texas road trip qal

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Texas Road Trip QAL-Customer quilt

So, today I’m going to share a customer’s quilt that I recently worked on.  It was put together beautifully and I loved that I had the chance to work on this… I had the awesome opportunity to quilt a very talented quilter’s Texas Road Trip QAL quilt.  The design for the quilting was fairly straight forward and not that complicated, but the impact was really breath taking.  Straight lines and curved lines work separately to really make the quilt pop.  

With your Host

Cristina Tepsick

of Pretty Little Quilts

2 Quilt Alongs Listed

Texas Road Trip QAL

Jun 2 - jul 28, 2014, description.

On this roadtrip, we will be showing you how to make a Texas Quilt, and at each city you stop in you'll learn how to make a block designed for that city, learn some fun stuff about the area

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Texas Road Trip QAL @ Pretty Little Quilts

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September 8, 2014

Deep in the heart of texas roadtrip quilt.

10 comments:

OMG! CATHY!!!! THIS is BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!! Thank you for sharing with us! Mom and I can't get enough of your pics!!!!

It is amazing. So beautifull. I am impressed. I love your top. I will come back to see it finished. Reading your post I learned Texas is more than rodeo and oil!!! Love from Amsterdam

Very lovely finish!

I love your little beach hut! And the background fabric you used is perfect.

Speaking as a fellow TEXAN!!!! WAY TO GO!!!!! I LOVE THIS QUILT!!!!! You might have to share where you purchased the pattern... LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!! signed, Sugar Land, TEXAN

Cathy this is absolutely F A B U L O U S!!! Serious I love it! I use to teach fourth grade in Arizona...the year we teach about our state....and I would have loved to have made one of these for Arizona with my class. I'm so inspired!!

Still inspired....msybe I can create an after school club with some of the older kids at school???

That's fantastic. I want one for my state too!

What a fun sampler!

This had to be a lot of fun! Great way to honor Texas and have some sampler fun. Thanks for sharing this one at Val's!!

Texas Roadtrip QAL- Hill County

Labels: aurifil , free pattern , giveaways , Texas Roadtrip QAL

from Pixels to Patchwork

My journey from Pantone and print to patterns and pincushions

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Deep in the heart of texas roadtrip quilt along.

5 comments so far. What are your thoughts?

This sounds really interesting! Plus, it would be a fabulous way to add more TEXAS quilting bloggers to my reader. :-)

How exciting! I grew up in Pittsburg, Texas, which is about an hour from Tyler.

Sounds like my kind of travelling Taryn :)

Thanks so much, Taryn! So happy to have you representing! xoxo

Glad I found your blog Taryn! I'm also in Houston and I haven't run into many quilters (not to mention many local quilt shops). I love your quilts and I think we have very similar tastes. I look forward to more posts and keeping up with you! I would love for you to browse my blog as well. Thanks and have a great weekend! Jennifer Gwyn, Houston, TX

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23 June 2014

Texas roadtrip qal and giveaway: el paso.

• I don't live in Texas. I've never lived in Texas. I've visited once (a brother who went to A&M, so I do love me some Johnny Football, for my brother's sake). I live in Idaho. But I'm a "wannabe Texan."
• Before you call me a fraud, I have a long list of ancestors from Texas. LONG list. So I claim it by heritage. Is it my fault my grandfathers were Marines and moved around and settled in the West, and my parents never thought, "Hey, we should go back to Texas"? No. Not my fault.

• Mexican food. Lots and lots of Mexican food. I love it.
• 2 quilt stores in El Paso: Connie's Quilting and Owensville Quilting and Country Mercantile
• To do in El Paso:
• The National Border Patrol Museum (no? :)
• The Wyler Ariel Tramway (now this looks cool!)
• See a show at the Plaza Theatre (Wicked, anyone? Next year baby!)

37 comments:

Choosing a place to live in TX is like choosing a place to live in an entire nation; there are so many choices! Loved your El Paso stop since my hometown is El Paso, Illinois--I often say, "I'm from the El Paso in Illinois, not the one in TX!"

Hey! I don't live in Texas either, but I've been to El Paso and it is gorgeous! I think you should move there - the humidity isn't bad indoors. :) I love the color choices in your block! Thanks for the fun!

Just think how beautiful your skin would be with all of that lovely humidity. I have a good friend that was raised in Beaumont. She loved it as I'm sure you would. I really like the way your block goes together in a quilt. Your fabrics work very well with the design. Thanks for the giveaway.

Hi from Montana ! Love you Block! About Texas, can't help much>alot of Early American History sites there. Great Quilt Shops all over ! Thanks for sharing! [email protected]

hey, move to frisco tx. my friend says it is awesome their and they have lots of jobs available

Austin is the only place in Texas I have been to and it was great!

Hey! Move to Austin! My son lives there, and the food, the music, the weather are all wonderful. Rcoyle at olemiss dot edu

never been there but love all the western states

Sorry, but the humidity really IS that bad! However, the low cost of living, the low cost of housing, and no state income taxes can help to make up for it!

Tyler or Chandler, TX baby!!! My brother and SIL live in Chandler - I love visiting them. If I wasn't a die hard Carolina girl I'd move to TX in a heartbeat!!! Love me some Texans!!!

Love it!! Thanks for playing along! Please exclude me from the drawing :)

Hi, where in Idaho are you from? I'm in Nampa. I'm making this quilt for a son whose first job after college is Texas campaigning for Wendy Davis. I think that he'll love it. Thanks again!

Lol, Texas is hot!! And west Texas smells like cows. Can't say I blame your parents. I know I would miss it if I left though :) Really like your block! Thanks for playing along.

:) I do like your choice for this block. I'm a Texan, always have been, and will NEVER move away. Currently I'm in San Antonio, but I would really like to live up in one of the small towns near DFW. And speaking of quilt shops, there is a shop hop, the Row by Row Experience. It's a national shop hop and I pulled up the list of Texas shops. There are OVER 100 shops just in this shop hop!!! If that isn't reason to move here, I don't know what will convince you. :)

My husbands family is all from Texas, my family is from Minnesota so we live in the center of Kansas.

I live in Central Tx, Brownwood to be exact, which being a history geek you will appreciate the fact that it's only 17 miles from the geographical center of the state. Not much here tho but nice area and Austin, Dallas, Waco, Abilene, San Angelo, San Antonio or only 2-3 hours away, any direction you go. Very mild humidity compared to other parts of state and compared to SW Missouri where I'm from. Block is great and love it put together with several. Thanks for sharing. dorisquiltingqueen at yahoo dot com

Brownwood is great! Not too much in the way of population & activities, but still such a wonderful area of Texas. Having to drive to Abilene for Lowes or Target is a bit much for me though ;) (my family is from Coleman County & my grandparents currently live in Brownwood)

I am so happy to have found your blog! I love your sense of humor :) I have only been in Texas for an hour layover at the airport…but it is a place that I would love to go! Texas seems like such a great state.

