Texas vacations are always interesting. Depending on how you choose to travel, it is always surprising to see just how big the Lone Star State is from border to border. Texas is also known as a state that just cannot deal with winter weather. Considering the oppressing heat that the state experiences with very little exposure to ice and snow, it is no wonder that Texans have a hard time adjusting.
Still, if you’re looking for a chance to check out what Texas has to offer, don’t be afraid to travel during the winter, especially if it’s at the last minute. There’s simply too much to miss out on.
For starters, there are the Hill Country craft beer trails. Over the last couple of decades, the craft beer movement in Texas has steadily grown into a popular way for couples & friends to get together for a quick jaunt out-of-town while enjoying some “hoppy” goodness. There are trails and breweries to follow depending on where you’re in the Hill Country. Winter brews also lend themselves to unique flavors that are sure to please everyone.
Though a relatively new player in the state, the Brenham Market Winter Show is establishing itself in the antique and craft world, all while establishing its roots at the Washington County Fairgrounds in Brenham, Texas (home of Blue Bell Ice Cream). New to the show is a Puppy Parade as a way to raise money and awareness for The Urgent Animal Rescue of Hearne.
Be sure to check out the Texas Blue Bonnet Wine Trail. Sure, the bluebonnet isn’t quite doing its thing until Spring, but the name of this trail more closely aligns with the relationship Texas has been developing with its own prize-winning vineyards. With close proximity to major cities such as Austin and Houston, and scenic drives from Dallas/Fort Worth and San Antonio, the trail showcases what Texas has to offer in terms of its natural beauty and its steadily growing reputation as a wine powerhouse.
Of course, no mention of winter travel can be complete without mention of Christmas. Everyone should experience the holiday River Parade in San Antonio, Texas. San Antonio is a city rich with the history of the Lone Star State. The River Walk is perhaps the city’s most famous landmark second only to The Alamo. At night, citizens and visitors alike crowd into the River Walk area & greeted with not only an amazing light show, but there are also carolers on boats, amazing floats decked out with the holiday’s greatest accents, and the city literally bursts forth with holiday cheer from the inside out.
From big city to small town, check out the Brenham Christmas Stroll and Lighted Parade. What better way to get all your Christmas shopping done early while taking in the small town holiday magic? You can also add a little cosmopolitan glitz to your last-minute trip by taking in a little culture. For nearly a decade, the Ovation Ballet Company out of Austin, Texas has presented The Nutcracker in Round Top, Texas. This ballet is quintessential Christmas.
Texas vacations, even if they are last-minute, don’t have to lack pizzazz. With the right planning & willingness to be adventurous, a quick winter trip out-of-town makes the whole year ripe with possibilities.
