Dallas Metropolitan Skyline

Welcome to the Big D - also known as the Dallas Fort Worth area; comprised of communities in and around Arlington, Dallas, Fort Worth, and Irving in northeast Texas. From its beginnings as a single log cabin, Dallas was envisioned as a regional commercial and business center. Today the Dallas/Fort Worth Metro Area is brimming with a full spectrum of events and hospitality to fill any visitor's itinerary.

Shopping enthusiasts will know Neiman Marcus, the famous high-end department store, was founded in Dallas. The US'oldest shopping center is located here, and retailer JC Penny also calls the area home. Watch your pocketbooks! This region has the largest number of malls per capita in the USA.

Missed the Cotton Bowl in January at the Cowboys' home Arlington stadium? No worries, there are six professional sports teams in the area and basketball season is in full swing. Catch your favorite team playing the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. The Dallas Stars hockey team also plays at the arena; an easier ticket to get, and a more affordable night out.

Texans are proud supporters of their University sports programs, and the region is home to SMU and TCU. The current schedules include a full line up of men's and women's basketball, swimming and diving, and early track events.

Grab your boots and hat - cowboy that is, and head for Fort Worth. Site of the Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show and Rodeo for over 110 years; the annual show begins mid-January and includes a parade, exhibitors, and lots of the best livestock viewing in the country. In Dallas, watch for the Home and Garden Market at the beginning of March.

No time like an unusually cold winter to appreciate a peek into summer - look for the Winter Boat Show at Dallas Market Hall early in February. From luxury yachts, sporty ski boats, the latest fishing boats to houseboats and pontoon boats, all will be under one roof to see and excite for the upcoming summer. Start getting in shape for summer as well in a fun way. In conjunction with the NBA All-Star Weekend in February, join the Mardi Gras Run at the Dallas Convention Center. It's a 5K run and beads, masks, and basketballs should be welcome (but not required).

A Mardi Gras event for pet lovers will be held around the same time in McKinney. Dress your pets in Fairy Tales and Love Stories style for a dog parade and costume contest in Downtown McKinney. Remember many Best Western Hotels welcome your pets and they are conveniently located throughout the area. Rounding out Mardi Gras, Lake Dallas hosts Denton County's only celebration on Fat Tuesday, with a parade through downtown and a New Orleans style party with authentic Cajun food and live music.

Whether traveling by plane or car, and no matter what's on the schedule, there is a Best Western Hotel conveniently located and prepared for your visit. With outstanding hospitality and affordable prices Best Western is a perfect fit to fill your accommodation needs.

Beautiful Houston Texas

Come visit 5 million of your closest friends in Houston and the Greater Bay Region of Texas. In the top-ten largest metropolitan areas and top-five largest cities, Houston is booming with industry, commerce, education, and finance. Supporting this diverse economy, residents and visitors alike enjoy world class restaurants, shopping, professional teams in all major sports, plus over 500 cultural, visual and performing arts organizations.

Famous for its colorful namesake, Sam Houston, a larger than life character (at 19 he stood 6' 2”), Houston is also now famous as the home for NASA, the capital of the US oil industry and the Port of Houston to highlight just a few.

“Houston... the Eagle has landed.” The first words spoken from the moon emphasize Houston's role in space research, development, and operations. NASA is just 23 miles south of Houston at the Johnson Space Center, which serves as the training facility for all American astronauts; along with its responsibilities for the Space Shuttle and Space Station programs. Take a behind-the-scenes tour of NASA at the Space Center Houston and see what it's like to land a space shuttle or train as an astronaut.

Tourist Tip: In February, Space Center Houston will host A Taste of Space, where 40 of the best restaurants in the Clear Lake area come to together for an epicurean tasting event.

At the end of January, the Children's Museum of Houston will open the new Building Brainstorm exhibition; where kids can visit and experiment with architecture, design and engineering.  A worthwhile and fun educational experience in a design studio built especially for kids. Catch the Katy Home and Garden Show around the same time, and come away with a wish-list of ideas for home and garden to fit the kids' new designs.

