San Antonio is a great place to live or vacation.  Whether you’re a resident or just staying for a few days, here are five spots you don’t want to miss.

San Antonio River Walk: Located along the banks of the San Antonio River, this shopping haven also offers excellent dining.  If your feet are too tired to shop anymore, enjoy one of the boat tours.  The River Walk is a city park, so there is no charge for admission, although all boat tours and some clubs do charge an admission fee.

San Antonio Zoo: This is no ordinary zoo.  Home to over 3,500 animals, the San Antonio Zoo is one the nation’s largest zoos and is a treat for visitors of all ages.  Walk the grounds or take a ride on the Zoo Train.  The zoo is open every day of the year.

The Alamo: The site of one of the most notorious battles in history and one of Texas’ top tourist destinations, over 2.5 million people visit The Alamo annually.  The Alamo is owned by the State of Texas and operated by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas.  Go see where legendary Texas men Davie Crockett, Jim Bowie, and William Barrett Travis died in battle.  The Alamo is open every day of the year except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and admission is free.

Market Square: To experience the rich cultural heritage of San Antonio, don’t miss Market Square.  Family-owned cafes, working artists, and the largest Mexican market north of the Rio Grande draw both visitors and San Antonio natives looking for a unique shopping and dining experience.

Fiesta Texas: This massive theme park is fun for the whole family.  It features the only “floorless” roller coaster in the Southwest, hundreds of rides, live entertainment, and even a water park.  Onsite dining lets you spend the day with the family without worrying about traffic.

If you’re considering a move to San Antonio or the surrounding Texas Hill Country, let Texas Homesites show you available land in Texas.  Now is a great time to buy land in Texas, and Texas Homesites has a variety of home sites in master planned communities as well as golfing communities in Texas.  For more information, find us on Facebook and Twitter today.

Austin is a diverse city with something for people of all ages, and an abundance of activities the entire family can enjoy.  Here are four family-friendly hot spots in Austin.

Texas State History Museum: Just a few blocks from the Capitol building on Congress Avenue, this museum is a must see for Texas residents or anyone who loves the state’s rich history.  Each floor of the museum covers a different aspect of Texas history.  The first floor is about land, the second floor is about identity, and the third floor is about opportunity, specifically how Texans adapted to the land and how oil changed the state.  The museum is home to Austin’s only IMAX Theater.  A Museum Café on the second floor serves sandwiches, soup, and salads and also features a children’s menu.

Austin Zoo and Animal Sanctuary: The Austin Zoo draws over 200,000 visitors every year.  With a primary goal of introducing kids to animals, it’s an excellent place to take the family.  There are a number of exhibits and attractions designed especially for little ones.  This zoo is unique in that it rescues the animals on display.  Its beautiful hill-country setting makes it the perfect place to spend an afternoon with the family.

Zilker Park: Just off Barton Springs Road, the Barton Springs Pool in Zilker Park is one of Austin’s most famous landmarks and a popular destination for families.  Nine-hundred feet in length, the pool was formed when Barton Creek was dammed, so the bottom is natural rock and gravel.  The water temperature averages 68 degrees all year, so wait for a hot Texas day and take the family to cool off in the pool at Zilker Park.

Austin Children’s Museum: The children’s museum is an Austin treasure, and while it’s child-friendly, adults love it too.  It features interactive exhibits, science demonstrations, camps, workshops, and uses play to help children learn and grow.  During the holidays, take the kids to decorate a gingerbread house. The museum is conveniently located in downtown Austin at 201 Colorado Street.

Austin and the surrounding areas are wonderful places to live, work, and raise a family.  If you want to experience all that Texas living has to offer, let Texas Homesites show you available land in Texas.  You can have peace of mind custom building a home in a gated, master planned community in the beautiful Texas Hill Country.  For additional information on the Texas real estate market, find Texas Homesites on Facebook and Twitter today.

Texas is second only to Alaska in square footage, and second to no one when it comes to fantastic places to visit.  While it could take a lifetime to experience all that Texas has to offer, here are a few suggestions for day trips you will love.

San Marcos outlets: Right off I-35 between San Antonio and Austin, the San Marcos Outlets are a wonderful place to spend a beautiful fall day in Texas.  Get a jump on your Christmas shopping at the variety of stores in one convenient location.

