Cool Off

Beat the Texas heat with a sizzling summer vacay to San Marcos

Summer in Texas means river time.

Photo courtesy of Visit San Marcos

The summer vacay vibes right now are strong, but a great getaway doesn't have to be far-flung. Keep your cool in San Marcos this summer with these refreshing ideas:

Run to the river
Did summer in Texas even happen if you didn't float the river? Besides grabbing a tube, cooler, and your best buds for a relaxing day on the crystal-clear, spring-fed water, you can also snorkel, kayak, standup paddle board, or even just sunbathe.

Head into the earth
Escape the sun by venturing underground at Wonder World Park for a tour of the Balcones Fault Line Cave. Besides being an exquisite 72 degrees year-round, the earthquake-formed cave is dotted with prehistoric fossils and huge boulders suspended in midair.

Afterward, check out the anti-gravity house, Texas Wildlife Petting Park, or the Texas Observatory Tower for awesome Hill Country views.

Embrace the AC
True Texans know to duck indoors when the summer heat gets too intense, and if you happen to start shopping while hypnotized by that sweet, sweet air conditioning, then so be it.

Score plenty of deals at the largest outlet mall in the United States and find one-of-a-kind treasures at boutiques around town.

Pick up some knowledge
Museums also crank out the chilly air, so pay a visit to the LBJ Museum (to learn about President Johnson’s time as a student in San Marcos) and drop in on the Wittliff Collection at Texas State University (for an afternoon of art, culture, and history).

Down a cold one
Cool off with a pint at one — or all — of San Marcos' three craft breweries: Roughhouse Brewing, Middleton Brewing, and Sean Patrick's.

Learn more and plan your perfect summer itinerary in San Marcos here.

Summer in Texas means river time.

Photo courtesy of Visit San Marcos

Summer in Texas means river time.

shopping nature vacation museums promoted

all routes lead to rome

New nonstop flight connects Houston with Rome for the first time

Photo courtest of Houston Airports

Houston Mayor John Whitmire listens as Jim Szczesniak, Director of Aviation for Houston Airports, discusses the addition of ITA Airways at IAH.

Thinking of a Roman holiday? The good news for Houstonians is that George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) will begin offering direct, nonstop flights to Rome starting next spring. It will be the first time IAH and Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) in Fiumicino, Italy have connected nonstop.

“We welcome ITA Airways to Houston, as it reflects our city's prominence on the global stage," said Houston Mayor John Whitmire in a press conference held on Tuesday, December 2. "The first ever route between Houston and Rome will strengthen our business, diplomatic, and cultural ties with Italy. It will also bring more visitors to experience Houston's vibrant culture, world-class healthcare, and diverse industries."

Starting May 1, 2026, ITA Airways will offer three flights a week between Houston and Rome, expanding to five flights a week beginning June 1. Houston is ITA's ninth North American destination.

“Nonstop service to Rome is a defining moment for Houston and a direct result of the strength and credibility of our airport system. This route will bring new visitors, new investment, and new business opportunities into our region,” said Jim Szczesniak, director of aviation for Houston Airports. “It expands Houston’s presence in Europe and proves that disciplined, strategic growth at Houston Airports delivers measurable economic impact. Strong airports don’t just move people. They shape markets, expand opportunity and help define a city’s place in the world.”

Flights will be made via a Airbus A330-900. The model is renowned for its comfort on long flights, including ergonomic seats, ample personal space, and a quiet cabin. Appropriately, many of the interior cabin components are made in Italy and reflect an elegant European design.

Houston billionaire Tilman Fertitta, currently serving as America's ambassador to Italy, also welcomed the new route that connects his hometown with his current job.

“As a Texan and as the U.S. Ambassador to Italy, I’m thrilled by ITA’s new direct route between Houston and Rome," Fertitta said. "It strengthens the economic links that drive mutual understanding and shared prosperity. It was great working with ITA Airways CEO Joerg Eberhart, Mayor John Whitmire, and all the partners that helped make this possible.”

The new route to Rome continues the international expansion that has been happening at IAH over the last several years. Last year, the airport announced new non-stop flights to recent vacation hotspot, Puerto Escondido, Mexico. It was part of Houston Airports' goal of making Houston the gateway to America ahead of the FIFA 2026 World Cup. Now, it looks like IAH will be welcoming Italian soccer fans, as the routes open up just in time for the sports event next summer.

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