Recently in Texas Category

A weekend spent at the Aloft Austin means putting on the cowboy boots and loosening the belt buckle a notch or two - right? Not exactly. This Tex-Mex heaven is a lot greener than you may expect. The birthplace of Whole Foods lays claim to some pretty exciting restaurants that have your health - and the planet's - in mind.

"Only" is an oft-repeated word when it comes to Ruby's BBQ's many claims to fame: It's the only place in Austin that slowly smokes its BBQ in oak wood-fired authentic brick pits; the only BBQ restaurant serving all-natural, hormone-free brisket; and it only serves side dishes it makes in-house from fresh produce. Its chunky mayonnaise potato salad gets rave reviews.

Texas-Tuscan haven Vespaio gets up close and personal with its meat as well, actually butchering the locally-raised lambs and pigs that make their way into its spicy Italian dishes - the wood-fired Toscana pizza features housemade Tuscan pork sausage. A back garden provides fresh herbs, and pastas, including gluten-free options, and breads are handmade in-house.
The 16-table
Wink Restaurant & Wine Bar
keeps it fresh-as-can-be as well, relying on local produce, herbs, and cheeses, with an emphasis on what's in season. This member of the slow food movement is so serious about sustainability that it prints the names of the many Texas farms it works with at the bottom of its menu, which features fresh, inventive dishes like grassfed bison NY strip on barley pilaf with hen of the woods mushrooms and dried cherries.

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Texas Capitol in Austin.jpgOver the past two decades, Austin has become better known as a capital of live music than the capital of the state of Texas. If you're more familiar with Austin's famed music venues than its political landmarks, make your way over to the Texas State Capitol, where free guided and self-guided tours will teach you everything you need to know about the Lone Star State's majestic seat of government. For one thing, it's absolutely enormous. Built on the city's highest point, the 1888 red-granite Renaissance Revival building towers 94 meters into the desert sky, providing panoramic views and giving the city a dramatic silhouette. In fact, it's the largest in gross square footage of all the state capitols and is second in total size only to the National Capitol in Washington, D.C. Tours take visitors to various landmarks, including the Capitol Rotunda and Dome - which is filled with portraits of everybody who has ever served as governor or president of Texas - and the Senate and House of Representatives Chambers, the latter being the building's largest room. Legal buffs will appreciate the Supreme Court Courtroom, which served as the core of the Texas judicial system from 1888 to 1959, while the Legislative Reference Library is filled with books and artifacts. If you're still up for more walking after seeing the inside of the Capitol, continue the adventure with a tour of the 22 acres of Capitol Grounds, which are gorgeously landscaped and dotted with lush lawns, trees, shrubs, and flowers. It's a beautiful way to learn about one of the country's most inspiring cities. Starwood has three Austin hotels, including the nearby Sheraton Austin Hotel at the Capitol.

[image via tspb.state.tx.us]

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Sheraton South Padre Island Beach Hotel Photo.jpgIf you're as sick of winter as we are, then Spring Break can't come soon enough. Well, now is a great time to take an early Spring Break getaway, because the Sheraton South Padre Island Beach Hotel & Condominiums is offering a special Family Vacation on the Beach Package that will make your first dose of sunshine this year all the sweeter. Book by March 4 for stays March 5 - 28, 2010 and enjoy family-friendly perks like a deluxe ocean-view room, breakfast each day at the Beachside Bar and Grille, two bottles of water daily, free sunscreen, free internet access, one in-room movie, 50% off valet parking, and more. You can even enjoy discounted water sports at Sonny's Beach Service, including parasailing and banana boats - a perfect way to start vacation season off on a high note. This stylish destination on the south Texas shoreline boasts gorgeous beaches, breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico, and the largest swimming pool in South Texas, including a swim-up bar. Spend your day searching for sea shells, playing volleyball, or sailing on the high seas. And when evening comes, retreat to the hotel's Beachside Grille, where international cuisine is served in an atmosphere of casual elegance. Rates start at just $286 per night (up to four per room) with a two-night minimum length of stay. To make a reservation, visit here or call 1-866-716-8134 and ask for rate plan SPFAM.

