Texas College Tour -- 07/18/2019

Howdy readers!

I recently came back from spending a week in Texas, primarily checking out colleges for my child, Wizard Jr. During our time there, we engaged in a variety of classic tourist activities. Although I'm not an expert on Texas, I want to share some quick travel advice in case you find yourself in this vast and diverse state.

A quick heads-up: experiencing Texas in mid-July can be extremely uncomfortable due to the heat. Coming from someone who has spent nearly two decades in Las Vegas, I can confirm that while the dry air helps sweat evaporate, the oppressive humidity in Texas makes it impossible to stay dry for long. If you find yourself outdoors, it's essential to stay hydrated—don't wait until you're thirsty to drink water. Not staying hydrated in such steamy conditions can easily lead to dehydration or even heat-related illnesses. Remember, caffeinated drinks and alcohol don't contribute to hydration.

Our adventure kicked off in College Station, where we visited Texas A&M. This area is undoubtedly a college-centric hub, setting itself apart from any other college town I've experienced. In stark contrast to Isla Vista, CA, I found that College Station doesn't seem to have much of a vibrant social scene close to the university. One of the few attractions I explored was Veterans Memorial Park, which showcases military history through various statues and sculptures, representing not just major conflicts but also several lesser-known military operations, many of which were unfamiliar to me.

Surprisingly, one of the most captivating moments in College Station was something I didn't anticipate. As the sun began to set at the Dixie Chicken, located just across the street from the university, I felt as if I had stepped into a scene from Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds—only this time, the birds weren't attacking. Instead, a massive flock of starlings filled the sky, behaving quite erratically while mostly hovering above some oak trees. I even managed to record a video of this unusual spectacle. here After this, I inquired about the phenomenon from various people, but none appeared to have any insights or shown significant interest. Eventually, at the George H. W. Bush Library, which I recommend visiting, I spoke to a knowledgeable staff member who explained that the birds were indeed starlings and that they often frequent specific oak trees. Interestingly, he mentioned that many Texans are not fond of these birds and may even remove trees that they favor.

Our journey continued to Austin, a city I've visited not long ago. While I can't claim to know all corners of Texas, Austin stands out as my favorite destination, perhaps alongside Shackelford County. In short, Austin is a rapidly expanding metropolis mostly recognized for the University of Texas, the lively atmosphere along Sixth Street, and its reputation as the technological hub of Texas. Here are a few activities I highly recommend while in Austin:

• Take a tour of the Texas State Capitol, which is the largest in the United States. Its size is comparable to the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C.
• Visit the Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library located at the University of Texas.
• Don't miss the chance to witness the spectacular exodus of bats from the Congress Avenue Bridge at sunset. It’s worth investing in a bat cruise, so make sure to book your reservation ahead of time. If tickets are sold out, watching from the top of the bridge instead of the riverbank is a great alternative.
• Experience Sixth Street after dark. Even if nightlife isn't your thing, it's an exciting atmosphere.
• Eat at OneTaco Stop by a taco truck situated at Sixth and Nueces for some of the best tacos I've ever tasted, and enjoy a refreshing beer at Little Woodrow's at the same time. The outdoor patio at Woodrow's offers a comfortable shaded retreat.
• Take a dip at Barton Springs. This natural spring is a popular cooling spot for locals during the scorching summer months. It's well worth paying to access the 'municipal pool' area, which is deeper and features plenty of grassy spots to lounge around.

After Austin, we headed to San Antonio. My stay was only for two days, so I don't claim to be an expert on the city. Nevertheless, I found the River Walk to be a lovely place to stroll, significantly cooler than the surface streets above. It descends about 20 steps down from street level, adorned with lush trees and towering buildings that provide shade. However, it's undeniably geared towards tourists. I can only assume that locals tend to avoid it much like we locals in Las Vegas typically steer clear of The Strip.

Visiting the Alamo in San Antonio is a must; it's conveniently located downtown, not far from the River Walk. Admission is free, but if you want a tour or entry into the iconic church building, there's an extra fee. During my visit, the heat was so intense that I couldn't bring myself to wait in line for any additional experiences.

Aside from that, the highlight of my time was the captivating light show projected onto the San Fernando Cathedral. Spanning 20 minutes, the show combines music and visuals to narrate the history of Texas—it's both enjoyable and absolutely free.

Lastly, we had a brief half-day in Houston. Our time was spent visiting Rice University, taking a scenic tram ride through Hermann Park, and exploring the Houston Museum of Natural Science. This museum is one of the finest I've ever encountered. It features a vast dinosaur exhibit, alongside displays showcasing Texas wildlife, stunning crystals, and a massive globe of the moon. There's so much more to see, but our time was limited.

In summary, if you find yourself traveling along Texas highways, make a point to stop at a Buc-ee's.

Written by: Michael Shackleford