I have never been to El Paso but my husband will be working there for a couple months. Maybe I will visit while he's there :) Great block and I love your quilt in your header!

Cute block! It's really cool to see a bunch of blocks together, what a cool design! I grew up in TX and have been back several times due to hubby's contract work, but am currently living in KY. My fav part is North Dallas (Plano, Frisco, McKinney). You have all the perks of big city living, but not super close to all the chaos. I grew up in San Antonio which was fun but it's UBER hot down there. Great place to visit though, lots to do and see, plus you have the 5 time NBA CHAMPS SPURS!!!! :) I've also lived in Houston, which if you don't like humidity, it's not the place for you. Job market is crazy down there right now, which is why we go there for work! Texas is just the best, you can't go wrong! :)

I love paper piecing! Cute block, love the colors you chose.

Born & raised Texan! I grew up in the Austin area but that's just too many people for me! We live in College Station & love it. Yes, it's humid. Yes, it's hot. But I live in one of the friendliest towns in the country & that's what matters!! I can't wait to get started on my Roadtrip quilt...I have so many UFOs right now though, I can't quite get started. Plus there's a 6 week old attached to me all day :)

My hubby was born and raised in El Paso and I hear a lot of fabulous things about the food. Greatgiveaway!

You need to move to Texas - any part of Texas - because there is NO STATE INCOME TAX!!! Of course, you could come on over to Washington or a wee bit south to Nevada to have that lovely benefit too with no humidity!! But there is rarely any snow in Texas, especially the southern half, so no shoveling and you don't have to buy snow tires, get studded tires or chains!!! Enough reasons for hubby? Thanks for the great giveaway!

I've really been enjoying this quilt along. Great block!

Hey I haven't visited Texas before but I can feel your pain about the humidity North Carolina can be bad for that too.

Love your blick and your post. So funny! I don't know much about Texas 'cuz I've only been there once as a Red Cross disaster volunteer after a flood so my experience was limited. People were super friendly, though, and I learned that Texans use "meemaw" and "pawpaw" instead of "grandma" and "grandpa," which is so cute it might be reason enough to move there!

Only been to Texas once-Houston. Great rodeo. Love your quilt. Thanks for the chance at wonderful Aurifil.

Only been to Houston-great rodeo. Love your quilts. Thanks for the chance for wonderful Aurifil.

I love the sun and the heat...you should definitely move there! And no state taxes! I am from White Rock, BC right in the border of Washington and we have enough taxes for everyone! And it's not called the "wet" coast for nothing! Great block... Am making this quilt and then am going to find it a loving Texas home!

My family says Austin is great and Dallas! But I love Michigan :) thanks for the fun!

I live in Texas now from Maine. I love it here so much and I am so happy not to have to deal with snow any more!

Austin is a great town to live in! My parents are in Houston and we spend lots of time in San Antonio and Galveston when we visit.

Love you paper pieced block!!

Love your block. I've never been to Texas. I imagine the desert in the west isn't humid, just HOT!

You really should move to Texas - everything is bigger and better here! We left once but came back as quick as we could (well, as quick as the bosses would let us)!

"The more things you do, the more you can do." Lucille Ball

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Deep in the Heart of Texas Roadtrip QAL

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Can't wait to see what you come up with! This looks so fun.

Wow that is so cool... I can't wait to see how it looks at the end!!!

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Home » North America » Best Road Trips in Texas (Texas Best Destinations in 2024)

Best Road Trips in Texas (Texas Best Destinations in 2024)

A combination of awesome national parks and buzzing cities make Texas the perfect place to explore by car. Any good road trip will have you travelling between them along wide open roads with endless landscapes on either side of you. And there’ll be BBQ spots and natural pools to break up the journey!

It’s hard to plan a road trip to Texas because the place is just so big. In fact, it’s the biggest state in the lower. So, how can you pack the most in without tiring yourself out with the long drives between destinations? That’s where we come in.

In this post, we’ll help you plan the perfect Texas road trip. Not only will we tell you where to go, but we’ll also give you some ideas about what to do when you’re there and the best places to stay for your budget. With our expertly crafted Texas road trips, you’re sure to have an excellent adventure. Let’s hit the road!

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Why Roadtrip in Texas?

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If you don’t know Texas well or you’re not yet convinced about travelling across the state by car, let us reassure you; here are the top five reasons to road trip in Texas:

• National Parks:  With more than 100 national and state parks, there are plenty of spectacular spots in the state where you can get close to nature and enjoy outdoor activities.
• History:  It’s not just the natural sites that impress in Texas. Historical sites leftover from French, Spanish, and Mexican rule dot the state. Sites of battles and mission churches make learning about Texas’ past more accessible.
• Cities:  There are some huge cities in Texas, each with their own distinct character and personality. Austin is known as The Live Music Capital of the World, while Houston is said to be the most diverse city in the US!
• Texas BBQ:  BBQ here is more than just regional cuisine; it’s synonymous with the Lone Star State. You won’t find better brisket and ribs anywhere on earth!
• Rodeo:  Is there anywhere more associated with cowboys than Texas? We’d say no. Be sure to check out one of these awesome events on your road trip – there are events year-round at Forth Worth!

Surely by now you’re loading up the car and looking for the nearest gas station. First, though, let’s get some admin out of the way.

The Ultimate Texas Road Trip – 6 days

National and state parks route – 7 days, texas hill country loop – 3 days.

• From: Austin
• Total Distance: 738 miles
• Top Road Trips Stops: San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin

This is the best road trip in Texas if you want to get a taste of city life and not have super long distances between each stop. You’ll get a sample of all the best that Texas has to offer, with live music in Austin, shopping in Dallas, and rodeo in Forth Worth. There are several stops on the roads in between that will show you rural Texas too. This one really does have everything!

Make sure you check out our guide to the best motels in Austin , because they are located near the main road links and are cosy and affordable, perfect for road trips!

Road Trip Highlights:

• Austin Cathedral of Junk
• Alamo Fort and San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
• Space Center Houston
• Dinosaur Valley State Park
• Forth Worth Stockyards Cattle Drive

Day 1: Austin to San Antonio (1.25 hours)

Your first day doesn’t have a lot of driving at all, so you can spend plenty of time in both Austin and San Antonio. Starting off in the Texan capital, there are loads to do depending on your travel style (and the weather).

