USA TRAVEL GUIDE, “SOUTHWEST” TEXAS

TEXAS: THE LONE STAR STATE

BY CLAY LARROY

Travel is so much more that simply hopping on a flight to a new destination. If you plan it correctly, it could be a thrilling time you'll never forget. Planning a trip is fun as there are tons of things to do and see. Do you know how to plan a trip effectively? Packing light is key to making your travels as easy and free of stress as possible. Bring one carryon bag that includes everything you need, not necessarily everything you want. Your smart packing will pay off when you are happily carrying one bag around on vacation instead of lugging around multiple bags. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

AUSTIN, “Live Music Capital of the World”

About Austin

A creative university city and techie hub, Austin boasts phenomenal festivals and a wanna-have outdoor lifestyle thanks to balmy temperatures and 300 days of annual sunshine. It's no wonder Americans are moving here in droves.

Whether you're a cowboy, tech wunderkind, musician or retiree, the booming state capital of Texas seems to be every American's dream city. This is the place to launch a start-up, kick-start a musical career or unleash your inner artist.

Music is king in Austin, the self-proclaimed ‘Live music capital of the world'. Arrive on a weekday afternoon, and you're welcomed with live music before you've even left the airport. Then there are the 250 or so venues across town, staging a smorgasbord of rock, jazz, honky tonk and everything in between. Don your Stetson and cowboy boots and giddy up to the Broken Spoke dance hall for country jamming or listen to good ole American tunes at The Continental Club, entertaining fans for half a century.

Austin's festivals are epic. Biggies SXSW and Austin City Limits Music Festival draw the crowds and big-name artists from across the globe, while movie stars converge on the city for the Austin Film Festival. Comedy, kites, fashion and bats all get their moment in the spotlight too.

When it comes to shopping, Austin embraces its ‘go local' motto. The South Congress Avenue shopping strip, a straight shot south from the State Capitol, features Austin's most beloved independent clothing boutiques and antique stores. Head into the arty district of East Austin, which is crammed with galleries, cocktail bars, food trucks and taquerias.

Want to grab a slice of the outdoors? Pedal or jog the 16km (10-mile) Hike-and-Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake, which includes a 2.2km (1.4-mile) stretch of boardwalk across the water where you can spot kayakers and stand-up paddleboarders. Cool off in Barton Springs Pool, a spring-fed swimming spot spanning 1.2 hectares (3 acres) in Zilker Park.

Don't be alarmed if you hear chants of ‘Hook ‘em Longhorns!'. Just join the University of Texas' 50,000 students in cheering on their college football team, the Texas Longhorns.

Tours & Excursions

Tourist Information Centers

Austin Visitors Center

·        Address:

209 E 6th Street
Austin
TX 78701
United States

·        Telephone:  (512) 478 0098.

·        Website:  http://www.austintexas.org

·        Hours of Operation:

Mon-Sun 0900-1700.

Excursions

Wimberley

Located 62km (38 miles) southwest, of Austin, this lovely spot is a popular destination for appreciators of small towns and swim holes. The gorgeous Blanco River runs through the area and carved out popular swimming locations such as Jacob's Well and Blue Hole. Weekenders shop at the town's tiny selection of boutique shops and art galleries.

Telephone:  (512) 847 2201.

Website:  http://www.wimberley.org

Enchanted Rock

Considered by many to be a sacred place, this beautiful nature preserve is a popular destination for people who appreciate the beauty of the outdoors. Popular activities include camping, hiking and rock climbing.

Telephone:  (830) 685 3636.

Website:  http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/enchanted-rock

San Antonio

Located 127km (79 miles) southwest of Austin, this large city features both the world-famous Alamo and River Walk. Just a short day trip from Austin, it's worth taking the trek just to see a slice of Texas history.

Telephone:  (210) 207 6700.

Website:  http://visitsanantonio.com

Fredricksburg

This German-settled village located 126km (78 miles) west of Austin features independent boutiques, German restaurants, antique stores, the legendary Oktoberfest celebrations and more.

Telephone:  1 888 997 3600.

Website:  http://www.fbgtx.org

Tours

Segway tours

What better way to experience Austin than on an electric two-wheeler Segway scooter? Gliding Revolution takes customers on environmentally-friendly tours to see some of Austin's most iconic sights in the Downtown area.

Telephone: (512) 495 9250.

Website:  http://www.glidingrevolution.com/

Amphibious tour

Part-van and part-boat, this hybrid sightseeing tour takes tourists on both land and sea (or lake). Austin Duck Adventures offers 75-minute tours on their "amphibious" duck boat. Stops include Sixth Street, the Texas Capitol and Lake Austin.

Telephone: (512) 477 5274.

