South Central Free Travel Guides

In Fayetteville, you'll find an unmistakable mix of cool college town, thriving community, outdoor-lovers Mecca and cultural/arts center. That's why national publications such as Forbes and USA Today regularly rank us among the nation's best cities.

You probably already know we're home to the Arkansas Razorbacks, but we're also home to 40 parks and 17 miles of trails, one-of-a-kind shopping, the Clinton House Museum, historic sites, a botanical garden, unique restaurants and the live music of the Dickson Street Entertainment District. And, from April to November, the Downtown Square hosts our farmers’ market, which includes food, but also flowers, arts, crafts and music.

Fayetteville is the perfect starting point to explore everything that Northwest Arkansas has to offer, including the Wal-Mart Visitors' Center, the Boston Mountains Scenic Loop and Arvest Ballpark.

No matter what you decide to do, you'll understand why we ask Are you feeling Fayetteville? It's a town that feels like no other.

Website: Http://www.experiencefayetteville.com

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Come fall in love with New Orleans all over again! Start your trip with jazz, the music that started here. Or catch New Orleans' signature brand of rhythm and blues, gospel, Cajun, zydeco, and hip-hop, playing every night.

Dine at some of America's most highly acclaimed—and oldest—restaurants. Gumbo, po-boys, jambalaya, bread pudding--the menu goes on and on.

Find inspiration at the New Orleans Museum of Art, National WWII Museum, Ogden Museum of Southern Art, and scores of innovative museums.

Shop for fine art and antiques along Royal and Chartres streets in the French Quarter.

Grab some beignets and browse the historic French Market. Discover contemporary art in the chic galleries of the Arts District. Then explore six miles of fun and funky boutiques, cafés, and shops along Magazine Street.

Play at Audubon Zoo and Audubon Aquarium of the Americas. Hop aboard streetcars and riverboats. Tour historic homes and neighborhoods. And come celebrate music, food, and frivolity at major festivals like Essence Music Festival, Satchmo SummerFest, VOODOO Music Experience, and Christmas New Orleans Style.

There's so much happening this year, and there's always something new to love! To learn more and to get your free guide to New Orleans, call 800-510-NOLA or visit NewOrleansOnline.com.

Website: Http://www.NewOrleansOnline.com

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Whether you're looking to kick back and relax in the lap of luxury, dance until you drop, or savor our spectacular weather, Southwest Louisiana/Lake Charles has your pleasure. From slots to table games to horseracing, three casinos provide a wealth of excitement that never ends. If the great outdoors is more your style, check out the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road. Renowned as one of the top birding destinations in the country, the trail offers a rare opportunity to commune with nature up-close and personal while indulging in world-class fishing and crabbing. Experience a legendary Louisiana crawfish boil, where eating with your hands is not just acceptable, it's the rule. Get a second helping of duck and andouille gumbo, but leave room for that slice of pecan pie. And when you're ready to work off those calories, Southwest Louisiana always has a celebration that'll get you moving. Renowned as the Festival Capital of Louisiana, we host more than 75 fairs, festivals and special events each year, complete with food, music, dancing, and laughter. This includes a Mardi Gras extravaganza second only to New Orleans, and our two-week long celebration known as the Contraband Days Pirate Festival. No matter the time of year, there's always something happening in Southwest Louisiana/Lake Charles. We consider ourselves a gumbo pot full of great activities and people, but we're still missing one important ingredient---you! When planning your next vacation, choose a recipe for success. Choose Southwest Louisiana/Lake Charles!

Website: Http://www.festivalsswla.com

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Southeastern Louisiana is full of surprises. Quaint towns, exciting attractions, outstanding restaurants, and more await you in Tangipahoa Parish. Imagine strolling down streets lined with antique shops. Following a full day of shopping, relax with an invigorating spa treatment. If you would rather take a walk on the wild side, visit Global Wildlife Refuge to get up close and personal with giraffes, zebras, and antelopes. End your day at a quaint bed and breakfast.

Surprise yourself by visiting Tangipahoa Parish – the crossroads of the South.