If it’s sunny, check out Lady Bird Lake for a spot of stand up paddleboarding or chill out in Zilker Park. Alternatively, visit the impressive Texas Capitol Building – the largest of its type in the country. Don’t worry if you don’t get to see everything you want to in Austin; your road trip ends here too. But now, on to San Antonio!

If you’re looking for a unique place to stay in San Antonio, consider checking out one of the best bed and breakfasts in Texas for an affordable and homey feel.

• Best Things to Do:  Texas State Capitol, Zilker Metropolitan Park and Botanical Garden, Barton Springs Pool, Cathedral of Junk
• Where to Eat:  SFC Farmers’ Market at Republic Square, Franklin Barbecue, Mrs Johnson’s drive-in doughnut bakery (Austin)
• Where to Stay:  Drifter Jack’s Hostel , Aloft Austin Northwest , Downtown Birdhouse

Day 2: San Antonio and the Hill Country 

Of all the cities in Texas, San Antonio is said to be the hardest to drive in. That’s because it doesn’t follow the regular grid system. However, don’t let that put you off – it’s a fascinating place. Since you have the whole day here, you have a couple of options.

Stay in town to check out the River Walk or visit the legendary Alamo Fort, where Texas won its independence. Alternatively, you can drive out into the hill country. We’ve got a whole road trip coming up later on Hill Country, so more info on that then!

• Best Things to Do:  The Alamo, San Antonio River Walk, Natural Bridge Caverns, San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, San Antonio Botanical Garden
• Where to Eat:  El Mercado Plaza (over 100 local restaurants and shops), Pearl Farmers Market, Buckhorn Saloon and Museum
• Where to Stay:  Hilton Palacio del Rio , Historic River Walk Loft Apartment , Awesome Location Alamo/Riverwalk

Day 3: San Antonio to Houston (3.5 hours)

Day three sees you head east towards the coast and Houston on I-10. It’s the southernmost highway in the US and actually runs fully from Los Angeles to Jacksonville in Florida. But you’ll only be on it for a relatively short stretch. Once you arrive in Houston, you’ll be welcomed by the 4th largest city in the United States – and the most diverse! There’s just so much to do in Houston.

Insider tip: If you’re looking for awesome accommodation, check out the numerous amazing Airbnbs in Houston !

Leave San Antonio early so that you can head to Houston’s Space Center, where there’s a lot to see! Then, make your way into the city and explore the downtown underground tunnels. If your car is dirty, stop off at the world’s longest car wash.

• Best Things to Do:  Space Center Houston, Discovery Green Park, The Galleria Mall, Hines Waterfall Park, World’s Longest Car Wash
• Where to Eat:  The Hobbit Café, Rosie Cannonball, Hando, Toukei
• Where to Stay:  Wanderstay Houston , Courtyard Houston Downtown Convention Center , Small Modern Airbnb , Peaceful Studio with Downtown View

Day 4: Houston to Dallas (3.5 hours)

Take I45-North for the quickest route from Houston to Dallas. Alternatively, take Highway 6 North. The trip adds an extra two hours, but it’s worth it to stop off at Dinosaur Valley State Park.

As well as fossilised footprints, there are hiking trails and a playground. Great if you’re travelling with kids. When you arrive in Dallas, get a lay of the land from the top of the Reunion Tower. Then, if you still have time, check out the Sixth Floor Museum. It’s thought to be where JFK’s assassin fired from. Booking in advance online is recommended, and don’t forget a cool place to stay !

• Best Things to Do:  Dinosaur Valley State Park detour, Dallas Arts District, Reunion Tower, Sixth Floor Museum
• Where to Eat:  Sno (ask for a Piccadilly Raspa), Taqueria El Si Hay, S + D Oyster Company, Bubba’s Cooks Country
• Where to Stay:  The Wild Wild West , Alla’s Historical Bed and Breakfast , Retro 80s House , Downtown Tiny House

Day 5/6: Dallas to Forth Worth and Return to Austin (3.5 hours)

Day 5 is just a short drive on I-30 west to Forth Worth before the final stage of your loop back to the Texan capital, Austin. It’s famous for the Daily Cattle Drive, so you might end up in a traffic jam behind a herd of cows if you’re not careful.

The city is a blend of modern and traditional, and its cowboy roots mix with an exciting art and dining scene. The Fort Worth Water Gardens are a wonderful place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and chill out before you return to Austin.

• Best Things to Do: Fort Worth Stockyards Cattle Drive, Fort Worth Water Gardens, Kimbell Art Gallery, Billy Bob’s Texas.
• Where to Eat:  Billy Bob’s Texas (lots of bars and restaurants), FunkyTown Donuts, Riscky’s Brisket Bites, Wabi House.
• Where to Stay:  Hilton Fort Worth , Treehouse Studio near Downtown , Backyard Cottage near Downtown

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

• From: Padre Island National Seashore
• Total Distance: 1,316 miles
• Top Road Trips Stops: Padre Island National Seashore, San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, Big Bend National Park, Guadalupe Mountains, Dinosaur Valley State Park

Now, let’s look at the best road trip in Texas for nature lovers. This will take you through every type of landscape there is in Texas. Starting off at the coast, you can bathe in the warm Gulf Waters and watch wildlife on South Padre Island. If you fancy spending extra time on the coast, Port Aransas is just a short drive away.

If you head to Port Aransas, consider staying in Corpus Christi where the vacation rentals are a little more affordable. Corpus Christi is also somewhere you might want to stay a couple days. There’s plenty of things to do in Corpus Christi but windsurfing is the number one activity.

Then, learn more about Texas’ history at the Missions National Historical Park. Hike and bike in the Big Bend and Guadalupe Mountains National Parks, before jumping back to prehistoric times at Dinosaur Valley State Park.

If you fancy this one, you could even rent an RV in San Antonio for a truly epic journey!

• Bird watching on South Padre Island
• Cycling between the churches of Missions National Historical Park
• Glamping in Big Bend National Park
• Climbing Guadalupe Peak
• See dinosaur footprints at Dinosaur Valley State Park

Day 1 and 2: Padre Island National Seashore to Missions National Historical Park (2.5 hours)

The first day of this Texas road trip is one of those which is lighter on the driving. You’ll cover 172 miles on I-37 North from Padre Island to the Missions National Park. Having such a short drive means you have time to explore Padre Island’s gems, and if you can extend your trip, we highly recommend staying in Padre Island to make the most of the area.

