In honor of our home state, Texas, we’d love to bring you a special treat dedicated to the Lone Star state and all the best places to eat, visit, shop, in order to get the best Texas experience! Offering a little bit for everyone, become inspired by the beauty behind Texas! For this week’s post we have special inclusions from two Texas gems: Denise McGaha, Dallas-based interior designer, and great friend, as well as, Joni Webb, interior design blogger of her blog: Cote de Texas!
Austin
Where to Visit:
Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum
Courtesy of Visual Image Flickr
Located just a few blocks from the State Capitol, this facility offers the story of Texas. The entrance alone sets the tone for how much this institution prides itself on being the Lone Star staple. Sam Houston quote etched in granite in the entrance reads: “Texas is the finest portion of the globe that has ever blessed my vision.”
https://www.thestoryoftexas.com/
1800 Congress Ave.
Austin, Texas 78701
(512)936-4629
Where To Eat:
Otoko
As Seen on Texas Monthly, Courtesy of Wynn Myers
Open only from Wednesday through Saturday, young sushi chef Yoshi Okai, has guests hoping to get a seat at this fresh take on Japanese cuisine. Preparing some of the best fish in Austin, the multi-course omakase experience at Otoko blends Tokyo-style sushi and Kyoto-style kaiseki into a unique tasting menu. Not all great things come in large packages, the 12-seat eatery, is a must – perhaps booking your flight, you’d book your table at this Austin gem!
1603 South Congress Ave
Austin, Texas 78704
Where to Shop:
Austin Antique Mall
Courtesy of Austin Antiques Mall as seen on Bestoftx
Open to the public for more than 30 years, Austin’s largest selection of antiques and vintage furniture, jewelry, china, crystal, and military memorabilia is a treasure of old secrets not to be missed!
8822 McCann Drive
Austin, Texas 78757
(512)936-4629
Houston
Where to shop:
Skelton Culver
Courtesy of Cote de Texas
Joni, from Cote de Texas blog shares, “The merchandise is hand picked in Europe – France, Italy and Sweden. They carry a large assortment of accessories, lighting fixtures, and furniture – all antique and all fabulous.”
2308 Bissonnet @ Greenbriar
Houston, TX 77005
(713)529-0597
Shabby Slips
Courtesy of Cote de Texas
Dallas
Where to Spa:
Spa Joule
The perfect local retreat for both him and her, local Dallas-based interior designer, Denise McGaha, shares,”I love the spa at The Joule. Took my Mr. there for a day of pampering on his birthday and we still talk about it to this day. ” Enjoy everything from their extensive menu of services from hot rock massages, to body/facial treatments, spend a day like a queen (or king) in this local jewel of a spa!
Spa Joule
http://www.thejouledallas.com/
1530 Main Street
Dallas, Texas 75201
214-748-1300
Where to Eat:
FT33
As seen on Yelp Review for FT33
Following McGaha’s favorites, she highly recommends everything located on the artisanal menu behind FT33. If you like menus that adhere to the season (those fresh vegetables that only appear during certain times of the month) then this place is the spot for you! McGaha comments, “Whenever in Dallas, this is a favorite restaurant – farm to table and amazing.”
http://ft33dallas.com/
1617 Hi Line Dr
Dallas, TX 75207
214-741-2629
San Antonio
Where to Stay:
St. Anthony Hotel
Courtesy of Craig Washburn
A Texas Jewel reborn, The St. Anthony, has opened its doors to guests like Grace Kelly (seen jetting out in high heels late to a fashion show) to John Wayne, who used this beautiful space as his respite while filming The Alamo. Having opening in February of 1909, the hotel had locals and returning guests in shock when they read the “closed” signs back in 2013…only to find out it was undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation – gasp – followed by a sigh of relief!
http://www.thestanthonyhotel.com/
300 East Travis St.
San Antonio, Texas 78205
210-227-4392
Where to Eat:
Hotel Emma
As Seen on Texas Monthly
Instragrammable is one way to describe this lush repurposed brewery that served (and survived) way past prohibition. The 1894 establishment re-opened under namesake Emma Koehler, who wouldn’t have imagined that the eight-story labor of love would go from an old cellar to lavish hotel, with a renowned coffee shop called Larder, a venue for for high-end banquets hosted at their Sternewirth bar, or its top-notch eatery, Supper.
“The Pearl Hotel in San Antonio is quintessential Texas design!” shares Denise McGaha. When asked why she loved it so much, she added,” History in this hotel can be found as it was designed by Roman and Williams. It’s everything I remember from my childhood about growing up in Texas!
http://www.thehotelemma.com/
136 E. Grayson
San Antonio, Texas 78215
210-448-8300
If you ever do get a chance to visit our state, feel free to drop us a note and let us know how your experience was!
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