Hit the Road in Texas This Summer
There’s a lot to see in the Lone Star State, and it’s worth the miles to pack everyone in the car and go exploring.
LUBBOCK, TEXAS
Up in the Texas High Plains, where the views stretch for miles, Lubbock has a lot to offer. It’s a great spot for a weekend away, and if you find yourself heading to New Mexico or Colorado, you’ll definitely want to include a few days here along the way.
Check into the Cotton Court Hotel, a boutique affair from Valencia Hotels that’s in downtown and designed in homage to the city’s cotton industry past. It’s thoughtfully designed rooms and public spaces with fire pits, a pool and lawn games ares are a great way for families to kick back and relax.
At the National Ranching Heritage Center, you can explore a series of historic homes that tell the story of ranching in the U.S. Visitors can also take in an array of programming and gain a deeper understanding of how vital ranch and farm life is. Prairie Dog Town, located in Mackenzie Park, is open dawn to dusk, year round. It’s a great place to spot these cute critters going about their routines. The public art collection on the Texas Tech University campus is impressive, and families can take guided or self-guided tours. Download the app and go it alone, or, book an art cart tour for between five and 12 people. Bonus: it’s a terrific way to see the university campus if you’ve got kids who are thinking about college choices.
A trip to Lubbock isn’t complete without a stop at Evie May’s Pit Barbeque, just outside the city limits. Smoked meats, delicious sides and a casual, family friendly atmosphere await. Don’t miss the pork ribs or the brisket.
Your trip to Lubbock will be one your family will remember.
WACO, TEXAS
Waco is a three-hour drive from Houston, making it perfect for a road trip getaway. This city on the Brazos River has a lot of history, excellent museums and lot of things for families to do. The city has many surprises, with a wealth of indoor and outdoor recreation and attractions.
There are lots of budget-friendly hotels from chains like Days Inn, Comfort Suites and Marriott. Consider The Element, where kids stay free. This Marriott property blends the flexibility of an extended-stay hotel with the chic feeling of a boutique property. Rooms that have kitchenettes, and the hotel has a pool, laundry facilities, an on-site snack-and-sundries shop, and a restaurant serving easy Mediterranean fare.
History lovers should set out to explore the Waco Mammoth National Monument, where visitors can walk the park’s trails and see the archeological dig site, where a Mammoth family rests in situ. The Dr Pepper Museum explores the history of the popular soda, and you can get a handmade float at the soda fountain. And the Mayborn Museum, on the campus of Baylor University, covers the history of Central Texas, with exhibits showcasing centuries of Texas life. The campus itself is worth a stroll, with beautiful architecture and greenspaces.
For families who want to enjoy the outdoors, Waco has loads to offer, given its proximity to the Brazos and Basque rivers. The city’s parks and recreation department has a wonderfully detailed paddling trail map you can download to plan your kayak or canoe adventure. At Brazos Bluffs Ranch, you can go horseback riding along the Brazos.
Stop for lunch or dinner at George’s, a Waco comfort-food tradition since 1930. Look for an array of sandwiches, burgers, wings and more. Magnolia Table wins raves for its breakfast, lunch and dinner options, served in a casually upscale environment. Jo’s Crunchy French Toast is a favorite.
In Waco, there’s something for everyone.
BANDERA, TEXAS
Bandera is a pleasant 4.5 hour drive west of Houston. A straight shot, for the most part down I-10 will lead you to the “Cowboy Capital of the World’. Where its commonplace to still see horses tied to hitching posts in town and a dude ranch is never more than a 5 minutes drive away!
A blending of Indian, Mexican, Polish and Western cultures gives Bandera a unique ambiance not found elsewhere in Texas.
With its sweeping hills and rustic natural landscape, Bandera is truly a wonderland for families who love to be outdoors. Whether you are looking to hike, bike, fish, hunt, ride or rope, there is something for everyone.
There are (8) different dude ranches to choose from if you are looking for that experience. Dixie Dude Ranch would be #1 on our list as it is an actual working ranch that allows you to really understand the daily life of a West Texas Rancher. This 725 acre ranch is something to see.
Rather take in the sites in a little more luxury? Head over to Hill Country Equestrian Lodge for a little R&R. Private rides and instruction along with spa services offer a relaxing getaway in the beauty of Texas Hill Country.
Instead of hopping on a horse, hop in the water. Medina River is the place to kayak and tube in the cool, clear waters. Both Medina River Company and Paradise Watersports can hook you up with what you need for a beautiful day on the water.
For such a small town, there is not a shortage of places to eat. The Backyard Bistro offers Farm to Table delights for breakfast, lunch & dinner. Brick’s River Cafe serves up local fare with a killer view. And Jimmy’s Burgers serves up the best beef in town! Bonus: it happens to be next door to the Bandera Brewery, which is pet & kid friendly!
If you are looking for an authentic West Texas outdoor adventure, head out to Bandera. You will love it!
