  Make it a contest between family members! Varying difficulty levels allow for a challenge for all ages. 

Here’s how to enter:
1. Leave a comment here on the blog and answer this question: What is your favorite thing to do in San Antonio, TX?
2. Send an e-mail to tickets@TourTexas.com with your name and mailing address.  We will need this to mail your tickets to you if you win.

The first 11 people to complete both steps will receive two free tickets to The Mirror Maze Challenge and The Vault Challenge combo tickets! 

Don’t forget to complete both steps!  Good luck!! 

For those of you perpetual contest lovers, also check out our monthly giveaways on TourTexas.com! Right now we're giving away an exciting trip for the whole family in New Braunfels, TX!! 

Along with the promise of spring just around the corner, March brings with it another “green” celebration filled with merriment and tomfoolery, shamrocks and pots of gold.  That’s right, St. Patrick ’s Day is nearly here, and we’ve got plenty of ways you can celebrate down here in Texas. Whether you’ve got the luck of the Irish flowing through your veins or not, it’s time you throw on your green getup, grab a pint of ale, and celebrate like you do. 

1. St. Patrick’s Day weekend in Shamrock, TX.  Clearly Texas has it all: what Valentine, TX is to Valentine’s Day, you can be assured Shamrock is held to the same expectations when March rolls around.  Luckily, the town does not disappoint.  Located just an hour east of Amarillo, The Shamrock celebration kicks off with a carnival and Irish banquet on Friday, March 15^th.  The carnival runs throughout the weekend, but it is joined by arts and crafts, a parade on Saturday, and plenty of Irish jigs!  But the most unique aspect of Shamrock’s St. Patrick’s Day tradition is the annual “Donegal contest,” where men of all ages compete starting in January to grow the most Irish-looking facial hair that would make any leprechaun proud.  If you have an opportunity to make it out to Shamrock, TX, we guarantee you the excitement will not disappoint.

2. St. Patrick’s Day festival in Austin, TX.  Who doesn’t love an excuse to head to Texas’ most eccentric city for a weekend of fun?  At the St. Patrick’s Day festival held at the Shoal Creek Event Center, your craving for Irish entertainment will be filled to the brim with river dancing, children’s story telling in Irish, and a full supply of Irish beers on tap from Guinness to Smithwick’s.  But what would Austin be without a solid dose of live music?  The Celtic Cultural Center of Texas has organized for an authentic Irish performance by Goitse, an extremely talented band of five from Limerick, Ireland. 

3. St. Patrick’s Day parade in Dallas, TX.  What better place for a parade on St. Patrick’s Day than down Greenville, Ave.?  Since its humble community beginnings in 1979 with a few cars and a few cold ones, this Dallas celebration has grown to see nearly 100,000 spectators annually.  With over 100 floats to see, this parade is among the top green parades to be seen, giving other top metropolitan cities a serious run for their pot o’ gold. 

4. St. Patrick’s Day festival in Dublin, TX.  Okay, so just when we thought Shamrock, TX had to be the quintessential location for all-things-Irish in Texas, we discovered Dublin.  With a parade, gun show, carnival, stew cook-off, and “shake-your-shamrock” dance, Dublin offers an array of festivities sure to satisfy your St. Paddy’s Day cravings.  And, if your green leprechaun getup is fitting just a little tighter than you’d like this year, Dublin has a great alternative to the Irish pubs: the Shamrock Shuffle 5k, held March 16 in downtown Dublin. 

5. Houston St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.  For those Houstonians out there, fear not, the luck of the Irish is still alive and thriving in the heart of Houston.  Not only does Houston provide a shamrockin’ good time at their 1960 St. Patrick’s Day parade, the proceeds of the parade go to  benefit EMS Education scholarship programs.  Your fun goes to support to a good cause! Now that’s something the Irish would be proud of.  For the adults out there looking to celebrate, Lucky’s Pub will be hosting their fifth annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration including live music, leprechauns, bag pipers, and plenty of green beer to go around.   

When most people think of South by Southwest in Austin, Texas, a week of innovative, up-and-coming musical performances usually comes to mind.  Since its inception in 1987, SXSW (as the festival is most often abbreviated) has been privy to countless musical talents such as John Mayer, The Black Keys, Kings of Leon, Metallica, Katy Perry, and served as a launch pad to artists such as James Blunt and The Polyphonic Spree along with numerous others. This year, SXSW will be welcoming a stellar music lineup, including Green Day, Kimya Dawson, Yeah Yeah Yeah’s, Flaming Lips, and Lecrae.  But did you know that beyond the cadence of musical ingenuity lies a world of innovation in film, gaming, and digital media as well?  

