 NEW EPISODE: Texas ContrabandidosFollow our ongoing series about the adventures of a group of pilots in Brownsville who played the ultimate gentlemen's game smuggling electronics into Mexico. See the index guide in the right column...Enjoy! Episode III just posted!
 Fishing is Hot for the SeasonReady for some rod and reel action? Summer is heating up and the fishing across Texas couldn't be any better, especially along the lower coast. Oil up that old rod-n-reel and get ready for a grand fishing excursion on the bay or offshore and celebrate the summer Texas style! Captain Herbert Bode is a guide on the lower Laguna Madre and shows model JJ Gordon how to catch the big one! MORE
 The Infamous Ghost of GranburyThere are a lot of strange places in Texas; just about as many as there are strange tales to go along with them. And Garnbury, Texas, nestled in the gentle Brazos River Valley in the north central region of the Lone Star State, has its share. Some say Granbury was a central focal point for famous and infamous characters of the 19th century; people like Davy Crockett's wife, Elizabeth, Jesse James, and a man believed to be John Wilkes Booth, who may haunt the Granbury Opera House to this day? Read one of Texas' strangest mysteries. MORE
 More Smuggler Tales on the BorderIn this story, Episode Two - Sagebrush Cessna, you'll find out what it's like to crash land in unknown territory. Follow Ron Fox's adventures of the Texas contrabandidos, life on the Texas border with little more than a wing and a prayer, the follow episode to our popular series that started last month. Or read the first episode and progress through the story from start to finish - a grand adventure to rival the best. Read the latest: Episode Two or Episode One
 Why Did the Chicken Cross the Road?It's been the brunt of a thousand jokes at least, yet the question, like a bad case of acne, just never seems to go away. But in this presidential campaign year it sometimes seems like all the candidates - and we do mean all of them - tend to lose sight of the real issues in America. So we decided to ask them - and other celebrities - the question, "Why did the chicken cross the road?" Of course, we didn't really ask them. But we think we figured out what their answers might be. Remember, it's an election year, so don't be surprised at our fabricated answers. MORE
 Texas Contrabandidos: Real AdventureThe business of hauling consumer goods (contraband) into Mexico with airplanes into grass strips avoiding the outrageous Mexican import duties has been going on ever since airplanes were put into commercial service, that is, until 1989 when Mexico repealed most 100% duties on imported goods. Known as Contrabandidos", pilots choosing this form of employment had to know the limits of their aircraft operating into extremely marginal landing strips and their own limits. The Story starts here. MORE
 Texas! The Musical Drama - 43rd YearFor 42 years running, TEXAS - The Musical Drama, has been entertaining visitors from around the world, and this, the 43rd anniversary year, promises to be a larger-than-life summer destination blockbuster to top all others. To begin with, where can you sit on the edge of North America's second largest canyon, the steep canyon walls bathed in the colors of sunset, and dine on what is arguably the world's greatest beef steak, counting down the minutes to show time? Discover the wonders of Palo Duro Canyon and get ready for the opening season of - TEXAS! MORE
 Ancient Medicines & Home RemediesWay back when man lived in caves, like Bob the stick thrower, and crafted simple tools of stone, he still looked for spiritual and natural remedies to heal his many ailments. After all, a good HEB Pharmacy was still a few millennium away, and there wasn't much to talk about in the way of local medical care providers either. But Bob, while crude and simple, wasn't as dense as he looked. Soon he discovered the secrets of the Earth and made medicines from natural plants and herbs. Today. modern home healers have their own brand of cures for what ails us. Discover both ancient medicines and modern home remedies - and feel better for it! MORE
 Those Red Blooded, Gun-Tottin' Texans!Regardless whether you're for or against gun law legislation, when it comes to Texas, it would be just about as easy to get the Pope out of the Catholic Church as it would to wrench the firearms from the convicted fingers of true-blue Texans who often liken the right to carry a gun with the right of childbirth. Ask most any Texan and they'll tell you owning a gun is "natural". MORE
 Abner Doubleday: The Texas ConnectionSome say the truth is stranger than fiction. But getting to the truth isn’t always easy. Take, for instance, the strange history - or myth - that Abner Doubleday, an Army officer that served time at Port Isabel’s Fort Polk, invented the game of baseball. Could the game have been born in Port Isabel? There's a lot of controversy about Doubleday's invention rights, but no doubt he was one of the first to play, and perhaps he and fellow soldiers in Texas perfected the game on the streets of this lower coast port city. MORE
 New Audio Book Tributes Gulf PiratesMuch has been written and filmed about the infamous pirates of old that ravaged the seas in search of fame and fortune, and readers young and old have found grand and romantic adventure in the lore. As evidenced by the recent popularity of Disney's successful Pirates of the Caribbean movie series, pirates have been a popular topic in recent years. But little has been written about the cut throats, freebooters and pirates that plundered the Texas coastline down through the years. Now the history of those fabled days comes alive with the release of a new Lost Planet Media audio book titled "Pirates of the Gulf," an audio docu-drama of the people and places that were frequented and often made famous by buccaneers of the high seas. Discover the new audio book and listen to samples. MORE
 Once Upon A Time in MexicoWho said a lazy winter afternoon in a Mexican border town can’t be exciting? For a pair of semi-retired Texas ‘good ole boys’, Stumpy and Red, who have for years enjoyed spending a day or ten across the river for a little “R&R”, a recent typical warm January afternoon quickly turned into Armageddon. In this little border tale, submitted through the email, our dynamic cross border duo discovered the meaning of the term ‘between a rock and hard place’. Oh – the names have been changed to protect the guilty. MORE
 UT-Brownsville Guitar Festival- 2008The UTB/TSC Guitar Ensemble Festival began in March of 2001 for a duel purpose: to give young guitar students the opportunity to perform in a competitive though encouraging environment, and to bring some of the best guitarists to a Valley stage so that these young and maturing musicians can see great artists perform.
