Lone Star Like a Local

Comprised of 7 distinct geographical regions, Texas is a land of wonder and amazement. To the north, the Panhandle includes deep canyons carved into the land by rivers and tributaries, separated by grassland plains. Wide-open ranges, rugged plateaus, desert mountains, and hot springs are all found in the far west Texas region of Big Bend. Visitors flock year-round to the heart of Texas — the Hill Country — while the Gulf Coast Region to the southeast is the perfect spot for a summer getaway. 

Panhandle Plains  

Expanding over 25,000 sq miles, the area’s major cities include Amarillo, Abilene, San Angelo and Lubbock. From East to West, the Panhandle region is full of attractions, accommodations, and Texas-sized restaurants. 

In Amarillo, start with a true Texas adventure by biting into the legend at Big Texan Steak Ranch and its 72 oz steak challenge. Spend the night in a luxurious suite at the Embassy Suites Amarillo Downtown. Just around the corner from the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts and the Amarillo Civic Center Complex, the hotel is the perfect beginning and end to a night on the town. 

Embrace the wonder of nature with a hike at Palo Duro Canyon — “The Grand Canyon of Texas.” Learn about the history of the region at the Panhandle Plains Historical Museum in Canyon, TX. With permanent exhibits featuring art, paleontology, agriculture, petroleum, transportation, and geology coupled with the museum’s rotation of  special exhibits, expect something new every time. 

In Lubbock, music lovers will enjoy a visit the Buddy Holly Center, a performance and visual art center dedicated to the music of Buddy Holly and west Texas musicians. Less than a mile away in the historic Pioneer Building, West Table offers delicious seasonal, new American dishes with an international twist. A few miles away in the town of Post in Garza County, the Hotel Garza offers opulent accommodations to ensure a restful night’s sleep. A historic hotel with classic charm, guests experience true Southern hospitality with boutique suites in this west Texas bed and breakfast. 
visitamarillo.com
bigtexan.com
buddyhollycenter.org
hotelgarza.com

Big Bend

Named after the big bend in the Rio Grande, the largest city in the region is El Paso and the only mountains in Texas are found in this area. 

Nature abounds here and numerous outdoor activities can be enjoyed year-round. Big Bend National Park and Big Bend State Park offer mountain climbing, hiking, horseback riding and kayaking down the Rio Grande River. 

For the history buff, visit the Historic Terlingua Ghost Town. A real mining town that went bust, the “Ghost Town” is full of decaying buildings, boarded up mines and an old jail, while the living town of Terlingua, create a night to remember at Basecamp Terlingua where guests sleep under the breath-taking, star-filled Texas sky in a secluded see-through bubble tent or a traditional teepee.

In Marathon, “The Gateway to Big Bend,” visitors enjoy luxury accommodations and delectable dishes at the Gage Hotel. The beautifully restored mission style hotel showcases unique décor with refined western-inspired furnishings. The hotel’s restaurant, 12 Gage, serves Texas-inspired gourmet dishes highlighted with vegetables and herbs from the onsite garden. 
visitbigbend.com
basecampterlingua.com 
gagehotel.com

Hill Country

In the center of the Lone Star State sits the Texas Hill Country. Home to the state capital, Austin, the terrain is hilly, with steep canyons, numerous springs, caves and underground lakes. Apis Restaurant and Aviary located in Spicewood, sits on 6 acres overlooking the Pedernales River. Their on-site garden sustains 20 bee hives and provides the restaurant with “house honey.”  A trip to Texas isn’t complete without barbeque. Dig into family-style barbeque at The Salt Lick BBQ in Driftwood Springs. A scenic thirty minute drive from downtown Austin through rolling hills, century old oak trees and native wildflowers, the Salt Lick’s Driftwood location has been serving BBQ since 1967, is cash only and BYOB, and the on-site Thurman’s Mansion is a beautiful venue for weddings and private events. 

Spend the night in the Victorian-style Gruene Mansion Inn. Built in 1872, it provides the perfect home base to discover the charm and magic of historic downtown Gruene, TX, like live music at Gruene Hall, Texas’ oldest dance hall, or a delicious dinner at the Gristmill River Restaurant and Bar. 
apisrestaurant.com
saltlickbbq.com
gruenehall.com
gristmillrestaurant.com

Prairies and Lakes

From the metropolis of Dallas to the stockyards of Fort Worth and everything in between, the Prairies and Lakes area of the state is filled with big city attractions, small town farm life, and family fun around every corner. Six Flags Over Texas and Hurricane Harbor offer adrenaline-filled adventures, while The Texas Discovery Garden and Butterfly Center in Dallas provides leisurely outdoor exploration of native plants and stunning butterflies. 

The Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center in Grapevine, TX, is a self-contained oasis. Four and a half acres of interior gardens, ten on-site restaurants, a seasonal water park, two pools and a rejuvenating spa make this resort the perfect getaway for everyone in the family. 