Experience the cultural side of Houston with a visit to the Houston Symphony's early-February concerts featuring musical selections from award-winning Oscar productions. For theater, check local listings as Houston is home to the largest theater district outside of New York. There are eight performing arts organizations located in the 17 block Theater District and there is bound to be a performance to fit any schedule.

Traveling in style with your best four-legged friend? Stay at a pet-friendly Best Western hotel (there are more than 1200 of them worldwide), and attend a benefit for Lucky Dog Rescue the weekend before Valentine's Day at Elaine Turner.  Elaine Turner is a Houston native well known for her beautifully designed line of purses and accessories showcased in a trademark pink store.

For a unique city adventure, join Houston's Great Urban Race, which partners this year with the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital to sponsor the event. Teams of two enter the contest in a test of both physical and mental abilities; in a challenging adventure through the city. Held near the end of February, it is a great way to see the City from a new perspective.

February brings Mardi Gras – and with it one of the most popular events in Texas; Mardi Gras Galveston. Featuring 12 days of fun and revelry, the region comes alive with parades, galas and events. Many local bars and restaurants host live entertainment; there is a beachfront carnival, and shopping all around. If you're in Galveston in February, this is a must see and do event for all ages.

Head south along the Gulf Coast and escape the fast pace of the city. The 'Coastal Bend' is home to historic towns like Victoria and Corpus Christi, with the best in nature close by. Bird and nature watching, fishing, and surfing are common activities that set a relaxing pace for a visit. Avoid the summer crowds with a nice leisurely trip in the winter or early spring, and take a short ferry ride to towns like Port Aransas on Mustang Island. For a real Americana experience stop in Port Lavaca for the local Kiwanis Spelling Bee the last week in January.

From the action and diversity of the city to the peace of the Gulf Coast in winter, Best Western Hotels are ready for your visit. Convenient for travelers throughout the region, accommodations are affordable and with hospitality as big as Texas.

There is East Texas, and Deep East Texas for those in the know. Nacogdoches deep in the region is the oldest town in Texas. The piney woods make up a large portion of the area; like another world contrasted with the plains and scrub brush common in the rest of Texas. The pine and hardwood forests provide majestic scenery and home to many state parks and water recreational areas.

In cities and towns like Tyler, Jacksonville, Palestine and Buffalo the magic of spring comes to life when the dogwoods and azaleas bloom. In fact Tyler is home to the nations largest municipal rose garden and local roses are world famous beauties. The Big Thicket National Preserve is an easy drive from Beaumont, Orange or Jasper where the lush wetlands support an amazing and diverse ecosystem.

Historic towns like Paris and New Boston in the north of West Texas are family friendly destinations that host activities and events year round for locals and visitors. Paris is now an official site for the nationally sanctioned McKenzie ASA Pro/Am archery tournament. The tournament held the first weekend in April is one of six held nationally. Spring time in Paris sound good?  The Paris Arts Festival is held the Saturday of Mother's Day weekend and is a full day of arts, crafts, and entertainment.

The discovery of oil in the early 1900's created boomtowns like Kilgore and Henderson while the railroad was key in the establishment of towns like Canton, Lindale, Longview and Marshall which sit along today's I 20 corridor.

Kilgore once had the highest density of oil well in one city block in all the world. Today there are over 80 oil rigs in town, all topped with illuminated stars representing Kilgore's patriotism.

H.O.G. members and motorcycle rides mount up and head to Longview for the memorial day weekend. The Party in the Pines Motorcycle Rally will be held at the Longview Fairgrounds Complex and will feature games, a parade, a bike show and ride. Don't miss the fun and entertainment even if a bike is still on that wish list.

