Saddle Up

Memorial Day weekend rodeos and Hill Country adventures await in Bandera

Forget the crowded beaches and overpriced theme parks — the real adventure awaits in the rolling hills of Bandera, where authentic cowboy culture meets Hill Country charm.

Just about four hours west of Houston, this small town of fewer than 1,000 residents packs more genuine Western spirit into its Main Street than most places ten times its size. Known proudly as the "Cowboy Capital of the World," Bandera offers visitors a chance to experience the American West as it truly was while enjoying modern comforts and unforgettable hospitality.

A town that makes history come alive

Bandera's commitment to preserving and celebrating its heritage has earned it national recognition. The town was selected as one of only seven rural communities nationwide to host the prestigious Smithsonian Traveling Exhibit "Crossroads: Change in Rural America," which will be displayed at Bandera Middle School from June 21 through July 26, 2025.

This honor reflects the town's unique position as a living piece of American history, where visitors can witness authentic gunfight reenactments every Saturday (weather permitting) and explore two exceptional museums that capture the essence of the frontier era.

Frontier Times Museum Bandera The Frontier Times Museum.Photo courtesy of Visit Bandera

The Bandera Natural History & Art Museum houses one of the largest New Spain art collections in the region, while the Frontier Times Museum earned recognition as the No. 6 Best Small Town Museum by USA Today in 2025. These aren't dusty repositories of artifacts — they're vibrant storytelling venues that bring the Wild West to life for visitors of all ages.

Summer festivals and Rodeo excitement

Summer in Bandera means non-stop excitement, starting with the Memorial Day weekend festivities from May 23-25. The Bandera Pro Rodeo hosts the Memorial Weekend Stampede Rodeo, complete with a festive Main Street Parade on May 24, vendor markets on the Courthouse Lawn, and live music echoing across multiple venues throughout town. It's the perfect kickoff to a season filled with authentic Western entertainment.

For those seeking weekly thrills, the Riding on Faith Summer Series Rodeo delivers authentic Western excitement every Friday night at Mansfield Park throughout the summer season, running from May 30 through July 25. Local and visiting cowboys test their skills against bucking broncos and bulls in genuine competition, giving spectators a front-row seat to one of America's most demanding and thrilling sports.

Independence Day celebrations extend well beyond the Fourth of July, starting with the Lakehills 4th of July Parade and Bandera's beloved 29th Annual Pet Parade on July 4, followed by the grand Bandera 4th of July Parade on July 5th. The patriotic spirit culminates with the National Day of the American Cowboy celebration on July 26 — where better to honor this uniquely American tradition than in its proclaimed capital?

Authentic experiences beyond the arena

What sets Bandera apart from other tourist destinations is its commitment to authentic experiences. Visitors can saddle up any day of the week for scenic horseback rides through town or venture into the Hill Country State Natural Area with local outfitters who know every trail and watering hole, and are happy to share stories of the land and its history.

Bandera Take a ride through town.Photo courtesy of Visit Bandera

Photo courtesy of Visit Bandera

Load up at B-Daddy's BBQ on Main.

The town's culinary scene reflects its authentic character. The legendary O.S.T. Diner serves up classic American fare that has satisfied cowboys and visitors for generations, while B-Daddy's BBQ on Main cooks up everything from sandwiches and plates to loaded spuds and brisket birria tacos.

And you can't miss visiting 11th Street Cowboy Bar, which offers Steak Night every Wednesday alongside its reputation as "the biggest little bar in the state."

Local shopping experiences include unique establishments like the Bandera General Store, Texas Salt Co., The Cowboy Store, and the whimsically named Fickle Pickle, each offering treasures you won't find in chain stores.

Music and nightlife with character

Live music flows through Bandera almost every night of the week, from the historic Arkey Blue's Silver Dollar — Texas' oldest honky-tonk — to the lively atmosphere at 11th Street Cowboy Bar. These venues serve as true community gathering places where locals and visitors come together to share stories, dance to classic country tunes, and experience the genuine small-town Texas spirit that makes Bandera so special.

Arkey Blue's Silver Dollar Bandera Drop by Arkey Blue's Silver Dollar, Texas' oldest honky-tonk.Photo courtesy of Visit Bandera

Accommodations for every adventure style

Whether you're dreaming of a classic dude ranch experience, seeking the serenity of a charming cabin, or looking for something completely unique like glamping in a yurt, Bandera offers accommodations that match every style of adventure.

