Image courtesy of atbaker via flickr
Giddy-up for fun and adventure in the Lone Star State of Texas. Visiting Texas is like discovering a whole new country. Not only is Texas big in western hospitality, it’s big in size. The state is divided into several geographical regions that contain gorgeous landscapes, from sparkling beaches to rolling hills and canyons. Gearing up with some flip flops, western boots and comparing the best rates on travel insurance will ensure that you’re saddled up for a fun adventure.
The Grandeur of Big Bend Country
With ruggedly gorgeous mountains, valleys and plains, Big Bend County is exemplary of the wild frontier. Big Bend Country is home to amazing national parks like Big Bend National Park, Monahans Sandhills State Park, Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Balmorhea State Park. Venture to the Chisos Basin at Big Bend National Park and spot the diverse wildlife while hiking the many trails. At the Monahans Sandhills State Park, there are surf sand dunes that rise up to seventy feet, cover two hundred square miles and stretch all the way into New Mexico.
Here, you can take a camel back tour and discover the desert wildlife. The Guadalupe Mountains National Park has deep canyons and the highest peaks in the state. There are eighty miles of hiking trails, along with canoe rides in the sparkling rapids. If you’re in the mood for a dip in one of the largest man-made swimming holes, head on over to the Balmorhea State Park.
Discover the Gulf Coast
The Gulf region of Texas features six hundred miles of beautiful coastline with quaint seaside towns and plenty of picturesque beaches. At the Padre Island National Seashore, you can snorkel, scuba dive or just bask in the balmy sun. It’s the world’s longest undeveloped stretch of barrier-island beach. In Houston, you can indulge in some award-winning western barbeque that is the hallmark of the state. Along with its amazing food, Houston has a great creative energy and a love for all things cultural and artistic.
The Museum of Fine Arts, Cullen Sculpture Garden, Art Car Museum and the Cockrell Butterfly Center are just a few of the venues that demonstrate the city’s commitment to culture. The Gulf Coast is a hot spot for thrill seekers. There are water parks, amusement parks and one-of-a-kind experiences like the NASA Space Center. In Corpus Christi, you can enjoy the colourful sailboat regatta at the Corpus Christi Marina weekly.
Unwind in Hill Country
Hill Country is populated with cacti and bluebonnets that dot its rolling green hills. There are many spring-fed rivers and lakes ideal for swimming, rock climbing and mountain biking. At the Cascade Caverns, you can explore spectacular caves, rare wildlife and a nine-storey underground waterfall. Hill Country is both cowboy and cosmopolitan. The area is chockfull of great music venues in Austin and Gruene, where you can honky-tonk till the sun goes down. Gruene Hall is one of Texas’s best dance halls, with a 6,000 square foot dancing area, lighted stages and outdoor beer gardens. At Gruene Hall, you can enjoy music icons like the Dixie Chicks, Chris Isaak and Garth Brooks. Ladies should choose Nail Salons in Houston, TX before a night out here and maybe even take advantge over the Massages in Austin, Texas that are becoming even more popular in this region.
Bright Stars, Dramatic Canyons and Rock ‘n’ Roll in the Panhandle Plains
The Panhandle Plains is the place to be to watch the twinkling stars at night. The stars are big and bright deep in the heart of Texas. A visit to the popular Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra only adds an impressive soundtrack to the incredible visual experience. One of the most spectacular natural attractions in this area is the Palo Duro Canyon. Its pinnacles, spires and wall stretch over a thousand feet. At the Caprock Canyons State Park, you can horseback ride, bike, hike and even visit an impressive 742-foot abandoned railroad tunnel. Music legend Buddy Holly grew up in the Panhandle Plains, and you learn all about this rock hero’s history at the Buddy Holly Center in Lubbock. At the nearby Depot Entertainment District, you can catch some of the best contemporary Texan musicians.
Texas is just one state, but it offers a world of spectacular activities and opportunities for any global trotter. Its welcoming western hospitality, natural beautiful surroundings and fun attractions are a guarantee for lasting memories of the old frontier.