Texasana

Blisteringly hot summer days in the Lonestar state will exhaust even the best of us.  If you’re looking for a little reprieve, head down to one of this state’s many beaches that stretch over 600 miles of coastline along the Gulf of Mexico.  Though you aren’t guaranteed to completely evade this problem, Texas beaches have fared much better than surrounding states in the recent BP oil spill.

Galveston Island is one of the most popular beach vacation destinations in Texas, dotted with resorts cottages and luxury hotels.  There are even cruises that set sail from this island.  But if you just want a relaxing day trip, there are plenty of opportunities as well.  East Beach is one of the most visited beaches in Texas just a short drive from Houston.  Lively crowds are guaranteed entertainment and even drinking is legal on this party beach.   However, if you’re planning an afternoon with the kids, try a more family-friendly spot such as Stewart Beach. Continue reading ‘Get a Break from the Texan Sun’ »

Most people probably associate bluegrass and folk music with the state of Texas.  While there is a strong presence of these musical genres in the area, Texas has a very impressive and diverse music scene.  Austin seems to bring in the largest and best-known music throughout the year, but there is an abundance of festivals, concerts and entertainment all over the state.

The Austin City Limits festival held every fall hosts over 100 artists and bands and is attended by thousands from around the nation and around the world.  This year the festival will take place October 8-10 in Zilker Park.  Some of this year’s headliners included The Eagles, Phish, M.I.A. and the Flaming Lips.  A wide range of artists representing many different genres and generations make this festival great for all music lovers. Continue reading ‘Check Out One of the Many Music Festivals in the Lone Star State’ »

Whether you’re from the Lone Star State, or just stopping by, these attractions are sure to rock the cowboy boots right off your feet.

1. The Alamo: As the old slogan goes, “Remember the Alamo!” After visiting this historic hot spot, remember the Alamo we will.  Don’t forget your camera—the walk through the original site of the Battle of the Alamo of 1836 where over 150 Texans died (including Davie Crockett) is one worth documenting.
2. Paseo del Rio: Also known as the San Antonio River Walk, this public park is the center of a hopping city life. Surrounded by restaurants, hotels, and businesses, there is never a dull moment. Be sure to check out the upcoming events like the July 4^th Arts and Crafts show.
3. Six Flags Over Texas: If you’re seeking adventure and ready to get some adrenaline pumping, Six Flags Over Texas is a must. Located in Arlington, this roller coaster filled theme park has a ride for all ages. If you’re a roller coaster fan, be sure to check out the dates of upcoming events and concerts. Coming attractions include a glow in the dark parade, a Kris Allen concert, or a live performance by Mitchel Musso from Hannah Montana.
4. Sea World of Texas:  Whales, Dolphins, adventure camps, thrilling rides, a water park, and more… Get ready to get wet at San Antonio’s premier tourist attraction. Check out the many vacation packages available and take note of the age appropriate programs that will keep the whole family entertained. Continue reading ‘Top Tourist Attractions in Texas’ »

1. Austin: This city is clearly the capital for the reason, offering a range of activities for people of all interests. Austin is known as the Live Music Capital of the World and houses more live music venues per capita than anywhere else in the US.  Austin is also famous for a number or annual music festivals such as South by Southwest, where indie films and music are featured.  The 3 day Austin Music Festival held every summer is another favorite that draws in thousands of music lovers.  Austin was recently ranked by Kiplinger as the number one place to live in the next decade.  Austin also boasts a strong and growing job market making it a great place to relocate especially for young professionals.
2. Houston: If you can stand the heat, this city offers a large and growing downtown area that offers something for everyone.  In 2008, Kiplinger ranked Houston the best place in the country to live, work and play.  The return of the energy industry and a growing presence of medical centers, there are many career opportunities in this city.  Houston is also home to many universities such as Rice University and Texas Southern University. Continue reading ‘Best Texas Cities to Live In’ »

If you have satellite television during sports season, you’ve undoubtedly noticed that you can find a Texas team playing a match almost every single weekend.  On top of the college sports, there are also a number of professional sports leagues in Texas.  The net result is that almost every single day during a live sports season, someone in Texas can be seen on satellite television.  What keeps all these teams popular?

Part of the popularity of Texas sports teams in cultural.  Texas as a state values athletic abilities.  You see it from the high school level on up – strong sports programs that feed into stronger sports programs at the next level.  The possibility of competing from a very young age against future professional level athletes ensures that the standards are very high on the field. Continue reading ‘Why Are Texas Sports Always On TV?’ »

Coming from other parts of the country to Texas can be interesting.  The state definitely takes pride in having its own unique culture and its own way of getting things done.  However, relative to the rest of the country, is the technology in Texas forward or backward?

The answer is unequivocally forward.  Texas may be known for its wide open spaces, cattle, and country culture, but shift the lens and you will also find world renowned medical institutions, Internet and technology firms, and aeronautical engineering.  Thus, it is important not to let old Wild West films help you form your only opinion of Texas!

When it comes to healthcare, Houston’s Texas Medical Center has the greatest concentration of medical research facilities in the world.  Galveston and San Antonio both have biosafety level 4 labs, and there are 13 medical schools across the state. Continue reading ‘Is Texas Technology Forward Or Backward?’ »

When you are looking at moving to Texas, it is only natural for you to be concerned about your personal safety.  After all, you want to feel like you and your family can be secure in your home and confident in your surroundings.  For this reason, it is important to look at Texas crime statistics.

The crime statistics in Texas are interesting.  Though Texas is a huge state with a lot of open space, it has a much higher rate of crime per square mile than the rest of the country.  The national median crime rate per square mile is 49.6, while in Texas there are 71 crimes committed per square mile! Continue reading ‘How Safe Is It To Live In Texas?’ »

Controlling energy costs and managing the environmental impact of power generation are critical issues in every state in the nation.  In Texas, there is no doubt that the debate about power supply has been taken to the next level.  Thanks to the oil wells in the state, conversations about energy management have taken place early, often, and vigorously in communities around the state.

The results of Texas’s many conversations about energy are certainly of interest to anyone moving into the area.  The environment for energy management is very different here than in other parts of the country, from broad level policy to what happens when you turn on the electricity.

Electricity in Texas is a deregulated industry, and so you will find that you have multiple power supply choices when you move to a new town.  You also have the opportunity to have your home energy needs met not by traditional power, but by alternative energy. Continue reading ‘How Can You Control Energy Costs In The Lone Star State?’ »

“Remember the Alamo!” has become quite a saying, and the story of the Alamo is a true Texas legend.  On the other hand, Texas is full of legendary stories and tales of brave men and women doing heroic things in the name of Texas independence.  However, what makes the Alamo worth exploring is not only its lurid legend, but also the building’s historical significance and beauty.

The Alamo really earned a mark in 1836, when the famous Battle of the Alamo took place.  Yet the flagship event was just one of many major milestones for this popular San Antonio tourist destination. Continue reading ‘Explore The Alamo, A Texas Legend’ »