Texas City Information

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 1^st 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.

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!! 

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.” 

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.   

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.

I just love spending time in Houston, a great city with its own vibrant energy. There are a ton of things to do and see here and it can be easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of our largest city. But, if ya'll are like me, sometimes you just need a break from the urban pace for a while. Well, if you’re in Houston you’re in luck, because there's a restful respite a quick hour's drive west of the city at Texas Ranch Life.

This is where you’ll find the peaceful, quiet setting of Lonesome Pine Ranch, a working ranch that is home to quarter horses, bison, Texas Longhorns, and all sorts of wildlife.You can come up just for the day and do some riding yourself, or you can just chill out, have a beer and watch the resident cowboys do all the work!

If you need a little more time to recharge your batteries, you can do what I did and spend a couple of days here. The Ranch has 8 homes dating back to the 1850’s that you can stay in, all fully restored with modern amenities. I stayed at The Creekside House, and it was great. I especially loved hanging out on the porch in the mornings, drinking my coffee and basking in the beautiful scenery. One morning I had the privilege of seeing a herd of buffalo across the road. Ah yes…now this is Texas!

While you can come to Lonesome Pine just to relax, this cowboy-wannabe wanted to get out and experience some ranch living. With 1800 acres of open-range riding through miles of rolling hills and incredible vistas it was just too amazing an experience to pass up, so Tommy, my beautiful (and patient!) mount and I spent many hours exploring. But as my sore legs and butt will testify, you can easily overdo it when the experience is as spectacular as it is here! And if you do, there are plenty of other things to keep you occupied.  There are wonderful hiking trails, fishing, skeet shooting, you can try your hand at tossing a tomahawk (a lot harder than it looks in the movies!), watch the resident cowboys roping, working cattle, cutting and team penning. Or, you can do nothing at all.

So, the next time you’re in Houston and you need a break from it all, remember the Lonesome Pine Ranch. It may only be a short drive from the big city, but you’ll feel like you're worlds away!

For more information, visit the Texas Ranch Life website.

Have you ever had an affinity for something, without really knowing why?

My wife was born in the heartlands, but she has always had such a strong connection to the ocean that people just assume that she grew up on the coast.  For me, that affinity is horses. I don’t know why... I have a friend who says it's because I must have been a cowboy in a past life. If that's so, I definitely didn't bring any of my cowboy skills with me into this life!  Yes, I can ride, but I'm definitely not a "cowboy" rider, if you will. No problem, because here in Texas, there are plenty of opportunities for me to do the next best thing: watch people who are!

Tour Texas wants to take you
to Laredo this Summer!  

Enter to win a weekend stay for two at La Posada Hotel & Suites in Laredo, Texas.

Deep in the heart of South Texas, Laredo is as close as you can get to Mexico without leaving the country.  It's no surprise then, that this city is known for its South of the Border atmosphere. 

Though Laredo is steeped in fascinating history (it was once its own country!), it is probably best-known for the legendary shopping along San Bernardo Avenue, a 40-block shopper’s paradise featuring the finest in Mexican imports such as clay chimineas, talavera pottery, jewelry, religious artwork, hand-made furniture and wrought iron creations, at prices you just don't find anywhere else in the U.S.

When you need a break from shopping, relax on a trolley tour around Laredo's historic downtown, take in regional contemporary art at the Laredo Center for the Arts or explore the area's diverse wildlife at the Lamar-Bruni Vergara Science Center.  Then, enjoy a meal at one of Laredo's many fantastic - and, of course, authentic -Tex-Mex dining options. 

ENTER NOW TO WIN a fantastic weekend getaway for two at Laredo's La Posada Hotel & Suites, named #1 in top hotels in the state of Texas by the TX Chamber of Commerce. 

Hurry!  Contest ends on July 31st.  Enter now!

As the 16th largest city in the United States and part of the No. 1 tourist destination in Texas, Fort Worth has come out from under the shadow of its "big sister" city, Dallas.  Fort Worth is an eclectic blend of cowboy-meets-culture: whether you prefer to spend your time in a museum or watching the world's only twice-daily cattle drive, this city offers plenty of things to do. And, if you need to give your wallet a little rest, here are 10 fantastic things to do in this city, completely free:

1. Amon Carter Museum of American Art  >> website

It's hard to believe that admission to this American treasure is free.  Housed in a beautiful, contemporary building, this museum offers a diverse array of exhibitions, publications, and programs that connect visitors to masterworks of American art in many genres, including painting, sculpture, illustration, photography and more. Don't miss your opportunity to view nearly 400 works by Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell, the two greatest artists of the American West.

