Bandera | Gunslinger

You know it must be good if it’s located in Bandera: Cowboy Capital of the World. This store has a mix of cowboy boots, hats, clothing, jewelry, ranch furnishings and Texas music. Brands carried at Gunslinger include Double D Ranch, Old Gringo, 7 Diamonds, Jan Barboglio, and one of the owners’ (pictured above) own line of found object jewelry, Melissa Benge Designs.

1107 CYPRESS
BANDERA, TEXAS 78003
830.796.7803
VISIT GUNSLINGER ONLINE

Fort Worth | Luskey’s

Depending on which circle you travel in, Luskey’s is considered to be the place to get your custom cowboy boots. Luskey’s has been designing and making custom boots for more than 80 years, and they’re responsible for making all of the UT Texas Cowboys’ boots (those are the lucky UT boys who man the canon during Texas football games). Luskey’s also still practices hand tooling on their boots, which is a dying art and is hard to find these days. Fair warning: when you order custom boots from Luskey’s, you can choose elements and motifs that you like, but they take artistic license, so your boots may not end up exactly how you pictured them—they’ll be even better!

2601 N. MAIN STREET
FORT WORTH, TEXAS 76164
817.625.2391
VISIT LUSKEY’S ONLINE

Houston | Texas Junk Co.

Located in Houston’s Montrose area, this 31-year old gem is loaded—and we do mean loaded—with endless pairs of previously owned cowboy boots (meticulously organized by size) that start at just $30. You can find boots that originally cost upward of $800 for less than $100 here—many of them barely worn! Owner Bob Novotney travels the U.S. collecting boots and his clientele includes several “über-collectors.”

Know before you go: Texas Junk Co. is only open on Saturday & Sunday (but we recommend calling ahead just to be sure!) and they only accept cash or check.

215 WELCH STREET
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77006
713.524.6257

Wimberley | The Wild West Store

This Wimberley jewel has more than 500 pairs of vintage cowboy boots in stock that range from the 1940s through 1980. Expect to see a lot of custom-made and hand-tooled boots, most barely or never worn. The Wild West Store is also home to Ulli, “The Boot Whisperer,” known for being able to fit people at a glance. This is no joke—a girl in our office has been to The Wild West Store and the boot whisperer looked at her and said “your foot is narrow, and I think you’re a size 6”—and she is! Then, after asking only a few questions, she chose the most perfect boot that our friend would’ve chosen for herself! That alone is worth the trip!

Know before you go: The Wild West Store is only open Thursday–Monday.

13709 RANCH ROAD 12
WIMBERLEY, TEXAS 78676
512.847.1219
VISIT THE WILD WEST STORE ONLINE

Austin | University of Texas

Adelante
It’s part vintage, part folk, but with a modern twist. You’ll find the sweetest home accessories, jewelry and handbags, plus many reworked vintage items.
Beehive
If Rachel Bilson is one of your style icons, then Beehive is a must-see. A blend of fashion-forward and laidback “Austin” style, Beehive gets it just right—with affordable prices to boot!
Blue Elephant
Blue Elephant will be your go-to spot for easy pieces from labels like Monrow, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Collective Concepts and Current/Elliott, plus fragrance and beauty items from Kiehl’s and Bond no. 9.
By George
By George is Austin’s perfectly well-edited designer boutique, featuring everything from Alexander Wang to Joie. Make sure to see both locations—the merchandise is completely different!
Eliza Page
This jewelry boutique, located in Austin’s trendy 2nd Street District, features beautiful baubles that range from dainty to statement-making, many of which are by Texas designers!
Parts & Labour
This store is the definition of SoCo eclectic. Located on South Congress, Parts & Labour carries merchandise that is exclusively by Texas designers. From fantastic jewelry to funny graphic tees, Parts & Labour is an Austin must-see.
STAG
Fantastic menswear doesn’t even begin to cover it. STAG is that rare guys’ store that manages to be trendy, but not overly so. The items are just special enough to have some serious street cred.
Uncommon Objects
A SoCo institution, Uncommon Objects has been bringing antiques, vintage finds and other odds and ends to the Austin crowd for years. It has been called “your eccentric uncle’s attic on steroids.” Love it.

