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Here in Dickinson, Texas, there are a number of activities and events held during the fall season. Make a plan to check out at least one of them during your free time and take advantage of what the season brings. more Shrine of the True Cross Fall Festival This annual event takes place each year at Shrine of the True Cross, a church in Dickinson. This year it will be on October 16 and includes plenty of delicious food options, such as a chicken fried steak dinner, burgers, corn on the cob, Mexican entrees, hot dogs, spiral fried potatoes, refreshing cold treats, drinks, and funnel cakes. The Artisan Alley has homemade baked goods and handmade treats for sale, while the plant booth showcases some of the beautiful greenery that is local to the area and grown by parishioners. Donors provide goodies for the live and silent auction, and the cake room offers a spot where you can purchase a treat to satisfy your sweet tooth. The event also has games and activities for kids, and they can earn prizes. Texas Renaissance Festival The Texas Renaissance Festival is a favorite activity for locals and visitors alike. It takes place in Houston, which is about 30 miles northwest of Dickinson. Kids get in free on Sundays and the festival hosts themed weekends, and the themes in late October are spooky and festive for Halloween. On October 22 and 23, you can participate in a Pirate Adventure, one of the most popular themed weekends, that includes a contest for Best Dressed Pirate, a fish and chips eating contest, and plenty of libations. On October 29 and 30, the festival transforms into a Halloween spectacular with activities for all ages. The shops within the village provide candy to children who want to trick-or-treat, and be sure to wear your finest attire if you want to participate in the costume contest. There is also a kettle corn eating contest for adults. Later on during the fall, you can participate in a Roman Bacchanal, Barbarian Invasion, or Highland Fling. Ziegenbock Music Festival If you love country music and spending time outdoors, be sure to buy tickets for the Ziegenbock Music Festival. This year marks the 14 th year in a row of the festival and the lineup is appealing to those who love the sounds of country singers. There are three days of music on three different stages, food, autograph sessions, meet & greets, cowboy hat and t-shirt giveaways, and other outdoor activities. It takes place at Sam Houston Race Park in Houston and starts on October 15. If you're looking to make a whole weekend out of the event, reserve an RV space for $125 and enjoy the exclusive option to go back and forth between the RV camping area and festival space. Bands and singers on the lineup include Jaida Dreyer, Josh Abbott Band, The New Offenders, Jessie Raub Jr., Kevin Fowler, and many more. If you're in the Dickinson area this fall, be sure to make a plan to attend these events. With family friendly options and places that are better for adults, there is something for everyone. This photo, " Texas Renaissance Festival 2008,” by Jeremy Van Dyke used under CC BY 2.o. " Texas Renaissance Festival 2008 " is licensed under CC BY 2.o by Gay Family Kia.

Whether you're visiting Houston or live in the area, you definitely need to pay a visit to one (or all) of these top BBQ joints. Texas BBQ is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, so stop by and sample delicious entrees and freshly made sides. more Gatlin's BBQ Gatlin's BBQ recently opened a second location on Ella that is much larger than its original location on 19 th Street, so there is plenty of room for the crowds of people that flock there on a daily basis. Owner and pit boss Greg Gatlin is known for his trio of smoked ribs, which includes St. Louis-inspired spareribs, beef ribs, and baby back ribs that are short and full of flavor. Other options include classic chopped brisket, sausages, sliders, and pulled pork or chicken sandwiches. You can also opt for meat platters, served with sides like baked beans, collard greens, smoked corn, mac and cheese, and more. Save room for classic Southern desserts, including peach cobbler, bread pudding, lemon pound cake, and banana pudding. The Brisket House If beef brisket is your go-to BBQ comfort food, be sure to pay a visit to The Brisket House. It has two locations: one on Woodway Drive and the other on Center Street in Deer Park. The signature dish is tender and flavorful brisket, available in a 6-ounce, 8-ounce, or one-pound special, served with a whole pickle, onion, slab of cheddar cheese, and bread on butcher paper. Classic menu options are also available, such as pulled meat sandwiches, sausages served country style or with jalapenos, loaded baked potatoes, potato salad, mashed potatoes, and coleslaw. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a slice of pecan pie. Jackson Street BBQ During baseball season, this location fills up quickly because of its proximity to the Astros' ballpark. But even if it's crowded, the food is worth the wait. The top menu item is a fresh and fluffy biscuit stuffed with cheddar cheese, jalapenos, and brisket burnt ends, meat that is double smoked for extra flavor and texture. You can also sample ribs, sausage, and chicken, served with sides like loaded baked potatoes topped with smoked meats, fried mac and cheese, dirty rice, collard greens, and coleslaw. The location also has a take-out menu available if you want to eat at home. Dessert options include homemade chocolate chip cookies and pecan pie. Pappa Charlie's BBQ Started as a food truck, Papa Charlie's BBQ recently opened a brick-and-mortar location on Rusk Street because of its popularity. It's a veteran-owned business with a menu that includes delicious options such as boudin, brisket, chicken, turkey, ribs, and sausage. Side dishes pair well with the smoky and flavorful meats, like pinto beans, potato salad, spicy slaw, mac and cheese, and greens. Get there early to pick your favorites because if menu items sell out, they're gone for the day. With so many delicious spots to choose from, it's easy to find a place to enjoy your next BBQ meal in Houston. This photo, " Brother Jimmys Ribs,” by Eric Kilby used under CC BY-SA 2.o. " Brother Jimmys Ribs " is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.o by Gay Family Kia.