Website:  http://austinducks.com/

Bus tours

See Austin and the Hill Country to get a taste of the city and its surroundings. Destinations include Downtown, the Texas Capitol, East Austin, West Austin and the Hill Country. Hop-on hop-off packages are available.

Telephone: (512) 659 9478.

Website:  http://www.austinovertures.com/

Ghost tours

If you're looking to experience the dramatic and often terrifying history of Austin, take advantage of a ghost tour to see the darker side of the city. These after-hours walking tours include stops at the reputedly haunted Driskill Hotel, the Texas Capitol and other downtown haunts. Advance reservations are recommended. Private trolley tours are also available.

Telephone: (512) 853 9826.

Website:  http://www.austinghosttours.com/

Austin Nightlife

The nightlife in Austin is one of the city's main attractions. Whether you're looking for dance clubs, two-steppin' or dive bars, the city has something for all tastes. Most of the nightlife is congregated in the Downtown area, but the action has since spilled over into East Austin, where many of the city's "hipsters" enjoy bars and eateries that are a little rough around the edges. Sixth Street is Austin's version of New Orleans' Bourbon Street and shuts down during weekend nights to accommodate revelers. Sixth Street can get a little rowdy, so if you're looking for an area that is more low-key and sophisticated, head for the bars and clubs on West Sixth Street.

The Long Center

Home to the Austin Symphony Orchestra, Austin Lyric Opera and Ballet Austin, this cultural center showcases several theatres, halls, outdoor parks, lounges and terraces. Due to its breathtaking views of Lady Bird Lake and the Downtown skyline. Austinites surround the Long Center to listen to the Austin Symphony Orchestra perform the 1812 Overture during the 4 July fireworks display.

Address:

701 W Riverside Drive
Austin
United States

Telephone: (512) 457 5100.

Website:  http://www.thelongcenter.org

One World Theater

Located in far west Austin, One World Theater was constructed to highlight music from different cultures. It routinely showcases various local and travelling musicians and performers.

Address:

7701 Bee Cave Road
Austin
United States

Telephone: (512) 330 9500.

Website:  http://www.oneworldtheatre.org

Zach Theater

Named after Austin-born Hollywood actor Zachary Scott, this newly remodeled 420-seat theater features a stellar view of Lady Bird Lake, classrooms and multiple theaters that showcase travelling and local plays. If you're itching to catch a Broadway show, the Zach Theater is your best bet. The theater also offers camp and plays for children and families year-round.

Address:

1510 Toomey Road
Austin
United States

Telephone: (512) 476 0541.

Website:  http://www.zachtheatre.org

Paramount Theater

Opened in 1915, The Paramount Theater remains Austin's most majestic theater. Featuring an array of music acts, movies, lives shows and more, everyone from Woody Allen to Willie Nelson have performed in the ornate halls of this classic beauty. The Paramount is also utilized during film festivals such as SXSW and the Austin Film Festival. Trying walking down Congress Avenue and not be blown away by the impressive presence of this theater.

Address:

713 Congress Avenue
Austin
United States

Telephone: (512) 472 2901.

Website:  http://www.austintheatre.org

 

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

There's so much music in Austin, and it's all so different.

 Gary Clark, Jr.

 Enjoy and travel to create great family memories!

USA TRAVEL GUIDE, “SOUTHWEST” TEXAS

TEXAS:THE LONE STAR STATE

BY CLAY LARROY

It is hard to believe that summer is almost over. The children have return to school, students have started college and grown-ups are not sure when they will have their next vacation. Autumn will be here next Sunday and that is the perfect time to plan short a vacation. Autumn is a great time of year to take a 3 or 4 day weekend vacation, this is low season for travel and there are many great deal available. When you need to plan a vacation contact me!

About Arlington, Texas

Arlington is a large city, boasting a population of 365,000 and is conveniently located in the center of the Dallas-Ft. Worth Metroplex. Within a 25-mile radius of the center of Arlington is a workforce of over 2 million people. 

Arlington is the home of the 30,000-student University of Texas at Arlington. Technical education in Arlington begins with an outstanding Independent school district, continues upward with Tarrant County SE community college programs and peaks with UT Arlington, a state-of-the-art research and engineering university. Home of National Semiconductor Wafer Plant as well as General Motors, Arlington’s major technology businesses interact with education providers to ensure that graduates come prepared to contribute. 

Arlington will be the home of the new $650 million Dallas Cowboys Stadium set to open in the 2009 season and it has been the home of the Texas Rangers at the Rangers Ballpark in Arlington for eleven seasons. 

The transportation infrastructure in and around Arlington is being designed to handle peak, game-day loads. The State and County have committed over $258 million to highway and bridge improvements in Arlington. Resident businesses will take advantage of these exceptional traffic flow designs every day. This is in addition to the easy access to north-south and east-west highway and rail service. 

