Texas travel guide

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Overview

One's general impression of Texas is of a place where everything is bigger and better, where the state's estimated 16-million cattle roam free, and where life is at a cowboy's pace. However, as the second largest state in the US and dotted with half a dozen huge cities, Texas is vast and varied and defies its stereotypes.

Hills, lakes, mountains, beaches, bogs and desert stretch between its Gulf Coast and the Red River boundary north of the Panhandle. There are 23-million acres of woodlands, 125 state parks and four national forests. Large Texan cities like Dallas, Houston, Austin and San Antonio provide the opportunity to soak up culture at a world-class art gallery before meandering through a scenic park. Home to the largest oil industry in the US, Texas also has one of the country's biggest wine-growing regions and boasts some of the nation's finest restaurants.

Historically, Native American groups like the Comanche and Apache roamed the Texan plains and Spanish settlements only began in 1690. In the following centuries, Texas became a conglomeration of settlements of various immigrant groups, and was an independent republic for 10 years with its characteristic Lone Star flag, finally acquiring statehood in 1845. The word Texas is a corruption of a Native American term for friend, and the hospitality of the cosmopolitan Texan people reflects this in a state that caters to everyone's interests.

Texas is home to a lot more than merely cowboys and rodeos. A rich state with so much to offer its visitors, the Lone Star State has a wealth of features and attractions. Not only is Texas perfect for those who enjoy the outdoors, but tourists will also find loads to see and do in any one of its world-class cities.

Particular favourites for sightseeing tourists include San Antonio's River Walk and the famous Alamo, the latter having played a very important role in the wars waged over Texas. Dallas is certainly worth the stop for those looking for arts and culture, easily found in the many museums and galleries, such as the Dallas Museum of Art, and the Old Red museum of Dallas County History and Culture.

The famed Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, where the assassination of President John F. Kennedy is commemorated, is also a must when in Dallas. A trip to Texas would somehow feel incomplete without a visit to the State Capitol in Austin, and of course the popular Space Center in Houston is a top attraction for both adults and children.

Texas is also a region home to some notable vineyards and wines, which can be enjoyed in any one of its many fine restaurants and bars, which means those looking for some good food and entertainment will not leave disappointed. A diverse state with something on every corner to see and explore, Texas is a brilliant destination for visitors of all ages.

Dallas Heritage Village

Dallas Heritage Village is a living museum of 13 acres, preserving the area's rich history between 1840 and 1910. Visitors to Dallas can explore a working farm, discover elegant Victorian homes, and take in nearly 40 buildings, including a school, church, general store and saloon.There's even a bank alleged to have been robbed by the infamous Bonnie and Clyde. Visitors are also welcome to bring picnic lunches along and enjoy them on the park's lawns. The museum also hosts many events and programs, including lectures, fun workshops and scout days for boys and girls.

Address: 1515 South Harwood Street, Dallas

Opening time: Tuesday - Saturday 10am-4pm, Sunday 12pm-4pm, closed Monday.

Website: www.dallasheritagevillage.org

Tours of buildings in Dallas Leaflet

Sixth Floor Museum

The assassination of President John F. Kennedy is commemorated in the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza where the 1963 shooting took place. Most chilling of the exhibits is the window area in the former Texas School Book Depository building from where sniper Lee Harvey Oswald allegedly fired the fatal shots at the 35th President's motorcade. The museum also documents Kennedy's life and legacy, featuring more than 20,000 artefacts and a large amount of archival material, recreating the social and political climate of 1963. A granite marker at the corner of Houston and Main Streets outside shows where Kennedy was assassinated and a memorial stands in nearby John F. Kennedy Plaza.

Address: 411 Elm Street, Dealey Plaza, Dallas

Opening time: Monday 12am-6pm, Tuesday to Sunday 10am-6pm

Website: www.jfk.org

Sixth Floor Museum located at the former Texas School Book Depository Weatherdrew

Fort Worth Stockyards

Fort Worth is the place to experience the romance of the Wild West, and the Stockyards National Historic District is the ideal starting point. It's packed with exciting attractions, including wild rodeos, country music gigs, and shops selling genuine cowboy gear. Hungry and thirsty patrons won't be disappointed by its saloons and Texan diners either. There's also Billy Bob's Honky Tonk, a giant country music club comprising an indoor rodeo, a massive dance floor and restaurants. Further attractions in the district include the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, the Fort Worth Stockyards Stables and the Stockyards Museum.