Wildlife lovers will not be disappointed – there are more than 380 species of birds in the parks, and you can even release turtle hatchlings. Spend the night here before moving on to Missions National Historical Park. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site that consists of four different missions sites along the San Antonio River.

• Best Things to Do:  Birdwatching in Padre Island National Seashore, kayaking, canoeing, or windsurfing on the Laguna Madre, Biking along the San Antonio River.
• Where to Eat:  Bar Louie South Padre Island, Barry’s International (Padre Island). Savor, Bourdro’s Texas Bistro, Cookhouse (San Antonio)
• Where to Stay: Hilton Garden Inn , Surfside Condo (South Padre Island), Drury Plaza Hotel , Private Riverwalk One Bed House

Day 3 and 4: Missions National Historical Park to Big Bend National Park (7.5 hours)

The next leg of your trip can be split across two days if necessary – after all, you’ll be travelling more than 400 miles! After a big breakfast in San Antonio, head west on the US-90 Highway towards Big Bend National Park. You’ll be skirting along the Mexican border for some of it!

Big Bend National Park offers incredible desert and mountain landscapes that are popular with hikers and campers. After an arduous hike in the Santa Elena Canyon, find a hot spring along the Rio Grande to soak those aching muscles.

If you’re into your art, the town of Marfa is pretty close by and well worth checking out! There’s lots of great places to stay in Marfa , if you fancy a little road trip detour.

• Best Things to Do:  Hiking in the Santa Elena Canyon, Hot Spring Historic Trail, Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive
• Where to Eat:  Chisos Mountains Lodge Mountain View Restaurant
• Where to Stay:  Off-Grid Adobe Dome , Cozy Cactus , Tin Valley Retro Bus , Las Estrellas Tipi

Day 5: Big Bend National Park to Guadalupe Mountains National Park (5 hours)

Another long journey today, but it’s well worth it. You’ll swap the desert lands of Big Bend National Park for the mountains of the Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Make a very early start and stop off in the town of Van Horn for a late breakfast.

As you carry on towards Guadalupe Peak itself, keep your eyes peeled for the population of bighorn sheep that call the area home. Stay the night in the park before tackling Guadalupe Peak the next day. It’s a 6 – 8 hour round trip, but you won’t want to do it in the midday heat!

A top tip, if you want to stay near the Guadalupe Mountains National Park and you have a bit more time, consider staying in El Paso. There are a lot of things to do in El Paso so if you’re thinking of extending your trip for a day or two, this would be a worthwhile detour.

• Best Things to Do:  Clark Hotel Museum (Van Horn), Guadalupe Peak hike, Smith Spring Loop Hike from Frijole Ranch.
• Where to Eat:  Boots and Scoops, Mom’s Kitchen, Cornudas Cafe.
• Where to Stay: West Patio Bed and Bath , Farm Stay in Dell City

Day 6 and 7: Guadalupe Mountains National Park to Dinosaur Valley State Park (7 hours)

The quickest way to your final stop on this Texas road trip itinerary sees you leaving the state altogether! Yep, you’ll pass through New Mexico on your way to Dinosaur Valley State Park along I-20 E. There are a few places to break up your trip (which you can do in one day or spread over two) on the highway. The first is near Sweetwater – the National WASP WWII Museum.

It’s an off the beaten track tribute to the first women who flew aircraft in the military. Stop for a kolache at Texas Doughboys in Abilene before visiting the site of the Santa Claus Bank Robbery in Cisco. Stay the night in Glenrose before checking out Dinosaur Valley State Park. Then, it’s a return to Dallas! If you still have time and want to visit some more, there’s a lot of things to do in Dallas.

• Best Things to Do:  Dinosaur Valley State Park, National WASP WWII Museum, Old Rip Horned Lizard (Eastland), Site of Santa Claus Bank Robbery, Cisco.
• Where to Eat: Texas Doughboys (Abilene), Hammond’s B-B-Q (Glen Rose)
• Where to Stay:  Modern Farmhouse , The Glenrose Treehouse , Country Woods Inn

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• From: San Antonio
• To: San Antonio
• Total Distance: 279 miles
• Top Road Trips Stops: Bandera, Kerrville, Fredricksburg, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, New Braunfels

Are you looking for Texas road trip ideas that don’t take up an entire week? Or perhaps you don’t want to be driving for miles and miles in an unfamiliar state? Well, not to worry. This much shorter trip is made just for you. A road trip in Texas Hill Country combines beautiful scenery, BBQ spots, and cowboy towns. It’s the true essence of Texas! And yes, there is some great hiking and climbing along the way.

• Oompah music at Ausländer Biergarten in Fredricksburg
• Enchanted Rock Natural Area
• Bracken Cave Preserve bat colony

Day 1: San Antonio to Fredricksburg (2 hours)

You can get from San Antonio to Fredricksburg in as little as an hour and ten minutes. However, that would mean missing out the charming towns of Bandera and Kerrville. Just a short journey west on Highway 16, Bandera is the self-titled Cowboy capital of the world. It’s a good spot for lunch (or a late breakfast) before moving on to Kerrville.

If you didn’t eat in Bandera, stop at Billy Gene’s, where you can dine with views of the Guadalupe River. Not hungry? Check out Stonehenge II instead. Your stop for the night is Fredricksburg. You’ll have to pinch yourself to be reminded you’re not in Germany!

• Best Things to Do:  Frontier Times Museum, Great Western Cattle Trail (Bandera), Stonehenge II (Kerrville), shopping and eating in Fredricksburg.
• Where to Eat: Old Spanish Trail Restaurant (Bandera) Billy Gene’s (Kerrville) Ausländer Biergarten (Fredricksburg)
• Where to Stay: Hotel Kitsmiller on Main , The Hideaway , Casa Tranquila

Day 2: Fredricksburg to Bracken Cave Preserve/New Braunfels (3 hours)

Head north from Fredricksburg area to your first stop of the day – Enchanted Rock Natural Area. There are more than eight miles of hiking trails here, and rock climbing for more adventurous tourists. Don’t spend too long here though, because your next stop is the beautiful natural spring of Hamilton Pool.

It’s a protected nature reserve, and you can’t swim here, but you’re sure to get some fantastic photos so don’t forget your camera. The final spot for the day is Bracken Cave Preserve. You’ll want to get there before dusk, as it’s home to the largest colony of bats in the world!

