STATE TRAVEL GUIDE

EDITORIAL PROFILE AND MARKET INFORMATION EDITORIAL PROFILE GETTING AROUND TRAVEL INFORMATION his year, the Texas Department of Transportation celebrates 100 years of helping drivers safely travel the state. On April 4, 1917, Gov. James Ferguson signed House Bill 2, establishing the State Highway Department and creating T a commission and engineer position to oversee state highway construction and state vehicle registrations. Since then, TxDOT has been building the state highway system (1918) and urban expressways (1951), helping visitors find their way around the state (1936), publishing Texas Highways as a state travel magazine (1974), encourag- ing people to pick up trash along highways (1985), and telling them “Don’t mess with When Cuatro, age 7, went Texas” (1986). TxDOT is looking forward to what the next 100-plus years will bring. fishing with his family this DRIVETEXAS™—This is the Texas Department taken of the license plate and the bill is mailed CLIMATE—Texas terrain includes arid desert year, he had no idea what he might catch. And he never, ever, in his wildest dreams thought of Transportation’s highway conditions to the address associated with the plate. The mountains, limestone hills, rich farmland, in for mation service. Travelers can visit bill may contain an administrative charge in grasslands, marshes and deep forests. The drivetexas.org to view an interactive high- addition to the toll fee. Rental car drivers state enjoys generally mild winters, but the it would be this whopper, a 40lb, technicolor Dorado (aka, Mahi Mahi) that he reeled in way map displaying construction areas, should check with the rental company re- summers are hot. In July, the average day- closures, weather-related hazards and garding the handling of toll fees. On the time high statewide is almost 96 degrees. just off the coast of Corpus Christi. Memories are most definitely made here in the other conditions along their route. The occasion that a toll plaza is staffed, signs Average annual rainfall varies from less website also has options to see a live traffic will direct travelers to lanes with the option than 9 inches in far West Texas to about Texas Coastal Bend, and it’s high time to create some for yourself. With a little feed, view traffic cameras in select regions, to stop and pay. Visit www.txtag.org to view 58 inches in parts of East Texas. and find safety rest areas and Texas locations of toll roads and find information help from our local guides, the world is your oyster: Catch some reds Travel Information Centers. The site is on payment forms accepted. both desktop- and mobile-friendly. on the beach or trout in the back bays. Go giggin for flounder TRAFFIC SIGNS—Speeds, caution areas, stops Travelers may also call 800/452-9292 and directions are marked by more than half for 24-hour automated informa tion or to on a midnight run or crabbing right on the jetties. Or maybe a million signs. Passing is illegal when there TEXAS TRAVEL speak with a professional travel counselor is a continuous yellow stripe on the driver’s INFORMATION CENTERS for highway conditions, safety information side of the center line. Center lines are yel- The Texas Department of Trans portation even snag a Dorado, just like Cuatro did. and expert tourism recommendations, low dashed stripes. White dashed stripes operates 12 travel information centers for from 8 a.m.