Celebrate Texas Travel & Tourism Week

Cowboys herd longhorns through Fort Worth's Stockyards.

Texas Governor, Rick Perry, recently declared May 8-16th, 2010 Texas Travel & Tourism Week.

Technically, this is more than a week, but the event is meant to coincide with National Tourism Week, which also runs May 8-16th, 2010.

To celebrate, people are encouraged to act like tourists in their own hometowns. If you are one of those who neglects local sites until out-of-town guests arrive, now is your chance to explore your local community.

Texas First Lady visits Fort Worth

On May 11th, 2010, Anita Perry, wife of Texas Governor Rick Perry, kicks off Fort Worth’s edition of a nationwide event called Travel Rally Day. Festivities begin on the Lawn of the Livestock Exchange Building at 10am and continue throughout the day, including live music, food, a parade, and – this being Cowtown – a cattle drive through the Fort Worth Stockyards.

What: Travel Rally Day in Fort Worth
When: May 11th, 2010, starting at 10am
Where: Lawn of the Livestock Exchange Building (map)
Price: Free
More information: Fort Worth Stockyards

Dallas Deals for Texas Travel & Tourism Week

If you are in the Dallas area, be sure to check out all the Dallas Discounts available for Texas Travel & Tourism Week. Scroll to the bottom of the page for special offers from major local attractions such as the famous Sixth Floor Museum (map), the Dallas Museum of Art (map), and more.

Sixth Floor Museum in Dallas

What: Dallas Deals
When: May 8-16, 2010
Where: 14 different Dallas tourist attractions (see the site below for details)
More information: Visit Dallas

Free Admission to Historical Sites

On May 16th, the Texas Historical Commission presents Historic Sites Free Day. The Confederate Reunion Grounds (map), a state historical park located 80 miles south of Dallas, is one of the included attractions, and makes a good day trip. Visit the Texas Historical Commission’s official website for information about all 19 participating sites.

What: 2010 Historic Sites Free Day
When: May 16th, 2010
Where: 19 Different Historical Sites throughout Texas
Price: Free – May 16th, only
More information: Texas Historical Commission

It’s easy to think of tourism as something requiring hours of travel, but it is really just a mindset. So instead of waiting for out-of-town guests to get you exploring locally, take yourself out on the town for this year’s Texas Travel & Tourism Week.

Photo credit: Courtesy of Texas Tourism