Texas...the Lone Star State
History abounds in this expansive state. The name Texas originates from a Caddo Indian word meaning friends. Texas is the only state to have six different country flags to fly over it, and become a state by treaty.

Featuring the top accommodations and attractions visited by staff around the Lone Star state:


The Lancaster Hotel
Houston, TX
A small European style luxury boutique hotel charms us in downtown Houston.

Houston has grown quickly to become America's fourth-largest city with a surprisingly rich culture.
View more Houston hotels that we have reviewed:
Magnolia Hotel | Hotel ICON | Hotel Granduca

We visit South Padre Island, a resort community and bayside funtown for enjoying the outdoors.
View feature stays & attractions:
KOA South Padre Island
Schlitterbahn | Louie's Backyard



Lonesome Dove B&B
Burton, TX
Situated in a wooded area in historic Washington County, this restored 1850's chinked log cabin is a relaxing getaway.

Galveston Island boasts 32 miles of beaches, unique bed & breakfasts, and a fascinating history.

Galveston B&B Features:
Avenue O B&B | Coppersmith Inn
Lost Bayou Guesthouse | The Villa
Grace Manor | The Garden Inn
The Queen Anne | Inn at 1816 Postoffice

Austin, the live music capital of the world, is a funky spirited city with lots to do.

Bear Creek Retreat,
Manchaca, TX
Located just southwest of Austin, this B&B offers a perfect locale to rest and unwind.


Old Settler's Music Festival, Driftwood, TX
Hear multi-talented musicians and soak up the fun, held every April.

Running-R Guest Ranch, Bandera, TX
Situated near Bandera, Texas, with charming cabins, over 40 miles of horseback riding trails, with direct access to the 5,500 acre Hill Country Natural Area next door.

Canyon of the Eagles Lodge & Nature Park
The eagles come here to nest every year to this Lake Buchanan hideaway for many reasons. The scenery is some of the most dramatic in the Texas Hill Country.

Founded under German charter in 1845, New Braunfels is home to the hugely popular Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resortwith locations also on South Padre and Galveston.

For animal lovers,
SeaWorld in San Antonio is a veritable paradise. We plan to have a new segment soon on all the fun things to do while in
San Antonio.

Dallas, as the fourth largest metropolitan area in the country, the city is diverse in business opportunity and fun things to do.

The Adolphus Hotel, Dallas, TX
The legendary hotel in Dallas is a treasure in countless ways.
When built in 1912, it was the tallest building in Texas.


Near the Dallas area, Southfork Hotel offers understated elegance and a relaxing stay, conveniently located just north of Dallas in Plano. Southfork Ranch is a "rich" experience, with lots of vintage Dallas tv show memorabilia.

Fort Worth, home of the rodeo, the wrangler, world-class museums, and a heritage of the West.

The large crowd was buzzing on our return visit to Billy Bob's Texas, as Kevin Fowler took the stage later that night with his unique, rowdy style.