Address: Intersection of Main Street and East Exchange Avenue, Fort Worth

Opening time: Monday - Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 11am-5pm

Website: www.fortworthstockyards.org

Fort Worth Stockyards Lyndi & Jason

Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth

Fort Worth's Modern Art Museum is second only in size to its counterpart in New York, and is the oldest art museum in Texas. Its permanent collection of modern and contemporary paintings includes works by Picasso, Andy Warhol, Rauschenberg and Pollock, and is particularly strong on works in the pop and minimalist genres, as well as German art from the 70s and 80s. The museum also hosts visiting exhibitions and features a large sculpture collection. Altogether, the permanent collections on display amount to 3,000 works. The building has 53,000 square feet of gallery space and a state-of-the-art auditorium regularly hosting performances and shows.

Address: 3200 Darnell Street

Opening time: Tuesday to Thursday and Saturday to Sunday 10am-5pm, Friday 10am-8pm, closed Monday.

Website: www.themodern.org

Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth Andreas Praefcke

Cattle Raisers Museum

Located in the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, the Cattle Raisers Museum is dedicated to telling the story of the cowboy and ranching industry. Interactive exhibits, authentic artefacts and theatre presentations bring the legends and lore of the Wild West life, from the famed Texas Rangers to daring cattle rustlers. This museum in Fort Worth covers four broad eras in the cattle industry, starting from 1850 until the present day, along with housing the largest collection of branding irons in the world.

Address: Located within the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, 1600 Gendy Street, Fort Worth

Opening time: Daily 10am-5pm.

Website: www.cattleraisersmuseum.org

A Texas Longhorn cow. Ed Schipul

Fort Worth Zoo

Since its humble beginnings, Fort Worth Zoo now ranks as one of the best in the United States. More than 5,000 animals live in enclosures around the zoo, reflecting their natural habitats. African lions lounge, Asian elephants trumpet and stunning white tigers sit resplendent in their snowy coats. Striking Sumatran orangutans perch in their trees as the imperious Komodo Dragon transfixes onlookers. The zoo also boasts loads of reptiles, amphibians and birds, along with its fair share of marine life and creepy crawlies. Along with a movie theater and petting corral, the zoo also partakes in conservation programs and educational entertainment, such as its Outdoor Learning Theater.

Address: 1989 Colonial Parkway, Fort Worth

Opening time: Daily 10am-5pm

Website: www.fortworthzoo.org

Zebra at Fort Worth Zoo Awesomenessiscool

Don Harrington Discovery Center

Making science a blast of fun, the Don Harrington Discovery Center contains more than 100 hands-on activities and a recently renovated planetarium. An onsite aquarium features both saltwater and freshwater tanks, while its most popular draws include a Foucault pendulum and a tornado machine. Set in a 51-acre park with a lake and picnic spots, visitors will also enjoy its vibrant botanical garden as well as its permanent exhibits on birds of prey, the human body, and other planets' weather systems. Parents might also be interested in its summer camps and special Friday nights, when they can leave children to safely learn and play for hours.

Website: www.discoverycenteramarillo.org

Don Harrington Discover Center Who What Where Nguyen Why

Amarillo Museum of Art

The Amarillo Museum of Art has six galleries, housing a permanent collection that includes 17th through 19th century European paintings, 20th century modernists, Asian art, Middle Eastern textiles, and photography. There are also Edo period Japanese woodblock prints and Southeast Asian sculptures. Famous artists include Georgia O'Keeffe, Franz Kline, Louise Nevelson, Helen Frankenthaler and Francesco Guardi. A Concert Hall building is part of the museum complex and hosts various concerts and talks throughout the year, while the museum regularly stays open in the evening for a special exhibition that is accompanied by live music, street food stations, possibly a demonstration or presentation of some kind, and further activities such as screen-printing tutorials.

