Exploring Texas With Ranching & USA Expert Joanne Moores
Texas is like its own world, the Lone Star state offering up something special for every traveller. Whether you’re after the urban buzz of Houston, the historic atmosphere of San Antonio, or the cowboy traditions of Fort Worth, the destination has you covered. From the German-inspired streets of Fredericksburg to Austin’s lively music scene, every location captures a slice of its unique personality. And not forgetting the many iconic dude ranches where you can live out your Wild West dreams.
Showcasing a Texas that is as vibrant as it is vast, below I share personal insights and tips from my recent visit and highlight some of the must-see locations, including the Wildcatter, Mayan, and Dixie Dude ranches.
Grapevine: The Charm of Small-Town Texas
Nestled comfortably between the bustling cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, Grapevine offers a taste of classic small-town Texas charm, mixed with the appeal of an entertainment hub. Staying at the Hilton DFW Lakes hotel gives you easy access to Grapevine Mills, a vast retail haven with attractions like an aquarium, escape rooms, and Legoland—all of which are ideal for families looking for fun.
Main Street is a treat for wine enthusiasts, with numerous local vintages just waiting to be imbibed. Simply stroll along stopping at each winery to savour the local flavours and connect with passionate vintners. Prefer a guided experience? Hop aboard a Grapevine wine tour, where you’ll be whisked away to three different wineries, and enjoy a delectable lunch or dinner. Foodies will also delight in the Grapevine Walking Food Tour, where you’ll indulge in an array of culinary delights, from authentic spaghetti and pizza to locally crafted olive oils and decadent chocolates.
As the holiday season approaches, Grapevine transforms into the “Christmas Capital of Texas,” a festive wonderland decked out in lights and holiday decorations. The Grapevine Vintage Railroad, with its 1920s-era railcars, becomes a holiday experience in itself, with themed train rides for the family. And with the convenient Tex Rail connection, you’re just 15 minutes away from Fort Worth’s Stockyards, making Grapevine a perfect base for exploring the area.
Travel Tip: Grapevine is incredibly pedestrian-friendly, with shuttle services and bike rentals available, so you can easily explore without needing a car. During the holiday season, we suggest booking your Grapevine Vintage Railroad tickets early to avoid sold-out rides.
Fort Worth: A Gateway to the Wild West
To those in the know Fort Worth is “Where the West Begins,” and it lives up to its cowboy reputation with gusto. The famous Stockyards District lets visitors experience Texas’ ranching heritage, with daily cattle drives, authentic saloons, and historic Western shops. Mule Alley, a recently restored area within the Stockyards, is packed with dining options, boutiques, and live entertainment, offering a blend of modern attractions and old-world charm.
For those looking to dive even deeper into Western culture, Fort Worth’s Cultural District has the John Wayne Museum and the Cowgirl Museum, where you can explore artefacts, interactive exhibits, and memorabilia that celebrate the legends of the American West. Staying at the Stockyards Hotel or the Drover immerses you right in the action, with easy access to the Rodeo Coliseum, where live rodeo shows bring the spirit of Texas to life.
Travel Tip: The Tex Rail from the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport provides a scenic, stress-free ride into Fort Worth, so you arrive refreshed and ready to explore.
Wildcatter Ranch: A True Cowboy Experience
About an hour and a half from Fort Worth, the Wildcatter Guest Ranch is the real deal for anyone dreaming of a cowboy adventure. Spread across open plains and rugged Texas landscapes, the horseback rides double as a history lesson with the wranglers sharing tales of times past. Filled to the brim with frontier narratives, the property’s 1,500-acres is located on the famous Goodnight-Loving Trail, a historic cattle trail used in the 1860s to move Texas Longhorns. Beyond horseback riding, you can also try your hand at archery, clay shooting, and even tomahawk throwing for a full Western experience.
Evenings at Wildcatter are magical, with sweeping sunset views and starlit skies that make you feel a world away, and when you are ready to retire you can expect rustic luxe accommodations, from cosy cabins with private porches overlooking the rolling plains to more upscale rooms. All in all, the Wildcatter Ranch perfectly combines an authentic ranch experience with the comforts of a resort, making it an ideal destination for those of us looking to live out their Western dreams in style.
Travel Tip: For beginners, Wildcatter is a great choice, as their well-trained horses ensure safe, relaxed rides that allow you to fully appreciate Texas’s landscape.
