I would spend more time in Austin and San Antonio than Dallas.

I would also add Ft Worth. It is the mecca of what you think of as "Texas". It's where the old west is still kept alive. The downtown is vibrant, even at night. The Stockyards have shops, restaurants, museums, hotels, etc that that are leftovers from the cattle drive era. Ft Worth also has some world class museums--Kimball, Amon Carter, Modern Art, Stockyards, National Cowgirl, Texas Cowboy. They are all in two areas so they are easy to get to.

I live close to Dallas and it's my least favorite city to recommend when guiding visitors.

For the coast, I would drive south from Houston to Galveston--about 45 miles. It has some neat architecture. Galveston was a mini New Orleans in it's heyday. The coastal area is not particularly scenic--just flat and scrubby.

San Antonio and Austin (including the Hill Country area) are the most visited areas for tourists.

http://www.fortworth.com/things-to-do/

Connie, We will be in Texas in a few weeks, and your suggestions are extremely helpful. We have plenty of time and I would like your opinion of Big Bend, eastern Texas (especially Big Thicket National Preserve), and any colorful small towns of particular interest. HTtY

PS

Do the Sixth Floor Museum and Nasher Sculpture Center make Dallas worth a visit?

Thanks Connie. In Dallas we plan on the Dallas Art Museum, MADI, and the Nasher Sculpture Garden. My husband hasn't seen the "Kennedy stuff" so we'll have to do that.

Fort Worth and the Kimbell is high on our list, Louis Khan is a favorite architect.

We plan to rent a car and stay outside of the 2 cities, we don't mind driving but I don't want to change hotels.

Any suggestions? I'm thinking Arlington as it does seem we'll go to Ft. Worth more than Dallas and it looks easy from the airport.

Arlington is a good place to stay. It is home to several amusement parks and professional sports stadiums so there are lots of hotels and restaurants in the area.

happytrailstoyou,

The Sixth Floor Exhibit and Nasher are excellent. Just depends on how much into that you are.

A lot of people love the Big Bend area. Look at photos and see if it is your cup of tea. It's a very arid area. I love east Texas--so different than the rest of the state---huge pine trees, rolling landscape, green and lush much of the year--much more like the deep south.

In east Texas, Tyler is not a small town but rich in old oil money. Beautiful homes and gardens. Tyler is the "Rose Capitol of the World". In the spring the azaleas trails are amazing.

As far as small towns, probably the best area is in the Hill Country--west of Austin and N and W of San Antonio. This is a area that Texans and outsiders like to visit. I found an excellent driving route by National Geographic---http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/road-trips/hill-country-texas-road-trip/

happytrails, I want to add something about the Dallas Art Museum, I've been there and didn't have time to see it all. It's an amazing museum. I'm planning a good part of the day for it but you may not be quite as enthusiastic

The FW Modern is "world class" for the architecture of the building, not the contents of its displays.

The Kimbell is a crapshoot - if you're interested in its special exhibitions then go because those are top-notch. Its permanent collection is not worth the trip.

The Crow Museum of Asian Art is interesting and right across the street from the Nasher.

When are you coming? If after 12-1-12, the Perot Museum will be open and that promises to be top-end.

Big Russ, you're right the architecture of the FW modern looks very interesting. We'll see if we have time. They have a few of my favorite artists, I love Cornelia Parker but I don't know about that particular Parker in FW. Her piece in the Phoenix Art Museum is worth a trip to Phoenix and I never thought there was a reason to go to Phoenix. Then I went to their art museum.

What is it with Texas and Joesph Stella? I don't think I've ever seen a Stella and now I'll be viewing his work every other day I believe. I don't mind, I'm interested in seeing it.

We'll be there in Nov. Too bad, I googled that building and we're going to have to drive by just to get some shots of it. Thank you!

The Kimbell building is worth a visit. How do you like the new addition? Did Piano do the building justice?

If there is any chance you will be in Dallas before Nov 4 then go to the Chihuly exhibit at the Dallas Arboretum, it is amazing.

For small art museums in Houston go to the Menil Collection (don't miss the Rothco Chapel) as well as the Art Car Museum. Both museums are worth your time and also free.

In Galveston plan to tour at least one of the large mansions that survived the 1900 hurricane that leveled the island. In fact you may enjoy seeing "The Storm" that is a film (actually slides run together) that tells about that storm and how they raised the island 11 feet and rebuilt it. It is located by the harbor next to the Strand.

In Austin the Blanton on the UT campus is good. Also check out what is at the Austin Museum of Art and if it interests you go. The reason I say this is it is a really small museum so is only worth your limited time if you hit it when they have something of interest to you.

Have fun!

Barblab, how many nights would you give Austin? I don't want to rush through a good museum.

I have a few more questions about Texas, please.

#1 How long would you give San Antonio?

