As we close the book on 2025, we find ourselves reflecting on a year that was shaped by bold ideas, filled with unforgettable stories, and enhanced by the unmistakable spirit that makes Texas unlike anywhere else.

From small towns with big stories to rising music stars, unforgettable meals, and far-flung travel inspiration, 2025 was a year of growth, creativity, and connection for Texas Lifestyle Magazine.

Travel Editor Marika Flatt and her husband, TLM Publisher Doug Flatt, wrote about their adventures in the Canadian wilderness in the article “Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge: A Luxury Summer Camp for Grown-Ups.”

This past year, our team published 303 articles, each one written to highlight the people, places, and experiences that make living great in the Lone Star State.

Not all memories from 2025 were great, though. The July 4th floods brought devastation and heartache to Central Texas. But the floods also cast a spotlight on the true spirit of Texas, as people across the state came together with compassion, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to help their neighbors in need. Bob Valleau’s article ” ‘River of Angels’: Documentary Honors Kerrville After the July 4 Flood” gave our readers a behind-the scenes look at a documentary about the floods in Kerrville. This documentary is “a living memorial to the lives lost, the resilience shown, and the community that rose to meet the river’s darkest hour.”

Behind all these stories in Texas Lifestyle Magazine are 24 talented writers, each bringing their own voice, expertise, and passion to the page. Our writers are as diverse as the stories they tell—from college students just beginning their journey into adulthood to 92-year-old Minnie Payne, who writes with the wisdom of a life well-lived and an unwavering passion for learning. Together, they helped us tell stories that resonated deeply with our readers and expanded our reach in meaningful ways.

TLM writer Minnie Payne, who is 92-years-young, wrote “Texas Wildflowers in Bloom: How Lady Bird Johnson’s Legacy Transformed Our Highways and Landscapes.”

Travel continued to be a cornerstone of our editorial coverage. With 119 travel articles published in 2025, we explored everything from iconic Texas destinations to under-the-radar towns, cultural celebrations, and memorable road trips.

Night in Old San Antonio, “NIOSA,” is just one of the many festivals you can enjoy each spring in Texas. Read about this festival and more in “Top Spring Festivals in Texas: Music, Food, and Fun Across the Lone Star State.”

We also expanded our global lens, sharing international travel experiences that inspired readers to explore beyond U.S. borders while still embracing a Texas sense of adventure. Whether it was a weekend escape, a historic milestone, or an international journey, our travel stories invited readers to explore with curiosity and intention.

TLM writer Martin Ramirez wrote several articles about his journey through the Greek Isles, including “Andronis Arcadia: The Best Luxury Hotel in Santorini for Unmatched Service.”

One standout moment came with our coverage of Vicksburg’s 200th Birthday, “Celebrate Vicksburg’s 200th Birthday and Experience True Southern Decadence” by TLM writer Sara Aguinaga, which became one of our most-read articles of the year. The piece struck a chord with readers who appreciate history and heritage.

Food and beverage also played a delicious role in 2025. With 31 food and beverage articles, we spotlighted Texas chefs, standout restaurants, local wineries, craft cocktails, and culinary delights that brought people together around the table. From comfort food to elevated dining, these stories celebrated the flavors that make Texas such a rich and evolving culinary destination.

Writer Amanda Eyre Ward wrote about her culinary journey aboard a European cruise, including a truffle hunting excursion near Rome in the article “Culinary Odyssey at Sea: My 10 Favorite Meals on Oceania’s Culinary Cruise.”

Music coverage remained a powerful storytelling pillar as well. Publishing 35 music articles this year, we highlighted emerging talent, established artists, and the creative forces shaping the Texas music scene. Our most-read article of 2025, “5 Minutes with Rising Country Singer Hudson Westbrook” by Assistant Editor Emily Hord, captured that spirit perfectly. The interview reflected our readers’ enthusiasm for authentic voices and rising stars, and our commitment to showcasing artists at pivotal moments in their careers.

Beyond the numbers, what truly defined 2025 was the connection between our content and our audience. Each article was an invitation to travel somewhere new, to listen more closely, to savor a meal, or to see Texas through a fresh lens. The engagement we saw this year reaffirmed the importance of thoughtful storytelling and community-driven media.

SXSW is one of the many events that brings visitors from around the world to Texas. TLM’s Newsletter Editor Leean Vargas wrote about some highlights at this year’s event in the article “SXSW 2025 Recap: Unforgettable Moments at Billboard’s The Stage & Rolling Stone’s Future of Music Showcases.”

As we look ahead to 2026, we are grateful for our writers, PR teams, advertising partners, and, above all, our readers. Thank you for reading, sharing, and supporting Texas Lifestyle Magazine. Your enthusiasm fuels our work and inspires us to continue telling stories that celebrate the heart of Texas living.

Here’s to another year of discovery, creativity, and unforgettable moments!

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Cover photo Wendi Baird

Wendi Baird is the Editor in Chief of Texas Lifestyle Magazine. A sixth-generation Texan, Wendi has a deep love for the Lone Star State and brings a rich perspective to the magazine’s coverage of travel, culture, and lifestyle across Texas and beyond.