Houston: A City of Surprises
At first glance, Houston’s sprawling cityscape may seem overwhelming, but it’s filled with an abundance of trees and green spaces and each of its diverse and vibrant districts have distinct personalities. As for the weather, in Texas, it’s warm from Easter through June and from mid Sept to mid-November, not forgetting those lovely hot summers. I arrived in early October, when it was 30+ degrees Celsius and the dry heat felt wonderful.
Navigating Houston’s neighbourhoods is an adventure in itself. Each district is marked by its own unique street signs: the iconic Red Line Metro, Uber, or even your own car, if you are on a self-drive holiday, are the best options for getting around.
Start your visit with Tex-Mex at Ninfa’s on Navigation, famed for its original fajitas and tasty cocktails. Of course, if you are feeling the need to beat the Houston heat, you can also explore the city’s underground tunnel system, which stretches across much of downtown. And no trip to Houston would be complete without visiting the NASA Space Centre, a 30-minute drive from the city proper, where interactive exhibits give visitors a fascinating look at space exploration and astronaut training.
From the iconic NRG Stadium, home to the city’s renowned rodeo events, and the recently opened Houston Botanical Gardens, there’s no shortage of experiences, and thirty minutes from downtown lies Kemah with its live music and famous seafood restaurants. Houston’s Museum District is another must-see with over 19 cultural institutions, including the Museum of Fine Arts and the Houston Zoo.
Travel Tip: October is an especially good time to explore Houston’s outdoor attractions, and the weather is ideal for outdoor exploration and patio dining. The milder climate also makes the city’s walking tours and open-air markets even more enjoyable.
Galveston: Texas’s Coastal Gem
Galveston, with its beachy charm and historic ambiance, offers a unique coastal escape in Texas. I stayed at Tremont House Hotel, which is a lovely, modern property with a stylish, colonial-inspired aesthetic along with live music and a piano bar. Centrally located, the hotel is a 2-minute walk from everything, plus, you can take the trolley car to the beach, just 10-15 minutes away. Another excellent choice is the Grand Galvez Hotel, dating back to 1911.
For history buffs, Galveston’s downtown area is packed with historical sites, including the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Museum, which offers an intriguing look at Texas’ oil industry. And the 10-mile beach promenade is perfect for long walks or bike rides, where you can take in the scenic Gulf Coast views.
For families, Moody Gardens is a major attraction, featuring a sprawling aquarium, a rainforest pyramid, and even a 3D theater. There’s also a two-hour ‘Carriage Haus’ tour, where you can uncover fascinating details about Galveston’s past on the go.
Travel Tip: The beach promenade is easily accessible by bike or trolley, making it simple to explore without a car.
Austin: The Music Capital of Texas
Austin pulses with an energy fuelled by live music, diverse food, and a vibrant art scene. Begin your adventure with a barbecue feast at Loro, where Asian and Texas flavours blend deliciously. Then dive into the live music scene along Congress Avenue, where countless venues showcase everything from country and blues to indie rock. For food lovers, Austin’s eclectic culinary scene offers something for everyone, from food trucks serving up tacos at Guero’s Taco Bar to Home Slice’s renowned pizzas.
Beyond music and food, Austin’s street art adds a layer of creative charm to the city. We explored the murals in South Congress, including the iconic “I Love You So Much” wall, but you can also take a self-guided art tour through the city’s colourful neighbourhoods.
Travel Tip: Plan your visit during the South by Southwest festival in March or Austin City Limits in October for a firsthand experience of Austin’s world-renowned music and arts culture.
Fredericksburg: Germany in the Heart of Texas
Fredericksburg is a charming blend of German culture and Texas hospitality, located just an hour from Austin. Known for its vineyards and historic sites, this small town offers unique attractions like the Pioneer Museum and the National Museum of the Pacific War, which delve into the area’s rich history.
Mid-May to mid-September marks peach season, a favourite time to visit as local wineries incorporate the fruit into seasonal drinks and desserts.
Vineyard tours in Fredericksburg often include transportation, allowing you to indulge in wine tastings without worrying about the drive back. Another recommended highlight, and just a short trip away, is Luckenbach, a rustic Texan village where you can unwind with live music and cold drinks in an iconic honky-tonk setting.
Travel Tip: Weekends in Fredericksburg can be bustling, so the Frontier America team will be able recommend and plan your accommodations and tours in advance to avoid last-minute surprises.