Website: Http://www.tangitourism.com

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Website: Http://www.pctourism.org

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The citizens of the Bartlesville area and visitors alike enjoy the rich, diverse heritage of a town built by the oil industry. Roaming herds of exotic animals on an oil baron's vast ranch, a chic hotel in Frank Lloyd Wright's only skyscraper, plus a wealth of Western art, culture and history, make the Bartlesville area a treasured place to live.

With a population of approximately 35,000, Bartlesville is the county seat for Washington County and is surrounded by several smaller communities. Bartlesville residents enjoy living in the 21st most livable city in the U.S. and the most livable city in Oklahoma, according to the National Demographics Magazine. Area families take pleasure in the small-town atmosphere of Bartlesville while enjoying the cultural amenities of a larger metropolitan area.

A safe and friendly environment is of utmost importance to the community of Bartlesville, especially for the growth and development of children. Children's activities as well as quality childcare hold a significant presence in the community. The Bartlesville High School proudly graduates more National Merit Semifinalist than any other high school in the state. Bartlesville residents seeking higher education choose from a variety of schools including Oklahoma Wesleyan University, Tri-County Technology Center and Rogers State University.

When it comes to entertainment for the entire family, Bartlesville is first in its class. Whether you prefer world-class ballet or symphony, community theater, museums full of history or OK Mozart, an annual world-renowned event, you'll find a diversity and richness in our culture. Bartlesville is also home to top-notch public and private golf courses, an exquisite country club and a wide range of shopping including some of the best antiquing you can find.

Bartlesville residents and visitors treasure the unique dining experiences ranging from down-home barbeques to classic American fare. Dink's Barbeque, Murphy's Steakhouse and Midway Cafe are just a few family restaurants unique to the Bartlesville area. New area favorites include Outlaw's Chophouse 2 Sister's or downtown dining at Frank & Lola's.

The community spirit found in Bartlesville is an obvious reflection of the strong belief and pride we have in our city. From involvement in our churches and schools to our numerous clubs and organizations, every citizen pulls together to make Bartlesville a better place to live.

Website: www.visitbartlesville.com/

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A perfect outing in Norman is all about little discoveries, little indulgences and lots of shopping. Stroll down our historic downtown main street and experience the friendliness of a neighborly community. Spend an afternoon exploring our tree-lined (and shop-lined) Campus Corner and feel the youthfulness of the university spirit.

If you've got curious kids, then Norman has the kind of exploration your young adventures crave. Larger-than-life dinosaur exhibits and just-their-size nature focused nooks and crannies await at the Sam Noble Museum of Natural History.

From the contemporary artist of our downtown galleries to the French Impressionism at the world-famous Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, an appreciation for finer things is waiting just around the corner.

When you visit Norman for the big game, you know you're in for some big fun. Our pride is easy to see (and hear) from every part of this great city. Just yell, Boomer! on Campus Corner and you're sure to get a spirited response. And in a city that's all about what to do after the game, Norman attractions, entertainment and dining are always close at hand.

Norman is beyond what you expect. We invite you to discover all that Norman has to offer - the history and arts, cuisine and shopping, children's fun parks and adult attractions. NORMAN, WHERE GREAT THINGS {MEET}.

Website: Http://www.VisitNorman.com

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Website: Http://www.sopadre.com

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Amarillo is the gateway to Palo Duro Canyon, the Grand Canyon of Texas, and camping, hiking, biking and the outdoor musical TEXAS, all in 25,000-acre Palo Duro Canyon State Park.

Eat at the Big Texan Steak Ranch, famous for its 72-oz. steak or experience western lifestyle and chuck wagon cooking at River Breaks Ranch

Catch a show or concert at the new Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts, dine along the rejuvenated Polk St. Entertainment District and cruise along Historic Route 66.

Experience five of Texas' finest museums: the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum (the state's largest history museum); Kwahadi-Kiva Indian Museum (catch a performance of the Kwahadi Indian Dancers); Amarillo Museum of Art (great bargain- it's free); American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame and Museum (re-opened this summer after months of renovation); and the Don Harrington Discovery Center (be sure to visit the Digital Space Theater).

