From new resort openings to fall festivals and immersive arts experiences, there's plenty to do and see on a fun-filled October holiday weekend or staycation. Texans looking for ideas on where to travel can find them here, in our big monthly roundup of the best tips across the state.
In the land of hills
A new treehouse resort is coming to the Hill Country: Onera opened his second location In Wimberley in mid-September. The resort offers 28 treehouses and “mud house-style units” with panoramic views of the beautiful Hill Country landscape. The property also has an event space that can accommodate 125 people with an atrium and courtyard, as well as an infinity pool and spa. Rates at the Onera Wimberley start at $279 per night.
This fall will be filled with family celebrations and raucous pub crawls across the Hill Country, and CultureMap has rounded up nine of the Best Oktoberfests in San Antonio takes place throughout the month. Notable events include Oktoberfest at The Rock of La Cantera, Six Flags OktoberfestAnd Stable Stein Festival.
Texas pitmaster Al Frugoni brings together more than 90 barbecue enthusiasts – both pitmasters and content creators – for one “Meat over an open fire” on Saturday, October 26 at The Barn at Quail Crossing in Hondaabout 40 miles west of San Antonio. Guests can enjoy tons of barbecue meats and sides, and the family-friendly event also includes live music and activities for kids. The event raises money for Medina County first responders through GoMedina. Early bird tickets are $20 and increase to $25 after October 18. Tickets can be purchased via ticketleap.events.
that of FredericksburgFort Martin Scott was recently designated a state historic site by the Texas Historical Commission (THC). The fort, established in 1848, was the state's first border military post. According to a press release, Fort Martin Scott will soon add a gift shop to the facility. The field is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., while the site is open Thursday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entrance is free until November 1st.
Fort Martin Scott is the Texas Historical Commission's 39th historic site.Photo courtesy of the Texas Historical Commission
In North Texas
THE State Fair of Texas is back for a fun-filled three-week run through Sunday, October 20. CultureMap has all the details on how to score discounted ticketsfind it best fair foodAnd new attractions and events. Visitors can learn more about this year's extravaganza at our comprehensive State Fair of Texas. editorial series.
Fans of paranormal activities should enjoy it Fort Worth famous Stockyard Ghost Tourswhich are available Thursday through Saturday each month. The 90-minute tours are led by Cowtown Winery and led by a “seasoned storyteller (who is) a master of the strange and the unexplained.” Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and students and $13 for children 10 and under. Book via tickets.grapevineticketline.com.
In Austin
Travelers who want to feel transported into the paintings of two of history's most famous artists won't want to miss the immersion.”Beyond Van Gogh and beyond Monet“exhibitions at Austin American-Statesman Buildingwhich will run until Sunday October 27. Animations bring the paintings to life on projectors with 4 trillion pixels of resolution, so details remain firmly intact. Tickets start at $29.99 for adults and can be found at beyond exhibitions.com.
If supporting local artists is on your agenda, that of Georgetown third year Southern Main Arts Festival will take place on Saturday, October 19 from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the new South Main Arts District. The festival will feature several local artisan vendors, a community chalk art project, live music, printmaking activities and much more. This event is free to the public and more information can be found at visit.georgetown.org.
The Loren on Lady Bird Lake in Austin offers a cozy fall discount for weekday stays all month long. Guests who book a Monday-Wednesday stay in October using the code “FALLESCAPE” will receive 15% off the hotel's best available rates for all rooms and suites. Rates for the Fall Escape discount start at $293 per night.
In anticipation of Formula 1 United States Grand Prix in Austin from October 18 to 20, Hotel ZaZa Austin offers the most luxurious package for racing fans who don't want to get stuck in traffic on the way to the Circuit of the Americas. The hotel bonus “F1 High Roller” package includes private transportation to a downtown Austin heliport that will transport guests to the track, where COTA will provide seamless car service from the heliport “straight to the action.” The package costs $1,500 per person per day, and interested guests should email MediaInquiry@HotelZaZa.com inquire within the limits of availability.
At home in Houston
Houston is eagerly awaited Meow Wolf has set its opening date for Thursday October 31 and revealed its immersive theme: Radio Tave. It is described as a radio station that was transported to another dimensionwhere visitors will be able to explore dozens of rooms filled with interactive elements such as hidden doors, paths and portals. General admission tickets start at $40 per person and can be purchased through miaouwolf.com.
THE recently openedGrand Lodge of the Wolf In Webster is celebrating the spooky season with its first-ever Howl-O-Ween celebration from now until October 31. Family-friendly festivities include a Great Wolf Spider balloon installation, a Monster Bash Dance Party, arts and crafts activities and drink specials. . Nightly rates at Great Wolf Lodge start at $349 per night and reservations can be made over the phone by calling 800-905-9653.
