Contact the Texas Department of Transportation, Travel Division, P.O. Box 141009, Austin, TX 78714-1009 (tel. 800/888-8TEX; www.traveltex.com), for a free copy of the official state vacation guide, which includes a state map and describes attractions, activities, and lodgings throughout Texas. The Texas Department of Transportation also publishes the Texas Accommodations Guide, which is usually sent along with the official state vacation guide, or can be ordered separately by calling tel. 800/452-9292.
The nonprofit Historic Accommodations of Texas (tel. 800/428-0368; www.hat.org) offers a free directory describing well over 100 member bed-and-breakfasts, country inns, unique hotels, and guesthouses. You can also get lodging information from the Texas Hotel & Motel Association (tel. 512/474-2996; www.texaslodging.com).
The Texas Department of Transportation maintains a dozen excellent Texas Travel Information Centers around the state, offering free maps, brochures, and one-on-one travel counseling. Locations are as follows: Amarillo, I-40 East; Anthony, I-10 at the New Mexico state line; Austin, 112 E. 11th St., at the Capitol complex; Denison, U.S. 75 at the Oklahoma state line; Gainesville, I-35 at the Oklahoma state line; Harlingen, U.S. 77 at U.S. 83; Langtry, off U.S. 90 on Tex. Loop 25; Laredo, I-35 North at U.S. 83; Orange, I-10 at the Louisiana state line; Texarkana, I-30 at the Arkansas state line; Waskom, I-20 at the Louisiana state line; and Wichita Falls, I-44 at U.S. 277/281. The centers are open daily from 8am to 5pm except on January 1, Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, and December 24 and 25. For information, call tel. 800/452-9292.
