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TEXAS HOLIDAY PARADES

     Kick off the holidays with parades across the state. Dubbed the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade of Texas, the HEB Holiday Parade in Houston features hot air balloons, marching bands, cheerleaders and costumed characters. Further west, El Paso’s “uniquely Texan” Thanksgiving Day parade, the FirstLight Federal Credit Union Sun Bowl Parade will celebrate “80 Years Around the World” for its 80th annual celebration.

Too busy cranking out that turkey? Join over 150,000 spectators the day after Thanksgiving for the Holiday River Parade & Lighting Ceremony along the River Walk in San Antonio. Enjoy the Christmas music concert, the lighting of the River Walk and wave at Santa as his sleigh floats by.

Texas-sized Holiday Light Displays

     For those looking for bright lights, small towns and big cities alike, host multiple holiday light spectaculars that almost outshine Texas’ big and bright stars. Most hail the name “trail of lights,” including the 52nd annual Austin Trail of Lights. Grab family and friends to sit by a traditional Yule Log, ride the Ferris Wheel, write a letter to Santa and more!

Just a few hours south in Houston, stroll through the Houston Zoo Lights for magical lights and musical entertainment from carolers and local musical groups. While most zoo creatures will be fast asleep, you can visit animals in the Reptile House, Kipp Aquarium, Bug House or Carruth National Encounters.

     Outside of Houston, take a hay ride through the trail of lights at the biggest Christmas attraction in the state, Santa’s Wonderland in College Station, TX. Get the full experience with a visit with Santa in Santa’s Town, a nostalgic Texas Christmas Village. Capture the experience for your Instagram under the “God Bless Texas” light arch, next to the giant Texas flag light display or in the “Giant Texas Sized Snow Globe.”    

     If you’d rather stay within the warm comforts of your car, you can experience it all from the passenger seat while driving through the Gift of Lights at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas or the San Antonio Christmas Lights Fest.

ONE-OF-A-KIND CELEBRATIONS

     The Lone Star State is also home to some unique celebrations. No stranger to beautiful displays, the Dallas Arboretum fills twelve Victorian gazebos with costumed characters, whimsical animals and winter scenes to bring The 12 Days of Christmas to life!

     The Trains at NorthPark also call the Big D home. Experience all the trimmings of holiday train travel in more than 4,000 square feet of train themed environments. Nearby in Grapevine, adults can hop aboard the Christmas Wine Train and embrace the holiday spirit with festive treats and of course, wine! For a Western cowboy holiday, visit Christmas in the Stockyards in Fort Worth, TX. The one-day event takes place on December 2 and has western heritage activities for the entire family.

TEXAS HOLIDAY AT THE BEACH

     Feeling more like a holiday beach bum than cowboy? Spend the holidays on the beaches of Galveston, Texas and be amazed by incredible ice sculptures at A Caribbean Christmas at Moody Gardens. The resort brings in a team of master ice carvers to sculpt two million pounds of ice into an undersea journey of tropical fish, eagle rays, turtles dolphins and more!

     Also in Galveston, “Surf with Santa” at Schlitterbahn Waterpark Galveston Island’s Holiday Splash! Open weekends and select weekdays from November 25 to December 31. The holiday extravaganza also features a Snow Globe Float, Bahn Borealis Light Show, Ornament Factory, holiday characters and reindeer games!

MEXICAN CHRISTMAS FIESTAS

     Luminarias, traditional Mexican Christmas lanterns, light the San Antonio River Walk for the Ford Fiesta De Las Luminarias. The century’s old tradition begins at dusk Friday, Saturday and Sunday from December 2-18.  Further north and along the border in El Paso, revel the Annual Posadas Celebration and Luminaria Lighting Festival. Posada, the Spanish for “inn” or “shelter,” is a traditional celebration recreating Mary and Joseph’s search for a place to stay in Bethlehem. The presentation is followed by live music, the traditional Christmas Piñata ceremony, cultural dance presentations and the lighting of over 5,000 luminarias.

TEXAS NEW YEAR HOEDOWNS

     Once you’ve made all your holiday stops, it’s time to ring in the new year, and what better place than the largest honky tonk in the world, Billy Bob’s in Fort Worth? This year the dance hall will feature two Texas-born acts, Eli Young Band and Green River Ordinance for New Year’s Eve at Billy Bob’s Texas.

    If you’re looking to celebrate riverside, you can enjoy live music, carnival games and rides and festival food at the annual Celebrate San Antonio New Year’s Eve celebration. The event takes place downtown and ends the night with a fireworks extravaganza.

