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Photo courtesy of Magnolia

Fall is finally here, and with the (hopefully) cooler temps will come the chance to get outside and enjoy autumn activities all around Texas. Can't decide where to take a quick vacation, road trip, or staycation? Here are 11 events, special celebrations, and hotel happenings to help plan a getaway in October.

Throughout Texas

If searching for beautiful leaves around Texas is at the top of the priority list, cabin rental agency Smoky Mountains' fall foliage prediction map is the perfect guide to help estimate when the leaves will begin changing throughout the state and the U.S. The map predicts most of Texas will have minimal-to-patchy changing leaves by the end of October, and most of the state's trees will be at their color-changing peak in November.

Dallas-based luxury bus operator Vonlane added 60 new weekly departures to meet anticipated high demand for the fall travel season. There are now more than 430 trips per week departing Vonlane hubs in Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio. Travelers can book their trips online for both one-way or round-trips, with fares beginning at $119.

Two unmistakable cutesy pink trucks are going on tour throughout Texas this month, with stops in several major cities. That's right – the cult craze Hello Kitty Cafe Truck and Barbie Truck are bringing a horde of new branded clothing and accessories to adoring fans in Houston, Austin, and San Antonio. Austinites can visit The Domain to catch the Barbie Truck on October 7, and return the following weekend to say hi to Hello Kitty on the 14th.

In Waco

The annual Magnolia Silobration at The Silos will celebrate the 20th anniversary of Chip and Joanna Gaines' Waco-based home design and lifestyle empire from October 19-21. Fixer Upper fans can visit the Silos to enjoy a three-day adventure of local artisan and food vendors, live music performances, shopping, and more. The festival is free, but note that certain ticketed experiences like the 20th anniversary tour, weekend rooftop passes, and Evenings with Chip and Jo are sold out.

Along the Gulf Coast

What better way to celebrate the arrival of spooky season than by seeking out haunted ghost experiences in Corpus Christi? The Heritage Park Museum will showcase four reportedly haunted houses, and phantom chasers will delight in visiting the U.S.S. Lexington during the "Haunting on the Blue Ghost" event, October 6-31, to glimpse any ghostly crew members lurking about the vessel. The abandoned Nueces County Courthouse also has some ghouls of its own, with reports of voices, noises, and screams being heard following a hurricane that devastated the area more than a century ago.

Summer might be over, but a trip to the beach is always in the cards on South Padre Island. The annual Sandcastle Days falls on October 5-8, drawing the attention of sandcastle-building experts, food and craft vendors, and free family-friendly entertainment. Then, from October 19-21, classic cars and motorcycles rev up the brand new Chrome in the Sand Festival. The weekend will consist of live performances, car shows, a poker tournament, and more. Tickets for the Chrome in the Sand Festival begin at $20 for general admission, $55 for VIP, and $500 for VIP tables.

In the Hill Country

It's never too late for a day by the pool, and the luxurious Lantana Spa at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa has opened reservations for its renovated pool cabanas with a special VIP poolside service and deluxe amenities. The private, two-person Canyons, Preserve, and Oaks Spa Cabanas each include unlimited mimosa service, shaded seating and chaise lounges, a dedicated server from 11 am to 5 pm, and more. Cabana reservations can be made by resort guests or in addition to a spa service, and rates begin at $400.

Nonprofit trade association Texas Hill Country Wineries is bringing back its Texas Wine Month passport this month for a self-guided journey through 45 local wineries with special discounts scattered along the way. With participating estates scattered throughout popular weekend destinations like Fredericksburg, Johnson City, and New Braunfels, it’s a chance to explore the Hill Country and soak in those autumn vibes. Wine passport-holders can visit up to four wineries daily to get the most out of a weekend getaway. Individual passes are $85, and couples' passes are $120.

Speaking of wineries, one Marble Falls-based winery is hosting regular events throughout October, which is perfect for those holding a Texas Wine Month passport. Every Saturday and Sunday, folks can venture out to Flat Creek Estates & Vineyard for their effervescent Bubbles and Brunch from 11 am to 3 pm. And if the trip transforms from a brunch outing into an all-day affair, guests catch live music from local Texas bands during the winery's weekend music series from 2-6 pm. Ernie Vasquez and Evan Grubbs are scheduled the weekend of October 7-8, and Stephen Daly and Andrew Lopez will play on the weekend of October 14-15.