While Arlington is the entertainment capital of Texas with Six Flags Over Texas amusement park and Hurricane Harbor water park in addition to major league sports venues, it is conveniently located at the center of the DFW Metroplex. Along with accomplished symphonies and ballets, access to world-class cultural amenities is easy from Arlington. 

Arlington is continuously becoming one of the most exciting destinations to visit. Being home to two cutting-edge sports stadiums – AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Park – as well as the original Six Flags in the franchise, Six Flags Over Texas, it’s no wonder why droves of family’s head to Arlington each year for one-of-a-kind, memorable experiences.

 REFERENCE SITES

http://www.arlingtontx.com 

http://www.arlingtontx.gov

https://www.visittheusa.com/destination/arlington

“Travel, in the younger sort, is a part of education; in the elder, a part of experience.”  Francis Bacon Enjoy life and travel often, the more you travel, the more memories you create!

 

USA TRAVEL GUIDE, “THE WEST” HAWAII

HAWAII: THE ALOHA STATE  

BY CLAY LARROY

Do you feel like it is time for a short vacation? Once you decide to travel, how good you plan the trip will help you feel comfortable and be comfortable at your destination. Not only will you feel less anxiety before the trip, but you can rest assured that once you arrive where you're going you will have a good understanding of what's going on there.  When you need to plan a vacation contact me!

Maui – “The Valley Isle”

About Maui

Stand above a sea of clouds high atop Haleakala. Watch a 45-foot whale breach off the coast of Lahaina.  Lose count of the waterfalls along the road as you maneuver the hairpin turns of the Hana highway. One visit and it’s easy to see why Maui is called “The Valley Isle.”

The second largest Hawaiian island has a smaller population than you’d expect, making Maui popular with visitors who are looking for sophisticated diversions and amenities in the small towns and airy resorts spread throughout the island.

From the scenic slopes of fertile Upcountry Maui to beaches that have repeatedly been voted among the best in the world, a visit to the Valley Isle recharges the senses. But like every good magic trick, you’ll have to see it for yourself to believe it.

Maui History

Legends say the demigod Maui pulled the Hawaiian Islands from the sea and lassoed the sun atop Haleakala, the island’s highest peak. The island of Maui was named after this mythological being, perhaps because the shape of the island is said to resemble his head and body.

King Piilani was the first ruler to unite all of Maui under a single family of alii (royalty) in the early 15th century. In 1790, King Kamehameha I defeated Kahekili, Maui’s last king, after a fierce battle in the iconic Iao Valley. Kamehameha took control of Maui and made Lahaina the new capital of the unified Hawaiian Kingdom. For nearly five decades, Lahaina served as the center of government for Hawaii. Simultaneously, the town experienced a surge in its whaling industry. At the height of the whaling era (1840-1865) as many as 500 ships anchored in Lahaina’s port.

Maui’s first sugar mill began operations in 1828. As the sugar industry in the islands grew, an influx of plantation workers from China, Japan, Puerto Rico, Korea, the Philippines, Portugal and Europe arrived in Hawaii. These immigrants became the foundation of the multi-ethnic culture of Hawaii today. You can experience these influences at places like the Lahaina Jodo Mission and in the fusion of flavors found in Hawaii Regional Cuisine.

The Lahaina Historic Trail and other notable attractions allow you to explore Maui’s rich past today, adding a fascinating new dimension to your visit.

Featured Sites and Attractions

Haleakala National Park, Maui

Haleakala National Park, a scenic national park on the island of Maui and home to Maui’s highest peak.

Iao Valley State Park, Maui

Central Maui's Iao Valley State Park features one of Maui’s most recognizable landmarks, the 1,200-foot Iao Needle.

 Lahaina Historic Trail, Maui

Lahaina is a town of major historical significance. Once the first capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii, a busy whaling port and a plantation settlement, you can follow the Lahaina Historic Trail (Ala Moolelo O Lahaina) to walk in the footsteps of Lahaina’s past today.

 Lahaina Jodo Mission, Maui

Travel just north up Lahaina's Front Street and you'll discover the Lahaina Jodo Mission.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

 http://www.gohawaii.com/

There is a quiet place in Hawaii where, for over thirty years, I've gone to draw inspiration and write many of my books.

 Robert H. Schuller
 

Travel have fun and create wonderful memories for your family!

