Dallas Metropolitan Skyline

Dallas grew from a single log cabin built by John Neely Bryan into the world-class metroplex it is today. Fort Worth, Arlington, Plano and Irving join the metroplex encompassing 12 Texas counties. Did you know Highland Park Village in Dallas was America’s first shopping center? A destination for shoppers, Dallas has the highest number of shopping centers per capita in the US. Upscale Neiman Marcus was founded in Dallas, also well known JCPenney. Inspiration for the Galleria Dallas shopping center was Italy’s famous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele in Milan. If shopping is on your radar, Dallas is where you want to be.

Football Fans – the 2010 season is here. The Dallas Cowboys play several August preseason games before the big regular season home opener against Chicago on September 19th. Cowboys Stadium, the largest domed stadium in the world, will see its second season of play this year with Tony Romo leading the Cowboys. Not a football fan? The famous Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders are entertainment enough – plan on a game this season, support the Cowboys and enjoy the new stadium.

The Best Western Cooper Inn and Suites is right in Arlington near Cowboy Stadium. Six Flags Over Texas and Hurricane Harbor family theme parks are also nearby, as well as the NHL size ice skating rink at Parks Mall. Bring the entire family to Arlington, there is fun for everyone. With affordable rates and comfortable rooms, Best Western is a great choice for your vacation.

Dallas hosts the 2010 State Fair of Texas September 24th through October 17th at the Fairpark east of downtown. Remember the Red Rivalry game at the Cotton Bowl (located at the Fairpark) between Baylor and Texas Tech is October 2nd. Main stage headliners this year include the Pointer Sisters, Collective Soul, Intocable and Laura Bell Bundy to name a few. See all the best agriculture, livestock and creative arts in the State of Texas along with the traditional midway and carnival games. Special events include the Starlight Parade each evening, the Pirates of the Caribbean Dive Show and BMX Bike Show among the most popular. A traditional fun family event, don’t miss the State Fair of Texas.

The Best Western Market Center, off North Stemmons Freeway, and the Best Western Cityplace Inn, on the North Central Expressway, are convenient to the Fairpark. Enjoy a getaway to the fair and enjoy spending the night at the Best Western of your Choice. With affordable rates, there may be no rush to get home.

Beautiful Houston Texas

Houston is the biggest city in Texas and the core of the Houston, Baytown and Sugar Land metro area. Houston, famous as The Space City is home to Mission Control Center for NASA at the Johnson Space Center. Houston is near the Gulf of Mexico with four significant bayous running through the city. Buffalo Bayou runs through downtown and The Houston Ship Channel’s three tributaries – the White Oak Bayou, Braes Bayou and Sims Bayou that empty into the Gulf. With a hot summer heat index Houston residents and visitors take advantage of the proximity to the Gulf Coast and its beaches.

Texas beaches along the 624 miles of the Gulf Coast are open and sizzling with activities this summer. Potential impacts of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill are monitored closely and all Texas Gulf beaches and water are open for fun in the sun and sand. Don't let summer go by without a visit to your favorite beach.

Rockport celebrates the sea at the 2010 Rockport SeaFair October 8th through 10th. This year’s 36th annual event will feature over 120 vendors, live entertainment and a carnival the kids will love. Come enjoy the Gumbo cook-off, take a seafood cooking class and watch seafood cooking demonstrations. Bring the family; there is fun and seafood for all.

Athletes and runners can take part in the Sand and Surf Beach Run early October at Port Aransas Beach. Events include a 5K and 10K run and a two mile walk along the beach in Port Aransas. The 2010 run is scheduled for October 2nd. Earlier in September the 7th Annual Conquer the Coast bicycle ride is scheduled. The 2010 event features a 25 mile cruise and a 65 mile ride with an option to add the toughest 18 miles in Texas. The rides take place along Ocean Drive and Corpus Christi Bay.

There are 14 Best Western Hotels in and around Corpus Christi from the Best Western Inn by the Bay in Fulton near Rockport to the Best Western on the Island located on Padre Island. The region, known as the Texas Gold Coast, has Best Western accommodations for every taste. Stay close to the Gulf and enjoy the proximity to the beach and water. Inland the new Best Western Mathis Inn offers easy access to attractions up and down the coast as well as rooms that accommodate up to six guests. Take your pick and enjoy a getaway to the Corpus Christi area.

The inaugural Galveston Island Shrimp Festival and Annual Blessing of Da’Feet will take place September 25th, 2010. Galveston’s shrimp festival celebrates and honors the shrimp industry in Texas. Gumbo will be prepared by 100 teams for visitors to sample and judge. Other events include a children’s parade, a 5K run and kids 1K and the Whimcycle Shrimpcycle on the Seawall (a bicycle cruise down Seawall Blvd). Bring a costume for the bicycle ride and help make this the first of many future Galveston Shrimp Festivals.

