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One of the biggest thrills about visiting the great state of Texas is chance to see dozens of professional sports teams. Professional sports teams are the top of the line and the best of the best when it comes to a particular sport.

When visiting Texas you have the chance to see professional soccer, hockey, basketball, baseball and football teams. Here’s a look at what teams are playing in Texas and where you can see them play.

Professional Soccer

Soccer is making a comeback in the United States and Texas offers you the chance to see two of the best professional soccer teams. The Houston Dynamos and the FC Dallas, both divisions of Major League Soccer play out of the state of Texas.

Professional Baseball

When visiting Texas you have two chances to see a Major League Baseball team in action. The Texas Rangers and Houston Astros are based out of the state of Texas.

Professional Basketball

For basketball fans Texas offers you the chance to see three great teams, one of which is a multi-championship winner. The Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks and San Antonio Spurs have the home court advantage in various parts of Texas. The San Antonio Spurs are perhaps one of the most popular NBA teams in the history of basketball.

Professional Hockey

Hockey is often thought of as Canada’s favorite past time but the city of Dallas has its own National Hockey League team. The Dallas Stars play right in the heart of Dallas.

When visiting Texas, don’t miss out on seeing some of the best of the best in their chosen sport play.

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If you’re looking for a prime example of the saying “everything is bigger in Texas” then look no further than the State Fair of Texas. The State Fair of Texas has been held annually in Dallas since 1886 and draws visitors from all over the world. Starting the last week of September and running for 24 days straight, the State Fair of Texas has hundreds of attractions, games and events that keep people coming back for more.

If you’re considering stopping by the State Fair of Texas, here’s a look at some things you can expect to experience on your visit.

Big Tex

Big Tex is the biggest attraction for the State Fair of Texas. Big Tex is a 52 ft. tall cowboy statue that is designed to look as if the cowboy is talking. All announcements, entertainment and other things related to the fair is broadcast through a megaphone that is in the cowboy’s jaw to make it appear as if he is talking to the crowds.

Unique Fair Food

Vendors from all over the state of Texas come to the state fair to show off their culinary skills. Everything from cheesecake, corndogs, fried food, ribs, and steaks are offered at the state fair.

The State Fair of Texas is also the home of where many new deep fried foods are introduced. Everything from Oreos to pork ribs are deep fried and offered to the crowds.

Besides Big Tex and the unique fair food, state fair attendees can expect to see great bands, enjoy fair rides and play carnival games.

If you’re looking to enjoy the cultural side of Houston, Texas, here’s a look at some of the things you can experience and see.

The Houston Grand Opera

The Houston Grand Opera is based out of the city of Houston. It is known for its elaborate opera productions. Founded in 1955, the Houston Grand Opera is also famous for putting on many world and American premier opera shows.

The Houston Ballet

Texas is the home to one of the largest ballet companies in the United States. The Houston Ballet company is based out of the Wortham Theatre Center. It is the fourth largest ballet company and is known for putting on over 80 productions and performances every year. Occasionally the Houston Ballet will provide the dance and choreography segments for the Houston Grand Opera.

The Houston Symphony Orchestra

If you’re looking to enjoy classical, jazz or movie soundtracks than the Houston Symphony Orchestra will have a performance for you. Located in the heart of Houston and performing in the Jesse H. Jones Hall for the Performing Arts, the Houston Symphony Orchestra puts on a half dozen productions for the public.

If you’re looking for a cultural event to enjoy while on vacation to Texas, then there is plenty to experience in this wonderful state. Everything from ballet, opera, music and Broadway musicals are available right at your fingertips.

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The presidential library system began in 1939.  So far, the United States has 13 such libraries.  Presidential libraries are the repository for photographs (official and familial), memorabilia, letters, speeches, and documents collected during the presidency.  That Texas is home to three presidential libraries is a huge windfall for the touring history buff.  Two are currently open for visitors.

Lyndon Baines Johnson (LBJ) Library and Museum

The LBJ library is located in Austin Texas.  LBJ began his presidency on the night President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. The library covers the years 1961 through 1969.  Included in the collection are the photographs, speeches, journals and documents surrounding the passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, the Vietnam War, and the War on Poverty.

George Bush Presidential Library and Museum

Located in College Station, Texas, the George Bush Presidential Library’s collection includes documents, speeches and photos around the first conflict in Iraq: Desert Storm, Iraq War, the capturing of General Manuel Noriega, and President Bush’s call for a new volunteerism in America: A Thousand Points of Light.  In addition, the library offers a summer day camp from June through August for children ages 7-12.

George W. Bush Presidential Library

Lewiston, Texas is the temporary home of the George W. Bush Presidential Library.  The permanent location will be on the campus of Southern Methodist University and is scheduled to be open to the public in 2013.  Look for documents, letters, journals and speeches surrounding September 11, 2001, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, along with his pivotal education policy: No Child Left Behind.

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Texas is known for a lot of things, cowboys and cattle, oil wells, and country music.  It also has one of the most beautiful displays of wild flowers in the U.S.  The richest display of these jewels of nature is in the central hill country just northwest of Austin, in Llano country.  The most resplendent displays are seen in Spring through early summer.

Bluebonnets are by far the most popular Texas wild flower.  Typically they are an early Spring flower and have usually bloomed out by early May. The common name “bluebonnet” came from the similarity of the shapes of the petals to the bonnets pioneer women used to protect themselves from the sun.

Texas Paintbrush bloom alongside Bluebonnets.  It is often described by horticulturists as a hairy upright biennial herb.  It has an orange-red flower, loves direct sun, and blooms in early Spring.  Texas Paintbrush is self-seeding and while technically an annual, it returns to same fields year after year.

Indian Blanket is another very popular and prolific Texas wild flower. Its blooms are circular, with a deep red center, an orange mid-section, and sweet yellow tips.  The bloom ranges in size from 1 to 2-1/2 inches in size.

In honor of the Texas Wild Flowers and native plants throughout the United States, Lady Bird Johnson has created a Wildflower Center in Austin.  If you are unable to see the wildflowers in Spring and early summer, a trip to the Wildflower Center in Austin is an excellent substitute.  The Wildflower Center has developed a native plant information network that catalogues more than 7,200 native species.

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Located in east central Texas, Nacogdoches is officially, the oldest town in Texas.  The area between LaNana and Banita Creeks in what is now downtown Nacogdoches was the home a Paleolithic settlement  dating back to approximately 10,000 B.C.  Over time it evolved into the a settlement for Caddoan Indian tribe.

Because of its antiquity, nine flags have flown over the city Nacogdoches.  The first that we know of, is the French flag which flew in the years 1685-1689. The French influence was short lived and ultimately they were  pushed aside by the Spaniards.  The second flag was the Spanish flag which flew for almost 300 years (1510 to 1821).

The third and fourth flags are less well known.  The third flag was that of Gutierrez-Magee and flew for just one year  from 1812 to 1813.  It was Bernardo Gutierrez and Augustus Magee who made the first attempt to make Texas a republic.  The fourth flag was that of Dr. James Long and flew from 1819 through 1821.  Long led a failed expedition to claim Texas for the United States.

The fifth flag was the Mexican flag which flew from 1821 through most of the years until 1836.  However for a brief period, the sixth flag, that of the Fredonia Rebellion also flew. The Fredonia Rebellion was one of several attempts for Texans to free themselves from Mexican rule.

The seventh flag, Lone Star, commemorated the Battle of Nacogdoches which freed parts of Texas from Mexican rule in 1836.  The eighth flag was the Confederate Flag which flew during the Civil War period.

Finally, the ninth and lasting flag is the United States of America.

The Amarillo Zoo is one of the definite places to visit and kids will definitely enjoy. It costs only few dollars to enter this zoo and also children under 2 years are free to go inside. There are more than 60 species of animals in the zoo and there is also an exhibit that shows some of the native wildlife of this region such as gray foxes and coyotes.