The annual Antique Tractor and Engine Show is hosted by the city of Longview at the Rusk County Youth and Exposition Center. In addition to the vintage of vintage equipment, there will be fun for all with tractor races and games, rope making and a tractor pull. For an excellent example of terrific community energy, Carthage, one of the 2010 56 National Main Street Cities in Texas can be enjoyed a short drive away.  Spring brings an organized clean up effort to keep downtown clean and revitalized. The Texas County Music Hall of Fame with the Tex Ritter Museum is also a nice stop in Carthage.

Historic Nacogdoches is just that and much more. Leave your white clothes at home and attend the 20th  Annual Texas Blueberry Festival in June. Any imaginable blueberry recipe is sure to be there for the sampling; along with fresh picked berries for mom's favorite blueberry dessert. And here the East Texas Motorcycle Enthusiasts sponsor several events for charity throughout the year. The first event in April is the Cajun Cook-off - benefiting the Make a Wish Foundation; and the appetites of those in attendance.

From Beaumont and Orange in the south of East Texas to many of the towns above, Best Western Hotels are ready for your visit. With convenient and affordable accommodations look for Best Western to round out your itinerary.

The Alamo Mission

From San Angelo in the north, down to Austin and San Antonio; Central Texas travel brings a variety of events, sights and locations to enjoy and experience. Visit historic towns and museums, shop for treasures in some of the best antique shops in Texas while enjoying the scenic hill country along the way.

Recreation enthusiasts enjoy boating, water skiing and jet skiing on eight terrific lakes in the area. Boats and PWCs can be rented locally and launching is easy. On most of the local lakes and there are some great swimming beaches and fishing opportunities abound. Hunt for for striped bass, white bass, and catfish among others - this is a great region to explore and vacation.

San Antonio, famous for the River Walk offers all the excitement and culture of much bigger cities. A new extension of the River Walk was completed last May that extends to the San Antonio Museum of Art and the Pearl Brewery. Exciting art installations from well-known local and national artists line the new section of the walkway.

This is the season for basketball fans to take in a Spurs game. If you're in town on game day, be sure to plan a trip to the AT&T Center to watch your favorite rivalry. Or check out the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo held at the Center in February; where star studded performers will entertain during all 20 rodeo competitions.

Remember if Sea World San Antonio or Six Flags Fiesta Texas are on the itinerary for San Antonio, they open for the season in early March. And on first weekend in March, the San Antonio Living History Association commemorates the events of the Alamo with a special pre dawn presentation and a reenactment of the events over the weekend – a terrific family event worth the trip.

Follow the cowboys up to Austin for the Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo in March. Enjoy the PRCA competitors and enjoy the nightly concert headliners; featuring chart topping performers. Mid-February athletes from around the world will gather to run the Austin Marathon. Join over 11,000 participants for the long run, or the more reasonable Paramount 5K; a new event for those wanting to participate on a bit less strenuous level. Even if you're not the running type, you can join in the many activities all weekend.

Visitor Tip: Near the end of March the ZOOMA look for the Austin Half Marathon. This is part of a national series of races geared for women and women's health, and also includes a 5K and 20K relay.

On the western route to San Angelo, for a down -home good 'ol family outing, pass through Copperas Cove to take in the Cove Country Opry, there is a show the second Saturday of every month. And of course the small hill-country town of Luckenbach near Fredericksburg is all about Texas. The; new Luckenbach Blues Blues Festival will be held the end of January featuring well known local and state musicians. February and March bring the annual Hug-in and Valentine's Ball and the Mud Dauber Festival and Ball, enjoy plenty of boot scootin' at both events. San Angelo is an oasis smack in the middle of Texas. In February the renowned Alvin Ailey Dance Company is scheduled to perform and collaborate with the San Angelo Civic Ballet and the Museum of Fine Arts – an opportunity to experience American culture through modern dance. For ten days in February the epitome of horse events, the Circle Y Derby and the Worlds Greatest Horseman competitions will be held at the Spur Arena in San Angelo in the 1st Community Federal Credit Union Spur Arena. Events are free until the finals over the weekend so bring the entire family!

