Forgot to mention, both the McNay and SAMA are closed Mondays.

Oh thank you all so much! This is great info. I've been googling/copy/pasting for a while.

I'm going to owe ya'll a Texas size trip report.

The Rothko Chapel has been mentioned to me 3 times and I've also seen it in a magazine. The 1st time it was mentioned I shrugged it off, never being a big fan. I just don't get Rothko.

But now I feel I must go and meditate in the chapel because it's difficult to be the only art lover in the world that doesn't get Rothko. I'm going to give him the best try I can and see what happens :)

The reason I decided on Arlington is b/c it seems an equal distance between Dallas and Ft Worth. I once stayed in Arlington for work and it was easy to get around from when I wanted to get a break. Since we'll have the car I don't really want to stay in Dallas and pay to park at a hotel. I didn't mention that I'm rather frugal.

L, count me amongst those that doesn't really "get" the Rothko chapel. People who love art and architecture seem to love it. Let me know what you think.

LSky, it's really nice to see someone excited about coming to TX. (It so often gets a bad rap.)

Don't miss the Amon Carter museum in Fort Worth. And I happen to love the Kimbell, for it's architecture as well as it's art.

Re Arlington.. I happen to live in Arlington and it's a fine city! If you're staying here, you really should take the time to tour the new Cowboys Stadium. It is mind-boggling. :)

Also, for a wonderful foodie experience, don't miss Potager, in downtown Arlington. This is a small restaurant that uses only local ingredients. Therefore, the menu changes daily. It's a "pay what you feel your dinner was worth" place. The quiches are always wonderful, as well as the soups.

The Fort Worth Botanic Garden is wonderful. Don't miss both the Japanese gardens and The Conservatory. Beautiful!!!

As mentioned above, Texas is a very big state. You would find it difficult to get to Big Bend on this trip.

Texas has a lot to offer! I know you'll love it!

In Houston, if you have time, Mark's is a wonderful place to go to dinner. It's built in an old church so has really cool architecture.

http://marks1658.com/about.cfm

http://www.menil.org/

http://www.mfah.org/

Lsky - are you staying in Arlington? (I am a little confused on your timeline).

I have truly come to love the great state of Texas over the last few years - and love love love Austin. If I could live any place in Texas I would certainly pick Austin and think it deserves more than 2 nights. :)

Mom, sorry I missed this. Even though I titled the thread "I can't wait" it appears we will wait. :)

We won't put it off long there is a lot that we want to see in Texas and my interest keeps mounting.

Yes, we would stay in Arlington, because it looks handy to both Ft Worth/Dallas. I prefer not changing hotels.

Thanks for the input about Austin. :)

I am heading to Austin myself on Thursday and I can't wait either! We will be in Texas until Monday afternoon--yay!

Add me to the "I love Texas" folks!

Suggestion: before you go, rent/watch "The Alamo" the one with Billy Bob Thornton, not the one from the 1960s.

San Antonio--As above, second suggestion for Hotel Menger, right by the Alamo, in addtion to the Riverwalk. Even if you don't stay at Hotel Menger, don't miss that incredible lobby, especially with your interest in architecture!! Note that San Antonio has some dicey areas not far from the Riverwalk. Also, not sure when you are going, but the river is drained in January for clean up--not the best time to see it, of course!!

State Capitol Bldg in Autsin is beautiful!!

In Dallas, to answer one question above, the Sixth Floor Museum is most certainly worth a visit to Dallas. A huge part of our American history. From "THE" spot, you look down, aghas at lack of security then, and see the painted X marks on the road, marking where the shots reached JFK.

i recommend coast drive between Galveston and Corpus. One of my very favorite areas in Texas is less than an hour north of Corpus. Village with local art galleries, and nearby small village right on the water, with great little atmospheric restaurants

Galveston--was less than impressed. But there is a marvelous New Orleans style restaurant.

Will be back with more specific details --memory is fading!

Texas' State Motto is "Friendship" and nearly every where you go, you'll see how
accurate that is!

the yummy restarant in Galveston: Shrimp and Stuff on "O" Street. Like being in New orleans

Towns on the coast just north of Corpus: Rockport (art galleries) and--i love this place--Fulton Harbor. Been been 4.5 yrs since there, hope the area hasnt grown TOO much!