Another great attraction in this region is the Cadillac Ranch. This public art installation consists of 10 Cadillacs of the 50s and these are buried upright in the earth. All the buried cars are beautifully covered with graffiti artwork and nobody can find these anywhere in the world. The visitors are allowed to take spray paint and they can paint their creative artwork on these cars.

Another great place for kids is the Don Harrington Discovery Center. This science museum not only provides information for the kids, but also has many fun elements to entertain the kids. The plant lovers will definitely enjoy Amarillo botanical gardens in the city and this place exhibit many exotic plant species.

If you’re in the market for a destination leaving from Texas, which makes for great opportunities in a “mini-vacation” before you leave the Lone Star State, look at the Caribbean. There are a number of exciting areas that are perfect for a wonderful cruise.

Barbados holidays are an exquisite affair with you and your family. Imagine the sandy beaches and wonderful sights of Barbados on your next holiday. With a cruise, you can enjoy your own pace while enjoying this exciting destination.

Don’t forget about other options in the region. Jamaica, Grenada, and St. Vincent begin the long list of ways that you can transform your next vacation. Keep an eye on these locations, as they are great spots for any kind of vacation. From enjoying the sights to swimming on the beaches, the Caribbean offers a wonderful array of cruise and vacation destinations. You won’t forget the soft sand or the brilliant turquoise waters.

Start planning your cruise today by looking at some of these cruise destinations and imagine how you could be spending your next holiday or vacation. There are surely many options to satisfy the experienced traveler. If you need a great vacation or something a little bit different, a cruise to an exotic location such as Barbados or Jamaica could be in the cards.

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It is an assumption of wild acres: the endless sprawls of a frontier, the sweeps of lonely hills and rivers. The notion of Texas is often larger than the state itself (which is no easy feat, with the boundaries swelling over 268,820 square miles). It is a world of its own, conjuring images of American cowboys and their lonely treks, the romantic quests for freedom. Such thoughts, perhaps, lean toward the cliches, but their power still remains.

And no attraction captures the wonder of them more than the Bob Bullock Texas History Museum.

Future residents (after obtaining a moving company quote) are urged to find this unique institution. Established in 1999 which makes it one of the newest buildings of its kind within Texas the Bob Bullock Museum seeks to explore the origins of both the country and the state. Guests first arriving to the building are met by a 35 foot Lone Star: which symbolizes the philosophy of less is never more and more is always better. Those entering the structure will have three stories to explore, each filled with one of kind artifacts and archival information.

Individuals can now walk among the past. Encounters on the Land (which dominates the first floor) chronicles Native American tribes and European settlers.Building the Lone Star Identity (which is contained within the second floor) details the many battles and border skirmishes that shaped the territory. And Creating Opportunity enables guests to see how the notion of ranchers is truly limiting, offering validation for science, medicine and more.

The Bob Bullock Texas History Museum is a cannot-miss attraction.

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Amount of entertainment and fun option in Texas is enormous and this is one of the best places for spending the holidays. Austin is the capital city of the Texas state. This is the major technological and commercial center of the state and this place is considered to be one of the safest places to live. Here are some of the things one can do in Austin.

Volente Beach is a waterpark in the city and this is located very close to Lake Travis. This has many water rides, fun activities for kids, and sandy beach to entertain the visitors. The Ziker Park in this city is an example for natural beauty and also it has many fun activities for visitors to keep engaged. The visitors can enjoy mountain train rides, canoe rentals, open air musical shows, picnic facilities, riverboat rides, and even play soccer.

Ziker Botanical Garden is situated inside the Ziker Park and here one can see many theme-based smaller gardens. The gardens are beautifully decorated with attractive landscapes such as wooden bridges, waterfalls, and lily ponds. Water lovers will definitely enjoy the Deep Eddy Pool, this is a natural pool and water supply is done through artesian well. This pool has shallow area for children and deep end for experienced swimmers.

One can even avail package tour called the Austin Duck Adventures where the visitors can enjoy visiting beautiful landmark of the city along with a tour guide. Other than this there are so many other places such as Pioneer Farms, Inner Space Caverns, and Canopy tours to entertain the visitors.

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Texas is right on the Mexican border, and because of that it also has access to some of the beautiful beaches along the Gulf of Mexico. The water is warm, clear and almost always inviting – and the sand on the beach is the type that everyone talks about, white and soft.

Here are a few of the best Texas beaches that you’ll be kicking yourself if you miss during your next visit through the state.

1. The beaches of Galveston Island. These beaches are some of the most romantic ones that Texas has to offer.  These beaches are very similar to beaches in Barbados.  If you are unable to take any Barbados holidays, then this beach is the next best option. There are also quite a few very nice restaurants and hotels that you should take a look at before you leave.
2. The Corpus Christi beaches. The nice part about these beaches is that they seem very distant from the suburban life – but in reality, they are actually only a few miles away. Beauty, fun and convenience couldn’t come any closer! While you’re here, don’t forget to check out the awesome state aquarium that the whole state raves about!
3. The very modern Sea Rim State Park. This is a super cool beach in Texas – in fact, it’s also a bird sanctuary. The neatest part is that it isn’t like the traditional beach landscape that everyone is so used to hearing about; the sandy beaches are mixed in with lush marsh land as well. You definitely need a camera for this one!

There are plenty of other beaches that you should definitely check out if you have the time to explore Texas – you should ideally set aside a week or so. However, you’ll probably be wishing that you had more time to spend on the sunny beaches lazing around in the nice weather.

 

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The Padre Island National Seashore is very close to the city and it has endless number of parks, bike trails, and hike to make the holiday memorable one. Corpus Christi is very famous for its windsurfing and kayaking. There is also a windsurfing association to help travelers and this provides information and also helps the beginners to start with. Kayaking is a best physical workout on water. There are several stores out there that rent kayak and provide information on how to get started.

Another famous activity here is horse riding and this is very famous on North Padre Island as there are many stables in that place. A person can go for an individual ride or an escorted ride according to their proficiency in horseback riding. Other than this, travelers can jog, bicycle, walk, or play volleyball on the beach.

There are many tourist areas near the beach with many activities as well as remote areas with perfect silence. Also, there is an aquarium and USS Lexington to amuse travelers. The USS Lexington is a WWII aircraft carrier. Another exiting thing to do is dolphin cruise and this is really a best spot for kids.

Many people opt for an adventurous trip as a way to light the fire of their new marriage. Among the most popular adventure honeymoon options are ski holidays, fishing trips, camping, and even visiting a foreign country for a cultural experience. This trend toward adventure is due in part to a desire to have an active lifestyle. For many couples, this is a common interest that helped them connect, and what better way to celebrate their new life together than with an extraordinary honeymoon?

Adventure Awaits

Planning an adventure-packed honeymoon means that you’ll find new and exciting things at every turn. For example, skiing in a foreign country will provide you with a new set of mountain ranges, exotic cuisine, and new people. You’ll also get to see how winter activities are done outside the U.S. Honeymooners can truly enjoy some of the sports they love while learning about a new culture, hearing a foreign language and seeing new sights. At the end of the day, newlyweds can visit the ski towns that are nearby and mingle with the local community.

Depending on the time of year, honeymooners may find different parts of the globe more appealing than others. Have fun talking with your loved one about all the possible locales you could visit. While a honeymoon is intended to be a bonding experience for couples, there is no reason why it has to be boring.

Accommodations

When researching hotels, cottages or vacation rentals for your stay in Barbados, consider the features and benefits that each location offers. Verify the place you are renting has a private bathroom, pool, free breakfast or any of the other details that are important to you.

Things to Do

One of the primary parts of your vacation checklist will cover the things you should do while on vacation in Barbados. Read vacation websites, travel books, magazines and even the pages of the hotels and vacation properties available in Barbados. All of these resources will provide you insight as to the activities offered in the area.

You may want to mix up your activities on the checklist, so that you a have a combination of more active and less active activities. For example, shopping in the downtown area may take up one day of your vacation, while snorkeling the crystal blue waters may occupy another full day. Barbados holidays also offer you an opportunity to taste the local cuisine. Since you have to eat three square meals a day, make sure your checklist includes some of the local hotspots.

