Texas Parks: Wide Open Spaces & Wild Places

Texas Parks: Wide Open Spaces & Wild Places

In this episode of What I Like About Texas, host Erika Boyd, president and CEO of the Texas Travel Alliance, explores the economic and cultural impact of the Texas outdoors, which contributed $59.4 billion to the state’s GDP in 2024. Joining the conversation are Robert Alvarez, executive director of Visit Big Bend; Rodney Franklin, director of Texas State Parks; and Margo Richards, SVP of Community Resources for the Lower Colorado River Authority. Together, they highlight the wide range of outdoor experiences available across the state, from remote desert landscapes and dark-sky viewing in Big Bend to lakeside recreation, camping, hiking, and family-friendly programming throughout Texas. This episode is sponsored by Visit Big Bend [https://visitbigbend.com/].   What I Like About Texas is produced by Association Briefings [https://associationbriefings.com/].

Uncorking Texas: The Rise of Wine as a Tourism Powerhouse

In this episode of What I Like About Texas, host Erika Boyd, president and CEO of the Texas Travel Alliance, explores how Texas wine has become a major driver of statewide tourism, with Texas ranking fourth in number of wineries and second in total wine economic impact at $24.39 billion. She is joined by Kim McPherson, owner and winemaker at McPherson Cellars in Lubbock, Amanda Koone, vice president of marketing and public relations with the Fredericksburg Convention, and Paul W. McCallum, executive director of the Grapevine Convention of Visitors Bureau. From Lubbock’s high-elevation vineyards and multigenerational winemaking legacy to Fredericksburg’s booming Hill Country wine scene and curated visitor experiences, to Grapevine’s walkable wine culture, signature festivals, and immersive wine trails, the episode showcases how diverse regions are shaping Texas into a nationally recognized wine destination. Along the way, guests share how partnerships, storytelling, and evolving visitor demographics are fueling growth and creating new opportunities for tourism across the state. This episode is sponsored by Visit Lubbock [https://visitlubbock.org/].   What I Like About Texas is produced by Association Briefings [https://associationbriefings.com/].

Hit the Road: Texas Road Trips and Roadside Wonders

In this episode of What I Like About Texas, host Erika Boyd, president and CEO of the Texas Travel Alliance, kicks off 2026 with a road-trip-ready conversation celebrating some of the Lone Star State’s most memorable routes and roadside attractions. Erika is joined by Diann Bayes of How Big Is Texas and Kashion Smith of Visit Amarillo for a tour of destinations that showcase Texas’ unmistakable character. From iconic stops like Cadillac Ranch and the George W. Bush Presidential Library to the sweeping landscapes of Big Bend National Park, the conversation highlights the state’s mix of history, creativity, and natural beauty. The guests also spotlight lesser-known gems and regional traditions—from Laredo’s George Washington celebration to Route 66 centennial events in Amarillo—and share travel tips for birdwatchers, families, and adventure-seekers alike. It’s an inspiring invitation to hit the road and experience Texas in all its quirky, expansive glory. This episode is sponsored by Visit Amarillo [https://www.visitamarillo.com/].   What I Like About Texas is produced by Association Briefings [https://associationbriefings.com/].

Holiday Road Trip: Discover Texas’ Most Magical Seasonal Celebrations

In this festive edition of What I Like About Texas, host Erika Boyd, president and CEO of the Texas Travel Alliance, highlights the can’t-miss holiday celebrations that make the Lone Star State sparkle. She kicks things off with Elizabeth Schrack from Visit Grapevine, who shares why Grapevine truly earns its title as the Christmas Capital of Texas—with more than 1,400 seasonal events, including Santa’s North Pole Express and the dazzling ICE experience at the Gaylord Texan Resort. Next up, Dee Dee Poteete from Visit San Antonio unwraps the magic of the Alamo City, from the iconic Ford Holiday River Parade to festive fun at Six Flags Fiesta Texas and SeaWorld San Antonio. Then, Aileen Ramos from Visit Laredo shines a spotlight on unique South Texas traditions like Navi Fest and the city’s towering Christmas tree. Packed with additional travel tips, regional highlights, and holiday inspiration from across the state, this episode is your guide to celebrating the season—Texas style. This episode is sponsored by Visit Laredo [https://visitlaredo.com/].   What I Like About Texas is produced by Association Briefings [https://associationbriefings.com/].

From Cowboys to Costumes: Fall in the Lone Star State

In this episode of What I Like About Texas, host Erika Boyd, president and CEO of the Texas Travel Alliance, takes listeners on a tour of Texas towns that shine in the fall. Diann Bayes of How Big Is Texas highlights the charm of small towns and their lively downtowns. Patricia Moore from the Bandera County CVB shares what makes Bandera the ultimate destination for authentic cowboy culture. Dustin Sternbeck from the City of Denton explains how Denton earned its title as the Halloween Capital of Texas. And Tanya Moody, executive director of Texas Downtown, explores how local events and revitalized downtowns bring communities to life. Packed with travel tips, local stories, and festive recommendations, this episode is your guide to autumn adventures across the Lone Star State. This episode is sponsored by Discover Denton [https://www.discoverdenton.com/]. What I Like About Texas is produced by Association Briefings [https://associationbriefings.com/].