9. Ghosts and Legends Tour, Austin, Texas
Beat the heat in Texas by enjoying the summer evening with a 90-minute walking tour of Austin's ghosts and legends. Regardless of the temperature, you're sure to get more than a few chills as you listen to historian Jeanine Plumer's tales of Austinites past. Book your tour online with www.austintours.us for a special adult rate of $14.95, or call 1-888-881-3285 for more details. If you plan to spend the night in the spirited city, head for the Hotel San Jose. Escape the sweaty city in this minimalist poolside oasis, surrounded by soaring stalks of bamboo and sweet-smelling flowers. The hotel rooms fill out the unique nature of this eclectic destination, ranging from European-style efficiencies with shared baths to spacious suites with elegant balconies. At Hotel San Jose, sleek meets sultry in this down-home destination. Rates begin at $150 for a standard room and $90 for a shared bath. 1-800 574-8897, www.sanjosehotel.com
10. Mississippi Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo, Gulfport
Grab your rod and reel and head for the Gulf Coast for the annual Mississippi Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo. The 2006 competition will be held in Gulfport July 1-4. During these four days, anglers of every shape and size will take their marks for the 12:01 a.m. boat launch, and then reconvene to sort out nearly 30 categories of prizes worth around $50,000. With awards for freshwater and saltwater, anyone can go home a winner. The real show, besides the live bands and family-friendly entertainment, takes place under the rooftop of the Bob Rice Pavilion, where folks gather from around the Gulf to check out the fish collected by the fishermen, ranging from red snapper to, back in 1983, 885-pound tiger shark. (228) 863-2713, www.mississippideepseafishingrodeo.com