Gladewater Antiques District: If you consider “antique” to be a verb, take a leisurely drive to Gladewater and check out over 15 antique shops and nearly 100 crafters throughout the city.

East Texas Oil Museum in Kilgore: The museum features dioramas, films, sound effects, a life-size boomtown scene, and artifacts depicting the discovery of the East Texas oil field.  Guided tours are available with reservations.  The museum is open Tuesday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., and Sunday from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.

President George Bush Presidential Library and Museum in College Station: A great educational opportunity for the kids, the museum features replicas of Bush’s Camp David and Oval Office.  Hours are Monday – Saturday, 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Sunday from 12 p.m. – 5p.m.

Messina HOF Winery in Bryan: Come and take a stroll through the vineyard, sample some wine, learn about wine and food pairings, and relax by the waterfall.  There is no more relaxing way to spend a day.

Austin Hill Country Flyer: The Austin Steam Train’s Hill Country Flyer (temporarily pulled by a diesel locomotive) will take you on a two-hour, 35-mile journey from the Cedar Park station just north of Austin to Burnet through beautiful Texas Hill Country scenery.  After a stop in Burnet for lunch, sightseeing, and shopping, you get back to Austin about 4 or 4:30 p.m.

Whether it’s a day of golf, a visit to a vineyard, or a drive through the rolling hills, you can do it all in Texas.  Now is a great time to buy land in Texas and begin custom building a home.  Texas Homesites is your source for information on the Texas real estate market.  Ask us about Vintage Oaks at the Vineyard, a master planned community between Austin and San Antonio.  You can find us on Facebook and Twitter for more information.

History of Austin Music Scene

Early Years

Austin's musical heritage dates to the early 1930s. A venue known as Threadgill's hosted several artists over the years, including Janis Joplin. Other venues sprang up in the city in the 1940s, such as Victory Grill, presenting love big bands and jazz and blues acts including B.B. King and early performances by Ike and Tina Turner. In the 1960s, live country music became a staple in Austin thanks to the popularity of acts such as Willie Nelson.

All Genres Welcome

The 1970s saw all genres of music finding a home in Austin including Better Midler and Bruce Springsteen. It became common for area bars, clubs and restaurants to feature everything from rock and country to jazz and blues. By the 1980s and 1990s, the city had become a beacon for new and emerging artists to find receptive audiences. In 1976, PBS debuted the show Austin City Limits to showcase area talent in just about every genre from rock and country to bluegrass and zydeco.

Live Music Found Everywhere

Today, Austin remains a haven for new and emerging artists thanks to encouragement from groups such as The Austin Music Foundation that offer assistance to independent artists. The Austin Music Office helps area acts find venues to play their music live. Speaking of live music, you won't have any trouble finding live music in the city. Bars, restaurants, clubs, diners and comedy clubs are just some of the venues offering live music at least some of the time in Austin. The city itself encourages new artists. Additionally, there is no shortage of fans willing to show their appreciation.

Whether you are custom building a home or planning to use your Texas land for other purposes, Texas Homesites is your source for affordable Texas land in Austin and other communities in Texas. Look for us on Facebook and Twitter today.

• The McNay (6000 North New Braunfels) - Paintings, sculptures and other forms of art highlight this San Antonio jewel considered by some to be the finest art museum in the state. Featured artists includes Matisse, Cezanne, Van Gogh, Picasso and O'Keefe.

• San Antonio Children's Museum (305 East Houston Street) - This is one museum where children are encouraged to be seen and heard. Popular permanent attractions include Reading Adventures, H20 Heroes Clubhouse, the Tooth Booth and the Texas Treasures Cave. Looking for a fun, unique birthday your child? The museum hosts birthday parties for free!

• San Antonio Art League Museum (130 King William Street) - Looking to sample local art? This museum is the place for you. Many of the exhibits reflect the history of the area. A popular exhibit is a series of competition portraits from the 1920s paying tribute to Texas wildflowers.

• San Antonio Museum of Art (200 West Jones Avenue) - SAMA houses what many consider to be the best collection of art found in South Texas or arguably anywhere in Texas. Permanent Greek, Spanish, Asian and Latin exhibits are a big draw. Traveling exhibits pop-up throughout the year.

• Witte Museum (3801 Broadway) - Another "kid-friendly" museum. Cultural exhibits are deigned for both adults and children to enjoy. The HEB Science Treehouse is a favorite spot for kids. Don't forget to check out the "backyard" exhibit featuring log cabins and houses Texans once called home.