#2 How long would you give Austin?

#3 Galveston sounds lovely, is it better to overnight in Galveston and make day trips to Houston or should we treat them seperately?

We planned only 10 ten days but could go 2 weeks if the pet sitter is willing.

And I forgot.

San Antonio looks like the Riverwalk is the place to stay. What do you think?

Suggestions on where to stay in the other areas are much appreciated.

I'm not picky about where to stay, I like a good deal but am happy to stay in a place where it's exceptionally pretty at dawn. I like to be outside when the sun is rising. We don't really care about night life though.

LSky, I used to live in Dallas. I love DMA, DH & I got married there. You already mentioned Nasher. Someone else mentioned the Crow collection (which is small but free). If you happen to be in Dallas on the third Friday of each month, I highly recommend you visit Nasher that evening http://www.nashersculpturecenter.org/Events-Calendar/-til-Midnight

One of my favorite work at the Nasher is James Turrell skyspace (http://www.nashersculpturecenter.org/James/Turrell/Introduction.aspx ) It is a site-specific installation and is most magical when seen during dusk/early evening hours.

Since you mentioned modern architecture, in the same area as DMA/Nasher, there's also the new Winspear Opera House (Foster & Co), and the new Wyly Theatre (Koolhaus). Also nearby is the 20+ year-old Meyerson Center (I.M. Pei), home of Dallas Symphony. I'm pretty sure you can enter the lobbies of these 3 places during the day, but better still would be catching a performance! The Meyerson used to offer free organ recital once a week during lunch hour; not sure if they still do that.

I have never been to MADI so I can't speak for it. Another little gem in Dallas is the Meadows Museum at SMU. http://smu.edu/meadowsmuseum/

As for FW, I must say that I LOVE the FW Modern. The building is super cool, and the cafe is very good as well.

When I was in Dallas, I did a day-trip to Austin (I flew), and managed to see 3 museums in one day. The Austin Museum of Art is tiny; not worth going unless it has a specific exhibition you're interested in. The LBJ library/museum is worth seeing, and the Blanton Museum is worth a visit http://www.blantonmuseum.org/

My parents live in Houston so I've been to both the Houston MFA and Menil Collection. Both are worth seeing. And of course mentioned by Barblab, definitely don't miss Rothko Chapel.

HTH!

The Nasher is great, but if you are going solely to see the Turrell Skyspace check to see if it is open. After a luxury condo tower opened next to the museum and changed the lighting, the artist forced the museum to close his work. The museum however is still visit worthy without it.

Forgot to say in Austin since you expressed an interest in architecture go on the free tour of the capital building. From the capital, walk to the Texas State Museum, then across the street to the Blanton, then walk across the UT campus to the LBJ museum. Whew, that wore me out just writing it. Better have two days in Austin.

Are you flying into one city and out of another? How many nights to spend depends on the pace you like to travel. Remember also you need to factor in travel time between cites. Dallas to Austin 4 hours, Austin to SA 1 hour. SA to Houston 3 hours. Houston to Galveston 1 hour. Houston to Dallas 4 hours. (All times approximate and without traffic.)

Since you loose part of the day moving from one city to the other I always like to stay a minimum of two nights in one place. I would not describe Galveston as lovely, especially if you are from one of the coasts. I do think it makes an interesting day trip and would therefore suggest you stay in Houston.

Have fun planning!

LSky - you don't need to visit Arlington unless you're interested in amusement parks. It is a "bedroom" community for both FW and Dallas.

If you're in FW on a Friday or Saturday night, there is a rodeo at the Stockyards (Cowtown Coliseum).
http://www.cowtowncoliseum.com/

HTTY - You didn't mention where in TX you are going, but Big Bend is worth seeing, but far from everything. From the DFW area, it's about a 10+ hour drive. TX is BIG!!! Now is a good time to visit. Also in Alpine is the McDonald Observatory and Marfa is a neat town (from what I've heard.)

As far as San Antonio hotels, I would recommend the Menger or the Crockett. Great locations, great history, great character.

http://mengerhotel.com/

http://www.crocketthotel.com/

In Houston, go to the Menil Collection and the Museum of Fine Arts, maybe the Rothko Chapel too. Galveston has great historical architecture that you can tour like Bishop's Palace and Moody Mansion. Check out Moody Gardens in Galveston too. If you like historical hotels, the Galvez or for more recent the San Luis.