USA TRAVEL GUIDE, “SOUTHWEST” TEXAS

TEXAS: THE LONE STAR STATE

BY CLAY LARROY

The purposes of traveling are different for different people. There are some people who travel for the sake of pleasure. The people that are heavily burdened either at their domestic front or at their offices move too far off places for relieving their worries and anxieties. The poets and writers make a trip to distant places for collection of facts for their writings. Businessmen also visit various places to enquire as to whether there are scopes for expansion of their business. Travelling provides the benefit of sightseeing and gives pleasure to the visitor. In addition, it gives a scope to an individual to have firsthand knowledge of variegated people inhabiting the world. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

Texas Travel Guide

Texas history, language & culture

Before the arrival of any European settlers, the area we call Texas is thought to have been habited by the indigenous Native American population. The beginning of the European colonizers began with the arrival of the Spanish exploration headed by Alonso Álvarez de Pineda in 1520. After settling, there were many attempts from the French to ambush the Spanish and to colonize the land for French ownership.  However this wasn't successful and the Spanish declared Texas as a colony and in 1691 appointed Texas with its first governor Domingo Terán de los Ríos.

In 1799 the Spanish ceded control of Louisiana to the French but the agreement was unclear over borders. So much so, that when the French later sold the state of Louisiana to the US in1803, the US believed that the deal also included the Texas area due to boundary confusions. Due to this, the Napoleon demanded that the king of Spain should abdicate. The result of this, was an attempt by both Mexican and US revolutionaries to declare Mexico and Texas independent. Although unsuccessful, eventually, in 1821 Texas became a part of Mexico, which was newly independent from Spain. The state's Hispanic legacy has left its mark with place names such as San Antonio and from names of rivers such as Rio Grande. 

Within years of becoming part of Mexico, unrest began to take place over political disputes of land and colonialism which created the Texan revolution in 1835. In only three months, Texan forces successfully defeated the Mexican forces and so a year later signed the Texas Declaration of Independence, effectively making Texas a new republic. Continued disagreements rumbled on but in 1845, the US congress passed a bill allowing it to annex the Republic of Texas, thus making it a US state. Mexico strongly opposed annexation and the Mexican-American war took hold. 

In 1861, Texas joined the Confederate States of America siding with the south during the Civil War between the North and South. However, by 1865 the Confederacy had collapsed, in part due to the economic difficulties caused by war. After the war Texas grew increasingly prosperous due to the growth of industries such as ranching and banking, leading to wealthier citizens and higher standards of living. 

WWII affected Texas significantly, creating more jobs for people working within new military factories, and less people working on traditional ranches. The shortage in farm workers meant that Mexican migrants were brought in, due to their acceptance of lower wages.

When the war ended, Texas began its transformation and modernized to what it is today along with the rest of the US. This included the oil boom that brought along huge economic benefits for the local economy and for citizens of Texas.

Things to see and do in Texas

Odessa Meteor Crater

View the Odessa Meteor Crater, the second-largest meteor crater in the USA at approximately 168m (550ft) in diameter. It was created when a barrage of meteors crashed to the earth between 20,000 and 30,000 years ago.

Old City Park

Tour the Old City Park (www.oldcitypark.org), a pioneer community in Dallas featuring homes, a church, a schoolhouse and Main Street as it was in the days of the original settlers.

Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Visit Palo Duro Canyon State Park, near Amarillo. The park has dramatic colored rock formations, is popular for hiking, picnicking, camping and horse riding, and has a rich history of nomadic tribes that hunted mammoth and large game animals.

Reunion Tower

Ride the glass elevator to the top of the 50-storey Reunion Tower, belonging to the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Dallas. It has observation terraces and a revolving restaurant with nighttime dancing.

San Antonio Missions National Historic Park

Learn about the early efforts of the Spanish to Christianize the native population in southern Texas along the San Antonio River. Tour the four mission churches in San Antonio Missions National Historic Park (www.nps.gov/saan).

 

Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge

Go bird watching at the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge, and see birds migrating to South and Central America along the Central and Mississippi Flyways.

Southfork Ranch

Go and see the famous Southfork Ranch (www.southforkranch.com), home of the famous TV series' Ewing clan. The ranch is open daily, year-round for guided tours.

Space Center Houston

Explore Space Center Houston (www.spacecenter.org) - the official visitor center of NASA's Johnson Space Center. Climb aboard a computer simulator, touch a moon rock, see a full-size space shuttle replica, see astronauts train for missions, or take a behind-the-scenes tour of NASA.

Take a river walk

Tour San Antonio's Paseo del Rio (Riverwalk) (www.thesanantonioriverwalk.com), a unique shopping and entertainment area that sparkles like a fairyland at night.

West End Historic District

Step into the past in Dallas' West End Historic District (www.dallaswestend.org), a collection of beautifully restored 100-year-old historical buildings turned into museums, shops, restaurants and nightlife.

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

“I must say as to what I have seen of Texas it is the garden spot of the world. The best land and the best prospects for health I ever saw, and I do believe it is a fortune to any man to come here. There is a world of country here to settle.”
Davy Crockett, 1836.

Travel to experience life!