 

 

2. See U.S. Currency Being Printed...Legally!

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing’s Fort Worth Currency facility is one of only two locations in the U.S. that print money (Washington, D.C. being the other). Come on a weekday and take a free 45-minute guided tour. The tour features the various steps of currency production, beginning with large, blank sheets of paper, and ending with wallet-ready bills! You'll see millions of dollars being printed.

 

 

3. Tap your toe to a Cowtown Opry Show

Dedicated to the preservation of country music as a part of Texas heritage, the Cowtown Opry is a group of performers who specialize in bringing back authentic western music shows. Concerts include vintage and contemporary western music, songs from the singing cowboy movies, old time cowboy ballads, and western swing (THE official music of Texas!). Weekly concerts are free, on the steps of the Livestock Exchange Building. Visit the Cowtown Opry website for an up-to-date schedule.

 

 

 

 

4. Take a Tour of Fire Station No. 1

A historic fire station near Fort Worth's Sundance Square District, Fire Station No. 1 is part of the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. The exhibit features interactive models (including a bucking bronco) that commemorate Fort Worth’s first 150 years, from its early years as a frontier outpost, through its raucous cattle-town years, and into the modern big-city era.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Relive the romance and mystique of Old West cowboys and cattle drives! Watch the world’s only twice-daily cattle drive where teams of real cowhands drive longhorn cows through the Stockyards on Exchange Avenue. 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily in the Stockyards.  And look for the Drovers before and after each cattle drive for photo opportunities and to learn more about life on the trail!  >>more info and schedule

Home to more than 2,500 species of plants in its 23 specialty gardens, the Botanic Gardens are absolutely beautiful and a great place to learn about nature. The general gardens are free; there is a nominal fee for the Conservatory and the Japanese Garden, where the koi-filled pools, sculptured hillsides, crafted stonework and dramatic waterfalls provide a view of exotic conservation.

The 4.3 acre urban oasis is located next to the Fort Worth Convention Center featuring three pools of water and over 500 species of plants and trees. The quiet meditation pool, the aerating pool and the active pool all have water cascading down terraces and collecting in pools below.  1502 Commerce St.

Meteorites are the oldest materials known — older than any rock formed on Earth! The Monnig Meteorite Museum is one of the largest university-based collections with over 1,700 specimens. Explore the mysteries of meteorites, create your own terrestrial impact crater and even touch a piece of Mars at this “out of this world” gallery devoted to our visitors from space. Located on the grounds of the Texas Christian University campus. >> more info

9. Trinity Trails

Trinity Trails are the biking/cycling, running/walking and horseback trails of Fort Worth. The trails are named for the Trinity River, along which many of the trails are located.  There are over 40 miles of trails along the Trinity and its tributaries, connecting with 21 parks, the Fort Worth Botanic Garden and Japanese Garden, Log Cabin Village, Fort Worth Zoo, the historic Stockyards and downtown Fort Worth. >> more info

10. Kimbell Art Museum

The Kimbell's permanent collection contains works ranging from the third millennium B.C. to the mid-20th century, and includes major pieces by Fra Angelico, Velazquez, Bernini, Rembrandt, Goya, Monet, Cezanne, Picasso, Mondrian and Matisse. It is also home to Michelangelo's first known painting. The collection comprises Asian and non-Western as well as European art. The museum features special and traveling exhibits on display throughout the year.  >> more info

Oh, and one more thing in Fort Worth that's free:
"Molly the Trolley" is a vintage-style vehicle that offers a quick and convenient way to travel throughout the downtown area for free, from the Fort Worth Convention Center to Sundance Square.  Molly stops near every downtown hotel property, landmark, dining, shopping and entertainment venue.  Be sure to hop aboard for a free ride while exploring Fort Worth's free treasures.  >> more info

I've got nothing against a good art museum or a sobering historical exhibit.  In fact, I think a great museum is one of the high points of a trip to a new place.  But, as Americans, I think most of us also love to explore the weird, the silly, the strange and the morbid.  With that in mind, I present to you ten of Texas' weirdest, coolest and most unique museums. 

Cockroach Hall of Fame

2231-B West 15th St., Plano  ∙  972-519-0355

I stumbled upon this place a few years back and I tell everyone who's going to be near Plano to pay it a visit, if only to get a laugh.  Located inside a pest control supply store and "curated" by owner Michael Bohdan, the hall of fame features plenty of information about roaches and mounted samples.  In addition to the "dead" cockroaches, Michael also displays live Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches which are three to four inches long and nearly an inch thick. My favorite part, though, are the displays of roaches in costumes, each in a diorama depicting a scene.  For example, there's "Liberoachie", sitting at a piano in a sparkling Liberace costume.  And there's also Marilyn Monroach - a dead bug wearing the signature white dress.  You'll leave with a smile on your face and a greater appreciation for the lowly roach.