San Antonio: History, Romance, and River Walks
San Antonio offers a blend of historical landmarks and the romantic ambiance of its famous River Walk. Start your visit with an early morning trip to The Alamo, a moving site that’s best appreciated when it’s less crowded. A historic mission and the site of the pivotal battle during the Texas Revolution in 1836, it holds a special place in the state’s history. Representing the spirit of independence, the Alamo has become an enduring symbol of Texan pride and identity.
Hopping aboard one of the frequent river cruises is an absolute must. I embarked on a mesmerising journey, listening intently as the guide regaled us with tales of the city’s past. A true oasis, the river is nestled below the main city streets and flanked by a vibrant array of restaurants, bars, and shops. An unforgettable time to travel, experience a cruise during the golden hour when the sun dips below the horizon and the River Walk comes alive in a glow.
Beyond the river, the River Walk Mall adds a modern touch with its shopping, dining, and entertainment options, while for nightlife, San Antonio’s riverside bars and live music venues spring to life in the evening.
Travel Tip: For an extra-special experience, stay at the Emily Hotel, right across from the Alamo and steps away from the best riverfront dining.
Mayan Dude Ranch: Family Fun and Cowboy Culture
Located in the heart of Bandera, and under the ownership of the Hicks’ family for several generations, the Mayan Dude Ranch welcomes guests with genuine Texan hospitality. For that reason alone it’s a good match with parents of young children and there is a variety of accommodations to choose from, including rustic cabins and hotel-style rooms. Home-cooked meals, nightly country dances, and live entertainment add to the charm, creating a place where memories are made.
Horseback riding is a highlight, and with every ride being nose to tail this is the ideal ranch for beginners. I highly recommend the breakfast trail ride, where you head to a secluded spot for a fire-cooked breakfast, as this is the ultimate Texas experience.
The guests varied from repeat visitors who return year after year to simply soak up the peaceful ambiance: those who haven’t ridden for 20-30 years and are using the ranch to ease themselves back into the activity: and those who use the ranch as a base, joining a few rides but also venturing out to nearby Fredericksburg and San Antonio.
Travel Tip: Families will love Texas’ Mayan Dude Ranch, as it offers a wide range of activities for kids and adults alike, from campfire storytelling to line dancing. On the one-size-fits-all nightly rate, non-riders are welcome to enjoy the amenities as well.
Dixie Dude Ranch: Simple Pleasures and Western Camaraderie
A few minutes from Bandera, the Dixie Dude Ranch offers a more traditional Western experience. Guests can enjoy horseback riding, fishing, and even rope lessons under the guidance of seasoned wranglers. Your evenings will also be busy with cowboy storytelling, live music, and gatherings around the campfire, fostering a strong sense of community amongst the guests.
The rides, two scheduled daily, are leisurely nose-to-tail treks, but the ranch’s offerings extend far beyond horseback riding. Guests can cast a line in the well-stocked fishing pond, challenge one another to a game of horseshoes, or simply relax by the swimming pool. When the evening draws in, the rotating schedule of activities varies, from watching a skilled trick roper in action to gatherings around the crackling campfire spent listening to the soulful strumming of a cowboy crooner.
Travel Tip: Open year-round, with the exception of December 16th to 26th, the ranch is well-suited to families with kids. On Texas kids’ spring break, which falls between March 08-23, the weather is mild, and the ranch is bustling with energy and activities tailored for young adventurers. Couples and adult groups will find April/May and September/October ideal. These shoulder seasons offer pleasant weather and a mix of fellow guests, creating a convivial atmosphere.
Why Texas is the Perfect Getaway
Texas’ vast landscapes, rich history, and welcoming people make it an exceptional choice for travellers seeking both excitement and relaxation. Whether you’re drawn to Austin’s music scene, a big city like Houston, or the wide-open charm of a dude ranch, the Lone Star state has a way of capturing your heart and leaving you with unforgettable memories. As a tailor-made specialist there are practically no limits on where your travels take you, and as the saying goes, everything is bigger in Texas, so there’s always room for another adventure.
For more information on our tailor-made holidays to Texas and assistance in planning your trip to the Lone Star state from the Frontier America team, call our specialists on 020 8776 8709 or email us at America@frontier-travel.co.uk. ATOL PROTECTED No 5405 ABTA W3207.