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Westin Austin at the Domain.jpgThe brand new Westin Austin at the Domain will open its doors for the first time on March 11, 2010, and you can be among the first guests to experience this cutting-edge hotel in one of the city's premier destinations. With the Be the First package, you can enjoy rates starting at $119 a night for stays through April 8, 2010 and get a first look at this exciting new hotel. The Westin Austin at the Domain is located in the Domain business, retail, and residential center, which is home to several multinational corporations and scores of upscale shops and restaurants. Buy a new outfit at Neiman Marcus, a bag at Louis Vuitton, or something sparkly at Tiffany and Co. and then treat yourself to a glass of fine wine at CrĂș, one of the city's finest wine bars. But set aside some time to explore the hotel, which has all the amenities you need to be at your best. Sweat out your stresses in the WestinWORKOUT gym, splash around in the outdoor heated pool, or stay in touch with colleagues using the free high-speed internet access in public areas. And when it's time for dinner, request a table at Urban, the hotel's signature restaurant that serves contemporary American cuisine in an atmosphere of casual sophistication. Visit here and be the first to experience Austin's most dynamic new destination.

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Sheraton South Padre Pool View.jpgAs winter begins in earnest, one's thoughts naturally drift to tropical climes, where abundant sunshine and gentle breezes restore the energy and vitality that the cold takes away. Every year, sun seekers in the continental U.S. flock to the southern coasts of Florida and California, but if you're looking for something a little bit different, venture to the southern tip of Texas. A pristine barrier island along the Gulf Coast, South Padre Island enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with January highs of 67 degrees Fahrenheit (19 C), 253 days of sunshine a year, and some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. It's also the home of the Sheraton South Padre Island Beach Hotel, which happens to be one of this week's participating Starpicks properties, with last-minute rates of at least 20% off regular rates for stays during the next eight weeks. This exciting resort has everything you need to fight the winter blues. Take a walk on the beach. Go for a dip in the biggest pool in south Texas, a 6,000 square foot tropical paradise complete with waterfall and swim-up bar. Relax in the oversize Jacuzzi. Or indulge in a pampering massage treatment. And when the sun goes down, retreat to the comforts of the Beachside Bar & Grille, where international cuisine comes with a postcard view of the Gulf of Mexico. New Starpicks properties are posted every Tuesday, so check the list for the latest deals.

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Parade Photo.jpgThe holiday season in Dallas doesn't begin until the Adolphus Children's Parade swings through town, a lively event involving balloons, marching bands, and plenty of local celebrities. The tradition began in 1988 when the Adolphus and Children's Medical Center Dallas sought to give a gift to the citizens of Dallas for allowing them to prosper for three-quarters of a century. On December 3 of that year, the first parade was produced, bringing together 70,000 children and their families to celebrate what would soon become known as the Miracle on Commerce Street. Under the sponsorship of historic Dallas retailer Neiman Marcus, and more recently, Capital One Bank, the parade has grown into the biggest holiday event in a town that doesn't do anything small. This year's parade is expected to draw 350,000 visitors to Downtown Dallas to shout and wave at such famous characters as Curious George and his keeper The Man with the Yellow Hat (pictured), legions of toy soldiers, and of course, the big man himself, Santa Claus. The parade will be held on Saturday, December 5, 2009 and will begin at 10:00 a.m. on the corner of Austin and Commerce Streets, continuing on Commerce Street and through various downtown thoroughfares until it wraps up just past City Hall Plaza. Best of all, the parade raises money for Children's Medical Center, Dallas, a worthy cause if there ever was one. Starwood has several properties in Downtown Dallas, including the The Joule, Dallas, a Luxury Collection hotel.

[image via Children's Medical Center]

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San Jacinto Monument.jpgIf you know anything at all about Texas, you know it's got a rebellious streak as long as the Rio Grande, with a history of independent thought and resistance to outside rule. There's no better place to understand the Lone Star psyche than Houston's San Jacinto Museum of History. The museum is located within the base of the San Jacinto Monument, marking the very spot where, on April 21, 1836, Mexican rule over Texas came to a dramatic close. A host of exhibits and memorabilia commemorate the Battle of San Jacinto, in which General Sam Houston guided his troops to victory over Santa Anna and laid the foundation for the Republic of Texas to become an independent country. If you could use a little Texas history primer, check out Texas Forever!! The Battle of San Jacinto in the Jesse H. Jones Theatre for Texas Studies, a 35-minute video that covers everything from the earliest Spanish colonies to the day the West was won. But as impressive as the museum is, it's nothing compared to the monument, which, in true Texas style, is bigger than life. At 567 feet, it's the world's tallest monumental column (15 feet taller than the Washington Monument), and the view from its observation deck is truly breathtaking. The city seems to go on forever. Starwood has a dozen Houston properties, including the St. Regis Houston.

