Lone Star Exploration

Discover a weekend getaway made for you in El Paso

Spring break is right around the corner, and the ideal destination may be closer than you think.

A weekend in El Paso blends desert adventure, vibrant culture, and unforgettable flavors into one seamless getaway. Framed by the Franklin Mountains and rich in borderland heritage, the city offers a dynamic mix of outdoor exploration, artistic discovery, and standout dining, all anchored by welcoming places to stay.

The Great Outdoors
Outdoor enthusiasts find no shortage of ways to explore the Chihuahuan Desert landscape. Franklin Mountains State Park rises dramatically within city limits, offering miles of hiking trails with panoramic views that stretch across Texas, New Mexico, and Mexico.

Just outside the city, Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site draws hikers, climbers, and history lovers with its striking rock formations and ancient pictographs. For travelers craving high-energy adventure, Red Sands delivers wide-open terrain ideal for ATV riding, creating an exhilarating contrast to the serenity of mountain trails.

Arts & Local Culture
Back in the city center, El Paso’s arts and culture scene reveals the creative heartbeat of the region. Downtown walking mural tours transform city streets into open-air galleries, showcasing colorful works that reflect local stories and border-town identity. The Mexican American Cultural Center celebrates heritage through exhibitions and performances, while La Nube STEAM Discovery Center invites visitors of all ages to engage with interactive science and technology experiences.

Art lovers can explore rotating exhibitions at the El Paso Museum of Art or trace the region’s past at the El Paso Museum of History. Evenings often lead to the historic Plaza Theatre, where concerts, Broadway productions, and live performances bring energy and elegance to the downtown stage.

Eat Your Heart Out
Dining in El Paso captures the city’s diverse culinary spirit. Menus range from inventive modern cuisine to beloved neighborhood institutions. Taconeta highlights bold flavors and fresh ingredients in a lively atmosphere, while Cattlemen’s Steakhouse serves classic Texas fare in a memorable ranch setting.

L&J Cafe remains a local favorite for authentic border-style comfort food. For elevated dining, Cafe Central offers refined dishes in a polished setting, and Acca delivers contemporary cuisine with artistic presentation. Each restaurant adds a distinctive layer to a weekend defined by discovery and indulgence.

Relax and Stay Awhile
And what would the ideal destination be without comfortable accommodations? In the heart of downtown, the Plaza Hotel, Hotel Paso Del Norte, Stanton House, and Hotel Indigo place guests steps from major attractions, dining, and nightlife. Across the city, a wide range of flagship hotels and boutique properties ensures options for every style and budget. Luxury amenities, locally inspired design, and convenient locations make it easy to settle in and explore.

Destination El Paso Welcome to hotel IndigoPhoto courtesy of Visit El Paso

Photo courtesy of Visit El paso

Aztec Trail at Franklin Mountains State Park.

Planning a trip is straightforward with resources designed to simplify every step. Transportation guidance, hotel recommendations, curated trip ideas, and digital visitor tools help shape an itinerary filled with memorable moments. With so much to see and experience, a single weekend often sparks plans for a return visit.

El Paso stands as a destination where desert landscapes meet cultural richness and culinary creativity. A well-planned weekend reveals a city that invites exploration, rewards curiosity, and delivers experiences tailored to every traveler.

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Best of the South

Southern Living lauds Hill Country hotspots in new annual awards

Visit Fredericksburg TX/Facebook

Southern Living is showing Fredericksburg some love in its annual awards.

The famous German Hill Country town of Fredericksburg is getting the spotlight as a must-visit destination in Southern Living's 2026 South's Best Awards, as well as its new boutique hotel, a café in Marble Falls, and an iconic Austin barbecue joint.

Fredericksburg claimed the coveted No. 3 spot in the publication's ranking of the Best Small Towns in the South.

The annual awards are determined through third-party online surveys of Southern Living consumers from July 9 to September 9, 2025. Over 17,000 respondents rated their favorite places across the South, the report said.

The top two best small Southern towns were St. Augustine, Florida (No. 1), and St. Simons Island/Golden Isles, Georgia (No. 2).

Specifically, Southern Living gave a nod to Fredericksburg's growth and the recent addition of The Albert Hotel, which opened in 2025. The Albert Hotel was ranked the 10th best new hotel in 2026.

"The city’s premier full-service luxury hotel revives a cluster of 19th-century landmarks, from a historic saloon to a former pharmacy that is now a cafe, deli, and artisan market," the report said. "Alongside the 105 minimalist guest rooms, a holistic spa and a limestone pool provide moments of quiet relaxation."

We all need a relaxing day poolside at the Albert Hotel pool oasis.Photo by Chase Daniels

As the Fredericksburg area grows, Southern Living said, it still maintains its cozy, small-town feel.

"Fredericksburg still wears its German heritage on its sleeve, evident throughout Main Street architecture and a lively cluster of biergartens and long-running seasonal festivals," the report's author wrote. "Wine lovers will feel particularly at home thanks to more than 100 wineries and tasting rooms scattered throughout town and the surrounding countryside."

It's no wonder Southern Living decided to locate its 2026 Idea House there.

Popular events like the Fredericksburg Food & Wine Festival and locally focused programs like the Texas Hill Country Wineries wine passports draw in crowds from all parts of Texas. The town is about a four-hour drive from Houston, which makes it a great weekend or spring break escape. Houston-area travelers might even spot small patches of bluebonnets during their road trip through the Hill Country.

No matter which route you take, travelers should make a pit stop through another small Texas town called Marble Falls, which is home to one of Southern Living's most legendary Southern restaurants: Blue Bonnet Cafe. According to the report, its longstanding staff members embody the idea of "southern hospitality" every day.

"There’s one real reason the Blue Bonnet Cafe is so widely respected: The folks who run the place have been holding this small-town diner to high standards for years," the report said.

Blue Bonnet Cafe opened in 1929 and was later bought by the Kemper family in 1981, who still own and operate it today. Southern Living recommends ordering one of the blue plate specials, and a slice of pie is a mandatory treat.

"With 15 options — from luxuriously creamy to bright and fruity — you’re guaranteed to find one you’ll love," the report said.

Blue Bonnet Cafe in Marble Falls, Texas Ordering a slice of pie is a requirement, not a suggestion.Blue Bonnet Cafe - Marble Falls, TX/Facebook

The only other Texas destination to earn recognition in Southern Living's annual awards was the iconic Franklin Barbecue in Austin, which was crowned the best barbecue joint in Texas by the publication's readers.

"Fans from around the world queue up for hours to experience the craftsmanship that has made Franklin a barbecue celebrity," the report said. "Flawless prime-grade brisket with a sweet, tangy glaze is still the showstopper here, and it’s accompanied by the quintessential Central Texas lineup of pork ribs, turkey, and jalapeño-Cheddar sausage."

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