Enjoy a stylish retreat in Fort Worth at The Worthington Renaissance Fort Worth. Located in the heart of downtown, the hotel’s re-imagined guest rooms offer high ceilings, deluxe bedding, and dramatic views of the city. 
visitdallas.com
sixflags.com
gaylordtexan.com

Piney Woods

On the far eastern side of the state, the Piney Woods is a dense forest of pine trees, interspersed with small cities and quaint towns. 

Known as the “Rose Capital of America,” Tyler, TX is filled with charming brick streets, delightful antique stores and boutique shops, and historic homes. Visit the Tyler Museum of Art or enjoy a round of golf at one of the numerous courses in the area. Savor the thoughtfully prepared dishes at Roast Social Kitchen or indulge in afternoon tea at the historic Roseland Plantation.

A short drive from Tyler, in the town of Longview in Gregg County, visitors and locals enjoy professional theatre with the Texas Shakespeare Festival. Home to the Great Texas Balloon Race, an internationally known hot air balloon race, Longview was named the “Balloon Capital of Texas” in 1985.

Also located in the region is Nacogdoches, Texas’ oldest town. The historic downtown, welcomes everyone with the charm and hospitality only Texas can provide. Spend the night in timeless luxury at the Fredonia Hotel and Convention Center. 

In the southern end of the region, visitors can enjoy live music and performances from the national’s leading artists at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion  in The Woodlands or grab a bite and a pie at Cityhall Café and Pie Bar in Hunstville.
roastsocialkitchen.com
roselandplantation.com
visitnacogdoches.org
thefredonia.com
woodlandscenter.org

Gulf Coast

Marshes, barrier islands, beaches and bays are just some of the landscapes visitors experience along the Gulf Coast region of Texas. The sprawling and incredibly diverse city of Houston is located in this region, as well as Galveston, Corpus Christi and South Padre Island. 

In Galveston, family fun can be found at the Galveston Pleasure Pier with rides, games, and souvenir shops. In the island’s Victorian downtown — The Strand — kids and adults alike with be enthralled with the fun found at Play on the Strand, a toy store filled with games, toys, books and an arcade. Satisfy your sweet tooth at the historic 1920’s soda fountain, La King’s Confectionery and Ice Cream Parlour. 

In Houston, explore the inner workings of all things scientific at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Extensive exhibits offer in-depth looks into dinosaurs and fossils, gems and minerals, space exploration, biology and butterflies. Devour a Texas sized steak Taste of Texas. Featuring hand-selected certified Angus beef, Taste of Texas is also home to countless historical documents and provides historical tours for schoolchildren every year. For an extra indulgent night in the Space City, unwind at the Houstonian Hotel, Club and Spa, a rare opportunity to escape the city while still being in the heart of the action.  

In Corpus Christi, visit the Texas State Aquarium and meet a sloth or learn the behind-the-scene secrets to dolphin care. Create memories to last a lifetime at Port Royal Ocean Resort and Conference Center in nearby Port Aransas. With the largest lagoon pool in Texas, 210 condo suites, four water slides and a heated Olympic-sized pool, Port Royal is an unforgettable beach-front experience. Swing into Hester’s Café for a scrumptious breakfast or lunch — and with three locations — it’s always convenient. 
sopadre.com
pleasurepier.com
playonthestrand.com
texasstateaquarium.org

South Texas Plains

While the majority of the South Texas Plains region is dry and covered in thorny brush — the lower Rio Grande Valley is home to lush subtropical woodlands and palm trees. This unique ecosystem draws birds and bird-watchers alike, and houses the nine distinctly different sites that comprise the World Birding Center. The largest city in this region is San Antonio, one of the most popular vacation destinations in the entire state.

The Alamo, The Riverwalk and SeaWorld San Antonio are some of the most popular destinations in the state. Grab a pick me up with a latte and Parisian macarons from the Bakery Lorraine. Located inside the Hotel Emma, Supper offers uniquely American fare all-day, with Texas classics, like quail and cornbread, and fried green tomatoes.  Escape reality at La Cantera Resort and Spa with multiple golf courses, nine on-site restaurants, and a delightful outdoor terrace. 

Far to the south, along the Texas Mexico border sits the town of McAllen, TX. Indulge in the delicious New American cuisine at Salt, and spend the night recharging at the Casa De Palmas, surrounded by Spanish architecture with modern amenities. 

In the heart of Laredo’s San Agustin Plaza, La Posada Hotel offers guests a unique and serene feel, seamlessly fusing together Old World Charm and New World luxury.  For a delectably filling lunch, swing by Scratch for a huge handcrafted deli-style sandwich. 
thesanantonioriverwalk.com
seaworld.com
bakerylorraine.com
supperatemma.com
lacanteraresort.com

Whether enjoying big city living in Dallas or Houston, escaping to a hot spring oasis in west Texas desert, birdwatching along the Rio Grande Valley, or a splashing around in the warm waters of South Padre Island, Texas has adventure, excitement and wonder for every day of the year.