Welcome to Texas Sign
Hello and welcome to Texas! I am here to help you plan your next vacation to the wonderful and beautiful lone star state. This blog is the best source on the net for information on the most popular attractions in Texas as well as some of the lesser known places.
The first thing I need to share with you is how to get the most out of my blog.
If you already know which city you are going to be visiting then the list of cities in the left column will be very helpful as this will contain all of the attractions in that particular city.
If you are still undecided on where you want to go you can use the search bar to find information on specific attractions or browse the most popular attractions in the left column.
If you do decide to make a visit to one of the places listed on my blog I would love to hear what you thought about it in the comments for that place. I will accept negative reviews because I do want honest reviews of the place, but please refrain from just saying things like: “this place sucked” or “hated it.” If you leave a negative comment please explain why you did not enjoy your visit.
Last but not least be sure to subscibe to my rss feed to keep up with future updates, and feel free to e-mail me at contact@visittexasnow.com if you have an specific questions. I will do my best to find an answer for you.
November 7th, 2009 | Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments
The Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame honors 70 different cowboys and cowgirls. Here at the cowboy hall of fame there is six different exhibits you get to see for one low price. The cowboy hall of fame also offers the Sterquell Wagon Collection and the Justin Trail of Fame. Sterquell is the host to over 60 antique wagons, carriages, and sleighs. The John Justin Trail of Fame pays respects to a Ft. Worth born man who built and ran the Justin Boot Company.
Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 10:00 AM-6:00 PM
Friday & Saturday: 10:00 AM-7:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM-5:00 PM
Admission:
Adults: $5
Children (ages 5-12): $3
Seniors (60 and up): $4
Students: $4
Family Package (2 adults and 4 children): $15
Military: FREE
Contact Information:
Website: www.texascowboyhalloffame.com
Phone: 817-626-7131
E-mail: info@texascowboyhalloffame.com
Location: Ft. Worth Stockyards
Google Map
December 10th, 2009 | Posted in Dallas/Ft Worth | No Comments
The Alamo
So you have decided that you want to visit the great state of Texas for your next vacation. Great! We would love to have you. I’m sure your visit will be a pleasant one, after all the name Texas comes from the Indian word, tejas, meaning “friend” or “allies.”
As a born and raised Texan I can tell you that it’s going to be hard to narrow down all the attractions that are available to do into a manageable vacation. There are great places to see all over the state. So I have narrowed down the top 5 attractions in Texas.This list should be used as a starting point for deciding where you want to go. Unfortunately Texas is such a large state (2nd largest in the country) that traveling around to all the different attractions in this list would be very costly and take a large chunk of time. So unless you have a substantial amount of time and money set aside for your visit then this list is best used as a starting point.
You can find the attraction that interests you the most and plan your vacation around going to that city. Don’t worry though, there are plenty of things to do in whatever city you plan to travel to.
On to the list
1. Sixth Floor Museum-Dallas
The JFK memorial and exhibit showing where there was significant evidence found after John F. Kennedy’s assassination. People from all over the world come here for information and a possible understanding of what happened on the day of November 22, 1963.
Also while you are in the area this is a great time to check out downtown, as you will be in the heart of downtown Dallas. Tours are self guided and the price of admission includes an audio guide.
2. The Alamo-San Antonio
The Alamo is one of Texas’ most famous and important historical attractions. It is an old mission that was used during a very important battle for Texas’ independence from Mexico. The 4.2 acre complex offers a variety of different exhibits that offer you an inside look at Texas history and the Texas Revolution.
3. Johnson Space Center-Houston
The Johnson Space center named after, president Lyndon B. Johnson is a wonderful place to visit while in Houston. They have a variety of different attractions including the NASA tour, the feel of space, and the space museum.
The NASA tour is the main attraction and takes you around the grounds and takes you to several buildings including historic mission control and the room that houses a full size replica of the space shuttle and the international space station. This is definite must see while in Houston!
