Texas: Everything is Bigger – And More Fun!
The famous phrase everything's bigger in Texas is a bit misleading, stemming from the fact that it’s one of the larger states in the country based on the landmass, the famous phrase is a bit outdated. It should be everything’s better in Texas. Broken out into its 4 regions -which are a bit up for debate on the number, names, and locations - you can fill an entire itinerary and sleep in some of the poshest places this side of the Mississippi.
Great Plains Region
Drop your bags at the Cotton Court Hotel in Lubbock is located near the Depot District and evokes the vibe of the town and pays homage to the cotton warehouses and gins. Focused entirely on the stay and happiness of the guests, no desire goes unmet. Mornings are complimentary coffee, tea, muffins, and later in the day s'mores by the firepit in the exciting courtyard. Unlike any other hotel courtyard, it has live music at night, multiple firepits, comfortable seating, and much more. The modern Lubbock -inspired rooms have pillow soft beds are made up of custom linens and very unique furnishings to make the stay as comfortable as possible.
Cottoncourthotel.com
The Robert Bruno Steel House in Ransom Canyon is one of those wonderfully random things, like quite a few things in Texas, you have to just see, explore, and touch it to grasp its existence. The house itself provides an unobstructed view of the canyon and is made from 150 tons of steel. Robert Bruno, the sculptor who created this house began in 1973 and worked on it -mostly unaided- until his death in 2008 and still had not finished. The house can be entered by appointment only, however, if you stumble upon it without an appointment rumor has it the neighbors are chatty enough to make up for it.
Robertburno.com
Sites of exploration abound in Texas and Ozymandias of the Plains in Amarillo is no exception. As crazy, and frankly fun, as it sounds, it's pair of giant legs. Commissioned by an eccentric millionaire Stanley Marsh 3 – as most great artwork is- and completed by local artist and Texas-native Lightin’ McDuff. The catalyst for the sculpture was based on a poem by Percy and Mary Shelley (yes, the Frankenstein Mary Shelley) from some time when they visited the Texas Plains referring to “trunkless legs of stone” and King of Kings, Ozymandias. A fun thing to explore especially if you choose to see Marsh’s other attractions.
Visitamarillo.com
The Buddy Holly Center in Lubbock is a visual and performing arts center located in an old railroad depot. Housing a collection of Holly’s childhood memorabilia and professional career there is a large sculpture of Holly's horn-rimmed glasses at the main entrance. The building also houses the Texas Musicians Hall of Fame and additional visual are galleries. Teo of the most mind-blowing artifacts the museum has is the Fender Stratocaster that Holly played at his final concert and the glasses he was wearing at the time of his death. On loan for an extended period is also the motorcycle Holly owned that was subsequently owned by Waylon Jennings and Jess Colter. A cool look into some of music's most fascinating people.
Buddyhollyhall.com
Mountain and Basin Region
The four-star Stanton House Hotel located in El Paso looks historic on the outside but stepping into the lobby is a whole other world. Designed to be ultra-modern, sleek, chic, on point this hotel understood the assignment. Not just a place to rest and relax after a long day, this hotel is home to a collection of prints, paintings, and sculptures; an art lover's dream stays. With first-class staff and appointments in the rooms, there is nothing left undone.
Stanton-house.com
Remember in Social Studies class when the Rio Grande, seemed well, big? Now you can check it out for yourself and raft the Rio Grande! Set in Big Bend National Park there is a stretch of the river with rapids and still, water that allows for rafters or those who want to canoe can enjoy.
Texastourism.com
Into seemingly extreme sports? How about Sandboarding at Monahans Sandhill State Park? You can surf, slide, tumble, or any other adjective your way down the sand. With dunes that can get as high as 70ft, the park is also a great place to hike for those not want to speed down a sand mountain. A beautiful place for horseback riding as well Monahans is the perfect place to play for a day – to two- for everyone!
Traveltexas.com
Central Plains Region
The Stockyard Hotel in Fort Worth is nothing short of a gem. A historic hotel built in the early 1900s, the hotel has been a place to take your boots off for many including country music stars, tycoons, rich cattle barons, and supposedly an outlaw or two. Truly trying to keep some of the historic roots in place among the modern amenities, a real key is handed over at check-in. With exceptional service from valet to front desk, each room bears a name of a famous legend from Bonnie and Clyde to Davy Crockett. Set right in the middle of the action, it’s the perfect place for those that want to step out of their hotel into it all.
Stockyardhotel.com
Set overlooking Bishop Park the Marriott Legacy in Dallas is set among some of the finest high-end dining and shopping in the state. Exquisitely landscaped with ponds and parks it's one of the best walkable centers in the country. Don't feel like walking? Not a problem there are complimentary shuttles all over the property. The hotel is decorated in the most up-to-date modern sleek furnishings with luxury lines and ample space in all the rooms. In an unbeatable location, this hotel meets every expectation and then some!
Marriott.com
Ever had the desire to swim across the state of Texas? It’s not a trick question and you can if you want. In 1959, before Plano was a place, notable Texan Herbert Hunt began urbanizing Texas ranchland. As a draw o get people to the new and soon-to-be city the state-shaped pool was built creating The Texas Pool. Holding 168,000 gallons of water, a pool in Texas is never a bad idea. In 2007, though the pool almost dried up for good but thanks to some volunteers the pool is here for good. Now on the National Register of Historic Places and open to the public for a dip and some Texas-sized fun!
Texaspool.org
Perfect for a day of urban exploring The District at Willow Bend in Plano is a place to relax and play. With everything from shopping and dining to seasonal events. Open-air and perfect for leisurely days strolling and meandering you are never in a rush. Swing in and explore The District, with more than enough to see, you may even stop in multiple times.
Dineatthedistrict.com
Coastal Plains Region
Miraval Austin in Austin rivals almost none as the most relaxing place to stay in Texas. Set on 220 acres of Canyonland overlooking Lake Travis the environment itself evokes tranquility. Designed for all, there are strenuous physical activities to participate in or mediation, or a cooking class. Looking to help guests find a balance the resort encourages limited phone usage for full submersion into the peacefulness. Details are not overlooked at Miraval, the modern rooms are designed with nature in mind and house modern in-room mediation channels like Himalayan singing bowls and mediation pillows. Well worth your peace of mind you gain when you stay here.
Miravalaustin.com
Menil Collection in Houston is spectacular. So beautifully curated and collected it will make even the most opposed to the arts a fan. The collection is a legacy of a husband-and-wife philanthropist and opened in the late 1980s. Built out of a love for the arts, the 330-acre campus costs nothing to visit even though it houses a Picasso and a Rothko. The building itself is incredible and a work of art. Worth any minute you choose to spend here.
Menil.org
Some pools are just better than other and Barton Springs Pool in Austin is one of those pools. Filled entirely with water from a natural spring it’s unlike any recreational pool and a whole lot prettier. Built of natural limestone, it's the perfect place to feel the Austin vibe. Inner tubes are available for rent, what better way to spend an Austin afternoon than floating the day away?
Austintexas.gov
Texas can’t be explored in one, two, or even five trips. Each trip makes you want to return for just a bit more.