Added in 1994, the SXSW Film and Multimedia Conference, which was later split into two separate entities, transformed what might have otherwise been just another music festival into a festival of cutting-edge creativity.  The film conference, a five-day event with panels and workshops focusing on the ins-and-outs of “guerrilla filmmaking,” ends with the prominent and much-anticipated Film Awards.  The Awards are judged by both jury panel and audience and critique both short, independent films and feature films alike.  Prominent films from past SXSW festivals include the comedy “Bridesmaids” and the documentary “Undefeated,” both of which went on to win Academy Awards. 

In the multimedia corner lies access to the hottest new digital work, from websites and installations to gaming and the latest gadgets technology has to offer.  It also provides access to the brightest minds of the industry, and in the past has hosted interviews with former-Twitter CEO Evan Williams and Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg.  The gaming side of SXSW includes professional gaming tournaments, expos on the latest gaming technology, and kicks off each year with a gaming party, which will be hosted this year by frog design.

When does this extraordinary event take place, you ask?  Fear not the need for patience, this year’s SXSW festival is just around the corner! Held March 8-17 in the Austin Convention Center, there are a variety of different badges you can choose from to tailor your SXSW experience to your interests here. Whether you’re a gamer, a hipster, a self-proclaimed techy-geek or you just can’t get enough talented live performances, SXSW has an array of options available that are sure to knock your glasses off. 

Everyone knows that when March rolls around, thousands of college students from across the nation will flock to the coasts for a week of the three b’s: beaches, bikinis, and beer.  But while college students have a week off from their studies, so do the kiddos, and families begin an attempt to plan a fun vacation without the chaos of college kids.  Here at TourTexas.com, we are happy to help you plan a memorable Texas vacation that won’t land your family in the middle of a keg stand contest.  Here are some great family-friendly spring break ideas in Texas!

1. Dixie Dude Ranch.  Located in the hill country of Bandera, Texas (an hour to the northwest of San Antonio), the ranch is a perfect venue for families looking for a one-of-a-kind experience in the Old West.  With horseback riding through the hill country, an outdoor pool, eclectic cottages and cabins, and real cowboys, Dixie Dude Ranch provides an authentic outdoor adventure for the whole family.   By the end of the week when all the fun has taken its toll, masseuses are available on site to relax and restore you before your return to the real world.

2. Great Wolf Lodge.  If your family hasn’t experienced the entertainment and thrill in store at Great Wolf Lodge, spring break 2013 is the time to take advantage of all the resort has to offer.  Located in Grapevine, Texas (nestled between Dallas and Fort Worth), the resort has more options for family fun in one spot than any other resort you can find.  With a full indoor waterpark, hot springs, MagiQuest® enchanted kingdom adventure, Northern Lights™ Arcade, Howly Wood XD Theater, a full kids-spa for manicures with mom, and an adult spa when mom needs a massage break from the kids, the possibilities for regalement or relaxation are endless.  Also check out the Cub Club® learning adventure to keep the kiddos’ minds sharp even while they’re away from school!

3. SeaWorld San Antonio.  Even if you’re not looking to hit up the beach, your family can still enjoy the excitement of the ocean all in one spot: SeaWorld! Experience the classic One Ocean show featuring Shamu, make a splash on the Journey to Atlantis water coaster ride, and feed the Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions.  If you’re attending with young kids, be sure to check out the Sesame Street® Bay of Play®, a water park oasis designed just for the little ones.  After you’ve successfully explored all that SeaWorld has to offer, check out other San Antonio attractions, such as the historic Alamo or the river walk.

4. Natural Bridge Caverns.  Another attraction near San Antonio, Natural Bridge Caverns are the largest commercial caverns in the state of Texas.  The Discovery Tour, the caverns’ most popular expedition, takes your family 180 feet below ground on a guided tour full of stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones, chandeliers and soda straws.  For those of you with older kids, check out the Canopy Challenge – a 60-foot, four-tiered adventure course testing agility, balance, and strength facing 47 different obstacles, and ending with a 1,400 foot zip line through the Texas hill country.  After you’ve explored the caves and tackled the canopy challenge, get your safari hat on and your binoculars ready and head next door to The Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch – 400 acres of rolling hills riddled with over 500 animals from 40 exotic, native, and endangered animal species worldwide.

