A San Antonio spring is the way to go. As the weather warms in River City, visitors to south Texas may stop by any number of famed historic sites – like Fort Sam Houston and of course, the Alamo – or have a splashing good time at SeaWorld San Antonio. Feel the spring breeze at the Fiesta Bay Boardwalk during a visit to Six Flags Fiesta Texas, or head straight for the real thing with a day of shopping and snacking on the San Antonio River Walk. Then check out one of the many museums in New Braunfels, or discover the nightlife in San Marcos at The Square.

The New Year has come in San Antonio, which means the 2012 San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo is right around the corner. At the AT&T Center in central San Antonio, the San Antonio Rodeo features a PRCA show, a BBQ cook-off and concert, and 2012 headliners like Keith Urban, Alan Jackson, and Joan Jett & the Blackhearts. Catch special offers this February, like College Days on Thursdays, Senior Days on Tuesdays, and Family Day on February 26th. Get comfortable for the 2012 Horse Show, and of course, the 2012 Livestock Show – complete with the Agricultural Science Fair. Check out one of Texas’ best rodeos, and check into a Best Western hotel in San Antonio, Hondo or Floresville.

It’s finally time to visit the AT&T Center for a game with four-time NBA champions, the San Antonio Spurs. Cheer on the Spurs as they take on the New Orleans Hornets in early February, the L.A. Clippers in early March, or the Phoenix Suns in mid-April. Don’t miss the big three – Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker and Tim Duncan – battle the rest of the Western Conference in downtown River City. Grab a t-shirt from the Team Shop, and show off your fandom with a night on the town San Antonio style.

New Braunfels is a must-see for history buffs looking to discover the historic sites of south Texas. Just northeast of San Antonio, New Braunfels is a fascinating German-Texan town with plenty to see and do. Explore the New Braunfels Railroad Museum for a look at historic railroad equipment, a model railroad display, and artifacts of the time. Then get in a little history on New Braunfels with a stroll through the Sophienburg Museum.

For a real look into New Braunfels’ past, pay a visit to the Lindheimer House. Found on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, this vintage structure is the former home of Ferdinand Lindheimer – known as the father of Texas Botany. New Braunfels’ Lindheimer House is part of Conservation Village, an effort by the New Braunfels Conservation Society to preserve German Heritage in this south Texan town. History, rodeos, and basketball – that’s spring in south Texas.

Dallas Metropolitan Skyline

A spring in Dallas/Fort Worth means golf, games and gardening tips. With something for everyone, Dallas and it’s many suburbs feature incredible family activities like the Cavanaugh Flight Museum in Addison, or the Dallas Zoo right here in D-Town. Stick on some sunglasses and spend a morning at the Hank Haney Golf Ranch, or maintain some New Year’s resolutions with the help of the Radio Martie HealthFest 2012 in Plano. For some Texas traditions this spring, join the rest of Terrell for the 2012 Heritage Jubilee at Ben Gill Park in late April for BBQ, livestock shows, and crafts for show and sale. It's all happening in the Dallas/Fort Worth metro area.

Grab your clubs and head to Lewisville – a historic suburb of Dallas home to some incredible golf courses. Take advantage of the beautiful spring weather with a round of golf at Lake Park Golf Course, or poke around the Timbercreek Golf Center. For real fans of the game, check out the Arnold Palmer Golf Academy at the Lakes at Castle Hills. Now that you’re warmed up, try the fairways at the Hank Haney Golf Ranch at Vista Ridge, owned by Hank Haney Golf – previous swing instructor of golf legend Tiger Woods. Get into the swing of things in Dallas, and explore the courses of Lewisville.

Spring brings the 2012 Heritage Jubilee to the town of Terrell – all just east of Dallas. Happening in late April, the Heritage Jubilee celebrates Texas traditions with quilt and auto shows, live music, and a BBQ cook-off. Let the kids loose in the carnival, browse through the arts and crafts exhibition, or grab a good seat for the livestock show. This spring, make your way to Ben Gill Park for the 31st Annual Heritage Jubilee, and hole up for the night at the Best Western hotel in Terrell.

Although Texas is known for its large portions and delicious BBQ, the people of Plano have decided to blaze their own trail. Head to the Plano Centre in late March for the Radio Martie HealthFest 2012, and check out exhibits and discussions on subjects like weight loss and organic gardening. This is the third annual Natural HealthFest in Plano, where participants may take advantage of free samples and win prizes – all for only $5 a person.