College Station | Texas A&M

Junk Gypsy Co.
Eclectic best describes this shop, owned by sisters Amie & Jolie. Expect to find funky housewares and vintage finds from around the world, all with a Texas twist.
Merge
Perfect for those times when you want a new party outfit, but don’t want to break the bank. You’ll find all your trendy, fashion-forward pieces here, at affordable prices!
Northgate Vintage
If you’re looking to score some authentic vintage tees or original albums on vinyl, head to Northgate Vintage, located right across the street from Texas A&M. Insider tip: They offer weekly specials and in-store coupons, so drop by the store whenever you’re looking for a bargain!

Lubbock | Texas Tech

Chrome
As soon as you walk through the door at Chrome, you’ll be transported from Lubbock to L.A.’s Robertson Boulevard, where all the hottest celebs shop. Chrome is loaded with on-trend brands like Wildfox, George Gina & Lucy, RARE eyewear, Carrera, Plastic Island and Bond No. 9. There are even separate rooms dedicated to shoes, handbags and beauty products!
Drest
Drest is designer heaven, carrying lines such as Elizabeth and James, Madison Marcus, Magaschoni, Leifsdottir and Michael Kors. It’s the perfect stop whether you’re looking for a standout party frock or an investment piece that’ll carry you through several seasons.
Filigree-Hulla B’lu
This store just makes you smile. The vibrant décor combined with the interesting, sometimes quirky merchandise strikes the perfect balance. Look for unique jewelry you won’t see on anyone else and easy-to-wear separates, as well as vintage and contemporary housewares.
TC Elli’s
Located right across the street from Texas Tech University, TC Elli’s is perfect for the sorority girl on a budget. You’ll find great day dresses and wear-with-everything basics, plus a great selection of statement jewelry and accessories.

San Marcos | Southwest Texas

It’s fitting that two of the country’s premier outlet malls are located to near a college campus, loaded with kids on a budget! San Marcos has loads of outlet stores to offer at Prime Outlets and Tanger Outlet Center. Prime offers designer finds such as COACH, Barney’s New York, James Perse, Joe’s Jeans and Tory Burch. Tanger has Banana Republic, Calvin Klein, DKNY Jeans and Levi’s.

Waco | Baylor

Bloom & Bee Swanky
Owner Amy Bradshaw brings together a perfect balance of antiques and offbeat finds, such as mirrors, doors, brooches and housewares. Our favorite is the collection of linens made from vintage fabrics.
Honey’s Home + Style
At Honey’s, you’ll find a mix of quality antiques, fine reproductions and contemporary home décor. Owned by a husband and wife team, Honey’s also offers custom upholstery services.
Prefontaine
Prefontaine is hands-down Waco’s trendiest boutique. It offers lines such as Diane von Furstenberg, Pour la Victoire and Loeffler Randall, all in a beautifully designed space.

Abilene | RELICS Home

Housed in a 1920s building that was originally an auto body shop and gas station, Relics is the creation of west coast native Rebecca Allen. The home décor store blends old and new, including everything from wooden furniture and hand-forged iron pieces to leather sofas and antique mission doors. There’s even a martini bar included in the back of the store (because everyone loves a good cocktail to enhance the shopping experience, right?).

1292 N. FIRST STREET
ABILENE, TEXAS
325.670.9282
VISIT RELICS ONLINE

Boerne | The Burlap Horse

The Burlap Horse was selected as the “2009 Home Accents Store of the Year—Midwest/Southwest Region” by the Dallas Market Center’s Accessory Resource Team. The store specializes in 18th and 19th century antiques, heirloom findings and western artwork as well as a style the owners have coined as “Hill Country French” (Texas meets Parisian chic).

609 SOUTH MAIN STREET
BOERNE, TEXAS 78006
830.249.0204
VISIT THE BURLAP HORSE ONLINE

Fredericksburg | Red

Red is one of those stores that makes you rethink your whole design scheme. You literally leave wanting to redo your entire house in Red—luckily we’re not referring to the color. Recently relocated, the new space is fantastic—airy and spacious and as always, we love the fabrics, furniture, mirrors and lighting!