Now the UTB Guitar Ensemble and Competition is back and continues into the weekend, March 26-March 30, 2008. Don't miss the premiere guitar event in the Lone Star State. Head to the border and enjoy acoustic guitar at its finest. MORE
 Who Changed the Date for St. Patty's?Now what were they thinking - the Catholic Church’s “Vatican's Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments’ ? St. Patrick’s Day festivities across much of the world have been changed this year thanks to the Church’s decision to move the festive holiday to avoid a conflict with the beginning of Holy Week observances and activities. And while the move has set well with some Irish-American communities, other groups are refusing to change the traditional March 17 date for St. Patty Day. MORE
 Lost Treasures of Padre IslandEmbarking on a Texas beach getaway for the weekend has long been a Texas tradition regardless what part of the state you call home. Literally thousands of Texans flock to the white sandy beaches of Padre Island every year to pitch their tents, set up their RVs or to simply sleep on the beach in order to get their periodic fix of sun, surf and sand. But have you ever wondered while you're laying on your beach recliner soaking up those golden coastal rays and enjoying the warm Gulf breezes, just what may be buried just beneath you beach towell? There could be a fortune waiting! MORE
 The Haunted Jefferson HotelIf you think adventure is limited to a good raft and a little whitewater, or a bike tour across Palo Duro Canyon country, or a short bungee rope at the high Devil’s Canyon bridge – you might have another think coming. There’s a book in Jefferson in the Caddo country of Northeast Texas, kept behind a hotel desk in the main lobby, where adventure awaits the traveler daring enough to open its pages. But there’s a catch. Not just anyone can ask read this book. You must be a guest of old, historic hotel. And to get the most out of this other-worldly adventure, you must take the book back to your room to read it. MORE
 There's a New KING of HOT!The argument of which chile pepper variety packs the most heat has been waging on for decades if not centuries. It is said that Spanish explorers, after discovering the intensity of the flavor and spice of the American chile, became obsessed with finding the hottest varieties to take back with them to the Old World, a sort of contest of discovery. But now, in modern times, scientists say they have found the ultimate hot chile. And this chile redefines the term! MORE
 Kites Over Padre: SPI KITE FESTIt's that time of year again. You can look into the sky and see flying birds and butterflies, cats and dogs, geckos and lobsters, fish and octopi. The 8th Annual SPI Kite Fest, sponsored by B&S Kites, is scheduled for February 2-3. The festival runs Saturday & Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the flats just north of the Convention Centre on South Padre Island. Admission is free and the public is invited to enjoy the spectacular kite displays, performances, demos, free lessons and more. MORE
 UFOs OVER TEXAS SKIES!There are two sides to the UFO controversy in the world -- there are the believers, and there are the nonbelievers. In Texas this year, there are certainly more believers than ever before. Sure - the belief in and/or study of Unidentified Flying Objects has been the at the center of pop controversy for a long time, at least since 1947, and no one would argue that Texans often like their tall tales and proportionate twisted sense of humors. But a large number of residents around Stephenville and across adjacent counties have been reporting something very weird in the sky -- and very large. What is it? MORE
 Mardi Gras Southeast Texas Style!Sure -- When you think of Mardi Gras in general terms you generally think of New Orleans. And when you think of Mardi Gras in Texas you most often think of Galveston. But Mardi Gras Southeast Texas Style, staged each year in Port Arthur, has caught on and grown into a major celebration attracting hundreds of thousands of revelers who often choose to avoid the crowds of the the other Mardi Gras celebrations in larger cities to join in the fun and gala near the shores of Sabine Lake. MORE
 HOLIDAY CHEER: Miracle of 37th StreetIt's been called one of the most impressive neighborhood holiday light displays in Texas, and one visit after dark to this Austin street near the Univesity of Texas campus will illustrate why people would say that. If you're planning but one drive this season to see the lights, make it to Austin for this lighted wonder! Discover the miracle of the 37th street Christmas lights and get into the spirit of the holiday season this year. MORE
 Ghost Walk Tour To Benefit Toy DriveThe Halloween season may be over, but in case you haven't heard, real ghosts don't simply go away after October comes to an end. But what do ghosts have to do with the Christmas season? In Corpus Christi, apparently a great deal! The public is invited to get to know the haunts of the city's Heritage Park in December during a series of special candlelight walking tours, a great chance to view the beautiful Victorian-style homes of this old district of the city, perhaps catch a glimpse of some of the ghosts refuted to still live there, and all the while help the local Toys for Tots program. MORE