     For the families, kids are welcome (more like encouraged) at the Children’s Museum of Houston annual Rockin’ New Year’s Noon Bash. Watch the New Year’s Eve Daytime Ball Drop after the countdown to noon after the New Year’s Noon Parade.

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HOLIDAY SEASON
     Kicking off the holiday season for Clarksville is the opening of Christmas on the Cumberland, on Tuesday, November 20. Over one million lights in captivating displays illuminate the half-mile walk along the river. Special crafts, dances, choirs and other activities will take plan on December 9 and 16. This free event has become a treasured tradition for residents throughout the region. Christmas on the Cumberland continues through Tuesday, January 1 and is open Sunday-Thursday from 5:00-10:00 p.m. and Friday-Saturday from 5:00-11:00 p.m.
“MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET”
     “Miracle on 34th Street” opens on Thanksgiving evening, November 22, at the Roxy Regional Theatre in the heart of downtown. Is the Macy’s Santa, in fact, the real Kris Kringle? Find out at this holiday classic. Having produced live professional theatre for more than 30 years, the Roxy is another holiday regional favorite. The special Christmas production runs through Saturday, December 22. For performance dates and times, or to purchase tickets online, visit roxyregionaltheatre.org.
     Downtown Commons Winter Ice Rink returns to Clarksville for its second season. A portion of city’s newest park, Downtown Commons, will open for ice skating on Friday, November 23 at 6:30 p.m.-10:45 p.m. Admission for ice skating will be $10 per person, which includes the cost of renting ice skates within a specified time block. The ice rink will be open at designated times through January 21, with the full park opening in the spring. For dates and times, visit facebook.com/downtowncommonstn.

DRIVE-THRU CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
     Drive Thru Christmas Lights begins at the Clarksville Speedway on Thanksgiving night, November 22, and continues days through January 1. Enjoy over one mile, and over a million lights, from the comfort of your car. See admission and special discount nights at www.clarksvillespeedway.com.
WINTERFEST
     Erin’s Farm is ablaze with Christmas activities. The seasons kicks off with WinterFest on Sunday, December 2 from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. The day includes hayrides and hot cocoa, food, activities and crafts for the kids, smore making, and family fun and games. You can also select and cut your own fresh Christmas tree on Friday-Sunday, November 23-December 16. The farm will open on Saturday, November 17 (with no activities) for those who want to cut a tree early. A gift gallery carries a variety of local-artisan produced goods, crafts and artworks. Visit their website at www.erinsfarm.com for workshop schedules and hand-blow your very own one-of-a-kind Christmas ornament.
HOLIDAY FILM SERIES
     If you just want to relax and take a break from the harried pace that the holiday season can entail, check out the Roxy Regional Theatre’s Holiday Film Series. For only $5, enjoy holiday classics in the beautiful historic venue beginning with “Babes in Toyland” Sunday, November 25 at 2p.m., “Polar Express” Sunday, December 2 at 2p.m., “Disney’s A Christmas Carol” Sunday, December 9 at 6p.m., and “It’s a Wonderful Life” Sunday, December 16 at 2:00 p.m. See details at www.roxyregionaltheatre.org.
LIGHTED CHRISTMAS PARADE
     The city’s 59th Annual Lighted Christmas Parade kicks off on Saturday, December 2 at 5:00 p.m. Winding its way from Austin Peay State University through historic downtown, the sights and sounds of this event will thrill the young at heart of all ages.
SPIRITFEST
     SpiritFest, now in its fourth year, is a pre-parade event that includes a bounty of free activities. Visits with Santa Claus, rides on the Polar Express, inflatables, live music, art and gift markets, food trucks and a live nativity with animals begin at 2:00 p.m. on December 1. Visit fpcclarksville.org/spiritfest_microsite/ for more info on parking and schedules.
TREES OF CHRISTMAS
     More than 20 trees decorate the rooms of the historic Smith Trahern Mansion during Trees of Christmas. Opening Sunday, December 2 from 2:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m., each tree in this display is designed and decorated by a local club or organization. Call (931) 648-9998 for details.
CHRISTMAS TOWN
     See hundreds of porcelain pieces that make up the large display for Christmas Town at the Customs House Museum. With moving parts and lights, and even a model train making its way through the village, the exhibit is sure to delight the young and not-so-young! Experience Christmas Town from November 1 – January 27. See more about museum offerings and exhibits at www.customshousemuseum.com.
COLLINSVILLE’S CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS
     Docents will take guests on guided tours during Historic Collinsville’s Candlelight Christmas December 14-15. Experience each home and structure from the mid-19th Century with primitive period holiday décor. Stroll through the earliest First Home or Lewis House, a two-room primitive pre-Civil War dwelling, explore the expansive Dogtrot House, and see the smokehouse, church/schoolhouse, wildlife center, and more. Tours depart from the Visitor Center on the half hour from 4:00-8:00 p.m. For tickets and more information visit www.facebook.com/historiccollinsville
A CIVIL WAR CHRISTMAS
     Learn how our ancestors celebrated Christmas during the Civil War at A 19th Century Christmas at Fort Defiance Interpretive Center on Sunday, December 16 from 3-7.m. Visitors will be able to step back in time to see period decorations, visit with a 19th century Santa, and enjoy eggnog, cakes, and caroling. Attendees must register in advance for a 3:00 p.m. or 5:00 p.m. time. For details visit
www.facebook.com/events/639805729718953/.
CONTACT US
     If you’d simply like to sit back and enjoy the sites, our local restaurants have a picture-perfect seat for you. Enjoy a fresh-from-scratch meal or local brew and enjoy the view of illumination. Start planning your holiday getaway at www.visitclarksvilletn.com or download our handy app to customize your trip.

