Minnesota State Fair

This weekend, Texas on Tour had an action packed stop at the Minnesota State Fair! We welcomed thousands of Minnesotans and gave them a taste of Texas in their home state. On the hill and around the corner from Heritage Square, the Discover Texas Dome stood big and bright against the Minnesota skyline. Austin natives The Lost and Nameless Orchestra, provided the musical backdrop and set the stage for an awesome visit.

Locals lined up for cookies at the delicious Sweet Martha's Cookie stand. Friends and family put their heads together and used teamwork to come up with the right answers to the trivia questions to win the coveted Texas on Tour t-shirt. A number of our trivia contestants came from the University of Minnesota's Milk Run 5k, and we gave them a true test of wits and Texas know-how.

Two local runners in particular took their picture in front of the Texas live music stage and let their praise of our great state fly. “We love Texas!" they said, "It is vast, but each city is unique and there is something new for us to see every time we visit. The only thing we usually wish for is more time!"

We hope to see some of the same smiling faces that greeted us in Minnesota in our own backyard soon. Though we're sad to wrap up our time in Minnesota, we're thrilled to rock out at the On the Waterfront Music festival in Rockford, Illinois over Labor Day weekend. Hope to see you there!

Iowa State Fair

During our time in Des Moines at the Iowa State Fair, we took Texas' motto "friendship" to heart and left with many new friends. Some guests held on to their All Access Pass from last year's Texas on Tour visit to Iowa and brought it with them to experience Texas all over again. These visitors liked to describe themselves as "card carrying members" of Texas on Tour.  

Iowans especially showed their stuff when it came time for Texas trivia. Kids and adults alike faired well in our game of Texas or Not trivia, many walking away with a Texas bandana or a Texas on Tour t-shirt! The best part was that no matter what the prize, they all left with a better idea of the adventures Texas has to offer.

Chris, who was visiting the Iowa State Fair from Texas, wrote a lovely note of thanks to the Texas on Tour team. In it, he mentioned how great it was to see many happy Iowans standing in line, waiting to experience a Virtual Texas. 

Thank you, Chris, for the kind words. It is notes like these that make it easy to share the joys of Texas and help others have a great experience. Next, we'll be rolling into the Minnesota State Fair, Thursday, August 23rd through Sunday, August 26th. Our stop will be fun, but brief, so make sure you make it by in time to see Texas firsthand!

Iowa State Fair

Texas on Tour rolled into the American Heartland this weekend and returned to the Iowa State Fair.  If you're looking for us, just take a short ride on the SkyRide for a beautiful aerial view (and great photo opportunity!) of Texas on Tour. SkyRiders are always waving and letting us know they are going to land in Texas and visit us soon.

We must have made a great impression last year because many Iowans couldn't wait to find us and share stories from their Texas travels. Hawkeye State natives Steve and Tally Sue visited Texas on Tour last year and realized they had a perfect opportunity to swing through San Antonio after their son's graduation from Lackland Air Force Base. They loved the delicious and authentic Tex-Mex cuisine, visiting SeaWorld, and exploring the shops and restaurants along the River Walk.  

We LOVE hearing Texas travel stories like that of Steve and Tally Sue's.  To get started on your own Texas travel adventure, please visit TravelTex.com or come by the exhibit at the Iowa State Fair through Sunday, August 19th.  We hope to see you in Texas, or here at Texas on Tour, very soon!

Ohio State Fair

Texas on Tour shared the past 10 days with some fun-loving Ohioans. We reunited with some old friends and made a lot of new ones throughout our stay. 

It was great to welcome repeat visitors back to our home away from home. One of our long time pals, Scott T. from Columbus, Ohio, stopped by Texas on Tour for the second year in a row. After he came by last year, Scott decided that he needed to see gorgeous San Antonio for himself and planned a much needed vacation to the city. "If it wasn't for seeing Texas on Tour at the Ohio State Fair, I might not have had the chance to visit San Antonio's beautiful River Walk." We're so glad Scott took us up on some travel advice and that he'll be returning to Texas for another visit this fall.

Texas on Tour also welcomed a local judge from Ohio. When we asked her the verdict, she said Texas on Tour was the best exhibit she had seen at the Ohio State Fair! In 2013, she plans to accompany her daughter to the American Bar Association's mid-year meeting in Dallas. Sounds like the perfect opportunity to mix a little bit of business with pleasure, if you ask us! The mother-daughter duo has plans to spend their vacation exploring the NorthPark Center in Dallas and the historic Fort Worth Stockyards. With her FREE Texas Travel Guide in hand, she left the tour happy and excited to plan their getaway. 

Thank you Ohio for the hospitality; you are welcome to kick up your boots in Texas whenever you'd like! We are now off to share Texas on Tour with the great state of Iowa. Get ready Hawkeye State. Texas on Tour will be at the state fair from Friday, August 10th through Sunday, August 19th. 

See ya'll there!

Ohio State Fair

 

As Texas is known far and wide as the "Friendship State," we were pleased to receive the same warm welcome in Ohio. Sharing Texas with the Ohio State Fair gave us many great stories, and the fun isn't over yet! We will be digging our boots in here a little longer, so stop by until August 5th if you missed us this weekend!

Thousands of fair goers came this weekend to experience the state of Texas in their own backyard. The Hudsons, a family of five from Ohio, were thrilled to learn that the mini-vacation they experienced at Texas on Tour was completely free of charge. The fun performances, exciting virtual experiences, cool prizes, and live music were the perfect recipe for memorable family fun. Mr. Hudson even recognized several photos from Austin, TX where he periodically traveled to for business. The next visit to Austin is sure to be a family affair for this bunch!

We learned these Ohio fair-goers weren't shy to throw on their cowboy hats and show us their best two-step. Even if you're not a seasoned line dancer, we never turn down the chance to teach newcomers how it's done in Texas. There's always an adventure to be had inside Texas on Tour, and you'll have to see it to believe it!