West
Czech Stop in West, Texas, brings visitors from all over to enjoy cheese, strudels, and, of course, kolache. For those of you unfamiliar with Czech cuisine, a kolach is a doughy pastry filled with fruit. Because of the famed dish, the city has been deemed the "home of the official kolache of the Texas Legislature."
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Fredericksburg
In the peach capital of Texas lies the "Magic Mile" of shopping, otherwise known as Main Street. During the summer months, visitors can pick their own peaches or enjoy some of the many dishes made with them at the restaurants on the strip. Be sure to stop by Fredericksburg Brewing Company for a frosty drink, or take a break at the Marktplatz pavilions after a long day of walking.
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Houston
The largest city in Texas, Houston is home to a wide array of cultural stops. In the Houston Museum District, visitors can find more than twenty museums. Favorites include the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.
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Adrian
Named after its location halfway between Los Angeles and Chicago on historic Route 66, the Midpoint Café has been serving customers for the better part of a century. Though it has changed owners over the years, the atmosphere has remained untouched. If you or your children are Cars fans, you'll love this tidbit! Pixar passed through in the early 2000s, leading to Midpoint Café becoming the inspiration for Flo's V-8 Café in Radiator Springs.
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New Braunfels
Besides being fun to say, Schlitterbahn is the perfect name for a water park, as it means “slippery road” in German. Since 1979, Schlitterbahn has become one of the most popular water parks in the nation, opening four different locations in Texas alone! For 15 years in a row, the park has won Amusement Today's Golden Ticket Award. If you're brave enough, take a ride on the world's largest water coaster, Massiv at the Galveston location.
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Dallas
Everything’s bigger in Texas, and the State Fair of Texas is no exception. Since it was established in 1886, the fair has been one of the most widely attended in the nation. It isn’t hard to see why. One of the biggest draws is the Red River Rivalry, the football game between Texas and Oklahoma.
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Travis County
A favorite summer spot for locals and visitors alike, this natural pool is unlike any other. Hamilton Pool Preserve is part of the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve, accounting for its amazing views. In the warmer months, guests strive to get a perfect picture under the flowing waterfall. If you're traveling between May and Septemeber, you'll most likely need to make reservations.
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San Antonio
Bracken Cave is best known for housing the largest bat colony in the world. Each summer, approximately 20 million Mexican free-tailed bats call the cave home. While the Nature Conservancy works to ensure that the cave is protected, visitors are able to take guided tours and see the bats flock from the mouth of the cave. If you're a little squeamish, you might want to check out the Conservancy's video first, just to be on the safe side.
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Fort Davis
A research facility for the University of Texas at Austin, McDonald Observatory has state of the art equipment that can transport you across the galaxy (figuratively, of course). It holds many different viewing events that allow you to see the wonders of the astronomy world, and visitors can even stay overnight. This is the perfect place to feed your child-like wonder, whether you're an actual child or not.
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Ennis
If you can visit in the first few weeks of April, there isn't one inch of Bluebonnet Trail that isn't scattered with gorgeous wildflowers. This area is home to the highest concentration of profusion blooms in the Texas Hill Country, and it's a can't-miss attraction. Before you get there, don't forget to consult the DOT's Wildflower Hotline to find out where you can find the best color at any given time. While the Bluebonnet Trail is perfect for families, check out some of the many great wineries along the trail if you don't have any children in your party.
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