What’s New
From family-friendly attractions and outdoor adventure to an array of cultural experiences and unforgettable dining, Texas offers something for everyone. ‘What’s New In Texas’ highlights a handful of new places and activities to add to your #TexasToDo list.
Looking for even more Texas trip inspiration? Visit www.TravelTexas.com and follow Travel Texas on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Visitors who share about their experiences on social media from across the Lone Star State can use #TexasToDo to inspire others!
#TexasToDos Fall 2019
Newly opened hotels, highly anticipated restaurants and exciting attractions make the perfect combination to FALL in love with the Lone Star State this season! Here are a handful of new places and activities to add to your #TexasToDo list.
Monarch Butterfly Migration
Thousands of Monarch Butterflies will soon be fluttering around Texas! Experts say nearly 90% of all U.S. Monarch Butterflies will pass through Texas flyways on their annual trek south to Mexico for the winter.
It should be noted that each migration season is unique due to changes in weather and butterfly numbers; however, the best time to spot Monarchs on their fall pilgrimage through the state is October and November. Areas rich in nectar sources including botanical gardens (like the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center and Amarillo Botanical Gardens) and nature preserves and State Parks (like Galveston Island State Park), can serve as hot spots for the winged travelers.
A number of Texas cities participate in Monarch conservation efforts and special celebrations in honor of these migrating beauties. A few family-friendly events include the Texas Butterfly Festival at the National Butterfly Center in Mission and the Monarch Butterfly and Pollinator Festival and Parade in San Antonio, which includes a live Monarch release.
In October, We Fest…
Did you know that German settlers founded a number of Texas towns including Fredericksburg and New Braunfels? Check out how these towns (and others) are celebrating the tradition of Oktoberfest:
Beachtoberfest – Port Aransas, TX (Sept 13 – Oct 30, 2019)
This lively beach town celebrates eight weeks of fun including a live music festival, the annual Port A Surf Classic, Texas Super Chef Showdown, sand pumpkin patch and more.
Oktoberfest – Fredericksburg, TX (Oct 4 – Oct 6, 2019)
Fredericksburg is celebrating their German roots with classic food and drink, dancing, music and artisan crafts alongside special activities including a Kraut Run, Lederhosen Contest and more!
Surftoberfest – Corpus Christi, TX (Oct 5, 2019)
For a unique spin, head to the Gulf Coast for the 5th annual Surftoberfest! Activities will include a Stein Holding Contest, costumes and arts and crafts for the kids, live music, food and beer. *Benefiting the Texas Surf Museum
Wurstfest – New Braunfels, TX (Nov 1 – Nov 10, 2019)
While technically in November, Wurstfest is a celebration of the German sausage and billed as the best ten days in sausage history. Celebrations will include carnival rides and games, dancing, music, food and German, Texan and domestic beer. Fun fact – New Braunfels was actually named after the city of Braunfels in Germany and still has a strong connection to the town.
More Events
Austin City Limits Music Festival – Austin, TX (Oct. 4-6 & 11-13)
One of Texas’ most well-known festivals, Austin City Limits (ACL) returns to the music capital of the world on October 4-6 and October 11-13. Major headliners of the 2019 show include Billie Eilish, Lizzo, Childish Gambino, Guns N’ Roses and many more. You might even get lucky and catch the bat migration!
State Fair of Texas – Dallas, TX (Sept. 27-Oct. 20)
At 24 consecutive days, the State Fair of Texas is the longest-running fair in the nation, as well as one of the largest. Major updates and additions are made yearly, and this year the 133-year-old fair will feature the return of The World of Birds Show, a “selfie stroll” featuring artwork by local artists, the Mighty Mike Show and more. In addition to the fun rides and food, the fair will also have big musical acts including Big & Rich, Billy Ray Cyrus, Daughtry and Bob Schneider. Plus, score a classic cowboy experience by visiting neighboring Fort Worth to watch the twice daily cattle drive.
86th Annual Texas Rose Festival – Tyler, TX (Oct. 17-20)
The rose may be the official flower of Pasadena, CA but Tyler, TX is the Rose Capital of America! At one point, this East Texas town and the surrounding region produced more than half of the U.S. supply of rose bushes. To celebrate these perfumed roots, Tyler puts on an annual rose festival featuring a Rose Parade, the Queen’s Coronation, Ribbon Cutting and Rose Presentation and more. While in East, TX travelers can’t miss a trip out to the dreamy Caddo Lake or hop onboard the family-friendly TX State Railroad Pumpkin Patch Express.
- Sand Castle Days – South Padre Island (October 3 – 6, 2019)
- Bootfest – Victoria, TX (October 4 – 5, 2019)
- Dia De Los Muertos Festival – San Antonio, TX (October 26 – 27, 2019)
- Terlingua Chili Cook-Off – Terlingua, TX (October 28- November 2, 2019)
- Pioneer Days – Cleburne, TX (November 15 – 16, 2019)
- Dickens on the Strand – Galveston, TX (December 6-8, 2019)
New Hotels/Packages
Southfork Ranch Fans of the iconic soap opera ‘Dallas’ can now ‘Live & Dream Like A Ewing’ at Southfork Ranch. The new package includes a private tour of the mansion including access to filming locations, champagne and JR’s Steak dinner, an optional trail ride and more.
The Sinclair Built in 1929, the art deco Sinclair Building in Fort Worth – named for the original tenant, Sinclair Oil Company – has been given new life as a luxury boutique hotel utilizing industry-leading green technology.
Hotel Zaza This 159-room Austin property is ‘equal parts whimsy and luxury’. Can’t-miss elements include the Group Therapy cocktail bar and rooftop pool with downtown views.
New Eats & Drinks
These 2019 James Beard Award Semifinalists should be on every foodie’s bucket list:
- Petra and the Beast, Dallas – Best New Restaurant
- Suerte, Austin – Best New Restaurant
- Anvil Bar & Refuge, Houston – Outstanding Bar Program
- Chris Shepherd, Georgia James, Houston – Outstanding Chef
- Ricardo “Ricchi” Sanchez, Bullion, Dallas – Outstanding Pastry Chef
- The Original Ninfa's on Navigation, Houston – Outstanding Restaurant
- Jonathan “Jonny” Rhodes, Restaurant Indigo, Houston – Rising Star Chef of the Year
New Flights
New flights are regularly added to Texas on all major airlines, making it an easily accessible trip destination! In December 2019, American Airlines is expected to add a second daily flight between San Juan, Puerto Rico and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). The carrier also plans to launch nonstop flights between DFW and Tel Aviv, Israel in 2020.