If you want to enjoy your travel time, consider traveling by sea because cruises provide a calm, carefree and enjoyable trip. Specific destinations, lines and accommodations can be custom fitted to meet your needs. All you have to do is choose.

A Family Affair

If you’re traveling with your family, choose a family cruise package. These are designed to accommodate adults and children, with activities and past times available to entertain all ages.

Meet and Mingle

Traveling on the ocean has always been surrounded by intrigue and that’s true even today. Those hoping to find love can take a singles cruise. These cruises are meant to appeal to individuals seeking relationships and provide a wealth of romantic attractions and events.

Traveling Through

If you love adventure, a cruise can provide access to new places and new experiences. Some cruise lines travel directly to a specific destination or area where passengers can enjoy a different culture– ideal for those craving variety and short excursions.

Wedding Wonders

An impending marriage must be celebrated and getting married on a cruise ship would be a memory in the making. Ships can provide luxurious accommodations for the entire wedding party as well as access to an exciting location for the honeymoon. The bride-to-be can even throw her bachelorette party on-board.

Modern cruises are meant for everyone who craves relaxation, luxury and accommodation while on vacation. The hardest work you’ll have to do is choose which cruise to take.

When packing for Texas, make sure that you have shorts, light cotton pants, and shirts that are lighter pastel colors. These will keep you cool versus wearing darker colors that retain heat. Cotton is a cooler fabric to wear on the road, and you can often find wrinkle-free material that will make traveling easier.

You will also want to take along a few dressier clothes in case you decide to have a more formal night out on the town. Styles from such companies as Dereon clothing can offer you a selection of styles to pack for the road. By planning ahead, you can dress not only for comfort and style but also for the heat.

You also need to pack a few accessories such as a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a light windbreaker. These should be placed in a bag that you take with you on outings wherever you go. You will have more fun without a sunburn to deal with along the way. A bottle of Aloe Vera is good to have in case you do get burned. Texas will become one of your favorite destinations for your trip this summer, regardless of how hot the summer gets.

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Texas is definitely the state for you if you are a person who loves exploring endless tunnels in caves and caverns! There are guided tours and explore at your own pace opportunities. Here are a few of the top caves that never fail to attract flocks of tourists each year because they are so unique.

1. The Natural Bridge Caverns. This is a very educational stop for the whole family – there are all kinds of different tours and shows that you can attend to learn more about the history and formation of the Caverns.
2. The cool interior of Cascade Caverns. This is one of the best places to escape the three digit weather of Texas during the summer. Cascade Caverns sit underneath another very popular state park that you should definitely make the time to visit as well.
3. The famous Longhorn Caves. This is a super cool network of caves that have some really neat history to them – fugitives even hid in the caverns for periods of time! There are tours that you can take and plenty of literature mixed in with some folklore that you can read to learn more about the Longhorn Caves while you’re there.

The most important thing that you can remember while you are exploring any of the caverns in Texas is to stay safe. You should never goof around in a cave and you should always bring a buddy with you – people do get hurt every year because they do not follow common sense rules. If you have never been in a cave before you should probably choose one that offers guided tours instead of setting out to pioneer one yourself.

However, the month of March proves this to be wrong.

Choose to indulge in Irish culture with a St. Patrick’s Day event. Inspire guests with theme activities and treats. Create memories that will last throughout the year.

Success is found in flavor:

Soda Bread Satisfaction

Capture the traditions of the Emerald Isle by offering soda bread. This tasty treat — named for the unusual inclusion of sodium bicarbonate instead of yeast, which meant it was more accessible to the masses — will delight all guests. A heady flavor of caraway and buttermilk marks this the perfect compliment to any dinner. Be certain to allow yourself enough time for baking, though. A loaf can claim over an hour in the oven and will need (at least) 30 minutes to cool. Don’t make the soda bread overnight, however, as it can harden and become difficult to eat for the next day’s party. Let it be fresh and hot for a greater effect.

Cupcake Comfort

All St. Patrick’s celebrations demand easy laughter and easier tastes. Offer guests the simple pleasures of cupcakes — adorned with holiday designs. You will create an instant taste sensation with these Ireland-inspired treats. Use butter-cream icing to top each chocolate cupcake, shaping patterns of shamrocks, leprechaun faces and gold coins. Consider adding a drop of Irish cream to the cake to offer moist texture (and unbeatable flavor).

Flag Favorites

Patriotism is filled to color and such color can even be found in baking. Provide your guests with food that does more than merely satisfy — it will instead impress. Offer crisp cookies (a simple sugar base is recommended, using only vanilla extract for flavor) coated to resemble the Irish flag. Choose green, white and orange frosting to create a symbolic treat. These will be worthy additions to a St. Patrick’s Day party kit. Be careful to keep your eye on them, though — they tend to form quickly in the oven and can easily burn when not watched.

Corned Confection

Expectations define every party and no St. Patrick’s Day event can be deemed truly successful unless it’s involved corned beef and cabbage. This meal is the most anticipated and guests will wait for its arrival. The components are easy: cured meat, boiled cabbage and a careful assortment of onions, potatoes and spices. The flavors are strong, straightforward and reflect the dish’s historical beginnings. The process of creating this dish can be complicated (with 20 minutes of preparation and two hours of cooking). It is best to serve it right away — rather than letting the flavors sit for a while — so timing is vital.

No longer ignore the season. No longer deny the day. Create a St. Patrick’s event that will be enjoyed by all. Excitement can be yours — are you willing to claim it?

1. Let everyone do one thing on their list. This is one of the easiest ways to make sure everyone has a great time – just make sure the list is evenly distributed. It would not be fair to allow one person to do several things off of theirs and another zero from their list. However, this should be managed within reason – after all, you are the one paying for the trip.
2. Try to pick events and attractions that offer educational value. There are a lot of great places to visit in Texas. You can check out the famous zoo, the state aquarium, or even some of the rodeo events. You can even go camping or fishing. Save the movies and fast food for when you get home!
3. Don’t forget to feed everyone! Children will never be easy to manage if you leave them hungry – make sure everyone remembers to eat while you are busy checking out all that Texas has to offer. After all, they have some really nice restaurants too!
4. Don’t stress about your plans. The best vacation is a fluid one – not one that has its plans set in stone. Things change, accidents happen – for this reason you should probably just outline what you would like to see happen instead of creating an itinerary.

The week of Spring Break doesn’t have to be a horrible experience for Mom and Dad – everyone can enjoy what the state has to offer. For instance, there are plenty of beach destinations that can provide entertainment for the children while you spend some time relaxing under the sun with a Margarita.

List Your Home

Offering your home as a rental is not as difficult as you may think. When you sign up with HomeAway, you can list your house as a vacation rental in three easy steps. To register, all you need is your name, email address, phone number, and location. The rates for booking your rental are reasonable and risk-free, but there are some things you’ll want to take into consideration before you determine that renting your home is right for you.

Check Your Insurance Coverage

First, make sure your home insurance policy is up-to-date and includes coverage for anything unexpected that may happen while the renters are in possession of your home. You should also check with your company to see what kind of coverage you’ll need to protect yourself from anything that may happen while the renters are in your home, especially injuries or damages to the renters or your home

Review Your Association’s Rules

Check with your homeowner’s association to make sure you’re allowed to rent your property. Some associations may simply not allow it. If they do, find out what the proper procedure is and follow it to the letter.

Prepare Your Home

Once you’ve decided to rent your home, look around to decide what furniture and other items you’re comfortable leaving for the renters. If you have expensive, antique, or family heirloom pieces, consider putting them in storage while the renters are in your home. Then, give your home a thorough cleaning.

Before the renters arrive, have your home inspected.  Ensure all appliances are in good working order, no leaks are present, the air conditioner is working perfectly, and no pests or infestations are present. You would never want to find out that a renter tried to take care of any of these problems himself while you were away.