You might enjoy the McNay in San Antonio:

http://www.mcnayart.org/index.php

http://www.sanantonio-vacation.com/san-antonio-attractions/mcnay-art-museum

and the San Antonio Museum of Art:

https://www.samuseum.org/

There are several walking tours available, scroll down for descriptions of the King William neighborhood tour and the Architecture tour:

http://www.sanantoniowalks.com/

For something very different where you are on the riverwalk but have access to grounds to be in nature:

http://www.nobleinns.com/oge.html

The Ogé House is a massive house built in 1856 in antebellum neoclassical style. It's furnished with European antiques of similar or complementary style and sits on a large landscaped property that backs up to the river. The common areas, the yard, and the 10 guest rooms are more spacious than those of the Jackson House. The bathrooms are much more than what you would expect at a B&B -- large, with showers and tubs; some with oversize spa showers and/or Jacuzzi tubs. Many rooms also have fireplaces and views of the grounds, and one looks out on the river from its own balcony. The units downstairs aren't as light as those on the upper two floors, but they're larger and more private, with separate entrances. An ample breakfast is served at individual tables, either in the stately dining room or out on the veranda; in-room breakfast service can be arranged for the suites.

Read more: http://www.frommers.com/destinations/sanantonio/H9481.html#ixzz29VVTA7M6

Forgot to mention, both the McNay and SAMA are closed Mondays.

Oh thank you all so much! This is great info. I've been googling/copy/pasting for a while.

I'm going to owe ya'll a Texas size trip report.

The Rothko Chapel has been mentioned to me 3 times and I've also seen it in a magazine. The 1st time it was mentioned I shrugged it off, never being a big fan. I just don't get Rothko.

But now I feel I must go and meditate in the chapel because it's difficult to be the only art lover in the world that doesn't get Rothko. I'm going to give him the best try I can and see what happens

The reason I decided on Arlington is b/c it seems an equal distance between Dallas and Ft Worth. I once stayed in Arlington for work and it was easy to get around from when I wanted to get a break. Since we'll have the car I don't really want to stay in Dallas and pay to park at a hotel. I didn't mention that I'm rather frugal.

L, count me amongst those that doesn't really "get" the Rothko chapel. People who love art and architecture seem to love it. Let me know what you think.

LSky, it's really nice to see someone excited about coming to TX. (It so often gets a bad rap.)

Don't miss the Amon Carter museum in Fort Worth. And I happen to love the Kimbell, for it's architecture as well as it's art.

Re Arlington.. I happen to live in Arlington and it's a fine city! If you're staying here, you really should take the time to tour the new Cowboys Stadium. It is mind-boggling.

Also, for a wonderful foodie experience, don't miss Potager, in downtown Arlington. This is a small restaurant that uses only local ingredients. Therefore, the menu changes daily. It's a "pay what you feel your dinner was worth" place. The quiches are always wonderful, as well as the soups.

The Fort Worth Botanic Garden is wonderful. Don't miss both the Japanese gardens and The Conservatory. Beautiful!!!

As mentioned above, Texas is a very big state. You would find it difficult to get to Big Bend on this trip.

Texas has a lot to offer! I know you'll love it!

In Houston, if you have time, Mark's is a wonderful place to go to dinner. It's built in an old church so has really cool architecture.

http://marks1658.com/about.cfm

http://www.menil.org/

http://www.mfah.org/

Lsky - are you staying in Arlington? (I am a little confused on your timeline).

I have truly come to love the great state of Texas over the last few years - and love love love Austin. If I could live any place in Texas I would certainly pick Austin and think it deserves more than 2 nights.

Mom, sorry I missed this. Even though I titled the thread "I can't wait" it appears we will wait.

We won't put it off long there is a lot that we want to see in Texas and my interest keeps mounting.

Yes, we would stay in Arlington, because it looks handy to both Ft Worth/Dallas. I prefer not changing hotels.

Thanks for the input about Austin.

I am heading to Austin myself on Thursday and I can't wait either! We will be in Texas until Monday afternoon--yay!

Add me to the "I love Texas" folks!

Suggestion: before you go, rent/watch "The Alamo" the one with Billy Bob Thornton, not the one from the 1960s.

San Antonio--As above, second suggestion for Hotel Menger, right by the Alamo, in addtion to the Riverwalk. Even if you don't stay at Hotel Menger, don't miss that incredible lobby, especially with your interest in architecture!! Note that San Antonio has some dicey areas not far from the Riverwalk. Also, not sure when you are going, but the river is drained in January for clean up--not the best time to see it, of course!!

State Capitol Bldg in Autsin is beautiful!!

In Dallas, to answer one question above, the Sixth Floor Museum is most certainly worth a visit to Dallas. A huge part of our American history. From "THE" spot, you look down, aghas at lack of security then, and see the painted X marks on the road, marking where the shots reached JFK.

i recommend coast drive between Galveston and Corpus. One of my very favorite areas in Texas is less than an hour north of Corpus. Village with local art galleries, and nearby small village right on the water, with great little atmospheric restaurants

Galveston--was less than impressed. But there is a marvelous New Orleans style restaurant.

Will be back with more specific details --memory is fading!

Texas' State Motto is "Friendship" and nearly every where you go, you'll see how
accurate that is!