Texas for Christmas?
 

Hi everyone.

Brief Background: Family of three. We have a teen daughter who is both brilliant and on the autism spectrum. For various reasons, we don't do Christmas with family. We do see one side in New Orleans for New Year's Eve. It's somewhat depressing to me so we always take off somewhere - usually Disney but last year we switched it up and went to DC/WIlliamsburg and had a great time. Probably the teen's favorite trip

We have limited Texas experience - one spring break trip 6 years to San Antonio (we loved it and until DC, it was the kid's favorite trip) and my husband spent a couple years in Fort Worth about 20 years ago.

I'd like to go somewhere driving distance of New Orleans since we'll end up there and then head home (we live 250 miles east of New Orleans). Texas just stays on the radar. I'm specifically thinking Dallas/Fort Worth for 5 days and then San Antonio for 4 days. Our budget can be up $500 a day - lodging/food/entertainment.

The big question is what would we do? We live in a very small beach town so we adore big cities - Whole Foods alone is a great morning and we always find an IKEA if we can (and we know there's one in that area). We have absolutely nothing where we live (it's a great place to live though) so things like art museums, zoos, shopping, mass transit are things we only get to do when we travel. We love holiday light displays. My teen tends to age younger due to autism so I like to find things (like zoos) where she can still be a kid but not stand out. She also is obsessed with theme park rides (seeing them but usually not riding them) so I'm thinking about the Six Flags holiday events as well as the event at Sea World.

Another question is where to stay in DFW area. I like Gaylord (especially for Christmas Eve and Day when nothing will probably be open) but I'm not sure we want to stay there the entire time. I'd like to find some "unique to Texas" hotel - maybe in Fort Worth?

Also not sure about San Antonio - loved Hyatt Hill Country last tine but wonder if we would be better off on the Riverwalk.

Am I crazy for considering this? The teen is up for anything with one major stipulation - she doesn't do boats/ship. Not even a little. My husband and I tend to be easygoing - we like nice (but not stuffy) hotels and resorts and we're not really into fine dining, spas, or bars.

Thanks for any advice.

The Riverwalk is nice for Christmas . . as is driving to some of the surrounding towns to see their christmas lights.

http://www.texastripper.com/festival...nio-river.html

Keep in mind that chilly weather is a possibility for the D/FW area. Not as likely for San Antonio (weather will be more like New Orleans and where you live) but still could happen there.

How about visiting Austin instead of Dallas? There is loads to do, but it is more walkable than DFW and it's an easier drive to San Antonio. The museums aren't as good as what you'll find in Dallas, but they are still pretty great (I love the Texas State History Museum). You could stay at the Hotel San Jose or the Driskill. Very Texas-y.

I agree with Txtree that Austin would be a good choice. There are some excellent museums there (e.g. Bob Bullock State History Museum, Blanton Art Museum, Texas Memorial Museum (natural history), etc.) There'a also a good show of lights in Zilker Park and some funky stores and restaurants. (I bet you all would get a kick out of the retro toys at Toy Joy.)
I would also highly recommend a side trip to Fredericksburg. If you enjoy history, stop at the LBJ Ranch and do the self-guided driving tour and tour of the ranch house. (We were there before Christmas last year and the ranch house was decorated for the holiday like the Johnsons would have decorated it when they lived there.) Johnson City offers a spectacular display of lights on its buildings and don't miss the hundreds of thousands of lights at the Pedernales Electric Cooperative. (Google for photos). In Fredericksburg itself, I highly recommend the Rockbox Christmas show (Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 24th) It's a fun, family-friendly rock-and-roll Christmas show. There's lots of fun shops in Fredericksburg--my favorites are Rustlin' Robs where you are encouraged to try all their food offerings and Dooley's Five and Dime (a real five-and-dime variety store).

I agree with Austin. Our son lives in Houston and his all time favorite Texas city is Austin! We will be there for the first time in the spring but if I were going to be there when you are I would go here: http://www.armadillobazaar.com/about/

Agree with Austin, of course. ZZilker lights may not happen this year, but no prob. Armadillo Christmas Bazar is great for beautiful gifts and great music (food and drinks too!). Love the Blanton, side trip to Fredricksburg too. Does your daught have special interests? Music? Art?

The Gaylord Texan is decorated beautifully at Christmas time. They also have the ICE! exhibit at Christmas time which is worthwhile. http://www.gaylordhotels.com/gaylord...mas/index.html I have only been once, and it was to the first one they had several years ago, but I enjoyed it very much. Great Wolf Lodge is across the street if you wanted to stay there a night for their indoor waterpark. Kids of all ages love it.

The IKEA you referred to in your post is in Frisco. If you enjoy shopping you will have plenty of that to do in Frisco. There is the Stonebriar Mall and more stores than you could possibly get to in a week. Sam Moon is a good place to take a girl.

Frisco has "Christmas on the Square" every year with activities and a great holidays lights display. http://www.friscosquare.com/CITS

Both Stonebriar Mall and Grapevine Mills malls have ice skating if that is something your daughter might like to do.

If the weather permits, the Frisco Commons Park has an incredible playground and walking trails to a lovely pond area. http://friscofun.org/parks/parks/Pag...coCommons.aspx

There are quite a few hotels in Frisco and the nearby North Plano area if you wanted to stay there a night. The Embassy Suites in Frisco is very family friendly, has an indoor pool and is located right by the mall. The Marriott at Legacy Park is in nearby Plano and you can walk around the Shops at Legacy here. http://www.shopsatlegacy.com/ They have outdoor jazz music playing on Friday and Saturday nights.

You might enjoy staying in Fort Worth for a night also. I have stayed at the Worthington Renaissance and enjoyed it very much. It's a very nice hotel in a great location for walking around Sundance Square. I have also liked staying at the Residence Inn in the Cultural District. It's not right downtown but a short distance away. They have a shuttle that will take you anywhere within a five mile radius. The Fort Worth Zoo is very nice and the Kimball Art Museum is excellent. Many also recommend the Stockyards (I've never been to them). I also haven't been to Holiday in the Park at Six Flags, but I'm sure it would be fun.

I hope you have a great trip!

If you do decide to stay at the Gaylord, Grapevine has a LOT of Christmas events: https://www.grapevinetexasusa.com/Fe...8/Default.aspx

It is an easy 30 minute drive up 121 to Frisco.

Whole Foods started in Austin and that's where their huge flagship store is located. If you like Whole Foods, you will love this one. Also, Central Market (the original one on North Lamar) is also great. Never thought of grocery stores as tourist attractions until I moved here!

Also, there's an IKEA up in Round Rock.

Whole Foods . . Central Market and IKEA . . Austin has it all! !

Was going to add the same! Plus Austin is just plain cool. I read that the Whole Foods on Lamar is one of the top tourists attractions in austin. - up there with Barton Springs!

It's true - you could spend a whole day at the Whole Foods in Austin. You'd have to leave only to walk across the street to visit Book People and then across another street to visit Amy's ice cream! And maybe you'd be up for a walk to Hut's for a burger. Oh, and then you might want to stop in at By George to shop. One of my favorite days in Austin.

Your teen would probably love Austin. I'll add to the list above that there is a fabulously funky neighborhood display of lights on 37th street close to Central Market. There is lots to do and see in Austin and a nice vibe for your family trip. You might want to go to one of the Alamo Draft House theaters for a movie and a meal, it's unique and fun.

Thanks everyone for all the suggestions!