Let Everyone Know the Situation

Make sure friends, family, and neighbors know that your home will be occupied by renters. You don’t want any unexpected visitors calling the authorities about a break-in with good intentions and scaring away your renters. If you have a security patrol in your neighborhood, let them know to expect the renters to be at your home, too.

By following these tips, your rental experience should be a good one. You may even decide you want to continue to list your home as a rental whenever you decide to take a trip of your own. It could turn into your favorite way to finance those little getaways you’ve always wanted to take, but couldn’t afford.

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Texas is just like any other desert state – it gets the extremes of both sides of the temperature spectrum. The winter has the potential to get well below freezing, and the summer months quickly rise into the three digit numbers. Because of this, you should plan accordingly for any trip that you take to Texas. Here are a few tips to help keep you and your family safe during your trip through the huge state of Texas.

1. Always have water with you. It is very important to always have a source of water with you – even if the temperature is very cold out. However, the water is even more important when you are travelling through Texas during the summer – especially if the car breaks down. There are a lot of open roads in the state and you may not see another car for several hours at a time.
2. Keep a spare blanket and some food in the back. This is very important to keep in mind when you are travelling during the winter months – yes, it does snow in Texas! Because of this you should always make sure that you have a couple of blankets that can keep everyone warm and some food in the event something happens to the car. Icy roads can be very unpredictable to drive on and it is not impossible to land in a ditch where the other cars cannot see you.
3. Always let someone know where you’re going. Before you leave for your trip to Texas you should always let someone know when you starting out and what you estimated time of arrival will be – of course, if you do this you should also check in with them and let them know you got there okay!

The above tips are not meant to deter you from visiting Texas – rather, the sole intent of the list is to make sure that you are well prepared in the event that anything does happen because of any unexpected extreme weather conditions.

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If you’re ready to take a family vacation to an area brimming with fun activities, then you might want to consider taking a trip to Arlington, Texas. The climate rarely gets very cold, and there are a plethora of options for family entertainment ranging from the exciting roller coaster rides and water park at Six Flags Over Texas to the retail outlets at Parks Mall. You can even take in an exhibit at the Arlington Museum of Art.

If you love theater, you might want to take a trip to Theatre Arlington, which is one of the nation’s largest community theaters. It offers live theater throughout the year. Or, you can take in a completely different type of show when you attend the Stockyards Championship Rodeo in nearby Forth Worth.  Arlington is filled with all sorts of family-fun activities.

Of course, no vacation is complete without sampling some fabulous food offerings. Step on over to the Mercado Juarez restaurant for some authentic Mexican cuisine or try some family-style Italian fare at the Piccolo Mondo Italian Restaurant before you head back to one of Arlington’s fine hotels. When you choose your hotel, look for one like the Homewood Suites Dallas Arlington, which offers plenty of space for everyone (plus a pool for the kids and a hot tub for the parents).

Before you make reservations at a place like this or like theTownePlace Suites by Marriott Arlington near Six Flags, consider consulting Arlington property management. You want to carefully assess the hotel property upkeep for both grounds and building. A vacation can be completely ruined when hotel rooms are dirty and falling apart.

Traveling with your family can create memories that last a lifetime. Plan your trip to Arlington so that there is a healthy balance of activities and relaxation. Take advantage of Arlington property management to surround yourself in an environment conducive to optimal relaxation and family enjoyment.

1. Know where everyone is at. This is a very important thing to remember – you should always establish some sort of buddy system. If someone gets hurt during your trip this will be one of the only ways to find out, especially if they can’t call to you for help. At the very least, bring along a set of walkie talkies that everyone can use.
2. Keep a look out for the native wildlife. While the wildlife in Texas is one of the best parts about it, there are also a few precautions that you must take. For instance, there are all kinds of creepy crawlies that are on the ground – from venomous rattlesnakes to scorpions. However, as long as you are aware of your surroundings and you aren’t purposely messing with them you’ll be fine!
3. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water. One of the most common things that campers fail to bring with them is enough water for the entire trip – don’t make the mistake of underestimating the amount that everyone will need to drink to stay well hydrated. Just remember soda and juice won’t cut it!

Aside from the above tips, you should also make sure that you bring a camera along with you – you’ll definitely miss out on some breathtaking landscape pictures if you don’t! There is no reason why the whole family can’t have fun during your visit to Texas, just use common sense and be safe while you are out in the wilderness.

1. Houston, Texas. This is essentially the heart of Texas. Here you will find a wide variety of restaurants, museums and a thriving night life. Depending on the time of year you are visiting you can also check out the rodeo – there are two every year in Houston. If you get a chance to see a rodeo you’ll be able to participate in all kinds of family fun, including musical events.
2. Galveston, Texas. This little town is right next to some of the most amazing beach fronts. You can enjoy beautiful dinners watching the sunset, or head out for some fun at one of the many theatres. However, it is worth noting that this is more of an adult-oriented city.
3. Corpus Christi, Texas. If you or your children love animals then you cannot afford to miss out on Corpus Christi! This city is the home of one of the most well-known state aquariums in the United Sates. It features a huge array of fish, as well as reptiles, birds and some mammals.

There are of course other great cities that are left for you to explore, but the above three have some of the most interesting and well-known tourist attractions that the state of Texas has to offer. Next stop, the Arizona desert!

1. It’s a very affordable family outing. Adults and older children can get through the doors for under $20 per ticket – younger children are even cheaper. In fact, if your kids are under two years old you can get them in completely free! Where else will you find a better deal on admission?
2. The Aquarium houses a huge variety of fish. They are considered to be the “Official” aquarium of the state of Texas – none of the other smaller ones can even come close in comparison to the sheer volume of interesting life forms they have on display. There are all kinds of fish to look at, from native lake fish to more exotic ones that come from deep in the ocean.
3. There is more to look at than just fish. Aside from just fish, the Texas State Aquarium also has a large number of other displays that include reptiles, mammals and various types of birds. It’s kind of like a zoo, but with a strong emphasis toward the fishy theme!

Aside from just visiting the aquarium, you can also choose to enroll your children in one of the various programs or camps that the facility offers. They offer an advanced, behind the scenes look at how the aquarium runs and all the wildlife that it houses. The Aquarium itself offers a very valuable learning experience that they could not get anywhere else – after all, how many of the critters are you actually going to encounter in your day to day life?

Robinson worked at a local grocery store with both of her killers – this probably was the reason why she was so willing to get in their car. After all, they were supposedly offering her a ride to work since she was stuck riding her bike. Instead of driving to the grocery store, Hall and Neville took Robinson out to an empty field and shot her multiple times until she died. Sadly for her, Robinson was not even the person that they were out to target that day.

The first man that was found guilty in her murder was convicted and executed almost five years ago. However, that still left her second killer, Michael Hall, to face the jury and receive his sentence. Fortunately, the horrible story for her family is finally coming to an end. As of right now Hall is scheduled to be executed by the state of Texas on Tuesday, February 15^th. If everything goes as planned he will be the first to receive the Texas death sentence this year – his lawyers are still trying to claim that he was not mentally stable at the time of the killing.

• Unless you are going to be away for quite some time, you may only have time to send one or two postcards, so look for some that will give the recipient an idea of your main destination.

Let one of the early postcards that you will be sending shortly after you arrive be of your accommodations. This will serve a dual purpose. Not only will it let the recipient have an idea of what the place you are calling your second home for a few days look like, the address, phone number, website, and other contact information will most likely be included. Should something happen, your loved one would be able to find that information quickly.

Let your next post card be of the main attraction of the area or the one thing definitely plan on seeing.

• Now, you’re ready to collect other souvenirs to take back with you. Let some of those souvenirs be cards that you will not mail, but rather will take back and put into an album for your loved ones who enjoy looking at postcards. If you are visiting a specific place, and you wait to purchase these when you have finished touring it, you may be able to find postcard packages that will have different pictures of the sights you saw.
• For those loved ones who enjoy collecting specific souvenirs, such as t-shirts, mugs, keychains, or other items, pick out something to add to that. If they don’t have collection, select something you know they’d enjoy receiving. Not everyone likes “kitsch” such as miniature outhouses, corncob pipes, or other similar items.

