Holiday spirit shines from decorated roadside trees

Greetings spread good cheer
for drivers on Loop 360 in Austin.

In Austin, we relish our quirky status and splash the motto “Keep Austin Weird” across t-shirts, coffee mugs, and bumper stickers.  While that’s a year-round attitude, there’s probably no better example of this outlook than the annual holiday decoration of roadside trees.





Yellow tape and black paint transformed
plastic bottles into bees



What started as a clandestine nighttime activity many years ago has now morphed into a bona fide tradition practiced in broad daylight. If you’ve driven along Loop 360 between RM 2222 and U.S. Hwy. 183 in recent weeks, you’ve see the trees covered in tinsel and a variety of unusual, sometimes recycled, ornaments. Trees that normally dot the roadside in all their naked, natural glory are covered with items such as paper candy canes, plastic bottles painted like bees, Christmas stockings, empty Coke cans, red paper plates, and American flags. One year a tree sported Victoria’s Secret bags with boxes from the lingerie store placed underneath—wishful thinking or leftovers from a shopping binge?

Long lines of trees decorate the roadside in Austin.

Although we’ve seen the display in previous years, a quick drive-by before Christmas left us curious, so we went back to check out some of the more interesting trees. While some look to be simply the result of a happy-go-lucky decorating streak, others have been thoughtfully adorned to commemorate an event or a loved one. Either way, each tree adds an element of joy and surprise to an otherwise uneventful drive on these busy highways. You can’t help but smile when the line of glimmering trees catches your eye, especially those that are lit at night.



Someome shared their passion for Victoria's Secret

The first couple of years, secret decorators were lax in coming back after the holidays to remove the decorations, so the city of Austin had to send workers out for clean-up. Now, it’s not uncommon for people to take some of the most clever ornaments and save them for the next year or to recycle materials in creative new ways.  For some families this has become a caring project that children and parents can be involved in together.

Now trees along additional roads including RM 620 S sprout holiday finery, so the ritual must be spreading.  Whether whimsical or inspirational, the trees send a cheerful message about the holiday spirit in Austin. Sure, it’s a bit eccentric, but it’s a great way for Austin to spread joy—one that visitors to the area are sure to remember with a smile.

Photos by Beverly Burmeier

Walkway of Lights in Marble Falls attracts thousands of visitors

Entrance to Walkway of Lights in Marble Falls, Texas

More than two million twinkling lights glimmer along paths beside the waters of Lake Marble Falls in a holiday spectacle called Walkway of Lights. It's a prime example of how a small community can provide big entertainment when hundreds of volunteers give time and talents. Admission is free to this annual holiday event, which seems go grow bigger and better every year.

On our previous excursion to this winter wonderland we watched little children running around in amazement. Scenes like that are guaranteed to put a smile on any Scrooge’s face, lift your spirit, and put you in a merry holiday mood.


A full squad of reindeer pull Santa's sleigh.

Rain cancelled the event for several nights in early December, but now it is an opportunity for a fun family outing to Marble Falls. Drive just 45 miles west of Austin on SH 281 or 85 miles north of San Antonio to see this community's gift to the public. 

Come early and shop historic Main Street. Then dine at the Blue Bonnet Café, River City Grille, or Russo's before heading to the Walkway of Lights after dark.



Living on a lake means fishing is
important, even during the holidays.

As you stroll leisurely along the Walkway enjoy hundreds of wire-frame sculptures twinkling in the night sky.  Take time to notice the variety of attractions included here: a smorgasboard of whimsical, patriotic, religious, traditional, and contemporary forms.  Ice skaters, Santa’s sleigh, Christmas trees, trains, stars, presents, a cross, and a menorah offer enchanting symbols of the season for everyone to savor.  There’s even a water skiing Santa and fishing reindeer, a tribute to the lake location, and several American flags. Walk under the entrance arch and follow the path to Santa’s station or mosey through the blue-lighted tunnel, a favorite photo spot.

Colored lights make the display
at Marble Falls more spectacular.