• Best Things to Do:  Hiking and climbing in Enchanted Rock Natural Area, Hamilton Pool, Bracken Cave Preserve.
• Where to Eat:  Enchanted Inn Restaurant, The Ice Cream Shop Hamilton Pool Road
• Where to Stay: River Road Bungalow , Canyon Getaway with Beautiful Views

Day 3: Bracken Cave Preserve/New Braunfels to San Antonio (1 hour)

With the hot weather in Texas Hill County, you’ll want to cool off, so head to Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort. It’s great fun for the whole family. Check out the cute town of New Braunfels and its shops and restaurants before a leisurely drive back to San Antonio. Once you’ve parked up, check in to your accommodation for the evening before going to the Japanese Tea Garden to decompress after a busy few days. Then, find somewhere for dinner on the River Walk!

• Best Things to Do:  Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort, Natural Bridge Caverns, Gruene Hall, Japanese Tea Garden.
• Where to Eat:  Das Nutrition Haus, Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar (New Braunfels), The Barbecue Station, WD Deli (San Antonio).
• Where to Stay:  Inn on the Riverwalk , Hotel Valencia Riverwalk , City View River Walk Studio

There are two types of driving in Texas, and they’re both very different – urban driving and rural driving. Urban driving is the same as in many cities across the US. Most cities operate a grid system, and it’s easy to find your way around. However, San Antonio can be quite frustrating!

If you’re driving in rural Texas, be sure to fill up when you can as there may not be another gas station for miles. It’s also essential to keep bottled water in your car – it can get mighty hot.

Texan drivers can be quite aggressive, so make stops at roadside attractions on long rural drives to decompress. While it can be a challenge at times, don’t let any of this put you off. Driving in Texas is a lot of fun!

Renting a Vehicle in Texas

It’s really easy to rent a car, too. Go with one of the big companies at an airport or a major city, and you shouldn’t have any problems. Your rental desk may encourage you to go for something bigger if you’ve booked in advance, but remember that you know best what you’re comfortable driving.

When renting a car in Texas, do consider the following:

• Age Surcharge: Drivers under 25 can expect to pay more to rent a car by roughly $30USD per day.
• Deposit: Cash deposits are not accepted by most rental companies. Expect to pay somewhere between $100 and $300 USD on a debit or credit card. You’ll get it back if the car is returned in the same condition as you took it!
• Additional Driver Charge: Additional drivers can be added for as little as $10, provided they meet age and license requirements.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can also tap into the van life to explore this beautiful state by renting an RV in Austin. You can do it from multiple other cities too because the RVs can come to you!

Texas law requires you to have a type of insurance called 30/60/25. Because you won’t be able to drive the car away without this, rental companies can charge extortionate amounts. Get insured for a better price beforehand with RentalCover.com

Don’t have a car? Well, we’re going to have to sort that out! Use  rentalcars.com  to find the best deals on the web and save heaps of cash!

Road Rules in Texas

Rules for driving in Texas are pretty similar to those throughout the United States. You’ll be driving on the right and passing on the left. However, each city may have a few subtle differences, so it’s a good idea to check out those according to the city or cities you’re planning to visit.

Some of the most important rules include using headlights when visibility is less than 1,000 feet. We’d suggest just using them all the time to be safe. It’s against the law to litter from your vehicle, which carries a fine of up to $500. And, while the blood alcohol content can be 0.08%, it’s best if you don’t drink and drive.

There are a couple of unusual laws in Texas that probably won’t make a blind bit of difference to your trip, but we figured you’d want to know anyway. While it’s illegal to use a vehicle that doesn’t have windshield wipers, you can’t operate a vehicle without a windshield. Not sure what the wipers are brushing there!

And the road rules don’t just stop at cars. In Texarkana, horses must be fitted with tail lights for nighttime rides. We don’t think a horse could cover the distances we have in mind for you, though!

Insurance in Texas

We touched on insurance earlier, but here’s a little more info. Texas law requires drivers to have 30/60/25 insurance. This is $30k injuries per person, $60k per accident, and $25k for property damage. This is the MINIMUM that you’re expected to have.

This can be a bit confusing, especially if you’re not from the United States. So, check out RentalCover.com . Their collision damage coverage and roadside assistance packages can save you money. Don’t get ripped off paying over the odds with your rental company’s insurance packages!

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

If you’re not careful, Texas’s wilderness will smack ya to next Monday.  There are six road trip essentials I never go traveling without:

1. First Aid Kit : Even if you don’t plan on doing anything extreme on your trip, like hiking, climbing, or other extreme sports, you never know what could happen. You could cut yourself while cooking, smash a finger in a car door, or burn yourself on a hot radiator. A first aid kit will be able to handle most of these minor situations.

2. Aux Cord : One of the only things to do on a long car ride by yourself is to listen to music or a podcast. Since most people use their phones as an MP3 player these days, an auxillary cord is crucial to preserving your sanity. If there is no auxiliary port in your car, buy a radio transceiver or use a portable speaker.

3. Phone mount :  It’s very dangerous to be looking down at your phone while driving. If you need to have access to your phone, for maps and what-not, buy a mount for it. This way, you can keep your eyes on the road and your phone won’t be far from your field of view.

4. Headtorch : Every backpacker should have a head torch! A decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must. Currently, I’m using the Petzl Actik Core rechargeable headlamp – an awesome piece of kit! Because it’s USB chargeable I never have to buy earth polluting batteries.

5. Roadside Emergency Kit : Just like you never know what could happen to yourself , one never knows what can happen to their car . A vehicle can mysteriously fail, break, run into a ditch; all that and then some. Most emergency kit include a pair of jumper cables, a tow rope, a set of essential tools, and ties.

6. Toiletry Bag : I always travel with a hanging toiletry bag as it’s a super-efficient way to organise your bathroom stuff. Well worth having, whether you are hanging it from a tree whilst camping, or a hook in a wall, it helps to have quick access to all your stuff.

For plenty more inspiration on what to pack, check out my full road trip packing list.

Well, that’s just about everything covered, and you’re ready for your road trip in Texas! Will you be soaking up the culture of the cities, imagining the battle scenes of the Alamo, or finding dinosaur footprints in a state park? All of this and more is possible on your Texan road trip.

We’re sure that any of the three awesome road trips above will give you unforgettable memories of your trip to the Lone Star State. Just be sure to pick the one that’s the best match for your travel style… and how much you want to drive. Trust us, it’s (Fort) Worth it!

If you’re thinking of exploring the neighbouring areas, check out our Best Road Trips in Southwest guide!

• Check out our backpacking Dallas guide for in-depth info for your trip.
• Check out the  best B&Bs in Texas for the start of your epic trip.
• Check out all the epic  things to do in Lubbock, Texas while you’re visiting.
• Broaden your horizons by embarking on an epic road trips around the US .