 Penning The Perfect PunSince the first man uttered the very first words from his lips, mankind has been using language to not only communicate, but to entertain, and few wordsmiths have been as brilliant at it than former Austin resident William Syndey Porter, better known throughout the literary world as O. Henry. Few men could ever purse together a series of words with such dubious double meanings, or warp phrases with cunning into such whimsical machinations of comical disguise. All that on top of his outstanding ability to write short stories. If you missed the O Henry Pun-Off this year, try these on for size. After all, a little humor never hurt anyone! MORE
 Sweet Fruit Ripening in the ValleyWho doesn’t enjoy a big, sweet, juicy orange or ruby red grapefruit? There’s not much that can compare with a tall glass of cold liquid sunshine, squeezed fresh from super sweet oranges that have ripened on the tree. But let’s be honest. Where are you going to get that? Good news for juice lovers! While harvest is just getting underway in the Rio Grande Valley, early reports have it that this year’s Valley citrus crop is going to be a good one! MORE
 Celebrating Texas Foods & WineFor 17 years running the Fredericksburg Food & Wine Festival has been celebrating the tastes of Texas, from great Texas wines to the culinary delights of the Lone Star State, and this year the tradition continues in beautiful and unique downtown Fredericksburg. Fall is harvest time in Texas, and if you're ready to sample the come-of-age wines of the state, this festival represents the perfect opportunity to relish the diverse flavors of Texas wineries. With an attractive wine-tasting program and special workshops planned for the real connoisseur, you can't beat a weekend in Fredericksburg . MORE
 Brownsville's Old City CemeteryEvery community has at least one cemetery, a refuge for those who have passed from this world into the next, a final resting place that offers perpetual peace for our loved ones who have gone before us. In Brownsville, on the Texas-Mexico border, the Old City Cemetery is full of ornate architecture akin to the New Orlean's historic cemetery -- and full of the history that has made Texas great. Take a walk through this graveyard and you may find more than you are looking for! MORE
 The Canyon Gorge MiracleIn July of 2002 Nature released a watery deluge on the hills and valleys that surround manmade Canyon Lake. Below the spillway -- up until the afternoon of July 4, 2002 -- stood a valley covered in mesquite and oak trees. In two days water crossed a lake spillway for the first time, removing vegetation and soil and exposing an ancient limestone gorge beneath. A new ecosystem was formed - the Canyon Lake Gorge. MORE
 Picking the Right Fall DestinationsAny time of year is a great time of year to explore the highways and back roads of the Lone Star State. But the autumn season is one of the best travel times of the year if you enjoy thinner crowds, shorter lines and a plethora of grand events and activities that are reserved for the cooler months of Texas. Discover our picks for the 2007 Best Fall Destinations in Texas and get ready to hit the roads in search of grand adventure, abundant fun and interesting places to visit. MORE
 Fall Season is Travel Season in TexasLike a breath of fresh air the autumnal equinox signals the passing of a warm, fruitful season and the arrival of a world of changing colors and cooler air. The days begin to get shorter and the nights longer, and the socioeconomic posture of the world-at-large turns from worker-tender to worker-harvester as the fruits of agro-labor are collected and stored for the coming winter. It's also a premiere time for travel across the state with plenty of events, attractions and fall destinations from which to choose. Discover them! MORE
 New Candidates For Prez?It seems like everyone is throwing their hat into the ring these days, so it’s not a question of not having enough people running for President; it’s more of a question of are the people running for the office really the best candidates. So we decided to take a whimsical look at a few additional candidates for the upcoming race - just to add a little spice! Chances are you'll never see these actors and comedians running for the Oval Office - then again, stranger things have happened! MORE
 Summer Travel Season A Bust?With the summer vacation season fresh over state and local tourism officials and companies that rely on the summer season for economic stability are piecing together their assessments of how one of the wettest summer’s on record may have effected business. No one can argue the summer season was/is exceptionally wet. Corpus Christi and San Antonio broke previous weather records for the wettest summer on the books, How good/bad was it? MORE
