Its true when they say that everything’s bigger in Texas, and so is the fun! I’ve certainly experienced that for myself since moving here, this Texas Bucket List is sure to keep you busy all summer!
The Great Outdoors
Natural Bridge Caverns – Feeling adventurous? Take a tour of the Natural Bridge Caverns. Many tours are available, from the Hidden Passages Tour, to Gem and Fossil Mining. Pricing can be a bit steep, but it’s one of those “must see” spots in Texas that we can’t pass up. Buy tickets online and save a few bucks.
Big Thicket – With over 40 miles of trails throughout this preserve, Big Thicket is a popular attraction for hikers and walkers alike. The whole family will have a great time here discovering, wandering, and exploring.
Seminole Canyon – This park is located in Comstock, and features some of the oldest Native American pictographs in all of North America. It’s also one of the oldest cave dwellings in the U.S. Take a guided tour to the pictographs, or hike the rim of the Seminole and Presa Canyons at this state park. If you like bugs and lizards, this is the place to be… you’ll see millipedes, centipedes, lizards, horned frogs, and more on your hike. You’ll also enjoy breathtaking views of the Rio Grande River.
Gorman Falls – Gorman Falls is one of the only places you can hike less than two miles and reach such a breathtaking destination. I’ve read conflicting reports on whether the trail is easy or difficult. Most people I’ve talked to said the trail is suitable for everyone, except young children. The park itself offers over 30 miles of trails, as well as camping areas.
Only in Texas, Y’all
National Cowgirl Museum – “Kick your spurs off and stay a while!” The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame is the only one like it in the world! Started in 1975, it’s dedicated to honoring the women of the West who have displayed extraordinary courage and pioneer spirit in their trailblazing efforts (according to the museum’s website). During your visit, you’ll experience interactive exhibit galleries in this 33,000 square foot museum, featuring more than 4,000 artifacts and information about more than 750 cowgirls.
The Alamo – “The Mission, the Battle, the Legend.” The Alamo is one of the most historic sites in the United States. Everyone should visit and learn about the history at least once.
Sweet Eats
Enjoy delicious desserts you can only find in the Lone Star State.
Amy’s Ice Creams – With dozens of locations in Houston, San Antonio, and Austin, Amy’s is super popular in Texas. They offer handcrafted ice creams, dairy-free fruit ices, and frozen yogurt. If you stop in, be sure to try the world famous Mexican Vanilla Ice Cream. They have over 350 flavors in rotation, so there truly is something for everyone here.
Koffee Kup – This family restaurant is known for its specialty charbroiled burgers, as well as their tasty desserts such as the massive, mile-high meringue pie. Head next door to Wiseman House Chocolates if you’re in the mood for a little something for the road (but you’ll have to eat them quickly if it’s a hot day!).
Emporium Pies – Huge pie fan? This is the place to be. I first heard of Emporium Pies because of their Red Velvet Chess Pie. Red Velvet… pie? Oh yes. It’s on shortbread crust and nothing short of amazing. They also have tons of other pies, of course, including the perfect Chocolate French Silk Pie on a pretzel crust, and an Apple Pie that’s so delicious, you’ll be wanting to come back for more.
I’ve got big plans this summer and they include this Texas Bucket List! I can’t wait to try Amy’s for myself, to visit the National Cowgirl Museum and take a hike through the Big Thicket!
If you get a chance, go out to Big Bend National Park… catch the baby Kemp Ridley turtle releases at Padre Island National Seashore. Those are both things I’m so glad that I did! Visit Port Aransas during the winter and have the beach to yourself, too. 🙂
Just going to Texas is on my list–but all of these sound great!
Emporium Pies is amazing! I went there during one of my last visits to the DFW area and just about died of happiness eating a slice of their pie.
There’s so much that Texas has to offer! I’ll admit I’d never heard of Amy’s Ice Cream until we went to visit my brother & SIL in Austin. She suggested we go to Amy’s Ice Cream & I thought to myself, “Now I like ice cream & all, but she must REALLY like her ice cream!”. But (as you’ve already discovered) it’s a whole different bag – love them!! I’ll add Alamo Springs Cafe in Fredericksburg, ranked highly in Texas Monthly Magazine. We stumbled on it by accident, it’s such an unassuming place that we almost didn’t go in. Glad we did – aaaaahhhhhMAZING! Love this post, thanks for Sharing! (Stopping by from the Share the Wealth Sunday Hop)
~Taylor-Made Homestead~
Texas
These are great! I’ve wanted to visit Texas for awhile now. I’m terrified of flying though. But one day I’ll make it out there.
How fun, I’ve always wanted to go to Texas. Thanks for joining the Family Joy Linky Party!
Galveston Island and Granbury, TX are two places that we’ve enjoyed. Have a great summer, Jennifer!
Big Bend, Float down the Frio River, the Texas Hill Country, and if in Austin I’ve heard but haven’t seen yet that there are some amazing Food trucks! 🙂 I love this list. Being born in Texas I was able to experience a lot of these growing up! Such a cool place to live!
No matter what direction you go in Texas, there is always something wonderful, we used to go every weekend in a different direction, find the cute little quaint towns, stop for coffee or lunch. We would travel 200-300 miles in one day round trip. But we alway loved the hill country. Thank you for sharing a bit of Texas with us on #OMHGFF this week. Hope you have a wonderful 4th of July!!
What a fun list! I regret I’ve only been to Texas once!
Thanks for sharing with us on Throwback Thursday!
Mollie
These all sound like beautiful places to go visit. I would have fun at over half of these things. I wish I lived closer to TX to take advantage of them.
Thank you for sharing this with us on the #HomeMattersParty. We hope to see you again on Friday at 12 AM EST when we open our doors.