This is very unusual behavior for a reptile since they rely solely on their environment to regulate their body temperature – logic says that the turtles should not have survived the freezing temperatures that they had to endure after leaving the warm Gulf waters. Because of the less than ideal temperatures most of the turtles that have been found thus far were already suffering from shock from the cold.

Fortunately for the sake of the Green Sea Turtles, Texas researchers have been slowly returning them to their native habitat these past few weeks – of course, the turtles were allowed to recuperate from the cold shock before being released again. There have already been several hundred returned to the water as of right now. Many native Texans who have taken interest in the strange story have been present to watch the turtles return to the sea – in fact, the following of enthusiasts is already well over 2000 people.

A vacation is a time to enjoy new places, from restaurants to landmarks to tourist attractions. While on a romantic vacation, one of the more pleasurable things to do is enjoy new restaurants. If you don’t have a visit to a steak house on your agenda, here are a few reasons you should:

• Atmosphere – Steakhouses can provide a number of settings, whether you’re looking for an approachable, relaxed atmosphere for you and your date, or an intimate setting for private dining.
• Good Food – Who doesn’t love a delicious steak? Some of the best rated restaurants in the country are actually steakhouses, so if you want great food, head to a steak house.
• Locale – Many good steakhouses are located in the heart of the city, so you’re surrounded by plenty of things to see and do following your romantic meal.

So where do you find a good steak house? If you’re visiting Texas, you’re in luck; Texas has a number of excellent steakhouses for private dining. A few places online that will help you choose the perfect one include:

• Urbanspoon.com – This popular website allows you to enter a city, then search for steakhouses in the area. It also includes reviews from other diners as well as bloggers and food critics. It also lists helpful information such as atmosphere and price range.
• Yelp.com – Similar to Urbanspoon, this site also features reviews from other diners. Hop on Yelp to learn more about steakhouses in the area you are vacationing.
• Google Maps – If you type in the address of your hotel or place you’re staying in Google Maps, a “search nearby” option allows you to find steakhouses in the area and then displays them on the map. Many Google users also review the steakhouses as well.

A steakhouse is the ideal romantic and private dining destination.

1. Go to one of the popular rodeo events. You simply cannot go to Texas and not see a rodeo! After all, Texas is the cowboy state! There are all kinds of competitions and music events that are held during the yearly rodeo – it’s definitely a one of a kind type of fun that’s great for the family!
2. Check out big cats at the zoo. Houston, Texas is known for having one of the largest zoos in the United States – it’s definitely a stop that you can’t afford to skip if you love big cats. Texas is well known for all of the qualified zoo professionals that train in the state to work specifically alongside big cats, like Tigers and Lions.
3. Visit one of the many museums Houston has to offer. There are quite a few interesting museum exhibits on display for tourists to see – even the native’s love visiting them from time to time! You can even schedule a viewing both in the daytime and at night.

There are so many places to go and cool new things to see in Houston alone, you should definitely plan on staying for at least a few days – one day would barely give you enough time to see a fraction of all that Houston, Texas has to offer!

Cradled along the southern sweep of the nation–shaped to shale and the echoes of tectonic shifting–is Houston. This massive city (spanning over 500 square miles) has risen far beyond its humble beginnings. Founded in 1876, it was originally a hamlet carved from the desires of two brothers. As the decades passed, however, it managed to become one of the country’s most vital areas, producing innovations and inventions, a thriving arts scene and higher education institutions. It stands now as a tribute to all modern accomplishments and desires; and those who visit will never wish to leave.

A journey through Houston demands more than casual glances. It instead requires an understanding of the many attractions and appeals. Experience culture with the renowned collections of the Menil, which is considered one of the best private museums in the United States. Visit the astounding Byzantine Chapel, filled with fresco images and art. The Space Center will thrill with its anti-gravity simulations. Theatre Under the Stars provides Broadway entertainment among natural beauty. Tour historic homes in Sam Houston Park (named after the man who inspired the city). And none can resist the famed Downtown Aquarium, which offers over 200 rare species and botanical exhibits. There’s so much to do and see here.

Such activities must be coupled with the proper lodging. Choosing to rent one of the many Houston apartments is a wise decision for an extended stay. Immerse yourself in the local culture and discover all there is to see by simply stepping out your door. Consider downtown (near the major attractions) or Missouri City (a tiny suburb on the outskirts that provides quaint shops and lower prices). Most visitors should avoid staying in the community of Sugar Land, as it keeps you tucked too far from the city and offers little to do, despite what its affluence would suggest.

Houston has it all and you can experience it for yourself.

1. The Palo Duro Canyon State Park. You know how Arizona is known for having the Grand Canyon? Well Palo Duro is pretty impressive canyon itself – some even liken it to the one in Arizona. It’s definitely a must see if you are in Texas, especially if you have never been to Arizona.
2. Longhorn Caverns State Park. This is really neat cavern that has been a hideout for quite a few famous fugitives, Native Americans and local celebrities over the years. The actual rock formations look pretty nifty too!
3. The Lost Maples State Park. This is an amazing state park that can really send you away with some super awesome photos to boot! The trees are beautiful shades of red, yellow and orange as soon as fall rolls around each year – colors that most people don’t associate with the southwestern desert states.

There are of course other really neat state parks that aren’t on the list – in fact there are enough of them to keep you fully occupied for several weeks. However, the above three are some of the most popular ones that visitors come from all over the world to see.

Image via Wikipedia

While Texas is definitely well known for its cowboys and cattle, there are still plenty of romantic countryside getaways and activities that you can participate in as a couple. For instance, Houston has many upscale restaurants that you can eat at. Here are a few of the most romantic things to do while you and your significant other are passing through the state of Texas.

1. Visit one of the beaches. While a beach is probably not the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Texas, there really are quite a few very nice ones – the water is warm since it is practically on the Gulf of Mexico. They are not overly crowded, and most of them have some very nice restaurants and hotels close by that you can visit as well.
2. Check out an Opera house. If you travel to Galveston, Texas you can pick from quite a few very nice dining options. The town is perfect for a night at the Opera house, closely followed up by dinner at a fine restaurant and then brought to a close with a short cruise.
3. Watch the sunset over wine together. Texas is always talked about for its wide, open spaces – and what better way to take advantage of being able to see for miles than by watching a beautiful sunset?  You could even combine this with number one, and watch a sunset on the beach!

There are plenty of romantic possibilities in Texas – you just have to get creative! After all, quite a few of the great romance novels have been set in this very state. There is something to do for every couple, whether you are an outdoorsy type or a night on the town couple. Don’t forget to bring your camera!

The city of Austin grew, and the construction boom of the 1850s brought the first permanent Capital building and a Governor’s Mansion. The railroad arrived in the 1870s and the town continued to prosper and Austin’s population grew. In 1888, a new Capital building was built and this building still stands as the largest and tallest Capital building in the United States.

The population of Austin is a diverse mix of cultures and ethnicities. Beginning in the late 1800s, with the immigrant settlers from Mexico, Africa, Sweden, and Germany the city became a hub of new development and enterprise. Construction continued to boom, and the city continued to grow its population and real estate. Of the buildings established during this time period, the Driskill Hotel continues to be a cherished Austin landmark.

Always a hotbed of technological advancement, environmental activism, education reform, and political activity, Austin began to establish itself as the center of an art and music renaissance. Brought to the forefront in the 1970s by artists like Willie Nelson, the city of Austin began to embrace a new identity; Live Music capital of the United States. Cultural life within the city beats and blooms, as nightclubs, museums, and galleries showcase the best of Austin’s local artists and musicians. At any time of the day or night, residents and visitors will find venues showcasing Austin’s rich history and culture.

