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Burleson's Jellystone Park unlocks grain bin cabins, covered wagons, and tipis for summer glamping

Summer fun

Photo courtesy of North Texas Jellystone Park

Ahead of the busy summer travel season, the North Texas Jellystone Park in Burlesonhas added a few of the coolest new "glamping" accommodations in Texas. Furnished tipis, covered wagons, and grain bin cabins opened to guests on May 19.

Also on the way? A new Las Vegas-style swimming pool that's 17,150 square feet (two-thirds of an acre) and will accommodate 1,425 people. It's expected to open later this summer.

“We like to do things big in Texas and this is especially true at North Texas Jellystone Park," says Marcie Purviance, the park’s marketing manager, in a release.

Purviance says the park now has the greatest variety of glamping accommodations available anywhere in Texas.

“These new glamping accommodations offer a taste of the Old West, but with modern creature comforts,” she says.

Here's a closer look at each option:

Grain bin cabins
The most unique new glamping spots are the two-story cabins that are made from actual grain bins. According to the release, each grain bin cabin has a spiral staircase leading up to a second story, which features a half bath and two cozy bunk beds. There's a full kitchen and full bathroom downstairs. Rates run about $139 per night.

Covered wagons
New furnished covered wagons sleep up to six people. Made by the Conestoga Wagon Company in Bloomington, Idaho, each wagon includes a king-size bed and two sets of twin bunk beds, all with high-quality mattresses and linens, they tout. Unlike in the Old West, the wagons have heating and air conditioning, a custom-made wagon wheel table with seating, a small fridge, and a microwave. There's a private full-size bathroom next to each wagon (also unlike the Old West). The wagons are situated in a circle and share a large rock fire pit. Rates run about $119 per night.

Furnished tipis
Each furnished tipi sleeps up to seven people and includes a plush king-size bed, a set of queen/twin bunk beds, a futon, and heating and air-conditioning. Amenities include a mini fridge, microwave, and a dinette set, along with a private grill and picnic table. Private bathrooms are a short walk away. The tipi circle features a giant rock fire pit, "where guests can gather with their family and friends to roast marshmallows, tell stories, and make memories that will last a lifetime," the park says. Rates run about $119 per night.

Even though the new accommodations just officially opened, the park already has a waiting list for them, Purviance says. Jellystone still has more than 250 RV sites and 100 luxury cabins, as well. And yes, the famous pirate ship of cabins is still there, too.

Visitors this summer will find a number of new attractions completed during the past year, including a glow-in-the-dark miniature golf course. There's also a new a 26,000-square-foot events and activities center, called “The Barn,” which features live musical entertainment on the weekends and DJ dance parties on Friday and Wednesday nights. Later this year, Jellystone plans to open an additional 20,000-square-foot building for weddings and corporate events, they say.

The Burleson location, located just off Interstate 35, south of Fort Worth, is one of 75 Jellystone Park outposts across the United States and Canada. All feature family-friendly attractions, activities, and Yogi Bear characters.

Pirates' Cove Waterpark, featuring two 65-foot tall, 350-foot long tubular waterslides that twist and turn, is adjacent to the Jellystone campground and requires a separate entrance fee.

North Texas Jellystone Park grain silo

Photo courtesy of North Texas Jellystone Park

Yep, you can sleep inside this.

Courtesy photo

Near Southside's Fire Station Park throws opening party of new skate plaza

Skateboarding News

Man your skateboards because the day has arrived: It's the grand opening of the Fire Station Skate Plaza, a skate plaza supported by Dickies and a keystone attraction of the newly completed Fire Station Park, designed by Pacheco Koch and New Line Skateparks and built for the City of Fort Worth’s Park & Recreation Department by Dean Construction.

The 15,000-square-foot skate plaza is designed for skateboarders of all skill levels, with skateable pathways that meander throughout the park, along with a market plaza, community green, and 5,000-square-foot all-wheel track.

A $300,000 donation by Dickies and the VF Foundation - Dickies' philanthropic arm - helped make the park possible, delivering on their commitment to invest where employees live and work.

A grand opening celebration will take place on Saturday April 29, from 11 am-5 pm. Highlights include showcases by the Dickies Skate Team and Magnolia Skate Shop team, along with music, food, and activities for all ages.

