Spurs and Rockets should be two things that come to mind when you think of the state of Texas. A cowboy is nothing without the spurs on his boots, while spaceships and NASA in Houston are indelibly linked.
But for sports fans it goes much deeper. To them it conjures up images of packed basketball arenas with the San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets thrilling fans. Between them, they’ve won seven NBA championships and 15 division titles in the past 22 years.
Going to see live sport in Texas is the perfect way to experience the state at its best – you truly see the roots and boots of the region (not to mention the incredible food you get to eat). And you can’t go to Texas without taking in some American football – the NFL’s Houston Texans play at NRG Stadium, which in 2017 will host the Super Bowl for the second time since it opened in 2002.
If all that inspires you to get some exercise, Texas is ideal. Clean green spaces abound in gleaming Houston with Buffalo Bayou Park – a Coach highlight. Here you can take on five miles of biking and running trails – or even some kayaking.
San Antonio’s 300 days of sunshine ensures you’re never short of activities either. The cycling and running/hiking routes are spectacular, with Mission Reach one of the most scenic places you can exercise in. If you’re a golfer you’ll be in heaven. San Antonio has more than 50 top level courses alone – you’ll soon see why so many tournaments have been played at TPC San Antonio and the historic Brackenridge Municipal Course, located downtown.
By that point hunger will be hitting so it’s handy that both Houston and San Antonio are known for their culinary options. International flavours mingle with Texan traditions with a stunning array of cosmopolitan eating options on call to satisfy any desire or budget. It’s time to get stuck in.
Fly with United
With unrivalled access to the US from seven UK airports, United is the perfect choice for your Texan adventure. Enjoy a choice of three daily flights from London Heathrow to Houston, with connections to 17 cities across Texas, including San Antonio. You can also connect to cities across the Lone Star State from United’s hubs in New York (Newark), Washington DC and Chicago. united.com, facebook.com/UnitedUKIE, @United
Book with Hayes and Jarvis
Book your San Antonio and Houston adventure with Hayes and Jarvis. Current offers include:
8 nights with return flights for £1,199pp (based on departure 15 November 2016) departing London Heathrow (4 nights at the Hyatt Place San Antonio Riverwalk and 4 nights at the Westin Oaks Houston at the Galleria). Car hire included. hayesandjarvis.co.uk/texas, 01293 762465 (01293 calls are charged at your providers’ local or national rate. Mobile and other providers’ charges may vary.)