Around Austin

It's finally festival season in our great city, beginning with the iconic Austin City Limits Music Festival at Zilker Park for two consecutive weekends from October 6-8 and 13-15. Luckily for travelers, CultureMap's got the scoop on all things ACL – from can't-miss acts, to new eats, and more. One-day general admission tickets begin at $170. Weekend One tickets are waitlisted, but there are still one-day general admission tickets available for Weekend Two. Weekend passes for both weekends are waitlisted.

Following ACL, Austin will race to the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas from October 20-22. Red Bull Racing has already won the 2023 Constructors' Championship after its longstanding driver Max Verstappen won the Japanese Grand Prix, and Verstappen is well in the lead to win his third-consecutive World Drivers' Championship title. Three-day general admission wristbands are $475, two-day GA is $425, and three-day parking passes are $275.

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Photo courtesy of Campspot

Connect with nature at these 4 Texas campsites named the best in America

DEEP IN THE HEART OF TEXAS

April's sunny, warm weather is here, and if you're looking for an outdoorsy spring vacation experience, one of these four Texas sites named among Campspot's Best Campgrounds in America should be on your itinerary.

Campspot is an online marketplace and booking website for private campsites; they used 70,000 data points across 12 categories, including community reviews and family-friendly amenities, to determine their rankings.

In the category for Best Campgrounds for National Park Lovers, two Port Aransas resorts came in at the top: Aloha Beach RV Resort was ranked No. 1 and Tropic Island Resortcame in at No. 3. Both were ranked highly thanks to their proximity to local beaches and opportunities for outdoor activities, such as world-class fishing, birding, boating, golf, and more.

Champions Riverside Resort in Gainesville, Wisconsin split the Texas resorts in the ranking at No. 2, while Pokegama Lake RV Park & Golf Course in Pine City, Minnesota (No. 4) and New Jersey’s Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort: South Jersey rounded out the top five.

In the Best Campgrounds for Weekenders category, two Hill Country parks made the top five: Hidden Falls Adventure Parkin Marble Falls (No. 4) and Lazy L&L Campgroundin New Braunfels (No. 5). Hidden Falls is the perfect place for some off-road fun on its sprawling 2,000-acre property, while Lazy L&L is more along the scenic side with a beautiful river frontage across 25 acres.

Ranking above the two Texas sites are three California grounds: Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort in Mt. Shasta City (No. 3), Casini Ranch Family Campground in Duncans Mills (No. 2), and Sun Outdoors Paso Robles (No. 1).

Campspot’s 10 best overall campgrounds in America don’t include any Texas destinations, but are still worth a gander for any out-of-state adventures:

  • No. 1 – Indian River RV Resort in Indian River, Minnesota
  • No. 2 – On the Saco Family Campground in Brownfield, Maine
  • No. 3 – The Nugget RV Resort in Saint Regis, Montana
  • No. 4 – Otahki Lake Cabins & Campground in Patterson, Missouri
  • No. 5 – Stonebridge RV Resort in Maggie Valley, North Carolina
  • No. 6 – Dark Sky RV Campground in Kanab, Utah
  • No. 7 – Pecan Park in Jacksonville, Florida
  • No. 8 – Kootenai River Campground in Troy, Montana
  • No. 9 – Okefenokee Pastimes Cabins & Campground in Folkston, Georgia
  • No. 10 – Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort: Memphis in Horn Lake, Mississippi

The full report can be found on campspot.com.

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West Austin award winner among 10 most expensive Texas homes in November

texas' priciest purchases

Discerning Texas buyers only have one month left in the year to purchase that next dream home. Fortunately, the Lone Star State offers plenty of luxury, multi-million-dollar homes for savvy shoppers.

With that in mind, the Houston Association of Realtors has revealed the most expensive inventory (read: the 10 priciest properties) currently on the market from November onwards throughout Texas.

These posh properties range from new-build masterpieces and marvelously modern estates and astonishing abodes. Locals will want to check out the Jacobean-inspired mansion in River Oaks neighborhood and the a massive 10-acre, 40,000-square-foot retreat in Spring.