Dickies and Near Southside, Inc. will join the City of Fort Worth and Trinity Metro in hosting a community event featuring local Fort Worth elected officials including Elizabeth Beck, City Council Member for District 9. A ribbon cutting takes place at 1:30 pm.

Trinity Metro’s Fort Worth Bike Sharing team will be on site to offer riding lessons and Fort Worth Bike Sharing promotional offers.

Skate plaza programming will be offered throughout the day including celebrity appearances by the Dickies Skateboarding Team. Fire Station Park skate plaza’s design team, New Line Skateparks, will offer complementary skate lessons for beginners.

DJ Lazytapez and Emcee Bernie will curate the open skate sessions with performances by Southside rap sensation J/O/E.

At 3 pm, local skate-rockers Trauma Ray will perform, followed by punk rock band Mean Motor Scooter at 4 pm, to close out the celebration.

Photo courtesy of Twistleaf.

Hill Country nature preserve steps up conservancy efforts with new wildlife plans

CONNECT WITH MOTHER NATURE

A Hill Country park is getting some new features and wildlife this year. The Horseshoe Bay Nature Park, located 60 miles northwest of Austin (about three-and-a-half hours from Fort Worth), will be expanding its conservancy this year through the use of new signage, bee populations, and owls.

The 11-acre park was doomed to become a high-density development by investors until the local community gathered to create HSB Park Inc., a nonprofit organization that would save the land instead. The park opened to the public last year and has since evolved from its fragile state to a place where residents can get closer to nature.

In its first year of operation, the park planted $1,500 worth of Texas wildflower seeds, such as Indian blanket, sleepy daisy, standing cypress, and more. The park also received a $17,571 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) and Pedernales Electric Cooperative (PEC) to install 15 interpretive signs with QR codes around the park.

Since its opening, naturalists were able to identify over 235 species of plants and wildlife in the area, which would have never been possible without the local community’s dedication to conservation. Bird watchers identified several native Texas birds such as herons, orchard orioles, bluebirds, and northern cardinals.

Horseshoe Bay Nature Park’s plans for 2023 are to install new signage educating visitors about the park’s wildlife geology, water conservation, and plants along a half-mile walking trail.

They also plan to introduce honey bees throughout the region and work towards attracting screech owls to two constructed owl boxes.

More information about the park can be found on their website.

Facebook/Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Festival

Where to find beautiful bluebonnets in Dallas-Fort Worth and around Texas in spring 2023

Signs of spring

In exciting news for wildflower watchers, bluebonnet season not only came earlier across Texas this spring, but the blooms are more abundant, more colorful, and even more fragrant than in recent years.

Thanks to plenty of rain and recent warm, sunny weather, the beloved state flower is painting the landscape blue along highways and in fields all over Texas. Bluebonnets were already peaking in the Houston area and throughout the Hill Country in late March. Don't wait too much longer to plan your flower expedition; they'll be past their prime by mid-April.

Here in Dallas-Fort Worth, we're a few weeks behind - but not too far off, as anyone who's driven on the local highways in the past week can attest. Our biggest bluebonnet mecca in the region, the Ennis Bluebonnet Trails, opened Saturday, April 1 - and by Easter weekend, they were breathtaking.

Following are areas in Dallas-Fort Worth and around Texas where folks have reported bluebonnets already, or where they're looking reliable for pretty photos further into spring. Hopefully, just like the flowers, this list will continue to grow.

And, don't forget: Bluebonnets aren't the only wildflower that bloom in spring. Indian paintbrush, Indian blanket, evening primrose, Mexican hat, anemone, redbud trees, Mexican plum, elbow bush, and coreopsis are also among the thousands of varieties that paint Texas with color throughout the season.

Ennis

The Ennis Bluebonnet Trails, North Texas’ No. 1 spot for bluebonnet spotting, opened April 1 and run through the end of the month. The trails wind visitors through 40 miles of picturesque wildflowers. But not all of them bloom at the same time; be sure to stop at the Welcome Center for a map and expert guidance. The blooms are expected to peak around April 18, coinciding with the Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Festival, April 14-16. There are exceptionally beautiful fields along Sugar Ridge Road on the North Loop Trail, spotters say. Those interested in making the trek about 60 miles southeast of Fort Worth can check out maps and updates on the website and social media channels. Download the Ennis Y’all mobile app to get all the information on your smartphone.