Website: www.amarilloart.org

Amarillo Museum of Art Anonymous Cow

Palo Duro Canyon

A million years ago a branch of the Red River carved a massive canyon through the northern Texas plains, forming the Palo Duro Canyon. Its walls plunge down some 1,000 feet (305m), exposing the striking layers of coloured rock strata. The Palo Duro Canyon State Park is also historically significant, marking the state's last battle between American troops and Native Americans. The canyon proves to be a great day out, with picnics, camping and horseback rides. Occasional educational talks are hosted by the park to educate visitors on various aspects of life in the canyon over the years.

Website: www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/palo_duro/

Palo Duro Canyon. Leaflet

Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center

The Houston Space Center is attached to NASA's mission control, the headquarters which guided pioneering astronauts and directed the space shuttle project. Houston's most popular tourist attraction, the center is located on Clear Lake off the Gulf Freeway I-45. Visitors will encounter wonders that both entertain and educate, including hundreds of hands-on displays, an Imax theatre and even a rare chance of seeing astronauts train. Guests can get an idea of what it's like to carry out everyday tasks in a low-gravity environment, and there is even an opportunity for visitors to practice some basic astronaut skills on simulators, such as landing the orbiter.

Website: www.spacecenter.org

Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center John Cummings

Museum District

The Museum District in Houston features 19 museums and galleries, set within a 1.5 mile (2.4 km) of the striking Mecom Fountain. The Museum of Fine Art and the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston are great spots to start, as is the Rothko Chapel which itself is part of the famed Menil Collection. This is perhaps best followed by the Children's Museum to lighten the mood, while kids and adults alike will love the Museum of Natural Science, the Health Museum and the Houston Zoo. There is also the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum and the Houston Museum of African American Culture, among many others.

Website: www.houstonmuseumdistrict.org

Byzantine Fresco Chapel Museum Argos'Dad

The Orange Show

For a touch of the bizarre visit The Orange Show, a lot where a postman's obsession with his favourite fruit became a treasured local art space. Its labyrinth of orange passages and staircases has inspired Houston movements like the popular Art Car Parade and the Beer Can House, while the mosaics of Smither Park followed its quirky aesthetics and philosophies. The park is billed as Houston's first folk-inspired green space, even hosting personal ceremonies such as weddings. Public performances and shows are also regular occurrences.

Website: www.orangeshow.org

The Orange Show Ed Uthman

Sam Houston Park

The 19 acres of Sam Houston Park provides visitors with a larger than life look into the area's history. It features seven of the oldest buildings, now fully restored and relocated to this convenient central location. A small log cabin named the Old Place dates all the way back to 1823 while others were built throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Many of the buildings entrance travellers with the weight of time and history, while others are simply wonderful structures such as the St John Church and the Pilot House. The park itself was bought by the mayor in 1900 and landscaped into a gorgeous Victorian garden, with several permanent sculptures and memorials.

Address: 1100 Bagby Street

Opening time: Daily 7am-7pm

Website: www.houstontx.gov/parks/parksites/samhoustonpark.html

Sam Houston Historical Park i_am_jim

Bayou Bend

The magnificent pink mansion in the marshy elbow of Buffalo Bayou in Houston's River Oaks area was the home of Miss Ima Hogg. Miss Hogg and her two brothers bought the woodlands estate in 1925 and for two years, Miss Hogg worked on the gardens. At her death, she left her home and gardens as a legacy for the city. The gardens were the first 100 percent organic gardens in the state of Texas, with dedicated teams working to preserve and enhance them. The house contains a remarkable collection of Americana dating from 1620 to 1870 and is regarded as a cultural treasure, with several thousand objects displayed in 28 period room settings in the mansion.

Website: www.mfah.org/bayoubend

Bayou Bend Estate Postoak

National Museum of Funeral History

At Barren Springs in Houston is an unusual private museum dedicated to funeral memorabilia, perhaps the biggest of its kind in the world. Customs, rituals, and traditions associated with burial from ancient Egypt to the present day are represented, with some highlights of the collection being restored horse-drawn and vintage automobile hearses, and a unique 1916 Packard funeral bus. The museum also features a gallery devoted to the funerals of famous figures like Elvis Presley, John F. Kennedy and Rudolph Valentino. Permanent exhibits focus on embalming, presidential funerals, mourning customs, Ghanaian and Japanese funerals, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and other intriguing displays.