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Hey folks…quick correction in the Texas driving segment. “And, while the blood alcohol content can be 0.8%, it’s best if you don’t drink and drive.” I have the utmost confidence you meant .08%. I was probably a solid .8% once in my life. Think I lost my dog, my truck, and any remote sense of dignity that night.

Indeed, thanks for spotting that, Kirk. I must say your 0.8% experience sounds like a wild ride.

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5 Texas beaches to dip your toes in the sand during the sticky, hot summer days to come

Need to beat the summer heat ? Texas has a coast full of beaches worth exploring.

From North Texas, a trip to the gulf of Mexico is about a five hour road trip. But you cannot beat the price. For a family of five, a weeklong trip to the coast could cost as low as $2,500. All you need to worry about is gas, a place to stay, and spending money while you’re there.

Galveston , Rockport Beach , Corpus Christi , Port Aransas , and South Padre Island are the beach towns worth visiting in Texas. Galveston, the closest to us in North Texas, is a leisurely drive of four hours and 45 minutes.

Galveston is also where many Texans leave for cruises. If you are wanting to take a trip out of Texas , check out what cruises you can take out of the Port of Galveston to destinations in Mexico.

For those who are looking for a low-key road trip , here is what you should know about when best to travel to these Texas beach locations:

⚡ More trending stories from our newsroom:

→ Supermodel Bella Hadid moves to Fort Worth to be with cowboy.

→ If you quit a job in Texas, you could still get unemployment

→ Is this 50-acre Fort Worth ranch really worth $15.9M?

Distance: 315 miles, four hours and 45 minutes

Average Housing Cost: $1,000-$1,500 for a family of five

Known for: all of it’s 17 beaches

Rockport Beach

Distance: 377 miles, five hours and 50 minutes

Average Housing Cost: $2,000 for a family of five

Known for: It’s coastline is certified as a “blue wave beach,” which means clean beaches with powdery sand.

Corpus Christi

Distance: 384 miles, five hours and 54 minutes

Average Cost: $1,500 to $2,000 for a family of five

Known for: Windier weather makes for great outdoor activities and water sports

Port Aransas

Distance: 385 miles, six hours and 34 minutes

Average Cost: $2,000 to $2,500 for a family of five

Known for: Fishing capital of Texas, because of it’s large fish as well as it’s beaches

South Padre Island

Distance: 537 miles, eight hours and 8 minutes

Average Cost: $2,500 for a family of five

Known for: Calm and beautiful beaches that are perfect for swimming. Claims to be the sand castle capital of the world.

Related stories from Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Cheap getaways for under $150 from dfw airport we found 10 flights to u.s. destinations, ‘don’t dallas my fort worth’: a funny guide to a happy, superior life in cowtown.

Ella Gonzales

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Chaotic chase involving 12- and 13-year-olds in stolen car turns deadly, TX cops say

‘Hardworking man’ leaving for work is killed by co-worker in ambush, Texas cops say

Man accused of assaulting ex gets out of jail and shoots her new boyfriend, TX cops say

New details emerge in delia’s tamales wage theft lawsuit, utrgv to turn shuttered brownsville elementary into school of art and design, harlingen reviews park projects for grant funding; mulling $941k vestal upgrade.

Tag: Texas Roadtrip QAL

Texas roadtrip qal- hill county.

– See more at: http://www.pixelstopatchwork.com/2014/05/deep-in-heart-of-texas-roadtrip-quilt.html#sthash.p5ek0S3j.dpuf

Welcome to your next to the last stop on the Texas Roadtrip QAL.   By now you have many of the highlights around the state and discovered many of the gems that give Texans our bragging rights.  I was born in Kansas but as the ol’ saying goes….  I got to Texas as fast I could.  Really it was my mom and dad that came to Texas as soon as they could since I was only 5 years old and couldn’t drive when my family moved to Texas. We started out in Lubbock and eventually moved to Dallas when I was 8. Both my mother and father were native Texans so when I was told about this project I knew I wanted to play along. Making the blocks and reading about many of the parts of the state have brought back many memories of family reunions, road trips, and various adventures along the way. Enough about my families antics. You can read about my roadtrip down memory lane August 17th when I post the final quilt project and link up for prizes. So today you are here to learn a little about the Texas Hill Country. The area that defines the Hill Country varies depending on who you ask. It does however cover 25 different counties from as far north as  West Austin and south all the way to Bandera and into San Antonio. Bandera, Texas is the Cowboy Capital of Texas. The town still has hitching posts outside many of the  stores because it is not uncommon to ride your horse into town. Bandera also has as many honky tonks as it does churches. SIDE NOTE- This weekend, July 26th is the National Day of the American Cowboy. If you happen to visit Bandera, be sure and stop at the O.S.T Restaurant and enjoy your meal in the John Wayne room.  I seriously have done this! I won’t share about the Honky Tonks we visited during the family reunion. Yes, Bandera also has a quilt store, Gone Quiltin’.

Any road trip is sure to include a few stops along the way at any and all quilt shops. So I will list just a few. You won’t want to miss Creations in Kerrville, Texas .

Kathy and Julie are precious and have owned this shop for over 34 years so you know they are doing things right.

Another must stop is the Quilt Haus- New Braunfels Memories by the Yard- San Antonio, Texas Honey Bee- Austin Las Colchas – San Antonio Uptown Blanco Textile Studio ( I haven’t actually been to this one but I will on my next roadtrip.)

There are as many quilts shops as their are longhorns so I also wanted to include a few links that are state wide quilting events. Be sure and check them out. http://www.rowbyrowexperience.com/texas-row-by-row-experience.htm http://www.quiltacrosstexas.com/

The fun part of this project was we were all making the quilt step by step as the blocks were posted on the QAL. We didn’t have each others quilt blocks in advance. Since I am one of the last to post, I thought I could do a HILL block to represent the hill country but that was too predictable. I choose to do a Bed and Breakfast block. 

 This area has such great memories for me because many many years ago I was a young stay at home mom. I was making and peddling my wares at various arts and craft shows. This was way before e-bay, etsy and all the other wonderful ways to be able to sell handmade items that they have now. The Country Peddler show was coming to Fredrickburg, Texas and this was the big time kind of show. I had no idea what I was in for.  My husband told me about a gal that he had met coaching the boys t-ball team. He said, “I think the two of you would really hit it off.”  I invited her to come with me for the weekend and to help me out at this show. There wasn’t a single hotel room in town available so we found a charming little bed and breakfast to stay in. The house was on the back side of an existing home so finding it in the dark was an adventure all by itself. We were expecting two rooms as the Inn Keeper described on the phone. When we arrived there was one bedroom, one bath, a few steps along with a small door and a tiny keyhole. Once we opened door there was the most charming small bed inspired by Alice in Wonderland. Charming is all I can say about the decorations and attention to detail. We had a wonderful weekend and like my husband said, we did hit it off and have been best friends for over 25 years. So when visiting the Texas Hill Country please visit the bed and breakfasts so you can truly experience all the hospitality and charm this area of Texas has to offer.

