Another Round

Raise a glass to a summer of sips at haute hotels across Texas

It's the summer of poptails all across Texas.

Photo courtesy of Valencia Hotel Collection

Discover unique charm this summer with the Valencia Hotel Collection. Whether you're visiting the stylish Hotel Valencia Riverwalk in San Antonio, soaking up the relaxed vibe at one of the Court Hotels, or indulging in the distinct elegance of The George in College Station, each property shines with its own sophisticated flair and character.

And summer just got sweeter. Valencia's signature Summer Poptails are back, this time with a purpose. Every purchase of these icy, fruity drinks — handcrafted cocktails topped with a popsicle — supports Ronald McDonald House, meaning you make a difference with each sip.

Here's where you'll want to be cheers-ing this summer:

Austin
Lone Star Court is a a true taste of authentic Americana. This retro-inspired hotel in North Austin's Domain delivers a resort-inspired experience with a modern twist, taking you back to when travel was an adventure. Charming and comfortable with upscale amenities, the boutique hotel offers acres of fun with beautifully landscaped courtyards, an outdoor pool, live music on the weekends, fire pits, lawn games, and a Smeg refrigerator in every room.

Lone Star Court hotel Lone Star Court.Photo courtesy of Valencia Hotel Collection

Irving
Located next to the bustling Toyota Music Factory and Irving Convention Center, Texican Court offers a one-of-a-kind experience in the heart of Las Colinas. Find charm and comfort alongside upscale amenities at this boutique hotel, which is nestled on acres of beautifully landscaped courtyards. Once settled in your room, unwind at the resort-style pool, stop by Salt Tequila Bar for a signature tequila tasting, or dine at Two Mules Cantina.

Lubbock
Cotton Court offers a city-inspired boutique hotel experience in the heart of downtown Lubbock. Its design is influenced by Lubbock's history in the cotton industry and the region's Great Plains roots across the South Plains. Located on Broadway, the 165-room hotel sits near Texas Tech University and is just minutes from the Depot District, with its shops, restaurants, bars, and nightlife.

Cotton Court Hotel Cotton Court.Photo courtesy of Valencia Hotel Collection

College Station
The "Court" in Cavalry Court's name isn't just for show — explore the unique outdoor courtyard featuring poolside cabanas, lawn games, cozy fire pits, and live music, capturing the charm of the other Court Hotels. This full-service hotel in the heart of Century Square is among the best hotels in Bryan College Station.

Cavalry Court hotel Cavalry Court.Photo courtesy of Valencia Hotel Collection

Where rustic meets refined, The George, also located in Century Square, brings sophisticated flair to the Brazos Valley. It has a stay-a-while pool to relax at or you can head inside to the hip 1791 Whiskey Bar for a handcrafted cocktail.

The George Hotel The George.Photo courtesy of Valencia Hotel Collection

San Antonio
Situated on the famed San Antonio River Walk, Hotel Valencia Riverwalk blends Spanish Colonial and modern Mediterranean design with contemporary ideals for a hotel that's steeped in history and charm.

Hotel Valencia Riverwalk.Photo courtesy of Valencia Hotel Collection

Join Valencia Hotel Collection for a summer filled with luxury and memorable experiences. Learn more at www.valenciahotelcollection.com.

vacations hotels cocktails drinks promoted

TX to TN

FlixBus revives affordable route from Houston to Memphis via New Orleans

Photo courtesy of FlixBus

FlixBus is now cruising from Texas to Tennessee.

Traveling from Texas to Tennessee is about to get a lot easier, more affordable, and more scenic. Budget-friendly bus service FlixBus will relaunch its Houston-Memphis route later this month, with service starting Thursday, August 27.

FlixBus is the largest intercity bus network that offers passengers affordable and comfortable travel across 1,800 destinations in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The signature lime green buses come with free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and comfortable seating with extra legroom. Passengers can bring one carry-on and one stowed luggage for their trips.

The Houston-to-Memphis route will depart from 605 Gray St. in Midtown, and arrive at Memphis Bus Station at 3033 Airways Blvd. Travel times might vary depending on the number of stops, traffic, and other circumstances, but will generally be 14.5 hours long.

The seven stops along the Houston-Memphis route are:

Lake Charles (Lakepoint): 750 Enterprise Blvd., Lake Charles, LA 70601
Lafayette (Louisiana): 1701 N University Ave., Lafayette, LA 70507
Baton Rouge Bus Station: 1253 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70802
New Orleans Bus Station: 1001 Loyola Ave., New Orleans, LA 70113
Hattiesburg: 6635 US-49 S, Hattiesburg, MS 39401
Meridian Bus Stop: 1901 Front St., Meridian, MI 39301
Batesville (Terza One Stop Shop): 22023 MS-6, Batesville, MI 38606

The route will operate five days a week with an extended daily service in November to accommodate Thanksgiving holiday demand. Fares for the route start at $88.98 per passenger per way.

Another travel route from Texas to Tennessee
In addition to the return of the Houston-Memphis route, FlixBus just launched its first-ever direct route connecting Dallas to Nashville, with departures running five days a week.

Departures will be from the Dallas Bus Station at 9755 Harry Hines Blvd., and arrive at Nashville Bus Station at 709 Rep John Lewis Way South. Travel times will generally be between 11.5-14.5 hours.

The Dallas-Nashville route will also offer direct access to other travel hubs, including:

Sulphur Springs (travel center): 1600 W. Shannon Rd., Sulphur Springs, TX 75482
Texarkana (travel stop): 4020 S. Lake Dr., Texarkana, TX 75501
Memphis Bus Station: 3033 Airways Blvd., Memphis, TN 38131

The new Texas-Tennessee routes expand FlixBus' network across the South while offering travelers cost-effective and comfortable transportation to "major business, entertainment, and cultural destinations while providing access to smaller communities along the way."

"The South continues to see increasing demand for affordable, convenient ways to travel between major cities," Flix North America head of communications Karina Frayter said in a statement. "As more travelers look for alternatives to driving or flying, we're expanding our network to make it easier to reach the destinations that matter most, whether you’re traveling for school or work, visiting friends and family, or taking a vacation."

Passengers can book tickets for all destinations via FlixBus.com and the FlixBus app.

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