Website: www.nmfh.org

Funeral history to be explored at the National Museum of Funeral History Rklawton

Texas State Capitol

Austin's impressive pink granite capitol building is rivalled only by that of the US Capitol in Washington, DC. Constructed in 1882, it stands proudly in sweeping grounds encircled by its original wrought-iron fence topped with gold Lone Stars. Its grand design is Renaissance Revival, proving an excellent example of late 19th century public architecture. Events and exhibits are regularly hosted, while its 9 hectare (22 acres) grounds contain monuments to causes including the heroes of the Alamo, volunteer firefighters and Vietnam veterans.

Website: www.tspb.state.tx.us

Texas State Capitol Gerritcap

Zilker Park

The 140-hectare (347-acre) Zilker Park is Austin's most popular public recreational area, dominated by its ancient spring-fed natural swimming pool known as Barton Springs, which Native Americans believed to have healing properties. There's also a botanical garden which features dinosaur tracks, a nature preserve, the Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum, canoes and biking and walking trails; there are sports facilities aplenty and amusements for children like the Zilker Zephyr miniature train and paddleboat rides. The Zilker Hillside Theatre hosts musical concerts throughout the year, and the park also hosts the Austin Nature and Science Center where exhibits and workshops run throughout the year. The Zilker Park's annual Christmas tree-lighting ceremony is a popular event, boasting a tree that stands 155 feet (47m) holding some 3,000 lights.

Address: 2100 Barton Springs Road

Website: www.austintexas.gov/department/zilker-metropolitan-park

Zilker Park Historic District Airainix

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Texas hill country is renowned for its glorious spring blooms, with the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center dedicated to the study and preservation of its native plants. Visitors enjoy 72 hectares (178 acres) of wildflowers in display gardens, with free lectures, guided tours and an array of different trails and inspiring displays. There are areas for the kids to play while the center regularly hosts artwork and photography exhibitions inspired by nature, especially wildfowers. The classic Mollie Steves Zachry Texas Arboretum is the perfect opportunity for visitors to learn more about Texan trees, with a particular focus on Texas oak.

Website: www.wildflower.org

Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center Margaretwmiller

Governor's Mansion

The opulent plantation-style mansion home to the Texas State governor is one of the oldest buildings in the city, dating from 1856. Although it is still lived in when the governor is in town, the mansion is open to the public for limited hours each day and many historical artefacts are on display, including portraits of Davy Crockett and Sam Houston, and a collection of mementoes from each administration. The mansion has been recently renovated, guided tours are available, which offer interesting anecdotes about previous governors.

Website: www.txfgm.org

Governor's Mansion Larry D. Moore CC BY-SA 3.0

Jack S. Blanton Museum of Art

A major stop on national art circuit tours, the Blanton Museum of Art is found at the University of Texas in Austin. Highlights include the Suida-Manning Collection featuring 250 works by the Old Masters, as well as James A. Michener's collection of 20th-century American Art. There's also a sizable assemblage of Latin American Art, alongside rotating temporary exhibitions covering anything from the avant-garde to the abstract. These changing exhibits often contain themes that focus on aspects of American history and scenery depicted in art, as well as current artist showcases.

Website: www.blantonmuseum.org

Jack S. Blanton Museum of Art Zereshk

Congress Avenue Bridge

One of the more unusual tourist attractions in Austin, millions of Mexican free-tailed bats emerge every night from roosts beneath the Congress Avenue Bridge in Austin. The largest urban colony in the world, the bats take up residence under the bridge in mid-March each year and return to Mexico in early November, with 1.5 million creatures living under the bridge at the height of season. Their mass emergence generally takes place at dusk and is viewed by hundreds of people gathered around the bridge or at the Statesman's Bat Observation Center on the southeast side of Town Lake.

