Texas is a large state with a lot to see outside the big cities. These road trips to less traveled destinations range from about an hour from San Antonio to a six to seven hour drive, depending on the twists and turns of the route.
In each city, we dug around to find arts and culture-related activities and points of interest, from historic Fort Phantom Hill and the Grace Museum in Abilene to the cinematic streets of Bartlett and from local Texas wine in Denison to the massive public library in a former Walmart supercenter in McAllen.
Take your time to read through these stories, each an adventure tale and a map to the adventures to come.
Bartlett
Just 30 minutes northeast of Georgetown, Bartlett is home to quaint shops, local cuisine, and haunting ghost tours. Thanks to the revitalization planned by Robert Zalkin, a developer in Liberty, New York, what was once considered a ghost town is experiencing a revival.
Before you go, be sure to watch the 1998 Hollywood film The Newton boysstarring Matthew McConaughey and a shy Dwight Yoakam, to get a glimpse of downtown Bartlett at its cinematic best.
A new liquor store heralds the start of a major revitalization for the small town of Bartlett, 30 miles northeast of Georgetown.
Driftwood
A conversation at Vista Brewing Taproom, formerly on San Antonio's West Side and now in its new location on the nearby East Side, led us to Vista's headquarters in Driftwoodone of the Hill Country's few “dark sky” communities offering breathtaking starry nights.
Nearby Dripping Springs offers restaurants and shopping. Accommodations include a campground with 10 bookable teepees, as well as more traditional boutique hotels.
Vista Brewing is one reason to visit nearby Driftwood and Dripping Springs, then return to the new Vista tasting room and beer garden in San Antonio.
West Texas
Marfa who? Although the contemporary art town in West Texas has become the center of hipster, a trio from other cities in the area satisfy tastes with scenic desert drives, home-style dining and drinks, upscale hotels and Texas wines, and murals abundant enough to rival downtown San Antonio.
Intrepid hikers can take the mini-mountain trails behind Sul Ross University to search for a mysterious metal desk once transported by students to a scenic overlook and left there as a tall monument.
Marathon, Alpine, and Fort Davis are charming alternatives to the more well-known West Texas town of Marfa.
Llano
The Llano River welcomes a pleasant city along its banks, known as a popular stop for hunters during deer season and home to the original Cooper's Pit barbecue restaurant.
Perhaps lesser known are a bustling sculpture garden built around a historic locomotive and train station, a vinyl record lover's paradise, a well-stocked used bookstore and an annual world rock stacking championship.
Located on the Llano River, the town of Llano is known for its rocks, art, deer hunting, barbecue, and unfortunately named cemetery.
Lockhart
If you're wondering what Austin was like before the state capital was overrun by developers and rampant gentrification, head over to Lockhart half an hour southeast. Although empty storefronts are still visible, the picturesque town square has come to life thanks to Austin expats seeking small-town charm and closeness.
The iconic courthouse made famous (or comically infamous) by Christopher Guest's film Waiting for Guffman overlooks vibrant contemporary art galleries, a watch museum, Michelin-recognized barbecue, quality cafes and adventurous antique shops.
Art-centric Lockhart is thriving with new galleries, restaurants, taverns, cafes, antiques and local history.
Rockport
Some Gulf Coast communities were devastated by Hurricane Harvey in 2021, including Rockport. But the art-centric city has rebuilt itself with a brand new waterfront art center, restored artists' studios and a thousand-year-old tree that has weathered storm after storm.
Bird watchers will enjoy a dedicated multi-species sanctuary just south of downtown and a colony on the north side.
The new Rockport Center for the Arts rises along the coast of Aransas Bay, a symbol of the seaport's resilience and recovery after Hurricane Harvey.
Laredo
The double cities of Laredo and Nuevo Laredo have been struggling since the North American Free Trade Agreement jeopardized their status as the largest land port in the southern United States. Nonetheless, residents persist and downtown's revival continues in fits and starts with new dining, coffee and cocktail options. vestiges of the old school cling to an upbeat and lively artistic program.
A 2019 visit from a world-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Mom brought attention to border towns and revived interest in community events such as a traditional riverside pachanga and outdoor concerts in the shadow of Laredo's many outlet stores.
An influx of new businesses, including cafes, restaurants and luxury hotels, is helping revive downtown Laredo, despite some obstacles.
Denison
Fun fact: Texas saved the world's wine industry. No simple exaggeration, Denison A resident named TV Munson was growing hybrid wine varieties resistant to an insect that had decimated France's once bountiful crops. His efforts to graft his Texas grape varieties onto French vines saved this country's pride and economy and he is honored in the town of Cognac.
A winery just south of town continues Munson's tradition with wines made from his grapes, and a distillery named in his honor produces award-winning whiskeys.
Famous figures include President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Reba McEntire and a little-known savior of the global wine industry, Thomas Volney Munson, according to Denison.
RGV West
THE Rio Grande Valley The region, taken as a whole, rivals the San Antonio and Austin metroplexes in terms of population. The area thrives on the care of longtime residents and new transplants who seem to be reviving the RGV one town at a time.
We visited McAllen, Edinburg, Pharr and Reynosa for an immersive experience of nature, history, fun food and coffee and a deep dive into Mexican family culture just across the border.
The Rio Grande Valley offers the comforts, tastes and adventures of a metropolis, while maintaining small-town charm and proximity to parks and nature.
Abilene
AbileneTexas' status as a hub for children's literature initially attracted attention, but its deeper literary connections, art museums, antique stores, and emphasis on Texas history , including black history, revealed deeper textures at this gateway to the Panhandle and West Texas.
Famous author and state biographer Stephen Harrigan even offered some not-to-be-missed tips on the city's local culture.
A visit to Abilene reveals a local love of literature, a captivating exhibition of black Texas artists, and a deep respect for frontier history.