In Thompson Park, play golf at Ross Rogers Golf Center, take a look at the new cat exhibits at the Amarillo Zoo and enjoy one of Texas' best amusement parks, Wonderland Amusement Park.

And see great events like Cowboy Roundup USA (featuring the World Championship Chuck Wagon Cook-off), the World Championship Ranch Rodeo, the National Cutting Horse Association World Finals and more.

It's all about stepping into the real Texas in Amarillo.

Website: Http://www.visitamarillotx.com

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Main Street Del Rio
Experience local flavor! Wonderful food, small town service, unique shops, and rich, Del Rio history are waiting to be explored. Downtown Del Rio is also home to the Val Verde County Library, Paul Poag Theater, The Laughlin Heritage Museum, George Paul Museum, beautiful San Felipe Creek, Whitehead Memorial Museum, Val Verde County Winery, several local art galleries, and much more. Make Downtown Del Rio your destination today! There is so much to see and do.

Birdwatching
Birdwatching is a major draw for the Del Rio area, especially in winter, when many species of birds migrate south and settle in Texas and Coahuila. The Del Rio Chamber of Commerce, in cooperation with the Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife, maintains a checklist of the birds in the vicinity; there is also a birdwatching tour once a month.
In addition, the city of Del Rio has an area set aside just for birdwatching. Named Laguna de Plata, this 70-acre plot of grassland and marsh is a favorite spot for waterfowl and wintering birds. Laguna de Plata is open daily from dawn to dusk.

Website: Http://www.drchamber.com

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Home of the legendary King Ranch listed on the National Register as the Birthplace of American Ranching, Texas A and M University-Kingsville and the Naval Air Station-Kingsville. Kingsville is located on the Wild Horse Desert in South Texas just west of the Gulf of Mexico. King Ranch offers historical tours daily and a variety of seasonal nature tours. The Ranch’s museum gives visitors a historic view of life on this 825,000 acre working ranch.

Discover great shopping at the King Ranch Saddle Shop, and plan to lunch at the old-fashioned soda fountain or at a restaurant serving down-home cooking. Explore gift shops, a fine-art gallery and a yummy candy store. While in historic downtown, visit the newly restored 1904 Railroad Depot Museum displaying the history of rail in Kingsville.

With over 460 species on the Kingsville Birding Check List – the area has gained fame internationally. Birding facts are found on the Kingsville web site and a birding information packet is available free. World-class fishing in Baffin Bay and year-round hunting and golfing complete the circle for outdoor enthusiasts.

A sampling of events include the Wildlife and Birding Festival, Ranch Hand Breakfast on King Ranch, Cactus Bowl All-Star game, John E. Conner Museum's South Texas Ranching Heritage Festival, rodeos, international music competitions, collegiate sports, theater productions, art shows and the Ride on the Wild Side Bicycle Ride on King Ranch – a rare opportunity.

A variety of accommodations and restaurants complete your visit. For information contact the Kingsville Convention & Visitors Bureau at 1.800.333.5032 or www.kingsvilletexas.com.

Website: Http://www.kingsvilletexas.com

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Uvalde, your Hill Country Base Camp, someplace to relax, refuel and recharge for the next day's actions, a place for people to throw their schedules away and for outdoor lovers looking for an escape.

And then it happens. You find yourself in a place that's as close to far away as you'll ever be. A place where you can get reacquainted with the things that matter. Where traffic jams are called parades. Team meetings are held at the swimming hole. And the biggest stress of the day is the decision between buttermilk biscuits and corn bread. A one-of-kind rich oasis surrounded by all the adventures of Texas including River Country, The Hill Country, wild game and more. A place that Texans can go to when they begin to feel like New Yorkers. Take a drive to Uvalde this weekend and rediscover what makes U--you.

Uvalde is nature’s untapped jewel, whether you like to hunt or just play in the rivers or roam in the foothills of the Texas Hill Country Uvalde has a place for you. Let the adventure surround you in our unique habitat and warm-air climate filled with trees perfect for birding at Garner State Park or Cooks Slough Nature Park. Come here for the best outdoors in Texas. Come back for the people.

Website: Http://www.visituvalde.com

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