Three-City Texas Tour: my birthday, Usher concert, and family quality time
Texas is a state that feels like a world of its own, and this month, I had the chance to soak it all in with what I’m calling a tour of Austin, Houston, and Dallas. From celebrating my birthday to giving back, enjoying Usher’s concert, and connecting with family, each city added something unique to this memorable to my time traveling.
Stop 1: Austin
My tour kicked off in Austin with an unforgettable birthday weekend. I’ve already shared all the details in my blog post, 48 Hours in Austin: Mediterranean Food, Lake House Cocktails, and RnB Vibes, but the short version: amazing food, scenic brunches, and a night filled with soulful music and dancing. Austin’s relaxed vibe was the perfect start to my travels, setting the tone for the rest of the trip.
Stop 2: Houston
Back to Houston where I currently live, I spent my actual birthday giving back. I was able to volunteer with Hope City Church, spending time at Kids’ Meals, Inc., an organization dedicated to providing meals to kids in need. We made and packed ham sandwiches, and it felt incredible to take a moment to focus on others. I’m privileged to enjoy dining out whenever I want, but I always try to stay mindful of not everyone can, and is import for me to give back to those who don’t have the same opportunities.
Later in the week, I kept the celebration going with my girls at the Usher concert. After seeing him during his Vegas residency last year, I already knew we were in for an good show—and he delivered! Usher’s vocals and performance never fail to impress, and sharing the experience with my girls made it even better.
Stop 3: Dallas
The final leg of my Texas tour was a trip home to Dallas for Thanksgiving with my family. There’s something so rejuvenating about being surrounded by loved ones, sharing stories, and laughing over a great meal. While I used to partake in the Black Friday madness, I’ve taken a step back in recent years—let’s be honest, no TV is worth people fighting over. It’s wild to think about how chaotic it’s gotten!
While I was home, I stopped by Barons Creek Vineyards, located in Bishop Arts. Thanks to my cousin having a membership, I got to enjoy a complimentary wine tasting featuring five selections: a sparkling wine, rosé, GSM blend, Syrah, and Zinfandel. Each wine offered something unique, but the rosé was my favorite —so much so that I bought a bottle to take home.
The food at Barons Creek was just as impressive as the wine. We shared a pesto margherita pizza, a hummus platter, and some chocolate cookies to top it all off. The combination of great wine, delicious bites, and the cozy ambiance made for a relaxing experience.
Barons Creek Vineyards has locations beyond Dallas, including Fredericksburg, Georgetown, Granbury, and McKinney. While I’d love to explore those, the Bishop Arts spot remains a standout for me, especially since it’s in one of my favorite Dallas neighborhoods.
Takeaways from the trip
This three-city tour was the perfect blend of celebration, connection, and reflection. From the lively energy of Austin to the meaningful moments in Houston and the family love in Dallas, each stop reminded me of the things I value most: good food, great music, and even better company.
Texas has a way of showing you its heart, no matter which city you’re in. Whether you’re vibing by the lake, volunteering in the community, sipping wine or vibing to R&B classics, there’s something special about this state that makes me happy to be a Texas gal. Until the next adventure!