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- Destinations
- North America
- United States of America
- Texas
Texas
Home to an estimated 16-million cattle, the vast and varied
state of Texas, second largest state in the US, has plenty of
people too in its half-dozen huge cities. It has often been said
that everything is bigger and better in Texas, and visitors who
have explored the state tend to agree.
Between its Gulf Coast in the southeast and the Red River
boundary north of the Panhandle there are plains, rolling hills,
lakes, soaring mountains, bogs, beaches and desert. In Texas' large
cities like Dallas, Houston, Austin and San Antonio it is possible
to swap the bright lights for a day at the ranch at the drop of a
cowboy hat, or soak up culture at a world-class art gallery before
taking a stroll through a scenic park. Outside the urban enclaves
Texas has 23-million acres of woodlands, including four national
forests and 125 state parks, from the great pine forests of the
south and east to the rugged mountains of the west.
Most are aware that Texas is home to the largest oil industry in
the US, but visitors are generally surprised to discover that the
state has one of the country's biggest wine-growing regions too;
that Austin is a musical Mecca; that Texas is leading the country
in high-tech production; and that it is at the heart of a gourmet
movement with some of the nation's finest restaurants within its
borders.
Historically the Texas plains were the haunt of Native American
tribes like the Comanches and Apaches. The Spanish put in an
appearance in 1519 but only began settlements in 1690. In the
ensuing centuries Texas became a conglomeration of settlements of
various immigrant groups, becoming an independent republic for 10
years with its characteristic Lone Star flag, before acquiring
statehood in 1845.
The word Texas is a corruption of a Native American term for
'friend', and the friendliness of the cosmopolitan Texan people is
the cherry on the top for a state that has something to cater for
everyone's interests, whether it be space flight or rodeo
riding.
Information & Facts
Climate
Texas is a very large state, with an incredibly diverse
topography and therefore the Texas climate is hard to pinpoint. The
Gulf Coast has a typically maritime climate, with hot, humid
summers and mild winters. The central and northern areas are more
continental, with hot summers and cold winters. Dry and hot
conditions exist along the Mexican border in the southwest, and in
the northwest, in the Texas/Oklahoma panhandle, winters are colder
with snowfall a common occurrence. The state has two principal
seasons - summer usually runs from about April to October, and
winter begins in November, lasting until about March. In summer,
temperatures can range from 96°F (36°C) in El Paso in the
southwest, to 91°F (33°C) in Amarillo in the panhandle, to 88°F
(31°C) on the Gulf Coast, while winter temperatures in the same
three areas can range from 29°F (-2°C), to a more mild 48°F (9°C)
on the Gulf Coast. The rainfall is Texas can vary too, with the
western areas experiencing the least amount and east and southeast
along the Gulf of Mexico experiencing the most. The Gulf Coast is
susceptible to hurricanes, and tornadoes also occur, and the state
has experienced severe floods, as well as droughts.
Getting Around
Tourist attractions in and around Amarillo are best accessed by
car. There are numerous car rental agencies to choose from and the
city is rarely very congested. The Amarillo City Transit bus
service operates from Monday to Saturday, covering major points in
the city, but only runs until 6.45pm.
Language
English is the most common language but Spanish is often
spoken in south-western states.
Money
The US Dollar (USD) is the unit of currency and is divided into
100 cents. Only major banks exchange foreign currency. ATMs are
widespread and credit cards and travellers cheques are widely
accepted. Travellers cheques should be taken in US Dollars to avoid
hassles. Banking hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm.