Most everyone has childhood memories of building sandcastles either at the beach or in a sandbox. But for the team members of the American Institute of Architects Sandcastle Competition, those childhood playtimes were primordial preparation for the big league.
For over two decades teams of architects, designers, and engineers have “suited up” in Galveston with shovels and sculpting tools in hand to construct some of the world’s most elaborate sandcastles. The competition really heats up as teams compete for the prestige of taking home the coveted 1st place Golden Bucket Award. Second and third place winners receive Silver and Bronze Shovel Awards, respectively. Numerous other honorable mentions are named, including Most Complex, Most Hilarious, Most Realistic, Best Architecture, and Best Traditional. Recognition is also given for teams with the best t-shirt designs, costumes, and best signage, allowing numerous avenues for teams to exhibit their creativity.
The creative sandcrafting you see is no impromptu affair, as most teams spend months preparing ideas, collecting tools, and assigning tasks for the day of the competition. Aside from awards and a day of creative fun in the sun, the sandcastle competition is also a fundraising event for AIA Houston and ArCH Foundations, with proceeds going to support various public education programs sponsored by the Houston chapters. The event is also one of the top five revenue-generating events for the City of Galveston.
If this sandtastic competition is one you haven’t experienced yet, it’s time you pack up your beach gear and head down to Galveston beach Saturday, June 1, for a first class seat at this one-of-a-kind event, notably listed in Patricia Shultz’ book “1000 Things You Should See Before You Die”. The assembling begins at 9 a.m. and continues for five hours, with awards presented late afternoon.
For more information or to get involved in the sandy competition, visit the AIA website here.
Ennis
After 40 consecutive years of successful festivals, including a 2012 turnout of 50,000 attendees, you know the creators of the
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:
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
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!
While most Texans are familiar with SXSW and ACL - located in
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.
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
1. Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion –
2. Billy Bob’s –
3. Gruene Hall – Gruene, Texas
4. Palo Duro Canyon Park –
5. Stubbs –
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
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
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.
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.
When most people think of South by Southwest in 
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,
in every shape, size, and color? I promise you, it’s not a pricey arrangement!
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.
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!


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. 



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.