North of Dallas, a new frontier
Few corners of the state are changing as fast as Collin County. Frisco has become a weekend sports capital, while McKinney keeps its brick square full of family-run shops. Farther out, Celina is still a water-tower town — for now.
Stay for a show in the Dallas Arts District on your way home.
The I-35 corridor
Between Austin and San Antonio, Georgetown, Kyle, San Marcos and New Braunfels are growing up around their rivers and squares. Float the Comal, then two-step at Gruene Hall.
Pines and prairies near Houston
To the east, Bastrop pairs lost pines with new tech campuses, and Katy and Conroe offer lakes, markets and room to breathe. Browse every city guide and see what's on in the events calendar.
The Hill Country loop
South and west of Austin, Dripping Springs is the launch pad for the wine corridor, Wimberley keeps its creek to itself, and Boerne and Fredericksburg hold the German end of the hills.
Coast, border and far west
Add Galveston or Corpus Christi for a beach weekend, Victoria for the prairie in between, and McAllen for the Valley. When you want big sky, go to El Paso, Marfa, Amarillo or Lubbock.
Ask the Texan