1. The Alamo
   1. Well… it had to top the list. This is where we were almost created. This was our Mayflower and Santa Maria. The character of the people of Texas today is a direct result of the individuals who sacrificed their lives at the Alamo to create a free state. The celeb list includes Davy Crockett, Jim Bowie and William Travis. Looking for a raccoon cap? Seeking a courageous story of a woman strengthened through battle? Read about Susannah Dickinson before you head there and walk into the Alamo to browse. Make sure to stay at the Menger in San Antonio and read up on their legendary ghost stories. The riverwalk won’t make the top ten, but its romance will seduce you.
2. The State Capitol
   1. Go a little farther north and you’ll find the biggest state capitol in America. Everything is bigger in Texas, including the amount of pride we have for our state. I highly encourage you to walk inside the capitol and discover its beauty. Sure it’s Texas limestone on the outside, but its pure state history and pride on the outside.
3. Gruene Hall in New Braunfels
   1. Arguably – and I mean arguably – the best place to two step in Texas, Gruene Hall is not only an infamous dancehall, but also a historical Texas landmark. Make sure you bootscoot on over to New Braunfels and enjoy the Gristmill River Restaurant.
4. Natural Bridge Caverns
   1. Yes we’re proud of our state, but we should be, it’s beautiful. Number four on our list may not be the first visit on your trip, but should definitely be included due to its grandeur.

   

5. Cowboy Stadium
   1. Chandeliers in a football stadium? Totally normal at Jerry Jones’ Cowboy Stadium home to the Dallas Cowboys. This year the stadium will hold not only hold football games, but basketball games and wrestling matches. Bringing in millions of revenues for the local communities, this stadium is a must see if you’re in the area.
6. Galveston Sea Wall
   1. The place where Texas meets the Gulf can on occasion look littered with oil refineries and barges; however, there is a place on the coast that inspires songs, books and thousands of people to trek there every summer. Galveston, having survived yet another disastrous hurricane, is the indisputable beach home for Texans seeking surf and sand.
7. Fredericksburg
   1. How can you not love the combination of wineries, bed and breakfasts and antique shopping? Well maybe men don’t love it, but let’s send them to the WWII museum while we hunt for furniture in the quaint little German town of Fredericksburg.
8. Big Bend National Park
   1. Not much attention is given to this part of the state, yet it happens to be the most scenic views the country has to offer. Dip your foot in the Rio Grande after hiking in this jaw-droppingly beautiful national park.
9. Buddy Holly Center in Lubbock
   1. Buddy Holly was much more than just the widely recognized eyeglasses, he was a legend. And he also just happened to be born in Texas. Although Lubbock as a city has been critiqued for its rare cow manure scent and lack of vegetation, this city is booming and should have a day dedicated in your itinerary. It may be a slow town, but it created some pretty mean rock n roll.
10. Corpus Christi/Port Aransas
    1. Another popular beach locale that couldn’t be left out of the top ten due to its warm water, friendly locals and consumer-friendly prices. The hotels and condominiums in the area aim to please families and pleasure seekers. Stay out of the spring break schedule, but make sure you step on a sand dune while drinking a Shiner and watching the sunset.

(Photos courtesy of flickr)

In honor of Fat Tuesday last week which marks the end of the week-long celebration of Mardi Gras, I thought I would put together a list of some of my favorite restaurants and bars in Dallas seasonally serving fresh steamed crawfish. Anyone who knows me, knows I could eat seafood seven days a week, but not just any seafood. I have a particular fondness for Cajun-style crawfish.   In 2001, I was walking the streets of New Orleans around Bourbon Street, and my friends decided to get our palms read. In a past life I was a fisherman, according to the street palmist who was an ex-professor and PHD academic. This may have something to do with wanting to work with my hands for my food. After five years of living in Dallas proper and five years of living near Dallas (Denton), I feel I’ve eaten my share of mud bugs to have an educated opinion. This list is a mixed bag, yes there are some chain restaurants and bars listed as well as one which may not be considered a “cajun restaurant.” When crawfish are in season and a restaurant or bar offer them, I don’t care what they are listed under in the Yellowpages.

• Nate’s Seafood and Steakhouse - This place is known for their crawfish. Located north of Dallas in Addison, every weekend people of all cultures, colors, and creeds pack their doors and get on their waiting list for some of the most authentic mud bugs. You have to pay extra for the turbo spice, but it’s worth it with all the extra add-ons which come complementary (hush puppies and well-oiled crispy bread loaves). If anyone asks me where to get the best crawfish in town when in season, I tell him/her Nate’s. It’s a well-rounded place with something on the menu anyone can enjoy.
• Al’s Hideaway (**Edit: Location Closed**) - For a bar, this place has hands-down the best crawfish. They get major points mostly because every order does not only come with corn and potatoes, but comes with garlic cloves which really add to the experience. They have managed to cook the bugs in a way which doesn’t disintegrate the meat while spicing it just enough (Pappadeaux’s over-spices their crawfish to a point of awkward annoyance). Like Nate’s Al’s Hideaway is also located in Addison.
• Dodie’s- Excellent etouffee any time of the year, Dodie’s is a Dallas, Greenville Avenue fixture I read about for years on the Internet before giving it a try. After discovering their wide selection, friendly staff, and of course, excellent crawfish, I’ve been back many times since .
• Razzoo’s – This chain restaurant may have a Richardson address, but it’s classic and has all the fixins’ of a mom and pop restaurant. For years I would drive with friends to the Razzoo’s in Lewisville every other weekend while crawfish were in season when I lived in Denton.
• Hooter’s – Not necessary known for their seafood or crawfish, this wing-centric restaurant and bar may not have crawfish for very long, but Hooter’s does a great job of cooking clean, fresh mud bugs with little regard for cheesy alligator toys.

***2/25 Update: I won’t erase my error and act like it never happened. I apologize for steering anyone the wrong way with my Al’s Hideaway recommendation. They truly were one of the best, but the place is closed. I need some input with this. Shuck N’ Jive does not have crawfish currently. What other places are actually serving good crawfish besides Pappadeaux? I had them on the Sunday before Fat Tuesday and although I can recommend them for other cajun delicacies, I cannot for fresh crawfish. It could just be the season, but then it could be the way they were cooked. These other four are solid choices for crawfish in Dallas in 2010. ***