Texas

My next articles on the USA are going to cover the state of Texas, which is nicknamed ’The Lone Star State'. There are a few things that almost everyone knows about Texas - firstly, it is absolutely enormous. Everything in Texas is big, from the sheer size, being 700 miles from east to west and over 800 miles from top to bottom (an area of 268,596 square miles), to the immense sky that appears to stretch forever and the incredible cattle industry which gives us those legendary steaks for which the state is famous. Texas is the home state of the most famous American Football team, the Dallas Cowboys, as well as having one of its cities as the title of one of the most popular tv series ever, Dallas - if you are around my age, this was a true tv classic which was watched by enormous audiences around the world. Texas is also the home to America’s space programme - who has not uttered the immortal words - ‘Houston, we have a problem’? To give Texas the attention it deserves, I will cover it in two articles, the first of which will cover Dallas & Austin.

Dallas was well initially developed due to the major railroad lines that were built to allow access to cattle, cotton and later on, oil in North & East Texas. It now boasts superb transport networks throughout the state and is home to one of the worlds busiest airports, Dallas-Fort Worth. The tv programme ‘Dallas' centred on the oil industry in Dallas, highlighting the infamous Ewing family and this really did bring the city to the attention of the world. Nowadays, Dallas is a modern metropolis, with a diverse selection of industry’s ranging from Information Technology, Defence, Financial Services & Telecommunications. The city will forever be associated with the date, 22nd November, 1963 - the day that the then US President, John. F. Kennedy, was assassinated on Elm Street as his motorcade passed through Dealey Plaza in downtown Dallas. Everyone who visits Dallas should spend some time at the memorials to JFK, as well as the numerous city museums, which give you a fascinating insight into this fabulous city.

Dallas has a superb array of cuisines from around the world, but it most commonly known for its mouth watering Tex-Mex, BBQ and steaks. A visit to the famous Cattleman’s Steak House at the Historic Stockyards in Fort Worth is a must, whilst in downtown Dallas, try Dakota’s for a classic steak, or the Press Box Grill for some fabulous burgers, sandwiches, etc, all enjoyed in the perfect place to watch the game. If like me, you love your steak, but are even more partial to some iconic Tex-Mex food, then try Mia’s Tex-Mex restaurant or Avila’s Mexican restaurant, for the perfect tacos, Brisket-stuffed chile rellenos or enchiladas - my mouth is actually watering as I write this! There is live music everywhere, so head on down to The House of Blues for a guaranteed night of amazing musicians. If it is sport that you love, then why not try and take in a Dallas Cowboys game at the stunning AT&T stadium, or a Dallas Mavericks basketball game. For the thrill seekers and speed lovers amongst us, why not head to the Texas Motor Speedway for a NASCAR race or driving experience.

Austin is the capital city of the state of Texas. Located in Central Texas, within the greater Texas Hill Country, the city is now a thriving, modern home to world famous companies such as Amazon, Apple, Google, IBM, Intel, Facebook, Oracle, Texas Instruments & Tesla. It is also home to the University of Texas, one of the largest universities in the USA, attended by over 50,000 students. In close proximity to numerous lakes, rivers & waterways, including Lady Bird Lake and Lake Travis on the Colorado River, Austin is known for its great outdoors. Being located within the greater Texas Hills Country, the possibilities for hiking, biking and swimming are bountiful. Camping, climbing & bouldering, kayaking & boating are offered in many locations, just seek the advice of local experts, as the area can be extremely hot during the summer months, very cold at night during the winter and is home to some wildlife that you perhaps would want to keep your distance from! The city has a fabulous entertainment industry, as it should, being known as ‘The Live Music Capital Of The World’, so you can expect to be presented with amazing venues and musicians playing a wide variety of music genres. Why not time your visit to coincide with one of the fantastic music festivals that occur throughout the year, such as Austin City Limits or SXSW Music Festival. Take in a real life rodeo, watch a football game, eat sublime Tex-Mex food. Whatever you want, Austin most likely has it.