Winter Texan Camping Guide Part #3

WINTER TEXAN DESTINATIONS AND ATTRACTIONS

Three of the most popular Winter Texan destinations are the Rio Grande Valley, Texas Hill Country and the Gulf Coast, but every part of the state is brimming with things to see, do and explore.

POPULAR ATTRACTIONS AND THINGS TO DO

Texas is one destination that never slows down, even during the winter. You will find no shortage of events and activities to keep you entertained during your stay, such as:

• Go to a rodeo: Texas is the best place to live like a true cowboy — and what better way to do that than by attending a rodeo? The San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo, Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo and the Working Ranch Cowboys Association World Championship Ranch Rodeo in Amarillo all take place during the winter.
  Tour historic sites: Visit the historic Alamo and San Antonio Missions National Historic Park in San Antonio, explore San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site or take a tour of the Stockyards National Historic District in Fort Worth for an eye-opening and educational day trip.
• Celebrate the holidays: If you are camping in Texas in November through March, you will be there for several major holidays. Fortunately, the Lone Star State is one of the best places to be for a holiday celebration! Popular holiday destinations include KwanzaaFest in Dallas, the Prairie Lights Show in Grand Prairie, Chanukah on the River in San Antonio, the Austin Trail of Lights, Dickens on the Strand in Galveston, Austin’s Sixth Street for New Year’s Eve and the Sun Bowl Thanksgiving Day Parade in El Paso. You can even share a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner in one of Fredericksburg’s numerous German eateries.
• Visit wine country: Winter is the perfect time to tour a winery if you want smaller crowds and a more intimate tasting experience. You will find many of Texas’ most popular wineries scattered throughout Texas Hill Country. Make sure you bring along a coat — many spots of a winery are cold, especially during winter.
• Take in the city: Every city in Texas has its own spirit and culture. Whether it is Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, Fort Worth, El Paso or one of several smaller cities in between, you will enjoy the restaurants, live events, concerts and downtown atmosphere of each one.
• Spend the day at a beach: Winter Texans love the Texas Gulf Coast beaches during the off-season because they are usually quieter and less crowded, so you get to relax and enjoy the view without worrying about anything else. While you are there, bring your favorite book, a thermos of your favorite drink and plan to spend the day listening to the waves.
• Go birdwatching: Birdwatching is a favorite pastime of many Texan tourists because the state is home to so many unique species. Some of the best places to go are state parks, including Choke Canyon State Park, Dinosaur Valley State Park and Resaca de la Palma State Park. Do not forget your binoculars, and consider participating in a guided bird watch to learn more about the local species.
• Visit a nature refuge: Nature refuges are a great place to learn more about and photograph rare and endangered species. There are several refuges in Texas, including Aransas National Wildlife Refuge in Austwell, Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge in Los Fresnos and the Padre Island National Seashore.
• Attend a festival: Winter is full of fun festivals and events in Texas, including the Kerrville Rennaissance Festival, spicy food celebration ZestFest in Irving, Oktoberfest in Fredericksburg or any Mardis Gras celebration in major cities like Galveston and Port Arthur.
• Become a Texas foodie: What better way to spend your season away from home than by learning new skills you can take back with you? Become a true Texas foodie by mingling with locals at a local chili cook-off or barbecue competition for meal inspiration. Once you find the dishes you love, pick up the ingredients you need to replicate them at your campsite.