Texas, with over 500 cities in seven distinct regions, has a plethora of opportunities for that perfect weekend getaway. With its distinct mix of Mexican and American traditions, Texas has a cultural landscape all its own. There are several trips you can take in two or three days (not counting travel time if you do not live there) that promise fun for couples, friends or families.
The state capitol of Texas and home to the University of Texas at Austin, Austin is a city where residents live by the motto "Keep Austin Weird." The self-proclamed "Live Music Capitol of the World" is home to the South by Southwest Music, Film, and Interactive Conferences held annually in March and the Austin City Limits Music Festival held in September. The city boasts of close to 200 live music venues year round, which feature rock, blues, country, jazz and Tejano swing acts.
South Padre Island isn't just for spring-breakers; with its diverse mix of beach attractions you can find fun for the whole family. Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark is open weekends from April to September and has over a dozen slides, tube shutes and uphill water coasters. Take a horseback ride along the beach at the Island Equestrian Center or take one of Amazin Walter's Sandcastle Lessons.
History buffs might want to take a weekend trip to San Antonio, home of the Alamo, one of the most famous historical sites in America. Originally built in 1724, the Alamo was the site of one of the most important battles in the Texas Revolution. The Shrine, Long Barrack Museum and Gift Museum contain exhibits on Texas history.
Follow in the footsteps of the cowboys and experience what life was like for the rugged men and women who lived during the time of the cattle drive. In 1867 Joseph G. McCoy built a cattle shipping terminal in Abilene, Kansas, and soon after herds of cattle began following the long trail blazed by Jesse Chisholm. The route from Brownsville to Nocona offers numerous points of historical significance, including ranches (some still working), quaint Spanish missions and towering mansions. You may want to stop in at Lockhart, known as "The Barbecue Capitol of Texas." Not only home to some of the tastiest barbecue in the world, Lockhart also hosts the Chisholm Trail Roundup and Kiwanis Rodeo in June each year.
Home to the Rockets, Astros and Texans professional sports franchises, Houston is a sports lover's dream. The multicultural flavor of Houston is on display every April during the Houston International Festival, which celebrates the city's diversity of music, arts, crafts, dance and food.
