10 Great Reasons to Vacation in the Lone Star State

Howdy, folks! Today we're talking about the Lone Star State and its endless attractions. There are many reasons to visit Texas, but we've narrowed it down to our ten favorites. So saddle up, pack your bags, and start planning a vacation to one of our seven Texas resorts!

10 Reasons to Visit Texas

1. BBQ and Tex-Mex Food

Everything's bigger in Texas, including the serving sizes. Texas BBQ joints are famous for serving up heaping platters of meat and sides. These decadent dishes can be found throughout the state and we've highlighted our favorite Texas BBQ restaurants for you to check out.

If you're further south, especially around San Antonio or El Paso, you'll find more Tex-Mex food. This fusion cuisine pairs Texas favorites with classic Mexican cooking. Dishes such as chili con carne, fajitas, queso, and breakfast tacos are all Tex-Mex favorites. Be sure to check out hole-in-the-wall Tex-Mex eateries during your vacation to San Antonio!

2. Bundles of History

Texas has a long, rich history, both before and after the colonial settlers arrived. Numerous Native American historical sites exist in Texas, including Caddo Mounds State Historic Site in East Texas. There are also more recent historical sites, such as The Alamo, the Sixth Floor Museum, and the Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site.

3. Live Music A-plenty

One of the best reasons to visit Texas is the music. In fact, Austin is the live music capital of the world! Usually, live music can be found at restaurants, bars, and outdoor venues throughout the year. You'll also find many mainstream and indie acts touring in Austin, along with the famous Austin City Limits music festival.

4. Arts and Culture

Texas has more than live music to its name. In addition to Austin City Limits, the capital of Texas hosts SXSW, a world-renowned festival of film, media, and music. Plus, Austin is positively overflowing with art galleries, murals, and sculptures. And if traditional art museums are more your speed, try visiting the Dallas Museum of Art or The Modern in Fort Worth.

5. Rodeos and Ranch Culture

If there's anything that's well and truly Texan, it's ranch culture. The Lone Star State has a long legacy of raising cattle and it continues today. While you can explore the ranches of the countryside, you may also enjoy visiting a rodeo while in Texas. Or perhaps take a trip to the Fort Worth Stockyards, where cattle drives still take place twice a day.

6. World-Class Cities

Texas is home to numerous cities, each with a distinct flavor and flair. In Dallas, you'll find glitz and glamour in an oil boomtown. Whereas neighboring Fort Worth offers the rugged Texas spirit of rodeos and ranching. Different from both cities is the metropolis of Houston, a diverse Gulf Coast collection of communities ranging from new developments to historic small towns like Katy.

Then there are the Hill Country cities of Austin and San Antonio. Austin is the quirky capital of Texas, filled with arts, culture, music, and outdoor activities. It's the perfect place to discover new trends and live your hipster ideal. On the flipside is San Antonio, a city steeped in Southwest history that's now known for its vibrant River Walk and Tex-Mex food. Wherever you choose to vacation in Texas, you'll find plenty to explore!

7. Hill Country Adventures

Texas Hill Country has become a beloved vacation destination and is one of the best reasons to visit Texas. This region, extending into both Austin and San Antonio, features a fascinating blend of Spanish and German culture. Charming towns like Fredericksburg and New Braunfels sit at the heart of this mix, with German restaurants and music halls in abundance.

Here are a few other adventures to experience in Hill Country:

• Schlitterbahn Waterpark
• Gruene Historic District
• Gravel and road biking
• Texas Hill Country wineries
• Landa Park and Golf Course
• Tubing on the Comal and Guadalupe Rivers

8. Professional Sports

Sports are a popular pastime in Texas. From football to basketball to baseball and beyond, Texas has many professional sports teams. In Dallas, you'll find the Dallas Cowboys (football), Dallas Mavericks (basketball), and Texas Rangers (baseball). Houston is also a big sports town, with the Houston Astros (baseball), Houston Texans (football), and Houston Rockets (basketball). Plus, you can't forget about the San Antonio Spurs (basketball) and the many college sports teams in Texas. There are plenty of options for all fans.

9. Everything's Bigger in Texas

We know it's been said a million times, but everything truly is bigger in Texas. From the food to the cars to the homes, you'll find that the Texas way is to go above and beyond. For your vacation, that means more fun, more relaxation, more space, and more amenities. Whether you're bringing a big RV or searching for a sizable vacation cottage, Texas is the place for you.

10. State Fair of Texas

Rounding out our list of reasons to visit Texas is the famous State Fair of Texas. In a normal year, the State Fair draws 2.25 million visitors, making it the largest fair in the U.S. Here, you'll discover fair rides, food stalls, agricultural displays, and incredible shows. It's a one-of-a-kind event celebrating all things Texan that simply can't be missed.  

We hope you've enjoyed these ideas for your next vacation to the Lone Star State. With so many reasons to visit Texas, start planning your stay at one of our Texas resorts today. And don't forget to share these ideas with your favorite travel companion!  

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