Galveston Island is a 200-square-mile stretch of land with some of the best beaches and water activities in the state. When it comes to the Lone Star State, the 32 miles of beaches in and around Galveston beckon tourists and locals alike.

Although most of the country is envious of our warm winter temperatures this time of year, in our heart of hearts, Texans may feel just a touch slighted, particularly during the holidays when songs are singing of winter wonderlands and white Christmases.

Anchored in the rolling meadows of Central Texas, a bright and shining star of hospitality has emerged in the Bryan/College Station area. Built in a town rich in tradition, The Stella beams as an establishment that evokes the comforting memories of true southern hospitality while simultaneously encouraging the reality of modern, progressive nature.

Known at least in part for its picturesque location on Galveston Island, Moody Gardens and the Moody Gardens Hotel often come to mind as spring and summer destinations. Every year, approximately two million individuals, couples, and families travel from across Texas and states beyond to enjoy the 242 acres of beautiful scenery and educational attractions, many of which seem best suited to warm weather fun. But this tropical paradise also  offers a host of special events and activities specifically designed with wintertime in mind.

When you think of quilts, you may still recall idyllic memories of your grandmother, or even great grandmother, quilting in her rocking chair on the porch. However, the International Quilt Festival in Houston is proof that quilting is not just a thing of the past.

When pumpkin-shaped decorations have been packed away, and Thanksgiving leftovers have been devoured, the hills, or rather City Park and downtown San Marcos, come alive with the Sights & Sounds of Christmas.

As the largest Ren Fair in the country, fair goers explore dozens of world renown acts that pay homage to a time in our world’s history full of unique artistry, defining history, and wild entertainment.

The months of the fall season are perhaps the best to be living in Texas. The temperature has finally dropped to a tolerable range, football reigns, and it feels like the entire state can finally breathe again. With all the beautiful weather, it is no wonder that Texas boasts some of the finest outdoor fall festivals, many within a short day trip from Dallas! Pull on your boots, pile into the car, and give some of these trips a try.

As summer fades and family schedules become busier, Texas plays host to fun and unique celebrations of autumn across the state. Why not take some time to plan a day trip that the whole family will enjoy? Relaxation and seasonal fun are right around the corner!

Looking for a way to beat the heat while still having fun with family and friends?  The Hempstead Watermelon Festival is just what the doctor ordered!  This July will mark the 29th annual Hempstead Watermelon Festival, a sweet celebration of the town’s most famous crop. 

Sonora is one of the smallest cities in Texas, ranging only 2 square miles in total area,  which is probably why most of you have not heard of it. The population of the town is just over 3,000 people, and it is located in the western part of the Texas Hill Country, where some of the world's most beautiful natural attractions can be found. If you are looking for a relaxing place with some fantastic scenery that is not overcrowded in the least bit, Sonora is the place to go.

According to the Texas Department of Transportation, there are over 5,000 species of wildflowers native to Texas. The state’s diverse terrain and weather regions, from plains and marshes to woods and mountains, all boast unique conditions that support the growth of different wildflowers.

To celebrate its tenth anniversary in March, Grand Hyatt San Antonio rolled out the carpet – the plush indigo carpet that is, one of many fresh features in its recently remodeled guest rooms. The updates are part of a $19 million project completed earlier this year that includes renovations of the rooms and suites, corridors, lobby, bar, and meeting spaces.

Imagine the early 20th century, a time when etiquette reigned supreme and courtesies such as formal greetings and hand-written letters were highly valued, when language was carefully crafted and eloquent. Well-known American families, including the Vanderbilts and Guggenheims set trends when it came to decorum as well as décor. In the year 1900 in Austin, Texas the Wootens were such a family. The University of Texas remembers them well, as Thomas Dudley Wooten was one of the founders of UT Austin. It was his son, Goodall, who married a distinguished socialite named Ella Newsome, the woman who is the inspiration as well as the heart and soul behind this historic boutique hotel, Hotel Ella.

The building that is now the Lorenzo Hotel, a newly renovated boutique hotel in downtown Dallas, sat empty and unused for years. “It was a Ramada Inn back when it opened in ’71,” explained Larry Hamilton, CEO of the property. “It’s worthy of a historical footnote as the place where Tina Turner split from Ike while in Dallas for a concert.”