–6 p.m. Central time, seven separate dual lanes of traffic in the same di- the convenience of the traveling public. Plan your trip online and don’t forget days a week. rection. Painted or reflective pavement ar- Professional travel counselors welcome the tape measure and a camera, HIGHWAY REST AREAS—Texas pioneered the rows often show ap proved directions or visitors and provide a wealth of informa- concept of miniature parks along travel- turns. Arrows pointing toward you or red tion and suggestions to make every Texas because memories are made here. ways—an idea that has been adopted nation- reflectors indicate you are driving the wrong trip safe and pleasant. ally. Today, safety rest areas with restrooms, way on a freeway ramp or one-way street. Discounted tickets to major Texas attrac- picnic areas and scenic turnouts give travel- AUTO SAFETY BELTS AND CHILD SEATS—All tions are available. Travel counselors sup- VisitCorpusChristiTX.org ers a break from driving so they can return ply comprehensive statewide travel publi- to the road refreshed and more alert. Re- people in a passenger vehicle, regardless of age or seating position, are required to wear cations, plus detailed brochures about or 800.766.BEACH (2322) maining in a rest area for more than 24 points of interest, attractions and recre- hours or erecting any kind of structure is a seat belt. Children up to 8 years old, unless taller than 4 feet 9 inches, must ride in child ational areas along the way. The centers prohibited by law. also host safety awareness events and safety seats. Fines may be levied for failure SPEED LIMITS—Pay careful attention to speed other special events throughout the year. to use safety belts and child safety seats. limit signs! In Texas, speed limits can range The centers are open 8 a.m.–5 p.m. daily from 25 mph to 85 mph on numbered high- AUTO INSURANCE—A motor vehicle may not and from 8 a.m.–6 p.m. Memorial Day ways. Speed limits on some Texas highways, be operated in Texas unless a policy of liabil- weekend through Labor Day. The Capitol especially urban freeways, may be reduced ity insurance is in effect. Evidence of insur- Visitor Center hours are 9 a.m.–5 p.m. because of their individual operating charac- ance must be furnished when requested by Monday through Saturday and noon–5 p.m. teristics. Posted speed limits apply to cars a police officer. Sunday year-round. and trucks for both day and night. DON’T MESS WITH TEXAS—For 30 years, the All centers are closed on New Year’s Day, TOLL ROADS—Many toll roads are cashless or Don’t mess with Texas® campaign has been Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, Christ- all-electronic, meaning they do not have reminding motorists to keep our highways mas Eve and Christmas Day. staffed booths to take tolls. Some require litter-free. Don’t mess with Texas is a regis- For 24-hour highway condition informa- people to have toll tags and some may have tered service mark and trademark owned by tion, call 800/452-9292 or visit a Pay by Mail option. If a vehicle without a the Texas Department of Trans portation. drivetexas.org. valid toll tag uses a toll road, a picture is www.DontmesswithTexas.org