With so many exciting events coming up in and around Dickinson, Texas, your family weekends are sure to stay booked all spring. Whether you're interested in art, music, food, or wine, the greater Houston area offers a springtime festival that's right up your alley. more Sugar Land Art Fest Held at Sugar Land Art Center & Gallery on April 30, the Sugar Land Art Fest is a daylong exhibition featuring work by local artists. A diverse range of artistic perspectives and styles will be on display. The event will also feature craft activities for kids and an art booth where you can purchase your favorite pieces. While the event itself is free, all proceeds from art sales will benefit the Sugar Land Art Center & Gallery. Texas Crawfish & Music Festival You'll have two weekends to visit the Texas Crawfish & Music Festival, scheduled for April 29 to May 1 and again from May 6 to May 8. Located in Old Town Spring less than an hour from Dickinson, the festival will showcase all types of local eats, including barbecue, Cajun food, boiled crawfish, sandwiches, burgers, ice cream, and more. You'll also have a chance to sample beer and wine. The festival will also feature live music performances, midway games, a carnival, alligator wading pool, exotic birds, pony rides, a petting zoo, and arts and crafts vendors, making it an ideal excursion for the entire family. Admission is $12 for adults and $5 for kids ages six to 12. Kids under five get in for free. Red, White, & Bayou Crawfish and Texas Music Festival If you can't drive across Houston for the Texas Crawfish & Music Festival, Dickinson is hosting a similar event on May 21. The seventh annual Red, White, & Bayou Crawfish and Texas Music Festival will feature a KidZone with rides and activities as well as local vendors and of course, some of the best crawfish you've ever tasted. As always, the main attraction is the popular crawfish racing. Country music artist Kevin Fowler will headline the event. Purchasing your tickets in advance online, at the Dickinson Historic Railroad Center, or Dickinson City Hall will save you $5 off regular admission. Tickets at the gate are $10. Vine's Vast Varietal Tasting Wine lovers will want to head to the Vine Wine Room in Houston on May 4 for Vine's Vast Varietal Tasting. Known as the biggest wine tasting event in the region, the festival will feature more than 50 wine sommeliers and connoisseurs showcasing their favorite wines, gourmet food, and live music. An RSVP is required for this event, and tickets are $59 per person. Wine club members save $10 off the ticket price. Houston Polish Festival Whether you're celebrating your Polish ancestry or you're simply interested in the Polish culture, you'll want to visit the Houston Polish Festival from May 6 to 8. The event will feature authentic Polish music, dancing, and food, as well as a prize raffle. Admission is just $5 for adults, and kids and seniors get in free. With so many upcoming events in the greater Houston area, weekends this spring will never be boring. Start marking your calendars today! This photo, " Bug Boil” by Hobie Caldwell used under CC BY 2.o. "B ug Boil " is licensed under CC BY 2.0 by Gay Family Kia.

