Texas Two Step

Take in the cultural highlights of Dallas, starting in the Arts District, home to the city’s top museums. Catch the Nancy Best’s fountain show at sunset, then enjoy some evening entertainment at the AT&T Performing Arts Center or catch a game at the American Airlines Center. 

Visit The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza to learn about the life and assassination of John F. Kennedy, then head west to Arlington. Get into the spirit of the Lone Star State at Stoney’s Dallas Cowboys Museum, tour the AT&T Stadium – home of the Dallas Cowboys – then enjoy the bars, restaurants and sports entertainment at nearby Texas Live! 

Make the short drive to Fort Worth, where the Old West meets modern cosmopolitanism. Stroll through downtown, grad a bite at Sundance Square, then visit the Stockyards National Historic District. Witness the world-renowned cattle driveand savour some country music at legendary venues like Billy Bob’s. 

Explore Grapevine today. Start at the Main Station, home of the Harvest Hall food court and the Grapevine Observation Tower, where you can enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views. See the ‘Peace Circle’ sculpture, then board the Vintage Railroad before exploring the Historic Main Street District. 

Make a stop at Historic Nash Farm, a working 19th-century farmstead, then continue to Amarillo for a visit to the Historic Route 66 District for some shopping, dinner and evening entertainment. Don’t miss the iconic Cadillac Ranch, a true Route 66 landmark. 

Take a drive, hike or horseback ride through Palo Duro Canyon State Park, witnessing some of its stunning rock formations and canyon vistas. Witness Amarillo’s renowned sunrises and sunsets, dine at The Big Texan Steak Ranch & Microbrewery, and end your night at with some music at Starlight Ranch. 

Before leaving Amarillo, don’t miss a hike through the Wildcat Bluff Nature Center. Afterwards, head to Lubbock and explore one of the city’s interactive museums, such as the American Windmill Museum. Tour the iconic Buddy Holly Center, then visit of Texas’s High Plains vineyards for a tasting or meal pairing. 

Journey to El Paso today, making your way up to Scenic Drive to admire a magnificent sunset over the city. Then make your way to Cattleman’s Steakhouse at Indian Cliffs Ranch for a classic Texan dinner and western experience. 

Begin your day with a nature hike in one of El Paso’s beautiful State Parks, and then explore downtown, visiting the iconic Rocketbuster Handmade Custom Boots and the mural-covered El Segundo Barrio neighbourhood. Pay a visit to the El Paso Museum of Art, tour the National Border Patrol Museum, or walk along the El Paso Mission Trail. 

En route to Alpine, stop at Balmorhea State Park and take a refreshing dip in the San Solomon Springs. Alpine is known as the ‘hub’ of Big Bend National Park, and is the best place to get the full West Texas experience. Visit the Macdonald Observatory in Fort Davis, or take a hike in the national park. Visit Marfa for some eccentric charm, then head back to Alpine for live music. 

Take a short hike to ‘The Desk on Hancock Hill’ this morning for some incredible desert views, then journey back towards central Texas. Visit Fredericksburg’s lively main street for some local shopping and culture, and enjoy a tasting at one of the area’s many wineries. 

Make the short drive to Austin, the state capital, and start your exploration on the Lady Bird Lake hike and trail, where you can rent a paddle board or take an evening cruise. At nightfall, watch more than one million Mexican free-tailed bats take flight from under the Congress Avenue Bridge, then check out some of the trendy bars and food trucks on Rainey Street. 

Explore South Congress, a neighbourhood known for its vibrant murals and eclectic shops and eateries. Enjoy the beauty of Barton Springs, a spring-fed pool in the Hill Country woods in the centre of town. Sample Austin’s BBQ scene with a stop at Terry Black’s or Franklin’s BBQ, then head into 6th Street and the Red River Cultural District to visit some iconic live music venues. 

In Waco, explore Magnolia Market at the Silos, take some time out in the Old Church, then have a bite to eat atone of the local food trucks. Then visit Waco Surf, an inland waterpark for surfing, wakeboarding and beach relaxation. Next, visit the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum. 

Continue north back to Dallas, where you can explore the historical neighbourhood of Blues Alley, the cradle of Texas Blues. Other vibrant neighbourhoods that you may wish to see include Deep Ellum, Lower Greenville and Uptown. Bid Dallas farewell at the Geo-Deck experience at Reunion Tower, for panoramic city views. 

Check out of you Dallas hotel this morning and return your rental car at the airport.