1. 319 Verna Trail N., Fort Worth
List price: $15.9 million

319 Verna Trail N., Fort Worth home for saleThe Lazy H ranch is located on 50 acres of land.Photo courtesy of HAR.com

The No. 1 most expensive home on the market in November was 319 Verna Trl. N. in western Fort Worth. Dubbed the Lazy H Ranch, this private property is located on 50 acres of sprawling land. Each of the four bedrooms in the main house have their own en-suites, with an additional two half baths elsewhere. The 6,500-square-foot main home also boasts a media room equipped with a 100-inch TV, and a state-of-the-art kitchen with Miele appliances. Outdoor features include a reverse osmosis pool, a gas fire pit, a climate-controlled patio (made possible by the home's GeoThermal system), and an infrared sauna in the pool bath.

Elsewhere on the property are two casitas, each boasting two bedrooms and two bathrooms with fenced patios and large backyards. The eight-stall stable barn contains a vet room with a commercial washer and dryer, refrigerator, office, a half bath, tack room, a separate saddle room, and two workshops. A stable caretaker's apartment is also located on the property. Additional amenities include a hay barn, equipment barn, eight pastures, and much more.

2. 862 Grape Creek Road, Fredericksburg
List price: $14.9 million

862 Grape Creek Road, Fredericksburg home for saleGrape Creek Estate is an ideal private compound for a family.Photo courtesy of HAR.com

Privacy is the central idea behind Texas' second most expensive real estate listing in November. 862 Grape Creek Road in Fredericksburg contains two estate homes and a guest house across 116 acres of wooded Hill Country land.

"The property is fully fenced, gated, a paved road system connecting all improvements, under ground utilities and 3 wells with large cisterns," the listing says. "The property was designed for a family compound offering privacy between the two main homes and guest house."

3. 4625 Walnut Hill Lane, Dallas
List price: $14.75 million

4625 Walnut Hill Lane, Dallas home for saleThe ceilings on the first floor range from 12 to 22 feet high.Photo courtesy of HAR.com

2502 Oestrick Lane Austin home for sale

Photo courtesy of HAR.com

The tenth most expensive home listed for sale in Texas last month was 2502 Oestrick Ln. in Austin.

A modern home at 4625 Walnut Hill Ln. in Dallas is the first new construction home that made it on HAR's list of the most expensive Texas listings last month. The listing brags that the 11,858-square-foot home is "Preston Hollow modern living at its finest" while also being priced at the lowest cost-per-square-foot in Dallas.

"The house is surrounded by over 70 evergreen trees coupled with a tall aluminum fence, establishing a very private sanctuary," the listing says. "[The fence's] automatic gates open to [the] granite driveway and leads to [a] five-car garage with aluminum doors featuring epoxy floors."

The house features five bedrooms, six full bathrooms, one half bath, high ceilings throughout the first floor, an open-concept living space, wood flooring, marble accents, and more.

4. 419 Lighthouse Drive, Horseshoe Bay
List price: $14.5 million

419 Lighthouse Drive, Horseshoe Bay home for saleThere are lake views from every room at 419 Lighthouse Dr. in Horseshoe Bay.Photo courtesy of HAR.com

While modernity has been a dominant design feature between the top three most expensive homes, 419 Lighthouse Dr. in Horseshoe Bay takes a much different approach. This grandiose Spanish Colonial lake home sits on two connected lots with waterfront access to Slickrock Creek which leads into the Colorado River.

The two-story home was built in 2015 with six bedrooms, seven full bathrooms, and three half baths. The house's exterior is constructed from solid, hand-cut limestone blocks that creates a distinguished appearance that also exhibits a timeless luxury. A few other defining characteristics of the home include multiple antiquely-carved 17th century doors, reclaimed ceiling beams, antique French limestone floors, French oak wood floors, and more.

5. 4231 W. Lawther Drive, Dallas
List price: $13.98 million

4231 W. Lawther Drive, Dallas home for salePhoto courtesy of HAR.com

Those who enjoy the coveted White Rock Lake area of Dallas will definitely covet this home on the sought-after Lawther Drive in Lakewood. Sitting more than 3.6+ acres of prime land along White Rock Lake, this property offers an unparalleled waterfront living experience. Five bedroom suites, 5 full baths, and 3 half bath soffers ample space and privacy; a gourmet kitchen with custom cabinetry and top-of-the-line Viking, Subzero, and Wolf appliances, perfect for master home chefs.