Congress Avenue Bridge Stuart Seeger

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Rising from the desert in western Texas, the rugged Guadalupe Mountains National Park is the ancestral home of the Apache nations. The wilderness is now occupied by hundreds of plant, animal and bird species, with large amounts of mammals, reptiles and amphibians. Visitors can traverse more than 80 miles (129km) of trails on foot, horseback or 4x4. McKittrick Canyon in the northeast corner is regarded as the most beautiful spot in Texas, where oaks and maples make a colourful display in fall. There is a Junior Ranger program for kids, as well as camping for small or large groups.

Website: www.nps.gov/gumo/index.htm

Guadalupe Mountains National Park Leaflet

Dallas Holocaust Museum

The Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum is a non-profit organisation dedicated to memorialising the Holocaust and its victims, as well as covering the history and continued struggle for human rights. It is widely acclaimed for its creative programs, internationally celebrated exhibits and world-class speakers. The museum provides guided tours for groups, audio tours for individuals and public lectures, and even contains digitised testimony from survivors of genocides throughout the world. There's a strong focus on education, with it welcoming hundreds of school trips each year, while its West End location means loads of award-winning pubs and restaurants are nearby.

Address: 300 N. Houston

Opening time: Monday - Friday 9.30am-5pm, Saturday - Sunday 11am-5pm.

Website: www.dallasholocaustmuseum.org

Remembering the Holocaust Yad Vashem

The Alamo

The Alamo has assumed mythological significance in American culture. Originally built as a mission by Spanish priests in 1724, the missionaries later gave the land to resident converts to continue their farming. But in the early 19th century, the Spanish military stationed cavalry at the old mission station. The men began calling the mission the Alamo, a reference to their hometown in Spain, and during the following wars over Texas, the Alamo played a very important role. Davy Crocket and his small party held out for 13 days against a 2,500-strong Mexican army before finally being overrun. While the actual Alamo is smaller than most visitors expect, its immense history and gravitas means it is seen as the cradle of Texan Liberty.

Website: www.thealamo.org

The Alamo Daniel Schwen

Riverwalk

The River Walks serves as the centre of San Antonio's shopping and dining district. Winding its way for some five miles (8km) along the river, travellers can even take a stroll through La Villita Historic District. Dinner cruises are a perfect way to enjoy the scenery while over 20 exciting events take place every year, such as the Fiesta de las Luminarias and the Ford Holiday River Parade. Cobbled walkways sit a full level below the city's streets, lending a secluded and peaceful atmosphere, while there are plenty of restaurants, bars and theatres on hand such as the Pearl Brewery, the Alamo and the Aztec Theater.

Website: www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com

River Walk Kkmd

Six Flags Fiesta Texas

The city's biggest theme park and one of the best-known in the United States, Six Flags Fiesta Texas keeps raising the bar with its water rides, roller coasters and musical shows. Experience the thrill of the Krypton Coaster, the looping Boomerang, and the Scream, a 20-storey free fall, or let fly through the air on the Screamin' Eagle Zipline or the Joker Carnival of Chaos. The rides all come with a rating, from mild to moderate to max, and there will surely be something for everyone's taste. After a long day out, there are plenty of snack shops, restaurants and ice-cream parlours, while there are numerous fun events to mark out on the calendar such as the Fight Night on Hallowe'en and the Coca Cola July 4th Fest.

Website: www.sixflags.com/fiestatexas

Six Flags Fiesta Texas Chris Hagerman

Buckhorn Saloon and Museum

The Buckhorn Saloon and Museum contains over 8,000 wildlife exhibits, wax effigies and other western memorabilia. The owner's wife also collected rattlesnake rattles which she used to create the unusual artwork still on display. The attached Ranger Museum is filled with guns from the era, along with a shooting gallery and a lifesize reproduction of San Antonio of the Wild West. But thirsty customers can still grab a local craft beer at the 129-year-old saloon, enjoyed at its original cherry and marble bar counter.

Website: www.buckhornmuseum.com

Buckhorn Saloon and Museum Billy Hathorn

Spanish Governor's Palace

Described by National Geographic as the most beautiful building in San Antonio, the diminutive palace once served as the headquarters for the Spanish rulers of this region. Built in the Spanish Colonial style, it is said to have been erected as early as 1722. The lovely building is filled with treasures and historical relics from the 18th century and the patio flows onto a relaxing garden perfect for contemplation. The palace is an easy walk from the San Antonio River Walk, while on the last Sunday of every month a living history group visits in period costume and performs reenactments.