307 E. MAIN STREET
FREDERICKSBURG, TEXAS 78624
830.990.0700
VISIT RED ONLINE

Fredericksburg | Something Different II

The merchandise at Something Different II is very eclectic, from exotic to farmhouse to modern. The store’s owner Valerie likes to think of the underlying theme of the store as “tapestry of our lives,” referring to the way we collect things over time to make our space a personal reflection of ourselves.

221 E. MAIN STREET
FREDERICKSBURG, TEXAS 78624
830.997.2734
VISIT SOMETHING DIFFERENT II ONLINE

Midland | The Barking Dog Interiors

For being located in Midland, The Barking Dog sure is worldly. Owner Sheila Harpe brings in imports from around the world from places like Indonesia, India, Haiti and Mexico. When we say you could spend hours in this store, we mean it. Every time you turn around, you’ll see something you hadn’t noticed before! We fell hard for their selection of religious icon jewelry, cowhide rugs and cultural housewares.

2800 N. BIG SPRING STREET
MIDLAND, TEXAS 79705
432.686.2905

Odessa | Jonnie’s

Jonnie’s runs the gamut between traditional and offbeat. You can find all the calssic, upholstered pieces you need in Jonnie’s front room, but you can also get the quirky statuettes and accessories you want in the back room. For instance, when we visited Jonnie’s not too long ago, we picked up a sculpture of a hand making a peace sign and some metal replicas of old-fashioned cameras. They look great on our respective side tables, if we do say so ourselves. Jonnie’s also has a great selection of Jan Barboglio and ranch furnishings, like tooled leather bar stools and horn accessories.

1551 J.B.S. PARKWAY
ODESSA, TEXAS 79761
432.368.5250

Waco | Bloom & Bee Swanky

Love doesn’t even begin to describe how we feel about Bloom & Bee Swanky and its fab owner Amy. The antiques and vintage finds get us every time! We’re huge fans of the handmade linens made from vintage fabric and the old doors.

210 S. 5TH STREET
WACO, TEXAS 76701
254.753.2292
VISIT BLOOM & BEE SWANKY ONLINE

Waco | Honey’s Home + Style

Honey’s has a great mix of new and antique furnishings. There’s an entire “rug room” filled with swatches from Dash & Albert—you can actually “rent” the swatches and taken them home to make sure the pattern and colors work in your room. We always fall in love with the unique light fixtures too!

1706 AUSTIN AVENUE
WACO, TEXAS 76701
254.754.3311
VISIT HONEY’S HOME + STYLE ONLINE

Dallas | Neiman Marcus

On the off chance you haven’t heard by now, Neiman Marcus is a Texas institution. Founded in 1907 by Herbert Marcus, his sister Carrie Marcus Neiman and her husband, Al Neiman, Neiman Marcus has grown into a world-renown purveyor of all things luxury. You can find just about every designer label at Neiman’s, from Alberta Ferretti to Zac Posen.

400 NORTHPARK CENTER
DALLAS, TEXAS 75225
214.363.8311
VISIT NEIMAN MARCUS ONLINE

Houston | Hamilton Shirts

Hamilton Shirts was founded in Houston in 1883, and the company has been crafting America’s finest shirts from Italian and Swiss fabrics ever since. Each shirt is manufactured in Houston, where their experts oversee all aspects of design and construction. In fact, Barney’s New York creative director Simon Doonan wears Hamilton Shirts exclusively. What can we say? He’s got good taste!

5700 RICHMOND AVENUE
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77057
713.264.8800
VISIT HAMILTON SHIRTS ONLINE

Houston | LOT 8

LOT 8 is one of Houston’s premier boutiques, and it is home to Houston native and fashion designer Chloe Dao’s line DAO Chloe DAO. Chloe won much acclaim as the winner of Project Runway season 2. Her collection is primarily comprised of cocktail dresses and eveningwear, but LOT 8 (owned by Chloe and her sister Sydney) also carries contemporary sportswear and accessories from other labels.

6127 KIRBY DRIVE
HOUSTON TEXAS 77005
713.807.1565
VISIT LOT 8 ONLINE

Kerrville | Clint Orms Engravers and Silversmiths

High profile clients who have purchased custom belt buckles from Clint Orms include Tommy Lee Jones and George W. Bush. Every piece here is handcrafted from silver, gold and precious stones in Clint’s workshop, and each is intended to become a family heirloom for years to come.

