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If you’re looking for some down-home hospitality, some great eats, some wide open spaces, and some cosmopolitan cities taking a trip to Texas is a perfect choice. In fact, it is one of the few America states that offers all of these advantage and more besides, so much so you may have no idea where to start! Luckily, you can find out all about the sites and sounds that you will definitely not want to miss in the Lone Star State, in my post below. Yeehaa!
Dallas
Everyone has heard of Dallas, and while it’s not the capital of Texas, it is most definitely a place you will want to visit while you are there. In particular, this because of all the fantastic and exciting things you can do like visit the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens on Garland Rd, or take a trip to Reunion Tower, on Reunion Blvd. A place where you can watch the sunset on the observation deck and then head down a few floors for a delicious meal at Wolfgang Puck’s restaurant.
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August, you’ve been dreamy. Thanks for all the mems! –The Ball 📷: @kevinhannphoto
Although if you are still stuck for ideas on what to after these great suggestions, check out this what to do in Dallas guide for some inspiration! You won’t be disappointed.
When it comes to grub, there are a fair few restaurants and bars that will you want to try out during your time in Dallas as well. Don’t miss Fearing’s Restaurant on McKinney Ave, where you can sample southwestern style fare such as spinach enchiladas with lobster all in decadent and luxurious surroundings.
Of course, there are places to experience the less expensive end of the scale in Dallas as well, and if it’s a hearty meal or snack you are looking for you can do no better than to visit Rodeo Goat at Turtle Creek. A place where they do some damn fine fries, and some pretty good beers as well.
Big Bend National Park
Once you have experienced the delights that Dallas has to offer you may wish to get out of the city for a bit and spend some time in nature. Luckily, there are plenty of wide open spaces in Texas, and one of the best to visit is Big Bend National Park.
Big Bend is located to the south-east of the state and folks often stop off in Austin or San Antonio to break up the journey if they are traveling from Dallas.
Once you arrive at Big Bend, you will be greeted by stunning canyons, rocky outcrops, and meandering rivers. There are also a few sites and areas, in particular, to look out for here, including Santa Elena Canyon, which is located toward the end of the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive. Then there is Ernst Tinaja which is a fascinating rock formation. Although it is worth noting that this can only be reached with a four wheel high clearance vehicle.
You will, of course, find well-equipped visitor centres at Big Bend, 6 in total scattered throughout the park. There is also provision for RV camping and overnight stays too, something you can get more information on by clicking the link here.
Amarillo
Of course, many visitors to Texas like to make the trip to Houston and San Antonio which will be covered later in this post, but don’t forget about Amarillo to the north of the state either!
There are many fabulous things to do in this city including the Cadillac Ranch, which is a unique art installation that displays the ends 7 upturned and buried cars. The cars are in various states of disrepair and spray painted in bright colors, and it makes for an interesting trip with a slightly post-apocalyptic vibe.
Half buried Cadillacs aren’t the only weird and wonderful thing to see in Amarillo either. There is also is the statue known as Huge Pair of Legs, as well as the Jack Sisemore Traveland RV Museum which is a must for anyone that is visiting in a camper or that just loves them!
Houston
Now, on to the city of Houston, and what a city it is! In fact, it’s almost impossible to get bored in Houston because there’s so much to see and do. Within the central part of the city that are many cultural places to visit such as the Museum of Fine Arts on Bissonnet St, the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center on Woodway Dr, as well as the Rothko Chapel which is both a church and museum of modern art and so definitely worth a peek.
If its Space you are seeking, the black and starry kind that is, then Houston is an excellent choice too because on the south-west outskirts of the city you will find the world famous Houston Space Center. Here you can take part in activities such as lunch with an astronaut or view the Mission to Mars exhibit. There are interactive shows and tram tours as well, making it a fabulous choice for kids of all ages as well as those that hold a childlike wonder for outer space.
San Antonio
The last place you should definitely make time to visit when you are in Texas is San Antonio. The first reason is that it is a beautiful location with some gorgeous colonial buildings to view. The second reason is that the area is steeped in history, and you will be able to visit both the Alamo Mission and The Buckhorn Saloon & Museum, both of which are interesting and informative.
Lastly, if you’re planning on visiting Texas, you need to ensure San Antonio is your list because of the fantastic cuisine. It’s primarily Southwestern fair here, and you can get some great eats from smaller places like Pollos Asados Los Nortenos. A restaurant in which you can order BBQ chicken fajitas and some seriously good carne asada with beans and rice.
Then there are the more high-end venues like Chama Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse that put a modern twist on the southwestern classics. Something that you should treat yourself to at least once during your trip to Texas, the lone star state.
There are so many things in Texas that should not be missed! Its a fabulous destination for a road trip! Just make sure that you make sure your vehicle can handle the trip with a quick trip to your dealership for some maintence!
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