Website: www.spanishgovernorspalace.org

The Spanish Governors Palace Lutz Fischer-Lamprecht

Texas Hill Country

The rolling, rugged hills that begin on the northern outskirts of San Antonio are known as the Texas Hill Country. The region is known for its natural beauty found in carpets of spring flowers and abundant woodlands. Once declared by the New York Times as the nation's number one vacation spot, it sits behind only Florida as the top retirement destination. The unique blend of Spanish, German, Swiss and Austrian influence is noticeable in the food, bear, architecture and music. Interestingly, it also operates as the centre of the Texas wine region, producing mainly Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. Key attractions include Enchanted Rock, an enormous granite dome, and the exciting city of San Marcos.

Texas Hill Country Wing-Chi Poon

Corpus Christi

A resplendent South Texas coastal city, Corpus Christi enjoys a relaxed and laidback atmosphere. Affectionately known as the Sparkling City by the Sea, it's just 143 miles (230km) from San Antonio. Aside from its sought after beaches, visitors to Corpus Christi can venture on to the floating museum on the USS Lexington, wander through the botanical gardens and birding trails, or experience its vibrant promenade nightlife. Nature lovers won't be disappointed either as the Padre Island National Seashore, the longest undeveloped stretch of barrier islands in the world, is easily accessible from Corpus Christi.

Website: www.cctexas.com

Corpus Christi Simiprof

Six Flags Over Texas

Six Flags Over Texas has been a consistently popular family attraction for over 50 years, sitting midway between Dallas and Fort Worth. There's truly something for everyone, from thrilling coasters to gentle rides for the little ones. Six Flags Over Texas stages events and festivals throughout the year, such as Labor Day Weekend and Fathers Day Weekend. Across the road in summer sits Hurricane Harbor, a perfect antidote to those hot summer days. It's the largest waterpark in northern Texas, with numerous slides and pools. With over a million annual visitors, Six Flags Over Texas has earned its reputation as one of the premier theme parks in America and visitors to Fort Worth would be ill-advised to miss it, especially those travelling with kids in tow.

Address: 2201 Road To Six Flags, Arlington

Website: www.sixflags.com/overtexas

Six Flags Over Texas Mbrstooge

Las Canarias

Situated in La Mansión del Río in the downtown area, this highly regarded Tex-Mex restaurant offers both fabulous food and a wonderful setting on a riverside veranda shaded by palm trees. Tapas are available for each meal of the day; main courses are anchored on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Check out the $12 lunchtime 'Two Courses in 40 Minutes' special.

Address: 112 College Street, River Walk

Website: www.omnihotels.com/FindAHotel/SanAntonioLaMansiondelRio/Dining.aspx

Silo Elevated Cuisine

Start off slow at the super-modern first-floor bar before heading upstairs to the restaurant for some of San Antonio's best dining experience. Enjoy the elegant cuisine with the restaurant's celebrated chicken-fried oysters or blue-crab spring rolls. If you're on a budget but your appetite isn't, get here before 6.30pm for the 3-course dinner at only $30.

Address: 1133 Austin Highway, Northeast

Website: www.siloelevatedcuisine.com

Fig Tree

Fine dining in a beautiful 19th century house with gorgeous views of the river. The dishes are European fusion, with plenty of fresh fish and modern reinterpretations of classic dishes such as beef Wellington. The desserts are sensational and the wine list quite possibly the best in town.

Address: 515 Villita

Website: www.figtreerestaurant.com

El Tiempo Cantina

This temple to Tex-Mex is hugely popular with locals, as much for its excellent food as its fun and lively vibe. Prepare yourself for Tex -Mex legends like crabmeat quesadillas and superb fajitas. The margaritas are an irresistible accompaniment.

Address: 3130 Richmond Ave

Website: www.eltiempocantina.com

Vic & Anthony's Steakhouse

If you're looking for barbequed meat done just the way you like it, accompanied by a choice of award-winning wines, head to fun and friendly Vic & Anthony's. This restaurant has a comfortable, tasteful dining room to host its clientele of carnivores, most of which are regulars.

