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.

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Airport News

McKinney airport signs Avelo Airlines as its first passenger partner

Avelo Airlines

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McKinney National Airport has signed up its first airline to operate commercial flights: According to a release, the Collin County airport has forged an agreement with Avelo Airlines, the low-cost airline based in Houston. Avelo has signed a Use and Lease Agreement, meaning it will fly planes brimming with travelers out of the airport, which is expanding its service to accommodate passenger flights.

Operating under the code TKI, McKinney National Airport has served as a general aviation airport for more than 40 years but is now transitioning to provide commercial air service in support of the area's growing population.

McKinney city and airport leaders are constructing a four-gate terminal building, with the ability to expand to six gates, in support of airline service that is anticipated to launch at TKI in late 2026.

In March 2025, the airport was awarded $30 million by the McKinney Community Development Corporation for construction of the eastside airport infrastructure and passenger terminal. That work has already begun.

Avelo's five-year ULA, which includes an optional five-year extension, establishes the terms and conditions for Avelo and other prospective airlines, including use of:

Runway and taxiways
Aircraft parking and maintenance areas
Non-exclusive areas such as check-in counters, boarding gates, and flight displays
Exclusive areas, including designated office and administrative space

The agreement also sets the rates and charges for a carrier’s operation at TKI, to include a per-passenger use fee and aircraft fuel fees.

McKinney Mayor Bill Cox called the signing of Avelo an "important milestone," and Avelo Airlines founder and CEO Andrew Levy said that the company is excited to be the launch airline at TKI.

"We believe that our everyday low fares, convenient and reliable service, combined with an easy-to-use, small airport, is a combination the residents of McKinney and North Texas will enthusiastically embrace," Levy says. "As a proud Texas company, we are especially excited to plant our flag at TKI, just a few hours north of our home in Houston."

Avelo currently operates one flight out of the DFW area: direct flights from DFW Airport to New Haven, Connecticut, which it offers two times a week at amazingly cheap rates.

Avelo will announce a launch date and the nonstop destinations it will serve from TKI a few months prior to the opening of the commercial terminal. The current plan is to introduce commercial air service in late 2026.

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