Travel to Texas

This year in June I've spent two weeks travelling through Texas with Don. With a state of this size, there is room for everybody's taste. We chose the Hill Country and Gulf Coast part as it did not involve too much driving while there was still lots to see: Live music, cowboy boots, pickup trucks, steaks on huge BBQs and so much more...

Here is our itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Houston 
Day 2: Houston - Port Aransas 
Day 3: Port Aransas - South Padre Island 
Day 4: South Padre Island - San Antonio 
Day 5: San Antonio 
Day 6: San Antonio - Austin 
Day 7: Austin 
Day 8: Austin 
Day 9: Austin - Fredericksburg 
Day 10: Wine Tour in Fredericksburg 
Day 11: Fredericksburg - Bandera 
Day 12: Bandera 
Day 13: Bandera - Austin 
Day 14: Flight back to Dublin

 

And here are some of my favourite parts and impressions:

Houston 

OKRA Charity Saloon was a great spot for a few drinks AND for each drink purchased, guests receive one vote that they may cast that night for one of four charities selected by OKRA’s members. The charity with the most votes at the end of the month receives the next month's proceeds. Interested charities submit applications on the OKRA website.

Port Aransas

Have you ever thought beaches would be that nice in Texas?
There you go: America's third coast!

Port Aransas is a small town but large enough for activities, nice dining and nightlife.

My choice to stay: The Tarpon Inn - real American style, charming rooms. I loved the patio and the rocking chairs!

South Padre Island - lovely beaches, time for relaxing and for nice seafood in Dirty Al's !
Highly recommended!

San Antonio - the US's seventh largest city offers a lovely Riverwalk, Mexican food all over and interesting sights like the Alamo.

 
Check this out: The Havana Hotel in San Antoino with it's Ocho Restaurant. It's close to the Riverwalk, offers fantastic Margaritas and some nice dishes throughout the day.

Austin - one of the best places I have ever been

What a fantastic place for nights out with live music on every corner, artists hanging around at "food trailers", lots of funky shops, bars and restaurants and the best cowboy boots shop I have seen on my trip - Allens Boots! I couldn't resist and got the pair of my dreams :)

   South Congress "SoCo" - a charming neighbourhood with nice markets, interesting and funky shops everywhere.

My choice for where it's happening: The Austin Motel in the middle of "SoCo". 

Keep Austin weird!

Austin does not have only one nightlife district like so many other big cities, there are several. You will meet college students, artists, tourists, cowboys and hopefully myself again some day!

Don't miss the White Horse for cheap Margaritas and some authentic cowboys :)

Fredericksburg - little Germany in Texas

We loved this charming place for a few nights - very reasonable with a nice personal touch, close to the town and with lovely owners :)

Don't miss the "wine road" and try some nice local wine - better than expected!

Becker Vineyards

We spent the last days of our trip in Bandera - the cowboy capital of Texas. One of my favourite spots was the 11th street cowboy bar with its Wednesday open BBQ (bring your own:)). Not only tourists like us are hanging around in this funky but traditional cowboy pub - great for people watching!

I will definitely be back one day!

Scarlett