Texas Prison Museum 

Huntsville  ∙  www.txprisonmuseum.org/

At the Texas Prison Museum, even the tour guide is a genuine artifact: retired warden Jim Willet, who oversaw 89 executions during his career,  walked us around and told stories about the exhibits detailing the history of the Texas prison system.  Highlights include the Contraband Exhibit, the Famous Prisoners exhibit and "Old Sparky", an electric chair that fried 361 prisoners between 1924 and 1964.   You can have your picture taken in a real 9' x 6' jail cell at the Museum for a great souvenir.  This very interesting museum is a bargain at only $4 for admission.

 

The Dog Museum

Ripley's Believe it or Not! Odditorium

Toilet Seat Museum

National Museum of Funeral History

The Art Car Museum

Miss Hattie's Bordello Museum

Devil's Rope Barbed Wire Museum 

Here comes another great giveaway for 6 lucky winners:

Be a part of history on February 28th, as movie theaters nationwide will debut the first-ever US showing of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s "Love Never Dies", the highly anticipated sequel to "The Phantom of the Opera".  

IMPORTANT:

*  If you win, you will be notified by email on Sunday, Feb. 19th, with a request to provide your mailing address so we can send you the tickets.  YOU MUST PROVIDE A MAILING ADDRESS by Monday, Feb. 20 or you will forfeit your tickets and a replacement winner will be drawn. Please check your email to see if you have won. 

*  Your comment MUST include your preferred city.

        * One entry per person.  Additional entries will be deleted.

Today's post is about romantic getaways on a budget and, whaddya know, it just so happens to be Valentine's Day!  But this subject is not only relevant on February 14th. Texas has so many romantic places and I believe that anytime is a good time to get away with your sweetie, to take a break from the texts and tweets for awhile and focus on each other. Having said that, here's a list of a few fun and romantic things to do on Valentine's Day--or any day--to reconnect with the one you love.

Dallas Vicinity: The smaller towns surrounding big cities are great travel spots that can be easy on the wallet. About 30 minutes north of Dallas is McKinney, known for its vibrant arts scene, diverse antique shops and historic downtown. This city’s tree-lined streets and restored antique houses are the perfect backdrop for a relaxing couples-weekend. Northwest of Dallas is Denton. From the century-old courthouse and quaint town-square to world-class shopping and internationally acclaimed musical talent, Denton has an ambiance that lends itself to hand-in-hand strolls, leisurely lunches, and a relaxing getaway for two.

Jefferson, East Texas: East of Dallas and not far from the Louisiana border, Jefferson is a step back in time to an era of antebellum homes, horse-drawn carriages and steam locomotives. This once-booming river-port town went bust in the 1870s but still retains the architecture and heritage of a 19th century town. Considered the Bed & Breakfast capital of East Texas, Jefferson has approximately 60 B&Bs. Amp up the romance with a horse-drawn carriage ride. The cost for 2 people is $100, but that includes dinner so it seems like reasonable price. 
 

Big Bend: Some people feel that one of the best romantic attractions in Texas is Big Bend National Park. At the center of the park is the Chisos Mountain Basin. There is a 7-mile paved road that runs through this mountain region. If hiking and camping are your idea of romance, you'll find it here. The Big Bend area offers some of the most breathtaking views in Texas. The Chihuahuan Desert Nature Trail is in nearby Panther Junction, Texas. This half mile trail runs near an oasis in Big Bend National Park. Other nature trails include the Rio Grande Village Nature Trail and the Boquillas Canyon trail.

I just read that Trip Advisor published a list of 15 travel destinations on the rise. Can you guess which Texas city was in the #2 spot? It’s the great state capitol of Texas, good ol’ Austin.

It’s a new year, a leap year. A whole new 366 days to explore the adventure to be found on Texas back roads, on Main Street, and in the heart of Texans who make this the greatest state in the Union.

On my calendar for this year are blogging and photo trips to new craft breweries such as the Karbach Brewing Company in Houston, and established wineries from Bernhardt in Plantersville to the Fairhaven Vineyards in Hawkins.

Minor League baseball will be played for the first time in Sugar Land when the Skeeters take to the diamond at Constellation Field this spring. I plan to be there to cover the action. 

I’ll be heading over to Grand Saline to check out the reptilian action at the East Texas Gators & Wildlife Park, paying my respects at painted churches, and continuing the search for the best catfish kitchen in the state. So much to see, so much report . . .

