Exploring Texas: COWBOYS, ASTONORTS & ALIGATORS

From lively parties and unforgettable scenery to the hillbilly charm of the deep south - the perfect place to start your exploration? Texas.

Spread over land three times the size of England, Texas beckons with its country allure, city buzz, an ambiance of cowboy culture unlike any other state. But with over an 800 mile span dividing the Louisiana boarder from New Mexico, planning the perfect itinerary can be overwhelming.

We spent 14 days based out of Fulshear, a family centric city a stones through from the hustle of Houston and its ever growing downtown skyline, indulging in everything from San Antonio's infamous river walk, an escape to a city with an iconic character , alligator parks, NFL games, mile long shopping malls and an American sized pit of Texas BBQ, fried chicken and endless refillable drinks.

So, whether you're in desperate need of some new travel inspo, or you just enjoy being nosey like me, here's my fourteen day guide to exploring one of Americas most unique states.

DAY ONE : VISIT NASA - HOUSTON SPACE CENTRE

Houston, we have a problem. A non-negotiable for space enthusiasts and an interesting day out for others, NASA takes you on an epic adventure through more than just space. From decade old spacecrafts, suits to missions, astronauts from past to present, you can truly immerse in the magic of the galaxy with a stimulator ride - before heading into the still functioning spaces of the facility. Here you'll have the chance to explore the now retired 'The Saturn V' -the infamous vessel from the Apollo mission to the moon.

DAY TWO : KEMAH BOARDWALK

Bursting with character, Kemah Boardwalk feels like a day out back in time - a feeling I can't explain but if you visit you'll understand. If you dare to ride a wooden roller coaster standing at almost 100ft high you'll experience the thrill of Kemahs theme park with views Alton Towers could only dream of. From rows of boutique style shops and a round square of restaurants and diners overlooking live music in the sunshine by the water. The atmosphere is quirky and charming - the boardwalk itself? Exactly how I've always imagined the seaside when my parents reminisce their childhood beach adventures. For the ultimate experience? A ride on the beast is a must.

DAY THREE - FOUR - VISIT SAN ANTONIO

Fancy falling in love all over again? San Antonio is like butterflies on a first date - a gorgeous setting oozing charm and elegance with an atmosphere that vibrates and leaves its mark on you for days. Set sail down the river and become surrounded by bridges coated in twinkling lights, restaurants boasting a soft laughter and - well - the English pub doesn't quite fit the narrative so perhaps a short but speedy power walk past that. Dining at Paesanos will tingle your tastebuds, but it's drinks at the Thirsty Aztec that will get you dancing. A steady morning exploring the historic Alamo is the perfect way to jump head first into American history - and the gift shop offers some charming souvenirs you simply can't miss out on. A city break worth its weight in gold nestled within a state destined for enjoyment.

DAY FOUR - WIMBERLEY ZIP LINE

Adrenaline junky, Photographer or just looking for a new experience, Wimberley zip lines offer one mile of uninterrupted views through the gorgeous Texas countryside. Around an hour from central San Antonio, Wimberley is a great reason for a detour on your way back to Houston - as long as the weather holds out! You'll spend two hours enjoying the scenery - but if it isn't your full parties cup of tea, there is an outlet shopping mall just 20 minutes down the road waiting to be splurged on. An adventure that suits Texas to a T.

DAY FIVE/SIX - TIME TO SHOP

Marbled floors, grand pillars and shops ticking every box from cowboy boot keyrings to luxury bags designed to be carried with grace, elegance and class - the real American dream. The Galleria.

If I could offer one certainty after my trip to Texas, it's that shopping malls and boutiques sure know how to loosen your purse strings (ironically I returned to the UK with a brand new coach purse...). Stretching over 2.4 million square feet, the Galleria boasts the title of Texas's biggest shopping outlet, well-known brands, designer outlets and luxury hunting, if there were ever a day to take shopping and turn it into an Olympic sport, it would be now.

Within an hour of The Galleria, you can also find the Katy Mills shopping outlet. Think Bicester village, but better. A place to go for every day discounts - more accessible with greater bargains - leaving with 10 Bath and Body works candles, at least four new complete looks from Abercrombie and Fitch, Adidas trainers, Under Armor tracksuits fit for British winter and a guilt free bag of Sephora goodies.

DAY SEVEN - NINE - VISIT NEW ORLEANS

A city with an undertone of soul - its streets bounce with character whilst hearty jazz fills the air. New Orleans offers personality like no other destination. The infamous Bourbon Street sees icons like the Pat O'Brien's and cafe Beignet, whilst the French Market charms with homemade goods and the Mississippi river rocks the the classic Natchez steamboats - locals provide a unique perspective to a life of creative hustle - With that said, street artists painting with an authentic love for their muse (the city of jazz) create the perfect, wholesome souvenir to take away.

48 hours in the city is enough to revive your passion - but there's plenty to do if you fall in love and decide to stay longer! From swamp tours in Shrek land, ghost tours round cemeteries where bodies are stacked ... leaving centuries worth of curses and torture trapped, traditional seafood boils and gumbo to be indulged on and lively streets that keep you dancing all night long.

The perfect spot to rest your head? The Bourbon Orleans Hotel. A hotel haunted with character, where quirky modern meets tails of past torture. Fascinating tails dating back to the 1700s sees a decaying theatre torched to the ground, re-constructed with the addition of its infamous ballroom with dancers that never left ... soon turned a convent for the Sisters of the Holy Family who left behind a Nun in room 644. Later purchased by the Bourbon Kings Hotel Corporation, its remodel covered what was once an asylum for orphan girls on the corner of Orleans Street. Ranked amongst the top 10 haunted hotels in America, your stay will be a true Louisiana experience.

DAY TEN - TAKE THE DAY

Let your body succumb to the warmth of the water, completely immersing in a day of relaxation after ten days of non-stop exploration. Whether you've opted for a hotel, staying on a residential site or you've spotted a local pool, take the day to reminisce over the past few weeks under the glorious rays of the sun before heading back to reality in the coming days. We visited the shared pool on our site - is it a universal American experience that there's a safety check every hour?! Is this something Europe should embrace too? Needless to say we were embarrassed being the only swimmers that didn't know to get out the pool at the blow of a whistle!

This is also the perfect time to get the obligatory shopping trips in - Target, Walmart, Boot Barn, taste test Crumbl, the real reason everyone is excited to visit the USA, right? As evening rolls around embrace the authentic country vibes with a meal at the Texas Roadhouse (our fav stop), followed by a night under the stars in Sugar Land watching a live, outdoors performance from iconic local tributes.

DAY ELEVEN - HOUSTON SWARM... NFL GAME

It might not be everyone’s idea of fun, but catching an NFL game live should absolutely be on your U.S. bucket list. Compared to European football? The energy is electric. Fans come together in stadiums purpose built for spectacle, and the atmosphere is more like a full-on show than just a sporting event.

From mid-game entertainment like selfie cams and mariachi bands to fireworks, light shows, and nonstop crowd chants — what could be a slow-paced game for some quickly turns into an unforgettable night out. At the Texans vs. Tampa Bay game, thousands of fans celebrated in unity, a far cry from the divided fan basis back in the UK. All be it we did loose so no further comments on that.

And the real MVP? Bottomless popcorn. Considering the steep prices for most stadium snacks, this is a budget friendly lifesaver I’d definitely recommend. ($10) refillable soft drinks were also $10!

P.S. If you’re just here for the experience and not looking to splurge, Marshalls had loads of last season’s jerseys going for a third of the price - perfect for the casual, one-time fan!

DAY TWELVE - GALVESNTON DAY TRIP

Known for its laid-back charm, Victorian architecture, and rich history, it’s a favorite destination for both born and bred Texans and visitors looking for a blend of beach vibes and cultural depth. A seaside town that boasts a warm feel that to me, almost feels as if its been taken from a 1940s war time film.

Visiting in September, the beaches were free from tourists, offering stretches of soft sand and warm water to unwind in complete serenity. With the golden tinge of the sun on your shoulders, and miles of beach bliss to

enjoy, it's the perfect chance to play bat and ball or dip your toes in the water, indulge on a bite to eat on Galveston's pier and feel the cool evening breeze on a sunset bike ride along the coast line. There's a sense of peace Galveston offers that I can't quite put into words. But sitting quietly with your own thoughts, legs under water, hair dampened by the waves, swept away by the depth of appreciation and contentment the last few weeks have bought. A perfect moment.

Good to know: A short drive from the beach is 'The Strand' an old-worldly stretch of shops, with a 1920's style ice cream parlor/ confectionary store, souvenir stops and quirky boutiques. Here, you can also become part of others adventures as cruise ships dock and depart just minutes away!

DAY 13 - BRAZOS BEND STATE PARK

Wrapped in acres of natural beauty, Brazos Bend State Park offers the perfect retreat for those seeking peace in the outdoors. Windy tracks lead you far from the beaten path, and with the tense feeling of alligators being guided by your every move, it's certainly a wild adventure fit for the classic Texas reputation. Being amongst nature is monumental for a clear mind and relaxation, but how many parks do you get to visit where you completely immerse in a country, forgetting a city is scraping the sky just a few miles from your reach. A mesmerizing venture through the quiet lives of species who no nothing else but the joy of visitors and peace surrounding.

DAY 14 - HOUSTON ZOO & CHEESECAKE FACTORY

The dancing elephants take their reputations very seriously!

Perhaps a day trip best determined by the sun, or lack of. Houston Zoo boats an impressive range of land and sea animals, from grazing turtles, dancing elephants and penguins completely amused by the site of humans, but with the majority of its exhibits outside, its either a tanners paradise or an autumn baby's worst nightmare. Tickets can be secured online for around £30 per person and it's best to have them ready at the gate (the staff greatly appreciate it) - with numerous coffee stands and snack trucks and a hub for a lunch time replenish at the core of the zoo, you don't have to worry about going hungry either ... is it strange that the best mac and cheese I tried in the US was between a petrol station and a zoo cafe?!

After the zoo it's the perfect time to take a nosey around the medical center, it's truly crazy to compare British health care systems to American hospitals and complex's. From there, we chose to head over to yet another mall on our way back for three courses at the cheesecake factory and a few extra dollars spent in Bath and Body Works, because well it's the last day so why not.

There are so many other things to explore, starting with a morning in Downtown Houston amongst the hustle and bustle of corporate life to earning the title of biggest drama queen on a ride down the river rapids! Amongst the chaos of America, there are silent destinations waiting to become core parts of your country and western memories.

If you've visited Texas, New Orleans or have any other must-experience places throughout the USA, I'd love to hear your tails too.