Bandera proves that the best vacations aren't always about checking items off a tourist list — sometimes they're about slowing down, connecting with authentic culture, and experiencing a way of life that remains refreshingly unchanged. In a world of manufactured experiences, Bandera offers something increasingly rare: the real thing.

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Plan your next visit and see what's happening every day of the week in Bandera here.

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2025 world's best awards

6 Houston hotels ranked with the best in the world by Travel + Leisure

Photo courtesy of The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa

The Houstonian is back on top as the best resort in Texas.

Several renowned Houston hotels and resorts were just declared the best in the world by Travel + Leisure readers, according to the publication's annual World's Best Awards.

The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa was honored as the No. 1 best resort in Texas, while the prestigious Post Oak Hotel ranked as the No. 7 best hotel in the nation. Among T+L's list of the 15 best hotels in Texas, four more distinguished Houston properties made the cut.

Every year, Travel + Leisure surveys its readers to determine the ultimate travel experiences around the world, which include the top hotels, resorts, travel destinations, and more. The 2025 survey had more than 180,000 responses from T+L readers with over 657,000 votes across 8,700 accommodations, cruise lines, and other properties.

The Houstonian Hotel reclaimed the top spot for 2025 after previously slipping into No. 4 in 2024. The publication celebrated this "serene sanctuary" for its numerous sports and fitness activities, plus its rejuvenating 26,500-square-foot spa, pool, and jacuzzi. The resort's location next to Memorial Park also provides guests with the feeling that they've escaped the hustle and bustle of the city.

“The staff treats you like you are a long-awaited family member," said a T+L reader.Photo courtesy of The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa

"Resort guests receive complimentary access to the fitness club, which has dedicated spaces for a myriad of sports, including nine tennis courts, a shaded jogging trail, an indoor track, and a lap pool," the report said. "On top of the unbeatable facilities and location, the Houstonian’s memorable hospitality had our voters eager for repeat visits."

In a press release, general manager Steve Fronterhouse said the entire Houstonian team was honored to receive the worldwide recognition.

"To be named the best resort in Texas by the discerning readers of Travel + Leisure is not just a reflection of our 27 acres and amenities; it’s recognition of the Southern hospitality and warmth our staff delivers every day," he said. "We are grateful to all of our guests who continue to make The Houstonian their home away from home.”

The full list of best Texas resorts, in order, are:

The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa, Houston
Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa, Frisco
JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa, San Antonio
Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa, Austin
Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center, Grapevine

Best hotels in the U.S.
In addition to being ranked among the top 10 best hotels in the U.S., The Post Oak Hotel was also hailed as the No. 1 best hotel in Houston. The hotel succeeds at providing guests with a flawless level of service and accommodations, while its on-site restaurants and bars add to the overall opulence of the property's amenities.

"And naturally, there's a world-class spa on site and a Rolls‑Royce showroom in case you need to pick up a new ride," the report said.

Stay in style at The Post Oak Hotel. Photo courtesy of The Post Oak Hotel

A T+L reader said The Spa at The Post Oak Hotel is "a destination in itself" and noted that guests could still have a memorable experience in Houston even if they never step foot off the 700,000-square-foot premises. But if guests did choose to explore everything the city has to offer, the hotel provides an over-the-top travel method.

"There is a rooftop helipad so that you don't even have to sit in Houston traffic if you don't want to," the reader said.

The full list of Houston winning hotels, in order, are:

No. 1 – The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston
No. 2 – Hotel ZaZa
No. 3 – Four Seasons Hotel Houston
No. 4 – JW Marriott Houston Downtown
No. 5 – Hilton Americas-Housto

Other Texas awards
San Antonio's Hotel Emma and Fort Worth's Bowie House, Auberge Resorts Collection were the only two other Texas properties to earn acclaim in T+L's list of the "15 Best City Hotels in the U.S."

San Antonio was also deemed one of the best U.S. travel destinations in 2025, ranking 12th out of 15 total cities.

In a release, Travel + Leisure editor in chief Jacqui Gifford said the 2025 World's Best Awards "reflect a travel landscape in motion."

"From a high-desert city in the American Southwest to a quiet Greek island, our readers are seeking depth, character, and a strong sense of place," Gifford said. "We're thrilled to honor the hotels, destinations, and travel companies that are delivering those transformative experiences."

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