HOUSTON — What does the perfect vacation look like for you? Kayaking, the beach, festivals or wine tasting? Travel editor, Marika Flatt, with Texas Lifestyle Magazine has a rundown of fun places to drive, ride or fly off to. From the Oldest Town in Texas, the Texas Hill Country, California Dreamin' or even a staycation.
- Santa Barbara known as "The American Riviera" because of coastline, mountains, Mediterranean vibe.
- Convenient flights from major cities and airlines.
- Walkable city with Spanish revival architecture and State Street Promenade.
- Kayaking, horseback riding, dining, 40 wine tasting rooms, 14 Michelin recognized restaurants and landmarks.
- Tips: Stay at least two nights, book mid-week and shoulder season.
- Nacogdoches is the Oldest Town in Texas and home to Stephen F. Austin State University in the beautiful forests of East Texas.
- 34th Annual Texas Blueberry Festival happening Saturday, June 8th in Downtown Nacogdoches. NEW THIS YEAR: A carnival attraction will be added on both Friday, June 7th and Saturday, June 8th.
- Great to visit all year! Spring brings azaleas (Nac is the Garden Capital of Texas) Summer brings the Blueberry Festival, Freedom Fest, Splash Kingdom Waterpark opens, Fall brings beautiful foliage, plus great events like Dia de los Muertos festival, the Old Town Rig Down, and Wassail Fest. Winter brings the Nine Flags Christmas Festival and Parade during the first weekend in January!
- Near Dripping Springs - great for family reunions (July is Family Reunion Month).
- 20 acres with miles of hill country scenery and a large open & oak treed plateau with trails for walking & hiking.
- Remodeled with a Texas Hill Country, modern farm house.
- Pool, spa, pick your own garden, lighted & artificial turf play field (volleyball/badminton).
- Multiple fire-pits and BBQ grills.
HOUSTON STAYCATION:
- Discovery Green is a 12-acre park in the center of downtown Houston.
- Since the park opened in April 2008, it has welcomed more than 20 million visitors with hundreds of events a year, many of which are completely free.
- Discovery Green also strives to provide a stage for emerging talent with on-site art installations and live music performances, particularly shining a light on the incredible artists local to the Houston area.
- The award-winning Traveler's Table is a great stop for brunch and dinner; owned and operated by Thy and Matthew Mitchell.
- The concept is global curated cuisine that highlights dishes from their travels with a modern twist- you can enjoy soft shell crab pad thai with Hill country venison tartare and basque cheesecake for dessert. Their cocktail program is also a worldly selection - from a Japanese whiskey old fashioned called the Shogun to Cuban rum cocktail called Our Man in Havana.
- The group is set to open their new restaurant Traveler's Cart this summer, which will feature global street food in a more fast casual setting.