BED and BREAKFAST QUILT BLOCK

Here is a link to download the instructions.

 If you have missed out on any of the blocks and want to also win some prizes here are the complete details.

  June 1 – Quadrant 1 pattern post – Download

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my fabric relish

Deep in the heart of texas roadtrip qal...announcement and headquarters.

this will be fun to follow but not sure if I will take part seem to have so much to do at the moment!

So excited!!!! This will be so much fun to do!

This is so fun! Melissa, I'm grew up in Brownsville, TX. The Rio Grande Valley holds a special place in my heart.

Howdy, I am in Arlington Texas by the Stadiums for you folks that know Dallas /Fort worth and this sound fun.. I think everyone in Texas needs a Texas Quilt. I was born in Houston Texas and visit Surfside Beach alot, I have family in Angelton , Lake Jackson and Sweeny. I hope to go to the Quilt Market this year in Houston.

Aww, no Corpus? We have tons of quilters and several quilt shops here. :)

Hi! I just found your Deep in the Heart quilt directions. When I click on the pdf link the pattern does not show the actual writing to print out. I'm not sure if you have now taken it down on purpose of what, but I would love to be able to make this quilt.

Would love to make this quilt as well. I'm near the Tyler area, too. I wasnt able to download the pdf either.

I can't seem to get to the Hill country block. Do you have a link to that page?

i'm looking at this again! about time to do it. maybe. =) just FYI - when i click on the link for Lubbok it takes me to my own dashboard. weird, huh. and all the links for the last quadrant link to the blogs not the actual pages with the patterns. just letting you know! now what i want to know is "when are y'all going to do a full USA map quilt?" because i need one of those and want someone else to design it for me! lol.

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AUSTIN, Texas — Already dreaming of summer? If your plans include a road trip, Consumer Reports has tips to help you stay safe, save some money… and manage those unexpected bumps on the road!

Ready to hit the road for a family getaway? Not so fast! There are a few things that Consumer Reports says you should do before packing any bags and leaving home.

Inspect your tires for signs of damage, such as cuts, cracks, and sidewall blisters that might be the result of potholes.

Also, check the tires’ pressure and adjust it to the number listed on the driver’s door jamb. Properly inflated tires are safer, last longer AND make your car more fuel efficient.

You can make your car more fuel efficient by reducing aerodynamic drag! If you’re not using it, take off anything like a roof rack and or bike rack. And don’t hate me, but sticking to the speed limit can also save fuel!

Consumer Reports’ tests show you lose about six miles per gallon at 75 instead of 65 miles per hour.

And when it’s time to fill up the tank –

While many gas stations will offer a lower price if you pay with cash,  a credit card with cash-back rewards on gas could actually be a better deal, especially if you’ll be spending more on gas than you typically would in a month!

And if you run into mechanical trouble or a flat tire, paying out of pocket for long-haul towing can run in the hundreds of dollars! It pays to look into a roadside assistance plan like AAA or Good Sam before you hit the road! Or you might already be covered by your auto insurance or credit card at no cost to you.

Apps and websites like GasBuddy and Waze can help with real-time prices at nearby gas stations when you’re filling up in an unfamiliar area – and while many gas stations will offer a lower price if you pay with cash,  a credit card with cash-back rewards on gas could actually be a better deal!

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Wednesday 4 June 2014

Tyler, texas roadtrip qal and a giveaway.

58 comments:

I was born in Texas and still live here....Texas is a great place to live....I have been to Tyler and it is a lovely town. I am from the small town of Clifton. There are a lot of things to love about Texas.....the state flower bluebonnets are all out right now and I really enjoy seeing them. I have several rose bushes and I love your block..very pretty. I hope everyone enjoys this Texas road trip and comes to visit us here. Thank you for the giveaway. [email protected]

My Dad used to live in Texas near Longview. The mild winters in Texas were a perfect time to visit him. Thanks for the tutorial & thanks for the giveaway.

I have not been to Texas, but I have friends who are from Texas and they love their home state!

We moved from Dallas to Florida 3 years ago this month. As much as I love my new beachy home town - I am terribly home sick! This blog tour is just perfect and I am so glad to find your blog! We have family in Tyler and spent many weekends and Holidays there. My daughter's aunt lives in the Azalea Trail area. Such a great town! If you know any of the Trevino clan give them hugs for me ;)

I live in Houston and I love living in Texas (except for the heat at times). I love that there are so many things to do and such a variety of food. My family watches The Daytripper and we plan our mini vacations all over Texas. Will have to put Tyler on our list of places to go.

I live in Kyle, TX just south of Austin. I have lived here for 5 years but lived in Maine my whole life before that. I love wearing sandals almost year round and not having snow in April. I still love Maine but Texas is 100% my home now.

I visited Texas once and I loved so many things about it... the people were definitely the best part! Everyone there is so friendly and inviting.

I am a Texan, born and bred! I truly cannot imagine living anywhere else, the people here are the best. And the BBQ. :)

I'm a Texan born and raised. Although there are other places I love, I just can't imagine not living in Texas. There is just something about it that feeds my soul.

I moved to Texas 9 years ago (I live south of Houston). One of my favorite things about TX is the food, I love the BBQ and the Tex-Mex! I also like October, because it means that the summer is finally over :)

I have nt been to Texas but a visit to Texas is on my bucket list. My son was on a business trip to your beautiful state last month...it was his first visit. He was there for only a few days...everyone was so friendly and he said the food was great...awesome mexican food!! It is hard to get good mexican food in Canada. Thanks for the chance to win some Aurifil threads...their threads are the best!! Happy stitching, Pauline

I don't remember ever being there. I live on the other side of the US!! :D

I live in the UK and I've never been to the US ( or Texas!)

I'm betting there'll be a few Yellow Roses made from that tutorial! Colleen's post makes me want to visit Tyler! I've only been through part of Texas, a couple of times. But I do have friends from Texas, and some favorite singers (Lyle, from Klein, George, from Poteet, Don, from Floydada...). Thanks for a fun giveaway!

how fun. i love roses and your block! Tyler is indeed beautiful. thank you for sharing.

