America trip | The Wild West of Texas

Marathon, set amidst vast desert plains and surrounded by mountainous landscapes, is a small town in West Texas situated on the edge of one of America’s most impressive wilderness areas. It is known as the ‘Gateway to Big Bend’ and grew thanks to the railway and cattle-ranching industries of the late nineteenth century, traces of which can be found in the Marathon Historical Museum and the Captain Shepard House, dating from 1890. Main Street is home to cafés and small shops where travellers can take a break before setting off to explore the surrounding countryside. Just outside the town, the Glass Mountains and Crinoid Hills rise up, with their distinctive rock formations and fossils. In Marathon itself, Gage Gardens offers orchards, vineyards and shaded paths, whilst Post Park features poplar trees and a spring-fed pond, perfect for a rest before heading into the desert and mountains of Big Bend National Park.

From the skyscrapers of New York City to the scenic country roads of New England, The United States of America is a place of beauty and of unprecedented diversity. Visit the glorious Golden Gate Bridge, the famous Empire State Building, the Iconic Statue of Liberty and catch a glimpse of the lights of Las Vegas! Not to mention the country's natural treasures: the many national parks with beautiful landscapes and wildlife. The beaches on both the east and west coasts are also well worth a visit. The United States is a country of such vast dimensions that a lifetime in the United States can still feel like you have barely seen any of the country.

Texas, also known as ‘The Lone Star State’, is one of the largest and most diverse states in America. Visitors can look forward to exploring a wide range of attractions, including vibrant cities such as Houston and Dallas, guest ranches offering authentic Wild West experiences, and more than 90 impressive parks with countless opportunities for exciting outdoor adventures. The state’s main attraction is undoubtedly the Padre Island National Seashore, a stunning 112-kilometre stretch of beach and dunes on the Gulf of Mexico. Other must-see sites include: The Alamo, the site of a legendary battle for Texas’s independence from Mexico; the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, with an extensive collection of Impressionist and Renaissance artworks; and Space Center Houston, featuring some incredible interactive displays designed by NASA.

Dallas, situated in northern Texas, is a large, vibrant city that serves as the economic hub of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. This glittering city boasts a spectacular skyline of towering skyscrapers and offers visitors a quintessential Texan experience, complete with barbecue and steaks, cowboy boots and plenty of live country music. Shopping and culture enthusiasts will find plenty to keep them occupied in Dallas, which has more shopping centres per capita than any other American city and a vibrant Arts District featuring a range of museums and art galleries. The most notable of these are the Dallas Art Museum, one of the country’s largest art museums, and the Nasher Sculpture Centre, which exhibits one of the world’s finest collections of modern and contemporary sculpture. Don’t miss the Dallas County Historical Plaza, with its large open space, various historical monuments and a number of historic buildings such as the John Neely Bryan cabin, the old red courthouse and the Kennedy Memorial.

Houston is situated in the south-eastern corner of Texas, near the Gulf of Mexico. It is the largest city in Texas. Despite its impressive size, Houston has managed to retain its charming, small-town feel and relaxed atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for the ultra-modern city centre with its lively theatre district, countless impressive museums and galleries, or the Galleria area in the suburbs with its excellent shopping, you’re sure to find plenty to keep you thoroughly entertained in this cosmopolitan setting. Must-see attractions include: the Downtown Aquarium; the Space Centre, with a range of interactive space-related displays; and Hermann Park, a large park close to the city centre, featuring a beautifully landscaped Japanese garden.

Idyllically situated in the naturally picturesque Hill Country, Texas’s capital, Austin, is affectionately known as the ‘Live Music Capital of the World’ because it has more live music venues per capita than any other American city. Music lovers come from far and wide to explore the vibrant array of bars and music venues. Nature lovers will be equally rewarded with countless lakes and over 300 parks offering a range of activities such as walking, swimming, cycling, climbing and boating. Notable attractions in Austin include the Texas State History Museum, the Blanton Museum of Art, and riverside Zilker Park, with endless walking and cycling trails, picturesque picnic spots, a number of impressive botanical gardens and the large Barton Springs Pool, which offers fantastic opportunities for year-round swimming.

San Antonio is widely regarded as the cradle of Texan freedom; it is the second-largest city in Texas and home to the state’s most cherished monument – the famous battle site ‘The Alamo’. Visitors can look forward to a vibrant city brimming with fine art museums, historic landmarks and a lively nightlife. The most impressive attraction is undoubtedly the River Walk, a beautiful network of riverside footpaths lined with luxury hotels, chic boutiques and countless restaurants where you can dine with a view of the river. Don’t miss the chance to explore the major theme parks on the north-western outskirts of the city, including the world’s largest SeaWorld and Six Flags Fiesta Texas, which features a water park and a number of excellent rides and rollercoasters. With all this and more to offer, it’s no wonder that San Antonio is the number one tourist destination.

