Mayborn Museum Complex at Baylor University features science and cul- tural exhibits, plus an extensive array of “discovery rooms” for children. The Texas Sports Hall of Fame celebrates Lone Star athletes and sports from scholastic to professional levels. And the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum highlights the state’s legend- ary law-enforcement service. Approximately 1.5 hours southeast
Waco SUSPENSION BRIDGE
entertainment district. Another pop- ular area for nightlife in Dallas is the Lower Greenville area, which off ers a diverse array of local bars, boutiques and restaurants. In Fort Worth, Sun- dance Square is the place to go for din- ing and entertainment amid theaters, shopping and hotels. Contact the vis- itors’ bureau at your Metroplex desti- nations for other hubs of activity.
★ A Slower Pace Outside the hustle and bustle of the
Metroplex, there’s plenty more to see and do. Southwest of Fort Worth, Glen Rose is home to the popular Dinosaur Valley State Park, where visitors can see dinosaur tracks along the Paluxy River. The nearby Fossil Rim Wildlife Center features tours and a ranch that houses many exotic and endangered animals. And Dinosaur World off ers photo opportunities with more than 150 life-sized dinosaur models. Waco, roughly in the center of the
Prairies and Lakes region, boasts a variety of interesting at ractions. Get a fascinating look at the Waco Mam- moth Site, where exposed mammoth bones can be viewed at a covered dig area. Three museums that focus on a variety of subjects are clustered with the tourist information center. The
PHOTO: KEVIN STILLMAN/TXDOT
of Waco, two cities combine to off er an enlightening experience in Bryan- College Station. Home to Texas A&M University, this area hosts a variety of museums covering natural history, art, the African-American experience and children’s activities. The star of the col- lection is the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum, which includes a replica of the Oval Offi ce and tells the story of the life and accomplishments of the 41st president of the United States. Those looking to relax in the area might also enjoy a visit to the Messina Hof Winery and Resort, which includes lodging, a restaurant, tastings and tours, on the outskirts of Bryan.
★
Small-Town Splendor The central part of the state is cov-
ered in a network of small towns, each with its own distinct history and charm. If your travels take you through Deni- son or Gainesville, be sure to step into one of the state’s Texas Travel Informa- tion Centers for a friendly welcome and expert travel advice. Between these two cities lies Lake Texoma, a popular spot for camping, boating and other water activities. This area also claims ties to major fi gures in American history. President Dwight D. Eisenhower was born in Denison in 1890, and a historic site now preserves his family’s home. Southwest of Fort Worth, Granbury
is known for its holiday festivals and its historic town square, which lures travelers year-round. Venture out to the boardwalk on Lake Granbury, or stick around until nightfall to learn about the town’s past and famous dead residents on the “Ghosts and Legends” tour (on Fridays and Saturdays). The area also is
wildflowers
Wildfl ower season The peak season is from mid-March to mid-
April. Where blooms pop up varies, depending on rainfall, the timing of freezes, and mowing. But there are a some tried-and-true areas to see the local color. You also can track user- reported wildfl ower sightings across the state at
www.drivetexas.org and texas.wildfl ower
sightings.org.
Bluebonnets It’s a rite of passage here to have your photo
taken in a fi eld of bluebonnets. If you decide to stop for snapshots, pull your car a safe dis- tance off the road and respect private property. Contrary to popular myth, it’s not illegal to pick the state fl ower—but it is against the law to damage road right-of-ways. Just don’t dig up fl owers or drive through them—other wildfl ower lovers will appreciate your eff orts.
Ennis area Bluebonnets have long been known to
blanket the prairies south of Dallas. The Ennis area is known as the site of the Offi cial Texas Bluebonnet Trail, as well as a small festival (April 18-19, 2015) when the fl owers are usually in full bloom. The Ennis Convention and Visi- tors Bureau off ers a map featuring more than 40 miles of scenic routes.
www.visitennis.org
Washington County BRENHAM, CHAPPELL HILL
AND BURTON The Brenham chamber of commerce off ers
a free Bluebonnet Trails map that outlines scenic routes. Chappell Hill hosts the Offi cial State of Texas Bluebonnet festival, set for April 11-12, 2015. For current information, visit Wildfl ower Watch at
www.visitbrenham
texas.com.
Grimes and Fayette counties Continuing northeast up through NAVASOTA
and ANDERSON may yield impressive views, as well. About an hour farther south, there are sometimes notable stands of fl owers around SCHULENBURG and FAYETTEVILLE.
For more infor ma tion about cities and attractions in the Prairies and Lakes, visit
TravelTex.com. 83
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