Saddle Up

Memorial Day weekend rodeos and Hill Country adventures await in Bandera

Forget the crowded beaches and overpriced theme parks — the real adventure awaits in the rolling hills of Bandera, where authentic cowboy culture meets Hill Country charm.

Just about five hours southwest of Dallas, this small town of fewer than 1,000 residents packs more genuine Western spirit into its Main Street than most places ten times its size. Known proudly as the "Cowboy Capital of the World," Bandera offers visitors a chance to experience the American West as it truly was while enjoying modern comforts and unforgettable hospitality.

A town that makes history come alive

Bandera's commitment to preserving and celebrating its heritage has earned it national recognition. The town was selected as one of only seven rural communities nationwide to host the prestigious Smithsonian Traveling Exhibit "Crossroads: Change in Rural America," which will be displayed at Bandera Middle School from June 21 through July 26, 2025.

This honor reflects the town's unique position as a living piece of American history, where visitors can witness authentic gunfight reenactments every Saturday (weather permitting) and explore two exceptional museums that capture the essence of the frontier era.

Frontier Times Museum Bandera The Frontier Times Museum.Photo courtesy of Visit Bandera

The Bandera Natural History & Art Museum houses one of the largest New Spain art collections in the region, while the Frontier Times Museum earned recognition as the No. 6 Best Small Town Museum by USA Today in 2025. These aren't dusty repositories of artifacts — they're vibrant storytelling venues that bring the Wild West to life for visitors of all ages.

Summer festivals and Rodeo excitement

Summer in Bandera means non-stop excitement, starting with the Memorial Day weekend festivities from May 23-25. The Bandera Pro Rodeo hosts the Memorial Weekend Stampede Rodeo, complete with a festive Main Street Parade on May 24, vendor markets on the Courthouse Lawn, and live music echoing across multiple venues throughout town. It's the perfect kickoff to a season filled with authentic Western entertainment.

For those seeking weekly thrills, the Riding on Faith Summer Series Rodeo delivers authentic Western excitement every Friday night at Mansfield Park throughout the summer season, running from May 30 through July 25. Local and visiting cowboys test their skills against bucking broncos and bulls in genuine competition, giving spectators a front-row seat to one of America's most demanding and thrilling sports.

Independence Day celebrations extend well beyond the Fourth of July, starting with the Lakehills 4th of July Parade and Bandera's beloved 29th Annual Pet Parade on July 4, followed by the grand Bandera 4th of July Parade on July 5th. The patriotic spirit culminates with the National Day of the American Cowboy celebration on July 26 — where better to honor this uniquely American tradition than in its proclaimed capital?

Authentic experiences beyond the arena

What sets Bandera apart from other tourist destinations is its commitment to authentic experiences. Visitors can saddle up any day of the week for scenic horseback rides through town or venture into the Hill Country State Natural Area with local outfitters who know every trail and watering hole, and are happy to share stories of the land and its history.

Bandera Take a ride through town.Photo courtesy of Visit Bandera

Photo courtesy of Visit Bandera

The Bandera General Store has a little bit of everything.

The town's culinary scene reflects its authentic character. The legendary O.S.T. Diner serves up classic American fare that has satisfied cowboys and visitors for generations, while B-Daddy's BBQ on Main cooks up everything from sandwiches and plates to loaded spuds and brisket birria tacos.

And you can't miss visiting 11th Street Cowboy Bar, which offers Steak Night every Wednesday alongside its reputation as "the biggest little bar in the state."

Local shopping experiences include unique establishments like the Bandera General Store, Texas Salt Co., The Cowboy Store, and the whimsically named Fickle Pickle, each offering treasures you won't find in chain stores.

Music and nightlife with character

Live music flows through Bandera almost every night of the week, from the historic Arkey Blue's Silver Dollar — Texas' oldest honky-tonk — to the lively atmosphere at 11th Street Cowboy Bar. These venues serve as true community gathering places where locals and visitors come together to share stories, dance to classic country tunes, and experience the genuine small-town Texas spirit that makes Bandera so special.

Arkey Blue's Silver Dollar Bandera Drop by Arkey Blue's Silver Dollar, Texas' oldest honky-tonk.Photo courtesy of Visit Bandera

Accommodations for every adventure style

Whether you're dreaming of a classic dude ranch experience, seeking the serenity of a charming cabin, or looking for something completely unique like glamping in a yurt, Bandera offers accommodations that match every style of adventure.