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     Now, our magazine covers the world, is direct emailed to 24 MILLION travelers yearly, seen online at www.thehotelguide.com and across our social media networks. To say that we have grown is an understatement!

      None of this would be possible had it not been for my former partner and original visionary of The Hotel Guide – Robert Ruggiero. His steadfast sense of detail and creativity launched a “pet project” of his into a global platform. Simply…amazing.

     This year we plan on commemorating as much of our history as we can but also focusing on the terrific future that lies ahead. This edition is a testament to that. We have a new logo, new brand, new design. Why? Because it matters. 25 years is a long time and our readers deserve to always have the best of us.

     This edition again covers some of Texas grandest escapes – including a feature on West Texas and another 25th Anniversary celebration in the Hyatt Hill Country Resort.

     Don’t forget to check out our “Destinations” section along with our updated “Wellness Travel” section. You won’t want to miss that informative content.

     For great story ideas or to be a part of our “Experiences” section, send me a personal e-mail by clicking here. Looking for great hotel deals? Remember that you can book all of your travel from our website or by simply clicking here.

     Travel. Make Memories.

Remember that you can book all of your travel from our website or by simply clicking here.

     Remember, we make travel easy.

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     Historic and cutting edge attractions make this Texas gem an appealing getaway for every member of the family. Travelers can enjoy archeological wonders with the World-Heritage-designated San Antonio missions; test their courage with adrenaline pumping rides at theme and water parks; and stroll along the extended River Walk that meanders into neighborhoods, downtown and cultural and historic districts.

Here is a sampling of what’s new for summer family travel in San Antonio:

Six Flag Fiesta Texas celebrates 25 years with the world’s largest rocket blast water coaster

     Six Flags Fiesta Texas, an adventure park themed around the distinct culture of Texas, is celebrating its 25th anniversary with the world’s largest rocket blast water coaster opening June 3, 2017. Adrenaline junkies will ride the power of a storm with Thunder Rapids, a three-story, 942-foot-long roller coaster and water slide in one with lightning-fast uphill speeds and adrenaline-pumping drops. It’s located in White Water Bay, Fiesta Texas’ water park (included with admission).

     Six Flags Fiesta Texas is also introducing virtual reality to their drop ride Scream and debuting an all-new fireworks extravaganza, Celebrate! Summer Night Spectacular.

Morgan’s Inspiration Island, the world’s first ultra-accessible splash park

     Excitement is peaking at the chance to enjoy the world’s first ultra-accessible splash park, Morgan’s Inspiration Island. Opening this summer, Morgan’s Inspiration Island will be a magical destination that inspires people with special needs to do things previously thought impossible such as a river boat adventure ride with twists and turns through a jungle where bird and animal sounds fill the air. The experience continues with five water play areas offering a variety of splash elements like raintrees, falls, pools, geysers, jets, water cannons and tipping buckets.

SeaWorld San Antonio unveils Wave Breaker:

The Rescue Coaster

Wildlife enthusiasts can see if they have what it takes to race into action with SeaWorld’s animal rescue team on Wave Breaker, a one-of-a kind coaster inspired by the award-winning Sea Rescue® program.

     Designed exclusively for SeaWorld San Antonio, Wave Breaker replicates the adrenaline rush of a watercraft rescue mission. It’s more thrilling than a jet ski as riders hurdle 60 feet in the air over SeaWorld’s lake. Opening June 16, 2017.