When other holiday light scenes in the Texas Hill Country closed several years ago, Marble Falls has ramped up its presentation. Each year many dedicated volunteers work hard to create, prepare, and set up the forms and then man the displays each evening. Santa himself shows up on certain nights to hear wishes whispered to the jolly man.

Blue lights form a tunnel for visitors to walk thru.

The illuminated display continues from 6-10 p.m. nightly through New Year’s Day.  Donations are welcome because the presentation is completely funded by contributions. Santa photos help raise funds for local organizations.

Workers at the entrance like to ask where you’re from as a way to keep track of visitors’ home regions. Past visitors have hailed from Canada, South America, Europe, and Asia.

Photos by Beverly and Larry Burmeier

Read more travel stories at Striped Pot, a boutique travel e-zine written by a group of professional travel writers.

Hill Country Christmas Lights provides enchanting drive-thru display

Colorful lights shine at Hill Country Christmas Lights in central Texas.

Beautiful displays of twinkling Christmas lights put me in a holiday mood faster than uninterrupted songs of the season on the radio or ever-smiling mall Santas (I love those, too). This year we discovered a new spectacle of lights, music, hayrides, and more that’s attracting hundreds of visitors. Located one mile north of Johnson City on SH 281, Hill Country Christmas Lights makes sure “Christ” stays in the celebration.

Multi-colored light displays lead towards a house covered in white lights.

More than 500,000 lights, more than half of those LEDs, fill the large drive-through display that’s been featured on “Dazzling Holiday Lights” show on the Travel Channel. The amazing thing is that the entire pageant was built independently by 21-year-old Dexter Haynes.

Twinkling lights appear to be dancing to the music.

Lights adorn 72 post oak trees, 73 wire-frame attractions, a drive-thru tunnel, a 25-foot tall tree, the Holidazzle Dancing Light show, and other delightful decorations. While riding in the comfort of your car, set your radio to their own station, 101.7 FM the STAR and listen to accompanying Christmas music. Earlier in December "The One Silent Night," a live nativity, was held on premises.

Drive through the lighted tunnel while following the path at Hill Country Christmas Lights display.

If you bring a group of family or friends, going on a hayride adds to the excitement. You can book a jaunt through the light display (15 minutes) or ride into nearby Johnson City for stops and pictures at several renowned presentations (one hour), both with a cup of hot cocoa per person. Book at least 24 hours in advance by calling 830-992-7646.

Hill Country Christmas Lights continues through New Year’s Day and is free to the public, although you can help keep the lights on by slipping a few dollars into the donation box. Hours: Sun-Thur, 6-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat, 6-12 midnight. www.hillcountrychristmaslights.com

Photos by Beverly Burmeier

Public welcome for Holiday Lights & Ice at Barton Creek Resort in Austin

Always one to try new adventures, I find myself lacing up ice skates and stepping gingerly onto the 3,800 square foot ice rink at Austin’s Barton Creek Resort & Spa. I’m not exactly gliding on ice, but I do manage to work my way around the rink in semi-relaxed form. Yes, ice skating is fun, even for Texans who consider it strictly a spectator sport.

Barton Creek Resort’s ice rink in the Resort Pavilion is open to the public through January 2. This is the second year local residents, club members and resort guests have an opportunity to lace up their skates and enjoy festive holiday cheer with friends and family. In addition to the ice rink, a display of 200,000 twinkling lights--part of the Holiday Lights & Ice exhibition—glows in a variety of deer, tree, and gift configurations.

Ice skaing at Barton Creek is great family fun.

“We are excited to offer the Holiday Lights & Ice program again this year,” says Barton Creek Resort & Spa General Manager James Walsh. “It is a great way to enjoy the holiday season while also giving back to the Austin community through the Make-A-Wish Foundation^®.” A portion of proceeds, about $20,000 according to Kelly Clarke, director of marketing communications, will be donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® (www.cstx.wish.org) of Central and South Texas.

Holiday lights make the ice seem more magical.

Guests can enjoy the skating rink with all-day skating passes, which start at $25 for children and $35 for adults. Individual skate sessions are also available starting at $16 for children and $21 for adults. Seasonal treats including hot chocolate and s’mores will be available. Skating-inclusive overnight packages are available at the resort, and the rink is available for private events and field trips.

