Brian Smith's Photos

Late in 2023 we headed down to Houston for Christmas, but not directly. We took the opportunity to fly into El Paso, go up to White Sands National Park before heading East. A bit of a misty morning at White Sands the following day made it feel very eerie. Then that day finished with a sunset view of El Capitan in the Guadalupe Mountains Nation Park.

The following day was spent heading down to Marathon and the Gage Hotel – taking in the Davis Mountains, Marfa, and an unexpected and very pleasant wine tasting at Château Wright Winery.

The longest day’s driving came next, following 90 and crossing the Pecos River High Bridge, passing through Uvalde and skirting San Antonio before hitting the 10 and arriving in Houston.

A local Christmas Eve walk, then on Christmas Day a trip into the city center to see the lights.

From Houston we headed West again, into the Hill Country, the Pedernales Falls State Park then on to Fredericksburg – a wine tasting on route of course! Catching the lights in the town and then the following day doing a loop out to see Enchanted Rock State Natural Area (too busy to get in!) and Inks Lake State Park.

Heading South next, taking in some missions before arriving in San Antonio and staying by the river walk.

We didn’t forget the Alamo – and spent our final day there, the river walk again and then the Botanical Gardens – just caught the lights coming on before heading for our flight home!