Witte Museum welcomes $100 million in renovations to include new Naylor Family Dinosaur Gallery

Hailed as an oasis where nature, science and culture meet, the Witte Museum just unveiled $100 million in renovations. One of the most notable additions is the new Naylor Family Dinosaur Gallery. Adventurers can follow the large carnivorous Acrocanthosaurus as it leaves tracks along ancient Texas shorelines; explore predator and prey as a mosasaur hunts for dinner in the ancient seas; and behold the massive skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus rex.

     In the new Dino Lab, Witte guests will discover what fossils uncover about the era when dinosaurs roamed Texas, compare the jaws and teeth of meat eaters with those of plant eaters, learn what ancient footprints say about dinosaur behavior and examine links between dinosaurs and modern-day birds.

     This is just a sampling of the new experiences in San Antonio. There’s more to discover. While in town, travelers can stop by the Visitor Information Center across from The Alamo to grab a map, get more ideas on what to explore and have San Antonio questions answered.

     Getaway packages, discounts and more information can be found at visitsanantonio.com.

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     In this edition of The Hotel Guide, we feature incredible beaches and top destinations. For instance, some can’t-miss stops in Texas include San Antonio,Arlington and beachgoers can revel at South Padre Island.

     Every good traveler also needs to focus on their Health and Wellness and that’s another reason we launched our Wellness Section sponsored by IDLife. Get tips to stay healthy while traveling and even utilize a new state-of-the-art teledoc via Hello, Alvin.

     Ready for some international travel? You don’t want to miss the 5-star, all-inclusive resort called Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Maya. This impeccable resort will help you make memories to last a lifetime. While in Mexico, be sure and visit the state of Campeche and learn about tons of Mexican history and culture.

     For great story ideas or to be a part of our “Experiences” section, send me a personal e-mail by clicking here. Looking for great hotel deals? Remember that you can book all of your travel from our website or by simply clicking here.

     Remember, we make travel easy.

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Cool Kid Stops

     The Texas Capital is loaded with entertainment for kids. Along with the capitol building and state history museum, there are natural swimming holes, activity centers filled with trampolines—and don’t forget those famous bats. There’s also Barton Springs Pool, a three-acre watering hole with 68-degree waters are fed by underground springs. After a dip, grab a bite at Phil’s Icehouse known for its burgers, shakes, outdoor seating, and expansive playground.

Outdoor Adventures

     Fredericksburg and the Hill Country is best known for its romantic B&Bs and independent boutiques, but it’s also a great destination for adventure-craving families. Hike or climb Enchanted Rock, a pink granite boulder known for its unbeatable Hill Country views. Kids can also play historic house at Lyndon B. Johnson State Park’s Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm where pretend pioneers can cook, dress, and make toys, like cornhusk dolls and pigskin footballs.

Animal Excursions

     This town of 23,000 is home to the Lone Star State’s best summer camps, and is also kid-friendly year round. Overnight at the Y.O. Ranch which has 190 guestrooms and 13 cabins on a 40,000 acre farm where a lot more than the buffalo roam; you can see over 55 animal species such as wildebeests, rhea, and even giraffes on a tour, followed by a chuck wagon lunch. The animals are more domestic at Crider’s Rodeo which is open weekend nights from May through September. Before the main event—a rodeo and live country music—kids can try their hand at mutton bustin’, or sheep riding. Grab a bathing suit and fishing pole for a trip to Ingram Dam, a local swimming hole that’s also a great spot to people watch on weekends.

River Floating

     New Braunfels is located on the Guadalupe and Comal rivers, and there’s arguably no better way than to spend a hot summer Saturday than floating on the water. Families can rent inner tubes from companies such as Comal Tubes, and pack a cooler—we suggest juice boxes, cold beer, and fried chicken—to munch on en route. Travelers can also make a trip to Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch a 400-acre property with over 500 animal breeds, including 40 exotics. If you’re catching the town on a rainy day, stop by the McKenna Children’s Museum where hands-on exhibits (Lend-a-Hand Ranch, Destination Space) provide hours of indoor entertainment.

Get Wild

     Start your weekend with a trip to Wichita Falls. The oil and gas story is also on full display at the Museum of North Texas History, as well as exhibits on the city’s cowboy roots. (Don’t miss the collection of 500-plus cowboy hats.) If you’re looking for a more hands-on experience, head to the River Bend Nature Center, where kiddos can hunt for animal tracks on nature trails, and explore the 7,000-square-foot, glass-enclosed butterfly conservatory, also home to native creatures such as white quails and box turtles.

