Head south to Texas this Halloween and enjoy warm-weather fall festivities. In Austin, a mix of elegance, history and spooky stories awaits at The Driskill. Built in 1886 by Jesse Driskill, the hotel is famed for sightings of his spirit; guests and staff sometimes report the scent of cigar smoke in public areas and a life-sized portrait of Jesse hangs in the lobby. Visitors can join the daily 4 p.m. history tour to learn more about the hotel’s past and keep an eye out for unexplained occurrences.
© The Driskill/Jane Yun
Other reported apparitions include elegantly dressed party-goers—figures in ball gowns and tuxedos—seen gliding from elevators when no event is taking place. After the tour, relax at the Driskill Bar with a seasonal spiced cocktail and live music, or linger for Sunday brunch to sample a Texas-shaped waffle crafted by Pastry Chef Kristen Groth. The hotel blends historic charm with lively dining and bar scenes, making it a memorable stop for history buffs and ghost-story seekers alike.
© Dima Velyush
For a beachside escape, consider Hotel Lucine in Galveston, where fall brings a slate of seasonal events. On Oct. 17, the Harvest Moon Regatta offers an offshore sailboat race best viewed from the comfort of a chair along the Seawall. Oct. 19–20 features ARToberFEST, a juried fine art festival with live music, food and plenty of gallery and shop browsing along Postoffice Street. Then on Oct. 25–26, Islander Oktoberfest creates a lively atmosphere with music, dancing (including a Chicken Dance contest), food vendors and a Biergarten serving local craft brews and pumpkin beers from Galveston breweries.
Whether you prefer historic hotels with ghostly lore or coastal festivals with live music and craft beer, Texas delivers a range of fall experiences under warmer skies. Pack layers for the evening breeze, bring a sense of adventure, and enjoy seasonal flavors, cultural events and the distinctive hospitality that make a Texas autumn memorable.