Big Bend Ranch State Park: Where Nothing Is Everything
The untouched vastness of the largest state park in Texas makes you feel like you’re exploring a whole other world.
Why We Should Go Back to the Coast
Port Aransas has always been a place for Texans to relax, play, and make lasting memories. Now, after Harvey, it needs us just as much as we need it.
That Old Frio River
Relinquishing oneself to these green waters is a tradition that runs deep in my family.
Abnormal Mycology
Tales from the mycological side.
A Summer Weekend in the Angelina National Forest
Finding peace and quiet behind the pine curtain.
101 Articles
Where To Stay Now
April 5, 2023
Welcome to the Return of Glam at the Best New Hotels in Texas
Turndown service! Amazing cocktails! Small but expensive soaps! These ten new and renovated hotels (and ten more honorable mentions) know how to treat their guests.
Recipes
October 17, 2022
These Lao Beef Skewers Are What’s for Dinner
Just in time for the holidays, Texas Monthly debuts its first-ever collection of recipes.
Press Room
August 10, 2022
Announcing ‘The Big Texas Cookbook’
This collection of recipes—from King Ranch casserole to beef rib nigiri—is a celebration of who we are and what we love to eat.
Parks & Recs
May 13, 2021
Going With the Flow at Guadalupe River State Park
This slice of Hill Country heaven offers ample opportunity for fun, as long as Mother Nature is in the right mood.
Parks & Recs
May 13, 2021
Where to Eat and Stay Near Guadalupe River State Park
The area has lots of options for pre- and post-float fun. Here are a few places worth adding to your itinerary.
Recipes
April 12, 2021
How to Make a Frozen Margarita
Can your blender hack it?
Parks & Recs
February 12, 2021
Finding Respite at Davis Mountains State Park and Its Historic Indian Lodge
In the heart of hard desert country, this welcome refuge features hiking, breathtaking vistas, and proximity to must-visit West Texas attractions.
Parks & Recs
February 12, 2021
Where to Eat, Shop, and Stargaze in and Around Fort Davis
With Davis Mountains State Park as your home base, you can find a lot to explore in the area.
Parks & Recs
October 14, 2020
Where to Find Fall’s True Colors in Texas
At Lost Maples State Natural Area, the trees put on a spectacular show every autumn.
Parks & Recs
July 22, 2020
Tyler State Park Is the Ideal Escape for These Times (or Anytime)
The northeast Texas oasis among the pines reminds us of happier summers while providing needed respite now.
Parks & Recs
July 22, 2020
Tyler State Park: Where to Sleep and Eat
Rough it—or not—and make sure to get some barbecue.
Parks & Recs
February 19, 2020
What to See, Eat, and Do Near Bentsen–Rio Grande Valley State Park
Outside Bentsen, watch butterflies, dance, and light a candle or two.
Parks & Recs
February 19, 2020
Eyes on the Skies at Bentsen–Rio Grande Valley State Park
Just along the Texas–Mexico border, this fragile oasis attracts hundreds of birds (and those who watch them).
Parks & Recs
November 20, 2019
Where to Sleep, Shop, and Eat Near Colorado Bend State Park
Make sure to stop for camping essentials on the way in. And maybe a burger or pizza.
Parks & Recs
November 20, 2019
Colorado Bend State Park: A World of Wonders, Aboveground and Below
The park features hidden caves, dramatic waterfalls, and sparkling springs.
Parks & Recs
June 20, 2019
Sea Rim State Park’s Fragile Magic
The park offers quiet coastland and abundant wildlife, and feels like a defiant bulwark against some very particular cares of urban life.
Parks & Recs
March 22, 2019
Where to Stay and What to Do Around Palmetto State Park
Luling, Gonzales, and the park itself provide lots of fun options.
Parks & Recs
March 22, 2019
Creatures Abound at Palmetto State Park—Just Beware the Ottine Swamp Thing
At this tropical, mystical park, you’ll find animals and plants unlike anything else in Texas.
