Texas is the second largest state in the US, after Alaska. Seven hundred ninety miles long and six hundred sixty miles wide, the Lone Star state offers a variety of vacation spots. From the historic, educational and adventurous to the fun-filled, romantic or restful, we have them all.
In north Texas, you can enjoy the underwater world of marine life from 3 oceans and various seas in the Dallas World Aquarium. Children will marvel at the panoramic view while tunneling through
the huge tanks of stingrays, sea turtles, sharks and more. See monkeys, brightly colored birds and vegetation in the free flight aviary of the Venezeuelan Rainforest. The Aquarium is open 7 days a week except Christmas and Thanksgiving, and has 3 restaurants and a gift shop.
Just a short drive away, history and education buffs regularly visit Dealy Plaza Museum in Dallas to reflect on the tragic days of former President Kennedy's assassination in November 1963. You can view a short film of Kennedy's life and career, a re-creation of the corner window and assassin's perch, Dealy Plaza, the corner staircase where the sniper's rifle was found, historic film footage, displays of investigational evidence and hear audio broadcasts
summarizing the events of the fateful hours from that Friday noon to the following Monday midnight.
In nearby Arlington, fun-loving vacationers will want to allow one or two days at Six Flags Over Texas theme park. Plan to ride the tallest, fastest coaster in the world.
A drive south to Austin offers a visit to the State Capitol building made of Texas pink granite, as well as the 22 acres of surrounding grounds and monuments. From March to November, watch the spectacular flight of Mexican free-tailed bats emerging from the Congress Avenue bridge at dusk. You can even book a bat flight cruise on the lake.
A few miles to the south, travelers enter the scenic rolling hill country of central Texas. Visit Bandera, the Cowboy Capitol of the World, and Wimberley where acres of natural beauty beckon all who relish peace and simple living. Lush green hills rise through morning mist from the valleys where leisurely drives provide glimpses of deer, bobcats, and raccoons. Frontier type store fronts line the small-town streets and remind of Old West days. Despite the suggestion of horse-drawn wagons, visitors find many RV parks and dozens of bed and breakfasts near Cypress Creek and the Blanco River, sometimes called the "singing river". Accommodations are mostly secluded and rustic or cozy and romantic. A number of dude ranches provide hayrides, horseback riding, cookouts, and the experience of a real working ranch.
Take a jaunt west and visit historic San Antonio. Here you can enjoy the tree-lined Riverwalk with its multicultural shops, restaurants, theatres, and riverboat cruises, or just hang out and watch the ducks. Then there's the Alamo. From its humble beginning in 1716 as a Spanish mission to the symbol of heroic courage against overwhelming odds, the Alamo is Texas' most popular tourist attraction. Read letters written by members of the garrison, see Travis' ring, Crockett's buckskin vest, a flintlock rifle used in the battle, a period Bowie knife, and bullet holes left in the walls following the bloody Battle of the Alamo in 1836.
Then plan on at least a full day at Six Flags Fiesta Texas and brave the roller coasters, visit the Waterpark's own beach, browse souvenir shops and stop for pizza and ice cream.
This article first appeared on Suite101.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment