‘Tis the season for travel – whether to friends, family, or that special spot in Texas history that you have saved for this vacation. If you are out on the road this holiday season – or any other – you know that some of the best travel destinations in Texas are rooted in the dramatic and inspiring history of the Lone Star State. From frontier forts to courthouses, and the charming downtowns of Texas, the state's built environment offers a glimpse back in time. It gives us concrete examples of our commitment to preservation. But Texas heritage extends well past buildings and structures. Our intangible heritage is also important because it allows us to preserve the customs, traditions, stories, and music that have created Texas culture and built our identity.

The playlist below was created by our friends and partners at the Texas Music Office to help you discover Texas’ music and its impact on the world as you road trip across the Lone Star State this holiday season. We encourage you to explore the history of Texas music as you travel and discover the Lone Star State – given the large role Texas has played in history and music, chances are you'll encounter a place that a Texas artist called home, learned their craft, or even played a memorable show. This holiday season might be the perfect time for you and your family to explore places like these, or maybe just settle into a long winter’s night of music and fun.

1. Texas Country Music Hall of Fame / Tex Ritter Museum (Carthage): This museum features exhibits about Tex Ritter and many other Texas-born country music artists like Gene Autry and Willie Nelson.
2. Roy Orbison Museum (Wink): This small museum is dedicated to rock-n-roll legend and singer-songwriter Roy Orbison, who lived in Wink as a child.
3. Heart of Texas Country Music Museum (Brady): The museum houses an impressive collection of costumes and memorabilia from some of the top names in the industry.
4. Luckenbach Dance Hall (near Fredericksburg): One of Texas' best-known dance halls, Luckenbach features dances and concerts almost every weekend where you can see legends like Willie Nelson as well as upstart country music performers.
5. Gruene Hall (Gruene): As the oldest continually running dance hall in Texas, Gruene Hall was instrumental in starting the careers of Lyle Lovett, George Strait, Hal Ketchum, and others.
6. Bob Wills Museum (Turkey): Known as the "King of Western Swing", Bob Wills' work influenced many major musical acts. Memorabilia from his life and career and his time with Bob Wills & The Texas Playboys can be seen at this museum.

If this holiday collection piques your interest in Texas' many talented musicians, then you should add these music heritage sites to your bucket list. There are lots of ways to explore Texas' rich music heritage, and not just during the holidays!

The views and opinions expressed in the following playlist are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Texas Historical Commission. And while it's fun to listen to these songs while traveling, don't try to use Spotify if you're behind the wheel.