Dallas-Fort Worth roadsides, fields, and parks

Freeway embankments
Stopping beside a highway or posing for photos on the side of the road is never advised. But the blue patches are always thrilling for passengers to spot while traversing local freeways. Take them in before they get covered by tall grasses. Some to note: The lush fields of blue along either side of SH 183 are a pleasant diversion while stopped in rush-hour traffic near D/FW Airport. Look on either side of I-30 from Fort Worth to Arlington to Dallas (don't miss them between the Montgomery and Hulen exits in west Fort Worth). There are even some that have popped up at the onerous convergence of I-35W and I-30 near downtown Fort Worth. Also check them out along SH 114 in Grapevine, SH 75 going north out of Dallas, and I-635 in northwest Dallas. Drive I-45 south from Dallas, through Corsicana, toward Houston, and you’ll see them everywhere. The blooms also are thick along SH 287 toward Waxahachie. Inside Fort Worth city limits, the Weatherford Traffic Circle has more sprouting up each day.

Fort Worth Botanic Garden/BRIThas thousands of tulips and other spring flowers blooming, but you'll see some bluebonnets, too. Head toward the Cactus Garden greenhouse. Other colorful spring blooms that typically dot their landscape in spring: Texas mountain laurel, peach trees, crabapples, Redbuds, and Dogwood, and cherry blossoms. Keep up with what's flourishing in the gardens via their Facebook page.

Fort Worth Nature Center & Refugehas bluebonnets popping at the end of March, along with picturesque budding redbuds. The best way to find them is to take a naturalist-led tour ($5 with paid admission/members free). Nature hikes take place Thursdays, 10-11:30 am.

Grapevine always has reliable spots around Grapevine Lake. A favorite field for photos is next to the Toyota of Grapevine dealership, at 701 E State Hwy 114. Spotters say to head toward the Comfort Inn for the best patches.

In Mansfield, the flowers at Elmer W. Oliver Nature Park are looking pretty. Stroll among them on either side of the walking trails.

AtCleburne State Park, a hike up hills and on the trails is rewarded with breathtaking bluebonnets.

The Laura W. Bush Native Texas Park, a 15-acre urban park on the grounds of George W. Bush Presidential Center at SMU, features a one-mile network of trails that walks visitors through native Texas environments, including spring wildflowers. Bluebonnets are peeking out among a sea of other native wildflowers. According to park personnel, visitors will also find Winecup, Pink Evening Primrose, Plains Coreopsis, Engelman Daisy, Foxglove, Prairie Spiderwort, White Prairie Clover, Prairie Verbana, Texas Yellowstar, Gaillardia, and Scrambled Eggs. Download a guide to the flowers here.

Cedar Hill State Park, a favorite place for mountain bikers, has bluebonnets popping along the trails. Visitors are sure to see some on a guided hike, and the ranger-led sunrise hikes are especially rewarding.

Bluebonnet Trail Greenbelt in Plano was already popping with blooms at the end of March, with many more to come. Bluebonnet Trail runs from Central Expressway to Midway Road, following an Oncor power line easement and along Spring Creek Parkway and Chase Oaks Boulevard; it intersects with the Chisholm Trail in the middle of Plano and connects with the Preston Ridge Trail at Carpenter Park. View maps of the trails here and here.

McInnish Park & Sports Complex, Carrollton
This go-to spot in DFW is blooming nicely but not yet at peak in late March. Find it at 2335 Sandy Lake Rd., just off the Bush tollway.

Freedom Meadow, Frisco
The field at the Warren Sports Complex is a bluebonnet photo hot spot each year. The flowers are getting revved up; look for them to really pop in April, spotters say.

Zion Cemetery in Frisco/Little Elm - with a caveat
A perennial favorite bluebonnet spot, it now has "no trespassing" signs. You may have to get creative taking photos from a distance, rather than walking through them.

Hill Country
Just a few hours out of the Metroplex, wildflowers have peaked already by the second week of April, but there are still pretty patches. Here are some places to check out in the Central Texas/Hill Country region.

