The Lone Star State is reputed to do everything bigger and better. This travel guide backs up that claim. Historic Hotels of Texas encompasses 20,000 miles’ worth of the author’s trekking and checking on the best hotels that are at least 50 years old, have operated for most of their existence as a lodging, and remain open today. The book is divided into regions--Big Bend Country, Gulf Coast, Hill Country, Panhandle Plains, Piney Woods, Prairies and Lakes, and South Texas Plains. The variety of styles ranges from the charming Driskill Hotel in Austin (1886) to the cowboy-
with-cash Stockyards Hotel (1907) in Fort Worth. Each entry comes with a handy box of essentials, including contact information, amenities, and the author’s personal tips. For anyone living in, traveling to, or just fond of the state, this packable Texas guidebook is a valuable companion. --Wanda McKinney