The traditional gingerbread
house contest
was held again this year.

While visiting Barton Creek Resort for your skating adventure, be sure to check out the gingerbread houses on display in the hotel lobby. Fabulously detailed gingerbread creations were judged in professional and amateur categories, with winners receiving charitable donations.  

Don't miss the glorious
Holiday Shop

Another favorite spot is the Holiday Shop, beautifully decorated in colors and themes of the holiday season (I love the teddy bear tree!). Even if you’re not in buying mode, it’s a lovely place to browse (check out the personalized ornaments and Texas-themed gifts—in orange, no less).

Dinner at 8212 Wine Bar
and Grill is delicious.

When it’s time for lunch or dinner, you can order food to be served beside a toasty fire at the ice rink. Satisfied that I stayed upright during my ice rink experience, I decide to shed the skates and dine at 8212 Wine Bar and Grill. Following Kelly’s recommendation, my husband and I start with the pork nachos (yummy) before choosing short ribs and tuna as our main courses and finishing with a pecan tart.

Thousands of lights
decorate the grounds of
Barton Creek Resort.

Located in the heart of Texas Hill Country, award-winning Barton Creek Resort & Spa provides superb service and casual elegance in a luxurious setting (but don’t let those accolades deter you from going there). Designated the #1 golf resort in Texas, Barton Creek boasts four nationally acclaimed championship courses as well as the state's only Callaway Performance Center. For overnight visitors, the resort features 312 spacious guest rooms, a newly renovated full-service spa, superior dining experiences, and exceptional meeting and wedding facilities. For more information, call 1-800-336-6158 or visit bartoncreek.com.

Photos by Larry Burmeier

Crag Cave in County Kerry, Ireland

“Yippee,” said Margaret Geaney, wife of the farmer on whose land Crag Cave was found, when she was told about the underground discovery. After taking a scary tour into the undeveloped cave herself  (“My heart was jumping so much I thought I’d never get out,” she said), Geaney realized this was a natural creation of immense beauty that should be opened for public viewing. Even though she was excited about the prospect, extensive research and construction had to be done before that could happen.

Margaret Geaney, owner of
Crag Cave, is second from right.

There are five limestone cave systems in Ireland that are open to the public, and they are continually subject to erosion from water. Crag Cave in the Sliabh Luachra area, was formed from millions of years of shell and bone deposits, earth movements and upheavals, and volumes of water that carved out a dark maze of passages and unusual formations.

How the cave was discovered is another of nature’s amazing stories. As far back as the mid-1800s, geological surveys recognized the existence of a network of caves in the Castleland district in southwest Ireland at the entrance to Dingle peninsula. But there was never any exploration until water pollution in the area forced an investigation. In 1983 cave divers were trying to determine the source of a particular stream when they discovered a pool and dived 20 feet down to explore. That was the beginning of Crag Cave. More expeditions led to additional discoveries of the cave’s many decorated passages and chambers.

When Geaney’s husband, the local doctor, bought the farm he put it in her name. She was happy to become involved in the project, and accepted the offer of one of the original cave divers who helped with the development. Work began in 1987, and 350 meters was opened to the public in 1989.

Stalagtite inside Crag Cave

Special lighting was designed to create a visual and aural landscape without distracting from the cave’s natural attributes.  Far underground, stalagtites and stalagmites join to form columns. Creations like Corn on the Cob, The Kitchen, Theodens Road, and The Cathedral enthrall visitors. The Crystal Gallery is an especially enchanting area, and most people are amazed at the likeness of one specific formation in the distance called Madonna. A gift shop, café, and children’s playground add to the amenities.

As with other limestone caves, Crag Cave is a work in progress; it will continue to change with the elements. For now, it’s a lovely spot to put on your itinerary if you’re visiting Dingle peninsula and Ring of Kerry, well-known destinations on Ireland tours.

Photos by Larry and Beverly Burmeier

Read more stories from my trip to Ireland at Striped Pot.