Now Addison is fun for the whole family. A suburb just north of Dallas and southeast of Lake Dallas, the community of Addison is rife with cultural centers and parkland – 118 acres of it to be exact. Dad might enjoy a day at the Cavanaugh Flight Museum – a collection of vintage aircraft and an incredible overview of the history of aviation. Other quirky museums exist in Addison, like the Mary Kay Museum – offering guided tours – and the Valley House Gallery & Sculpture Garden. Enjoy a show at the WaterTower Theatre, or see what exhibits are on display at the Addison Theatre Centre. Cap off your day with the Best Western hotel in Addison, and explore more of the Dallas metro area this spring.

It's springtime in east Texas, so act accordingly. Visit Beaumont, a beautiful city set just over an hour northeast of Houston and found just inland on the Gulf of Mexico. Spend a day soaking up the sun at the Beaumont Botanical Gardens, where you can hike the mile-long Nature Trail, or head to Lake Livingston State Park for biking, picnicking, and of course, fishing. As the temperatures increase, make your way to Longview for annual festivities like the Zonta Antique Show and Sale in March, or the 2012 Great Texas Balloon Race this July. Its all about balloons and botanical gardens in East Texas, so let’s go.

This spring in Beaumont, take advantage of the beautiful spring weather with a trip to the 24-acre Beaumont Botanical Gardens in Tyrrell Park. Open daily with free admission, the Beaumont Botanical Gardens encompasses the Warren Loose Conservatory – one of the better-known conservatories in Texas – and the Bert and Jack Binks Horticultural Center. Trek down the mile-long Nature Trail – a paved pathway ideal for strollers and wheelchairs – and get those binoculars ready for some great bird-watching opportunities. Rest those feet at the Best Western hotel in Beaumont, and set out for more fun in east Texas.

Livingston is a historic town home to Lake Livingston State Park. Open daily throughout the year, Lake Livingston State Park is a scenic escape in east Texas, featuring mountain biking trails, picnicking spots and fishing opportunities for perch, catfish, and bass. This spring, head to Lake Livingston State Park for the Annual Crappiethon, happening mid-February through mid-April. Reel in as much crappie as you can from the 83,000-acre Lake Livingston, or get a closer look at the lake from paddleboat, canoe or kayak. Set your adventurous side free this spring in Livingston, and discover what else east Texas has to offer its visitors.

Settled at the intersection of Interstate 20 and U.S. Highways 259 and 80, the festive city of Longview is yet another east Texas town with plenty to see and do. Known as the Balloon Capital of Texas, Longview plays host to anticipated annual events like the the Memorial Day Weekend Motorcycle Rally, and of course, the Great Texas Balloon Race. Antique addicts may spend three exciting days at the Zonta Antique Show and Sale in March, while art aficionados may browse through Alleyfest in early June for some local art. What celebrations can you catch on Longview’s busy event calendar during your time in east Texas?

See Longview live up to its nickname at the 2012 Great Texas Balloon Race. This year, Longview is to play host to the U.S. National Championships and the GTBR Festival and Competition – both happening in late July. Don’t miss the balloon flights over Longview, or the beautiful Balloon Glow night shows. Let the little ones run around in Kids Land, catch the headlining acts, and spend your nights at the Best Western hotel in Longview. It's all happening this spring in the Lone Star State.

The Alamo Mission

They don’t call it the Live Music Capital of the World without good reason. Austin, the capitol city of Texas, plays host to some amazing music festivals and venues, the most recognized of which being South by Southwest. This spring, the 2012 SXSW celebration kicks off in early March at the Austin Convention Center – just five miles from the Best Western hotel in Austin adjacent to the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. If you’re not in town for SXSW, check out Austin’s State Capitol Complex, or explore the fascinating suburbs of Silicon Hills, including Cedar Park, Bastrop, and Round Rock. A rockin’ good time awaits in Austin this spring.

The 2012 South by Southwest festival celebrates not only music – thanks to this year’s announced artists like The Fray and Taken By Cars – but also film and technology. For 2012, SXSW also features comedy in the form of the show RISK!, plus the SXSW Trade Show, a Music Gear Expo, and Flatstock 33 for those looking to take home some art. The interactive section of 2012 SXSW stretches from March 9th through the 13th, with film from March 9th to the 17th and music from March 13th through the 18th. Don’t miss your chance to explore one of the biggest music festivals in the world, and to educate yourself with the aid of exhibits, lectures and plain old networking – this year at 2012 SXSW.

