Another Round

Raise a glass to a summer of sips at haute hotels across Texas

It's the summer of poptails all across Texas.

Photo courtesy of Valencia Hotel Collection

Discover unique charm this summer with the Valencia Hotel Collection. Whether you're visiting the stylish Hotel Valencia Riverwalk in San Antonio, soaking up the relaxed vibe at one of the Court Hotels, or indulging in the distinct elegance of The George in College Station, each property shines with its own sophisticated flair and character.

And summer just got sweeter. Valencia's signature Summer Poptails are back, this time with a purpose. Every purchase of these icy, fruity drinks — handcrafted cocktails topped with a popsicle — supports Ronald McDonald House, meaning you make a difference with each sip.

Here's where you'll want to be cheers-ing this summer:

Austin
Lone Star Court is a a true taste of authentic Americana. This retro-inspired hotel in North Austin's Domain delivers a resort-inspired experience with a modern twist, taking you back to when travel was an adventure. Charming and comfortable with upscale amenities, the boutique hotel offers acres of fun with beautifully landscaped courtyards, an outdoor pool, live music on the weekends, fire pits, lawn games, and a Smeg refrigerator in every room.

Lone Star Court hotel Lone Star Court.Photo courtesy of Valencia Hotel Collection

Irving
Located next to the bustling Toyota Music Factory and Irving Convention Center, Texican Court offers a one-of-a-kind experience in the heart of Las Colinas. Find charm and comfort alongside upscale amenities at this boutique hotel, which is nestled on acres of beautifully landscaped courtyards. Once settled in your room, unwind at the resort-style pool, stop by Salt Tequila Bar for a signature tequila tasting, or dine at Two Mules Cantina.

Lubbock
Cotton Court offers a city-inspired boutique hotel experience in the heart of downtown Lubbock. Its design is influenced by Lubbock's history in the cotton industry and the region's Great Plains roots across the South Plains. Located on Broadway, the 165-room hotel sits near Texas Tech University and is just minutes from the Depot District, with its shops, restaurants, bars, and nightlife.

Cotton Court Hotel Cotton Court.Photo courtesy of Valencia Hotel Collection

College Station
The "Court" in Cavalry Court's name isn't just for show — explore the unique outdoor courtyard featuring poolside cabanas, lawn games, cozy fire pits, and live music, capturing the charm of the other Court Hotels. This full-service hotel in the heart of Century Square is among the best hotels in Bryan College Station.

Cavalry Court hotel Cavalry Court.Photo courtesy of Valencia Hotel Collection

Where rustic meets refined, The George, also located in Century Square, brings sophisticated flair to the Brazos Valley. It has a stay-a-while pool to relax at or you can head inside to the hip 1791 Whiskey Bar for a handcrafted cocktail.

The George Hotel The George.Photo courtesy of Valencia Hotel Collection

San Antonio
Situated on the famed San Antonio River Walk, Hotel Valencia Riverwalk blends Spanish Colonial and modern Mediterranean design with contemporary ideals for a hotel that's steeped in history and charm.

Hotel Valencia Riverwalk.Photo courtesy of Valencia Hotel Collection

Join Valencia Hotel Collection for a summer filled with luxury and memorable experiences. Learn more at www.valenciahotelcollection.com.

vacations hotels cocktails drinks promoted

Fashion on display

Rare Halston fashion exhibition now on display in unlikely Texas city

Halston: Inventing American Fashion exhibit Ellen Noël Art Museum

Photo courtesy of Ellen Noël Art Museum

An colorful eveningwear grouping takes advantage of Ellen Noël Art Museum's curved walls.

A rare exhibition honoring fashion pioneer Halston has popped up in an unexpected place: West Texas. Dallas fashionistas who are fans of the designer can make a five-hour pilgrimage to Odessa’s newly revamped Ellen Noël Art Museum to view "Halston: Inventing American Fashion."

Halston’s minimalistic fashions are rarely the subjects of retrospectives, although the designer’s dramatic life story recently had a pop-cultural resurgence through a 2021 Ryan Murphy miniseries. "Halston: Inventing American Fashion" assesses the talent that made him a household name.

Known now for outfitting 1970s icons like Liza Minelli and Bianca Jagger, Halston changed the international reputation of American sportswear as part of the famous 1973 “Battle of Versailles” fashion show, holding his own against Paris’ most lauded couturiers. His uniquely louche style still influences contemporary brands like Marc Jacobs, Zac Posen, and Tom Ford, who was briefly the creative director for a revised Halston label.

The mannequins in the Odessa display are outfitted with 75 ensembles from flowing Ultrasuede daywear to more dramatic draped gowns. The pieces “illustrate how Halston revolutionized fashion by prioritizing comfort, confidence, and modern femininity,” according to a release.

Although Odessa may seem an odd choice for the show, Halston had deep Texas connections. After he moved on from hat making, Amarillo millionaire Estelle Marsh was his sole backer willing to fund his first Madison Avenue boutique.

$Ellen No\u00ebl Art Museum, Odessa, new facade.$ The new facade at Ellen Noël Art MuseumPhoto courtesy of Ellen Noël Art Museum

$Halston: Inventing American Fashion exhibit Ellen No\u00ebl Art Museum$

Photo courtesy of Ellen Noël Art Museum

An colorful eveningwear grouping takes advantage of Ellen Noël Art Museum's curved walls.

And the recently completed renovation of Odessa's Ellen Noël Art Museum has some of the designer’s signature sleek. Designed by architect R.J. Lopez, the renovation includes new galleries and improved circulation, but the centerpiece is a striking transparent façade, replacing the original brick of the 1985 building.

“The renovation project has been over 10 years in the making and in the construction phase for the past two years,” says the museum’s buildings manager, Steve Patton, via a release. “The completion of the project has resulted in an incredible facility that is a shining star in West Texas, offering programs and exhibits that will be a destination point for people all over the world!”

"Halston: Inventing American Fashion" will run through March 22. Admission to the Ellen Noël Art Museum is free.

exhibits odessa fashion west texas museums designer texas