Texas Time...

This morning, after breakfast, the group will explore the incredible Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District. With its original brick walkways and wooden corrals, the Stockyards vividly narrate the history of Texas's renowned livestock industry. Staying true to its roots, the Stockyards host the world's only twice-daily cattle drive and feature over a hundred new shopping, dining, and entertainment venues, making it one of Texas's most popular tourist spots. In the evening, we'll head to downtown Grapevine, where you can enjoy a delightful dinner and live music at your own pace.

Today, as our Honky-Tonk tour kicks off, we head to Fredericksburg, Texas, renowned for its vibrant live music scene. Nearly every restaurant, winery, tasting room, brewery, and patio here offers live music. On our way, we'll visit Albert, TX, home to the legendary Icehouse & Dancehall. In 1892, Albert and Minnie Luckenbach sold their general store in Luckenbach, Texas, opened a new post office named "Albert," and established its first general store, now known as the Icehouse. This is how two iconic honky-tonk towns came to be named after Albert Luckenbach. Afterward, we'll proceed to our hotel for an evening in Fredericksburg, perhaps stopping by Hondo's on Main. Hondo's is owned by the daughter of Hondo Crouch, a true Texas character who bought the town of Luckenbach in 1970.

Our day begins with a visit to Fredericksburg's Pioneer Museum, offering a glimpse into the area's rich history. Next, we'll take a short trip to Luckenbach, Texas. Known from the Waylon Jennings song, Luckenbach exudes a ghost-town feel with its small population and strong western charm. One of its buildings houses the remnants of a post office, a working saloon, and a general store, while another serves as the dance hall. A recently added western store offers the chance to grab a T-shirt featuring the iconic slogan, "Everybody's Somebody in Luckenbach." This evening, you'll have the freedom to explore more of Fredericksburg at your own pace.

Our adventure begins today with a trip to Bandera, Texas, a charming small town nestled in the Texas Hill Country with a big story to tell. Home to just 829 residents, Bandera's history is rich with tales of fierce battles between Apache and Comanche tribes and Spanish Conquistadors in nearby Bandera Pass. Now known as the "Cowboy Capital of the World," Bandera was the launch point for the last great cattle drives of the late 1800s. Its strong country music heritage shines at Arkey Blue's Silver Dollar, one of the world's finest honky-tonks. We'll kick off our visit with a stop at The Core Coffee before exploring the Pioneer Museum. After settling into our hotel, we'll gear up for a night of excitement at the Rodeo! Get ready for thrilling events like bull riding, tie-down roping, breakaway roping, open team roping, barrel racing, and even some mutton bustin' and calf scrambling!

Today, you'll get an authentic taste of the Old West cowboy lifestyle right on Bandera's Main Street. Start your day by visiting Kelly Scott and his Chuckwagon, where you can see how cowboys cooked on the trail. Then, take a nostalgic ride in Ron Dakota's Horse Drawn Wagon, offering a scenic tour that captures the essence of cowboy travel. Be sure not to miss the thrilling gunfight re-enactment, bringing the wild frontier to life. At the Western Trail Heritage Park, you'll be serenaded with traditional Cowboy Music, setting the perfect backdrop for your adventure. As evening falls, it's time to don your cowboy boots and hats and head to Arkey Blue's Silver Dollar Saloon. This iconic honky-tonk promises a night of lively music, dancing, and classic Texas hospitality. Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant country music scene and make unforgettable memories!

This morning, we'll make the short drive to Pipe Creek to experience "Cowboy Church," where you'll get a unique blend of faith and western traditions. Afterward, we'll pay a quick visit to John T. Floore's Country Store, a quintessential Texas honky-tonk that has hosted an impressive line-up of legendary performers. Icons such as Willie Nelson, Ernest Tubb, Patsy Cline, Hank Williams, Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, Jerry Lee Lewis, Merle Haggard, George Jones, Waylon Jennings, Dwight Yoakam, Lyle Lovett, B.B. King, Little Richard, and many more have graced its stage. Opened in 1942 by Mr. John T. Floore himself, the "Country Store" was never a store in the traditional sense but rather a unique Texas dance hall and cafe that has become a cultural landmark. 

After we check into our San Antonio hotel, you'll have free time to explore the downtown area at your leisure. Consider stopping by the Lonesome Rose, another iconic venue that promises a genuine Texas experience. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, live music, and the chance to immerse yourself in the local culture.