Address: 1510 Texas Ave

Website: www.vicandanthonys.com

Indika

By some margin Houston's best Indian eatery, Indika earns rave reviews for its unique combinations of Texas ingredients and Indian spices. Great desserts too. Don't miss the duck tandoori and order some naan bread to accompany just about every dish you order.

Address: 516 Westheimer Road

Website: www.indikausa.com

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport

Location: The airport is situated 18 miles (29km) from downtown Dallas and 24 miles (39km) from Fort Worth.

Time: GMT -6 (GMT -5 from March to November).

Transfer Between Terminals The Skylink airport train provides fast connections between the five terminals inside of security. The airport's Terminal Link van service may be used for passengers needing to transfer to another terminal after they have exited security.

Getting to the city: Charter buses, limousines, and Dallas Area Rapid Transit public buses are available at the airport; schedules and information are available from the Visitor Information Centres in the baggage claim areas. A free shuttle service links all the terminals to the CenterPort/DFW Trinity Railway Express Station about 20 minutes away, from where there are regular departures to Dallas Union Station and Fort Worth.

Car Rental: Advantage, Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, E Z Rent, Hertz, National, Payless, Sixt, and Thrifty operate from the airport. A Rental Car shuttle bus ferries passengers to the Rental Car Centre.

Airport Taxis: Taxis into the city are available from the upper level of Terminals A, B, C and E, and on the lower level of Terminal D. An assistant is available to help passengers at the taxi stands from 8am till midnight, and phone calls can be made to request a taxi after hours.

Facilities: The airport is well supplied with ATMs and currency exchange and all terminals feature free wifi, shops, restaurants, business services and lounges.

Parking Please note that the airport's Remote and Express Parking fill early during the holidays. The airport encourages travellers to park at the Terminal Parking, which provides convenient, closed-in parking that is a short walk to the departure gate. Parking fees at Dallas Fort-Worth start at $3 for the first two hours and go up to $24 per day.

Website: www.dfwairport.com

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport

Location: The airport is situated five miles (8km) from downtown Austin.

Time: GMT -6 (GMT -5 from mid-March to the first Sunday in November).

Transfer Between Terminals Passengers will have to leave the Barbara Jordan Terminal and organise a taxi to the South Terminal or take a shuttle.

Getting to the city: The Capital Metro bus serves the airport every 30 minutes from the stop outside baggage claim. The trip takes 20 to 30 minutes to the city. Several hotels offer free shuttles, while taxis and car rentals are available too.

Car Rental: Onsite rental companies include Avis, Budget, Hertz, Enterprise, Payless, Thrifty, National, E-Z Rent-A-Car, and FOX Rent A Car.

Airport Taxis: Taxi companies servicing Austin-Bergstrom airport include Yellow Cab, Austin Cab, ATX Co Op, and Lone Star Cab. A trip from the airport to the CBD should take about 20 minutes. The minumum fare is $12.30 plus a $1 surcharge. Ride hailing services such as Uber and Lyft are also available.

Facilities: Postal services are available at the airport, and there are several ATMs in the terminal. Shops include newsagents and a gift shop, and there are numerous restaurants and bars to choose from. There is also artwork on display, and live music performances on selected dates. The Business and Technology Center in the east concourse offers foreign currency exchange, standard airline trip insurance, and internet access. There is also an on-site airport hotel.

Parking The parking garages one and two, opposite the terminal, charge up to $25 per day. The Economy Lots charge $8 per day and are connected to the terminal by a free shuttle service.

Website: www.austintexas.gov/airport

George Bush Intercontinental Airport

Location: The airport is situated 23 miles (37km) north of Houston.

Time: GMT -6 (GMT -5 from March to November).

Transfer Between Terminals The free Skyway, an above-ground automated people mover, links the terminals for passengers who are inside security. A free, below-ground Subway train provides inter-terminal transportation to those who are outside of security.

Getting to the city: Numerous shuttle services, including minibuses and limousines, are available from the airport to downtown Houston and a variety of other destinations, including the Gulf Coast resort city of Galveston. SuperShuttle shared-ride service picks up from any home or business. The Houston Metro offers public bus services from the south side of Terminal C, including an express airport bus. The fare is $1.25 per ride to downtown Houston. Courtesy vans are operated by various hotels and there are courtesy telephones in the baggage claim area.