Marble Falls
The bluebonnets are flourishing in this popular Hill Country town (and home to the famous Blue Bonnet Cafe). Look for bluebonnets, Indian paintbrushes, yuccas, and many other wildflowers to paint landscapes all over the area. Turkey Bend Recreation Area is always a specific hot spot. A old house off SH 281 called, simply, "The Bluebonnet House," is showing up in many picturesque photo shoots already; read about it here. Check out the guide to this year’s fresh patches here. They even have scenic drive recommendations, here.

Burnet
The blooms are beautiful this year in the "Bluebonnet Capital of Texas." The town's beloved Bluebonnet Festival, April 7-9, includes live music, a carnival, food, races, birding and, of course, looking at flowers. Blooms typically line the highways in this area; some of the best are always State Highway 29 from Burnet to Llano and Ranch Road 2341 from State Highway 29 to Canyon of the Eagles Nature Park, where some of its many miles of trails wind among wildflowers. Another good spot this year is Inks Lake State Park (specifically the Pecan Flats area), which has gorgeous bluebonnets and fragrant mountain laurel.

Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area, Spicewood
One of the hottest spots in all of Texas in spring 2023. The bluebonnet fields at this public park northwest of Austin are more abundant than they have been in years. There usually are large patches of flowers on the riverbank, and it's easy to drive around and park a car to set up and take time for photo shoots (rather than pulling over on the side of the road). Find it at 2820 County Road 414, Spicewood.

Fredericksburg
For many Texans, Fredericksburg is synonymous with bluebonnets. If you're going there, don't delay. "The 2023 wildflower season is in full bloom. Bluebonnets are at their peak and should be abundant through the first 10 days of April," a report on the Visit Fredericksburg website says. While you'll see the blooms all over the region, a good first stop is always Wildseed Farms, the largest working wildflower farm in the country. Then ask the locals for their favorite flower-viewing spots. They offer a list of places to see them here. The Fredericksburg Bluebonnet Festival will happen April 22. Pro tip: Plan a mid-week F'burg getaway since weekends get mobbed during the spring. While you're in the area, don't miss the ...

Willow City Loop
One of the best drives in Texas is the 13-mile, two-lane Willow City Loop. A lot of people start in Fredericksburg, take State Highway 16 north approximately 13 miles and turn east on Ranch Road 1323 to Willow City. It's reportedly more of a wildflower wonderland this season than it has been the past few. It's a pretty drive, traversing hills and creeks, offering gorgeous views of meadows and valleys. Warning: Roadside property along this route is private, so no wandering into the fields.

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Austin
For some of the most abundant and accessible wildflowers in the state, head to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, roughly 12 miles southwest of downtown Austin. Open daily by reservation, the center has native gardens, wild meadows, and experts who can tell you what you’re looking at. They also host special events (in-person and virtual) and offer various resources on plants and flowers around Texas. They offer a wildflower report and ideas for bluebonnet excursions here.

Southeast Texas
Down toward Houston, fields have been bursting with color in March, reports say. Don't wait to much longer to visit or they'll be past their prime. "Bluebonnets are HERE at peak and looking gorgeous! We anticipate they will look vibrant for the next 1-2 weeks," Visit Brenham posted on March 29.

Brenham/Chappell Hill/Industry, Washington County
Halfway between Austin and Houston, Brenham is a town that prides itself on its wildflowers (and on being the home of Blue Bell Ice Cream). Using "Flower Watch," visitors can check in almost daily on the Visit Brenham website to see what is blooming. Spotters rave about a field of bluebonnets behind a Walmart store.

Washington County as a whole thrives with bluebonnets. Prime viewing spots typically are along Highway 290 east and west as you drive into Brenham; FM 1155 to 2679 in Chappell Hill; and FM 2447 and Highway 290 at First Baptist Church of Chappell Hill (the church typically welcomes visitors, but requests that the parking lot remain open to members of its congregation).

Somerville-LaGrange-Ellinger
Also between Houston and Austin, Lake Somerville State Park typically has fields of photo-worthy bluebonnets. The nearby towns of LaGrange and Ellinger do, as well; a scenic drive on Highway 71 in the area will bring some colorful stops, spotters say. FM 1291 from Frelsburg through Fayetteville to LaGrange has photo-worthy fields.

Industry-Fayetteville
One of the hottest spots in Texas has both bluebonnets and zebras - yes, zebras. About 80 miles east of Austin and 90 miles from Houston is a field where zebra roam, along with cows. Occasionally, they'll graze among the bluebonnets and up to the fence line, photographers say. The address is 5411 TX-159, Fayetteville (between Industry and Fayetteville).