Covering close to 725 square miles, Bandera County offers a variety of distinctive lodging facilities. Bed and Breakfasts are available for the pampered, personal touch, traditional hotels for comfort and efficiency, and dude ranches for an authentic Texas stay. A Texas hallmark, the dude ranches in the Bandera area offer daily rides, cabins, and the peace and quiet found only under a star studded Texas sky.

If you are looking for an interactive vacation experience, then Bandera has several options for you; Ranch tours, horseback riding, rodeos, and hunting are just a few of the rugged, outdoor activities you can participate in. But if you are looking for something less hands on, Bandera also offers a historical walking tour, shopping at Old West Imports, and nightlife at the 11th Street Cowboy Bar.

The Bandera Music History Project Hall of Fame offers visitors a chance to listen to old time Bandera music as well as current offerings. And the Lone Star Motorcycle Museum provides the public with an opportunity to admire Bandera area’s collection of motorcycles. The museum also offers pre-arranged tours for motorcycle aficionados.

For the kids, rodeos are held during the Spring, and from March thru December the family will enjoy Cowboys on the Main, the living history project from the Frontier Times Museum; featuring western entertainers, horses, trick ropers, and chuck wagons.

Founded in the 1800s, the city is named after Ludwig Boerne, who inspired several of his German countrymen to leave their homeland for the New World. Settling in Texas, this group of German men and women grew the original settlement into a thriving town, with a post office, stage coach routes, saloon, and saw mill. Eventually a private school was established, providing educational opportunities to residents of the growing town.

Interestingly, the city of Boerne did not allow any churches to be built within the city limits until the late 1800s. Because the original settlers were free thinkers, religion was not practiced or allowed within the city limits.

Situated within the beautiful Texas Hills Countryside, the town grew with settlers looking to find the peace and prosperity of small town living. At one time, Boerne even became known for its recuperative powers, and individuals suffering from various illnesses flooded the city hoping to find relief and new health. Still today, the city has a relaxing and rejuvenating effect on its visitors.

After World War II, the city experienced an exodus of inhabitants, with many seeking opportunities in the larger cities of Texas. For those who remained, Boerne became a peaceful haven of art and agriculture.

Today, the city is known for its antique shops, art galleries, and historic buildings. On a quiet afternoon, you can browse the offerings of Boerne’s local, professional artists at the Carriage House Gallery, or purchase antiques and snack on Fickle Pickles at Carousel Antiques and Pickles. Afterwards, visit the Kerrville Performing Arts Society, and enjoy one of the year round performances performed for the visitors and citizens of the Texas Hills area.

Built in the 1800s, The Comfort Common recently earned accolades from top travel magazines for its luxurious bed and breakfast inn. Adding to Comfort’s antiquing community, The Comfort Common also has a variety of antique and collectible stores, where you can find furniture, art, or vintage clothing.

After a long day of finding amazing items and great bargains, you can relax in one of Comfort’s comfortable restaurants. Every member of your family will find something satisfying to eat at The Cypress Creek Inn and Restaurant, which offers Texas home-style cooking.

After exploring the shopping and eating establishments of Comfort Texas, step out and experience the entertainment offered by local businesses. Visitors will find an amazing selection of entertainment options: The gymnastics centre offers classes, parent’s night, and birthday parties. The Buckhorn Golf Course is an eighteen hole championship course that is open to the public. The Deer in the Headlights Theater is a production company featuring amateur performers. Producing monthly shows, the company offers a variety of shows suitable for every member of your family.

In the late spring and summer months, Comfort holds a farmers market where visitors can taste local produce, and purchase flowers, baked goods, fresh honey, and craft items from local artisans. And for the more adventurous, Flat Rock offers the competitive and athletic visitor a mountain biker’s heaven. Closed during hunting season and open at the beginning of the year, Flat rock Ranch offers extensive bike trails, hiking trails, and primitive camping sites for people who like to rough it in the great outdoors.

Known for their football dynasty, the Dallas Cowboys are a Texas football tradition. However, some might be surprised to learn that the Cowboys are also active with local philanthropic organizations and dedicate a tremendous amount of time and money to the health and fitness of American children.

As part of the NFL commitment to children’s health, the Dallas Cowboys are an active participant in the American Heart Association’s NFL Play 60 Challenge, formerly known as the What Moves U program. Designed to increase physical fitness in the wake of America’s declining school based physical education programs, the NFL Play 60 Challenge inspires children to get at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day. The program also provides teachers with a physical education kit, curriculum specific activities, and learning materials focused on fitness and health.

Kicking off their partnership with the AHA, the Dallas Cowboys sponsored a Kid’s Zone the Dallas Heart Walk. Dallas Cowboys players and cheerleaders attended the event, encouraging physical fitness for children.

The Dallas Cowboys also sponsor a series of mini training camps and clinics for future Dallas Cowboy players. The 2009 Dallas Cowboys Rookie Club focused on 5th graders at a local Texas school, and encouraged participants to establish life long fitness goals and habits. The mini-camp was part of The Dallas Cowboys partnership with the United Way. As part of the Rookie Club, the Dallas Cowboys donated $2,500 to the J. Erik Johnson Community School for physical fitness equipment, and another $2,500 in fitness funding was donated to the Boys and Girls Club of Fort Worth Texas.

The Dallas Cowboys Franchise also contributes to The Salvation Army and their Red Kettle Campaign. Dedicating their Thanksgiving half time shows to the Red Kettle fundraising campaign, the Dallas Cowboys bring recognition and attention to a worthy cause.

The El Paso region was name by Spanish explorers in 1581 as they traveled through the Rio Grande River. The famous Spanish Missions of the region were first established in 1659 by Fray Garcia de San Francisco. The Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe Mission founded by Fray Garcia de San Francisco still stands in the downtown area of Ciudad Juarez (El Paso del Norte), which lies just beyond the Rio Grande, across from El Paso. In 1848, after the Mexican War, El Paso was entered into the Union, and in 1873 came the incorporation of the City of El Paso Texas.

The City of El Paso was a hotbed of activity throughout the late 1800s and early 1900s. The Southern Pacific Railroad provided El Paso with jobs and commerce, and the city prospered amidst the chaos of the Wild Wild West and the great gunfighters of the era, such as Billy the Kid, Patt Garrett and Wyatt Earp. With the Mexican Revolution in 1911, El Paso absorbed thousands of Mexicans who remained in the city after the war was over. This influx of peoples greatly influenced the cultural landscape of El Paso.

Today, El Paso is a thriving metropolis of commerce, manufacturing, culinary arts, performing arts, and film. Visitors to El Paso Texas will find activities and events to appease any personality and fit any budget. From Broadway shows to local art exhibits, the City of El Paso brings visitors into a world of rustic beauty, historical wonder, and contemporary advancements that make El Paso a unique vacation destination for individual travelers and family groups.

While in the Central Market or Whole Foods Market of Austin, shoppers may find themselves listening to live musical performances by local performers. The Austin-Bergstrom International Airport offers the Music in the Air series of live performances for ticket holders. Austin City Hall honors a local musician at their Thursday meeting, and provides residents and visitors with live music from the City Hall’s Live from the Plaza and Fridays for Free concert series.

For the runners of Austin, local musician Woode Wood performs for the runners taking in laps around Lady Bird Lake. The Austin Marathon and the Capital 10k also provide runners with miles of musical inspiration and energy. It seems that music is a vital component of Austin’s desire to feed the body, mind, and soul.

Gospel, Mariachi, and Acoustic performers can be found at various restaurants, cafes, and bars around the City of Austin. A town rich in food culture, the pairing of music and cuisine is a natural fit for Austin visitors and residents. Whether it’s a dinner show, a luncheon concert, or a serenade during cocktails, Austin provides limitless opportunities for music performances and listening enjoyment.

Music history also permeates the city, and visitors can discover Austin’s rich musical heritage at sites such as the Austin City Limits Tour, Stevie Ray Vaughan Memorial, Austin’s independent record store Waterloo Records, and the Austin Music Memorial. In addition to the historical information found at these sites, visitors may find themselves listening to an impromptu concert from local musicians and emerging artists.

