Texas Celebrity Travel News
July 17, 2006 by Paris and John
Filed under News and Festivals
By Grace Sydney
Wonder where in Texas the stars stay? Here’s a look at the latest visits by the rich and famous set to the Lone Star State:
A voice from the past echoed within the confines of the Abbott Methodist Church on July 2, 2006 as superstar Willie Nelson stepped to the forefront of the humble house of worship and, as in days gone by, sang of his love for the Lord. Born and raised in the small Hill Country community 10 miles from Hillsboro, which today boasts a population of roughly 300 residents, the Grammy Award-winning Lone Star luminary and his sister Bobbie recently purchased Abbott’s spiritual sanctuary.
From Britney Spears and Kevin Federline to Nine Inch Nails frontman Trent Reznor, the Hotel ZaZa in Dallas is a favorite among the A-list. Dubbed “one of the 500 best hotels in the world” by Travel and Leisure, the 154-room boutique retreat welcomed Richardson-raised Ashlee and Jessica Simpson in June.
Richie Sambora’s current flame Denise Richards, soon to star in the ABC drama series “Secrets of A Small Town,” was seen in the big city of Houston recently, perusing for purchases in Neiman Marcus.
The capital city’s own Andy Roddick will host a gala and auction in support of his charitable foundation on November 21, 2006. Four hundred and fifty guests will enjoy gourmet cuisine and the musical stylings of perennial pop star Lionel Richie at the Four Seasons Hotel Austin.
The residents of Maypearl, which lies 10 miles from Waxahachie, are counting the days to September, when the Ellis County town will have its moment in the spotlight in the made-for-TV drama “A House Divided,” starring Dylan McDermott from “The Practice” and Sarah Clarke (“24″).
The memory of his days portraying Robert Kennedy compelled actor Robert Knepper to visit Dealey Plaza upon his arrival in Dallas for the second season of the FOX drama “Prison Break.” Home to The Sixth Floor Museum and the infamous “grassy knoll”, the area marks a turning point in the American way of life.
Tiger Woods, who perfected his swing in early July on the Tom Fazio-designed course at Westlake’s Vaquero Club, was among the first to walk through the doors of the just-opened W Dallas-Victory, a 252-room luxury retreat which features a SWEAT fitness center and a Bliss spa.