Hi,yes we've been to Texas+enjoyed our visit there! I liked the beautiful Bluebonnets! Thanks for sharing! [email protected]

This is a fun road trip! Texas has been my home since the late 70's, Houston first and now San Antonio is where I hoard my fabric!

I spent a few days in Texas for training on my Tin Lizzie mid-arm machine. The people in Texas were all so friendly! I also had lots of great food while I was there.

I haven't been to Texas. I had friend move there a few years ago, and the S.O. has somewhat related family and a good friend, but he hasn't been there either. I'm not sure if I could handle the driving or the heat!

I haven't been to Texas, but we did almost move there when I was a kid. I love how much pride people take in being Texan.

I have been to America 3 times, but I never made it to Texas. jen dot barnard at btinternet dot com

I have never been to texas! I would love to go for QuiltCon though, lol!

I grew up in San Antonio, went to Baylor in Waco, and also lived in DFW and Houston areas, so I LOOOOVE Texas! I'm in Kentucky now, but my heart is always with Texas. These are a few of the things I love about Texas: breakfast tacos, pro sports (Go Spurs Go), my family there, bluebonnets, Tex Mex, Texas night skies, winters are awesome, Texas pride, queso, did I mention Mexican food :)

I lived in Texas twice! Once as a kid and once as an adult. I loved seeing the blue bonnets in the spring in the Hill Country!

Tyler is the hidden jewel of Texas and A Nimble Thimble is the jewel of sewing & quilting shops in East Texas!

I moved to Houston, Texas just over six years ago. I love living in Texas! There is so much to do and I love the weather. I even don't mind the hot, humid summers. I also love the food,(especially BBQ and Tex Mex), the local breweries, H-E-B and Central Market, and the people. I will have to plan a fun trip to Tyler to check out these great places. Thanks for giveaway!

I have been to Texas for a wedding, and loved the BBQ and baked beans. [email protected]

I was born in tyler at mother francis 60 years ago. my parents and grandparentas are all from there, too! I havent been back for 30 years and i can only imagine the changes! The mall was fairly new the last trip if that is any indication!! I love my tyler memories...the cold Dr. Pepper in the breezeway, tip-top weiners, the pontoon at the lake.....miss it!

I've been to Texarkana - both sides of the line. I lived in Arkansas as a child. I've been along the coast near Galveston and to Dallas. I never got to Austin to see a longhorn - Razorback game unfortunately . Thanks for the Tyler Travelogue - the Azaelas would be worth the trip. Notwendy at gmail dot com

I've been to Texas a couple of times to visit my sister. What I liked was going to a rodeo.

I have been to TX - my brother lives near Dallas and my son just got a job there! I loved visiting there and I am looking forward to going back! thank you!

Right now I am just outside of Tyler, TX. This post included places I didn't know about. Suprised! Sharman's & Nimble Thimble are second homes. Outstanding service, selection and classes. We are so lucky. Thanks for this great post! And giveaway!

Hello! I actually live just a few miles north of you on 69 and I work in one of the Tyler hospitals, but I still found some good surprises in your lists of places to visit in Tyler! I knew you block would be a rose :) It just had to be.

I live in Canada and have not been to Texas, but I understand things are big, the people are friendly, and the BBQs are unbelievable!!

I was born and raised in Minnesota, my husband's relatives are all in Texas. We have been to Texas (Ft Worth) a handful of times but never had a chance to do any sightseeing. Sometime we will have to allow extra time on our trip.

GREAT WRITE UP ON TYLER! I admit... I am bias however. Living here in Tyler since 1994.

I am a native Texan. Moved to East Texas about 7 months ago from Midland, TX. I love the beautiful scenic countryside, and lakes, trees and flowers along the highways. Took a college friend to the Tyler Rose Garden and Museum over Memorial holiday.

Nope...have never been to Texas. Loved reading about the different places & info.... Thanks for sharing! Ohio Hugs! :)

I love the food! Barbecue, tex-mex, everything!

I've never been to Texas but would love to make it there some day!

I love Texas! Friendliest place on earth. I live in McKinney. My whole family is from east Texas. Tyler is definitely worth a visit. Thanks for doing this.

Nope, I've never been to Texas. I always picture it as being incredibly hot!

I lived in the area of Dallas Texas when I was a little girl, my whole entire father's side of the family is from Wichita Falls, TX and the majority of them still live there, my little brother and his family live in Waco, he is a coach of the Baylor Track and Field Team, so yep, I know Texas and I do love the people from there.

My parents have lived in Houston for 25 years and will sell their home next spring and retire elsewhere. I'm making this quilt as a Xmas gift for them - it's just perfect! So happy to get a yellow rose into the quilt!

I had a lay over once in a Texas airport for an hour; does that count? Maybe someday I will be able to visit your big, beautiful state. k(dot)castanette(at)Hotmail(dot)com

born and raised in texas i have lived all over the usa and even in germany but i always come back to texas

I have been to Texas. I really liked San Antonio in late January - warm 68 degrees after coming from a cold snowstorm in Kansas.

I had a layover in the Dallas Fort Worth Airport once, but I haven't seen any other part of Texas! Texas is somewhere I have always wanted to travel.

I have never been to Texas, but I would sure love to visit it someday! Thanks! Please click on the delaineelliott above for my email link.

Spent 2 years there while my husband was in the Army. Loved the way people respected our service to our country. My 2nd son was born there. Still have friends there. Thanks for the giveaway. rjc2cam(at)gmail(dot)com.

Unfortunately I've never been to Texas but I'd love to visit as the locals all seem so friendly x

I went through Texas once found a great steakhouse at a truck stop called Teds

My Grand Daughter is stationed there right now. I have been to Texas and it just seems so large on a map. When you get there you enjoy it so much you don't notice the size. Everyone is so very neighborly ad the history is great. Thanks for the giveaway. katztoo at exede dot net

This is so fun Cristina! Love the rose block. I've only been to TX once - to Houston, on a work trip. Would love to go back and explore more of TX one of these days!!

What a fun block! I have passed through Texas many years ago but didn't stop. Sounds interesting thought!

I live in Texas, between Dallas and Ft. Worth. I think the best thing about Texas is the people. Texans love the state and love to share all of the special things our state has to offer.

I've been to Austin and Dallas. I liked the great food and charm of Texas!

I was born in Dallas and have lived there my whole life until recently when I relocated to Panama with my family. I love the history of our great state as well as the BBQ and bluebonnets. Thanks!

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