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 Summer 2019

Newly opened hotels, big attractions and warmer weather make the perfect combination to visit the Lone Star State this season! Here are a handful of new places to add to your #TexasToDo list.

Big Attractions

Space City Month – Houston, TX (July)
To honor the 50^th anniversary of the Apollo 11, the city will be launching a series of special programs and celebrations during the month of July (Space City Month). July 20, the actual anniversary of the Apollo moon landing, will be the most eventful day in the city. In addition to city-wide celebrations, a massive consumer celebration will be held at Space Center Houston (a party rumored to rival New Year’s Eve).

Willie Nelson's 4th of July Picnic 2019 – Austin, TX (July 4)
Celebrate America's birthday with a star-studded lineup of all-day music on two stages capped off with a patriotic fireworks display! Performances from Willie Nelson & Family (for the fifth year running), Luke Combs, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Alison Krauss and more.

Chappell Hill Lavender & Wine Fest – Brenham, TX (Aug. 10)
This one-day festival has craft vendors, live music, lavender-inspired and infused cuisine and plants for sale. During the cutting season which occurs twice a year, you can casually stroll the fragrant rows and cut your own fresh lavender. There is no admission charge to visit the festival.

Summer Event Highlights

Hatchling Releases of Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtles – Corpus Christi, TX (typically June-August)
Texas Blueberry Festival – Nacogdoches, TX (June 8)
The Legend of Big Bend – San Antonio, TX (June 22)
Bandera Riverfest – Bandera, TX (June 29)
Robert Earl Keen's Fourth on the River – Kerrville, TX (July 4)
Parker County Peach Festival – Weatherford, TX (July 13)
Viva Big Bend – Alpine, TX (July 25-28)Gospel Brunch with a Texas Twist in Gruene Hall – Gruene, TX (Aug. 11)
Richard and Pam Salmon Sculpture Competition – San Angelo, TX (ends Aug. 18)
Davis Mountains Hummingbird Celebration – Fort Davis, TX (Aug. 22-25)
Concert in the Cave Without A Name – Boerne, TX (Aug. 31)

New Eats and Drinks

Corpus Christi’s up-and-coming downtown district welcomed Lucy’s Snack Bar in May. The new spot offers coffee, lunch and dinner menus, snacks and beer and wine on tap. Located next to the Texas Surf Museum, Lucy’s is a welcome addition to the growing neighborhood.

Lost Lei, Austin’s newest tiki bar, opened in May in the downtown Warehouse District. Rather than recreate a traditional tiki bar, Lost Lei features a more modern style and is quickly becoming known for their craft cocktails.

Reef, one of Houston’s most iconic seafood restaurants, reopened in June after being closed for 21 months due to flooding during Hurricane Harvey. Chef Bryan Caswell is back serving dishes that are inspired from his Louisiana childhood and his experiences cooking around the world – making Reef a must-visit in Houston’s growing and vibrant culinary scene.

New Hotels

Old Central Firehouse Bed & Brew, a restored 1920s firehouse, opened in April in downtown San Angelo. The unique lodging features four bedrooms and four bathrooms including The Locker Room, The Chief's Retreat, The Lookout Room and The Hook and Ladder – perfect for any families looking for a memorable experience.

The East Austin Hotel opened its doors in May, and features unique accommodations that range from poolside rooms and suites with private balconies and patios to more hostel-like “cabins” with private rooms and shared bathrooms. The hotel also features a courtyard, pool and three restaurant and bars: all-day Sixth & Waller, tropical-themed Pool Bar and rooftop spot The Upside.

Lucky Arrow Retreat is a tranquil spot on 15 acres in Dripping Springs, complete with a beer garden and event center that can be rented for weddings and other gatherings. The retreat features 36 units, including modern cabins, yurts and a multibedroom ranch house. Amenities such as pools and fire pits are also available at the retreat, plus programmed and customizable daytime and evening tours of the surrounding Hill Country area.

New Flights

New flights are regularly added to Texas on all major airlines, making it an easily accessible trip destination! United Airlines has expanded daily, year-round nonstop flight service from Reno-Tahoe International Airport to George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston.

The Dallas Fort Worth International airport also announced that for the first time in its history, Fort Worth-based American Airlines will begin nonstop flights to Munich and Dublin. Additionally, travelers in southern Utah can now fly from St. George to Dallas on a non-stop American Eagle flight.

Looking for even more summer travel inspiration? Check out www.TravelTexas.com and find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Visitors who share about their experiences from across the Lone Star State can use #TexasToDo to inspire others!

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