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TRAVELING ACROSS TEXAS These examples of mileage across the state will help judge distances: 329 miles El Paso to Big Bend ...... 834 miles 197 miles Dalhart El Paso to Orange Houston to San Antonio ..... THE REGIONS Canadian 178 miles Amarillo to Brownsville . . . . . 765 miles Dallas to Texarkana ...... PINEY WOODS ..... 50 119 miles DEVIL’S BACKBONE ■ PRAIRIES AND LAKES San Antonio to Amarillo to Lubbock ...... TEXAS:WHOOPING A CRANESQUICK—A scenic TOUR drive, R.M. 32 286 miles —During win - BLANCO CADDO LAKE 98 Amarillo South Padre Island ...... 79 miles ROCKPORT-FULTON GULF COAST ...... 262 miles Austin to San Antonio ...... PRAIRIES AND LAKES from U.S. 281 just south of Blanco UNCERTAIN—One of the state’s ■ Fort Worth to San Antonio ...... 30 miles ter, the largest flock of endangered 238 miles Dallas to Fort Worth toward San Marcos, follows a high only natural lakes features pontoon ....130 Canyon Dallas to Houston ...... THE BIG ‘D’ ■ SOUTH TEXAS PLAINS whooping cranes in the world make ridge called the Devil’s Backbone. boat tours for close up views of Palo Duro DALLAS —This thriving city boasts 150 Canyon their home at Aransas National See page 162. For more scenic Hill ■ HILL COUNTRY ...... more shopping centers per capita the bayous and sloughs that make Wildlife Refuge. See page 126. Country drives, see page 155. up this waterway. See page 217...... 176 Muleshoe Caprock than any other U.S. city. The arts ■ BIG BEND COUNTRY Canyons Denison district offers world-class museums (Caddo Lake State Park is listed Gainesville PADRE ISLAND WINE TRAIL ...... 194 Texarkana and entertainment. See page 70. —Padre Island —Texas wine on page 208.) ■ PINEY WOODS Wichita Falls CORPUS CHRISTI FREDERICKSBURG Mount .....218 Lubbock National Seashore gives visitors country is a popular wine region to OLDEST TOWN PANHANDLE PLAINS Pleasant FUN TOWN ■ —The original Six Flags access to one of the last natural visit in the U.S., and Highway 290 NACOGDOCHES—This historic ARLINGTON Denton near Fredericksburg is in the heart theme park features world-famous seashores in the U.S. See page 113. town in the heart of the Piney FORT South Padre Island is on the southern of the region. See page 166. For Woods was named for the Caddo Mineral DALLAS Marshall roller coasters. Sports fans cheer WORTH listings of wineries in Texas, see Wells about the stadiums for the Dallas end of this barrier island (page 127). tribe that once lived in the area. Arlington LongviewWaskom page 250. See page 212. Abilene ler Cowboys and Texas Rangers. See Ty page 59. Corsicana SOUTH TEXAS PLAINS CAVERNS TRAIN RIDE Rusk —The Caverns of Sonora —The historic s MAMMOTHS THE ALAMO SONORA PALESTINE–RUSK Anthony Midland Nacogdoche rank as a world-class cave because Brownwood Palestine WACO —The Waco Mammoth SAN ANTONIO —Texas’ most famous Texas State Railroad offers steam EL PASO of their stunning array of calcite Waco Lufkin National Monument represents the landmark is found in downtown San and diesel train excursions year Guadalupe Odessa crystal formations. See page 174. San Angelo nation’s only recorded discovery of round. See pages 212 and 214. Mtns. Natl. Monahans - Antonio near the popular River Walk. Park Killeen a nursery herd of Columbian mam The Alamo and four other sites are BIG THICKET Temple Huntsville moth remains. See page 94. BIG BEND COUNTRY Fort Marble Bryan Big Thicket part of the San Antonio Mission World KOUNTZE—The visitor center is a Stockton etown Natl. Heritage Site. See pages 145 and 148. a Falls Georg INDEPENDENCE SPANISH MISSIONS launching point for exploring this rich rt Ozon College Preserve Orange -BRAZOS— - Fo Sonora WASHINGTON-ON-THE BIRDING CENTERS EL PASO—Some of the oldest mis national preserve. See page 209. Davis g AUSTIN Station Alpine Fredericksbur After the Texas Revolution in 1836, MISSION—The headquarters is sions in the U.S. can be found on the Brenham Beaumont this was the site of the signing of the found within Bentsen–Rio Grande Mission Trail. See page 187. (Also PANHANDLE PLAINS Marfa New San Marcos HOUSTON Kerrville Baytown Texas Declaration of Independence. Valley State Park. Another eight see San Antonio’s Missions National Langtry Braunfels It served as the capital from 