In 2011 Texas highways led me to some mighty fine food, new friends, little known historical spots, and quirky attractions. Quality time spent with retired railroad man Bobby Jack Middleton in Hearne and Frank the hobo in Tomball was unexpected. The thick chocolate malt that I found at The Diner in Corsicana brought back childhood memories, while hearing first person accounts of the ghosts of Galveston, San Antonio and on The Lex in Corpus Christi was chilling.    

Coming face-to-face with “Old Sparky”, the infamous electric chair at Huntsville’s Texas Prison Museum, was thoughtful provoking, and visiting the graves of men who fought for the Texas military during the American Civil War was humbling.

I loved touring the Tee Pee Motel in Wharton with its rows of cone-shaped lodges, a throwback to the day when the family summer vacation was made in a station wagon and Route 66 was more than just a tune on the AM radio.

Sampling Dr Pepper made from the original sugar laced recipe in Dublin was sweet . . . pun intended. The Sterling McCall Cadillac Museum in Warrenton was a nice surprise and exploring the historic Fulton Mansion near Rockport was really cool for a fan of architectural design.

Then there were the churches, big and small. The stained glass at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Round Top was “heavenly”, and the tiny Saint Martin’s Catholic Church on Highway 237 was so . . . small.

The mom-and-pop restaurants that I visited in 2011 were no less than awesome. The T-bone steak at San Antonio’s Josephine Street Café easily went head-to-head with the fried shrimp at the Laguna Reef in Flour Bluff. Barbecue at Holders in Dobbin was just as good as the original “pig sandwich” at the Pig Stand on Broadway in the Alamo City. And, the burger at the Chicken Oil Company in Bryan is still at the top of my list . . . well, at least for now.

My Texas getaways were seriously good in 2011. Maybe this year you’ll hit the road to create your own Lone Star adventures and meet a character or two.  I certainly plan to keep on pick-up truckin’ across the state on my own as a Texas trekker. It’s just too much fun not to!

Listen . . . the open road is calling. Can you hear it?  

There should have been a big banner over the street that read “Just add snow!”. 

Christmastime surrounded us as we walked along the crowded sidewalk in scenic downtown Grapevine. Everywhere you looked there were colorful lights and smiling faces, giant red bows and displays of the season.  But it was more than the festive decorations; Christmastime was in the crisp north Texas air. You could feel it and it felt real good.

Grapevine knows how to celebrate Christmas and it shows in the weeks of activities staged throughout December. On this particular night we were there for no particular reason other than to just enjoy the atmosphere that is Grapevine during the holidays.
 

The animated North Pole was a favorite for kids. I stood and watched as they ran from a Keebler-like treehouse with busy elves, to a toy workshop, and then on Santa’s bedroom where more elves frantically tried to wake their bearded buddy for his annual trek to the south.

A short walk past whimsically decorated collectible shops and boutiques was a park with thousands of synchronized holiday lights. The gazebo flashed multicolored patterns in the night alongside a conical Christmas tree towering nearby. First solid green then red, next came a rainbow of light followed by total darkness only to repeat again to the beat of traditional Christmas tunes. It was hypnotic and fascinating to watch standing there with hundreds of others who had come to share the joy.

Hung high above the traffic along Main Street were reindeer in lights. The sales and wait staff in shops and restaurants were dressed in their winter pajamas to celebrate the North Pole Express making a holiday stop at the Cotton Belt Railroad District through Christmas. 

From the Grapevine Opry Country Christmas to the historic pioneer cabins, and the City’s signature wineries and tasting rooms, Christmas was everywhere and everyone was filled with the spirit of the season. You could see it in the children’s faces. But, it was not just the Santa kind of Christmas. It was bigger than that as it should be. It was a peaceful, Joy to the World, reason for the season sort of thing and I’m glad that Grapevine is one of the spots that I chose to spend this holiday season.

Merry Christmas y’all.

For a listing of more Christmas celebrations across Texas, check TourTexas.com now!








  Michael Baxter is the Texas Travelin' Man


Alway check TourTexas.com for the latest Texas Travel and Vacation information, brochures, maps and more.

It was a random conversation in College Station that tipped me off to the Franconia Brewing Company. Just a casual word that I was on my way to a wedding in McKinney, and he mentioned a great craft beer tour just minutes from where I would be staying. What were the odds?

Franconia is a regional brew available primarily in the DFW area, and only in kegs. No bottles or cans to be had.

