Texas is a large state with a wide variety of geographical features, ecosystems and wildlife. Texas is also home to one of the nation's best state park systems, which offers wonderful public access to these natural resources. Fall, with its mild weather, is a wonderful time to visit a Texas State Park. Read More

Most people relate fall foliage and the "changing of the leaves" to the eastern portion of the United States. However, portions of Texas actually see dramatic changes in foliage coloration as fall draws near. Although areas in East and Central Texas have changing foliage during fall, Lost Maples State Natural Area in the Texas Hill Country has the most vivid fall leaf coloration in the state. Lost Maples, which was opened to the public in 1979, encompasses over 2,000 acres on the Sabinal River and draws over 200,000 visitors annually. Part of Lost Maples appeal is their year around outdoor recreational opportunities, which include hiking, birding, fishing, paddle sports, and mountain climbing. However, Lost Maples' biggest draw is the changing of the leaves each fall. Read More

Founded in 1997, the Nine Flags Festival has become one of the most popular holiday celebrations in Texas. Held in Nacogdoches, the state's oldest town, the Nine Flags Festival celebrates all of the various cultures that have influenced Texas through time. This year's festival is set for Nov. 14-Dec. 12. Read More

The first Saturday of November each year sees the small town of George West host its annual Storyfest, which features a variety of storytellers offering renditions of folklore, cowboy tales, fables, legend and lore. This year's Storyfest is set for Nov. 7. Read More

Staged throughout Gladys Porter Zoo, Boo at the Zoo features carnival-style games and treat stations, as well as face painting, music and concessions. The big draw is the huge Haunted House, which includes over 5,000 square feet of fright. Boo at the Zoo is held over two nights, Oct. 30-31. Admission is $3.50 each night. Read More

In Mexico, the end of October marks a time-honored celebration known as "Day of the Dead." Over time, the tradition has crept into the Mexican-influenced Texas border region. Towns across South Texas now host events on an annual basis. This October 31, Port Isabel will once again host its "Los Colores de Muerto!" Day of the Dead celebration. Read More

Held the first Saturday of November, the Terlingua International Chili Championship is the "grandaddy" of all chili cookoffs. This CASI sanctioned event is actually a four day festival that culminates with the chili cookoff on Saturday. This year's Terlingua Chili Cookoff is set for Saturday, Nov. 7, with a bean, salsa and chicken wing contest set to be held Friday, Nov. 6. Read More

A "Ten Day Salute to Sausage," Wurstfest has been drawing visitors to the German-influenced Hill Country town of New Braunfels for over four decades. In the early days, when it was still known as Sausage Festival, the event drew a few thousand. Today, well over 100,000 people attend the event annually. The 2009 edition, which is set for October 30 - November 8, is expected to be among the largest ever. Read More

Based in the Czech settlement of Flatonia, Czhilispiel has been held annually for over 30 years, drawing some of the best chili and bbq cook-off teams from across the state. Always held the fourth full weekend of October, Czhilispiel features a top shelf entertainment lineup as well. Cooder Graw, Bruce Robinson, Cory Morrow and Charlie Robison are among the scheduled performers at the 2009 Czhilispiel, which will run Oct. 25-27th. Read More

In an effort to boost tourism and bring a new cultural experience to its region, Madisonville began hosting the Texas Mushroom Festival. Held annually in downtown Madisonville, the Texas Mushroom Festival is an event showcasing mushroom cooking demonstrations, wine tasting, mushroom growing demonstrations, a queen's contest, dance, 5K run, photo contest, arts & crafts and more. The night before the festival, there is also a gala dinner and auction. This year's Texas Mushroom Festival is set for Oct. 16-17. Read More