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Texas Travel

Texas encompasses so many regions that it might as well be a country — and it once was. As a sovereign nation after its separation from Mexico in 1836, Texas was unique among territories admitted to the Union. Also unique was the agreement that it negotiated with the United States: a promise that Texas can, if it chooses, form as many as five new states within its borders.

It is unlikely that the Lone Star State will ever break up into smaller units. But if it were to do so, no one who believes in natural boundaries would be surprised. Beyond the Texas of the popular imagination — endless flat plains peopled with cowboys and oilmen — lie dense forests, craggy hills, white sand beaches, silent deserts, and even the southern tip of the Rocky Mountains.

Historic Gage Hotel, Texas

After roughing it in Big Bend National Park in southwest Texas, I especially enjoyed the comfortable and charming Gage Hotel in tiny Marathon.

In 1927, businessman Alfred Gage built the elegant adobe hotel. But he died the same year, and the hotel fell into disrepair. In the late 1970s, Houston couple J.P. and Mary Jon B. restored it to its original glory.

Jefferson, Texas

When you think of steamboats, you probably don't think of Texas, much less the tiny inland town of Jefferson. But in the mid-1800s, Jefferson was the largest inland port in the United States.

Spinach Festival - Crystal City, Texas

Remember Popeye's source of superhuman strength? So does Crystal City, Texas, which calls itself the "Spinach Capital of the World."

The town honors the feisty cartoon character with a statue outside City Hall,erected in 1937, and it also throws a rollicking Spinach Festival every November.

Red River Steakhouse, Texas

We made a great discovery this summer--the Red River Steakhouse in McLean, Texas.

Texas is known for its steaks, and this eatery follows that tradition. Owners Gabe and Cozy Parson, who also run a local cattle ranch, serve up an 8-ounce aged rib eye steak, salad, potato or rice plus cobbler for dessert for only $10.95 (or $14.95 for a 14-ouncer).

Benini Foundation Gallery and Ranch, Johnson City, Texas

During a recent trip through Texas Hill Country, my husband and I took a side trip to the Benini Foundation Galleries and Sculpture Ranch near Johnson City.

Oldest Dr Pepper Bottling Plant, Fredericksburg, Texas

While heading home from a trip to Fredericksburg, Texas, my husband, Myles, and I stopped in Dublin and quenched our thirst at the oldest Dr Pepper bottling plant in the United States.

Replica of England's Stonehedge, Texas

Like many travelers, I came to a screeching halt when I first saw the half-size replica of England's mysterious Stonehenge while driving through Texas Hill Country near Hunt.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas

It's difficult to believe that Guadalupe Mountains National Park, surrounded by the harsh Chihuahuan Desert, once brimmed with marine life. But that's just one of the secrets I learned in this obscure park tucked in the Texas Panhandle.

Dinosaur Valley State Park, Texas

You can go wild when you make tracks for these central-Texas attractions.

Glen rose, Texas is the only place I know where you can look at prehistoric dinosaur tracks, then drive a few miles to a wildlife park filled with rare and endangered animals.

Located in the central part of the state, Glen Rose is an interesting place to spend a day, and it's not far from Dallas and Fort Worth.