Celebrate New Year's Eve and support the USO



Sample wines at Grape Creek
Winery

Head out to the Hangar Hotel in Fredericksburg, Texas and help support the United Service Organization (USO) while ringing in (or swinging in) 2012 in style--1940s style that is. Fly your plane into the adjacent Gillespie County Airport, or drive to the iconic hotel for a night of old-fashioned fun.

Actually, I don't need a good cause to entice me to Fredericksburg. It's one of my all-time favorite cities in central Texas. In addition to wonderful German food and brew, there's so much to do: shop for antiques or funky contemporary items, learn history of World War II, go fly fishing or kayaking, climb Enchanted Rock, browse art galleries, visit nearby wineries (and sample the vino while you're there), or just mosey around the downtown square.

Insight Gallery showcases
 fine works of art.

But if you haven't already made plans for ushering in the new year, here's a good place to click your heels. The Hangar Hotel and Conference Center will host a New Year's Eve Hangar Dance on Saturday, December 31, 2011. A percentage of the event's proceeds will be donated to USO Ft. Hood, which delivers programs and services to more than 40,000 service members and their families.

The dance will feature big band music by Fredericksburg local Bill Smallwood and The Lonestar Swing Orchestra. Attendees can participate in swing dance lessons from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and then the band will play from 9:00 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. Attendees are encouraged to wear their best 1940s inspired outfits and participate in the costume contest. Those donning a military uniform will receive a coupon for a free drink.

The Hangar Hotel was designed to mimic the look of a WWII airplane hangar, providing the perfect setting for a USO style dance. The event will be held in the Pacific Showroom, located next to the hotel, which is decorated in South Pacific/WWII style complete with palm trees and tiki bar.

Tickets for the New Year’s Eve celebration include a complimentary champagne toast, party favors, black-eyed peas and cornbread at midnight. $40 a person ($10 per person discount for anyone who books two nights at the Hangar Hotel.) For more information or to purchase tickets to the dance contact the Hangar Hotel at (830) 997-9990.

Information provided by Kelly Ayers, Marketing & Events Manager, Hangar Hotel Kelly@hangarhotel.com 

Cedar Park, Texas offers great food and parks

Today's guest post is by Tara Marlow, an Australian travel writer, blogger and photographer living in the U.S. After an ‘ah-ha’ moment, Tara decided she was done with corporate life, so now her photography and travels consume her. She believes a photo can tell the story, but sometimes there is more to the story.

Tara has travelled through Australia, the U.S., the U.K. and Europe. She’s also been on some great mother/daughter adventures. A world adventure is planned once her daughter graduates high school. Until then she travels where she can, while she can.

Cedar Park, Texas offers much to visitors and residents

Just northwest of Austin Texas, there is a city called Cedar Park that approximately 49,000 people call home. I am one of them.

Cedar Park tends to be a thoroughfare to somewhere else. It’s a strip mall city to many, but as it expands, so have funds to beautify it.  Scratch under the surface and go beyond the main highways, and you’ll see that Cedar Park has a lot of offer.

Over the last decade, I have found some true gems within my own ten-mile radius. Here are my recommendations for the Cedar Park area:

Best Coffee: 

Caffe Yolly

On the corner of Parmer and Avery Ranch. Australians tend to be a bit snobby about their coffee.  We expect a great cappuccino when we go to any café. After trying many other places, I finally discovered Caffe Yolly. Not only does it deliver a great cappuccino, latte or basic cup of joe, but they do it with enthusiastic service. It’s a great café to relax and enjoy the moment—or try frozen yoghurt if you’re not into coffee. 

Best Mexican:  

Los Chilaquiles

On Hwy. 183 (North Bell) near Ace Hardware. We had tried every Mexican restaurant in a 20-mile radius, but when Los Chilaquiles opened, we thought ‘hey, why not’.  We’ve returned at least every other week and always receive quality, flavorful food with prompt service.  The salsa is fantastic, the chips crispy, and every dish we’ve ordered delivers above our expectations.  Their margaritas aren’t too shabby either.