Just southeast of Austin is the large suburb of Cedar Park – a place for hockey, farmers markets and kid-friendly activities. Check out the Rock Farmers Market on Wednesdays in Cedar Park, where you may browse local produce at the Rock United Methodist Church from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Once you’ve selected your Texas Farm Fresh Produce, head to Cedar Park Center for a game with AHL’s Texas Stars. See your Stars take on the San Antonio Rampage in early March, or the Chicago Wolves in April. If you’re traveling with children, treat them to a day at the Big Bounce in Cedar Park, where they can tire themselves out in this 12,000 square foot playground.

For a chance to enjoy the outdoors in south Texas, visit the town of Bastrop, southeast of Austin. Shop through the boutiques on Main Street in Bastrop’s historic district, or pay a visit to the Bastrop State Park along Texas State Highway 21. Enjoy a nine-mile hike through the Texas wilderness, try the fairways at Bastrop’s 18-hole golf course, or make the four-mile scenic bike ride to the neighboring Buescher State Park. Bring your rod and reel for some bass, catfish and sunfish fishing in Bastrop State Park Lake – where you may also take out a canoe for more fishing or simply for the experience. Dry off at the Best Western hotel in Bastrop, and enjoy the rest of your time in Austin – where your spring in Texas can have it all.

Palo, Duro State Park

A cultural hub in the Lone Star State, the Texas Panhandle is home to some artistic towns like Lubbock, Odessa, and of course, Amarillo. This spring, get a picture of you in Cadillac Ranch, or see if you can put away one of those giant steaks at Big Texan Steak Ranch – both found along Interstate 40. Music fans, head to Lubbock – home of rock and roll legend Buddy Holly – for a special treat at the Cactus Theater, while history buffs may stroll through the Presidential Museum and Leadership Library in Odessa. Take your time in the Dal Paso Museum in Lamesa, and enjoy the rest of your spring in the Texas Panhandle.

Amarillo, one of the largest cities in Texas, is home to many museums, parks, and pieces of public art – not to mention the Don Harrington Discovery Center. Closed on Mondays, the Don Harrington Discovery Center is a perfect stop for Texas travelers visiting with children. This spring, encourage your child to explore the world of science with permanent exhibits like Planetary Landscapes, KinderStudio, and the ExploraZone. Then take your whiz kid to see the Helium Centennial Time Columns Monument – a tribute to Amarillo’s nickname “Helium Capital of the World.” Within walking distance of a Best Western hotel in Amarillo, the Don Harrington Discovery Center is a great way to spend a spring day in the Texas Panhandle.

Another staple of northern Texas is Lamesa, a ranch town just south of Lubbock. Lamesa is a city where visitors may really enjoy outdoor Texas, thanks to over 100 acres of parkland open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Enjoy a picnic and maybe some fishing at the nine-acre N. 9th Street Park, or let the kids loose at the playground in the seven-acre Webelo Park. Wear yourself out this spring in north Texas, and rest up at the Best Western hotel in Lamesa.

Lubbock – home to the Buddy Holly Center – is an artistic town with plenty to see and do. Music fans, got $25? Then head down to the Cactus Theater in early February for the show “Buddy Holly & The Crickets Honored in Story and Song.” First opened in 1938, the historic Cactus Theater is the best way to experience the art of Lubbock’s favorite son – Buddy Holly. Visiting later in the spring? Check out the production “Lucy & The Outlaw” playing every weekend in March this spring in Lubbock.

Just two hours south is Odessa – another cultural hot spot in the Texas Panhandle, host to many theaters, performing art groups, and museums. This spring, visit the Presidential Museum and Leadership Library, set on the campus of the University of Texas of the Permian Basin, near the Ellen Noel Art Museum. This museum exhibits the history of the American president; so don’t miss the Theodore Roosevelt section, or the “Age of Jackson” exhibit.

Find your favorite spot on the Texas Panhandle, and get in a little culture this spring in the Lone Star State.

Texas Mexico Border

It’s hard to decide what to do first during your spring or summer break in Texas' border towns. The town of Laredo is a scenic city in southern Texas along the border with Mexico, and home to the Lake Casa Blanca International State Park. Weslaco, set in the southern tip of Texas, has a special treat for its spring visitors – the 2012 Texas Onion Fest. Just 20 minutes east of Weslaco is the city of Harlingen, another adventurous town in the Rio Grande Valley just minutes from South Padre Island. Southern Texas takes summer seriously, so be sure to act accordingly during your time in the border towns.

