Austin Wins At Oscars

Texas tourism news -- Austin made a good showing Sunday night at the Academy Awards, with resident Sandra Bullock winning best actress for her spunky mother role in the sports melodrama "The Blind Side" and Austinite Ryan Bingham sharing the best original song Oscar with co-writer T Bone Burnett for "The Weary Kind."

"The Blind Side," directed by Longview, Texas native John Lee Hancock, was also a best picture nominee. T Bone Burnett is also a Texan.

In his acceptance speech, Bingham raised his trophy in salute to the late Austinite musician Stephen Bruton, who coached "Crazy Heart" star Jeff Bridges to play a washed-up country singer. Bridges won the best actor award for his performance.

Cost Of Tubing Rises

Texas tourism tubing update -- New Braunfels added 18 new rules for river outfitters looking to impose previously non-existent safety standards on the citywide tubing industry. Pickup trucks with bench seating in the bed would no longer be allowed to shuttle tubers, beginning this season — forcing owners to find new shuttles right before spring break. All outfitters also must purchase up to $1 million insurance policies. Outfitters testified that they would be too expensive, but councilors said the tubing industry had been too unsafe for too long.

Fact is, tubing in New Braunfels is no longer a day with nature while you float down the river, it's an urban amusement ride. There are heavy fines for wrong size ice chest and drinking beer on the river plus new parking meters have been installed. For a more genuine outdoor experience this blogger recommends Canyon Lake or San Marcos.

Africa Live 2! Now Open

Texas tourism educational visit -- The San Antonio Zoo proudly announces the grand opening of its newest exhibit featuring the second tallest aviary in North America filled with trees, a variety of African birds, and the aerial acrobatic leaps of the colobus monkey. Along the path, guests will encounter the mysterious “forest giraffe.” With its long exaggerated neck and short stout body, the beautiful okapi can now be admired up-close. Just past the okapi, see dwarf mongoose and walk through a giant termite mound with huge termite replicas and come face to face with a pair of African wild dogs. Up the hill, the Baraza Café will offer guests rest, delicious food from its outdoor grill, and a grand view of Africa Live 2! below.

Dozens Miss US Flights

Texas tourism report -- The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) requires all passengers without a visa to complete an online application form before they leave for America. The form should be completed three days before traveling – but airlines flying to America, including British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, report that some passengers are still turning up for flights without having filled one in.

A senior BA manager said: ‘Those who “forget” run the risk of not traveling.

This is why US foreign tourism numbers are falling and charging these visitors another $10.00 to pay for tourism advertising won't help. Inside the USA it's now more pleasurable driving than flying to the Texas Tourism District and its FunBelt.

Six Flags Fiesta 2010 Season

Texas tourism theme park -- Six Flags Fiesta Texas in San Antonio features over 50 rides and attractions, including the Goliath roller coaster, which sends you soaring through five inversions, two loops and a heart-pounding 80-foot drop! New in 2009 is Wiggles World, a kids section featuring children's rides, food stands with delectable treats, and an outdoor theatre all themed around the popular show, The Wiggles.

Six Flags Fiesta Texas has won the Golden Ticket Award for "Best Theme Park Shows in the Country" for 10 consecutive years! With a talented cast of performers and the Looney Tunes gang, come see why Six Flags Fiesta Texas is America's number one show park with the best in live entertainment all year long.

Obama Wants More Tourists

Texas tourism report -- Looking for an edge in the global war for tourism dollars, US President Obama Thursday signed into law moves to attract more overseas travelers.
The effort eastablishes a $10-dollar fee on foreign travelers who do not pay for a visa.

The US Travel Association estimates the drop in US tourism has cost some 440,000 jobs and a half-trillion dollars in related spending. The average overseas visitor to the United States spends about 4,000 dollars, and 1.8 million fewer of them came in 2009 than in 2008. While 46.3 million more travelers took long-haul trips worldwide in 2009 than in 2000, the United States has welcomed 2.4 million fewer guests over the same period.

This FunBelt blogger notes US air travel has become quite unpleasant and tourists know it. Adding a US visitors' 'fee' is not the answer.

