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    where to travel right now

    CultureMap Houston shares 9 post-eclipse Texas travel tips for April

    Amber Heckler
    Apr 11, 2024 | 10:00 am
    Bowie House, Whinny's
    Whinny's is the new poolside restaurant at Fort Worth's luxe Bowie House hotel.
    Photo courtesy of Bowie House

    Now that Texas is finally past all of the solar eclipse hullabaloo, what else are Texans going to do in April? From Hill Country retreats to escapes along the Gulf Coast, there are plenty of ways to fill an itinerary in all of Texas' hot spots. Need help deciding where to take a quick vacation, road trip, or staycation? Here are nine events and happenings to help plan a fun-filled getaway in April.

    Along the Gulf Coast

    The Bryan Museum in Galveston is showcasing two groundbreaking exhibitions that honor the legacy of Tejano leaders in Lone Star State history. The first, "Tejanos of Revolutionary Texas," explores the legacies of three Tejano men and their families as they experience The Mexican Wars of Independence and the Texas Revolution. "Common Ground," the second exhibit, is a selection of interactive multimedia doors that explain the commonalities Americans share through immigration. The exhibitions are on view until July 7. Museum admission is $14 for adults, with discounts for seniors, military, and students. Admission for children under 6 is free, and $5 for children aged 6-12.

    Pack those swimsuits and crawfish bibs and get ready for the ultimate crawfish extravaganza on Saturday, April 13 at the South Padre Island Convention Center. The inaugural South Padre Island Crawfish Festival is bringing together enthusiasts and talented chefs to dine on the spiny little crustaceans while enjoying live entertainment from Brian Kelly, one half of musical duo Florida Georgia Line. The festival kicks off at 5 pm, and general admission tickets are $65 per person, and $1,000 for VIP tables for 10 people. Tickets can be purchased via Eventbrite.

    Now is the perfect time for a beachside escape, before the weather gets too warm come summertime. In Corpus Christi, there's plenty of attractions to keep travelers and families busy and entertained all month long. The city was recently dubbed a "Music Friendly Texas Certified Community" thanks to its array of live entertainment venues, like the House of Rock and the award-winning Brewster Street Ice House. The city is also home to the Selena Museum, dedicated to the late Queen of Tejano music Selena Quintanilla-Pérez.

    In the Hill Country

    A new retreat has arrived in the historic town of Gruene: Camp Hideaway is now open at 360 Millies Lane in New Braunfels. Guests can take their pick between The Historic Cabin, The Pharmacy, or one of the large Farmhouses that can accommodate large groups or families. For travelers looking for a cozy retreat, the single nook Roam Tiny House is the perfect fit for two to three guests. The grounds also boast a resort-style pool, poolside cabanas, walking trails, and more. Nightly rates begin at $160 in April, and can be booked at camphideaway.com.

    Camp Hideaway, Gruene, New BraunfelsCamp Hideaway is now open in the historic town of Gruene.Photo courtesy of Matt Rand

    In Central Texas

    Georgetown's darling Red Poppy Festival returns for its milestone 25th anniversary, April 26-28, offering three fun-filled, family-friendly days of parades, live music, artisan vendors, and more. The classic car show will take place from 11 am-3 pm on Saturday, April 27, and live music performances throughout the weekend will include Easton Corbin, Dysfunkshun Junkshun, Matthew Ryan Band, and many more. This event is free, and more information is available online at poppy.georgetown.org.

    Red Poppy FestivalIt's Poppy Festival time in Georgetown. Photo courtesy of City of Georgetown

    Located in the heart of Austin, the Stephen F. Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel is celebrating its 100th anniversary with special programming throughout the month. The hotel's restaurant, Stephen F's Bar and Terrace, is bringing back its famed "The Austin" Pop Up on April 11 (sold out) and April 25 from 4-7 pm. The event will feature dishes from the restaurant's original menu, with some modern twists. Live jazz music will be provided by the Jeff Lofton Jazz Group. The hotel will also highlight its 100-year legacy with a historic case in the lobby, which is decorated with images, fun facts, and memorabilia from the hotel's century of operation. RSVP for the April 25 event via Eventbrite.

    The Loren at Lady Bird Lake in Austin has finished restoring the beloved Paggi House historic landmark, and the site is now open as a new art venue and events space. Its first appointment-only exhibition, "Explorers," will will feature artworks by Matthew Ritchie, Rodney McMillian, Xylor Jane, and more. Local philanthropic organizations will also be able to use the space for meetings and events for free until 2025. Appointments to visit Paggi House can be booked by emailing pennyaaron.theloren@gmail.com.

    Across North Texas

    The new Bowie House in Fort Worth, part of the Auberge Resorts Collection, has opened its second on-site restaurant, a poolside spot called Whinny's. Led by executive chef Antonio Votta, Whinny's specializes in poolside treats, snacks, and beverages: wagyu sirloin steak, crispy halloumi, a baklava sundae, frozen cocktails, and more. Located on the west side of the tree-lined terrace pool, the restaurant is open to hotel guests only, 11 am-7 pm.

    For a limited time during spring wildflower season, Canyon Ranch Fort Worth Wellness Club and Spa is offering new spa treatments that incorporate Texas wildflowers. These deluxe services include a 50- or 80-minute Texas Wildflower massage, a manicure and pedicure, a 50-minute salt scrub, and more. When selecting their service, guests can pick which wildflower they would like custom-blended into their treatment. Featured wildflowers include rock rose, autumn sage, chocolate daisy, fire wheel, pink prairie primrose, and the Texas star hibiscus. For pricing, more information, and to book services, call the spa at 682-786-4650. The spa is open to hotel guests and non-guests alike.

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    out to sea

    Carnival opens 2028 bookings for showstopping new ship's Caribbean cruises

    Amber Heckler
    Sep 11, 2026 | 2:30 pm
    Carnival Tropicale begins sailing in 2028
    Photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line
    Carnival Tropicale will begin sailing from Galveston to destinations in the Caribbean, The Bahamas, and Mexico in 2028.

    The Carnival Tropicale, Carnival's newest cruise ship that will set sail from Galveston, is now accepting reservations for its maiden voyages to destinations throughout The Bahamas, the Caribbean, and Mexico, beginning in 2028.

    Carnival Tropicale is the fifth and final Excel-class ship that will be offered from the cruise line, and it will be able to accommodate over 6,000 passengers. It is named after MS Tropicale, Carnival's original "Fun Ship" from 1982, but the new luxury liner promises showstopping experiences inspired by Las Vegas' "golden era of show business."

    Four-to-eight-day cruises are now available to book with departure dates as early as April 15, 2028. Six destinations in Carnival's Paradise Collection are on the itinerary, including Cozumel and Progreso, Mexico; Isla Tropicale in Roatan, Honduras; and Nassau, Bahamas. Eight-day cruises will include stops at Celebration Key and RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay, two private islands owned by Carnival.

    "From innovative attractions and dining to unforgettable destinations throughout the Caribbean, The Bahamas, and Mexico, Carnival Tropicale will bring an exciting new vacation option to Texas when she debuts in 2028," said Ben Clement, EVP of maritime and new builds at Carnival Cruise Line, in a release.

    These are the cruise options passengers can book on the Carnival Tropicale starting in 2028:

    • 6-Day Western Caribbean Cruise to Cozumel and Isla Tropical, Roatan – 26 dates from April 15, 2028 to April 29, 2029
    • 8-Day The Bahamas Cruise to Nassau and RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay – 26 dates from April 29, 2028 to May 6, 2029
    • 8-Day The Bahamas Cruise to Celebration Key and RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay – April 21-29
    • 5-Day Western Caribbean Cruise to Cozumel and Progreso, Yucatán – December 23-28 and December 28-January 1, 2029
    • 4-Day Western Caribbean Cruise to Cozumel – January 2-6, 2029

    Major attractions on the new Carnival Tropicale include Sunsation Point, a top deck "family fun" entertainment zone, and Carnival WaterWorks Ultra, an all-ages water park with six waterslides and splash pads for kids.

    Other family-friendly attractions include multiple sport courts — including a redesigned Fairway 66 Mini Golf course inspired by Route 66 — a Treehouse Adventure Trail, new arcade spaces, and to-be-announced "new entertainment experiences and exclusive spaces."

    Carnival Tropicale Grand Central Atrium A rendering of the Grand Central Atrium. Courtesy of Carnival

    Carnival Tropicale will also feature three new dining concepts that highlight "flavors from around the world," including one in partnership with famous chef Emeril Lagasse.

    "Guests will be able to enjoy Uku Lei Lei, offering Hawaiian-inspired cuisine with Asian influences; Fetaccine, blending Greek and Italian flavors; and Emeril's Coastal Seafood, showcasing seafood dishes inspired by America's coastlines and created in partnership with Carnival's Chief Culinary Officer Chef Emeril Lagasse."

    Carnival Tropicale cruises departing from Galveston can be booked on the Carnival website. Rates vary depending on the duration of the trip and accommodation preference.

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