From the outside the warehouse-style building appeared to be nothing special; a simple brick building with no distinguishing sign or logo among several others in an industrial complex on the McKinney Parkway. But inside there was stuff happening from one end to the other that would make most craft brewers envious. An old-style German beer was being brewed with several generations of experience to make it right.

Owner and Brew Master, Dennis Wehrmann comes from a long line of German brewers. His great grandfather was a brewer back in the 1800s where all kegs where made of wood and beer was delivered by horse carriage. Most of his uncles are brewers and even his mom has a degree as a brewery lab technician. I guess you might say that Dennis has beer in his blood . . . literally and figuratively.

I have been on several brewery tours, but this one was the best ever. Dennis was one part Brew Master and one part standup comic. His well rehearsed routine was peppered with comedic one-liners skewering the big guys. One minute he was explaining how four simple ingredients combine to make beer, then the next he was debunking the claims of a major beer company that by “triple hopping” their brew it makes it superior. According to Wehrmann triple hopping has been a standard process for brewers since the beginning of time.

Perched on a commercial step ladder high above more than 125 visitors, Wehrmann told beer lovers, home brewers, and curious looky-loos about the three temperatures necessary to brew his three signature beverages. He then proceeded to offer to wave the usual $5.00 Franconia tour fee for anyone who would go to Houston’s St. Arnold Brewing Company and come back with their closely guarded temperature ranges.

He mocked the Rocky Mountain claim that “frost brewing” makes beer taste better by asking the crowd when was the last time any of us saw “frosty steam” rising from a heated beer kettle. “After a workout, why spend money on expensive protein shakes when there is just as much protein in the foamy head of a great tasting beer?” he asked. No one in the crowd with a pint of lager in-hand could dispute that statement.

Wehrmann went out of his way to explain a complicated process in a manner that everyone could understand. From start to finish he made it sound so easy, though we all knew that this was a skilled master of his craft. Unlike many brewery tours, this was more than a two-hour drinking party. It was a learning experience for anyone who appreciates the process of brewing a tasty tall one. From a traditional German lager, to the Wheat and the dark Durkel, Wehrmann has gotten it right.

As we were leaving his lecture Wehrmann asked us to stop and listen closely to his final words. He said that Americans have three major misconceptions about Germans that he wanted to set straight. “First, Germans don’t wear lederhosen all the time.” There was a laugh. “Second, Germans did NOT invent the Chicken Dance . . . in fact, we don’t even do the Chicken Dance.” This time there was a bigger laugh. “And three . . . Germans don’t drink warm beer.” Cheers filled the room.

These were words to live by. . . words that I won’t soon forget.

My chocolate malt was a tad thicker and creamier than any that I have had in years. Topped with a mound of whipped cream and a single stemmed maraschino cherry, it was more than tasty . . . for me it was a flashback to the days of Billy Hailey, Chuck Berry and the Big Bopper. This was the real deal right in the middle of Corsicana, Texas.

Originally opened in 1905, The Diner on North Beaton Street is the oldest continually operating soda fountain in Texas and with the same ice cream machine purchased in 1922 it still cranks out old-style Dr Pepper floats, sodas, sundaes and banana splits to customers from the Piney Woods to Waco and north to Ennis. 

It’s been years since I had a Purple People Eater – a tall drink of grape soda and vanilla ice cream, or a Brown Cow – an incredible mix of root beer and chocolate syrup with vanilla ice cream. When was the last time you even heard of a Phosphate? For readers under the age of 50, a Phosphate is a well balanced mix of flavored syrup and soda water over ice. The perfect combination should be left to the professionals like Pepper, our waitress and hand scoop extraordinaire.

As we sat at a red vinyl booth it was impossible not to take in the history around us. The scuffed, stained floor was worn white tile with Art Deco patterns in black, red and teal green. The matching green and red counter was original with a row of chrome-railed red and black vinyl swivel stools. Above the mirrored back wall behind the counter hung a large sign from the early days that read “Hashop Drugs – ice cream”.

Well used Coca-Cola and Dr Pepper fountains rested on the counter top as customers sat and enjoyed their meal to either side.

 I ordered my cheese burger done the old fashioned way, the way burgers used to be served up during the heyday of diners and soda shops. It was loaded with great taste and better memories.

As I savored those memories along with the ¼ lb. stack of beef, lettuce, tomatoes, onions and extra mustard, classic country tunes from the ‘60s floated over head. If only for a moment it was small town Texas from decades past and I was hanging on to every second of it for as long as I could.

When the check came I quickly returned to present day reality . . . there was no 5-cent dipped ice cream or 15-cent soda on my tab like there used to be. But, the modern day price was well worth the cost of admission to this malt shop memory maker in Corsicana.