In this episode of What I Like About Texas, host Erika Boyd, president and CEO of the Texas Travel Alliance, takes listeners on a choose-your-own-adventure journey across the Lone Star State. Joined by Sarah Page of the Texas Historical Commission, Seneca McAdams of the Texas Independence Trail Region, and Kelly Deschaun of Visit South Padre Island, the conversation explores the diverse experiences that make Texas unforgettable—from historic landmarks, scenic road trips, and charming small towns to outdoor adventures, coastal escapes, and hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Whether you're planning your next getaway or simply looking for travel inspiration, this episode highlights the people, places, and stories that make every Texas road trip uniquely your own.

In this episode of What I Like About Texas, host Erika Boyd, president and CEO of the Texas Travel Alliance, explores the economic and cultural impact of the Texas outdoors, which contributed $59.4 billion to the state’s GDP in 2024. Joining the conversation are Robert Alvarez, executive director of Visit Big Bend; Rodney Franklin, director of Texas State Parks; and Margo Richards, SVP of Community Resources for the Lower Colorado River Authority. Together, they highlight the wide range of outdoor experiences available across the state, from remote desert landscapes and dark-sky viewing in Big Bend to lakeside recreation, camping, hiking, and family-friendly programming throughout Texas.

This episode is sponsored by Visit Big Bend.

What I Like About Texas is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode of What I Like About Texas, host Erika Boyd, president and CEO of the Texas Travel Alliance, explores how Texas wine has become a major driver of statewide tourism, with Texas ranking fourth in number of wineries and second in total wine economic impact at $24.39 billion. She is joined by Kim McPherson, owner and winemaker at McPherson Cellars in Lubbock, Amanda Koone, vice president of marketing and public relations with the Fredericksburg Convention, and Paul W. McCallum, executive director of the Grapevine Convention of Visitors Bureau. From Lubbock’s high-elevation vineyards and multigenerational winemaking legacy to Fredericksburg’s booming Hill Country wine scene and curated visitor experiences, to Grapevine’s walkable wine culture, signature festivals, and immersive wine trails, the episode showcases how diverse regions are shaping Texas into a nationally recognized wine destination. Along the way, guests share how partnerships, storytelling, and evolving visitor demographics are fueling growth and creating new opportunities for tourism across the state.

This episode is sponsored by Visit Lubbock.

What I Like About Texas is produced by Association Briefings.