1842- World Birding Center sites are Historical Park, page 148.) ROUTE 66 - Gonzales —Amarillo was the larg SAN eston 46. See page 84. For more history, located in the area. See page 143. TALLEST PEAK AMARILLO Del Rio Galv see page 10. est Texas city along historic Route 66. Uvalde NIO Bay City GETTING LUCKY GUADALUPE MOUNTAINS Terlingua Big Bend ANTO Look for the “Old Route 66” signs. EAGLE PASS—The Lucky Eagle NATIONAL PARK—Texas’ highest “The Denton ad near our city Natl. Park Victoria COWTOWN See page 227. Eagle FORT WORTH—Billed as the “City casino features slot machines, games, point, Guadalupe Peak, stands at FAMILY FUN Pass Goliad rt Lavaca Po of Cowboys and Culture,” Fort Worth bingo, keno and live entertainment. 8,749 feet. The surrounding park PALO DURO TEXAS TRAVEL INFORMATION CENTERS offers cattle drives and a first-rate See page 139. offers a wilderness experience for CANYON —Palo Duro Canyon is por tation operates 12 travel The Texas Department of Trans Rockport/ cultural district. See page 77. BIG BIRTHDAY hiking and camping. See page 193. known as the Grand Canyon of Texas. See page 232. information centers for the convenience of the traveling Fulton LAREDO—The monthlong George THE BIG BEND — public. See page 7. 806/335-1441 GULF COAST Washington’s Birthday Celebration BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK I-40 Corpus BUDDY HOLLY AMARILLO Kingsville 915/886-3468 Christi in February is a unique borderland This 801,163-acre park along the bend LUBBOCK—The Buddy Holly Center I-10 SPACE CENTER HOUSTON ular ANTHONY interpretation of this American in the Rio Grande has spectac 512/463-8586 Laredo HOUSTON—Visit the headquarters has a permanent exhibit dedicated Capitol Visitor Center AUSTIN Padre holiday. See page 141. desert scenery. See page 185. (See to this native son. See page 236. 903/463-2860 of America’s manned space program U.S. 69/75 Island also Big Bend Ranch State Park in DENISON at Space Center Houston southeast 940/665-2301 - FRONTIER FORT I-35 of Houston. The shuttle carrier air Presidio, page 193.) GAINESVILLE HILL COUNTRY LET’SSAN ANGELO —Fort ConchoHAVE FUN! description adds emphasis, draws the 432/291-3340 Harlingen craft is now on view. See page 119. U.S. 90/Loop 25 CAVE PAINTINGS LANGTRY Edinburg exas- is family-friendly.National Landmark, No is onematter of the where you find yourself, there’s an event 956/417-4728 South Padre THE CAPITOL —Some of the oldest picto I-35 at U.S. 83 Mission DEL RIO best preserved frontier military LAREDO Island PYRAMIDS AUSTIN —Austin is the state capital 409/883-9416 graphs in North America can beor attraction waiting for you to visit and create memories. An abundance of I-10 McAllen GALVESTON—The pyramids at posts west of the Mississippi. See ORANGE and home to the pink-granite capitol found near Amistad National 903/794-2114 page 240. I-30 Brownsville feature aquariums, building with its park-like grounds and outdoor options, including some of the best parks in the nation, provide a family TEXARKANA Recreational Area. See page 185. | 5 956/428-4477 a rainforest, and a place to learn and traveltexas.com U.S. 77 at U.S. 83 historic monuments. See page 159. VALLEY (Harlingen) great setting for family time. That also includes amusement parks, aquar 903/687-2547 play. See page 116. I-20 T WASKOM iums, boardwalks, zoos and museums. After all, Texas is one big family playground.- EVENTS 940/723-7931 I-44/U.S. 287, Exit 1C WICHITA FALLS There are infinite opportunities to laugh, learn, experience and explore. Along the Texas towns host lots of family-friendly way, traveling Texas not only creates fun times, but it also can plant the seed that events and festivals throughout the year 4 | traveltexas.com and around major holidays like the Fourth reader’s attention to our content. grows the next zoologist, geologist, marine biologist, engineer, historian and more. of July and Christmas. Living history days, county fairs, livestock shows and rodeos also offer activities for children. Listed AMUSEMENT PARKS below is a sampling of events with kids in Amusement parks across the state offer mind. Check out each of the regional event spotlights in this book, many are family enough thrills and adventures to keep a friendly. To find more events in Texas,

