EVERYTHING'S BIGGER IN TEXAS

Take a trip to the Lone Star State to discover its hidden gems, from giant footwear to spectacular urban wildlife

- RACHEL OGDEN

Thanks to the antics of Dallas’ Ewing family in the 1980s, Texas can be one of the first states that springs to mind when  we think of the USA. However, it’s come a long way from big hair, shoulder pads and spats over oil wells. Cowboy hats and boots are still seen on the streets but Austin, the capital city of Texas, and the surrounding areas offer an American adventure that’s filled with great eats, fascinating culture and unmissable attractions. Plus, it’s a year-round destination, with hot summers, temperate winters and beautiful blue skies, and mild temperatures in spring and autumn.

LET’S GO OUTSIDE 

Austin boasts more than 300 sunny days in the average year, so it’s no wonder that many attractions are outdoors. You won’t need to leave the city to get back to nature, though. The Colorado River runs through the centre and has been dammed to form Lady Bird Lake, making it ideal for canoeing and kayaking, as well as scenic walks or cycling along its banks.