stop and smell the bluebonnets

CNN Travel lauds Hill Country as one of world's best places to visit in 2024

"Frequently overlooked" might be a stretch as the Hill Country keeps making these big lists.

A new report says that one of the best places to visit in the entire world is right here in Central Texas.

CNN Travel named the Texas Hill Country one of the best places to visit in the world in 2024. The region was included alongside 23 other destinations, including Greece, Morocco, Panama, and Greenland.

CNN Travel said the intention of the report was to highlight "places that are still largely undiscovered, or alluring in the offseason, or frequently overlooked for their larger first cities or neighbors." It also includes locales that it says are "making it easier for tourists to visit and those that pay close attention to encouraging tourism that's sustainable."

The Central Texas area is one of only three destinations in the U.S. featured in the report. The others are northwest Michigan and Florida's freshwater springs.

In the report, CNN Travel cited the Hill Country's springs, trails, wineries, dance halls and more as reasons for globetrotters to make a stop. Below is the full entry on the region:

"In the heart of Texas, Hill Country boasts its own natural springs. One prime spot, Krause Springs in Spicewood, lures visitors with more than its spring-fed pool and natural swimming hole — there’s also a butterfly garden full of magical wind chimes. And the Blue Bonnet Cafe — home to some of the world’s most divine cream pies — is just a short drive away in Marble Falls. [...]

Read the full story and watch the video at KVUE.com.

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Airline News

San Antonio gets nonstop flights to this Washington, DC airport

Photo courtesy of American Airlines

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American Airlines will soon introduce long-awaited nonstop flights between San Antonio (SAT) and Washington, D.C. (DCA). One flight will be scheduled daily, starting in March.

Tickets for the new service will be available on sale starting December 23 through aa.com or American’s mobile app.

The route was tentatively announced in October, but the U.S. Department of Transportation has now formally approved the application by American Airlines.

“This new service will offer convenient nonstop access to our nation’s capital for San Antonians, while helping further connect customers to our comprehensive global network," said Brian Znotins, American’s Senior Vice President of Network and Schedule Planning, in a press release. "American thanks the many elected officials and citizens who supported our application, and we look forward to welcoming customers onboard this new service soon.”

Flight 1718, reflecting the year San Antonio was founded, will depart SAT at 6:35 am and arrive in DCA at 10:41 am. Flight 1947, reflecting the year the U.S. Air Force was established, will depart DCA at 7:45 pm and arrive in SAT at 10:43 pm.

“This long-awaited connection to our nation’s capital is a game changer for our community, opening doors to countless opportunities for travel and economic development,” said San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg. “I’m grateful to those who have championed this effort and for the bipartisan support of our representatives in the Senate and House, whose advocacy was instrumental in making these flights a reality. We look forward to the positive impact this nonstop service will have for years to come."

San Antonio City Manager Erik Walsh echoed the sentiments about economic development and pointed out some growth already happening in San Antonio. The release also notes that San Antonio is the largest city in Texas lacking nonstop service to DCA and the largest city in the U.S. with a majority Hispanic population without nonstop service to DCA.

“Serving the fastest-growing city in the country, SAT has achieved record-breaking passenger numbers throughout 2024. This nonstop service to and from DCA addresses a need for our military, business, educational and research communities, among others. It also promotes competition and offers more travel options for passengers flying to and from San Antonio, enhancing connectivity as we continue making progress on the airport Terminal Development Program.”

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