Despite popular perceptions to the contrary, there's a lot more to Texas than longhorn steer, beef brisket, cowboy hats and line dancing. Sure, these things exist in spades in the Lone Star State, but as the slogan goes, "It's like a whole other country." Texas cuts a large swath, literally and figuratively, for all comers, even those with a short vacation window.
Texas' two national parks -- Big Bend and Guadalupe Mountains -- draw nature enthusiasts year round, who come for the hiking, backpacking, camping, scenic drives, stargazing and backcountry exploration. At Big Bend, it's possible to experience mountain, desert and river terrain in a single day. It takes some driving to reach this remote park, but as writer and environmentalist Edward Abbey once said, "Half the pleasure of a visit to Big Bend National Park lies in the advance upon the object of our desire." Guadalupe Mountains National Park, home to Texas' highest point of Guadalupe Peak, contains many high buttes and box canyons and offers a similar splendid isolation for visitors. El Paso International Airport is the closest major commercial airport to each park.
Houston. Dallas. San Antonio. Texas' three largest cities each have commercial airports providing regular daily service from around the country. Houston actually has two airports and makes for a good, short getaway for those seeking a cosmopolitan vibe in the Lone Star State. It's Texas' largest city and close to the Galveston area of the Gulf Coast, in case you need a day trip to the beach. For an impressive dose of history and culture, San Antonio is sublime. Life in San Antonio is heavily influenced by Tejano culture, a localized hybrid of Mexican, Texan and German heritages. It's also where you can remember the Alamo and explore the River Walk -- these famed attractions are a stone's throw from each other downtown. In the modern age, Dallas has shed its cowboy image and blossomed into a major arts and culinary destination. But, of course, nearby Arlington is still home to the Cowboys of NFL fame.
Music in Texas isn't all country and western. Austin is a hotbed for live music of all genres and home to the internationally famous South By Southwest festival, or SXSW, each March. Sixth Street is lined with music clubs, but you'll find plenty of venues throughout town. A trip to Austin also puts you in easy driving distance to other notable Texas music spots such as the Luckenbach Dance Hall and Gruene Hall, where you can get your Texas two-step on in classic roadhouse fashion. And let's not forget Lubbock. Buddy Holly's hometown is a pilgrimage site for fans of early rock 'n' roll for its related Holly sites, including the Buddy Holly Center, focusing on the musical legacy of the region.
It's easy to explore Texas Hill Country with charming Fredericksburg as your base. This small city with a rich German heritage is a short drive from the airports in San Antonio and Austin. It's also one of the best places to spot those famous Texas bluebonnets and other wildflowers. Spend a day in town, another exploring the wine country (yes, Texas has a wine country) and don't miss the short hike to the top of Enchanted Rock, a massive pink granite dome providing spectacular views of the surrounding heights.
