Ella - I loved what you said about "not being afraid to drive long distances". Well sugar - welcome to Texas. That's the only kind of drive we have.

My suggestions while you are in the state - depending on the time of year - is to see San Antonio and Austin. SA has the Alamo of course, and some great Tex-Mex food. Austin has a great music scene and some great Tex-Mex food.

If you are here about this time of year you can take in the North Texas Irish Festival in Dallas { where they have some great Tex-Mex food } and meet several Mudcatters who perform at the festival on a regular basis.

Then, since you are close to Ft Worth when you are in Dallas, you owe it to yourself to come over here and check out our "northside" - the stockyards area and have some great Tex-Mex food. Can you see a pattern developing here ? Ft Worth also has some wonderful museums if you like art.

Give us an idea when you'll be in the area and we can be more specific about things to do and see.