Amarillo Celebrates Christmas
Amarillo is gearing up for Christmas with several special events:
• The Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum presents A Really Rockin' Christmas, Friday, December 1 from 6-9 p.m. and Saturday, December 2, from 2-6 p.m. Admission is free. Children's choirs and instrumentalists will sing and play in the Derrick Room and Santa will be in the People of the Plains exhibit to hear wish lists. Enjoy Pioneer Town with storytellers and guests in costume. For information call 806-651-2244.
• The Amarillo Little Theatre presents the regional premiere of the new Broadway musical A Christmas Carol, based on the story by Charles Dickens and set to a music by Alan Menken and Lynn Ahrens, from November 30 through December 17. This will be the biggest, most spectacular production in ALT's 79-year history. For information or tickets call the ALT 806-355-9991.
• The Harrington House is open for Christmas tours through December 21. This historic home is decorated just as Mrs. Harrington did using her original decorations. Tours are Tuesday and Thursday between 10 a.m and 12:30 p.m. There is no charge but advance reservations are required by calling 806-374-5490. The home is located at 1600 S. Polk St.
• The Amarillo Gorillas celebrate the holidays two ways. Participate in the Bridge Foundation Toy Drive and receive a coupon for a discounted ticket to the December 19 game. Or ring in the New Year at the December 31 game, with entertainment following the game. All home games played at the Amarillo Civic Center Coliseum. For tickets or information call 806-378-3096.
• • Center City's annual Electric Light Parade is December 1 starting at 10th & Polk and finishing at the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts for the lighting of the city tree. Parade starts at 6 p.m. with tree lighting about 7 p.m. For more information call 806-372-6744.
• The Kwahadi Kiva Indian Museum hosts the Nights of Lights in the Kiva Theater in December. The Trading Post has its once-a-year sale of 25% off all gift stock from November 30 through December 23. The Winter Night Ceremonials are December 29 and 30 at 7:30 pm and at 2:30 pm on December 31.
• • The Amarillo Symphony pops its cork on New Year’s Eve, featuring tenor Eric Barry and violinist Keith Redpath. Also includes food from around the world and the popular Amarillo jazz band The Martinis performing in the lobby of the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts after the concert. The night will culminate in a midnight champagne toast. Tickets (concert, food, beverages and glass of champagne) are $75. For tickets, call 806-376-8782.
• The Lone Star Ballet presents the The Nutcracker. Performances are December 8-10, three evening and two matinee, at the Amarillo Civic Center Auditorium. This annual treat is performed in partnership with the Amarillo Symphony. For tickets call Panhandle Tickets at 806-378-3096.
• The Amarillo Youth Choirs has its Sounds of the Season Concert on December 17 at 1:30 p.m. in the Globe News Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are $5 for adults; $2 for children 8 and under. Call 806-372-1100.
For More Information:• visit
www.visitamarillotx.com
Labels: Panhandle Plains
posted by Paris and John @ 9:18 PM
Four Seasons Austin's Gingerbread Village
Recently we reported on the special Christmas decorations you could have added to your guest room at Four Seasons Austin (98 San Jacinto Blvd.), but you don't have to be a guest to enjoy the hotel's special decorations. Visit the Four Seasons Hotel Austin’s Gingerbread Village, on display at the hotel through Jan. 2. An electronic train winds through a sugar-crafted train station, chocolate shop, clock tower and more.
In addition, families get gussied up for the hotel’s annual Teddy Bear Teas, which include a traditional tea, holiday carols and a fireside reading of “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” by Santa Claus himself. Teas take place on Dec. 9, 16, 17 and 23 from 2-4 p.m. The cost is $35 for adults, and $25 for children 6-11 (prices do not include tax and gratuity).
For more information:• call 512-478-4500
• visit
www.fourseasons.com/austinLabels: Hill Country
posted by Paris and John @ 9:15 PM
Austin's Pioneer Farms to Celebrate Historic Holidays
Now that Thanksgiving is just a memory, the list of Christmas events moves into high gear. For the next two weeks, a family favorite takes place in Austin at Pioneer Farms. Candlelight Christmas at Pioneer Farms, located at 1400 Pioneer Farms Drive, takes place December 1-2 and 8-9. The event, which takes visitors back to Christmas 120 years ago, includes musical performances, children’s shows and educational programs.
