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Texas poppy festival blooms + 8 more Lone Star travel ideas for April

Adventurers hunting for an excuse to take a road trip around Texas will find many opportunities coming up in April. North Texans can check out a hidden gem in the Panhandle, visit a Hill Country brewery for its 30th anniversary, head down to the Gulf Coast for a birding festival, or book a dinner reservation at a Fredericksburg hotel's new Southern comfort restaurant.

Here are CultureMap's top picks for an April vacation around Texas.

All around Texas

Everyone is already aware of Buc-ee's gas stations, but in-the-know road-trippers are passing by the famous beaver in favor of nine destination gas stations that make Buc-ee's look basic. Some have been converted into trendy cafes, some are protected historical sites, and others sit empty but make for a great opportunity to practice road trip photography.

In Central Texas

The 27th annual Red Poppy Festival is returning to the charming city of Georgetown, a suburb north of Austin, from April 24-26. The annual extravaganza celebrates the city's blossoming poppy season and will feature a special music performance by country duo Maddie & Tae. Visitors can gather around the historic downtown square to check out a classic car show, an artisan vendor market, and more. The festival is free to the public.

Texas-made spirits brand Senza Maeso is commemorating two years since the opening of its San Marcos taproom with an all-day party on Saturday, April 4. Attendees can expect a local art market, nine live music performances, a photo booth with portraits by Eric Morales, food trucks, and specialty cocktails featuring Senza Maeso Hybrid Spirit.

Senza Maeso San Marcos tasting room Senza Maeso's retro-inspired tasting room is a vibe.Photo courtesy of Senza Maeso

Photo by Renee Knapek

Georgetown is known as the "Red Poppy Capital of Texas."

In the Hill Country

Fredericksburg's award-winning The Albert Hotel has recently opened The Wellhouse, a new restaurant offering a rotating menu of seasonal Southern comfort dishes, cocktails, and (of course) plenty of wine. A few highlights of the current menu include the garlic and brown butter crab claws, the truffle mac and cheese, the Verlasso salmon with roasted smashed Brussels sprouts, and more.

Blanco-based brewery Real Ale Brewing Co. is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a big bash on Saturday, April 18 from 12-7 pm. The brewery will have 40 beers on tap for guests; numerous new releases, including surprise casks; cocktails; food from Hill Country vendors; and four live music performances. Basic tickets are $11.66 per person, and come with one token for a beer or a non-alcoholic beverage.

At home in Dallas-Fort Worth

The new restaurant at the Hall Arts Hotel in Dallas, Astra Kitchen + Lounge, will debut its new "Astra Hour" starting on Thursday, April 9. The new happy hour will serve as a high energy transition "from the office to the weekend" with live DJs and "fun surprises" every week on Thursdays and Fridays from 4:30-8 pm.

Along the Gulf Coast

Texas birders are flocking to the South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center in Corpus Christi from April 22-26 for the annual Birdiest Festival in America. The festival will host birding tours and provide educational workshops and many opportunities to observe the city's migratory and native birds. General registration is $40 per person.

In the Texas Panhandle

Matador, a tiny town about 80 miles northeast of Lubbock and 290 miles from Dallas, was recently dubbed one of the top under-the-radar rural destinations in America by Airbnb. The first-ever "off-the-map" list features 20 small towns that present new opportunities for tourism. This town in Motley County fits the bill thanks to its rich history, wide open skies, and an undiscovered feel.

Matador is also conveniently close to Caprock Canyons State Park in Quitaque ,which is known for its roaming bison population and large bat colony. Caprock Canyons has recently unveiled a major 2,200-acre expansion that will bring even more protected land for hiking, biking, horseback riding, bison-watching, and much more.

Toast to Texas

Texas Hill Country uncorks No. 3 ranking among best U.S. wine regions

Texas Hill Country Wineries

Texas Hill Country wine

The Lone Star State's booming Hill Country wine scene is about to get a lot busier, as it was just declared the No. 3 best wine region in the country for "a grape getaway."

The Hill Country was honored in USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards for the Best Wine Region in 2026. The 10Best awards program puts a spotlight on the best travel destinations, the best food and drink spots, local attractions, and must-visit shopping locations. A panel of experts and 10Best editors select their top picks to present to readers, who then vote to decide the winners.

The Texas Hill Country was ranked higher than some of the most well-known wine regions in the U.S., including California's esteemed Temecula Valley, Anderson Valley, and Paso Robles.

USA Today estimates there are over 60 wineries spread across scenic towns like Fredericksburg, Stonewall, Lampasas, and New Braunfels. National acclaim for the Hill Country has transformed its vineyards into can't-miss tourist destinations for locals and out-of-towners alike.

"This American Viticultural Area is one of the largest in the country, growing varietals like tempranillo, viognier, cabernet sauvignon, and an increasing acreage of warm-weather grapes," editors wrote.

The Hill Country previously ranked as the 9th best wine region in the nation in 2025, so its elevation to the top three this year is a testament to local wineries' dedication to providing top-notch wines and excellent service for patrons.

This summer is teeming with events and festivals in the area, such as grape-stomping shindigs and seasonal passes for discounts and deals at participating members of trade organization Texas Hill Country Wineries. Dallasites can take the scenic route to traverse the region's small towns, and there are plenty of hotels, cabins, campgrounds, and resorts for an overnight stay.

"Being named the No. 3 Wine Region in the country by USA Today readers is a huge honor for our entire Hill Country wine community," said THCW executive director January Wiese. "We've been proud to see this region recognized among the nation's best before, and this year's ranking is a testament to the incredible growers, winemakers, and hospitality teams who make Texas Hill Country a true wine destination. We can't wait to welcome visitors to experience it for themselves."

Grape Creek Vineyards has three locations in the Hill Country. Courtesy of Grape Creek Vineyards

One Fredericksburg winery also offers an immersive tour that rivals the most prestigious California wineries. Grape Creek Vineyards ranked No. 5 nationally in USA Today's separate list of the Best Winery Tours. The signature Taste & Tour features a tram ride through Grape Creek's estate, with stops inside production facilities where attendees can try tastings right out of the barrel.

Heath Family Brands CEO and owner Brian Heath, who owns Grape Creek, was honored by the award recognition and praised the brand's dedicated team members "who work every day to make sure every guest leaves with a story to tell."

"Fredericksburg is home to some of the best wine tourism in the country, and it means the world to be recognized alongside it," Heath told CultureMap.

Taste & Tour experiences are offered at Grape Creek Vineyards' Highway 290 location for $45 per person. Tours are limited to six guests per group, and must be booked in advance.

The top 10 best wine regions in the U.S. in 2026 are:

No. 1 – Rogue Valley, Oregon
No. 2 – West Elks, Colorado
No. 3 – Hill Country, Texas
No. 4 – Paso Robles, California
No. 5 – Augusta, Missouri
No. 6 – Anderson Valley, California
No. 7 – Loudoun, Virginia
No. 8 – Willamette Valley, Oregon
No. 9 – Yakima Valley, Washington
No. 10 – Temecula Valley, California

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