The Piney Woods of East Texas dominate the region that extends to the Gulf of Mexico. Rich in history San Augustine and Nacogdoches are the oldest settlements in Texas. Referred to as “the big thicket”, deep East Texas is considered the western boundary of the Southern US. The Angelina and Sabine National Forests are two of the four National Forests in East Texas. Lake O’the Pines, Wright Patman Lake and Sam Rayburn Reservoir offer residents and visitors outstanding water recreation opportunities. Fall brings the dazzling colors of the dogwoods, elms and oaks seemingly in competition with the maples, persimmon and sassafras to grab your attention.

The town of Groves, southeast of Beaumont, hosts The 2010 Texas Pecan Festival September 16th through the 19th. A fun family event, Pecan Festival activities include a golf tournament, treasure hunt, pageant and parade. Kids will love the carnival and games which include stick horse barrel racing and a twister contest. If you don’t get enough pecan pie, you can always enter the pie eating contest! Bring family and friends for a great weekend of fun. The Best Western Jefferson Inn in Beaumont is a short drive from Groves and offers clean and comfortable accommodations, as well as fresh baked cookies. Enjoy a getaway for the weekend.

Tyler, famous for its roses, hosts the Texas Rose Festival mid-October. A Tyler community tradition, join the Queen’s Tea at the Tyler Rose Garden Queen’s Court and enjoy Saturday’s Rose Parade at the Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium. The Best Western Southpark Inn and Suites in Tyler and the Best Western Lindale Inn in nearby Lindale have convenient accommodations for travelers to the area. Make sure to visit the Tyler Rose Garden Museum while you are there.

Christmas is a magical time in East Texas. Kilgore is the official City of Stars as it lights up 60 replica oil derricks for the season just as in days gone-by. Towns like Marshall and Jefferson are on the Holiday Trail of Lights showcasing beautifully lit historical buildings for the holidays. Nacogdoches celebrates the 2010 season at the Nine Flags Festival from November 13th through December 11th. The 14th Annual Nine Flags Festival will honor the three rebellion flags of the region’s history.

Nacogdoches holiday events include the Jingle Bell Run, including a 5K run and 3K walk, which kick off a full day of holiday festivities in historic downtown. The largest lighted Christmas parade in East Texas is hosted in Nacogdoches followed by a spectacular fireworks show. Nacogdoches Best Western Northpark Inn and the Best Western Inn of Nacogdoches are great places to stay when visiting the area. Affordable rates and comfortable rooms make it nice to stay for a weekend and enjoy the holidays.

The Alamo Mission

Central Texas is Hill Country. Austin the state capital is the urban, political and cultural center of the region. The rolling hills, lakes and rivers of Texas Hill Country provide residents and visitors with a variety of outdoors activities in lush green landscapes year-round. Austin is home to the Lyndon B Johnson Library and Museum and the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum which showcase the history and heritage of Texas. The University of Texas at Austin and the Longhorns sports programs are the pride of the region and make up the largest University in Texas.

Austin City Limits Music Festival is one of the country’s best music festivals. At Zilker Park in Austin, come enjoy music’s best on eight stages. October 8th through 10th the 2010 ACL brings headliners like Muse, the Eagles, Phish and MIA to the stage, among more than 130 performers. Music lovers, this is not to be missed. The Best Western Atrium North in Austin is ideal for visitors to ACL. Conveniently located near the Interstate, stick around and check out some of Austin’s other sites.

The New Braunfels Running Club sponsors running events all year in the Central Texas region. The Gruene 10K is a nice mid-September event. With multiple adult age groups and kids races, this is a great race for the entire family. The course runs through historic Gruene Texas. Other great 2010 events include; the Marathon for Adoption, October 23rd, the Wurst 5 mile run is October 30th and two special holiday runs. The Gruene Turkey Trot will be November 25th and the St Judes Jingle Bell 5K is December 11th. Keep your 2010 exercise resolutions on target with these events!

The Best Western Inn and Suites in New Braunfels is a top quality hotel, ready for your visitors. In the heart of Central Texas action, it is centrally located near the largest outlet mall in Texas, the Schlitterbahn water park and the Guadalupe and Comal Rivers. With affordable rates and outstanding hospitality, make sure to stay long enough to enjoy all the attractions.

San Antonio is South of Texas Hill Country in the South Plains of Texas. Well known for Alamo and its history, the modern day River Walk and the natural nearby gifts of Brackenridge Park and Natural Bridges Caverns. San Antonio is also surrounded by Sea World San Antonio and Six Flags Fiesta Texas among several family attractions.

Best Western Hotels have a great choice of accommodations in and around San Antonio. The Best Western Sunset Suites – Riverwalk and the Best Western Alamo Suites are located in downtown San Antonio, perfectly located to discover and explore the city center and Riverwalk. There are more than six Best Western Hotels located conveniently on the beltway surrounding San Antonio and properties on the major highways and freeways into metro San Antonio. Book a Best Western close to the events, activities and events of your choice and enjoy a Texas vacation.

