In north Texas, you can enjoy the underwater world of marine life from 3 oceans and various seas in the Dallas World Aquarium. Children will marvel at the panoramic view while tunneling through the huge tanks of stingrays, sea turtles, sharks and more. See monkeys, brightly colored birds and vegetation in the free flight aviary of the Venezeuelan Rainforest. The Aquarium is open 7 days a week except Christmas and Thanksgiving, and has 3 restaurants and a gift shop.
Just a short drive away, history and education buffs regularly visit Dealy Plaza Museum in Dallas to reflect on the tragic days of former President Kennedy's assassination in November 1963. You can view a short film of Kennedy's life and career, a re-creation of the corner window and assassin's perch, Dealy Plaza, the corner staircase where the sniper's rifle was found, historic film footage, displays of investigational evidence and hear audio broadcasts summarizing the events of the fateful hours from that Friday noon to the following Monday midnight.
In nearby Arlington, fun-loving vacationers will want to allow one or two days at Six Flags Over Texas theme park. Plan to ride the tallest, fastest coaster in the world which debuts this year, or shoot down a 132 foot long tunnel of the Tornado and splash into swirling waters. And don't forget Marine World or Wild Safari, and Looney Tunes Park for children.
A drive south to Austin offers a visit to the State Capitol building made of Texas pink granite, as well as the 22 acres of surrounding grounds and monuments. From March to November, watch the spectacular flight of Mexican free-tailed bats emerging from the Congress Avenue bridge at dusk. You can even book a bat flight cruise on the lake.
A few miles to the south, travelers enter the scenic rolling hill country of central Texas. Visit Bandera, the Cowboy Capitol of the World, and Wimberley where acres of natural beauty beckon all who relish peace and simple living. Lush green hills rise through morning mist from the valleys where leisurely drives provide glimpses of deer, bobcats, and raccoons. Frontier type store fronts line the small-town streets and remind of Old West days. Despite the suggestion of horse-drawn wagons, visitors find many RV parks and dozens of bed and breakfasts near Cypress Creek and the Blanco River, sometimes called the "singing river". Accommodations are mostly secluded and rustic or cozy and romantic.
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