5. Schlitterbahn Galveston.  With numerous indoor water slides, pools, lazy rivers and other water adventures, Schlitterbahn in Galveston offers a full array of water fun.  Check the schedule before you go, however, as Schlitterbahn is mostly only open on the weekends in March.  Throughout the week, however, you can check out numerous other family-oriented venues that Galveston has to offer, including Moody Gardens, Texas Seaport Museum, and the Port Bolivar Ferry. 

Okay, so maybe Valentine’s Day crept up on you a little faster than you expected… again.  You had every intention of making big plans, but your work schedule interfered with the execution.  Plus, as it turns out, that fancy restaurant where you two had your first date actually books up way in advance.  So what will it be this year, red roses and the same Hallmark card you gave her last year? Gentlemen, here are five ideas to help you think outside the box of chocolates:

1. Get creative – together! For thousands of years, art has been used as a primary medium of expressions of love.  Why not try out a museum?  For example, The Blanton Museum of Art in Austin, TX is hosting a gallery talk on images of love in the Blanton collection, and the best part is: it’s free!  After reveling in the beauty of artwork throughout the ages, why not try making some artwork of your own?  For example, if you’re a Houstonian, check out Pinot’s Palette in downtown Houston for a creative night full of canvasses and cocktails.

2. We thoroughly encourage you to monkey around... with a trip to the zoo! This Valentine’s Day at the Dallas Zoo you can commemorate the experience by adopting an extra furry bundle of joy:  Koalas are available for adoption, and as new parents you receive a photo, adoption certificate, andtwo admission tickets to visit the newest addition to your family.  For animal lovers looking for a simpler agenda, visit a local animal shelter! But we can’t guarantee you won’t end up with a furry bundle of joy there as well. 

3.. Instead of buying her the standard dozen red roses, why not give her thousands of flowers in every shape, size, and color? I promise you, it’s not a pricey arrangement!  The Fort Worth Botanic Garden is the oldest botanic garden in Texas, with over 2,500 species of native and exotic plants in 23 different specialty gardens. With tours at $5 a person, this SCENTsational experience is less than the cost of those cliché red roses.

It’s that time of year again when cupid makes his annual debut, rose bushes are chopped bare of their blooms, pink Hallmark cards are bought by the masses, red ribbons and confetti fill the air, and Russell Stover’s company triples its profits due to lovers conveying their affection the best way anyone knows how: with ambiguously-filled chocolates.  But what if there was a better simple and creative way to show your affection and enhance that cheesy pink Hallmark card that just doesn’t quite do justice to the love you share?  Valentine, Texas holds the key to just that. 

Okay, I know what you’re thinking already: Valentine, Texas? Is there really such a thing? I hope you’re not suggesting I drive there just to experience the name.  Don’t worry, I’m not going to suggest you pack your bags and take a valentine’s road trip to west Texas (though that could be fun!) when there is a better way to bring Valentine, Texas to you!

Though Valentine, Texas is home to just over 200 people and sees an average of 100 pieces of mail a day, around cupid’s holiday there is an influx to up to 2,000 cards a day. Why, you ask? Because there is no better creative way to make your cheesy Hallmark card an “official” valentine’s card than with a postmark and cancellation stamp from Valentine, TX!  It’s not to late to join in the fun.  Here’s what you need to do:

1. Locate the perfect valentine card that expresses everything your heart wants to say to that special someone (or, write a letter of your own! I am in full support of unique and personal love letters from the heart). 

2. Next, find a pink, white, or other light-colored envelope for the card or letter to be placed in (the Valentine stamp is red, so it won’t be seen on a red envelope), and address it to the one you love.  Be 

sure to place a postage stamp on your card, as Valentine, TX will just be stamping a cancellation 

stamp on top of it, not adding a separate stamp.

3. Place your addressed card inside another larger envelope, and address it to:
Postmaster
Valentine Re-mailing Program
Valentine, Texas 79854

Lastly, prepare to share the story with your special someone as to why their card is one of the few truly “official” valentines cards out there!



If you're looking to make Valentine's Day plans in Texas, TourTexas.com has a wide variety of ideas, including:

Fredericksburg: Wine Lovers Trail

Palacios: Valentine Parade and Dinner

Lufkin: Corks and Forks 

Arlington: Symphony Arlington Performance

Santa Fe: Valetine Dinner with a Side of Tango

Have you ever wanted to explore a new city but didn’t know where to start? Well (aside from visiting Tourtexas.com to obtain all the best travel suggestions) if you are visiting Houston, they have a new and innovative way of exploring all the sites and history of downtown without taking a step!  How is this possible, you ask?  One word: Segways!  