West Texas Rodeo Season

El Paso, Texas' western most city - gateway to the desert frontier of West Texas. The Chihuahuan desert geography dominates the region, from Del Rio in the South through Midland and Odessa. The desert gives way to the plains of Lubbock and Amarillo in the north. Outside El Paso the Guadalupe Mountains National Park is home to the highest peak in Texas. Big Bend National Park in the south of the region is Texas' first National Park. The heritage of West Texas is filled with familiar names and characters of the Wild West frontier days. The courtroom of Judge Roy Bean is in Langtry and remnants of Fort Bliss and Fort Stockton remain as monuments to the frontier heritage of West Texas.

Alpine and nearby Marathon host some exciting events through the year. Labor Day Weekend, Alpine hosts the Big Bend Balloon Bash. Rise early and watch the beautiful site of hot air balloons floating over the Davis Mountains. Enjoy the evening Fire Glow and concert at Alpine's Buck Stadium. The unique Marathon 2 Marathon is in October with the course running the 26 miles between the towns. There are shorter distance events, plus a fun post-race party. This is a great race for runners and athletes.

The Best Western Alpine Classic Inn in Alpine is ideal for accommodations in town. The Best Western Swiss Clock Inn in Fort Stockton is another good hotel option in the area. With reasonable rates, make sure to spend a day or two at Big Bend National Park to the south hiking and enjoying the fall weather.

Midland, Odessa and Pecos along Interstate 20 offers residents and travelers great options for vacation or a weekend getaway. The Pecos Rifle and Pistol Club sponsor the West of the Pecos Shootout, Buffalo Gong Match the beginning of October. The 2010 shooting competition includes black powder and lever action rifles, iron sights and scopes and distances from 100 to 1000 yards. The Best Western Swiss Clock Inn and the Best Western Swiss Chalet Hotel and Suites are ready for your visit. With affordable rates and great West Texas hospitality – you may want to stay a few days longer.

Amarillo hosts the 2010 World Championship Ranch Rodeo mid-November. Sponsored by the Working Ranch Cowboys Association, the 15th Annual championships will be more exciting than ever. Working to preserve and honor the heritage and lifestyle of working cowboys, the WRCA event includes exhibitions, education and entertainment. Red Steagall and the Bunkhouse Boys will kickoff the events on Wednesday November 10th. The Best Western Amarillo Inn and Best Western Santa Fe are conveniently located in Amarillo for travelers. Close to the Airport and Interstate, Best Western has you covered when you visit Amarillo.

Texas Mexico Border

Brownsville, McAllen, Laredo and El Paso are a few of the great Texas border towns. Sharing a border with Mexico creates a unique culture and way of life that these sister cities have grown and prospered around. Separated by the Rio Grande River, US and Mexican cities combine unique cultures to draw residents and visitors across the bridge for business, fun and great experiences. El Paso in West Texas and Cuidad Juarez in Mexico joined together make the largest international metroplex. Brownsville and its sister city Matamoros on the Gulf of Mexico in East Texas, offer a bit of respite from the summer heat of more inland cities.

Brownsville hosts the 14th Annual Brownsville Latin Jazz Festival in October. The 2010 Festival features the best of Latin music. Opening night features a free outdoor concert with the top local and regional artists. Poncho Sanchez will headline a Saturday night concert followed by free outdoor concerts on Sunday. Music fans bring your dancing shoes; the music will keep you on your feet.

The Best Western Rose Garden Inn in Brownsville is convenient for visitors who want to stay in the US. Matamoros has three Best Western Hotels to choose from for those who choose to stay on the Mexico side of the border. The Best Western Gran Hotel Residencial, the Best Western Hotel Plaza Matamoros and the Best Western Residencial Inn and Suites are located in Matamoros. Make it an international getaway and stay close to the shopping and attractions in Mexico.

El Paso and Ciudad Juarez celebrate Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Two Sister Cities – Together Forever. This is a weekend celebration that happens the same time as Halloween and all saints day at the end of October. A collaboration between museums and community leaders of the two cities, dia de los muertos celebrates the Mexican customs and festivities honoring the dead. The Best Western Airport Inn and the Best Western Sunland Park Inn in El Paso are ideal locations for visitors to El Paso and Ciudad Juarez. Both Hotels are conveniently located off of Interstate 10 with easy access to El Paso attractions and the border crossing to Mexico.

The International Friendship Run is a 10K USA Track and Field certified race held in McAllen. Athletes, this is a unique race that begins along the border with Mexico and ends in McAllen. In addition to the 10K there is a youth 2K for the kids. The Friendship Run draws participants from both sides of the border to compete and enjoy the day. Look for the race in November. The Best Western Rose Garden Inn and Suites in McAllen is conveniently located off Interstate 10, close to the airport and less than 10 miles to the Mexican Border and the Mexican city of Reynosa.