2023 bluebonnet festivals

Resources to keep up with wildflower season

Rules of the road

  • Remember that while it isn’t illegal to pick the blooms, it is bad form. Leave them for others to enjoy and so the flowers can go to seed and make more for next year.
  • By the same token, minimize trampling of the plants, as crushing them repeatedly (by, say, sitting on them) can destroy the flowers. Try to walk in other people's footprints in a field.
  • Be aware that fields can also contain fire ants and the occasional snake. Be careful if walking through grass where it’s not possible to see where you’re stepping.
  • Pulling over on the side of a highway for photos is never recommended. Find a nearby parking lot.
  • Also, remember the "groups" rule. If you approach a pretty patch and another family is taking photos, ride on by.
  • Finally, be respectful of private property — no climbing fences, going through gates, or driving up driveways to get that photo. You might get a less-than-warm welcome.

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Got a great bluebonnet spot? Email stephanie@culturemap.com.

Photo courtesy of Fort Worth Public Art

Fort Worth Public Art presents Public Art Dedication: One With The Bee by Dixie Friend Gay

Fort Worth Public Art will present the Public Art Dedication: One With The Bee by Dixie Friend Gay. The event will take place in conjunction with the ribbon cutting for the improvements to the northeast area of North Z Boaz Park.

The artwork takes the form of a 20 feet tall “flower” fabricated in mild steel. From a 30-inch diameter base it flares to a 10-foot diameter at the top. An opening on one side of the sculpture allows the viewer to see into the center of the flower, which is crafted in stainless steel. The scale invites the visitor to experience the work much as an insect would an actual flower. The artwork references the importance of a healthy bee habitat and the bee’s critical role in pollination.

Photo courtesy of Arlington Parks & Recreation.

Zip through the trees at a high-flying new adventure park in Arlington

ADVENTURE IS OUT THERE

In time for spring break fun and adventures, two new zipline and ropes courses have opened at Arlington's River Legacy Park East. The city’s parks and recreation department teamed up with Go Ape, a nationally renowned zipline and adventure park company, for the new attractions, which opened March 3.

The new Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park includes two ropes-adventure courses: the Treetop Adventure and Treetop Journey.

The Treetop Adventure is a three-hour, high-ropes course with eagle-eye views of the park and Trinity River. It includes more than 60 obstacles, a Tarzan swing, and plenty of ziplines to fly through the sky 40 feet above the ground. Admission is $59.95-$64.95, and it's open for all ages (must be at least 4-feet-7 to participate, and those under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult).

For a shorter, at-your-own-pace experience, the Treetop Journey packs in just as much fun as the Adventure in a one-hour ropes course with half the obstacles and two ziplines just 20 feet in the air. Admission is $39.95, and it's open for all ages (must be at least 3-feet-3 to participate, and those under age 6 must be accompanied by an adult).

There's also a new range for outdoor axe-throwing. With four lanes of targets and a variety of games and challenges, visitors can compete with their friends to determine who’s the best axe-thrower. The activity is suitable for ages 10 and up and participants aged 15 and under must be supervised by an adult. Cost is $19.95 per hour.

Reservations are recommended, at goape.com.

This is the second Go Ape Adventure Park in Dallas-Fort Worth, there's also one in Plano at the Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve.

Go Ape CEO Vernon West says in a release that he is thrilled to bring more “adventurous experiences” to Arlington's residents of all ages and skill levels.

Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park

Photo courtesy of Arlington Parks & Recreation.

The new adventure park opened to the public March 3.

“Our instructors will provide a tree-mendous experience for all guests, giving them a unique and fun adventure with the highlight being a 550-foot zipline over the Trinity River,” he says.

Arlington Parks and Recreation director James Orloski adds that he can’t wait to see adventure-seekers smiling as they “soar through the skies” with any of the new activities.

"Partnering with Go Ape, the premier zipline and ropes course vendor in the U.S., is an exciting opportunity to provide a thrilling outdoor experience for Arlington residents and visitors alike and gives us the chance to showcase our parks system from a new vantage point," Orloski says.

Find the park at 1601 NE Green Oaks Blvd., Arlington.




