It’s impossible to speak of Texas as a single travel destination. It’s just too big and too diverse. To promote Texas travel, the state has adopted the slogan, “Texas: It’s like a whole other country” and that just about sums it up. As big as some countries, its environmental regions range from desert to forests to sandy beaches and rocky seacoasts.

The seven regions of Texas are: Panhandle Plains, Big Bend Country, Hill Country, Prairies and Lakes, Piney Woods, Gulf Coast and South Texas Plains. With this many geographical regions to choose from, it seems a wise plan to get an overview of each, before deciding which area to explore first.

You might want to start in the center of the state, with the Hill Country. It is indeed hill country, rolling beautiful hills and roadsides alive with the wildflowers so loved by Lady Bird Johnson, wife of President Lyndon B. Johnson. In among those hills, are lakes for boating and fishing, rivers for inner-tubing and parks for hiking and camping. If you like outdoor activities, you won’t find a more welcoming place.

If the lights of the city beckon you, then Austin, the state capital, will suit you nicely. It’s a college town and a shopper’s dream. You’ll be able to learn about Texas history, meet local artists and artisans or dine in one of Austin’s superb restaurants. Those who feel a little adventurous can always visit Austin’s own bat colony which makes its nightly appearance from under the Congress Avenue Bridge.

Lake Travis outside of Austin, Canyon Lake just down the road and the Guadalupe River winding its way through the region, are popular weekend retreats from the heat for residents of Austin.

Fredericksburg is on the top of a lot of must-see lists. The city fathers bill it as “Hill Country shopping paradise” and since it has over 150 shops in such a small town, it just might be. The area is fast becoming Texas’ own premier wine region.

The Hill Country is also bed and breakfast country. It boosts that travelers have their choice of over 300 of these popular accommodations. They range from upscale vintage to cowboy country and everything in between.

These are just a few of the many elements that make this region of Texas so attractive to visitors and locals alike. It seems the most difficult part of planning a trip to this beautiful destination is deciding which of these great options suits you best. You just may have to make more than one visit to the Hill Country.