Although Laredo visitors may have missed the annual Washington's Birthday Celebration, southern Texas travelers are more than welcome to explore Lake Casa Blanca International State Park during their spring or summer break. Bust out the rod and reel at the 1,700-acre Lake Casa Blanca for some catfish, bass and carp fishing, or grab a spot next to the grills for a delicious picnic lunch. Lake Casa Blanca also features water skiing and swimming, while the parkland is open to mountain biking, jogging, and picnicking. Rest that sun-kissed skin at the Best Western hotel in Laredo, and explore the many other activities of Texas’ border towns.

Visitors to Weslaco, don’t miss the 2012 Texas Onion Fest in late March, happening right in Weslaco City Park. Enjoy live music, arts and crafts for show and sale, a Kids Zone, and of course, plenty of onion eating contests. Grab yourself a bloomin’ onion snack, enjoy hands-on activities with your child at the Knapp Medical Family Area, or check out the Onion Fest recipe content – where you can even enter the contest yourself.

Other activities in Weslaco include shooting 18 at the Tierra Santa Golf Club or the Mid Valley Golf Course, or taking the afternoon to stroll through the Weslaco Museum. While in town, be sure to visit the Banderas de Weslaco, a series of state flags on display, or check out the 12-acre Frontera Audubon Center – a must-see for you bird watchers this spring and summer.

An additional outdoor hotspot for southern Texas travelers, Harlingen is open for business when it comes to hunting, fishing and bird watching. Spend your spring or summer break gallivanting on 1,200 acres of parkland in Harlingen, including Pendleton Park, Rangerville Park, and the enormous Lon C. Hill/Fair Park. Try the fairways at the Harlingen Country Club, or make the short trip to South Padre Island for a day at a stunning south Texas beach – right on the Gulf Coast. Try some surfing and dolphin watching, or spend the afternoon at the Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark. Get that sand out of your shoe at the Best Western hotel in Harlingen, and see what else there is to discover in Texas’ border towns.

Spend your spring break on the Texas Gulf Coast. The perfect escape for bird watching enthusiasts – thanks to the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail – and Texas military families visiting the Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, the Texas Gulf Coast is an ideal vacation spot. Visit beautiful Corpus Christi, and take the family to kid-friendly spots like the Texas State Aquarium, and the rest of the stops in North Beach. Find more fun at the Mammoth Lake Scuba Park in Clute – where you can try the fairways at the Newport Dunes Golf Club. Don’t miss the 2012 Whooping Crane Festival in Port Aransas, the best way to start your spring break on the Texas Coast.

Clute is a great place to take the family when visiting the Texas Gulf Coast. Say hello to great beaches, city parks and golf courses, plus museums, theaters and even scuba diving at Mammoth Lake Scuba Park. One the top museums in Texas, the Brazosport Museum of Natural Science Center for the Arts & Sciences should be a staple on your Clute itinerary – not to mention the free admission. Watch the kids go nuts for the Brazosport Planetarium, or bring the art aficionado in your family to the Brazosport Art League.

But that’s not all Clute has to offer. Now its time to get off your feet, and put on some scuba gear at the Mammoth Lake Scuba Park – where you may explore caves, submarines and shipwrecks all below the surface. Clute is also a fun spot for the adults, thanks to golf courses, fishing charters, and the 600-seat Clarion at Brazosport College. As the weather warms up, so should you during your days on the Texas Gulf Coast.

A stop along the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail, Port Aransas is a destination town along the Texas Gulf Coast thanks to great beaches, fishing spots, and weather. Enjoy a brisk stroll along one of the Mustang Island beaches, or shoot 18 at the Newport Dunes Golf Club – home of the Arnold Palmer Golf Course & Resort. Also known as the Fishing Capital of Texas, Port Aransas plays host to some dynamic angling contests in town, like the Redfish Series Tournament in March and the IFA Redfish Tournament in April.

If you give more of hoot about birds than fish, then don’t miss the 2012 Whooping Crane Festival in late February. The annual Whooping Crane Festival celebrates the return of the endangered whooping crane to its winter home on the Texas coast. Head to Mustang Island this spring for expert speakers like Dr. George Archibald of the International Crane Foundation, nature photography workshops, and the Bird's Nest Nature Trade Show. Unpack your trade show treasures at the Best Western hotel in Port Aransas, and enjoy the rest of your time on the Lone Star Coast.

Beautiful Houston Texas

All things in Texas might be big, but Houston is the biggest. Home to the Space Center Houston and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, this is a town where Texas traditions and springtime fun are alive and well. Whether you’re a fan of rodeos, live music, golf or shopping – or all four – Space City has your answer this spring. Don’t miss the 2012 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, home to the famed RodeoHouston and 2012 headliners like Brad Paisley. Spend your days on Texas’ Gulf Coast shopping your way through The Woodlands – especially on Market Street – and catch the 2012 Shell Houston Open, the perfect way to welcome the spring season.