[image via visithoustontexas.com]

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Sheraton Houston Brookhollow Hotel.jpgHouston is a fun town to visit, with equal measures of Southwestern charm and big city culture. If it's been a while since you've visited this charming Texas metropolis, how about an autumn getaway? The Sheraton Houston Brookhollow Hotel is one of this week's participating Starpicks properties, with last-minute rates of at least 20% off regular rates for stays during the next two weekends, so it won't take much to make your Western wishes come true. Located in the northwestern corner of the city, this distinguished hotel is just minutes from some of Houston's greatest attractions. Start your day with a stroll through the nearby Houston Arboretum and Nature Center, a 155-acre nature sanctuary with extensive walking trails through a variety of native environments. Then, expose yourself to the Impressionist and post-Impressionist masterpieces on display at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, with works by Henri Matisse and Georges Seurat and an inspiring sculpture garden. If there's time left over in the afternoon, swing by the Houston Museum of Natural Science, where a temporary collection of Terra Cotta Warriors is in its final weeks. When evening arrives, bring your appetite to the hotel's Cimarron restaurant, where Southwestern cuisine is served in an airy, welcoming atmosphere. Toast your evening at Tuxedo's Lobby Bar, and you've got a perfect Texas day. New Starpicks properties are posted every Tuesday, so check the list for the latest deals.

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Sheraton Dallas New Lobby.jpgDon't make plans for October 23rd until you've read this: To celebrate its $4 billion transformation, Sheraton is giving away thousands of free night's stays at nearly 100 new or newly renovated Sheraton Hotels and Resorts in North America, and you could find out instantly if you're a winner. The Check-In On Us Giveaway is a way of introducing people to Sheraton's new updated look, and it only takes a few clicks to find out if you'll be staying in one of these exciting properties on Friday, October 23, 2009. You can even choose your destination. For some fun in South Florida, check out the Sheraton Sand Key Resort, with ten acres of private beach and a gorgeous palm tree-lined outdoor swimming pool. If Hawaii's more your style, explore the Sheraton Waikiki, with breathtaking oceanfront views and a first-of-its-kind, newly-opened "super pool." The Sheraton Dallas Hotel (pictured), meanwhile, offers a contemporary take on Texas style, with an urban design and several excellent restaurants. This promotion only lasts a few more days, so sign in now to see if you're a winner.

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Westin La Cantera Resort.jpgSan Antonio was named after St. Anthony of Padova on June 13, 1691 by a group of Spanish missionaries, and since that fateful day it has grown into one of the most dynamic and culturally rich cities in the Southwest. With a mild climate and plenty to see and do, it's a great destination for an autumn getaway, so how about spending a few days in scenic West Texas? The Westin La Cantera Resort, San Antonio is one of this week's participating Starpicks properties, with last-minute rates of at least 20% off regular rates for stays during the next eight weeks, so you could be experiencing its hill country charms in no time. Located on the hilltop site of a former limestone quarry, the resort provides the perfect mix of luxurious amenities and Lone Star character. Active travelers will appreciate its two world-class golf courses, complete with driving range, pro shop, and preferred tee times for resort guests. Families may want to take advantage of the resort's complimentary shuttle to nearby Six Flags Fiesta Texas, a 200-acre amusement park with dozens of rides and shows. Of course, lovers of leisure have several outdoor swimming pools to choose from, as well as the Castle Rock Health Club & Spa, which offers a range of therapeutic massages. Dining is a delight at restaurants like Francesca's at Sunset, where inventive Southwestern cuisine is served in an atmosphere of casual elegance. The Westin La Cantera Resort is just one of dozens of Starpicks properties this week, so check the list for the destination of your dreams.

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Austin, Texas

As the state capital of Texas, Austin is also known as the live music capital of the world. Book your trip now!
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