 South Padre International Music FestivalSouth Padre Island has long been known for its wild spring break celebrations and, by contrast, its pristine and remote beaches. But come this November you can add international music to the list of attractions that make this southernmost Island unique and attractive. November is the time to plan a trip South to enjoy world music at its best, featuring American, Texas music, reggae, Latin, jazz and more -- an event not to be missed. MORE
 Tradition: Texas County FairsAre you thinking that your summer fun is over? As summer draws to a close and the theme parks prepare to close down for all but the weekends, the fun is not over yet. The County Fairs of Texas -- Where else could you wrap your lips around a piece of award winning homemade pie? MORE
 The New Passport FrenzyU.S. Passport laws are changing again and more and more people are finding applying for a being issued a passport is no longer a quick and easy process. But starting next June, you can't cross over a land bridge into Canada or Mexico without one. Don't get caught up in the waiting game! Get started now in the application process and be a valid passport holder before the law changes. MORE
 Big Time Saltwater Fishing in TexasIt's the oldest and largest saltwater fishing tournament in Texas, and the TIFT (Texas International Fishing Tournament) is expected to draw more than 500 boats to the South Padre Island-Port Isabel area this weekend for a real Texas classic. It's a family fishing tournament where the winners walk away with big cash prizes, and usually some really big fish. MORE
 Where Were You On Moon Day in 1969?It’s been called the most significant day in human history, a day hat will always be remembered as the culmination of man’s great quest to reach the moon, a day when the entire world watched as American astronauts landed on the lunar surface proclaiming a long awaited victory for the pioneering spirit of mankind. Where were you when it happened? MORE
 Texas Red Neck Games On TapIt's the time of year to grab your spurs and your best mud wrestling outfit (along with a strong stomach) and your best sense of humor, pack the truck and head on out to The Official Texas Redneck Games Aug. 2 - 5 in Athens. Not sure you're a redneck? Here's a few clues for you from Comedian Jeff Foxworthy: You might be a redneck if you think possum is "the Other White Meat." MORE
 Blue Bell's 100th Anniversary CelebrationIt's one thing to head down to the nearest grocer to pick up a gallon or three of delicious Blue Bell Ice Cream. It's a Texas tradition. But this summer, Blue Bell is bringing the ice cream to you! Get ready for BLUE BELL ON TOUR, coming to your neighborhood this summer with the best ice cream the world has ever know! MORE
 JULY4TH RECIPES FROM FAMOUS AMERICANSWhy not make your holiday feast an extra special one this year by adding one or more of these special recipes to your menu. From a selection of fine desserts to a special crab cake recipe, you'll find these foods the perfect touch to your Fourth celebration. From George Washington to George Bush you'll have a complete patriotic menu. MORE
 BEST FOURTH OF JULY GETAWAYSAre you hitting the road this July Fourth to celebrate the holiday somewhere else besides your home turf? Looking for a good place to land where the action is hot and All American? We've got you covered. Check out the best Fourth of July events across Texas and get in the spirit of Independence. MORE
 TEXAS Best Seafood DivesIn a state famous for good food, it's no surprise you can find some of the best fresh Gulf seafood joints in the world -- you know, those little out-of-the-way spots that really know how to prepare fresh caught seafood Texas style! What are you waiting for? Check this list and get ready for some G-O-O-D groceries! MORE
 2007 Texas Theme Park ReportSummer has arrived and thousands will be flocking to amusement parks and special attractions all across the Lone Star State. But who has the newest rides, the most thrill seeking attractions and the best shows? We've got you covered! Check our 2007 review of the best theme parks in the Lone Star State. MORE
 Texas Folklife Festival in San AntonioTexas is full of diverse culture and the Texas Folklife Festival in San Antonio is the best place to discover it all in one location! Staged at the Institute of Texan Culture at Hemisfair Plaza, here's you chance to learn about the many faces of the people who founded our great state. MORE
 Lost Pines Resort: Summer FunIf you're looking for the perfect family resort that provides something for both the kids and the parents, look no further than the Hyatt's Lost Pines Resort near Bastrop. With a waterpark, golf, spa and fine dining in one location, you can't go wrong. A real summer winner in the family getaway book. Load up and head out to the Lost Pines of Texas. MORE