Car Rental: Car rental services are available at the airport.

Airport Taxis: Metered taxis are available outside each terminal. A $2.75 departure fee will be added to the meter, plus $1 should the journey be between 8pm and 6am.

Facilities: Facilities at the airport include dozens of food and beverage establishments from formal dining to fast food. There are also many newsstands and speciality shops throughout the airport. There is an art gallery and live performances in the airport. Duty-free shops are available in the international terminal. ATMs and currency exchange are available throughout the airport. Disabled facilities are good.

Parking Parking rates start at $5 per hour with a $24 daily maximum, and parking lots are located near all the terminals.

Website: www.fly2houston.com

San Antonio International Airport

Location: The airport is located 10 miles (16km) from San Antonio city centre.

Time: GMT -6 (GMT -5 from mid-March to the first Sunday in November).

Transfer Between Terminals A covered walkway connects the terminals.

Getting to the city: VIA Metropolitan Transit Bus 5 connects the airport to the city. Buses run frequently between about 5.30am and 9.30pm. The journey takes about half an hour by bus. Shuttles, taxis and rental cars are also available at the airport.

Car Rental: Car rental companies at the airport include Advantage, Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National and Thrifty.

Airport Taxis: Taxis are available at the airport and usually don't need to be pre-booked.

Facilities: Airport facilities include ATMs, bars, restaurants, duty-free shopping and other shops, a shoeshine service, a lost and found, art exhibitions, a chapel, and emergency medical services.

Parking Parking is available in the Green Lot and the Parking Garage at daily rates of $7 and $14 respectively. There is also a Cell Phone Lot for pick-ups and a Red Lot for overflow.

El Paso International Airport

Location: The airport is located seven miles (11km) from downtown El Paso.

Time: GMT -7 (GMT -6 from mid-March to the first Sunday in November).

Getting to the city: Sun Metro has a scheduled route to the airport seven days a week, with slightly shorter service times on Saturday and Sunday. Regular fares are $1.50. Commercial shuttles are available by advance booking. Many local hotels offer free transfers.

Car Rental: Car rental companies at the airport include Advantage, Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless, and Thrifty.

Airport Taxis: Taxis are located directly outside the baggage claim area and are available 24 hours a day. Companies authorised to work from the airport include Border Cabs, Sun City Cabs, and United Independent Cabs.

Facilities: Terminal services include restaurants and coffee shops, a business centre, a shopping centre, several giftshops, shoeshine and newsagents.

Parking Short-term parking is charged at $1 per hour up to $15 per day. Long-term parking is $7 per day. The first 10 minutes is free in all lots.

Website: www.elpasointernationalairport.com

William P. Hobby Airport

Location: The airport is seven miles (11km) from downtown Houston.

Time: GMT - 6

Getting to the city: The Houston Metropolitan Transit Authority operates bus services between downtown Houston and William P. Hobby Airport. Route 88 serves the airport, buses leave from zone 13 outside the baggage claims area. Buses operate every 30-40 minutes between around 5am and 12.30am during the week and around 6am and 1am on Saturdays. Fares start at $1.25.

Car Rental: Car rental companies including Thrifty, Alamo, Dollar, National, Hertz, Enterprise, Budget and Avis all operate at Hobby Airport. Rental booths are in the baggage claim area on the lower level of the terminal.

Airport Taxis: Taxis are available on curbside zone 3 outside the arrivals part of the terminal. Cabs operate on a flat rate based on various zones within Houston. Fares range from $26.50 for downtown Houston in Zone 2 to $72.30 for a taxi to Bush Intercontinental Airport in Zone 8.

Facilities: Facilities at the airport include ATMs, currency exchange facilities, public call boxes, mailboxes, luggage carts, phone charging facilities as well as shops and restaurants.

Parking The parking garage is connected to the terminal and costs $6 for up to two hours and $10 for up to five hours, or $22 per day. Another option is the Ecopark lots, which cost roughly $12 or less per day.

Website: www.fly2houston.com

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