For More Information:• visit
www.pioneerfarms.orgLabels: Hill Country
posted by Paris and John @ 9:13 PM
What's Your Favorite City for Contemporary Art?
American Style magazine is running its annual poll of top American cities for contemporary art and Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio are all in the running against contendors like New York, Boston, Chicago, and LA. Cast your ballot over at
American Style (just click on the poll button on the right)and you'll also have a chance at winning a $500 airline certificate! The contest and poll ends Feb. 1, 2007.
posted by Paris and John @ 3:37 PM
Port Bottling Party at Stonewall's Woodrose Winery
Sure you've taken tours of Texas wineries before but have you ever bottled your own port? Here's your chance. On Saturday, November 18, 2006 from 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm, bottle your own port with Woodrose Winery owner and winemaker, Mike Guilette. You can call to schedule a time or stop by for a visit; there are one hour shifts available.
Location: Woodrose Winery is located at 662 Woodrose Lane on the south side of Hwy. 290 just west of Stonewall or 14 miles east of Fredericksburg. Presently the winery is open Wednesday through Sunday noon until 6pm.
For More Information:• call 830-644-2539
• visit
www.woodrosewinery.comLabels: Hill Country
posted by Paris and John @ 1:16 PM
Austin Gets International Biking Event
With its ties to Lance Armstrong and its rolling terrain, it's not surprising that Austin is a favorite with cyclists. Next summer, look for the capital city to draw not just Texas but international attention on the biking circuit.
The Austin International, scheduled for June 17, is an event that will draw some 400 cyclists for both the pro men’s and women’s races and attract as many as 100,000 cycling fans to Austin to watch some of world’s top competitors.
g4 Productions, LLC, organizers of the Austin International, 2007, announced that the inaugural event will be included in USA Cycling’s new Professional Tour and has received a 1.1 license from the International Cycling Union (UCI). The exact courses for the races are still being planned and should be announced within the next six to eight weeks.
The new USA Cycling Professional Tour recognizes the top international-caliber foreign and domestic UCI professional teams and riders over the course of the racing season in the United States. The goal of the USA Cycling Professional Tour is to acknowledge international competition in the U.S. and to spotlight events that have made the commitment to host world-class, UCI-sanctioned races that feature UCI-registered professional teams and athletes.
“Austin, Texas is a world-class cycling city, and the announcement of the Austin International race coming to town is solid confirmation of that fact,” said Hill Able, owner, Bicycle Sport Shop in Austin. “Austinites are some of the healthiest, most active people in the world, and riding bicycles is a core part of their lifestyles. The race is sure to be a huge success and we look forward to hosting some of the best cyclists in the world next June.”
The 2007 Austin International will feature a pro men’s and women’s race and will be evaluated as a potential Women’s World Cup event for 2008. Austin also hosted the World Professional Mountain Bike Championships in October 2004.
For more information:• visit
www.usacycling.orgLabels: Hill Country
posted by Paris and John @ 11:44 AM
World Championship Ranch Rodeo Coming to Amarillo
In just a few days, the 11th Anniversary World Championship Ranch Rodeo will be coming to Amarillo. Sponsored by the Working Ranch Cowboy Association (WRCA), this rodeo is unique in that its participants are the men and women who make their living on horseback on the many ranches throughout the Southwest.
Each ranch qualifies for this event by winning a regional ranch rodeo sometime during the year. A team of 4-6 hands usually competes for the ranch, but frequently the entire ranch brings family and friends with them to the event.
The Events: The ranch rodeo events, such as team branding, wild cow milking and team penning, have their roots in the regular ranch chores of 100 years ago, many of which are still performed today. As part of the World Championship Ranch Rodeo, visitors can watch the annual working Ranch Horse Show sponsored by the American Quarter Horse Journal. Great ranch horses ridden by the best cowboys, many representing legendary ranches, will go head to head in one of the toughest ranch horse competitions held in the country.