Best Western Hotels throughout central Texas and Texas Hill Country are a welcome stop in your travels. Convenient and affordable, take advantage of their warm hospitality along your route.

West Texas Rodeo Season

Leap Year babies, put 2012 on your Calendar for a trip to the West Texas town of Anthony - officially the "Leap Year Capital of the World" and home to the Worldwide Leap Year Festival and Worldwide Leap Year Birthday Club. It only happens once every four years so plan now. Observers of birthdays on the other 365 days also have a nice pick of options in cities and towns from El Paso, Odessa, and Abilene up to Lubbock and Amarillo.

El Paso is home to the largest urban park in the US; Franklin Mountains State Park covers over 37 square miles and overlooks the City and the Chihuahua Desert. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy hiking trails, mountain biking, rock climbing and tent camping. Still an active church today, Mission Ysleta dates back to 1681 and is a favorite destination for history buffs and visitors to missions in the area.

Visitor Tip: An important local cultural event will be held in June when the world premier of “Midnight Rendevouz: Billy The Kid & The Mystery of 1876” is held just outside El Paso in San Elizario, where the play’s historical events took place.

Travelers through Odessa can see Ratliff Stadium, home field for the two local high school football teams, where much of the movie Friday Night Lights was filmed. The film was based on the local Permian Panthers, and is true to the story that football is an important part of the local community. And while football season is over, the Central Hockey League's Odessa Jackalopes play at the Ector County Coliseum in Odessa through March. Look for a full schedule of games for sports fans.

Sitting 180 miles due west of Dallas / Ft Worth, Abilene Texas makes a great stopover. Historically a cattle, rail and oil town, it maintains a strong West Texas atmosphere. In May, the Western Heritage Classic celebrates Abilene's Texas values and lifestyles over a three-day weekend. The schedule includes something for everyone; with a Ranch Rodeo, Parade, the Working Ranch Horse National Finals, and children's events along with food and other entertainment.

Five major highways converge to form what looks like a hub on an old western wagon wheel giving Lubbock the nickname "Hub City". Home to Big 12 Texas Tech, interesting museums, a vibrant nightlife, great shopping, restaurants, and even award winning wineries, Lubbock is a diverse hub of activity as well. Hometown of musician Buddy Holly, be sure to include a visit to the Buddy Holly Center when in town.

Heading to the Crown of Texas, closer to Oklahoma than most of the Panhandle, travelers pass through Perryton. In March, bring your Harley and join the Texas Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Highway Motorcycle Run along State Route 83. In June, don't miss the Trail of Sales sponsored by the city of Dalhart. This unique event includes 75 miles of yard sales, garage sales, and flea markets for bargain and treasure hunters of all tastes.

Amarillo, a key stop along Interstate 40 and the historic Route 66, challenges the heartiest appetite with a free 72oz steak at the nostalgic Big Texas Steak Ranch. That's 4.5 lbs of meat with one hitch - you have to eat it all or pay the bill. A visit to the Panhandle and Plains Historical Museum is perhaps the quickest trip to catch a comprehensive glimpse at the entire Panhandle and Plains region.

All along the way Best Western Hotels are ready and awaiting your visit with clean and affordable accommodations. Conveniently located to suit travelers throughout the regions and offering the best in Texas hospitality.

Texas Mexico Border

From the cities of El Paso and Ciudad Juarez, to Brownsville and Matamoros - the best of two worlds come together in the the border towns of the United States and Mexico. Here, cultures combine influences to create a unique border-town culture of their own. Separated by the Rio Grande - as it's known in the United States, or the Rio Bravo in Mexico, millions travel back and forth across the border each year for daily business, pleasure and shopping.