• Buckhorn Saloon and Museum (318 East Houston Street) - Talk about more bang for your buck. This museum is actually five in one. Featured museums include: Fins, Horns, Feathers, the Hall of Texas History Wax Museum and several special and temporary exhibits that change throughout the year.

San Antonio museums are just the tip of the iceberg when listing reasons to live in Texas. Affordable Texas real estate is nestled in many communities in Texas with appealing features and amenities. Look for Texas Homesites on Facebook and Twitter to see what others are saying about us.

Jobs

Renewable energy resulting in new job opportunities coupled with a booming tech industry is expected to spur continued growth in the Houston area over the next five years. The city's unemployment rate remains below the national average with growth expected as the city embraces new technology. Education and medical careers are expected to add to the city's growth. A strong job market encourages new land buyers to make the city their new home. Houston has embraced new and expanding career fields, and the city is expected to experience continued growth as a result.

Housing

The Houston housing market has remained strong in comparison to other similar markets in the country. Houston continues to offer some of the best land in Texas with desirable amenities attractive to new business owners and home owners alike. The Houston housing market did experience some dips, but has bounced back well ahead of other markets. This growth is expected to continue over the next five years and beyond. The Texas real estate market is expected to remain stable.

Development

Houston's Midtown area is a thriving, culturally diverse, pedestrian-friendly area expected to continue to attract businesses over the next five years. Downtown Houston remains a popular destination for shopping and dining. This trend is expected to continue. Almost $4 billion of parks, buildings, and other infrastructure improvements have been completed since the mid-1990s in the downtown area. Phase II development project will build on the existing new infrastructure to add an additional $3 billion for upcoming projects. Projects already approved include a 47-story, 1 million square-foot office tower.

Texas Homesites will help you find Texas real estate right for your needs in Houston or any other area of Texas. Owning land is an attainable goal thanks to affordable Texas living and a state with many cities like Houston showing a promising future in terms of development and growth. Look for us on Facebook and Twitter.

Downtown San Antonio

The Downtown San Antonio Community Development Corporation plans to continue with efforts to attract more locals and visitors to the downtown area. The CDC has already participated in efforts to increase downtown parking and sponsor events to attract visitors. Parking demands vary widely based on the mix of activities going on at a given time. Parking studies conducted by the CDC have been commissioned to suggest better ways to accommodate downtown traffic. This includes planned studies on downtown traffic patterns.

River North Master Plan

The CDC is working with the Downtown Alliance and the City of San Antonio to develop a mixed-income, mixed-use neighborhood to be located just north of the city's downtown in a new location called River North. So far, $70 million have been earmarked for San Antonio River improvements. The new proposed area is in that zone. The CDC hopes to incorporate the neighborhood's development into that plan. The CDC is working with a Pasadena, California-based firm to develop a cohesive plan to develop the area to meet housing and business needs while maintaining the overall natural beauty of the region. The master plan will define principles and guidelines for development and manage project funding. The goal is the make River North a natural extension of the city's famed River Walk area.

Future Growth

The City of San Antonio has not been immune to recent ups and downs in the economy, but has experienced growth, according to recent figures. Area construction and real estate firms tout the benefits of living and working in the city to attract future growth. Land tax benefits remain a strong incentive for new land buyers not just in San Antonio, but in other communities in Texas.

Texas Homesites is your premier choice for affordable Texas land with land for sale for just about any purpose. Look for us on Facebook and Twitter.

• Salt Lick Bar-B-Que (Austin Airport) - Delicious BBQ has been served up at this Austin eatery for more than 40 years. Thousands of folks stop by this Texas institution each work to enjoy heaping helpings of beef, sausage, pork, ribs and more!

• Home Slice Pizza (1415 South Congress Avenue) - Jen and Joseph Strickland and partner Terri Hannifin started this authentic neighborhood pizza joint with the goal of bringing delicious New York style pizza to Texas. Since then, it has become a local favorite. The staff is said to be dripping with Texas charm.

• Wink Restaurant (1014 North Lamar Boulevard) - Fresh ingredients and light sauces are peppered throughout the menu, served up by a friendly staff in an intimate environment. A fully stocked wine bar featuring authentic Texas wine is another customer favorite.

