Catherine Parker

Public squares have long been the keystones of American communities, serving as the stage for everything from farmers’ markets to historic speeches. They're the heartbeats of cities, where culture pulses and people gather.
These public squares have been nominated by an expert panel as the best in the United States, not just for their aesthetic value, but also their historical significance and communal importance.
Which public square...

From the warm sun to the soothing waves, a day at the beach soothes people. A beach day is on many a warm-weather bucket list. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the U.S. features 100,000 miles of coastline. From inky black to pure white sand beaches to beaches that are wildlife sanctuaries to the perfect beach for shelling, beachgoers can spread out for a much-needed beach day. With all the beaches across the US, visitors can find a beach to fit their needs. He...

Birding in Texas is one of the best states in the U.S. Two factors help the migratory birds. Geographically, Texas offers two flyways or paths that the birds follow on their seasonal migrations. Texas also features miles of undeveloped coastline. It offers migratory birds what they need—shelter, food and water. Some birds spend their winters along the Texas Gulf Coast. Other birds drop in for a few days of rest before the final leg over the Gulf of Mexico to the Yucatan. Here are the birding ...

From High Island to South Padre Island, Texas boasts 376 miles of coastline. At the best beaches in Texas, beachgoers will find beaches for different types of recreational activity. From birding to kayaking to adventure sports, there’s a beach for most. Some beaches offer chair service; others offer accessible features like ramps and beach chairs. Here are the best beaches in Texas from its eastern edge to its southern border.
11 Best Beaches in Texas
Padre Island National Seashore
Whitecaps ...

Lions, Tigers and Zebras! Plus Giraffes, Hippos and Bears. The best zoos in the US include large enclosures that allow for free-roaming wildlife. Encounter programming, where visitors can get close to the animals, are another top feature. Zoos with thousands of animals, including endangered species, are always top zoos in the US. There are zoos from the Bronx to San Diego for your next getaway.
15 Best Zoos in the US
San Diego Zoo
St. Louis Zoo
Houston Zoo
The Bronx Zoo
Dallas Zoo
San Antonio...

Texas is full of holes, and lots ot them. With limestone underground, it is estimated that 13,000 caves, sinkholes and springs are underground in Texas. However, only a handful are Show Caves or developed caves with regular organized tours. There are countless others that only wildlife know about. Here are the best caves in Texas, including two caves with wild cave tours.
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10 Best Caves in Texas
Natural Bridge Caverns in San Antonio
Natural Bridge Caverns Review
Caverns of So...

In Texas, San Antonio is the favorite destination with everyone from families to retirees to honeymooners. The River Walk is hopping all day and into the night. The Alamo is another top attraction and includes a museum. The San Antonio Zoo is a must for animal lovers and one of the top zoos in Texas. Here is the best weekend in San Antonio itinerary.
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Top Things to Do for the Best Weekend in San Antonio
Top 21 Things to Do in San Antonio
Day 1 The Alamo and the River Walk
The...

Texas offers travelers lots of different terrain. From its desert landscape in the West to its UNESCO World Heritage Site in San Antonio to its eastern pine forests, visitors can visit Texas National Park sites to learn more its history, its unique landscape and its flora and fauna. There are cultural sites to explore, like the LBJ Ranch, and the newest site, an adobe school house in West Texas. Travelers will also find recreational areas, the longest national seashore in the U.S, and several...

San Antonio is the top destination in Texas. From the River Walk to the Pearl District to the UNESCO Missions, it blends history and fun into an easy getaway. While in San Antonio, sampling its Tex-Mex cuisine is another must. It is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. Then, it offers a selection of top museums for art and history. Here are the top things to do in San Antonio with kids or without.

Texas boasts friendly smiles and lots of wide open spaces. So, back in the day, drive-ins popped up like wildflowers. With a handful of vintage drive-ins scattered across the state, plan a date night with your loved one to watch a movie on the big screen. It’s not all old-school screens; however, there are modern drive-ins, especially in the urban areas. Here is a guide to the Texas Drive-Ins.
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Guide to Texas Drive-Ins
Drive-In Etiquette
From Amarillo to Padre: 26 Top Things ...

From the T-Rex’s tiny arms to the long neck of the Apatosaurus, dinosaurs are fascinating to many. Wannabe dino hunters can go dinosaur hunting in Texas with a basic knowledge of paleontology and a map. The dinosaurs might be long gone, though they left their footprints and skeletons all over the state. Texas is in a hot zone for dinosaur footprints and Ice Age skeletons. Here are the top places for Dinosaurs in Texas Parks.
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Why Are There Dinosaurs in Texas
Top Places for Di...

Conveniently located between Houston and Dallas, Bryan is a quick weekend getaway. Deep in the heart of the Brazos Valley, Bryan, Texas, is neighbors with Texas A&M University. While there, travelers will find lots to do, like wine tasting or a wildlife safari. Here are the top Bryan TX attractions.
11 Top Bryan TX Attractions
George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum
Texas A&M University
Aggieland Wild Animal Safari
Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History
Booneville Heritage Park
Will...

Fort Davis is a tiny mountain getaway packed with activities out in West Texas. South of Interstate 10, it boasts a National Park, a state park, an observatory and wide open spaces for hiking and exploring. While in West Texas, make time for scenic drives and sunsets. Part of the Chihuahua Desert, traveling with enjoy sunny days and cool nights. Here are the top things to do in Fort Davis, Texas.
17 Top Things to Do in Fort Davis
Visit Fort Davis National Historic Site
Stop by the Fort Davis ...

San Antonio pops with color for 10 days each Spring. As the largest festival, the annual San Antonio Fiesta is from April 24 to May 4, 2025. From the food festivals to the river parade to the carnivals, this 10-day celebration has it all. Everyone in the city takes a break for fun, including school kids. Get a cascarone or confetti-filled egg and crack it one of your loves. This is the recipe for springtime fun in San Antonio. Here are the Top Things to do at Fiesta in San Antonio.
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In an area that resembles the Texas Hill Country, Bosque County rolls with hills and is dotted with trees. Northwest of Waco, this area of Texas features rivers that bulge into lakes and is surrounded by verdant pastures. It’s that beauty that attracted the early settlers and then the artists. Clifton, Texas, features a quaint downtown core with shopping, restaurants, art galleries and its Art Alley. It hosts annual juried art shows and is a cultural hub.
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Top Arty Things to ...