Best Asian:

Hunan Ranch

On the corner of Parmer and Avery Ranch. Dine-in, Take Out or Delivery--all great options.  Fresh, hot, and delicious.  The service is always pleasant, and water glass always full when you dine in.  A hot-meal delivery exceeds expectations. 

Best Burger:

Moonies Burger House

On Hwy. 183 (North Bell) near Ace Hardware. Home grown business.  I agree with the Austin Chronicle that they have the best burgers and fries around.  The onion rings are also a treat! Although service is slow, it’s worth the wait. Come hungry because the burgers are HUGE.

Best Park and Trails:

Brushy Creek Regional Trail

This park stretches from Twin Lakes YMCA on Hwy. 183 and trails through to Brushy Creek for almost 7 miles.  This huge park is rarely busy although it offers trails for hiking or biking, soccer and baseball fields, skate park, bocce course, volleyball nets, playscapes, waterscapes, fishing…the list is long.  Wildlife includes a number of water birds and deer at dusk.  Restrooms and water fountains are plentiful. 

Photos by Tara Marlow

An unforgettable family RV adventure in Central Texas



Stroll along the River Walk in San Antonio.

Planning an RV vacation in central Texas? You can't go wrong by visiting the Alamo or natural wonders like Enchanted Rock. Start in the San Antonio area and work your way north to Waco, or take the route from the other end.

·       San Antonio is surrounded by comfortable RV parks and campgrounds. While there, enjoy strolling downtown's beautiful River Walk, which is fully ADA accessible. If you'd prefer a long walk or a bike ride, San Antonio has 23 miles of Greenway trails, all open to the public. San Antonio also offers a plethora of cultural events: the city has many theaters, galleries, musical groups, and dance ensembles. If you’re interested in history, visit the Alamo and the area's five historic missions. At San Antonio Missions National Historic Park, children can become Junior Rangers, complete several activities, and receive their Ranger's badge. At the end of April and beginning of May, you can also visit the annual Mexican Folk Art Show & Sale with pottery-making and woodcarving demonstrations.

San Juan Capistrano is part of Missions National Park

·       Out of San Antonio, go west on I-10, eventually merging  onto US-87-N, which takes you into Fredericksburg. But don't be in a hurry. Take some time to get comfortable in Comfort, Texas, which is along the way. Comfort is a wonderful place to go shopping for antiques, go golfing at the Buckhorn Golf Course or head out to Flat Rock Ranch for mountain biking (unless you’re in the mood for relaxing).

·       When you arrive in Fredericksburg, you may wonder what that pink dome on the horizon is. It's a batholith - an exposed underground rock formation made from cooled volcanic magma. The Tonkawa Nation of Native Americans called it Enchanted Rock, believing that it was at one time enchanted by a Spanish conquistador and that ghostly fires could be seen at the top. Today, it is a protected state of Texas natural area (Enchanted Rock State Natural Area). It’s a great spot for hiking or rock-climbing.

            Explore farms, orchards, vineyards, and a living history farmstead, as well as music, museums, and a historic district around Fredericksburg, which was founded in 1846 by German settlers. Don't miss the National Museum of the Pacific War, the Pioneer Museum, Wildseed Farms, Fredericksburg Herb Farm, or any of Fredericksburg's unique restaurants, bakeries, and shops (FYI: some of them specialize in chocolate!). Fredericksburg is also surrounded by RV sites and campgrounds.

   

·       Fredericksburg to Waco is a three-hour drive, but take your time and enjoy the scenery. Start on US-290-E, turn onto US-281-N, jog onto TX-29-E (W. Polk St.), and then get onto I-35 and follow the signs to Waco. This part of Texas seems made for RV exploration.

Don’t miss Waco's historic suspension bridge, which was built in the mid-1800s. Although now it is closed to all but pedestrian traffic, the bridge was, at the time, the first bridge to span the Brazos River and the longest bridge of any kind in the U.S. west of the Mississippi. Once the Waco suspension bridge was completed, its makers headed east to build the Brooklyn Bridge. From the bridge you can walk west into Indian Spring Park or east into Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park. In the same area, you'll find the Waco Tourism Information Center and the Texas Ranger Museum. In late April you can enjoy the annual Cotton Palace Pageant, celebrating Waco's history as a former world-class cotton producer. In September attend the Waco Cultural Arts Fest in Indian Spring Park.