The 2012 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is ready to blow your socks off this spring. Held at Reliant Park from late February to mid March, Rodeo Houston is the biggest concert and livestock exhibition thanks to famed headliners, an incredibly impressive livestock show, and the World's Championship Bar-B-Que Contest.

With over two million people in attendance, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo also hosts events like the Downtown Rodeo Parade, the Lil’ Rustlers Rodeo, and the Rodeo Uncorked! wine show. Don’t miss 2012 headliners like Brad Paisley, Reba McEntire, and John Legend, or stroll through the Ranching and Wildlife Expo. Grab a good seat for RodeoHouston – the world’s largest rodeo – and rest up at a Best Western hotel in Houston, Galveston, or Texas City.

One of the fastest growing suburbs in Houston, The Woodlands is an exciting little town full of great restaurants, shopping, and culture. Put on some comfortable walking shoes and get some shopping done during your time in this Houston suburb. Stroll through the Woodlands Mall – anchored by Dillard's, JCPenney, and Macy's – or head down to Market Street for boutique shops, restaurants and cafés.

When visiting The Woodlands, see if you can catch the Taste of the Town food festival in early February, or check out The Woodlands’ beautiful fountain show. Of course, every visitor must catch a free ride on the Woodlands Waterway Trolley – the best way to tour this scenic Texas town.

No need to be modest, your time in Humble will be great. A perfect escape for golf fans, Humble is playing host to the 2012 Shell Houston Open. Slap on some shorts and head down to Humble’s Redstone Golf Club in late March for one of the biggest events of the PGA season. When you’re not watching some of golf’s biggest names on the green, stroll past the many exhibitor booths, where you can pick up some pro gear for your own game. Don’t miss the 2012 Championship Round on April 1st, and hole up for the night at the Best Western hotel in Humble.

West Texas Rodeo Season

Temperatures are rising in Big Bend Country – which can only mean outdoor adventure is on its way in west Texas. Make your way to Abilene State Park for hiking, nature study and largemouth bass, channel catfish, and white crappie fishing in Buffalo Wallow Pond and Lake Abilene. Staying further west? Explore over 15 acres of nature trails and outdoor exhibits at the El Paso Museum of Archaeology. Swing by the Alpine Country Club Golf Course in Alpine, followed by a family picnic in the beloved Kokernot Park. Ever try sand surfing? Test your skills at the Monahans Sandhills State Park, a vacation hot spot in west Texas and Big Bend Country.

A staple of west Texas and Big Bend Country, El Paso is a cultural city full of festivity and Mexican and Native American heritage. Neighboring the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo, El Paso features a number of stopping points during your west Texas travels, including the El Paso Museum of Archaeology. Closed on Mondays, the Museum of Archaeology showcases the life of El Paso’s foremost inhabitants through outdoor and indoor exhibits, plus 15 acres of nature trails. Check out the current exhibit “Watercolor Paintings of Rock Art at Hueco Tanks” – free to the public and a must-see during your stay in El Paso. Visiting in late March? Don’t miss the 2012 Franklin Mountains Poppies Fest on Castner Range – yet another free activity best followed by a stay at a Best Western hotel in El Paso.

Found along U.S. Route 90, the city of Alpine is set southeast of El Paso and south of Pecos in Big Bend Country – and home to the Museum of the Big Bend. Enjoy Alpine’s menu of outdoor activity like mornings at the Alpine Country Club Golf Course, or rock hunting in nearby Woodward Ranch. Of course, no visit to Alpine is complete without a breezy afternoon at Kokernot Field and Park – the best way to kick off your spring or summer break. Home to the Alpine Cowboys Baseball team, the 20-acre Kokernot Park comes complete with picnic spots, a walking and jogging trail, and playground equipment perfect for little ones.

North of Alpine and just west of Odessa, the west Texas city of Monahans is a treat for any visitor to Big Bend Country. Monahans is home to the Monahans Sandhills State Park – nearly 4,000 acres of sand dunes along Interstate 20. Try your hand at activities like sand surfing, sand tobogganing, and even sand football. Other recreational musts in Monahans Sandhills State Park include hiking, picnicking and horseback riding, so as the temperatures rise this spring, be sure to visit this state park in Big Bend Country. The best way to experience west Texas is to explore the many parks, museums and attractions of Big Bend Country – topped off with a stay at a Best Western hotel.