Just as visitors are intrigued to discover Texas, locals are excited to guide their way.
That is especially true for the passionate meeting and event professionals throughout the state. We asked five industry insiders to choose three of the most memorable group experiences in their respective destinations. Following are their picks.
FORT WORTH
Laurie Sprouse, President, Ultimate Ventures, a DMC Network Company
- Fort Worth Museum of Science and History: With the opening of its new building, the oldest museum in Fort Worth's renowned Cultural District is now also its largest. The building's signature attraction is the Urban Lantern, a 76-foot-tall glass and stone tower that serves as the museum's entrance. Discover the story of North Texas dinosaurs in the DinoLabs exhibit, or marvel at the new Noble Planetarium, which provides visitors with a view of more than 7,000 stars.
- Tillman's Roadhouse: Offering a refreshing twist on cowboy cuisine, this trendy eatery serves up creative comfort food such as veal Frito pie or tableside s'mores. Located at So7, Fort Worth's hip new retail and restaurant development near the Cultural District, the restaurant includes a private dining room accommodating up to 50 guests.
- Texas Motor Speedway: Enjoy high-octane exhilaration at this famous track, which includes the Victory Circle among its several rental spaces. A favorite on the corporate event circuit, the Speedway offers a range of programs for getting in the driver's seat and out on the track, such as the opportunity to drive a real NASCAR race car.
EL PASO
Aliana Apodaca, President, Positive Directions Co.
- Wyler Aerial Tramway: For a fantastic perspective on El Paso, groups can ride the Wyler Aerial Tramway up the Franklin Mountains. From atop 5,263-foot Ranger Peak, the striking two-nation, three-state overview is perfect for an outdoor group party. Combine country or mariachi music, supremely authentic Mexican food, gorgeous sunsets and cool evenings for a memorable mountaintop experience.
- Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo: Discover history, culture and fun at Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo. Watch the ceremonial dances of the tribal Tigua community, visit the Ysleta Mission, established in 1680, and then enjoy great entertainment, slot machines and the best Mexican food.
- Blue Feather Aero Flight Training: The Blue Feather Aero flight training school is a great choice for a private party. Charismatic owner Suzie Azaris is known for throwing some dynamic hangar bashes. Add live music, great food, cool desert breezes, margaritas and you are set. For a memorable bonus, you can even include plane rides for guests.
HOUSTON
John Graner, Sales Director, Sullivan Group
- Houston Museum District: ForbesTraveler.com ranked the Houston Museum of Natural Science the seventh most-visited museum in the U.S. in 2009. Now, according to Vanity Fair, we also have the world's second most important structure built since 1980, the Menil Collection. Both belong to the 18-member Houston Museum District, with all museums providing great space for business and social gatherings, plus tours and daytime activities.
- Chef Tours: With Houston's culinary scene booming, the Greater Houston CVB is offering a new addition to its citywide group dine-arounds: culinary tours with top Houston chefs like Reef's Bryan Caswell and Catalan's Chris Shepherd that showcase the independent, ethnic restaurants, markets and neighborhoods that make Houston such a diverse culinary destination.
- Rodeos: March is rodeo season in Houston, including the annual Livestock Show and Rodeo, the largest such event in the world. With the whole city kicking up its boots, you can entertain your guests with reserved suites and ticket blocks to events ranging from chuck wagon races and concerts to some of the best rodeo Texas has to offer.
AUSTIN
Della Guidry, President/Owner, PRA/Austin Destination Management
- Multifaceted Austin: Proud of being "weird," Austin stands out with an eclectic mix of people, venues and activities as unique and varied as its landscape. Nestled in Hill Country, Lake Travis offers interactions with Austin's uniquely beautiful scenery, such as chartered yacht cruises with stops for swimming in secluded coves. The Oasis offers supreme sunset views from its private event space, or guests can enjoy a casual night out with live music at Johnny Fins Floatin' Bar & Grill.
- Music and Dining: Known as the "Live Music Capital of the World" and home to over 200 live music venues, a musical tour of Austin is a "must-do." After experiencing venues including The Victory Grill, Cactus Cafe and Stubb's, guests can dig into legendary home cooking at Threadgill's World Headquarters in South Austin.
- South Congress District: Another must-see is the South Congress district, affectionately referred to as SoCo by locals. Featuring a unique mix of boutique shops and vintage stores, it is also home to the monthly First Thursday street festival, with shops staying open late and the streets filled with roadside vendors. Guests can do dine-arounds at some of Austin's finest restaurants, including Perla's and Vespaio, or go native and partake in the latest trend of "food trailer" fare.
SAN ANTONIO
Julie Trevino, Senior Account Manager, Destination: San Antonio, a DMC Network Company
The hot activity in San Antonio revolves around the word "culinary."
- Aldaco's: Located in San Antonio's North Side, Aldaco's restaurant overlooks the start of the Hill Country and offers beautiful views along with wonderful food from Chef Blanca Aldaco.
- Schakolad Chocolate Factory: After dinner, we have taken groups to this fun and engaging facility, where guests learn the techniques of molding, hand-dipping and writing with chocolate.
- Azuca: Executive chef Rene Fernandez combines traditional Latin dishes of yesterday with the contemporary touch of today. Through its celebration of Latin and Caribbean ingredients and its fun atmosphere, Azuca showcases the freshness of interpretive nuevo Latino cuisine.
