absuden

We have never been to Texas and Louisiana. We are professionals in our 50's flying from Canada for a fall break seeking rest and relaxation, memorable sights and fabulous regional food experiences. Our intent is to spend 1 day in Dallas, either on arrival or departure. We are renting a car and are considering stops of San Antonio, Austin, New Orleans and points between. We enjoy local culture, music, food and clean, reasonable accommodation. Suggestions of what to see and do in late September and early October would be appreciated.

jayne1973

Should be a nice time to visit, lots of festivals happening especially in October.

Eat barbeque and Tex-Mex, sample various margaritas and local brews and enjoy your road trip. There are many, many possibilities.

absuden

Thanks Jayne some good suggestions. Any specific festivals or restaurants, and in what locations?

Rich

Some thoughts . . For the trip from Dallas to San Antonio, Go west from DFW on I-20 and then take US 281 south thru a string of smaller Texas Hill Country towns. This avoids I-35 which is both boreing and congested.

From San Antonio, take as much of US 90 as possible east to Houston. Much of it is also I-10, but enough is still there to get a feel for central Texas communities.

You can find excellent BBQ "joints" particlarly, Luling City Market.

From Houston to New Orleans, take US 90 again at Lafayatte La. thru Morgan City and enter New Orleans thru the back door. You will see the nitty gritty of Lousiana and find many great places to eat excellent seafood.

From New Orleans, you can take I55 and get off the beatten path as much as you wish to Memphis as you have time for!

Be sure to get a Texas and Louisiana road map so that you can tailor stops to your preferences

Enjoy the trip and the great food along the way!

jayne1973

October is just generally festival season, so no telling what all you might run into. The State Fair of Texas will just be kicking off when you arrive in Dallas, and that is always fun. Dallas has a nice public train system (DART) that will take you right to the gate, too.

In Fredericksbrig (near Austin and San Antionio) Oktoberfest is huge, but not sure if it will align well within your travel dates. Here's the website:
http://www.oktoberfestinfbg.com

absuden

Thanks Rich for your comprehensive travel and highway suggestions. That helps a lot when we are wanting to take in quite a large span of country. Great to get the BBQ place tip, will be sure to check it out.

Thanks Jayne for including the link.

Now we have a good map of how to get where and an idea what we may consider to plan our itinerary around!

Rich

Another BBQ option is Luling City market . . just east of San Antonio . . many consider it the best!

stumpworks73

Austin has an excellent music scene. Check out an events calendar well before your visit to determine if you need to buy tickets or make reservations in advance.

San Antonio's Riverwalk is an excellent destination with many restaurants. The Alamo is a popular historic visit.

You are visiting during football season. Cowboys, UT, Texan, and Saints tickets are tough but possible.

New Orleans restaurants are among the most famous anywhere. K-Paul's, Mr Bs, Brennan's, Emeril's NOLA or Delmonico, Felix's, Acme, Antoine's and Commander's Palace are just a few. Dixieland Jazz, the Garden District and Audubon Zoo are good visits.

Sould be a great trip. Have fun.

absuden

Took your suggestion Stumpworks and checked out music scene in Austin around our travel dates... unfortunately, looks like the music scene we will need to pursue in New Orleans unless anyone might be able to direct us to some local venues which host local and emerging talent. Regards to all for your input!