family entertained all day. Arlington visit texashighways.com/events Flags Over Texas and Fiesta Texas in ’s Six tpwd.texas.gov/calendar/kids-corneror San . Antonio are top amusement parks. Give ANNUAL CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL your family a fun history lesson by sharing The Woodlands, November in that the name “Six Flags Over Texas” refers BANDERA RIVERFEST in Bandera, June And, by advertising, we invest in the to the six nations’ flags that have flown CAF HIGH SKY WING AIRSHO in Midland, over the territory that is now Texas: Spain, August France, Mexico, the Republic of Texas, CHILDREN’S ART AND LITERACY

the Confederate States of America and the FESTIVAL in Abilene, June United States. CHILDREN’S INTERNATIONAL PUPPET Like amusement parks, water parks FESTIVAL in San Antonio, May DICKENS ON THE STRAND across the state offer enough thrills and in Galveston, adventures to keep a family entertained— December and cool—all day. FISHIN’ FIESTA in Freeport, June-July New Braunfels’ Schlit terbahn Waterpark consistently ranks tops- GEORGE WASHINGTON’S BIRTHDAY

in the nation, and it has branched out to lo CELEBRATION in Laredo, continuation of this important - January-February cations in Galveston South Padre Island , There are lots of cool rides at SeaWorld’s GRAND PRAIRIE KIDSFEST and Corpus Christi in . Grand Prairie, spring If your family includes someone with Aquatica Water Park in San Antonio. THE GRAND KIDS FESTIVAL disabilities or special needs, consider San in Galveston, April Antonio’s Morgan’s Wonderland. It was glass-bottom boat ride and see what’s living HOUSTON CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL built to be enjoyed, and accessible, by all. in the springs at The Meadows Center for Houston, April in Water and the Environment in San Marcos NORTH POLE FLYER in Cedar Park, AQUARIUMS . November–December Education blends with entertainment at ZOOS POLAR EXPRESS TRAIN RIDE in attractions such as the Texas State Aquar Texas also is fortunate to have excellent zoos, Palestine, November-December state-wide publication.” ium in Corpus Christi - including those in Houston SAND CASTLE DAYS San Antonio , Moody Gardens Fort Worth , , in South Padre Galveston (including the aquarium and and Dallas, that are consistently Island, October ranked among the top 10 in the nation. STATE FAIR OF TEXAS rainforest pyramids), the Dallas in Dallas, World Other great options are found throughout September-October. Aquarium, and SeaWorld San Antonio . the state, such as the TEXAS RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL Also worth the visit are Sea Center in Abilene Zoo, Gladys Lake Porter Zoo in in Magnolia, October-November Jackson, The University of Texas Marine Brownsville, the El Paso WATERMELON THUMP Science Institute in Port Aransas Zoo, Frank Buck Zoo in Gainesville in Luling, May , Down- , Ellen The Downtown Aquarium in Houston town Aquarium in Trout Zoo in Lufkin, in VIVA! EL PASO in El Paso, June-August Houston, and Children’sTEXAS ARTS Tyler features the Shark Voyage train. Aquarium at Fair Park in and in WESTERN DAYS FESTIVAL —Kim Phillips, Vice President, Denton  Dallas Waco. in Lewisville, . Take a PHOTOS ON THIS SPREAD: WILL VAN OVERBEEK/TXDOT Take a safari drive through a natural September

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A LOT TO SEE HERE art tepping into “The Light Inside”—artist James Turrell’s illuminated exhibit that links the two gallery buildings at the massive Museum of MUSEUMS Fine Arts, Houston—it’s easy to get the feeling of being transported to another world. Standing in a tunnel of light that shifts from color to color, Abilene: THE GRACE MUSEUM S Albany: THE OLD JAIL ART CENTER visitors are surrounded by one of the largest and most diverse facilities of its Amarillo: AMARILLO MUSEUM OF ART kind in the nation. It’s in the middle of the Houston Museum District, which Arlington: ARLINGTON MUSEUM OF ART

BLANTON MUSEUM OF ART includes a total of 19 museums that hold impressive permanent collections and Austin: THE CONTEMPORARY AUSTIN

draw major traveling exhibitions. And that’s just one of several major hubs for HARRY RANSOM CENTER MEXIC-ARTE MUSEUM arts and culture in the state. - Beaumont: ART MUSEUM OF SOUTH EAST TEXAS Take a step back, and the picture becomes Beeville: BEEVILLE ART MUSEUM clear—under Texas’ rough exterior lies a Canadian: CITADELLE ART FOUNDATION taste for creativity in all its forms. As with ART MUSEUM OF everything, we do it big: The state is home Corpus Christi: SOUTH TEXAS to two dozen symphonies, the largest con- Dallas: CROW COLLECTION OF ASIAN ART tiguous urban arts district in the nation DALLAS MUSEUM OF ART (Dallas), one of the most comprehensive MEADOWS MUSEUM OF ART collections of Latin American art (San - NASHER SCULPTURE CENTER Antonio Museum of Art) and one of the larg El Paso: EL PASO ART MUSEUM SEVEN TOURISM REGIONS break the mas- ACTIVITIES OF INTEREST include department- est modern art collections in the nation Fort Worth: AMON CARTER MUSEUM OF (Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth). AMERICAN ART Museum of Fine Arts, Houston You’re sure to find something inspiring here. KIMBELL ART MUSEUM MODERN ART MUSEUM FORT WORTH CULTURAL DISTRICTS Frisco: TEXAS SCULPTURE GARDEN