229B OLD INGRAM LOOP
KERRVILLE, TEXAS 78025
830.367.7949
VISIT CLINT ORMS ONLINE

Kingsville | King Ranch Saddle Shop

King Ranch’s foray into leather goods came about as a result of the Civil War. Once the war ended, Captain King realized the need not only for men, horses and cattle, but for superior gear. He needed saddles that were durable, yet lightweight, comfortable to ride, yet easy on the horses’ backs. He was unable to find such gear, so he hired craftsmen who could make them, and he soon started his own saddlery. Since then, King Ranch Saddle Shop has become synonymous with beautiful, quality ranching supplies.

201 E. KLEBERG AVENUE
KINGSVILLE, TEXAS 78363-4572
361.595.1424
VISIT KING RANCH SADDLE SHOP ONLINE

College Station | Northgate Vintage

If you’re looking to score some authentic vintage tees or original albums on vinyl, head to Northgate Vintage, located right across the street from Texas A&M. Their price points are beyond reasonable and the vinyl and LP collection is legit—courtesy of owner and avid collector Ryan Ewing. Insider tip: Stop in when you can because they offer weekly specials and in-store coupons that aren’y advertised!

403 UNIVERSITY DRIVE WEST
COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS 77840
979.691.2280
VISIT NORTHGATE VINTAGE ONLINE

Dallas | Archive

Halston, Dior and Chanel, oh my! If you got giddy just reading that sentence then you need to make a trip to Dallas to visit Archive. With its staggering collection of mint condition vintage designer finds from the 1960s-1990s, including everything from apparel to accessories to shoes, Archive is a fashion collector’s dream!

VISIT ARCHIVE ONLINE

Forreston | Bon Ton Vintage

Upon walking into this roadside shop in Forreston (it’s housed in a former Masonic lodge), it took us a minute to see why people buzz about it being a “best kept secret.” The first floor was filled with rather random odds and ends, like old greeting cards and discarded knick-knacks. But then we went upstairs, and that’s where it all changed. Bon Ton Vintage has a huge—and we do mean huge—selection of men’s and women’s vintage apparel, ranging from shoes to dresses to doctor’s bags.

VISIT BON TON VINTAGE ONLINE

Corpus Christi | Goosefeathers

Head to this Corpus outpost for frocks, maxi dresses, tunics and more from brands like Johnny Was, Ella Moss, Hale Bob and Trina Turk. The best part? Goosefeathers has very reasonable price points!

LAMAR PARK SHOPPING CENTER
411 DODDRIDGE ROAD, SUITE 201
CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS 78411
361.225.2838

Corpus Christi | Market

Look for edgy brands like Jenny Han and Lyla Black, mixed with staples like J Brand and Velvet by Graham and Spencer at this contemporary shopping spot. We particularly love Market for its clean, contemporary ambiance—something rare for smaller cities!

LAMAR PARK SHOPPING CENTER
3812 S. ALAMEDA #31
CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS 78411
361.994.7597
VISIT MARKET ONLINE

Frisco | Sussie’s

Sussie’s is Frisco’s premier destination for all things fashion-forward. Owner Rory Boyd has been voted “Best Honest Boutique Owner” by D Magazine—meaning she’ll tell you if you look fierce or tragic in what you’re trying on. She’ll even call you when a new shipment of your favorite line arrives in-store! Look for brands like Milly, Norma Kamali, Ella Moss and Tahari. Bonus: the back section of the store is a second location of Pumps (another SAT Best Store)! And you’ll die when you see her two store pooches—a French bulldog and a corgi that are too cute for words!

4760 PRESTON ROAD, SUITE 204
FRISCO, TEXAS 75034
972.335.2792

Lubbock | Chrome

Once you walk into Chrome, you’ll swear you’re not in Lubbock anymore. This store feels like it’s right off Robertson Boulevard in Los Angeles, where the who’s who of young Hollywood shops. Chrome is loaded with must-haves like jeggings, Wildfox tees, Plastic Island dresses, a staggering selection of designer sunglasses, and don’t even get us started on the shoe, handbag and cosmetics rooms. That’s right—there are entire rooms dedicated to shoes, handbags and cosmetics. Chrome is one of the few stores with an extensive selection of George Gina & Lucy handbags and wallets, and they have the latest fragrances from Bond No. 9 too!

