It’s the birthplace of Tex-Mex, which can be experienced in its culture, music and cuisine. It’s home to the most popular tourist attraction in Texas. It’s a city where art comes to life.

Shiner is a surprising little town wrapped around railroad tracks with an economy wrapped around its brewery. It’s worth a trip, if only for the brewery, but there’s more. 

Rockport is located just an hour from Victoria, but by the time you’ve crested the causeway across Copano Bay and reached the beaches, fishing boats, and pastel-colored storefronts that fill this coastal town, you’ll feel much farther away than that.

The drive from Victoria to Fredericksburg is a scenic trip passing through San Marcos and along the Blanco River to this Hill Country town of just over 10,000. Clocking in at just over three hours, it’s doable for a weekend getaway or even a one-night stay.

CUERO — Your first instinct might not be to head to a small Texas cattle town to find some holiday cheer, but Cuero is here to challenge that preconception.

GOLIAD -For many people, the first thing Goliad brings to mind is Texas history: the stone towers at Presidio La Bahia, the "bloody arm" flag, the "Remember Goliad" battle cry at San Jacinto.