Out on the Lake

     PK Lake—as it’s known among locals—is well loved for its 300 miles of scenic coastline, limestone cliffs, and quiet inlets. It’s long been a popular family getaway spot for city folk for its lake activities such as fishing, waterskiing, and even SCUBA diving. If you prefer to stay on land, the 1,528-acres Possum Kingdom State Park has camping spots and rustic cabins available for rent. Also keep an eye on the park’s calendar for ranger-led events such as native plant or geology-focused walks.

Explore Texas’s Canyon Land

     Palo Duro, which cuts through Texas’ high plains, is the second largest canyon in the U.S. (We’ll let you guess which canyon takes home the gold medal.) It’s over 100 miles long and can be over 1,000 feet deep, and while travelers can happily hike along endless trails, you might want to consider exploring the landscape by horseback. You’ll travel even faster at the Palo Duro Canyon Zipline Adventure Park, where zip lines afford you a bird’s eye view of the iconic red rocks.

Slip, Slide, and Ride

     This historic town of 50,000, named for the mustang grapes that were found in abundance throughout the area, was founded in 1843, and still maintains historic charm thanks to a bustling Main Street and gazebo-anchored parks. Thomas the Tank Engine fans will delight in the Grapevine Vintage Railroad; you can jump on the Tarantual Train, made up of two Victorian-style locomotives, for a 21-mile trip to the Fort Worth Stockyards. The hotels here also keep the kiddos in mind: stay at the Great Wolf Lodge—home to an 80,000-square-foot indoor waterpark—or the Gaylord Texan itself a mini-city with rivers, bridges, restaurants and shops. Kids can jump into the lazy river or take cooking classes, while parents head to wine and cheese socials.

More Information

     Looking for more family fun things to do in the Lone Star state? Then visit their official website at: www.TravelTex.com.

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Prize-Winning

     The Buckhorn’s most prized record holder is the famous ‘78 Point Buck’.  This impressive rack was sold to the saloon owner himself, Albert Friedrich, for a mere $100 dollars back in 1890.  Other amazing specimens include a record 1,056 pound black marlin and a 10,000 year old pre-historic Irish elk.

History

    In 1881, seventeen-year-old Albert Friedrich, a bartender and bellhop at San Antonio’s Southern Hotel on Main Plaza, decided to open his own saloon across the street. Little did Friedrich know, over 130 years later his Buckhorn Saloon and Museum would be one of San Antonio’s top attractions and continue to entertain tourists from all over the world.

     Shortly after opening The Buckhorn Saloon, Albert learned that many folks traveling off the ol’ dusty trail didn’t have much money in their pockets. Albert had the brilliant idea to accept horns and antlers in exchange for a free beer or whiskey from his saloon. From then on, The Buckhorn collection grew to become one of the world’s most unique and largest collections of horns and antlers. The impressive horn and antler collection lined every wall and ceiling, which is why it is known as the Buckhorn Hall of Horns.

     In 1922, the first year of Prohibition in the United States, the Buckhorn made its first move to the corner of Houston and South Flores Streets. Many saloons, unable to serve alcoholic beverages, closed their doors, but Friedrich used his collection and his creativity to keep the Buckhorn afloat.

     In 1956, the Lone Star Brewery of San Antonio purchased The Buckhorn and built a facility to house the original bar and collection that would serve as their hospitality and sampling room. The collection continued to grow and the Buckhorn persevered as one of San Antonio’s most popular tourist attractions.

     In 1996 Stroh’s Brewing Company, decided to divest itself of the historical collection. The future of the Buckhorn looked bleak until Mary Friedrich Rogers, granddaughter of Albert Friedrich, and her husband, Wallace committed to preserving this important part of San Antonio history, stepped forward to purchase the collection. While the Buckhorn continued to entertain more than 150,000 visitors a year at its former location, the new owners felt that a more central downtown location would be advantageous.

     In 2006, The Buckhorn Saloon and Museum expanded again when an additional museum, The Texas Ranger Museum was added onto the attraction. The Texas Ranger Museum features hundreds of authentic Texas Ranger artifacts including automatic handguns, shotguns, badges and more. The museum also features a recreation of San Antonio at the turn of the century in Ranger Town. The town includes a replica Buckhorn Saloon, a jail cell, blacksmith and a replica of the 1934 Ford V8 Deluxe—the famous Bonnie & Clyde getaway car.

More Information

To learn more about one of San Antonio’s top attractions, visit them at www.BuckhornMuseum.com.

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