Famed American novelist William Faulkner once said, "The past is not dead, in fact, it’s not even the past." This is especially true of Texas. Outside of its metropolitan complexes and against the tide of homogeneity, Texas remains forever itself, and in many ways, the America that once was. Every inch the genuine article, Texas delivers a meetings and group package enriched with essential experiences. Yes, it’s a story about cowboys and barbecue and wide-open spaces, but there are myriad authenticities that create the unique Texas brand.
The Greatest Show on Dirt
Few traditions define Texas as emphatically as livestock and rodeo, and every spring, in a tradition dating to 1932, the two are celebrated together at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. Described as Houston’s "Mardi Gras, Super Bowl and running of the bulls in one," this carnival extraordinaire of wagon races, bucking broncos and Texans struttin’ in their finest Western duds is as authentically Texas as it gets.
As entertainment, rodeos typically flourish in a down economy, and that is especially true right now; attendance is up at the newly expanded Mesquite Championship Rodeo, now in its 51st year. Other annual events include the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, the Tri-State Fair and Rodeo in Amarillo and the Southwestern International PRCA Rodeo in El Paso.
Once the Southwest’s largest livestock market, the Fort Worth Stockyards today is a leading Texas attraction. Established in 1999, the twice-daily Fort Worth Herd cattle drive defines living Western heritage; other Stockyard staples include the Stockyards Championship Rodeo and entertainment palace Billy Bob’s Texas.
Back at the Ranch
Essential icons of Texas and the Old West, ranches, along with cowboys and cattle, were introduced to Texas three centuries ago by 17th century Spanish conquistadors. Today, an array of ranches across the state provides authentic retreats into the past.
Urban area ranches include the Ranch of the Lonesome Dove near Grapevine, offering customized events and conference planning for 450 inside and 2,500 outside, and the Rocking L Guest Ranch near Mesquite.
In former shoot-’em-up Young County near Wichita Falls, the 1,500-acre Wildcatter Ranch Resort and Spa is a favorite for executive retreats, with multiple meeting rooms and a standout team-building program.
In Abilene, the upscale Sayles Ranch rents entire guest houses for private getaways, while near Presidio, guests can get the real cowboy experience at the Big Bend Ranch State Park’s semi-annual Longhorn Cattle Drive. Near Marfa in Big Bend Country, the working Cibolo Creek Ranch is an inviting, meetings-ready resort escape.
Tried and True
Several locales in the state are also known for distinctive Texas experiences, including the border town of Eagle Pass, where El Moderno is the home of the original hand-cut nacho. Ice cream heaven awaits on tours of the 102-year-old Blue Bell Creameries in historic Brenham, where the Texas Declaration of Independence was signed in 1863. For handmade boots, go to Leddy’s in Fort Worth or El Paso institutions JB Hill, Arditti’s and Mingo’s. For unforgettable festivities, hit annual events like the State Fair of Texas in Dallas or the otherworldly Day of the Dead celebration in San Antonio, where other standout Texas draws include the Spanish Colonial missions and the Alamo. In West Texas, high-altitude Presidio is a sunset paradise and home to Fort Leaton, a huge adobe fortress from 1848. Meanwhile, lapped by Gulf waters, picturesque Rockport-Fulton has been an artists’ haven for a century.