Gilbert Shelton At SAMOPC

Texas tourism art stop -- With great pleasure the South Austin Museum of Popular Culture announces an exhibit featuring the work of cartoonist and underground comic artist, Gilbert Shelton. He is the creator of The Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers, Fat Freddy’s Cat, Wonder Wart-Hog, and Not Quite Dead. The exhibit will be on display from March 13th through May 8th, 2010. An opening reception will be held on March 13th, starting at 7:09pm. The artist will be present. Both original art and prints will be available for sale. Don’t miss this very rare opportunity to meet Gilbert Shelton and acquire some of his artwork!

Manor Downs Horse Racing

Texas tourism annual event -- 2010 live racing near Austin runs March 6 through April 18. Spring races feature both Quarterhorse and Thoroughbreds.

Come visit their Turf Club, a full service private bar and restaurant. Manor Downs, Texas' oldest pari-mutuel horse racetrack, is open every day except Tuesdays for simulcast racing.

St. Anthony In Receivership

Texas tourism lodging news -- Like many hotels in this recession, the 352-room, historic St. Anthony in San Antonio has struggled with a precipitous decline in hotel receipts, or room revenue.

The national economic downturn has hurt hotels in general, and San Antonio's hospitality industry, reliant on conventions and tourists, also has been hit hard. As companies cut costs, convention attendance declines and hotels here see their occupancy do the same.

This is why San Antonio and Austin both need to attract tourists and vacationers into the Texas Tourism District and its Texas FunBelt.

Perry At The Salt Lick

Texas tourism good eats -- Texas Governor Rick Perry won the Republican nomination for his reelection by defeating Texas Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison. The Governor and his staff celebrated their victory with some of the finest Bar-B-Que in the world at the Salt Lick, renown since 1968.

This year The Travel Channel listed the Salt Lick among The 10 Tastiest Places to Chowdown in America. Here's their menu.

Texas Independence Day

Texas tourism history -- The Texas Declaration of Independence was produced in 1836, literally, overnight; and signed on March 2. Its urgency was paramount, because while it was being prepared,the Alamo in San Antonio was under siege by Santa Anna's army of Mexico. The document parallels somewhat that of the United States, signed almost sixty years earlier. It concluded by declaring Texas a free and independent republic.

Capital Helps The Alamo

Texas tourism historic preservation -- With the admirable pro bono input of an Austin ad agency it's time for another shot at finding a way to help San Antonio keep Texas' most hallowed shrine admission-free.

The Alamo mission is owned by the state but run since 1905 by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, which receives no government funding for its efforts and charges no admission. The Daughters long have resisted the kind of modern marketing and fundraising it takes to collect the money it needs for the Alamo. For too long, the nonprofit group has depended heavily on sales from the Alamo gift shop.

Shamu's Back At SeaWorld

Texas Tourism theme park update -- Shamu shows will take place today at SeaWorld’s park in San Antonio. The performances come a week after a 6-ton bull orca dragged Dawn Brancheau underwater to her death at the end of a show in Orlando, Florida.

Officials at SeaWorld San Antonio — home to six killer whales — confirmed all killer whale shows will resume as scheduled. But the shows will be “dry performances,” which requires the trainers to be outside the water while conducting the events. Trainers won’t get back in the water with the hulking ocean predators until SeaWorld personnel and a panel of outside experts complete a top-to-bottom review of how the company handles orcas.

SeaWorld operations are built around Shamu and the orca.

Austin Restaurant Week

Texas tourism dining tip -- The Spring 2010 installment of Austin Restaurant Week starts today until March 3rd and then March 7th - 10th. This delicious event allows you to dine at the finest establishments throughout Austin for fixed prices, ranging from $10 - $15 for lunch and $25 - $35 for dinner. Peruse my headline link to find the stellar list of participating restaurants in the Live Music Capital of the World.

Bon Appétit Does Austin

Texas tourism dining -- Long a destination for good southern barbecue, chicken-fried steak, and Margaritas, Austin has evolved into a mecca for the eco-minded. Residents raft the Colorado River, hike through Texas Hill Country (alive every spring with blooming bluebonnets), and enjoy local music at open-air venues. And these days, both residents and out-of-towners flock to eateries that use local organic produce and all-natural Texas meats.