Separated into four sections , the Ranch strives to maintain the existence of species close to extinction, while giving visitors the opportunity to drive through the area and observe the animals in their natural habitat. The Tatonka Range is home to the Wildebeest or White Bearded Gnu. Literally translated, the Wildebeest or Wild Beast is a species of antelope that can be very aggressive when defending their young or themselves. With its long horns resembling a spear, the Gemsbok Antelopes can also be found roaming the Tatonka Range.

Traveling through the Kilimanjaro Overlook, Zebras may approach your car or simply watch as you idle by. Native to Africa, the Damaraland Zebras are close relatives to the horse. Each unique, the Damaraland Zebra’s voice and stripes are distinctive, one of a kind characteristics of each animal. At the Kenyan Preserve, visitors will encounter one of the largest deer species found in North America, the Elk. Beautiful and majestic, the large antlers of the Elk can grow an inch per day.

The final leg of Texas’ Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is the Massai Savannah. In this habitat, llama and ostrich run free. A pack animal found in the Andes Mountains, the Llama has a poor temperament and tends to spit when frustrated. Unlike the spitting Llamas, Ostrich’s are not particularly irritable. The ostrich is the largest of the bird species and can run through the preserve at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour.

After your motor tour of the ranch, enjoy the slower pace of the petting zoo, gift shop, and Safari Camp Grill.

From inside a glass conservatory, you can admire plants native to the desert region and rainforests. Each region is housed in an enclosed, climate controlled area where you can stroll through various ecological areas of the world, learn about the ecological environments, and photograph the one of a kid beauty found only in nature.

Unique to the San Antonio Botanical Gardens is The Texas Native Trail. The trail is an 11 acre display of Texas ecological environments. The displays include elements from the vast Texas landscape of South Texas, the Piney Woods of East Texas, and the Texas Hill Country. Each area contains a diverse variety of plant which you will observe as you walk the trail. Homes reconstructed in early Texas style enhance the regional feel of the trail. The trails allow you to walk the trail at your leisure, stopping when necessary to discuss the garden or simply admire the beauty.

Bringing international culture to the area is a Japanese garden donated by San Antonio’s sister city Ximamoto, Japan. The landscaping showcases the beauty of small waterfalls flowing over boulders into stones pools, arched, wood bridges and a large, shady pagoda.

Striving to bring people and nature together, the botanical gardens are constantly evolving. And future plans are underway for an education center, children’s vegetable garden, and a family adventure garden.

Located just off the San Antonio Riverwalk, the Alamo is a 4.2 acre complex situated in the downtown area of San Antonio. Since 1905, the Daughters of the Republic of Texas have maintained and managed the complex, which houses the remnants of the old mission used by David Crockett and Jim Bowie in the famous 1836 battle of the Alamo.

Free and open to the public, the Alamo covers over four acres of land. Of this property, the Shrine, Long Barrack Museum, Gift Museum, and the Alamo Gardens are the most popular and frequently visited. Each of the buildings displays exhibits and artifacts from the Texas Revolution. History lovers will be thrilled to find a Bowie knife from the 1800s, a flintlock rifle used in the battle of the Alamo, and a vest made of buckskin and worn by David Crockett. In addition to these artifacts, a beautiful arrangement of State flags represents the home state of each Alamo defender.

As part of its educational endeavors, the Alamo provides living history events for visitors, as well as history talks which are held every half hour and hour on the patio. These talks are provided free of charge. Although these talks may be arranged for students and educator groups, all are welcome to listen. There are hundreds of visitors each day, and due to the overwhelming amount of visitors the Alamo receives, guided tours are not available. However, for large groups Alamo volunteers will arrange for a history talk or a self guided tour of the area. Alamo docents are available to answer questions and provide visitors with directions.

With over fifty years of performance, the Ballet Austin is Austin’s premiere dance company. The company has earned high praise from Dance magazine, and has become a jewel in Austin’s performance art world. Ballet Austin has an established company of full time dancer and hold performances throughout the year. Working in conjunction with Ballet Austin, the Ballet Austin Academy educates and trains dancers in classical ballet techniques. For those students looking to dance for fun, Ballet Austin also offers classes through the Butler Community School. Classes are offered in hip hop, modern dance, jazz, and ballet to over 3,000 people of varying skills and ages.

The Blanton Museum of Art is located in The University of Texas at Austin. With over 17,000 pieces of art, the Blanton holds an impressive collection of European paintings, modern and contemporary American and Latin American art, prints, drawings, and works from the Old Masters. The museum also houses traveling exhibits of art by the great artists, such as Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, and Edgar Degas.

The Long Center for the Performing Arts offers visitors and residents the opportunity to experience art performances in a small, personal setting. A series of halls, theatres, and venues offer a variety of settings for maximum enjoyment. At the center, visitors can enjoy a performance of the Austin Symphony Orchestra, the Austin Lyric Opera, or Ballet Austin.
Public tours are also available every Wednesday, and visitors can stroll through the different venues of the center, learn about the history of The Long Center for the Performing Arts, and find out the details of the Centers latest performances.

As part of a professional touring company, The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Show Group was specifically developed to provide entertainment to organization throughout the world. Since 1979, the DCC Show Group has performed with the USO tours, bringing quality entertainment and morale boosters to our U.S. men and women serving in the military and stationed overseas. The DCC Show Group has performed over 45 times with the USO, and was honored with the USO’s “50th Anniversary Award.” Later, the touring troupe of DCC’s finest entertainers was awarded the “Spirit of Hope” which was the USO’s first ever award, honoring the DCC’s commitment to the United States Military.

In addition to appearances with the USO, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders volunteer their time to worthy organizations such as the Susan G. Komen foundation, the Make a Wish Foundation, the Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon, and the Salvation Army. The DCC also donates their time to local hospitals and nursing homes, contributing to the well being a spirit of the Texas community.

Never one to forget the children, the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders sponsor several camps for young girls seeking fitness and self esteem development. Camp DCC gives young girls the opportunity to learn energetic dance and cheer routines. From as young as seven years old, these young girls will experience a rare opportunity for professional instruction from an active member Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Organization. Providing participants with coaching, nutrition lessons, positive feedback, and encouragement the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are shaping a new generation of young women who may someday step onto the Cowboys Stadium field as members of the DCC.

The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders have an interesting history dating back to the beginning the Dallas Cowboys Franchise. In the 1960s, the General Manager Tex Schramm recognized that football wasn’t just about sports, it was about entertainment. The original cheerleaders were models not athletes, as a result the ladies were often left exhausted and ill from the high heat and exertion.

After the model catastrophe, High School cheerleaders were brought in to provide inspiration for the team. However, Tex Schramm was convinced that a professional cheerleading squad was necessary to provide inspiration and entertainments to the team and the fans. After much consideration, Tex decided to hire professional dancers. The dancers would provide Tex with a beautiful, talented, and athletic squad of females who could withstand the exertion of cheering at a three hour game in what was often triple digit heat.

The original squad consisted of seven cheerleaders, and these young women became the NFL’s first professional cheering squad. Who would have thought that blending beauty, jazz, and football would have such a huge impact on American society? And it’s true, the DCC contributes time to organizations across the globe, whether it’s holding a DCC camp for young girls or performing for American troops overseas with the USO tour, these women bring athleticism, grace, and intelligence to fans across the world. As iconic as the Dallas Cowboys, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders are a cherished piece of the American football tradition.

Headquartered just outside of Dallas in Irving Texas, the Dallas Cowboys are part of the NFC Eastern Conference of the National Football League, Appearing in eight Super Bowl Games, the Cowboy’s have taken home five Super Bowl trophies and seven Super Bowl MVP awards.

Having moved from Irving Texas and the famed Texas Stadium to the new Cowboys Stadium in Arlington Texas, Cowboy fans will enjoy a state of the art facility equipped with a retractable roof to handle erratic weather patterns and other environmental disruptions. The stadium can accommodate up to 100,000 fans and is billed as the largest domed stadium in the world. With a gigantic HD monitor hanging from the middle of the domed stadium roof, fans are treated to super-sized scoreboard and bright, crisp images of the play by play action.