Houston, Dallas and Fort Worth offer Houston: CONTEMPORARY ARTS Symphony Orchestra, Dallas Black Dance MUSEUM HOUSTON the largest concentrations of world-class Theatre and TITAS—and fabulous facilities sive size of the state into easier-to-enjoy pieces. MENIL COLLECTION museums, theaters and performing arts style features (history, arts, food, music, outdoors, like the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS, HOUSTON facilities in the state. presents an Center and Winspear Opera House, which THE ART CAR MUSEUM The Dallas Arts District present an amazing variety of music and Kerrville: MUSEUM OF WESTERN ART integrated experience of art museums, theatre performances. Longview: LONGVIEW MUSEUM OF performing arts venues and community. Another string of world-class arts facilities Fort Worth Cultural FINE ARTS The district is anchored on the southwest can be found in the Lubbock: MUSEUM OF TEXAS TECH by the Dallas Museum of Art, known for District. The Kimbell Art Museum hosts Grouping cities by proximity enhances trip plan- UNIVERSITY its collections spanning from ancient to sports, shopping, family fun, cultures, photo major exhibits and its own international Marfa: CHINATI FOUNDATION modern times, including works by such art collection ranging from antiquities to Midland: MUSEUM OF THE SOUTHWEST notable artists as Vincent Van Gogh, the mid-1900s. Picking up from there, the ELLEN NOËL ART MUSEUM Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Paul Gauguin Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth spe- Odessa: and Edward Hopper. Nearby, the Nasher cializes in post-World War II art, with Orange: STARK MUSEUM OF ART Sculpture Center showcases one of the finest works by artists such as Pablo Picasso, San Angelo: SAN ANGELO MUSEUM OF collections of modern and contemporary FINE ART Jackson Pollock and Andy Warhol. Amon ning and makes the state feel more accessible. McNAY ART MUSEUM stops) to provide travel ideas for visitors who sculpture in the world along with traveling Carter Museum of American Art is well San Antonio: exhibitions. At the Crow Collection of known for its superb collections of West- SAN ANTONIO MUSEUM OF ART Asian Art, beautiful Chinese jade pieces, ern art by Frederic Remington and Charles Tyler: TYLER MUSEUM OF ART Japanese screen paintings and elaborately M. Russell, among others. Cultural offer- Waco: MARTIN MUSEUM OF ART carved temple columns from India are just ings include the Fort Worth Museum of a few of the treasures on display. The district Science and History, National Cowgirl traveltexas.com | 17 is home to performing arts—the Dallas aren’t sure where to start. They also encourage PHOTOS ON THIS SPREAD: J. GRIFFIS SMITH/TXDOT PHOTO: J. GRIFFIS SMITH/TXDOT Walk through “The Light Inside” exhibit at MuseumSan Antonio of Fine Museum Arts, Houston of Art REGIONAL MAPS create snapshots of each 16 | traveltexas.com travelers to explore some alternatives they may region to help travelers visualize proximity and have missed. see other places they might want to include during an extended visit. EDITOR’S TO-DO LISTS highlight some of the PRAIRIES AND LAKES From fast-moving rides to slow-moving experiences must-not-miss attractions within each region. the heartland of Texas offers something for everybody. REGIONAL FEATURES give travelers a feel for THE TEXAS STATE TRAVEL GUIDE is Texas’ premier tourism some of the quintessential attractions of each TOWN AND ATTRACTION LISTINGS feature publication promoting travel to and throughout the state. As the primary region and provides suggestions regarding places information about more than 400 Texas cities in to explore or itineraries to consider. an easy-to-find format. fulfillment publication for Texas Tourism and the 12 Texas Travel Information Centers, the guide is the most comprehensive, authoritative and exclusive TOPICAL SIDEBARS group information regard- FUTURE EDITIONS continue to update, expand ing some of the popular places in which to enjoy and adjust features and lists to provide a more collection of information on Texas travel available. It encourages travelers The Art Deco style Hall of State at Fair Park in Dallas a particular activity. These include wildflower was built for the Texas Centennial Exposition in 1936. experiential feel and inspire travel. PHOTO: WILL VAN OVERBEEK/TXDOT to stay longer, see more and explore further. drives, aquariums, historic sites, and scenic drives. A SMART INVESTMENT