4. 6th Street-Austin
You will not find a more popular nightlife scene in Texas than 6th street in Austin. This street is lined with bars, clubs, and restaurants. An amazing place to watch live music and have a few drinks as you enjoy the city.
6th St is not just a popular tourist destination, it is also a place frequented by the locals. Who knows, you might even see a few interesting characters there. If you follow the link that is Lesli an infamous transvestite that roams 6th street at night.
5. Sea World-San Antonio
Sea world in San Antonio is one of only three Sea World location in the USA. This is truly an amazing place for both children and adults. The major part of the park is all the different shows with live animals including, killer whales and dolphins. The most famous of all the shows is the one featuring Shamu, a killer whale.
December 8th, 2009 | Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments
Texas State History Museum
The The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum shows the history of Texas via three different interactive exhibits. Each exhibit has its own floor in the building and they include: Land, Identity, and Opportunity. The museum also features an IMAX theater and the Texas Spirit theater.
For anyone that has an interest in history this is the place to go. This museum covers everything that has to do with Texas history including The Alamo. Be sure to visit the capitol building as you will only be a few blocks away after visiting the museum.
Hours:
Monday-Saturday: 9:00 AM-6:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 PM-6:00 PM
Admission:
Prices can vary depending on which package you get. For complete pricing information visit their website.
Adult: $7
Youth (ages 5-18): $4
Seniors (65+0)/Military/Students: $6
Contact Information:
Website: www.thestoryoftexas.com
Phone: 512-936-8746
Ticket Reservations: 512-936-4649
Location: Downtown Austin
Google Map
December 3rd, 2009 | Posted in Austin | No Comments
With the exception of the National Baseball Hall of Fame, this is the location of the largest collection of baseball memorabilia. Exhibits include Texas Rangers history, Negro leagues, and Texas leagues.
Hours:
During the Season:
Game Days: 9:00 AM-7:30 PM
Non-Game Days: Monday-Saturday: 9:00 AM-4:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM-4:00 PM
During off-season: Sunday & Monday: Closed
Tuesday-Saturday: 10:00 AM-4:00 PM
Admission:
Adults: $12
Children (ages 4-18): $7
Senior (62+): 10
Student: $10
Contact Information:
Website: http://mlb.mlb.com/tex/ballpark/museum.jsp
Phone: 817-273-5600
Location: The Ball Park in Arlington (Texas Rangers Stadium) between Ft. Worth and Dallas.
Google Map
December 1st, 2009 | Posted in Dallas/Ft Worth | No Comments
Learn the history of aviation from the early 20s and 30s or the the “Golden Age of Flight” all the way to the modern space program in this one hour guided tour. With Dallas being known as the aviation capitol of the world, it is a premier place to learn about all things that deal with aviation.
Hours:
Monday-Saturday: 10:00 AM-4:00 PM
Sunday-: 1:00 PM-4:00 PM
Admission:
Adults: $7
Children (ages 3-17): $3
Seniors: $5
Contact Information:
Website:http: www.flightmuseum.com
Phone: 214-350-1651
Location: Northwest of downtown Dallas at the Dallas Love Field Airport
Google Map
November 26th, 2009 | Posted in Dallas/Ft Worth | No Comments
The aquarium in downtown Houston is one of the better aquariums I have visited. I really liked all the variety of displays they had. There was fresh and saltwater fish, snakes, frogs, and even a pair of white tigers.
When I visited it took ~1 hour to go all the way through all the displays, but we were kind of in a rush so we went through a little faster than most people would have. You can definitely spend a couple hours there if you want.
There is also a restaurant on the premise as well. We did not eat there but it looked like a fun place to eat. There were aquariums located throughout the restaurant as well so you could see the fish while you ate. We did check out the prices while we were there. They were not outrageous but they were definitely not cheap.