According to Forbes magazine, the Dallas Cowboys franchise is the most valuable of all the NFL franchises. A marketing dream, The Dallas Cowboys represents the iconic vision of American football. With their white and blue team uniforms and star emblazoned helmets, the Dallas Cowboys represent a piece of Texas “Lone Star” history. The Dallas Cowboys name is the most valuable of all the NFL franchises and it’s estimated worth is 1.65 billion dollars.

The Dallas Cowboys organization is rich in tradition, pride, and honor. As part of the Cowboys franchise the team contributes to charitable organizations and donates time to help kids stay active and healthy. As part of the franchise, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders also contribute to the community through youth programs and cheer camps for young girls.

San Antonio’s Japanese Tea Gardens provides visitors with the beauty and history unique to San Antonio Texas. Originally a rock quarry during the 1800s, the land was donated to the City of San Antonio at the end of the 19th century. A parcel of 199 acres, the land was shaped into the beginning of a Japanese Tea Garden. The project was completed in 1918, with a lily pond, exotic plants, bulbs donated by local residents, and a pagoda roofed in tree leaves gathered from parks throughout the city.

The city’s vision for the Tea Garden continued to grow, and a village was added in 1920. The cluster of small houses sold Mexican art and textiles for tourists and residents alike. The village also became home to local artist Kimi Eizo Jingu. Jingu’s family oversaw the village until World War II.

Now, the Jingu House and Tea Gardens are included in the National Register of Historic places. Because the Tea Garden was originally a quarry that contributed to the development of San Antonio, the Gardens is also registered as a Texas State Landmark and a Landmark of Civil Engineering.

In 2007, the City of San Antonio, Friends of the Parks, and the San Antonio Parks Foundation began renovation on the Japanese Tea Gardens and the Jingu House. After extensive restoration of the waterfalls, pond, and village the Japanese Tea Garden is once again open to the public.

Visitors to the gardens will enjoy viewing the lily ponds now filled with Koi and aquatic plants. In addition to the ponds, visitors will gaze in awe at the beauty of traditional Japanese stone bridges and an amazing waterfall emptying into the ponds from a height of 60 feet. Walkways are shaded and open for families to stroll through the gardens and admire the lush beauty of the newly renovated Japanese landscaping.

Located along the Riverwalk are cultural events and attractions designed to increase awareness of Texas history and culture. The Rivewalk area is home to several theaters, museums, and the San Antonio Central Library. History buffs and those fascinated with Texas icons will find The Alamo a destination worth visiting. The facade is an iconic structure, reminding visitors of the 1830s battle for Texas independence. Visitors to The Alamo will find the Long Barrack and the Mission Church intact and available for viewing. There is also a museum and gift shop for those wishing to take home a reminder of the famous building.

Restaurants line the walkways, and diners can experience a wide selection of cuisine. From casual dining to upscale offerings, the Riverwalk has something to please every palate. For those who wish to enjoy a meal on the water, private barge rentals and large group lunch, dinner, and cocktail cruises are available.

If walking a couple of miles is not your idea of fun, then a ride on a river taxi will take you up and down the Riverwalk and drop you where you want to be. For off water fun, a carriage tour of the Riverwalk will appeal to you. Carriage tours are available for individuals and groups wishing to see the sights and hear the historic stories associated with the San Antonio Riverwalk. Tours run from twenty minutes to over an hour, depending on your budget and preference.

With over seventeen colleges and schools, The University of Texas at Austin is a diverse community of academics seeking to improve the world through the arts, sciences, and humanities. For over a century, the UT campus has dedicated itself to providing opportunities for all individuals, and prides itself on programs such as Women in Engineering, the Recruiting and Retaining Men in Nursing, and Women in Natural Sciences. Always looking to bridge the gaps related to ethnicity and gender, UT is an educational leader in awarding undergraduate degrees to minority students in the United States.

The University of Texas at Austin understands the importance of international travel and study. Believing that all students should have the opportunity to study in Texas, the University actively accepts international students seeking educational, research, and teaching opportunities at UT. Alongside Harvard University, Columbia University, and the University of Southern California UT is rated among the top ten Universities enrolling international students. With over 5,700 students from over 100 countries, the UT campus is growing a rich and diverse student population.

In an effort to work with global communities, the University of Texas at Austin’s Cockrell School of Engineering developed the Projects for Under-served Communities initiative. Recruiting its own engineering students, the program focuses on providing students with real world projects and experience, while contributing to the development of rural communities in Ghana, Angola, and Peru. This project based learning system operates as part of the school’s curriculum, with students enrolling in classes to plan, budget, schedule, design, and implement projects that will improve the chosen community and the world. The PUC’s pilot program established new water distribution system in Ghana, and the Peruvian residents of Santa Cruz benefited from a water conservation system.

At the University of Texas at Austin, the academic community is working towards building a better world through education, philanthropy, and diversity.

A visit to the University of Texas at Austin (UT) is a must if you want to explore the history and tradition of the Lone Star State. Two miles from the State Capitol and north of downtown Austin, the UT campus goes beyond academics and offers programs and cultural enrichment to all members of the community. At UT, you will be pleased to discover an assortment of art galleries, libraries, and museums for you to explore and enjoy.

Blanton Museum of Art

The Blanton Museum of Art offers visitors the opportunity to experience the great masters of the 19th century and the genius of today’s contemporary artists. From minimalist to the provocative, the Blanton’s collection of American and Contemporary Art offers over 4,000 paintings for you to view and enjoy. The museum also offers a series of circulating exhibitions featuring works from regional artists and masterpieces from artists such as Claude Monet and Edgar Degas.

Texas Natural Science Center

Located on the UT campus, the Texas Natural Science Center houses the Texas Memorial Museum, the nationally ranked Vertebrate and Paleontology Laboratory, the Non-vertebrate Paleontology Laboratory, and the Texas Natural History Collections. Each section of the Center provides visitors with access to educational events an programs such as Fossil Fun Day, where children can ask paleontologists questions about dinosaurs or Fright at the Museum, a Halloween event exploring the scary, spooky side of nature – don’t forget to dish up your serving of bugs kids can eat!

The Dolph Briscoe Center for American History

For the Texas and American history enthusiast, the Dolph Briscoe Center for American history will amaze you with its collection of artifacts, documents, and images. Of the numerous exhibits and collections at the Center, you will find handwritten accounts of the 1863 Battle of Galveston Bay and the 1800s Civil War Diary of Colonel Charles Anderson’s wife Kitty.

If you are considering Universities and Colleges in the Southwest, then The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) may be the right choice for you. A sprawling campus, UTEP is located at 500 West University Ave, South of Interstate 10. The University of Texas at El Paso offers certificates, as well as undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

The College of Business

If you want to open your own business, UTEP’s College of Business offers classes in accounting, management, and finance. Students attending the College of Business will learn management techniques, human resources practices, and funding options to get your business off the ground.

School of Nursing

If working in the medical field is your life’s goal, the UTEP School of Nursing offers BSN and MSN degrees in nursing. The School of Nursing is accredited by the Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education and has been nationally ranked as a top three United States institution of higher learning to award Hispanic students with nursing degrees.

School of Liberal Arts

If you are interested in arts and the humanities, UTEP’s School of Liberal Studies will provide you with a strong foundation in communications, art history, or cultural studies. With twenty departments covering concentrations such as Religious Studies, Theatre and Dance, Criminal Justice, Psychology, and Military Science the School of Liberal Studies is the largest and most popular College on the UTEP campus.

Law School Preparation Institute

Success in legal studies may be challenging for many law students. Fortunately, the University of Texas at El Paso offers the opportunity to improve critical thinking skills and experience real world legal situations through its Law School Preparation Institute(LSPI). Focusing on LSAT preparation, legal writing skills, and legal thought the LSPI prepares you for successful admission to Law School and provides you with the tools to excel in your field.