Bandera proves that the best vacations aren't always about checking items off a tourist list — sometimes they're about slowing down, connecting with authentic culture, and experiencing a way of life that remains refreshingly unchanged. In a world of manufactured experiences, Bandera offers something increasingly rare: the real thing.

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Plan your next visit and see what's happening every day of the week in Bandera here.

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Hotel News

Iconic Arlington motel from the ’60s returns in time for World Cup

Courtesy rendering

Caravan Court Hotel is opening June 1 in Arlington, in time to welcome World Cup fans.

An iconic mid-century motel from the '60s is reopening in Arlington: Caravan Court, a hotel that first opened as a classic motor court in 1961, will come back to life following an upscale, modern reinvention inspired by 1960s art, architecture, and automotive design.

According to a release, the hotel will open at 205 N. Collins St., around the corner from its original site on Division Street, on June 1. It's debuting in the city's Entertainment District just in time to welcome fans of FIFA World Cup, taking place at nearby AT&T Stadium from June 14-July 14; reservations are now available.

Developed in partnership with Division Hotel Management, the Caravan is part of the Valencia Hotel Collection, the Houston-based boutique hotel company whose portfolio includes the similarly-thoughtful Texican Court in Irving.

Caravan Court will open with 143 rooms and three food & beverage entities, including The Vandy, a restaurant named for former Arlington Mayor Tom Vandergriff; plus a martini bar and a rooftop lounge.

Retro style
The design approach blends the charm of a bygone era with 21st-century luxury — including retaining historical features while making additions that feel period-appropriate.

A key piece is their preservation of the iconic Caravan Motor Hotel sign, whose distinctive tiki-inspired design — with palm trees and the word "caravan" rendered in a font that looks like it's been carved — has earned status as a beloved local landmark over the years.

The rooms feature retro-inspired SMEG refrigerators and Nespresso machines, alongside 50-inch Smart TVs and wireless charging pads.

Caravan Court Hotel roomCourtesy rendering

Other stylish accommodations include:

143 rooms, which includes 7 King Suites, 48 Double Queens, and 88 Kings
Resort-style pool with four cabanas
24-Hour fitness center
outdoor seating with firepits
2,532-square-foot turf courtyard with lounge seating
coffee bar window

There are also three ballrooms, ranging from 1,213 square feet to 3,633 square feet — perfect for that tiki-style wedding.

Food & beverage
The in-house eateries will comprise a main restaurant, plus martini bar and rooftop lounge overlooking downtown Arlington and the Entertainment District, as follows:

The Vandy: Named for visionary former Arlington Mayor Tom Vandergriff, The Vandy is the hotel's main restaurant, serving Americana classics in a space that captures the spirit of the mid-century era.
Elora Sky Club: Sophisticated rooftop lounge will serve craft cocktails, tapas-style bites, and views of the Arlington skyline and the surrounding Entertainment District.
Caravan Swim Club: Seasonal, resort-style poolside experience features private cabanas, bar, and eatery.
Idle Hour Social Club: A versatile day-to-night hub, serving coffee in the morning and martinis at night.

History
As a release notes, a key part of the hotel's backstory is its celebration of the Bankhead Highway, founded 1916 as one of America’s first coast-to-coast automobile routes, connecting Washington, D.C. to San Diego.

In Arlington, the Bankhead Highway evolved into Division Street, with auto-oriented businesses including gas stations, diners, dealerships, and roadside lodging.

Caravan Motor Hotel sign Iconic sign at iconic Caravan Motor Hotel. jasonssullivan.com

Caravan Motor Hotel opened in 1961 as a classic mid-century motor-court style with drive-up convenience, pool, and modern amenities — part of a renaissance led by Mayor Tom Vandergriff, who was elected in 1951 and oversaw a 26-year tenure focused on growth, infrastructure, and economic development.

That included attracting the General Motors Arlington Assembly Plant; helping transition Arlington State College into the University of Texas at Arlington; and drawing attractions such as Six Flags Over Texas, which opened in 1961, the same year as the Caravan.

Alas, when major highways came along in the '70s and '80s, motor courts along the Bankhead Highway, including the Caravan, closed.

In 2024, as part of a program of preservation and adaptive reuse, the City of Arlington, in a partnership with local developers and the Valencia Hotel Group, initiated its plan to redevelop and reopen the historic Caravan Motel, positioning it as a catalyst for Division Street revitalization, bridging downtown Arlington and the Entertainment District.

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