where to go in west-texas????
 

Me and my wife and 11-year old daughter want to visit Texas this summer. Because of its size, we want to stay in the western part of texas(the panhandle plains). Who has any tips for a dutch family that is going there for the first time. Whats there to see and do? <BR>What are the best moderate h(m)otels to stay in (about $50)? What is a must to go to? <BR> <BR>Thx a lot,Leo from Holland

May I recommend that you think about going to the Hill Country near Austin and San Antonio. You will get a lot of the hills and cacti and be in the prettiest area of Texas. In the late 1800's Germans settled there & it still has a large German influence--Gruene, Fredericksburg. Austin is nearby & is not only the capitol but also an intersting city. San Antonio has 2 amusement parks (Six Flags Fiesta & Sea World), Alamo, riverwalk, mariachi mass at missions, etc. The only Motel 6 I recommend is in San Antonio on Pecos near the Market. La Quinta Inns, Embassy Suites are good motels. <BR> <BR>The Panhandle is nice but, other than Palo Duro Canyon with the play "Texas", there isn't much to do. There may be a dude ranch. You will enjoy Texas: it is a great state with friendly people. Try www.traveltex.com for information and materials. <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

May I recommend that you think about going to the Hill Country near Austin and San Antonio. You will get a lot of the hills and cacti and be in the prettiest area of Texas. In the late 1800's Germans settled there & it still has a large German influence--Gruene, Fredericksburg. Austin is nearby & is not only the capitol but also an intersting city. San Antonio has 2 amusement parks (Six Flags Fiesta & Sea World), Alamo, riverwalk, mariachi mass at missions, etc. The only Motel 6 I recommend is in San Antonio on Pecos near the Market. La Quinta Inns, Embassy Suites are good motels. <BR> <BR>The Panhandle is nice but, other than Palo Duro Canyon with the play "Texas", there isn't much to do. There may be a dude ranch. You will enjoy Texas: it is a great state with friendly people. Try www.traveltex.com for information and materials. <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

Have to totally agree with Linda about west Texas. I lived in Texas for nine years and, other than Palo Duro State Park and Big Bend State Park (both EXTREMELY hot during the summer), I can't really recommend the area for an international visitor. Austin and San Antonio would be MUCH better destinations. For inexpensive (but VERY basic) lodging, check www.motel6.com

Texas is one of the best states to visit.It is very diverse, I fear that the panhandle plains arn't quite so interesting. <BR>The hill country near Austin is very picturesque and so are the lakes and bayou's of east Texas. <BR>Injoy your visit, if anyone needs feedback on Texas E-mail me at <BR> [email protected] <BR>I am in Winnipeg, Canada <BR>

Ewww.... Lubbock isn't exactly what I would consider a great vacation spot! <BR> <BR>As a Native Texan, I would highly recommend somewhere along the I-35 corridor in central Texas- Austin, San Antonio, or the Hill Country. Even Corpus Christi is worth a visit. Any internet search engine or local guide site can give you the highlights of each town. You'll likely arrive into Dallas-Fort Worth, so this is a good first stop. Depending on how long you have, the rest of your trip can vary. <BR> <BR>Some good chains of inexpensive motels are Motel 6, Super 8, La Quinta, Comfort Inns, and Quality Inns. Email if you need more info!

I agree with all..the Hill Country is where you need to explore. I lived there for five years and have the following suggestions: <BR>1. Go to San Marcos, TX, rent a tube, and float down the San Marcos river. Everyone will like it..it's also very refreshing. <BR>2. Drive from San Marcos to Wimberly, TX and explore more. <BR>3. Also, drive to Fredricksburg, Leaky and Concan. You will get a flavour of the Hill Country you won't soon forget. <BR>BUT, if you desire to go to West Texas, I suggest Alpine, TX, Fort Davis mountains, and Palo Duro Canyon. We stayed at the Hudspeth House Bed and Breakfast. It was voted as one of the Top 10 B&B destinations in the State of Texas in 1997. I don't doubt it. Talk to Mark or Mary Clark and they will suggest other sights to see in West Texas. The phone number is 806.655.9800. <BR>I traveled throughout West Texas for many years and it's certainly not to be missed. <BR> <BR>Have Fun and Welcome to Texas. Write me if you have other questions.