Okay, I know what you’re thinking: Aren’t Segways for mall cops?  Oh contraire, my friend!  These two-wheeled, self-balancing phenomena are now available to you as well at Segway Tours of Houston, and are a segue to a really cool experience. 

The tour we went on was called the “Buffalo Bayou Tour,” and started in downtown Houston at the Wortham Center.  Tip #1: Be sure you know where your tour starts! When I looked up the address for the tours, I followed the address given for where the Segways are housed, not where our tour would start.  It took a few minutes to reroute to the actual launch location.

Tip #2: Trust your Segway, and your tourguide.  I know it sounds simple, but despite my warnings about the initial “Segway shake” if I didn’t trust the Segway to balance upon stepping on, I soon became “that girl” with the shaking Segway.  But “come on!” I say, all logic, reason, and schooling tells me that two-wheeled objects should not be able to stand up on their own!  This is what makes Segways one of the most interesting developments of the 21st century.  Built with sophisticated tilt sensors, the Segway works similarly to the way your inner ear does in regards to balance.  When you start leaning forward too far and could potentially lose control, the Segway pushes back to slow you down.  It is modern technology at its finest.

The Buffalo Bayou Tour was a perfect taste of all that downtown Houston has to offer.  With the tour guide’s knowledge and leading, you will uncover historical sites, landmarks, statues, trails, popular venues, and a rich amount of history about the city.  Tip #3: Ask questions.  Your tour guide holds a wealth of knowledge right at your fingertips, if you’ll only ask.  If you are curious about one of the landmarks or statues, ask more about it! If you want to know the best Italian restaurants in town, inquire!  The best way to tailor the tour to you is to engage with your tour guide.   

While Segways can be a little intimidating at first, the only real danger occurs when your history nostalgia blinds you from seeing that the Segway in front of you has come to a halt.  Oh yeah, that happened to me a few times, too.  Tip #4: Avoid Segway collisions as well as pedestrians.  As rich and awesome as the history tour is, it’s important (just as in driving) to pay attention.  

With these tips in mind, and a love for undertaking new adventures, you will be set for the best possible Segway tour experience.  Whether you are new to the city or have lived in Houston for years, the Segway Tours of Houston have something for everyone.

It is amazing to me how often we go through life without a proper appreciation of history.  I must admit, I am guilty of it too.  Having lived in the Dallas/Fort Worth area for a couple years, how many times had I driven down Elm Street downtown without ever realizing what monumental event took place there almost exactly 50 years ago?  When a friend recommended a visit to The JFK “Sixth Floor Museum,” I knew it was a must-see.  I was not disappointed. 

For an event that occurred such a long time ago, stepping out of the elevator onto the sixth floor was like stepping back in time.  Though I am a museum lover, this museum is unlike any I had experienced; it is a museum with a story to tell.  Equipped with an interactive headset that allows you to take in the story at your own pace - and request more details about the things you find most intriguing – you are taken on a journey through the life of the 35th President. 

About halfway through the journey, you are standing at the corner of the building, at the exact location where assassin Lee Harvey Oswald was perched on that fateful day in 1963.  Encased in glass, that corner has been preserved and untouched over the years, with even the storage boxes that Oswald had used to prop up his rifle positioned as they had been that day.  It was eerie to look through the same windows he did and imagine what the world must have looked like outside a half a century ago. 

For someone who was not alive when the assassination of John F. Kennedy took place, I left the museum feeling as though I had lived through the events of that day.  At the end of the journey, guest books are available for visitors to leave comments about how the exhibit impacted them, or reflections on their experience of that historic day.  Reading through some of the comments gave me insight into what a monumental day in history it really was – with so many comments reflecting on the details engrained in their memory. 

One of the comments read, “I was sitting in eighth grade science class when I heard the news that the president had been shot.  It was a day the world stood still.” 

For those who lived through the assassination of JFK, the museum will elicit powerful memories.  For subsequent generations, the museum offers a riveting trip back in time, bringing history to life. 

