^[1]Texas: the Lone Star State. The only state to have been its own country first. Everything is bigger in Texas – from the towns and the open prairies, to the pine woods and the bayou country. Texas is so large and diverse, so where do you start? Here are five tips when to keep in mind while visiting Texas.

1. Visit during the Spring or Fall – Summer in Texas is blistering. The panhandle breezes gust over sandy plains and tumbleweeds decorate the streets. The west side of Texas climbs to impressive temperatures on the mesas and the southern part boasts impressive humidity. Winters are mild, but drizzly, not exactly a perfect setting. However, spring in Texas is amazing. Around the hill country of Austin, bluebonnets (the state flower) propagate in wild blankets of blue-violet. Wildflowers beautify every inch of land. Spring approaches early in the southern portion of the state, so April and May are leading months to see the wildflowers. Fall doesn’t automatically mean changing of colors. Texas winters are so mild that trees commonly don’t change color at all. But when the weather starts to cool, customarily around the end of October, Texas comes alive. Festivals of all varieties spread across the state. Food is an essential at events, so be prepared to sample every variety of BBQ and chili known to man.
2. Got a multicultural bent? Try Houston – The oil town Houston hosts  many different cultures and traditions. The largest city in Texas and the fifth biggest in the U.S., Houston has an energetic nightlife. The downtown and Galleria areas are seething with life until the wee hours of the morning. World-class restaurants and museums crowd the area. Watch out for the traffic however; they don’t call it the city of freeways for nothing. ^[2]
3. Like music? Try Austin – Known for its extensive mix of music and art, Keep Austin Weird is the slogan of the capital city. Not too big to be overpowering, Austin offers an assortment of entertainment scenes. The smaller neighboring cities also have countless things to see; especially the college towns. If you’re a history aficionado, visit the capitol building and learn a bit about the nation-within-a-nation. Keep your eyes open for a University of Texas/Texas A&M football grudge match.
4. Like history? Try San Antonio – The river walk, the Alamo, the historic district; San Antonio loves its history. Vibrant Mexican dancers and products line the boardwalk, and the Alamo is something every person should see at least once. For the starry-eyed, San Antonio has the highest number of horse and carriages in the state. You can also drift down the river that bisects the town and take in the wonders that way.
5. Visit the parks – Texas has a massive selection of parks to visit. All reasonably priced and open virtually any time, Texas parks offer adventures from swamp tours to cabins in the pines, and everything in between. The panhandle to the north is mostly plains; the center of Texas is gently rolling hills, the east piney woods, the west mesas and deserts, the south swamps and bayous. Pick an environment and take a peek at the parks in the area. Consider the ‘prime times’; most park sites let you know when the best time to visit is.

There you have it! Now choose a direction and get moving. Texas is a good deal more than cows and oil; it offers a plethora of adventures for any traveler. Whether you’re looking for peaceful scenery or you’re planning on clubbing it, Texas has something for everyone. And don’t worry about your outfit; boots and cowboy hats are not mandatory.

Author Bio

Christine Kane, from internet service providers ^[3],  is a graduate of Communication and Journalism. She enjoys writing about a wide-variety of subjects for different blogs. She can be reached via email at: Christi.Kane00 @ gmail.com.

Last 5 posts by Guest Blogger

• Sight Seeing in the Texas Hill Country ^[10] - December 3rd, 2012
• Gator Park Airboat Tours ^[11] - November 1st, 2012
• If You Love Golf, Then You Will Love It Here! ^[12] - October 5th, 2012
• Resort to a New Lifestyle at Bay Bayou RV Resort - Tampa, FL ^[13] - October 3rd, 2012
• Spectacular Fall Views at Riveredge RV Park in Pigeon Forge ^[14] - September 7th, 2012

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