Three living areas, three suites, and a game room with a wet bar make for ideal gathering places for family, friends, and guests. Ideal for a getaway or party space, an 2,775 square-foot basement makes for even more community space. Car collectors and large groups can park it in the13-car covered parking area.

For privacy, guests can crash in the 785 square-foot full guest quarters, while a three-stall barn, pool house, an 820 square-foot workshop bring the outdoorsy lake life home. Take in the scenery at the 2735 square-foot of exterior patios and porches, which offer majestic lake views.

6. 3217 Del Monte Drive, Houston
List price: $13.5 million

3217 Del Monte Drive, Houston home for saleDespite still being under construction, 3217 Del Monte Dr. in Houston is already proving to be a beautiful masterpiece.Photo courtesy of HAR.com

This resplendent new construction home in Houston's River Oaks neighborhood was the only property in Greater Houston to make it onto HAR's list of the most expensive homes for sale in November. The home 3217 Del Monte Dr. is inspired by English Jacobean manors and was designed by local luxury home builders Fifty Seventh + 7th.

While the home isn't completely finished yet, architect Robert Dame has a grand vision for the final product, which includes a two-floor entryway, a personal library, a dining area with a show-stopping steel and glass wine room, a catering kitchen, a bar and tasting room, and much more. Once finished, the home will have six bedrooms, which includes a second-floor primary suite that opens to a terrace.

7. 4020 Glenwick Lane, University Park
List price: $13.4 million

4020 Glenwick Lane, University Park home for saleThe second floor balcony overlooks the turfed yard and pool.Photo courtesy of HAR.com

As of December 1, the luxuriously modern home at 4020 Glenwick Lane in University Park is under contract, but it was the seventh most expensive Texas real estate listing in November. The property is located on a .59 acre lot in one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Dallas.

The 10,111-square-foot home features five bedrooms, five full bathrooms, two half baths, and a three-car oversized garage. Additional highlights include Italian-imported travertine tile throughout the home, Sky Frame phantom doors that connect the indoor and outdoor spaces for a perfectly seamless look, a turfed back yard, a marble waterfall wet bar, pool, fountain, and spa.

8. 2449 Mountain View Court, Cedar Hill
List price: $12.9 million

2449 Mountain View Court, Cedar Hill home for saleIt costs a pretty penny to have views like this 24/7.Photo courtesy of HAR.com

While guests may not find mountain views at 2449 Mountain View Ct. in Cedar Hill, they'll definitely be satisfied with the stunning panoramic visuals of Joe Pool Lake from the comfort of the backyard resort-style pool. This Dallas-Fort Worth paradise property boasts a 13,739-square-foot mansion on more than four acres of land.

The Mediterranean-style abode boasts eight bedrooms, eight full bathrooms, and two half baths. Three ornate floating stairways lead to the second floor, which showcases similar breathtaking views that reach hundreds of miles into Fort Worth and Las Colinas. The gourmet kitchen is equipped with quartz counters, Wolf and SubZero appliances, a butler's pantry, and a wine room. But the most impressive features of the property are located just outside the home.

"Designed for a luxurious lifestyle, the magnificent mansion features...a resort style pool featuring two grottos, waterfalls and water features, a sunken fire pit, fire sconces, and a cabana with outdoor kitchen and bath," the listing says.

9. 19525 Doerre Road, Spring
List price: $12.79 million

19525 Doerre Road, Spring home for sale19525 Doerre Rd. is perfectly suited to host retreats, vacation rentals, or can be turned into an assisted living center.Photo courtesy of HAR.com

November's penultimate priciest Texas real estate listing is none other than the gargantuan retreat center at 19525 Doerre Rd. in Spring. The property consists of one gargantuan main estate, and five separate estates on 10 perfectly-manicured acres of land.

Other features of the property include an attached five-car garage, a detached six-car garage with a garage apartment; a two-bay RV garage, a fitness center, resort-style pool, tennis court, and sand volleyball court. Huge families can look forward to a 40,000-plus-square-foot space offering anywhere from eight to 30 — yes, 30 — bedrooms.

10. 2502 Oestrick Lane, Austin
List price: $12.5 million

2502 Oestrick Lane, Austin home for saleFloor-to-ceiling windows display the entirety of the back yard, but ceiling curtain tracks surround the room to provide guests with the ultimate privacy.Photo courtesy of HAR.com

The final property that was among the most expensive Texas listings in November is a gorgeous award-winning home situated in the hills of West Austin. 2502 Oestrick Ln. is a five bedroom, five full bathroom and two half bath Hill Country paradise brimming with natural light and expertly-designed modernity. The home sits on a 3.7 acre estate and was originally built in 2014, according to the listing.

