Texas Holidays

It’s true: Everything is bigger in Texas. From portion sizes, pickup trucks, and 10-gallon hats to the thousands of kilometers of rugged, gorgeous terrain. This state encompasses such a wide swath of human experience that exploring all of its nooks and crannies would take months – maybe years. The Texas landscape ranges from desert badlands and swimmable coastlines to lush mountains and sprawling prairies. Its communities go from the heights of urban sophistication (and size!) on down to the tiniest, most charming out-of-the-way towns.

There is surely no shortage of Country culture here: rodeos, line-dancing and ample opportunities for an adventure by horse or mule. And then there’s the barbecue. It’s hard to find a better place on this planet for a plate of ribs or brisket (served with a heaping helping of Texas home-style side dishes). The legendary Franklin Barbecue in Austin can boast all-day waits – and it is worth it.

History buffs can travel far and wide across the Lone Star State to learn about its rich cultural legacy. San Antonio is home to the Alamo, a centuries-old Spanish mission and the site of a long, bloody battle in the early 1800s. Frontier Texas!, a bold museum in Abilene, introduces visitors to the “Wild, Wild West” using life-sized holograms. Of course, Texas is also host to its share of arts and cultural sophistication, from the glossy urban landscapes in Dallas and Houston to the freewheeling funk of Austin. The latter city is something of an island in the Texas Hill Country – a wild, liberal city where you can expect the unexpected.