2601 19TH STREET
LUBBOCK, TEXAS 79401
806.687.8953
VISIT CHROME ONLINE

Lubbock | Drest

Drest is the brainchild of Scott Malouf (yes, of the Maloufs, who founded Malouf’s upscale men’s store, also in Lubbock). Drest is designer heaven, carrying lines such as Elizabeth and James, Madison Marcus, Magaschoni, Leifsdottir and Michael Kors. And the well-edited shoe section is a must-see, with the latest from Sigerson Morrison and Corso Como. Drest is the perfect stop whether you’re looking for a standout party frock or an investment piece that’ll carry you through several seasons.

THE VILLAGE SHOPPING CENTER
4414 82ND STREET, SUITE 210
LUBBOCK, TEXAS 79424
806.793.7378
VISIT DREST ONLINE

Plano | Blinc

If you’ve seen a celebrity wearing it, Blinc has it. Purveyors of all things trendy, labels carried include Halston Heritage, La Rok, Alive & Olivia, Wildfox Couture and Charley 5.0. And don’t miss the jewelry case—it’s loaded with up-and-coming lines like Alkemie and Mikal Winn.

THE SHOPS AT LEGACY
7201 BISHOP ROAD, # E-12
PLANO, TEXAS 75024
972.378.9600

Tyler | Bridgette’s

Looking for L.A. style in Tyler, Texas? Look no further than Bridgette’s, owned by husband and wife team Harley and Bridgette Hooper (they also own Harley’s Suit Club next door). Bridgette’s is founded on bringing its customers “the designers you love” and “the designers you will want to know,” including Lafayette 148, Milly, Tracey Reese an Bailey 44—just to name a few. Our favorite finds at Bridgette’s include an endless selection of leggings, open cardigans and infinity scarves.

4815 OLD BULLARD ROAD, SUITE 101
TYLER, TEXAS 75703
903.561.3136

Tyler | Spinout

Spinout is our favorite spot for party dresses in Tyler. Lines carried include Shoshanna, BCBG, Trina Turk, Phoebe Couture and Cooper by Courtney, which is designed by Tyler native Courtney Warren. Spinout also has an impressive collection of Vera Bradley and Jon Hart luggage, and there are children’s and home décor items sprinkled around the store as well.

117 E. 8TH STREET
TYLER, TEXAS 75701
903.526.2226
VISIT SPINOUT ONLINE

Waco | Prefontaine

If you thought you couldn’t find trendy in Waco, Texas—think again. Prefontaine carries some pretty major players, including Diane Von Furstenberg, Graham & Spencer, Tucker J Brand, Cynthia Vincent and Loeffler Randall.

4700 BOSQUE BOULEVARD, SPACE K
WACO, TEXAS 76710
254.741.9794
VISIT PREFONTIANE ONLINE

Allen | Be-Dazzled

Situated in the open-air development The Village at Fairview, Be-Dazzled offers custom designed crib bedding, baby clothes, lighting, furniture, handpainted art by an on-site artist, gifts and more. Some of our top picks from this truly unique store include the round cribs, Baby Bjorn slings and girls’ mix-and-match oversized bows with stretchy headbands.

116 FOUNTAIN COURT
FAIRVIEW, TEXAS 75069
972.549.2111
VISIT BE-DAZZLED ONLINE

Corpus Christi | Belly & Baby and Hopscotch

This store started simply as Belly & Baby, as a result of owner Stephanie Harrison’s desire to find fashionable maternity clothes. The “Hopscotch” was added when her sister Sara Graf partnered with her to also sell children’s clothes. Offering designer maternity and infant clothing, trendy and classic kids’ clothes, plus baby carriers, diaper bags and everything in between, Belly & Baby and Hopscotch is your one-stop mom and baby shop!

LAMAR PARK SHOPPING CENTER
3818 S. ALAMEDA, SUITE 36
CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS 78411
361.991.2450
VISIT BELLY & BABY AND HOPSCOTCH ONLINE

Fredericksburg | Beulah’s

Love, love, love Beulah’s. It’s one of those rare kid’s stores that makes you actually want to have a little one to dress. We love how they manage to bring in current, sassy clothing for kids that’s far beyond the ordinary.