 Freer Rattlesnake RoundupTo some they are dangerous, sneaky creatures, laying in wait for the next unsuspecting victim . To others they are magnificent creatures of Nature that demand respect but are special and are just cause for celebration. Regardless your take, the place to be if you want to tribute the Texas rattlesnake is in Freer, Texas. MORE
 Texas Lavender Fields: Raw BeautyTexas flowers have long provided a coat of many colors to a state already clothed in beauty. From wildflowers along highways to fields of lavender flowers in the Hill Country, you won't find a more beautiful natural canvass. Discover the Texas Lavender Festival and experience the raw beauty of the Lone Star State. MORE
 Port Neches RiverFest: Thunder on the RiverWith four days of family fun on the river, the Port Neches RiverFest offers a little something for everyone, including the thunderous boat races that provide high energy to spectators as well as competitors. Live music, plenty of Texas food and fun for everyone in the family! Get ready for a Southeast Texas throw down like none other! MORE
 HOT! RGV Regional Chili & Salsa Cook OffYou can't beat a a big bowl of chili when you're looking for a hot meal or a hot event to rest your wandering soul! And the RGV Chili & Salsa Cook Off in South Padre is serving up some of the best chili the world has to offer! Get out celebrate the foods of Texas at this cook off being staged on the grounds of one of Texas' premiere waterparks - by the beach! MORE
 Corpus Christi's Buc Days UnderwayIt's one of the best celebrations in Texas, Buccaneer Days in Corpus Christi where the mayor turns over the city to pirates who make fun and merry for two weeks of celebration and fun. A parade and laser light show are featured as well as a professional rodeo South Texas style. Get ready for Buc Days and celebrate the pirate inside. MORE
 Lucky Luke The Hotel DogWelcome to San Antonio's beautiful downtown district where you can always find a unique room with a view. But at the historic Fairmont Hotel just off Hemisfair Square, you'll get a warmer greeting than you had anticipated. Lucky Luke awaits, often with a hand shake and a wag of the tail, the official greeter at this pet friendly facility. MORE
 WINDFEST is Windtastic!Spring has sprung and perhaps it's the perfect time to take that break on the beautiful coast of Texas, and Portland's WindFest may be the perfect getaway to get you ready for the warm summer weather season. Get ready for lots of family fun in the Coastal Bend and celebrate the rites of Spring Texas style! WindFest starts the travel season off right! MORE
 Discover the Pirates of the GulfWith sun scorched hotel and condo towers rising high into the South Padre Island skyline it’s hard to imagine a time when the dunes were the only architectural shapes that populated the long stretch of sand bar that once reached from the Rio Grande River to near Galveston Bay. But here they be pirates - or were pirates. Discover the hardy buccaneers that sailed the Texas coast line and get ready to head south in search of pirate's treasure. MORE
 Saddle Up for Cowboy UTexans have long saddled up and hit the trail in search of adventure - and even profit. There's just something about slipping on a pair of boots, pulling the brim of your hat down low to mask the sun from your eyes, and straddling a well trained horse to ride for the open sky! Why not you? Discover the Texas Longhorn Cattle Drive and Cowboy Up! MORE
 A Texas Beach Paradise in South PadreLooking for the perfect beach getaway without all the pomp? You can find it on the soft sand beaches of South Padre Island, a boutique experience without the boutique expense. With the surf just outside your door and surrounded by sub tropical environs, you can't go wrong with a getaway at the Palms Resort on the Beach. Discover paradise on a Texas Island. MORE
 ICONS OF GLASS - Tiffany MasterworksDiscover the works of Tiffany and Lamb in a private-collection's exhibit at the International Museum of Art $ Science in McAllen. The collected works represent the golden days of stained glass art and features remarkable pieces never exhibited before. Get into art through March in the RGV. MORE
 Those Famous Texans - More Than A Few!Sure - Texans have been known to toot their own horns from time to time. Haven't you heard, everything is bigger and better in Texas? While we may not know the originator of that famous tag line, we do know that Texan's are prone to be fiercely proud of who they are and where they're from. Discover the rich and the famous from Texas and take our quiz to test your Texas celebrity knowledge! MORE
 Texas Coastal Bend Birding AdventuresWhere once the buffalo roamed across vast coastal flood plains, cotton farms and livestock now dot the grasslands. Where once fierce Karankawa Indians carved out their existence in a harsh coastal environment, silver-ribboned highways now cross the countryside. But one thing remains unchanged, and that's the large bird population of this unique region. Discover great Texas birding! MORE
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