Dickinson, TX has some luxurious, worthwhile bed-and-breakfast style hotels made from historical structures or on beautiful land (sometimes both). If you want to take someone special on the perfect getaway trip, or if you're just especially picky on lodgings, these places will not disappoint. They're organized from lowest to highest average room price, and there are options for almost every budget. more Come Friday Cottages on The Bay Located on Bayshore Drive, Come Friday Cottages has amenities that range from practical (microwaves) to romantic (fireplaces). There are free fresh-baked muffins every day, and tons to do thanks to the bay and nearby golf courses. Some rooms at Come Friday Cottages are as low as $90 per night, making it one of the most affordable ways to get serene views of the bay and short piers. Beacon Hill Bed and Breakfast Loved by honeymooners, the views at Beacon Hill match the varied and lovely interiors. The grounds have an overall feel of a good-sized house repurposed by passionate owners into a special stop for travelers. What's more, the breakfast served every morning is hot and classic, going well beyond cereal and other cold continental fare. Rooms at Beacon Hill Bed and Breakfast start at around $100 per night, but don't typically reach $200. The Old Parsage Guest House With only two rooms, the Old Parsage Guest House is a smaller home similar to an Airbnb deal, but with a more professional focus on service and satisfaction. Like at Beacon Hill, this is literally a house, so don't expect a pool or spa, but this place will perfectly suit couples or visitors with a distaste for the busy hotel environment. Rooms at the Old Parsage go for $105 or more, a very reasonable rate for a place this quaint and cozy. La Maison in Midtown La Maison in Midtown: an Urban Bed and Breakfast is a well-priced hotel with stellar reviews. With its great views of downtown and huge buildings, it makes for a popular business lodging, but the main inspiration is a personal stay in a beautiful part of Dickinson. The rooms have a lot of detail and variety in their structure and furnishings, so there's no problem coming back for a second or third visit. La Maison's rooms begin around $160 per night. Coppersmith Inn Bed and Breakfast Take a short trip to Galveston Island for what might be the best rooms for a down-to-earth couple in the entire state. This B&B oozes personality on the inside and out, with wildly different rooms and an exterior harkening back to 1887. Despite being a smaller, historical home, there is one in-room whirlpool spa for two at one of the bookings. Coppersmith Inn Bed and Breakfast has rooms starting at $160 per night, with the nicest rooms reaching just past $200. With these lovely places in mind, remember that you don't have to go into the heart of Houston to find a hotel with the impeccable service and smaller charm of a bed-and-breakfast. There are many hotels close to or directly within the Dickinson area, so keep an eye out! This photo, " The Parrish House” by Carol Von Canon used under CC BY-NC-ND 2.o. " The Parrish House " is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 by Gay Family Kia.

Texas is more than sand and tumbleweeds, and anyone living in Dickinson can see the many sides of Texas that get less attention. Each of these day trips are convenient for Dickinson residents, and each shows off a unique aspect to Texan life. more Moody Gardens Likely an hour or less from your house, Moody Gardens on Galveston island combines educational family museum and indoor park with a focus on conservation. This is an awesome place compared to the typical chain amusement park that keeps you outside and thirsty. The aquarium and rainforest pyramids are literally cool indoor attractions, packed with sea and land creatures respectively. Moody Gardens even has 4D movie theaters with physical effects, on top of an MG full 3D theater, a Spongebob Squarepants-themed submarine adventure, and more. Brazos Bend State Park A solid hour due west of Dickinson, this nature reserve on a Gulf Coast plain has both hiking and horse riding trails, with opportunities to go boating if you're not afraid of the alligators (just ignore them and don't feed them). It's one of the greenest and swampiest bits of Texas, almost like the Everglades, so anyone who loves to see all new plants and animals will get a lot of great sights out of a day spent here. Note: Brazos Bend State Park was currently closed as of April 25, due to flooding damage. Check in to be sure the park is open again before you visit. Gambling in Lake Charles Heading west, travelers will find the more natural parts of Texas, but to the north up the shore from Dickinson, the Golden Nugget Casino (and hotel) awaits in the neighborhood of Lake Charles. Anyone with a hunger for gambling will appreciate the most popular casino in the area, and the hotel has everything from a spa to golf bookings and pristine, professional restaurants. Guadalupe River State Park This is one of the longer drives, but for nature lovers it can't be ignored. This sandy, wild state park is just what you need to see on the hotter days of the year. The four-mile river is perfect for tubing, rafting, canoeing, and fly fishing, not to mention a bit of hiking before you hit the water. Make sure you don't bring glass bottles or containers of any kind in your picnic or drink storage, as glass isn't allowed at the park. As it's just about 200 miles from some Dickinson areas, it makes for a nice day trip if you start early and pack well, or you could camp for a night on a free weekend and get two or more full days to enjoy this natural wonder. These four day trips give you many ways to get to know and enjoy your location in Dickinson all the better. Despite being on the shore off Houston, you're never locked into only exploring Houston's thriving community. Take time to explore in all directions, and you're bound to find something amazing. This photo, " Guadalupe River State Park” by Allison Meier used under CC BY-SA 2.o. " Guadalupe River State Park " is licensed under CC BY 2.0 by Gay Family Kia.