308 E. MAIN STREET
FREDERICKSBURG, TEXAS 78624
830.990.2932
VISIT BEULAH’S ONLINE

Tyler | Haute Totz

This is the destination in Tyler for moms, moms-to-be and those shopping for them. Haute Totz specializes in stylish duds for babies and children (we’ve spotted mini J Brand jeggings for the little ones!) as well as chic maternity wear. And make sure to ask about the handmade, custom baby books that are made in-store!

4815 OLD BULLARD ROAD, SUITE 105
TYLER, TEXAS 75703
903.534.5888
VISIT HAUTE TOTZ ONLINE

Austin | By George

It was love at first sight when we first set foot in By George. And with two Austin locations, it’s double the style and double the fun.

The flagship location on North Lamar is a little more “uptown” while the South Congress location is a little more “downtown.” Lines carried at the North Lamar outpost include Alberta Ferreti, Alexander Wang, Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Giambattista Valley, Helmut Lang and Vena Cava, just to name a few. South Congress labels include Joie, Madison Marcus, Modern Amusement, La Rok and Current-Elliot (again, just to name a few).

By George has also been named a Top Ten Boutique in the Country by Lucky. We couldn’t agree more.

524 NORTH LAMAR
AUSTIN, TEXAS 78703
512.472.5951
1400 SOUTH CONGRESS
AUSTIN, TEXAS 78704
512.441.8600
VISIT BY GEORGE ONLINE

Dallas | 4510

To call this boutique a Dallas hotspot is an understatement. Clientele includes Oprah, Angie Harmon, Jessica Simpson and Gywneth Paltrow. Lust-worthy labels carried at 4510 include Alaïa, Alexander McQueen, D Squared, Proenza Schouler, Rag and Bone, Rick Owens, Stella McCartney and Yigal Azrouël.

4510 celebrated its 10th anniversary this year, and several high-profile designers made signature items to commemorate the occasion, including Proenza Schouler, Doo.Ri, Maison Martin Margiela and Yigal Azrouël, among others—how many stores can say that?! Each of the exclusive items was only made in quantities of 1, 4, 5, or 10…naturally.

4510 MCKINNEY AVENUE
DALLAS, TEXAS 75205
214.559.4510
VISIT 4510 ONLINE

Dallas | Neiman Marcus

It doesn’t get much better than Neiman Marcus. A Texas institution founded in Dallas in 1907, Neiman’s has become a nationwide standard for luxury goods. The staggering number of designer lines carried ranges from Armani and McQueen to Marc Jacobs and Diane Von Furstenberg. The NorthPark Center location in Dallas is our favorite for its selection, service and atmosphere.

VISIT NEIMAN MARCUS ONLINE

Houston | Tootsies

Tootsies just oozes luxury from the moment you walk in the door. Housed in Houston’s historic Highland Village, you’ll find premier labels like Blumarine, Missoni, Giambattista Valli, Jason Wu, Cavalli and Zac Posen. Tootsies is also known for hosting several trunk shows throughout the year, allowing their clientele to have an intimate experience with designers and a first look at new collections.

HIGHLAND VILLAGE SHOPPING CENTER
4045 WESTHEIMER
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77027
713.629.9990
VISIT TOOTSIES ONLINE

New Braunfels | Texas Ski Ranch

Texas Ski Ranch is one of only a handful of cableways in the U.S.! No boat required, TSR has 2 cable lakes. Each cableway can tow up to 6 wakeboarders, skiers or kneeboarders at any given time. Beginners need not worry—there’s an extremely experienced staff available, and there’s also the new Little Bro cable, which has a two tower inline system.

6700 I-35 NORTH
NEW BRAUNFELS, TEXAS 78130
830.627.2843
VISIT TEXAS SKI RANCH ONLINE

Fort Worth | WakeSport Ranch

The first cable-operated wakeboard lake in D/FW, this park features 6 towers, allowing for easier turns, and loads of obstacles like a fun box, A-frame, and an adjustable wedge and kicker.