Did you know that El Paso and Ciudad Juarez make up the largest international metroplex in the world? A simple and convenient way to get from the US to Mexico is the El Paso - Juarez Trolley. This shuttles takes visitors from El Paso to Juarez stopping at various attractions and points of interest. Trolleys continually navigate the route so riders can shop, eat, and sightsee at their leisure - taking the headache out of getting around. Ciudad Juarez offers abundant bargains. Don't miss the excellent Bridal District on Avenida Lerdo for savings on gowns and accessories. Or head to the City Market, and Tony's Curios, in downtown Juarez. Both are excellent shops for for silver and leather goods.

Southeast of El Paso, on the on US side of the border, the inland towns of Van Horn and Fort Stockton make nice stops for travelers heading east. Stay awhile in Fort Stockton in February for the Texas Crossroads Cowboy Poetry Gathering. This is a juried competition for cowboy entertainers featuring the best state and regional cowboy poets.

For over one hundred years the city has also hosted a Frontier Days and Rodeo celebration in June. If the kids have not seen a real rodeo, this is perfect event for the entire family to attend this spring. Fort Stockton is the finish line for April's Big Bend Open Road Race. This competitive motor sports event happens over four days and is filled with fun and entertainment. The race's challenge is due to the number of turns and elevation changes along the route. So rev your engine and check it out - at least to watch and enjoy the party.

The border towns of Del Rio Texas and its sister city Ciudad Acuna share the shores of Lake Amistad, which straddles the US Mexican border. Lake Amistad is one of the most popular lakes in Texas. Known for it's extraordinary clear and beautifully turquoise water, the lake has over 850 miles of shoreline. It boasts some of the best bass fishing in the country, and there are multiple fishing tournaments throughout the year. Check the schedule and grab your pole for a visit. Boaters can get away from the crowds in houseboats rented at the lake, but plan ahead as this is a popular get-away.

In April Del Rio hosts the George Paul Memorial Bullriding Superbull. Superbull is the largest bullriding event in the US, attracting fans and riders from all over the country. For over 25 years Del Rio has thrilled spectators with the Superbull - today a springtime tradition. There is nothing more exciting than bullriding at the rodeo, bring friends and family for the time of your life.

Eagle Pass in the US and Piedras Negras in Mexico, less recognized border town names, are equally popular towns to crisscross the border. The grass always looks greener on the other side and this is the case in these border towns. Residents of both the US and Mexico cross the border to shop, eat and dine on the other side. This border crossing is a nice place to avoid the congestion and crowds of the larger cities and still take advantage of the shopping and restaurants in Mexico.

Paranormal Fans; On the Mexico side in Piedras Negras, just across the railroad bridge that joins the cities, sits the Haunted Railroad Hotel. It is rumored to be home to the ghosts of guests past. If there is a guard there, recent sightings may be confirmed. Thankfully the old hotel is closed and there are unhaunted Best Western Hotel accommodations nearby.

Both Laredo in the US, and Nuevo Laredo in Mexico, celebrate the birthday of the first US President with festivities throughout February. Parades, parties, pageants, concerts and debutant balls are featured in the local schedules. In conjunction with the birthday celebrations, all visitors can join in Jamboozie - a Mardi Gras party that fills the streets of Laredo with food, music and dancing. Springtime is also a great time to visit these cities. In May, the Webb County Heritage Foundation sponsors a Founder's Day Celebration in Laredo, honoring contributions to the preservation of local history, along with plenty of fanfare and festivities. One thing for certain, these two cities know how to throw a party that visitors won't want to miss.

And last, but not least; just 30 miles down the border sits the town of Zapata Texas, unique for the Texas/Mexican border, it has no sister city in Mexico. Zapata is known for Falcon Lake, the second largest fresh water lake in Texas, and is home to some monster sized catfish and black bass. If fishing is your thing, Falcon Lake is definitely worth a short drive.

No matter where you travel along Mexico/US border - you'll find a comfortable, convenient Best Western hotel location waiting for you.