Six Flags Fiesta Preview

Texas tourism theme park preview -- Six Flags Fiesta Texas in San Antonio doesn't officially reopen until March 6, but the park is getting a head start with “Preview Weekend,” this Saturday and Sunday. The season's new shows are “Ritmos del Corazón,” “Straight Country” and “Dick Clark's Face the Music.”

Texas Tourism Blog Up

Texas tourism blog report -- Eight days off the Web for this blogger ... AT&T blew my upgrade to 6meg service and could not figure out how to reinstate my previous 768kb service. AT&T has serious internal business system flow problems(San Francisco - St. Louis)and it was quite the circus getting back online. Will be posting Texas Tourism news soon.

Texas Tourism Blog Down

Texas tourism blog report -- We are experiencing technical difficulties beyond our control. AT&T disconnected our Internet connection while they repair local DSL equipment. FunBelt news will resume when AT&T fixes their problem.

Final SA Rodeo Weekend

Texas tourism cowboy fun -- The annual San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo is in its last week for 2010. It began in 1854 when one of the first ever Texas Agricultural Fairs was held in the Alamo City. Today our entire Texas Tourism District celebrates its Texas heritage with this famous event and visitors come from all over the USA.

This is more than a rodeo, it's a fair, amusement park, educational opportunity --with live country music. Click the headline for their full list of great family entertainment.

Gruene Wood Works

Texas tourism unique shopping -- Gruene Wood Works is a family-owned business which produces top-quality furniture for both indoor and outdoor use. These heirloom-quality pieces are painstakingly hand-crafted from beautiful natural woods native to Texas. They’re sturdy and functional while providing a beautifully-warm décor for any home.

AquaPalooza In Austin

Texas tourism water fun event -- The Sail and Ski Center (with stores in Austin and San Antonio) announced it's been selected to host AquaPalooza's Signature Event this year on July 31 at Lake Travis in Austin.

AquaPalooza is self-touted as "The World's Largest Boat Party." Organizers said they broke their own record, with a grand total of 15,600 boats and 84,000 people last year. It was created by Sea Ray Boats as a FREE event open to boaters and non-boaters alike.

"This will create the most positive economic impact we have ever seen in the Lake Travis area. Our business community needs it, wants it, and we're thrilled to have them come."

Will Sexton Benefit

Texas tourism live music -- This Monday night in Austin the place to be is Antone's Nightclub where Roky Erickson, Patty Griffin, Eliza Gilkyson and many more will play a benefit concert for Will Sexton. Older brother Charlie Sexton, on leave from Bob Dylan's band, will back several of the artists on guitar.

A German Valentine

Texas Tourism District unique Valentine's dining -- Located at the far north end of our FunBelt, the Walburg Restaurant brings you a truly authentic German experience in dining and entertainment. Their 1882 vintage structure seats over 250 which easily accommodates large parties. Stroll through the converted Hammer Mill that serves as their Biergarten.

Walburg chefs welcome you on Valentine's Day with a Special Menu plus All You Can Eat Buffet. The Walburg Boys (an authentic German alpine and variety band) will perform acoustically from 12-3 for Lunch and for Dinner starting at 6pm. Click on their Valentine's Menu for a preview.

Champagne Brunch

Texas tourism Valentine's Day brunch -- Built on three levels that descend down to the River Walk, the AAA four diamond Las Canarias is known for its romantic and relaxing atmosphere.

Legendary among locals and guests, the Las Canarias Champagne Brunch encompasses a myriad of food stations including, sushi, meat carvings, composed salads, local Texas cheeses, imported and domestic cheeses with seasonal sliced fruits and berries, omelets and Belgium waffles to mention a few of the brunch items. Top off this Valentine's feast with an extravagant assortment of housemade breads and beautifully presented cakes, pies and tarts. Plus, unlimited Mumm champagne.

Austin Marathon Is Sold Out

Texas tourism outdoor sports -- The 19th Annual Austin Marathon and Half Marathon are sold out! The Austin - Boston connection: times run in one year can be used for qualifying for the Boston Marathon in the same year, provided they have not reached their cap after the conclusion of the Austin Marathon.

The Valentine's Day event is becoming a weekend happening starting Friday with The Austin Marathon and Half Marathon Health & Fitness Expo taking place in Palmer Auditorium.