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'Yellowstone' stars to greet fans at Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo

Yellowstone news

Yellowstone fans, get your comfy shoes ready - there'll be a long line for this one. Cole Hauser a.k.a. "Rip Wheeler" on Yellowstone, and Taylor Sheridan, the show's co-creator, executive producer, and director of the series, will meet fans and sign autographs at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo.

The event will take place from 4:30-6:30 pm only on Friday, February 3. Location is the 6666 Ranch booth near the south end of Aisle 700 in the Amon G. Carter, Jr. Exhibits Hall.

According to a February 2 announcement from FWSSR, "fans will have the opportunity to snag an autograph as well as purchase some distinctive Yellowstone and 6666 Ranch merchandise while also enjoying all the features the Stock Show offers."

The event is free to attend (with paid Stock Show admission) and open to the public.

It's the second year in a row for Hauser to appear at FWSSR; in 2022, he and fellow cast mates drew huge crowds.

Sheridan, a Paschal High School graduate, is no stranger to Fort Worth; he lives in a ranch near Weatherford and filmed 1883, the prequel to Yellowstone, in and around Fort Worth. Currently, another spinoff, 1883: The Bass Reeves Story, is filming in North Texas.

The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo is winding up its 2023 run on Saturday, February 4.

Launch your next Texas trip with this essential guide to its biggest cities

Hit the Road

Everything is bigger in Texas, and that includes the state itself. At 268,597 square miles, it's a lot to traverse — but luckily there's plenty to see, do, eat, and drink along the way.

No matter what kind of trip you're planning around Texas, Marriott Bonvoy Hotels can be the launchpad for your next travel or culinary adventure. Its hotels and resorts are as diverse as the Lone Star State and offer amazing culinary, spa, and destination experiences in each city.

Plan your next trip from this guide below:

People stand-up paddleboarding in AustinSee Austin from the water.Photo courtesy of Marriott International

Austin
At a glance: Known as the Live Music Capital of the World, Austin is also home to the State Capitol. University of Texas at Austin helps "Keep Austin Weird," but it's also a growing tech hot spot with a vibrant, culinary-focused atmosphere.

Must-see spots: Ladybird Lake, Texas Capitol, Barton Springs Pool, Zilker Botanical Garden, Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, Pennybacker Bridge, Blanton Museum, ACL Live at Moody Theater, Rainey Street, UT Austin.

Must-try eats & sips: Head to the new Dean’s Steakhouse Austin at JW Marriott Austin for a special occasion or business dinner, and try the Wagyu beef cuts in addition to an acclaimed raw bar and generous happy hour.

Travel north to Renaissance Austin’s restaurant, Knotty Deck & Bar, for an urban retreat with patio views of the Texas Hill Country. It serves elevated Austin cuisine with a spacious backyard for bean bags and other outdoor games to enjoy with family and friends.

Austin easily features the highest density of rooftop bars in the state, including the popular Zanzibar, a tropical oasis serving up inventive Tiki cocktails. Toast to “golden hour” nightly at Otopia Rooftop Lounge with craft cocktails high above the nearby university.

Must-attend events: SXSW Conference & Festivals (March), Blues on the Green (all summer long), Pride in Local Music Festival (June), Austin City Limits (October), Austin Film Festival (October).

Must-experience vibes: Get your retro music fix with unique vinyl record programs at the Otis Hotel Austin and the W Hotel Austin.

Family at Las Colinas ResortTake the whole fam to Las Colinas Resort.Photo courtesy of Marriott International

Dallas-Fort Worth
At a glance: A pair of cities that have undergone true transformation, beginning as cattle hubs and railroad centers and blossoming into Texas' current window to the world with incredible art museums and performing arts centers (the largest arts district in the nation, in fact).

Must-see spots: Dallas Museum of Art, Katy Trail, Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, Reunion Tower, Fair Park, Meyerson Symphony Center, Kimbell Art Museum, the Deep Ellum and Bishop Arts neighborhoods, Mesquite Rodeo Arena, Fort Worth Stockyards, NorthPark Center.

Must-try eats & sips: Dallas’ dining scene is highlighted by Margaret’s, the restaurant at the JW Marriott Dallas Arts District that's opening in June. It offers farm-to-fork ingredients in a dramatic setting with sweeping views of the city and a lively bar with handcrafted cocktails from seasoned mixologists.