 

Leaving Waco, head north for the Dallas-Fort Worth area on I-35. Allow plenty of time for family activities as you cruise through central Texas on this RV adventure.

Joe Laing,  Marketing Director for El Monte RV Rentals, provided this guest post.

San Antonio's Holiday River Parade and Lighting Ceremony make the season festive

Stay at Hilton Palacio del Rio Hotel
in San Antonio during the holidays.

San Antonio loves to show off its fancy decorations during the holidays, and there is much to enjoy in the Alamo city at this special time of year. The Holiday River Parade and Lighting Ceremony has been a cherished tradition for more than 27 years and is one of the most highly-anticipated events of the year. It’s something you’ll remember for many years.

On November 25^th, 150,000 parade-goers along San Antonio’s River Walk will be treated to illuminated floats, live music, and lots of holiday cheer. At 7:00 p.m., 1.4 million LED lights will illuminate, officially ushering in the winter holiday season and casting a brilliant glow over the entire River Walk. The twinkling lights are on display through New Year’s Day, so visitors to the Riverwalk will  be able to enjoy the festive atmosphere throughout the holidays.

Holiday lights make a boat ride on the
River Walk even more festive.

New this year - San Antonio’s most iconic hotel, Hilton Palacio del Rio, is offering 2 special packages for residents and visitors alike to join in this merry tradition. Hilton Palacio del Rio is the only hotel located along the River Walk with private balconies in every room – perfect for viewing the lights from above.

River Lighting Parade Package (November 25^th only)

• 7-day advance purchase
• Deluxe river-view room/double occupancy
• Two reserved chairs along the River Walk for parade viewing
• Two insulated mugs of hot chocolate or coffee while watching parade
• Two warm fleece blankets to keep warm during parade.
• Complimentary valet parking
• Breakfast for two in Ibiza Patio Bar & Restaurant

Rates start at $284

Holiday Lights Package (November 26^th – December 28^th)

• 2-night stay required
• 2-day advance purchase required
• Complimentary self-parking
• Wine, cheese & fruit welcome platter
• Daily complimentary breakfast for two
• Two River Boat Tour tickets

Rates start at $249

For more information about holiday rates or to book one of these packages, click on http://www.hilton.com/en/hi/hotels/specials.jhtml?ctyhocn=SATPDHF

Information and photos provided by Jaclyn Slifer, Murphy O’Brien Public Relations.

Thanksgiving and Christmas Airfare and hotel prices down in U.S.

Holiday travel is just around the corner. To help you plan your trips, the Fareologists at Bing Travel have issued a preliminary forecast for the 2011 holiday travel season.



Good news for travelers flying
home for the holidays

Travelers in the U.S. can expect holiday cheer as airfare and hotel prices are expected to drop slightly. Compared with last year, domestic airfare should be down 1.4 percent overall, with tickets averaging $302, as opposed to $306 last holiday. Holiday hotel costs are staying virtually flat for three- and-four- star hotels, but five-star hotels are down 8 percent from last year—making luxury more affordable this season.While the U.S. forecast is turning up, spending the holidays abroad will come at a premium this year. Overall, holiday flights to Asia have increased 15 percent from last year’s average. Routes to Europe have increased nearly 9 percent. Madrid has the lowest fare at $780, but that’s still a 12 percent increase from last year.  This may be the year to enjoy destinations closer to home.

