From the Editor | April & May 2025
Can you believe how fast this year is moving? It feels like we just celebrated Christmas, yet the school year is almost over and soon you’ll be looking at ways to keep your children entertained. If you’re at all like my family, you may be looking for travel ideas. There’s no need to go far, though, because there’s plenty of things to do in the Lone Star State.
This issue of Tex Appeal is focused on travel. We know that when you visit an area, you don’t just go to one location and leave, you want an experience, whether it’s a day trip, weekend visit or a week-long stay, so instead of focusing on a few things to do in the entire state, we decided to focus on some of the major cities. Each story will include several things to do in that city, so you can make the most of your time.
Our cover features kayakers and paddleboarders on the Colorado River in Austin. Did you know that Austin is the Live Music Capital of the World? Austin also has an immersive art experience at Wonderspaces, kayaking and hiking at Lady Bird Lake, and the chance to experience bats flying out from under the Congress Avenue Bridge during warmer months.
In the Dallas-Fort Worth area, we are highlighting the Perot Museum, The Dallas World Aquarium, Dealey Plaza, the Fort Worth Stockyards and John Wayne — An American Experience exhibit in Fort Worth. This article focuses on science, nature, entertainment and history.
Houston, we have a problem … but only if you don’t read about all there is to see and do in Space City. Rachel has selected some amazing experiences, including the Museum of Natural Science, Discovery Green and Hermann Park, with its beautiful Japanese garden. Of course, no trip to Houston would be complete without a visit to Space Center Houston.
About three hours west of Houston is San Antonio, a city full of history and adventure. Every trip to San Antonio must involve the River Walk, a pedestrian promenade filled with cafes, shops and beautiful boat rides along the famous river. Just a hop, skip and a jump from the River Walk is the world famous Alamo, that should be on everyone’s bucket list. Other unique places to visit in the city include Historic Market Square, Mi Tierra, the Texas Selfie Museum and the Kallison Love Lock Bridge.
Fredericksburg is a Central Texas community everyone should visit, filled with scenic views and Texas hospitality. Take a hike up Enchanted Rock, visit the Stonehenge of Texas, admire the beautiful rows of flowers at Wildseed Farms, visit the National Museum of the Pacific War and check out the small community of Luckenbach.
If you don’t mind driving a little further southwest, Big Bend National Park is the place to visit. The jaw-dropping landscape rivals any other in the country. This natural wonder is a hiker’s paradise and is the perfect getaway to relax and enjoy the beauty around you.
Also included in this issue is a heartfelt story about two moms who are starting a nonprofit for Down syndrome awareness; we catch up with the folks at the Twin Lakes Audubon Society; and learn about the latest home fashion — grandmillennial design. Jennise shares some money-saving tips for planning ahead as well as nifty apps to help you save some extra cash.
Brandy Cruz
Tex Appeal editor