“You need to put your message in front of your potential customers. The beauty of the Texas State Travel Guide is that people ask for TEXAS TRAVEL this. They are basically seeking AMARILLO INFORMATION CENTERS

GAINESVILLE your message. It would be foolish DENISON WICHITA TEXARKANA FALLS Lubbock to miss this opportunity.” Fort Worth Dallas ANTHONY WASKOM —Dan Quandt, CAE, Vice President,  El Paso Midland Odessa Amarillo Convention and Visitors Council AUSTIN ORANGE Big Bend LANGTRY San Natl. Antonio Houston Park PROVEN RETURN ON INVESTMENT Corpus Christi • In 2016, the Travel Guide generated more than 86,000 leads LAREDO for additional information from our advertisers. This translated TARGETED, QUALITY DISTRIBUTION VALLEY Harlingen to an average ROI of $32,872 for our advertisers, based on • Reaches interested travelers in all 50 states McAllen economic value of $39.70 per request.* • Available year-round at the 12 Texas Travel COST EFFICIENT Information Centers located at entry points • Low cost per impression throughout the state and at the State Capitol, • Year round distribution and a long shelf life means your A weekend of family fun which receive more than 2 million visitors WEST 15% NORTHEAST 18% the kids won't try to veto. It’s the perfect time to hit the road on a weekend getaway, and Bryan College annually. money works all year. Station offers plenty to do no matter the forecast. Take a stroll through modern American history at the George Bush Library and Museum in College Station, featuring artifacts and interactive exhibits that will MIDWEST 20% educate and entertain the entire family—including a slab of the Berlin Wall and GOOD COMPANY intricate replicas of George H. W. Bush’s Oval Office and Situation Room. • Mailed by direct request—people are actively Or venture north to bask in the revitalized charm of downtown Bryan. You’ll find a perfect blend of historic allure and modern comfort, with enough shopping, Plan your trip at dining and entertainment options to satisfy travelers of all ages. It’s a place where Advertisers in the Texas State Travel Guide include: local flavor isn’t a cliché —it’s reflected in everything from the food on your plate, visitaggieland.com seeking out the Travel Guide the coffee in your cup and the art that surrounds you at every turn. • Convention and Visitors Bureaus • The printed guide and a digital version are • Chambers of Commerce available on Texas Tourism’s official site, SOUTHWEST 14% SOUTHEAST 33% • Departments of Tourism 5 TravelTexas.com • Hotels, Motels, and Lodges • History and Art Museums • Arboretums and Botanical Gardens

Just a short drive away is your very own island. South Padre Island. • Zoos and Nature Centers Full of all the things that put a smile on your face. A true getaway that takes you away. Discover it at sopadre.com. • Presidential Libraries Less than 1% of copies are distributed internationally and to U.S. Armed Forces. *2014 Western Association of CVB Visitor Guide conversion study, $39.70 value per lead. READER PROFILE

TEXAS STATE TRAVEL GUIDE READERS are frequent travelers with disposable income that cannot be reached with other media. The guide’s content is tailored to what travelers want and need when exploring Texas.

HIGHLY INFLUENCIAL CONTENT • The Travel Guide is used during both the planning and traveling phases of a trip. Readers get more out of their trip. • Nearly half read the guide throughly before traveling • 64% rate Travel Guide content as ‘very useful.’ • 74% use the Travel Guide during the trip. • Readers mention 40% more activities on their last trip than non-readers.

Printed media, such as travel Readers of the guide are Readers travel nearly Sightseeing, cultural events, They like to be well-prepared, Traveling is a family affair, brochures and state-sponsored nearly three times as likely three times as often as historical sites, shopping and often planning their trips at and readers often travel sources play and outsize role to travel for a specific non-readers, with 5.2 trips national parks are particularly least three months in advance. with their spouses and in influencing travel. attraction or event. in the past two years. appealing to readers. children.

Source: Savitz Research Solutions, Texas Travel Guide Study, August 2013. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: AJR Media Group 25132 Oakhurst Drive, Suite 201 Spring, Texas 77386 Phone 800.383.7677 Fax 713.942.0277 [email protected]