Texas Holidays

Of the 10 biggest cities in the USA, three of them are in the Lone Star State. So you’ll never be short of things to do in Texas. The state capital, Austin, is often referred to as ‘Live Music Capital of the World’ – and it’s not hard to see why. There are live performances every night of the week, across more than 250 music venues. And, if you plan your holiday to Texas for October, you’ll be able to watch hundreds of performances at Austin City Limits Festival.

Elsewhere, Dallas has a number of attractions. You could watch an NFL game at the enormous AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys. Or, if it’s history you’re after, visit what used to be the Texas School Book Depository – the site from which Lee Harvey Oswald assassinated John F. Kennedy in 1963 – and learn more about America’s 35th President.

And don’t forget Houston. Naturally, the city’s Space Center is the biggest attraction, but there’s plenty more to see. You could tick off the Museum of Natural Science, stroll around some of the city’s 52,000 acres of parkland, or shop ‘til you drop at Texas’ biggest mall, The Galleria.

Texas holidays are often associated with delicious Southern fare – and rightly so. This neck of the woods is famous for its fiery grills and Mexican-inspired dishes. But the cream of the crop is Texas BBQ. As any local will tell you, Texas BBQ is made using a very specific method, where the meat is marinated with a dry rub of spices, then cooked low and slow for maximum tenderness and flavour. Meat-lovers will be in their element on a Texas holiday, as menus feature mouthwatering morsels like beef brisket, sticky ribs and pulled pork. And nearly every BBQ joint serves tasty sides like coleslaw, pickles, jalapeños, cornbread and potato salad.

Austin, in particular, is great for foodies. There are hundreds of food trucks dotted across the city, plus thousands of restaurants. Beer drinkers should head to Banger’s Sausage and Beer Garden, where you can choose between 100 craft brews from Austin’s largest tap wall.

For something a little different, head to San Antonio. Lying further south, this city’s dining scene majors in top-quality Mexican cuisine – expect to find chicken enchiladas, beef tacos, pork tamale and more.

Texas is fiercely proud of its cowboy heritage. Cattle ranches and rodeos are still a big part of life here, especially in the countryside. But even in the cities, you’re sure to see dozens of people wearing cowboy attire, like checked shirts, big-buckle belts, wide-brimmed hats and cowboy boots.

If you’re interested in cowboy culture, you must visit Fort Worth during your Texas holiday. Said to be “Where the West begins”, this city was where cowboys met in the 19th century, before taking their cattle along the famous Chisholm Trail. You can learn about the city’s history on a guided tour of Fort Worth Stockyards, and watch one of the daily cattle drives on Exchange Avenue.

And make sure you go to a rodeo show. It may sound a little clichéd, but this really is a one-of-a-kind experience. Rodeos are held throughout the year in all Texas’ major cities, but they tend to be more frequent between January and March. Contrary to what you may think, it’s not all about bull riding – you can also look forward to livestock shows, barrel racing, kids’ activities and live music.

Like the rest of the Deep South, Texas has hot and humid summers. Temperatures regularly reach 38°C and thunderstorms are common. So it’s best to book your Texas holiday for spring or autumn, between March and May or September and November. During these months, you’ll have comfortable weather for exploring, with temperatures hovering between 21°C and 26°C. You might get the odd shower but, generally, it’ll be dry. Plus, autumn is a great time to experience some of the state’s big events, like Austin City Limits Music Festival and the Texas Renaissance Festival in Houston. And, of course, it’s the right season for Halloween and Thanksgiving.

Winter in Texas is much cooler, but daytime temperatures still average 12°C. If you do fancy a winter getaway, December or February is the best time to go, as January can be very cold.