Just think for a moment about Texas.

The image conjures up cowboys, Indians, ghost towns and desolate valleys. Armadillo, long horn steers and yellow roses.

I had never been to Texas until a few years ago. Before my departure on my first trip in 1997, all I thought I knew about Texas is what I remembered from old John Wayne films. You know the films, where they moved cattle across a barren desert without water or a blade of grass to eat. Dust. Heat. Dry. Cactus. I didnât see a single redeeming scene in those old films that made me want to pack up my bag and head to Texas. I boarded the plane rather reluctantly.

And then I arrived in Texas!

My entire world fell on its ear. It was green, lush and completely beautiful. And my most reverent views of the state came during a summer visit to Austin in August, during a 110 degree (F) summer day, in the middle of a drought! There was humidity, but nothing like Hawaii, Florida or the Philippines. But the hot humidity is nothing to compare to the beauty of the land or its people. And not all parts of Texas are humid, Iâll have you know! Houston, San Antonio and Galveston are far more humid than Dallas or Austin. Austin reminds me of Southern California weather wise, but the people are much more friendly.

Friendly. Thatâs what they are. It reminds me of what Alaska used to be like twenty years ago. People will make eye contact with you, and even give you directions when you need them. Plain and simple, Texans are friendly towards visitors.

When you go to the Texas website, www.traveltex.com, youâll see their motto is ãTexas. Itâs More Than You Think.ä I say Texas is not at all what you think. It is like a whole other country. So go pack up the kids, the camping gear and grab a road map, because youâre going to Texas for summer vacation this year!

The Texas website provides exceptionally detailed driving tours, links to free stuff, trip saving coupons, maps and a free travel guide. With information galore, any one would be sure to find something to see and do in Texas that is fun, exciting and most probably, in a lush, green locale. There are amusement parks, waterparks, state parks, camping, hiking, horseback riding, dude ranches, sandy beaches, and about everything in between.

And good food? You certainly can enjoy great barbeque, in a variety of ways: rubbed, smoked and floating in sauce. They sure have grits, chicken fried steak, catfish and hushpuppies too! But that is not all you will find to eat in Texas. Be sure to sample fantastic meals at the vast array of fine dining restaurants. In Keemah, be sure to hit Landryâs, Willie Gâs or the Aquarium. In Austin, donât you dare leave until you have sampled the fun at Hula Hut on Lake Travis. One thing is for sure about eating in Texas: you never go to bed hungry. You may even gain a few pounds before you leave for home. The portions are ALWAYS Texas sized!

So forget what you saw on those late night movies growing up, and head to Texas for some wild west fun and good eats.