Head to Uptown Dallas for its sophisticated restaurant, shopping, and boutique fitness scene highlighted by Good Graces in Marriott Uptown Dallas, a bright and airy brasserie where you can indulge in fresh oysters, charcuterie boards, crisp salads, and a variety of steak and seafood dishes.

In the northwest suburb of Irving, visit LAW at Las Colinas Resort to experience the very best of land, air, and water elements, alongside locally sourced ingredients. Mesa Mezcal at the Westin Irving is the spot for modern Mexican fare, curated mezcal cocktails, and YogaRitas on the patio, a partnership series with YogaSix Studio.

Head west to Fort Worth to dine al fresco at 97 West, where a Southwestern ambiance beckons adventurous spirits and serves up classic Texas heritage dishes.

In the heart of Cowtown, experience the convivial dining culture of Central and South America at Toro Toro in the Worthington Renaissance Fort Worth. Slip outside afterward to take in a movie on its rooftop deck via a partnership with Rooftop Cinemas, complete with a food truck for snacks and drinks.

Marriott Bonvoy’s restaurants aim to incorporate local and regional breweries in their beverage menus whenever possible, so ask your bartender for his or her favorite brew. Explore DFW's robust brewery scene, from Martin House Brewing Company to Deep Ellum Brewing Co., Celestial Beer Works to Manhattan Project Beer Co., and Peticolas Brewing to Texas Ale Project.

Must-attend events: Dallas Pride Parade (June), Homegrown Music & Arts Festival (June), Riverfront Jazz Fest (September), State Fair of Texas (September-October), Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo (January-February).

People on rooftop in HoustonThe best way to see Houston? From a rooftop.Photo courtesy of Marriott International

Houston
At a glance: Founded as a bustling commercial center and shipping port in the mid-1800s, with major influence from Charlotte Baldwin, known as the "Mother of Houston," today H-Town is statistically the most diverse major city in Texas with a thriving gastronomic scene, world-class museums, and the Houston Space Center.

Must-see spots: The Museum District (18 institutions within walking distance; includes the Houston Museum of Natural Science and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston), The Galleria, Houston Aquarium, Buffalo Bayou Park, POST Houston entertainment district, Chinatown, Houston Graffiti Park, Discovery Green, Houston Zoo.

Must-try eats & sips: Located inside the Magnolia Houston, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, is The Dispatch, which pays homage to its building’s rich history as the home of the Houston Post-Dispatch paper. The Art Deco vibes complement the eatery’s contemporary American cuisine and enticing cocktails.

After a day of shopping at The Galleria mall, stop by White Oak Kitchen + Drinks for a collection of fresh ingredients, a curated wine and cocktail menu, and weekend brunch.

Explore Houston’s culinary melting pot with an experience at Xin Chao, a modern Vietnamese restaurant owned by MasterChef winner Christina Ha. Locals also hail Killen’s BBQ as some of the best in the state.

Houston visitors will also find food trucks dotted around the city, offering inventive cuisine with global fusion showcasing Houston’s diversity.

Must-attend events: Freedom Over Texas Festival (July), Houston Restaurant Week (August), Fiestas Patrias (September 2023), Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (February-March).

Must-experience vibes: Stay cool in the Houston heat this summer by diving into the city's best urban party playground: the iconic, Texas-shaped lazy river at the Altitude Rooftop & Pool at Marriott Marquis Houston.

San Antonio River WalkIt's always a party on the San Antonio River Walk.Photo courtesy of Marriott International

San Antonio
At a glance: Remember the Alamo! Explore San Antonio’s famed River Walk or journey further south to the San Antonio Missions National Park, where some of the Lone Star State's most pivotal moments occurred. Northwest of the city, treat your family to a thrill at world-class amusement parks.

Discover the emerging arts and culinary scene while touring historic, trendy neighborhoods like the impressive King William District, dotted with colonial mansions, and Dignowity Hill, sporting the Hays Street Bridge and a deep-rooted sense of community.

Must-see spots: The Alamo, the San Antonio Missions, River Walk, San Antonio Botanical Gardens, San Antonio Zoo, Southtown, Brackenridge Park, SeaWorld San Antonio, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, Historic Pearl Brewery, Tower of the Americas, La Villita, Market Square.

