Tag Archives: Vacation

A Friday Night Under the Stars: Five Texas Drive-Ins

The drive-in almost disappeared. Texas had nearly four hundred of them in the nineteen-fifties, more than any state in the country, and now there are fewer than twenty. The ones that survived did it on stubbornness, mostly — family-owned places that never stopped believing a warm night and a big screen and a car full of people was a good way to spend a Friday. Some of them have been running the same single screen since 1948. Some have expanded into four and seven screens. They all still tune to FM radio for the sound. They all still sell popcorn that tastes better than it has any right to. And every one of them is worth the drive from Dallas for a weekend.

Here are the five I would point you toward, from the closest one to the furthest.

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Vacation Time: Eureka Springs for the Win

There is a town in the northwest corner of Arkansas that sits in the Ozark Mountains on streets so steep and winding that no two of them ever intersect at a right angle. The whole downtown is on the National Register of Historic Places. The Victorian buildings are painted in colors that would embarrass a Key West postcard. It has a legendary haunted hotel, a world-class piece of architecture hiding in the woods, a big cat sanctuary, and a local culture that has always attracted artists, eccentrics, and people who just needed somewhere different to be. It is about six hours from Dallas and most people have never been. The town is Eureka Springs, and it is worth every mile of the drive.

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The Complete Guide to Block Island, Rhode Island

There’s a ferry that runs out of Point Judith on the Rhode Island coast. Ride it an hour southeast on a clear morning, salt air coming off the bow, and you’ll arrive at a place that seems to have quietly opted out of the twenty-first century — not ungraciously, but meaningfully.

Block Island, officially the town of New Shoreham, sits twelve miles offshore in the Atlantic. It winters down to roughly a thousand souls and swells every summer into something considerably livelier. Shaped loosely like a pork chop, it runs about three miles wide and seven miles long, and nearly every inch of it earns your attention.

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Summer at The Ritz-Carlton Las Colinas: A Season of Play

This summer, The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas transforms into a refined yet playful escape with its “Season of Play,” a thoughtfully curated lineup designed for both families and adults. Running from Memorial Day weekend through August 9, 2026, the resort offers a mix of relaxation and activity that makes it ideal for a vacation, staycation, or even a quick daycation in the heart of Las Colinas.

The property leans into a modern Texas sensibility while delivering a full calendar of seasonal programming. Younger guests can expect shaved ice socials, scavenger hunts, bubble parties, and family movie nights under the stars. Adults, meanwhile, can ease into summer with poolside mat Pilates, hands-on cocktail experiences, afternoon tea, and social gaming events that balance leisure with a bit of energy.

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Costa Rica Vacation: A Fun Guide to Food, Hotels, and Activities

Costa Rica is a top vacation destination for its stunning biodiversity, adventure-packed activities, and laid-back Pura Vida culture. The country boasts lush rainforests, active volcanoes, and pristine beaches on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. Whether you’re zip-lining through the jungle, surfing world-class waves, relaxing in natural hot springs, or spotting exotic wildlife, there’s something for every type of traveler. Known for its commitment to sustainability, Costa Rica offers eco-friendly tourism while maintaining a warm, welcoming vacation atmosphere, making it the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty.

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San Antonio Fiesta at Hotel Emma

San Antonio comes alive each spring with Fiesta, a citywide celebration that rivals the spectacle of Mardi Gras. Running from April 16–26, 2026, Fiesta honors the heroes of the Alamo while showcasing the city’s vibrant culture, culinary scene, and artistic spirit. Streets are transformed with colorful parades, live music, and food-focused events, and attendees have long embraced the tradition of collecting commemorative medals. These medals, distributed by participating organizations, have evolved into a unique fundraising practice, making Fiesta the largest single-source fundraiser for nonprofit organizations in San Antonio and cementing its role as both a cultural and philanthropic institution.

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Gruene Crawfish Festival! March – April

Spring in the Texas Hill Country wouldn’t feel complete without a visit to Gruene, where historic dance halls, riverside patios, and boutique shops set the perfect backdrop for the annual Gruene Crawfish Festival. Each March and early April, locals and visitors flock to this historic district to dig into piles of spicy, perfectly boiled crawfish, sip cold drinks, and soak in the warm Texas sun.

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Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Rough Creek Lodge

This Valentine’s Day, escape to the Texas Hill Country for an unforgettable evening at Rough Creek Lodge, Ranch & Resort. Executive Chef Gerard Thompson, with Chef de Cuisine Raul Mujica and Sous Chef James Sowders, presents a multi-course prix-fixe menu featuring luxury ingredients, Texas-inspired flavors, and indulgent pairings—all set within the resort’s elegant yet rustic dining room.

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