PERFORMANCE COURT
CRESSON, TEXAS 76044
817.366.7473
VISIT WAKESPORT RANCH ONLINE

Learn to Wakeboard!
Austin | FreeRide Wakeboard School

Founded by 2-time Vans Triple Crown National winner and World Champion wakeboarder Billy Garcia, FreeRide is the gold standard or Texas wakeboarding schools. This school is geared toward everyone—pro’s, kids, parents and beginners! They’ll teach you beginner basics, beginner and intermediate tricks, advanced inverts and spins and even contest training.

LAKE AUSTIN, TEXAS 78703
512.796.0832
VISIT FREERIDE WAKEBOARD SCHOOL ONLINE

Corpus Christi | USS Lexington Museum on the Bay

Yes, you can spend the night on the USS Lexington—an actual WWII aircraft carrier—docked at Corpus Christi! The overnight stay includes a tour of the ship, a movie in the Mega Theater, 2 trips through the “chow line,” bunking in original crew quarters, a flag ceremony and more!

The 3-story stadium seating Mega Theater on board the ship will create a space shuttle launch or Texas thunderstorm for you. You can also try the flight simulator to experience “Desert Storm Strike,” where you will sit in the pilot seat of a fighter jet and destroy Iraqi missiles and Scud missile launchers. You can also take part in the virtual battle stations aboard the ship!

2914 N. SHORELINE BOULEVARD
CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS 78403
361.888.4873
VISIT THE USS LEXINGTON ONLINE

Marfa | El Cosmico

EL Cosmico is the latest lodging concept from Liz Lambert (of Hotel San Jose in Austin and Hotel Havana in San Antonio). El Cosmico is comprised of five restored 1950s trailers, a few yurt-like structures and one 22-ft. diameter Sioux teepee (plus plenty of open space to set up your own camp). Each of these lodging options are laid out around communal amenities like an elm grove full of hammocks, and outdoor kitchen/dining space and several wood-fired Dutch hot tubs.

El Cosmico offers a revolving schedule of workshops and retreats ranging from sewing to cooking to art and writing. Over time, the property will add art shacks for silk screening, pottery and photography.

HIGHWAY 67, JUST OUTSIDE THE MAIN CENTER OF MARFA
MARFA, TEXAS 78003
877.822.1950
VISIT EL COSMICO ONLINE

Bandera | Silver Spur Guest Ranch

Each room at this authentic 300-acre dude ranch is named for a famous or notorious western legend, and each room carries the theme of that person. You can stay in the Buffalo Bill, the Wyatt Earp or the Calamity Jane, just to name a few. When you’re not kicking back in your room, you can enjoy horseback riding, hay wagon rides (where you can stop to feed the longhorns), campfires (with s’mores, of course), fossil digging and hiking.

Live entertainment at the Silver Spur includes trick roper shows, story tellers and cowboy singers. You can also enjoy Texas Hold’em and Black Jack at Texas Saloon Night, as well as two-stepping and Dutch oven cooking classes.

9266 BANDERA CREEK ROAD
BANDERA, TEXAS 78003
830.796.3037
VISIT THE SILVER SPUR RANCH ONLINE

Jefferson | The Excelsior House

This hotel is haunted. Yep, haunted. Located in Jefferson, Texas in the Piney Woods region, the Excelsior House is said to be home to quite a few spirits.

Allegedly, a woman in black that is often carrying a baby and a headless man reside on the second floor. In fact, Stephen Spielberg is rumored to have stayed at the Excelsior House and had to leave in the middle of the night because the rocking chair in his room wouldn’t stop rocking.

The most legendary spirit that haunts the Excelsior House is Diamond Bessie, a prostitute who was killed by a single gunshot to the head in the woods just outside of Jefferson. The rumored killer was her husband. Now she haunts the Excelsior House searching for her lost diamonds. She has been known to steal diamond rings right off the fingers of sleeping women and will also pull the covers off of you in the night.

Thrill seekers might want to request the Jay Gould room, said to be especially haunted. There are confirmed reports of spectral figures, wisps of cigar smoke and the infamous rocking chair that moves by itself.

211 W. AUSTIN
JEFFERSON, TEXAS 75657
903.665.2513
VISIT THE EXCELSIOR HOUSE ONLINE