Budget
Getting there: One-way rates start from $169 during frequent sale periods; American Airlines via Dallas-Fort Worth.
Stay: The unique Chicken Farm Art Center (once a real chicken farm) is today a place for artists to work and live. The complex has two local artist galleries, 15 artist studios and the Inn at the Art Center -- a bed and breakfast property with three rooms (one is a grain silo). Overnight weekend rates range from $105-$125 and includes breakfast, snacks and drinks. (The inn is not suitable for children.) 2505 Martin Luther King. 325-659-3836, www.innattheartcenter.com.
Eat: A bit touristy, but Miss Hattie's Restaurant & Saloon is a sweet spot for lunch choices such as salads, gourmet sandwiches, meatloaf and chicken with dumplings ($6-$11). The restaurant was once connected via an underground tunnel to a famous brothel that operated from the turn of the century until 1946, when it was closed down by the Texas Rangers. After lunch, visit the bordello museum ($5). 26 E. Concho St. 325-653-0570; www.misshatties.com.
Experience: One of the city's many fine parks, Civic League Park on the Concho River, is home to the International Waterlily Collection. The park is idyllic for picnics and riverside walks. Free. 24 S. Park St. 325-657-4279, www.internationalwaterlilycollection.com. For live local and regional artist jam sessions, visit Sealy Flats. This casual hot spot features lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch concerts. 204 S. Oakes St. 325-653-0437, www.sealyflats.com.
Moderate
Getting there: Non-sale rates start from $206 each way with a 21-day advance purchase notice; American Airlines via Dallas-Fort Worth.
Stay: The Holiday Inn Express was the recipient of the 2009 Torchbearer Award for its guest satisfaction and service. Guests enjoy a breakfast bar, an outdoor pool, whirlpool and 24-hour fitness center. Guest accommodations with triple sheeted bedding and complimentary WiFi average $119. 4613 Houston Harte, Loop 306. 325-223-2200; www.hiexpress.com.
Eat: The discovery of a cookbook dating from the 1780s inspires Chef Jason to create heirloom recipes at The Peasant Village Restaurant. The restaurant setting in a 1927 bungalow house adds to the charm. Starters from $3.95-$9.95; entrees $13.95-$25.75. 23 S. Park. 325-655-4811, www.peasantvillagerestaurant.com.
Experience: San Angelo State Park hosts a 3-mile dinosaur walk to tracks left by Permian period vertebrates. A petroglyph tour takes visitors by the site of a prehistoric Indian village to see Indian rock art; other year-round guided tours are scheduled on paleontology and archaeology. The park is home to more than 50 mammal species (including buffalo) and more than 300 types of birds. Entrance is $3 per day (age 13 and older). 325-949-4757; www.tpwd.state.tx.us.
Splurge
Getting there: Non-sale rates start from $266 one-way with a 14-day advance purchase notice. Walk-up rates from $420; American Airlines via Dallas-Fort Worth.
Stay: Staybridge Suites Extended Stay Hotel features full-service kitchens, living areas, outdoor pool and whirlpool, a grilling patio and a 24-hour fitness center. Weekend rates from $126 include breakfast buffet and evening beverages and appetizers. 1355 Knickerbocker Rd. 325-653-1500, www.staybridge.com.
Eat: Find fine dining, an extensive wine cellar and lovely Concho River views at The River Terrace. Chef Earl is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America. Appetizers from $6-$11; entrees $26-$40. 800 W. Ave. D. 325-655-5491, www.theriverterrace.com.
Experience: San Angelo is one of the Dozen Distinctive Destinations for 2011. A city treasure, Fort Concho, is a National Historic Landmark established in 1867. Re-enactors show visitors how soldiers who protected settlements and staved off hostile threats in the area lived. The site features special events and 23 original and restored fort structures that represent the strength of Buffalo Soldiers during the Texas frontier. Self-guided tours are $3 adults; guided tours $5. 630 S. Oakes St.. 325-481-2646.
Clara Bosonetto is a retired travel consultant.
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