Where To See Fall Foliage in Texas

So I’m in New York right now and one of the biggest draws to this area this time of year is to see the changing leaves. That is one of my favorite things about fall. All the gorgeous and robust colors make me think I’m Annie Leibovitz. I’m snapping pictures left and right! Now, I don’t really do outside. I am not too keen on bugs, or sweating, or many outside things. That’s just not my steelo. (No, it is not 1990. I’m bringing that word back, btw. Don’t judge me.)  And I know when someone is planning a fall getaway to take in some fall foliage, the Great State of Texas is not the first thing that comes to mind. But walk with me, people! Texas actually has some great places to see some amazing views! Even I would consider a little ‘roughing it’ to see some of these spots!

From my research, it seems that your best bet will be to head east for some of the best leave shows. East Texas, specifically Tyler and Highway 14, are famous for their scenic views and driving tours. Nacogdoches and Athens are also good bets. The Athens Department of Tourism has a great interactive map on the website!

Athens, Texas – GORGEOUS!

Durango, Texas

Your next best bet will be to head to the center of the state. The state parks in Texas are also great places for epic foliage views. Some of the best are Lost Maples State Park right outside of San Antonio in the Texas Hill Country, Caprock Canyon State Park in the panhandle, and Lake Bob Sandlin State Park near Pittsburg, Texas. You can come any of these and see a brilliant spectrum of colors, plus, each park is equipped for activities like hiking and camping.

Lost Maples State Park – Vanderpool, Texas

Lake Bob Sandlin – Pittsburg, Texas

A great tool to use is the Texas Fall Foliage Report. This will let you know how much the leaves have turned in the state parks. You can find it here.

So pack up your family and pile into the car, or hop on a Preferred Motorcoach Transportation bus, and go check out some of these stunning fall leave shows!

The Red River Rivalry and the BEST State Fair Ever

It’s officially Fall, y’all!

We took a little break for the end of summer but fall is here and we are back in action. This happens to be my absolute favorite season. The colors, the cool weather, the clothes, all of it! Not to mention the national holiday that is my birthday is in fall (I’ll tell you where to send gifts closer to time.) But anyway, one of the best parts of Texas in the fall is the arrival of the State Fair of Texas. It is held at Fair Park in Dallas (my hometown!) and has the distinct honor of being the country’s biggest state fair. Because everything’s bigger in Texas, obvs. Our fair happens to be the absolute best state fair in this country. That is not debatable. Our fair has…

The unhealthiest best food.

We will fry anything. We have no shame.

The creepiest best mascot.

He talks, waves, and looks at you. Which is not creepy at all…

Plus, Oprah dedicated a whole show to the Texas State Fair so that pretty much squashes any arguments.

Here is Oprah doing Oprah things at the Texas State Fair.

One of the most anticipated events of the State Fair of Texas is the Red River Showdown. The Red River Showdown is the big college football game that takes place between University of Texas, located in Austin and University of Oklahoma, located in Norman. The Texas/OU rivalry is one of the biggest college football rivalries ever and Texas/OU weekend at the Fair is a pretty big deal. For several days, floods of burnt orange and crimson descend on the city of Dallas and let me tell you, they really get into it. My sister is a graduate of Texas and by default she has very strong feelings about OU. It’s really an incredible time to be in Dallas!

Sides are CLEARLY drawn. This is not a game.

The famous game has been played since 1900 and has undergone a few name changes over the years. When I moved to Texas, it was called ‘The Red River Shootout’. It was then changed to ‘Red River Showdown’. Now, we apparently call it ‘Red River Rivalry’. Whatever name you call it—it’s still the Red River Shootout to me; I don’t care what ‘they’ say—the atmosphere is still the same. It’s fun, loud, and vibrant! I mean, this is one of the most fun times to be in Dallas! Even the local businesses get involved, displaying flags and signs and what not. My favorite thing is the ball on top of Reunion Tower. Leading up to the game, the ball will light up half crimson and half burnt orange. When one team wins (OU has won three of the last four games), the ball will light up fully for that team. It’s pretty cool to see in person.

 

If you haven’t experienced the State Fair, Texas/OU weekend is a great time to go! Your ticket to the game includes admission to the fair. This year, the game will take place on Saturday, October 6^th. So make your way on down. You know you want to!

 

 

Is anyone heading to the game this year? Let me know in the comments! Preferred Motorcoach can get you there!