Let's dive into the day with a visit to the Alamo. Established in 1718, it's best known as the site of the 1836 Battle of the Alamo. However, the site's 300-year history is crucial to understanding why the battle happened and its significance. Its awe-inspiring story is more intriguing than you might imagine. Following this, we'll take a short driving tour around San Antonio's historic missions.

You'll then have free time to explore the city's vibrant Riverwalk and other attractions at your own pace.

In the evening, we'll head to another historic dance hall—Gruene Hall. Built in 1878, Gruene Hall is Texas’s oldest continually operating and most famous dance hall. Remarkably, not much has changed since it was first built. The 6,000-square-foot hall retains its original layout, featuring side flaps for open-air dancing, a bar at the front, a small lighted stage at the back, and a sprawling outdoor garden. Gruene Hall’s patrons have always been the big winners; attendees never know if the artist they see today will be a star tomorrow, but they can be certain the music will always be top-notch.

Let's start our day with a burst of excitement as we bid farewell to San Antonio. We have a couple of great stops planned at The Devil's Backbone Tavern and Cheatham Street Warehouse as we head towards Austin.

First on our list is The Devil's Backbone Tavern, situated on the grounds of an ancient Indian campground and rumoured to be haunted. Along the Backbone, a limestone ridge weaving through the Texas Hill Country, ghost stories abound. One tale tells of a woman wandering the road, searching for her lost love while cradling her baby. Some even claim the tavern itself is haunted, with patrons reporting eerie encounters. Whether true or not, Devil’s Backbone Tavern has always been a beloved hangout for musicians and music enthusiasts alike.

Next, we'll swing by Cheatham Street Warehouse, a storied honky-tonk that has left an indelible mark on Texas music history. Since opening its doors in June 1974, it has been a hub for musicians, cementing its status as a musical landmark. As one of the original owners famously remarked, "If there hadn’t been a Luckenbach, there wouldn’t have ever been a Cheatham Street."

Tonight, get ready to dance the night away at the iconic Broken Spoke! This world-famous dance hall may not boast opulent decor, but its rustic charm and authentic country atmosphere make it a true Texan treasure. Be sure to check out James M. White's tourist trap room, brimming with country music memorabilia. And remember, as James always says, "We may not be fancy, but we're as country as it gets!"

We'll start our day by exploring Austin's vibrant streets! Our first stop will be the iconic Texas State Capitol, a grand landmark full of history and charm. After soaking in the sights, we'll head over to South Congress Avenue, known for its quirky shops, colorful art, and, of course, live music. Perhaps have a cold drink at the legendary Continental Club! This spot has been rocking since 1955.

As the day turns to night, let's head downtown to the White Horse Saloon for some fun. This place is all about good vibes, great music, and dancing the night away. So grab your friends, put on your dancing shoes, and let's make some memories in Austin!

After enjoying a hearty breakfast this morning, we'll set off on a northward journey through Waco, Texas, where we'll stop at the Texas Ranger's museum and delve into the fascinating history of these legendary lawmen. Once we've explored the museum and soaked up some Texas history, we'll continue our journey back to Grapevine. But the excitement doesn't end there! Tonight, get ready for Billy Bob's Texas! Since its opening on April 1, 1981, Billy Bob's has been the epitome of Texas-sized entertainment. With its sprawling 100,000 square feet of space, over 30 bar stations, live performances by country music's biggest stars, exhilarating pro bull riding, and a dance floor large enough to accommodate even the most enthusiastic two-steppers, Billy Bob's has rightfully earned its title as "The World's Largest Honky Tonk." So put on your cowboy boots and get ready for a night of unforgettable fun at this iconic Texas venue!

Today, get ready for an exciting day as we head to downtown Dallas! Our first stop will be the iconic Dealey Plaza, where history comes alive. We'll explore the fascinating exhibits at the 6th Floor Museum and learn all about the events that shaped the nation's history. Then, it's off to Southfork Ranch, the famous home of TV's Ewing Family from "Dallas"! Get ready to step into the world of the iconic show as we tour the sprawling ranch and soak up the nostalgia.

As the day winds down, we'll gather as a group for our final night's dinner. It's a chance to relax, share stories, and enjoy each other's company as we wrap up our adventure together. So let's make the most of this special evening and celebrate the memories we've made!

Your Texas Honky-tonk Tour has come to an end.  The last stop is Dallas Fort Worth Airport for your onward journey!

We hope you have enjoyed your tour - and will join us again soon!