Performances: Rodeo performances are 7 p.m. on Nov. 9, 10 and 11 with a final matinee performance scheduled for 2 p.m. on Nov. 12. Other cowboy events, open all day leading up to the rodeo performance, include a top-notch cowboy art show and sale, an authentic bit and spur show, cowboy poetry and music performances, Pokey the Clown’s Jr. Ranch Rodeo and a ranch exposition trade show.
Tickets: All events are under one roof in the Amarillo Civic Center and all events are included in one ticket price. Tickets are available through Panhandle Tickets either on-line at
www.panhandletickets.com or by phone at 806-378-3096. Ticket prices range from $15 to $24, depending on the date of the performance and the seat location. Saturday night’s performance usually sells out.
For More Information:• visit the
Amarillo CVC web site
• Visit the
WRCA web siteLabels: Panhandle Plains
posted by Paris and John @ 4:53 PM
Download a copy of The Texas Traveler's Packing Guide
Planning a Texas getaway? Check out our new 15-page The Texas Traveler's Packing Guide ebook.
How to download your free copy!Labels: TexasTripper News
posted by Paris and John @ 4:49 PM
Enjoy a Decorated Room at Four Seasons Austin
Want to enjoy the holidays--and travel at the same time?
Four Seasons Austin is offering a fun package: you can have your room or suite decorated for the holidays.
It's not cheap to go all out--there's a $900 price tag for decorating a specialty suite including a fresh and fully decorated nine-foot tree, plush embroidered stockings, lighted garlands and miscellaneous Christmas décor. You can, however, opt to just spruce up a standard guest room (no tree) for $200.
Like the holidays themselves, this request requires a little preplanning. You'll need to make requests for room decorating before December 1, 2006 by calling the Reservations department at 1 (512) 685-8100.
Labels: Austin
posted by Paris and John @ 10:50 AM
Girls' Getaway Weekend at San Antonio's Watermark Hotel & Spa
Whether you're planning a bachelorette getaway or just a fun weekend with girlfriends, here's a new package that caught our eye at San Antonio's Watermark Hotel & Spa, located downtown.
The Urban Cowgirls’ Getaway Weekend includes: • Two rooms for two nights at the Watermark Hotel & Spa, the Alamo City’s premier property
• Dinner for four at Pesca on the River, the Watermark’s acclaimed seafood restaurant
• Pesca on the River’s signature tequila tasting experience and specialty margaritas served aboard a private river barge. The barge will cruise the San Antonio River, stopping at local bars along the Riverwalk, per the requests of the cowgirls!
• “Girls Day Out” spa package for each cowgirl (package includes two 50-minute spa treatments and lunch at the Rooftop Café)
• Each to be fitted for a pair signature Lucchese cowgirl boots
• Evening limousine road trip to Austin, the music capital of Texas,
• Dinner for four at the Gristmill, serving up a traditional Texas BBQ, on the way to Austin
• Four longnecks at Gruene Hall, Texas’ oldest dance hall, which opened in 1878 and is where legends like George Strait, Jerry Jeff Walker, and Lyle Lovett got their start
• Tickets to a live music event in Austin, cowgirl’s choice!
Price: This weekend is designed for four urban cowgirls looking to experience the best of Texas, retailing at $6,000, or $1,500/person, inclusive of all taxes and gratuities. Package based on availability.
About the Watermark: The Watermark Hotel and Spa, recently named the number two hotel in the nation by Conde Nast Traveler readers, features 99 elegant rooms, plus a 17,000-square-ft. spa, with 19 private treatment rooms, private Sanctuary Lounges and couple’s treatment suites. The hotel also features fine dining at Pesca on the River™, an unrivaled seafood epicurean experience. The renowned 337-room Omni La Mansión del Rio Hotel marries old-world charm with modern comforts and has hosted an array of dignitaries and celebrities throughout its illustrious history. Both distinctive properties are part of the Omni Hotel Group.
For more information:• visit
www.watermarkhotel.com and
www.omnihotels.com• call 800-292-7300
Labels: San Antonio
posted by Paris and John @ 4:42 PM