Celebrate in the sun

Those willing to let the destination and date dictate their holiday travel plans will see the biggest savings, so be flexible and follow the deals. Warm weather destinations are extra cheap this holiday season, with airfares to Ft. Lauderdale down 21 percent from last year and hotels in Las Vegas down almost 16 percent. For travelers willing to skip a white Christmas, here are five low-priced warm-weather routes to consider:

Atlanta to Fort Lauderdale: $185 in 2010; $165 in 2011
Dallas Fort Worth to Houston: $148 in 2010; to 168 in 2011
Arlington to Fort Lauderdale: $232 in 2010; $184 in 2011
New York (LGA) to Fort Lauderdale: $192 in 2010; $194 in 2011
New York (JFK) to Miami: $234 in 2010; $195 in 2011

Affordable hotel stays

The biggest savings were found on luxury hotels in Cancun, Las Vegas, Washington D.C., and New York City. Across 3, 4 and 5 star hotels, the best hotel values can be found in the following destinations (average rates quoted):

Las Vegas: $189.65 in 2010; $159.82 in 2011
New York: $489.14 in 2010; $417.98 in 2011
Cancun: $142.66 in 2010; $125.27 in 2011
Washington, DC: $382.10 in 2010; $339.85 in 2011

Bing Travel can help

Bing Travel helps people make smart travel decisions with Price Predictor, a tool that shows whether the lowest fares appear to be rising or dropping, and provides recommendations on whether to buy immediately or wait. The Hotel Rate Indicator helps consumers know quickly if the offered rate is a good deal based on historical rates. Rate Indicator is available for more than 5,000 hotels in 30 major cities across the country for reservations up to 90 days in the future.

Bing’s Flexible Search option helps travelers with some wiggle room, visually laying out the cheapest times and destinations for upcoming travel and allowing you to filter search results based upon your specific preferences. Sometimes, saving money is as simple as adjusting departure dates or flying into an unexpected connection city. For example, Thanksgiving is traditionally a busy travel week, but leaving the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and returning the Sunday after could save you 8 percent compared to a Tuesday to Sunday trip.

Information provided by Kari Dilloo, Bing

Lone Star Christmas at Gaylord Texan Resort

Gaylord Texan Resort celebrated Christmas the
Lone Star Way

Looking for something special to entertain your family during the holidays? Gaylord Texan Resort at Grapevine (in the Fort-Worth/Dallas area) promises all the fun you’re looking for.  

Its annual holiday events include the awe-inspiring ICE!™ attraction —carved from 2 million pounds of ice. Additionally, Lone Star Christmas at Gaylord Texan will provide a winter wonderland including 1.5 million holiday lights, a 52-foot rotating Christmas tree, a life-sized Gingerbread House, 12,000 ornaments, and Santa Claus himself. Kids and adults will both enjoy a magical holiday this year.

Holiday getaway features ICE!

Holiday lightsdecorate the bell tower
inside the Gaylord Texas
Resort at Grapevine

Gaylord Texan’s popular ICE! winter holiday attraction returns with an all-new, hilarious theme. From November 11 to January 1, you’ll see DreamWorks’ Shrek the Halls. The DreamWorks animated holiday TV special will be brought to life in an interactive world of colorful ice sculptures.

Relive the heartwarming story as you stroll through this amazing attraction featuring favorite characters: Shrek, Fiona, Donkey, Gingy and Puss in Boots as they celebrate Christmas in their special way.

Kung Fu Panda Snow Tubing

It's going to snow again at Gaylord Texan, but this year the experience will feature an eight-lane, downhill plunge that's filled with dragon-warrior awesomeness. Grab a tube (single or double riding tubes for parents with small children) and speed down our extreme hill covered in real snow.

Gingy’s gingerbread decorating

At this fun, sticky decorating tradition hosted by Gingy, the most famous of all Gingerbread men, kids can choose from two different design options to create either a delectable gingerbread cookie family or a complete gingerbread house. After the decorating activity, Gingy is hanging around to give heartwarming hugs that make perfect photo opportunities.

DreamWorks 3D theater experience

Enjoy great food while viewing the brand-new 2011 holiday movie release, Puss in Boots, on the Gaylord’s 35-foot 3D screen.

These special events are available from November 11, 2011 - January 1, 2012. The Christmassy DreamWorks Experience Package is available from $199, while other packages start at just $114. See all Christmas Packages.

Information and photos provided by Martha Neibling of Gaylord Texas Resort http://www.gaylordhotels.com/gaylord-texan/lone-star