• Uchi Restaurant (801 South Lamar Boulevard) - Considered by many to be the best Japanese dining available in Austin, this restaurant is characterized by great menu items with fresh ingredients, friendly service and affordable prices. Fried lobster, roasted rabbit and pork are popular menu items. The sushi is said to be excellent.

• Eddie V's Edgewater Grill (301 East 5th Street) - This Austin seafood restaurant features an award-winning combination of prime steaks and fresh seafood with live music. Co-owners Larry Foles and Guy Villavaso are New Orleans natives who brought their skills with them to make this a popular dining spot in Austin.

• Trio Restaurant (98 San Jacinto Boulevard) - Steak, seafood and wine are the specialties at this Austin haunt located downtown. The lakefront views enhance this restaurant’s pleasant atmosphere. Guests can choose main, patio or private dining options. Local and seasonal ingredients are included in every menu item for that special Texas touch.

Texas Homesites is your top choice for prime Texas real estate from the lush Texas Hill Country to the elegant Vintage Oaks at the Vineyard and everywhere in between. Look for Texas Homesites on Facebook and Twitter to see what your friends are saying about us.

Home of the Fighting Texas Aggies, College Station is a great place to live, work, learn, and play. With a population of over 90,000, College Station maintains its small-town charm while offering a ton of amenities.

Close to a major university: Texas A&M is one of the country’s leading universities and offers a wide range of degrees and programs. The university is ripe with tradition and the students are known for their friendly “Howdy’s” and polite personas.

College town prices: Because College Station is a college town, the prices in and around the city are relatively low in comparison to other cities. The businesses want to accommodate college student budgets, but their low prices can help you out as well!

Family-oriented community: According to Kiplinger’s, College Station is the third best city for raising a family. The tight-knit community in College Station fosters a sense of safety, peace, and happiness. There are many things for families to do together, and you have over 40,000 babysitters to choose from with the supply of college students just around the corner looking for jobs.

Great location: Located near Lake Bryan and close to Houston, Waco, Dallas, and Austin, College Station offers a variety of things to do around the area and lots of resources for fun and entertainment.

College Station is the perfect place to build a home. Texas Homesites offers the best land in Texas and our master-planned community, King Oaks, in College Station is as great as it gets. We would love to be a part of your land buying experience and will work to do whatever we can to help you find the perfect place to settle down and build your dream home. We love College Station, and we know you will too once you see all there is to offer. Contact us today and let us help you start your life in College Station! Learn how much land you can afford in our Texas Homesites communities!

George H.W. Bush Library and Museum: This extensive library and museum chronicles the 41^st President’s life and accomplishments, and is a great place to escape the Texas heat and get a good dose of history. The library also offers movie nights, summer camps for kids, and game nights for adults. With a variety of different activities, the George H.W. Bush Library and Museum has fun for all ages and is the perfect place to go during unpleasant weather or when you need a break from the heat.

Lake Bryan: Lake Bryan is a hop-in-the-car away and is the perfect spot for a quick getaway. Ideal for boating, water skiing, picnicking, or just exploring, Lake Bryan is 180 acres of lush scenery, quiet relaxation, and an all-around great place to spend any summer day. The Lakeside Icehouse on Lake Bryan also offers some great food and an even greater atmosphere.

Messina Hof Winery and Resort: If you’re looking for a quick getaway this summer, or just a day visit, Messina Hof Winery and Resort is just what you need. Voted Best Texas Wine in 2004, 2005, and 2006, this sumptuous vineyard offers great wine, romantic strolls through the vineyard, a wonderful bed and breakfast, and a world-class restaurant. Leave the kids at home for a night and visit Messina Hof for a nice summer treat.

Go two-stepping: Two-stepping is extremely popular in College Station, making it a must-do for the summer. Many different bars and restaurants provide all the fixin’s for two-stepping, but two of the most beloved are the Texas Hall of Fame and Hurricane Harry’s.

Visit the pool: To cool off from the Texas heat, visit one of College Station’s public pools, especially Adamson Lagoon, which features winding water slides and a large swimming pool. Lay out and enjoy the sun, or splash around while you enjoy the cool water and a much needed break from the heat.

College Station has a lot more to offer, and if you would like to learn more, contact Texas Homesites. We specialize in providing the best land available in Texas in the best locations. We love College Station and we know you would too. Our master-planned community, King Oaks, near College Station is the perfect place to experience the wonders Texas and College Station have to offer.