Fort Worth, also known as the ‘City of Cowboys and Culture’, is a vibrant city in north-central Texas, which once served as an important trading post for cowboys at the end of the Chisholm Trail. Today, visitors find it to be a modern city, complete with a variety of both cultural and historical attractions. Spend your days exploring international art institutions such as the Kimbell Art Museum; experiencing the ‘World’s First Indoor Rodeo’ at the Fort Worth Stockyards; and visiting the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame. Other must-see attractions include the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens, the Fort Worth Zoo and Billy Bob’s Texas, which hosts internationally renowned live music events and live bull-riding shows on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Bandera is situated in southern Central Texas and offers an immersive experience of the culture of the Lone Star State. This former ‘cowboy capital of the world’ still exudes the atmosphere of a bygone era, with saloons and honky-tonks lining Main Street, and rodeos and other cowboy shows for visitors to enjoy. Don’t miss the Frontier Times Museum or the Historical Walking Tours on offer, which provide an insight into Bandera’s history, whilst the nearby Hill Country State Natural Area is a major horse-riding destination, with fishing and swimming available at the picturesque West Verde Creek. Bandera is a particularly popular destination for motorcyclists, and there are a number of ‘dude ranches’ in the area offering comfortable and picturesque accommodation.

In the northern reaches of the arid Chihuahuan Desert, Lajitas is a Wild West ghost town situated on the eastern banks of the Rio Grande on the southern border of the United States with Mexico. Lajitas translates as ‘small flat rocks’ in Spanish, named after the layered limestone in the area formed by ancient seas that have long since disappeared. Today, it serves as an excellent base from which to explore the scenic surroundings of Big Bend Ranch State Park and Big Bend National Park. Lajitas is synonymous with the luxurious Lajitas Golf Resort and Spa, where guests can catch a film at the Flat Rock Theatre, go zip-lining at Quiet Canyon, go mountain biking, hiking, shooting, enjoy sunset horse riding and – naturally – play golf.

The vibrant, modern city of Irving in Texas lies just north-west of Dallas. It offers visitors a varied experience, from its delightful culinary scene – featuring first-class South-West Texan cuisine and authentic international dishes – to its impressive range of art and culture. The Irving Arts Centre is a must-see for its excellent art exhibitions, outdoor installations, theatre productions and concerts, as well as the nine bronze ‘Mustangs of Las Colinas’, which take centre stage in Williams Square. Visitors can explore the beautifully restored Ruth Paine House Museum, which highlights the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963, visit Heritage Park – featuring an authentic 1950s soda fountain and a 1980s cabin – the area’s first railway station, the area’s library and water tower, as well as one of the town’s oldest houses. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy the sunset during an authentic gondola ride from ‘Little Venice’, overlooking the waters of Lake Carolyn.

The charming town of Graham, the county town of Young County, is situated in the north of central Texas. As well as its quirky boutiques, delicious restaurants, recreational lakes and lush public parks, this authentic Texan town hosts a foodie’s dream: the Food Truck Championship of Texas, a popular annual event. History enthusiasts visiting this charming little town can delve into the past at its many remarkable museums, including the fascinating Old Post Office Museum-Art Centre, the historic Fort Belknap and the Veteran’s Memorial. Nature lovers and adventurers can head to the three enchanting lakes, where they can enjoy excellent bass fishing and kayaking whilst surrounded by impressive limestone cliffs. Nearby, the spectacular walking and cycling trails of Possum Kingdom State Park and the crystal-clear, tranquil waters of Possum Kingdom Lake make for a wonderful day out.

Fredericksburg is situated in Texas, just over an hour’s drive north of San Antonio and west of Austin. It is a charming town known for its bluebonnet flowers, German heritage and fantastic food scene. The beautiful fields of wildflowers surrounding the town make it a popular destination for photographers and nature lovers, who can also enjoy the stunning Enchanted Rock State Natural Area and Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park. Hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, camping, birdwatching and stargazing are just some of the outdoor activities on offer in the unspoilt countryside, whilst the town centre boasts a wonderful array of interesting historic architecture, tempting shops and boutiques, and first-class bars and restaurants. Several excellent wineries and orchards (where visitors can pick their own fruit) make the town even more appealing.

Serving as the county town of Caldwell County, the city of Lockhart is situated just 30 minutes south of Austin, the state capital of Texas. Dubbed ‘The BBQ capital of Texas’, this vibrant city is a popular day-trip destination for barbecue lovers who wish to dine in the official barbecue capital of Texas. Spend a day discovering all this small town in Central Texas has to offer and visit the beautiful courthouse, built in 1894 in the Second Empire style. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy Lockhart’s live music scene, visit a local art gallery, and explore the unique shops lining the picturesque square. Other highlights include: the Dr Eugene Clark Library, the oldest continuously operating public library in Texas, and the Southwest Museum of Clocks and Watches.

Alpine, situated on a high plateau in the Chihuahua Desert, is a thriving town flanked by the majestic mountains of the Big Bend region in West Texas. The charming town centre features more than ten vibrant murals, each reflecting a unique facet of the town’s heritage. The Alpine Historic Walking Tour takes you on a journey through time, past 40 historic sites, from centuries-old houses to churches and shop fronts. Alpine’s eclectic music scene, featuring venues such as Railroad Blues and The Granada Theatre, contributes to the town’s cultural vibrancy. Thanks to its central location, nearby attractions such as Big Bend National Park, Fort Davis and the McDonald Observatory are easily accessible. Take a drive along the picturesque River Road or walk up to Hancock Hill for a stunning panoramic view.