Parks & Recs
January 3, 2019
Where to Rough It (or Not) In and Around Big Bend Ranch
Choose from campsites, a bunkhouse, or a luxury resort. (And ¡Viva Terlingua!)
Parks & Recs
January 3, 2019
Big Bend Ranch State Park: Where Nothing Is Everything
The untouched vastness of the largest state park in Texas makes you feel like you’re exploring a whole other world.
Parks & Recs
September 21, 2018
Blanco State Park Embodies True Texas Spirit
Despite threats to its survival over the years, the picturesque and petite park goes with the flow, just like its namesake river.
Parks & Recs
September 21, 2018
The Best of Blanco
Where to eat, drink, and play once you venture outside the park.
Travel & Outdoors
May 23, 2018
Why We Should Go Back to the Coast
Port Aransas has always been a place for Texans to relax, play, and make lasting memories. Now, after Harvey, it needs us just as much as we need it.
Food & Drink
May 24, 2017
Peach Ice Cream
Cranks a lot.
Food & Drink
April 19, 2017
Black Tiger Shrimp
Giving new meaning to the term “jumbo shrimp.”
Recipes
February 23, 2017
Sopaipillas
If Proust had lived in Texas, this fried pastry would have been his madeleine.
Recipes
January 25, 2017
Carne Guisada
Get on the gravy train.
Recipes
December 21, 2016
Chicken and Dumplings
Thickened soup for the post-election soul.
Food & Drink
November 23, 2016
Tamales
Working from husk till dawn.
Food & Drink
November 23, 2016
Knives Out
There are certain dishes that every good Texan knows and loves. But do you really know how to grill a flawless ribeye? Season that cast-iron skillet in your cupboard? Make sure your dough rises? We asked experts around the state to share some how-tos and a few recipes that will
Food & Drink
October 19, 2016
Pan de Campo
“Campfire cowboy, cook this bread, Doo-dah, doo-dah . . .”
Food & Drink
September 16, 2016
Chiles en Nogada
Master of nun.
Food & Drink
September 8, 2016
Fried Catfish
Quit slinging mud at this hepcat.
Food & Drink
July 20, 2016
Summertime Salsa
It’s what’s for dinner. And lunch. And breakfast. And snack time.
Recipes
June 27, 2016
Fried Okra
What can I say? I’m a pod person.
Travel & Outdoors
June 9, 2016
That Old Frio River
Relinquishing oneself to these green waters is a tradition that runs deep in my family.
Recipes
May 26, 2016
Peach Cobbler
A fuzzy slice of heaven, à la mode.
Recipes
April 20, 2016
The Chilton
West Texas’s claim on this fizzy, lemony cocktail is unprovable? We’ll drink to that.
Food & Drink
March 23, 2016
Redfish on the Half Shell
Reel in this tasty catch any way you can.
Food & Drink
February 24, 2016
Bean Dip
It goes well with Fritos. And football.
Recipes
January 27, 2016
Texas Sheet Cake
What could be better than a massive slab of cocoa, butter, sugar, eggs, and buttermilk?
Food & Drink
December 23, 2015
Chiles Rellenos
Party planners, pack a pepper.
Recipes
November 16, 2015
The Only Texas Chili Recipe You’ll Ever Need
Preparing the perfect peppery pot.
Food & Drink
October 21, 2015
Pecan Pie
Our state nut goes just fine with some cream and bourbon.
Food & Drink
September 17, 2015
The Gulf Oyster
It don’t need no fancy name.
Recipes
August 13, 2015
Green Chile Cowboy Stew
A tradition of the trail—without the hide, hooves, or horns.
Recipes
July 23, 2015
Cornbread
Hold the sugar.
Food & Drink
June 16, 2015
Fried Jalapeños
They’re spicy, crunchy, and fattening. What more could a Texan want?
Food & Drink
May 13, 2015
Guacamole
It’s not easy being green. So make sure you start with some good avocados.
Food & Drink
April 16, 2015
Ramos Gin Fizz
It’s famous, it’s frothy, and it’s making a comeback.