Be sure to check out their website below because their were a variety of different shows or activities that were going on during the day. We missed all of them while we were there but some of them seemed like they would be really fun, especially if you have children with you.
The aquarium is also one of the attractions on the CityPass ticket. I definately reccommend this because it could save you a tone of money if you plan on visiting all the attractions on the list.
Overall this was one of the better Houston attractions that I have been to on my numerous trips there. It was a nice way to kill a few hours. The parking was convenient and everyone had a great time.
Hours:
Sunday-Thursday 10 AM – 10 PM
Friday & Saturday 10 AM – 11 PM
Admission:
I highly recommend using CityPass to buy your tickets because you get the tickets at a high discount. If you just buy an individual ticket I believe the tickets were around $10.
Contact Information:
Website: Houston Downtown Aquarium
Phone: 713-223-FISH
Location: Downtown Houston
Google Map
November 25th, 2009 | Posted in Houston | No Comments
A very powerful and moving experience about the great tragedy which we must never forget. View photos, documents and even a boxcar that was used to transport Jewish prisoners.
**Not recommended for children below the 6th grade.**
Hours:
Monday-Friday: 10:00 AM-5:00 PM
Saturday & Sunday: 11:00 AM-5:00 PM
Admission:
Adults: $6
Students (under 18): $4
Seniors (55+): $4
Active Military: $4
Contact Information:
Website: www.dallasholocaustmuseum.org
Phone: 214-741-2270
Location: Downtown Dallas
Google Map
November 24th, 2009 | Posted in Dallas/Ft Worth | No Comments
The American Airlines C.R. Smith Museum is completely dedicated to commercial aviation and named for the longtime American Airlines president.
I really enjoy this museum because it is not the typical museum where everything is roped off or behind glass cases. Many of the exhibits here are a hands on experience, which I think makes this one of the best family attractions in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area.
Hours:
Tuesday-Saturday: 10:00 AM-6:00 PM
Closed: Sunday & Monday
Admission:
Adult: $4
Seniors (55+): $2
Students: $2
Children (ages 2-12): $2
Contact Information:
Website: www.crsmithmuseum.org
Phone: 817-967-1560
Location: At the intersection fo Hwy. 183 & Hwy. 360.
Google Map
November 19th, 2009 | Posted in Dallas/Ft Worth | No Comments
Take a tour through downtown Austin on a “duck” as you learn interesting historical facts about Austin. Your tour will pass you by the state capitol, the govener’s mansion, 6th street, and the Bob Bullock Museum. All of this happens before your “duck” drives straight into Lake Austin.
Hours:
Summer Schedule (June 1-Labor Day):
Monday-Friday: 11:00 AM & 2:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM, & 4:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM, & 4:00 PM
Regular Schedule:
Monday & Tuesday: 2:00 PM
Wednesday-Friday: 11:00 AM & 2:00 PM
Saturday & Sunday: 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM, & 4:00 PM
Admission:
Adults: $25.95
Children (ages 3-12): $15.95
Seniors & Students: $23.95
Contact Information:
Website: www.austinducks.com
Phone: 512-4-SPLASH
Location: All tours depart from the Austin visitors center
Google Map
November 17th, 2009 | Posted in Austin | No Comments
If you are going to visiting Austin sometime between mid-March and November then you have to watch the bats fly out from under the congress bridge at dusk. Congress bridge is located in downtown Austin and spans town lake. The underside of this bridge is home to the largest urban bat colony in North America. It is estimated that there are 1.5 million bats that call congress bridge home during this time.
There are several places that you can view the bats from and there is an information kiosk on the north bank of the river, on the east side of the bridge. Be sure to get there early enough that you will be able to find a place to watch from.
Video of Bats Flying From Congress Bridge
Hours:
The bats leave the bridge at dusk.
Admission:
The bats can be seen for free but there are also segway tours and cruises available.
Location:
Congress Bridge
Google Map
November 9th, 2009 | Posted in Austin | No Comments