It’s that time of year again when the oh-so-joyous holiday season gives way to two scrooges fighting over the one available parking space a mile from the mall. Wouldn’t it be nice if this season of giving wasn’t quite so stressful?  Wouldn’t it be nice if holiday shopping was something you looked forward to instead of giving you an anxiety attack over the parking lot traffic jam?  I think it’s time you chose a new ‘track’ to holiday shopping: The Grapevine Vintage Railroad.  

The railroad, built in 1896 and complete with 1920s-era coaches, is a unique and historic experience.  The main steam engine, “Puffy,” is one of oldest continuously operated steam engines of the South.  Passengers board in Grapevine and are taken on a 21-mile adventure to the heart of the Fort Worth Stockyards. Passengers are then given two hours to shop in the stockyards, which are festively decorated and complete with seasonal shops such as The North Pole Express General Store. 

Not 'onboard' just yet?  What if I told you the vintage railroad is transformed each holiday season into The Polar Express, full of seasonal surprises?  That’s right, just in case you accidentally leave your cup of cheer at home, the Grapevine Vintage Railroad team will be happy to fill you up with some of theirs.  A ride on The Polar Express comes complete with caroling, a journey through a Christmas tree maze, complimentary hot chocolate, early presents for the kids, and a visit from jolly Old Saint Nick himself.  

Arrive early to the train station for the full experience of the holiday décor as well as ornament-decorating prior to boarding! This one-of-a-kind experience provides fun for the whole family, and will undoubtedly become your family’s new favorite holiday tradition.   I think it’s time you come onboard this season and let “Puffy” let off the steam so that you don’t have to. 

Living in Texas, it’s not very often that the weather gives you the impression that the holiday season is upon us.  Though you won’t hear me complaining about not having to shovel snow or begging to step outside into instant-frostbite weather, occasionally I find myself wishing I could fly somewhere for a quick visit to the lower temperatures and the fluffy white stuff.  Little did I know that we have a winter wonderland, complete with 9 degree temperatures and more “holiday cheer” than I knew could exist, right here in Texas.

Located in Grapevine, Texas (about halfway between Dallas and Fort Worth), the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center had been described to me before my visit as “a town unto itself”.  Complete with multiple restaurants, bars, souvenir shops, a coffee shop, a nightclub, live music, and a salon and spa, this $450 million dollar resort provides enough amenities and fun to make anyone question their need to ever leave. 

During the holidays, however, the Gaylord really outdoes itself.  Remember that winter wonderland I was describing earlier? Imagine yourself walking into a six-acre glass atrium room enchanted with 1.5 million twinkling lights, 12,000 ornaments, a 54-foot tall rotating Christmas tree, Christmas presents you could fit inside, a real life-size gingerbread house, and, most importantly, the Mr. Claus himself.  Who knew the North Pole was actually located in North Texas?!  But the most spectacular draw of this season by far is the Ice Exhibit.

Each year, ice sculptors from around the globe convene in Grapevine, TX, to create the 8^th wonder of the world:  a themed ice exhibit consisting of more than 5,000 blocks of ice weighing over 2 million pounds.  This giant, 15,000 square foot ice box maintains a chilly constant nine degrees Fahrenheit.  But don’t go purchase an Alaskan-quality coat never to be used again in this state just to visit the ice exhibit.  The Gaylord kindly provides thick blue winter parkas to all who enter the exhibit (leading you to humorously question whether or not you have just set foot into a scene of The Smurf's Christmas). 

This year’s ice theme, Merry Madagascar, gave me the impression that I had entered a zoo chiseled out of ice.  Upon entrance, the ice-exhibit maze brings to life the Madagascar tale complete with music, ice-slides, and ice-animals four times their normal size.  The end of the exhibit leaves you in true holiday form with a nativity scene carved entirely out of ice.  After exiting the exhibit you are greeted with the ultimate holiday gift shop, complete with a café where you can purchase everyone’s favorite cold-weather drink to warm you back up: hot chocolate. 

The ice exhibit doesn’t get stingy with the no-camera policy either, so be sure to bring your photography skills, get creative, and snag some quality holiday photos that would be perfect to grace the cover of that Christmas letter you’ve been meaning to send for years.  Here are the funny photos my friends and I snagged from our very ‘cool’ time at the Gaylord Texan ICE! Exhibit:

For more information and to buy tickets, visit www.gaylordhotels.com/gaylord-texan/lone-star-christmas/ice-experience/index.html

This time of year, there's plenty of Halloween fun in Texas. Typical activities involve pumpkin picking and hay rides, costume parties, haunted house attractions, etc.  But I don't like to be typical.