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I was supposed to go to Carlsbad Caverns and White Sands this week, but they're closed due to the shutdown. I was also hoping to go hiking in Guadalupe Mountains NP, but it's like 25 degrees with freezing fog (yikes!), which is not my preferred hiking weather. So...what should we do instead, in the general area of El Paso? [more inside]
posted by goodbyewaffles around West, TX at 8:53 PM - 5 answers

My main squeeze and I planning a 4-day river trip through Boquillas Canyon on the Rio Grande in Big Bend Nat'l park. The trip will be bookended with a day or two to explore. Where should we go? Camping, hiking, cool stuff to see, etc. We like water and dramatic sights and stunning hikes of any intensity. [more inside]
posted by Grandysaur around Big Bend National Park, TX at 5:37 PM - 3 answers

"Algorithms are great at giving you something you like, but terrible at giving you something you love"...we're headed to Austin at the end of the month (9/24 - 9/28) and would really like to avoid the touristy kind of crap that makes every place you go feel just like every other place you go. You think Austin's amazing, right? Well, I'd love to hear about those not-so-glamorous things that made you fall in love with it in the first place...I'm looking for the types of restaurants, activities, etc., that you know are freaking GREAT, but are probably NOT sitting at the top of some list of "The top 10 things that you HAVE to do while you're in Austin".
posted by richmondparker around Austin, TX at 3:47 PM - 28 answers

Next week I fly into Austin at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday and catch the Texas Eagle Amtrak south at 6:30 p.m. On Saturday, I get back into Austin at 9:30 a.m. and fly out at 1:30 p.m. Where is a good place between the airport and the Amtrak station to catch a late lunch and wander a bit on Wednesday? Where can I get a quick brunch on Saturday morning? [more inside]
posted by ITravelMontana around Austin, TX at 5:15 PM - 10 answers

Hi MetaFilter! I'm attending a conference in downtown Houston at the end of June, and would like recommendations for delicious vegetarian food and interesting things to do in Houston. [more inside]
posted by girasoli around Houston, TX at 8:40 PM - 11 answers

Can anyone recommend a gym in San Antonio, TX that you know for a fact offers a guest pass? I'm in Monte Vista, so somewhere in the greater downtown area would be great, but is not required. Thank you!
posted by 8603 around San Antonio, TX at 2:38 PM - 2 answers

I will be in downtown Austin March 17th and 18th with the late afternoons and evenings free. It won't be worth buying a SXSW pass for that limited amount of time but I know there's usually other events that run concurrently (as well as St. Patrick's Day). Any recommendations on things to do and things to avoid? [more inside]
posted by Candleman around Austin, TX at 5:16 PM - 7 answers

I'm going to Pearland TX to visit a family member. I'd like to do a small amount of touristing, specifically to tour NASA (anything else you suggest?). But how do I do that given that there's no public transit in Pearland and I would need a car seat for the baby? Note: I'm unwilling to get in a car with a baby without a car seat, even if the law makes exceptions for cabs or whatever. The laws of physics make no exceptions.
posted by If only I had a penguin... around Houston, TX at 6:39 PM - 14 answers

I'm going to be in Austin riiiight before SXSW- approximately March 4-7. How will the timing affect my trip? Are there any cool pregaming events? Conversely is there anything or any areas I should avoid as they will be too crazy or shut down? I'm staying in a central air bnb and will have a car. (By the time the festival starts on the 9th I hope to be in the middle of nowhere in Big Bend)
posted by genmonster around Austin, TX at 1:04 PM - 4 answers

I would love personal recommendations about relatively inexpensive but not grungy places to stay (from towns to actual lodgings) in the Amalfi coast this summer. Travelers are a mother/daughter pair (middle aged/teen) who do not want to drive. [more inside]
posted by velveeta underground around Italy, TX at 8:13 PM - 5 answers

MeFites of the Dallas/Fort Worth area! Suggestions please, for hotel and activities over the next 24 hours. [more inside]
posted by mon-ma-tron around Dfw Airport, TX at 11:22 AM - 6 answers

My elderly parents have a tight layover coming up between flights on United in Houston. I expect they will have to change terminals (second flight is international). They both walk okay but Mom in particular is not speedy. United's page on senior/disabled assistance is vague. Does anybody have experience with requesting golf cart type and/or wheelchair assistance a) from United b) at IAH c) both? The layover is 1:20, I'm thinking fine if the first flight is on time and not so fine if it isn't.
posted by HaveYouTriedRebooting around Houston, TX at 1:23 PM - 8 answers

I'll be in Austin Tx for a conference. And I'm at a bit of a loss when it comes to what to see and do. [more inside]
posted by jouke around Austin, TX at 5:17 AM - 26 answers

I drive a 2000 Toyota Solara convertible and I've vowed I never want to have a non-convertible car again. It's starting to fall apart and I'm looking at my choices for a new or lightly used replacement. I love the tiny-ness of the smartcars and test-drove one years ago and liked it (and saw this previously and this previously. Do you have a recent smartcar? Do you like it? Especially, do you have a smartcar convertible? If not smartcar, what other teeny convertible would you recommend? Are there any? I must admit that the price point on the smartcar is alluring. Details on my use inside. [more inside]
posted by fiercecupcake around Austin, TX at 8:37 AM - 6 answers

My mission, if I choose to accept it (which I do, otherwise this post would be pointless): Build a transportation system that can ride on bike trails, tow a 60 lb kayak while walking/carrying a dog, and fold up small enough to fit on the kayak for the paddle home. Also, less than $500. [more inside]
posted by BeeDo around Houston, TX at 9:41 PM - 1 answer

Daydreaming about getting away over the holidays has turned into some serious planning for a week in the South Pacific. Have you stayed somewhere amazing? Please, do tell! [more inside]
posted by jshort around Houston, TX at 5:07 PM - 4 answers

Other than getting tickets for a game if the Spurs are in town, what should I not miss? Bonus points for quirky or outstanding offbeat places to eat, see, or things to do. Is the Alamo worth it? The zoo? I can get a car, or not. Hotel is maybe 15 min walk from downtown/riverwalk area. Late May timeframe. Coming from the Pacific Northwest, is it going to be hot and humid? [more inside]
posted by OneSmartMonkey around San Antonio, TX at 10:20 AM - 15 answers

Is there someplace for a long-weekend vacation near (no more than three hour drive) Houston for a big family with babies, kids and adults? [more inside]
posted by CrazyLemonade around Texas at 10:42 AM - 16 answers

Hi! I'm gonna be in Austin, TX in mid-April and I was looking for some quirky things to do! Like, really quirky. More details inside. [more inside]
posted by Sully around Austin, TX at 12:36 PM - 12 answers

My best friend is moving to Texas near Fort Worth like the third week of March. We're driving some stuff and her cats from Central Jersey to her new place over a period of two- three days. What are some roadtrip tips you have for us, places we must eat along the way, places we can quick stop and see something neat? Suggest away. [more inside]
posted by 80 Cats in a Dog Suit around Texas at 7:07 AM - 18 answers