Must-try eats: Check out incredible South Texas fare on the River Walk such as Tributary restaurant in the San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter Hotel, with seasonally rotating menus and ingredients sourced from regional farming partners and purveyors.

Escape to the Texas Hill Country at 18 Oaks for an outstanding quality of meats and seafood prepared with style and expertise, ideally enjoyed after a day of golf at TPC San Antonio or a splashy time at the nine-acre waterpark at the JW San Antonio Hill Country Resort.

Take the kids or pups and head to the Historic Pearl Brewery, where you'll find everything from upscale bistros to an array of dining choices inside the Food Hall at Bottling Dept. Enjoy a picnic on the green spaces and a family-favorite splash pad while taking in the quaint European vibes in this special area of Alamo City.

Must-sip drinks: Visit the new 1 Watson rooftop deck atop the AC Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk for downtown views and a cocktail or two by a fire pit.

People at Knotty Deck in Austin

Photo courtesy of Marriott International

Gather at Knotty Deck & Bar in Austin.

Hop on the city’s shared bike or scooter systems to explore local-favorite breweries and coffee shops such as Merit Coffee, Freetail Brewing, Weathered Souls Brewing, and Alamo Beer Co.

Must-attend events: Fiesta San Antonio (April), Pride San Antonio (June), Día de los Muertos (November), San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo (February).

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Pop culture provocateur Janelle Monáe loves on Dallas-Fort Worth with Age of Pleasure tour stop

Lipstick lover

Janelle Monáe's upcoming Age of Pleasure album is already making headlines with her latest single (and music video) "Lipstick Lover." And thankfully, Dallas fans won't have to wait long after the album's release (June 9, via Atlantic Records) to watch it come to life on stage.

The critically acclaimed and award winning singer and actress will bring her "Age of Pleasure Tour" across North America later this year, with a 26-city lineup kicking off on August 30 at WAMU Theater in Seattle, Washington. The Texas leg of her tour will include a stop in Dallas-Fort Worth (October 9 at The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory) before moving on to Houston's Bayou Music Center on October 10 and Austin's Moody Ampitheater on October 11.

Known worldwide for her inimitable style and visionary sound, Monáe is an eight time Grammy Award-nominated singer, songwriter, producer, performer, and fashion icon. According to a release, she promises to light up your body, soul, and all of your senses with an unforgettable performance featuring songs off her latest album and classic hits from her discography.

Tickets for the tour go on sale Thursday, June 1, starting with a Verizon presale at 10 am; the exclusive presale via Verizon Up gives customers access to purchase presale tickets for select shows until Tuesday, June 6, at 10 pm. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general onsale beginning Wednesday, June 7 at 10 am on Ticketmaster.

The full list of tour dates is below:

Wed Aug 30 – Seattle, WA – WAMU Theater
Thu Aug 31 – Vancouver, BC – UBC - Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre
Sat Sep 02 – Portland, OR – RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater
Wed Sep 06 –Salt Lake City, UT – The Complex
Thu Sep 07 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre
Sat Sep 09 – Kansas City, MO – The Midland Theatre
Mon Sep 11 – Minneapolis, MN – Armory
Wed Sep 13 – St. Louis, MO – Stifel Theatre
Thu Sep 14 – Chicago, IL – Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom
Sun Sep 17 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway
Mon Sep 18 – Philadelphia, PA – The Met
Wed Sep 20 – Montreal, QB – Mtelus
Thu Sep 21 – Toronto, ON – Massey Hall
Sun Sep 24 – Washington, DC – The Anthem*
Tue Sep 26 – New York City, NY – Radio City Music Hall
Thu Sep 28 – Brooklyn, NY – Kings Theatre
Mon Oct 02 – Charlotte, NC – Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre
Tue Oct 03 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium
Wed Oct 04 – Birmingham, AL – Avondale Brewing Company
Fri Oct 06 – Atlanta, GA – Fox Theatre Atlanta
Mon Oct 09 – Dallas-Fort Worth, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
Tue Oct 10 – Houston, TX – Bayou Music Center
Wed Oct 11 – Austin, TX – Moody Amphitheater
Sun Oct 15 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre
Tue Oct 17 – San Francisco, CA – Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
Wed Oct 18 – Inglewood, CA – YouTube Theater

* non-Live Nation date

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