"The interior spaces are studies in the manipulation of natural light, achieved through the strategic placement of windows, skylights, and innovative ceiling geometries," the listing says. "The choice of warm, luminescent materials for cabinetry and walls juxtaposes the industrial simplicity of concrete floors, cultivating an atmosphere of calm sophistication."

With a list price of $12.5 million, it's no wonder how this innovative residence has earned its many accolades, including The 2018 Architecture Master Prize and the 2017 American Architecture Award.

Travel magazine names Texas Hill Country among the top 25 destinations in the world

to the hills

If you’re writing “travel more” on your list of New Year’s resolutions, you might not have to travel very far to visit one of the most sought-after travel spots across the globe: the Texas Hill Country.

Afar, a U.S.-based travel publication, just released its annual list of 25 recommended vacation spots around the world. It includes some of the obvious spots like Paris, Fiji, and Machu Picchu, as well as some more unexpected spots like Maldonado, Uruguay, and Brno, Czechia (as a Czech Texan, I’m adding this one to my list).

A few spots in the United States made the list: Philadelphia, Detroit, San Diego, Charleston, and a few others. But the Hill Country is the only Texas spot on the list, with Afar deeming it “arguably one of the prettiest places in Texas.” This isn’t exactly a secret: In 2022, the Hill Country saw more than 2.3 million visitors to its state parks. That's not even counting the many charming towns.

The main reason the Hill Country made the list? It’s in the path of totality for April’s solar eclipse. If you haven’t already made your eclipse travel plans, though, you might be out of luck.

Airbnbs in Fredericksburg, smack dab in the heart of the Hill Country, are listing for at least $1,000 a night on and around April 8. Some of the larger rental homes are going for as much as $2,700 a night.

But as Afar writes, there’s plenty of reason to stick around after the eclipse. There's the wine, for one thing; The Hill Country’s viticultural area spans 9 million square miles, the third-largest in the U.S. Then there's beer, with breweries like Jester King and Real Ale attracting visitors from far and wide.

Plus the unique lodging options are endless: yurts, shipping containers, treehouses and, yeah, you can even stay in a resort where giraffes will trot past your window. If the prices above are out of the question, you could always try camping or taking a road trip from an area with greater supply or less demand — both Austin and San Antonio are close enough for an easy day trip.

Afar’s article highlights some of the major locales – Fredericksburg and its peaches, of course – but also points out a few other less-trodden paths in the Hill Country, like Bandera (the Cowboy Capital of Texas) and Kerrville. But that barely scratches the surface.

According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, the Hill Country officially spans 25 Texas counties, though many Texans will tell you that the Hill Country is a state of mind (meaning, it’s west-ish of Austin and hilly). So the travel possibilities are endless.

Gift experiences this holiday and you might just win Blake Shelton tickets

Celebrate More, Waste Less

What do you get the person who has everything? Hint: It's not another "thing."

This holiday season, consider gifting experiences instead of items — and you won't even have to wrap them.

According to Take Care of Texas, a statewide campaign to conserve and protect our one and only Lone Star State, about 8,000 tons of wrapping paper is used each year. Most wrapping paper contains glitter or metallic materials —which means it can’t be recycled — and ribbons, bows, and gift tags also aren’t recyclable.

To help you get into this new holiday groove of gifting time together instead of stuff, TCOT has a pretty amazing experience to give away.

Sign the Take Care of Texas pledge this winter and you'll be entered to win two tickets to Blake Shelton's Back to the Honky Tonk Tour, presented by Kubota.

Shelton's only stop in Texas is at the world-class Moody Center on March 1, 2024, where he'll be backed by opening acts Dustin Lynch and Emily Ann Roberts. This is your chance to hear Shelton sing "Austin" in Austin!

The prize package also includes a one-night stay at the luxurious Thompson Hotel Austin, so you can return from the Friday night concert and sleep in style.

To enter, simply click here and take the pledge to help keep our air and water clean, conserve water and energy, and reduce waste.

The contest is open through December 31, and you only need one entry per person. The winner will be drawn on January 2, 2024.