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People who’ve solely seen Texas via the lens of basic Westerns can be gobsmacked by how various the Lone Star State actually is.
Whether you are drawn to charming small cities the place the aroma of pit-smoked barbecue infuses your garments, culturally vibrant cities with deep Hispanic roots, or the distinctive mix of cowboy custom and fashionable development in cities like Fort Worth, there is no scarcity of wondrous locations in Texas.
Of course, there are some locations that are not all they’re cracked as much as be, both, as Austin has primarily turn out to be the brand new Dallas, and sure small cities positively dwell as much as to illustrate, patriotic, trailer park-laden eyesores.
But no want to fret when hopping aboard maybe the South’s most underrated practice trip, the Texas Eagle, which options a few of Texas’s most pleasant small cities and fascinating cities multi function route.
As a born-and-raised Texan turned California transplant, I had the pleasure of visiting San Antonio just lately, reigniting my forgotten love for my dwelling state.
In truth, I lived in 6 locations on this route and by no means took the practice (womp, womp).
Don’t be like me and remorse not exploring Texas by rail. Hop aboard the Texas Eagle’s comfortable air-conditioned cabins this summer season and ensure to attain a seat within the newly upgraded Sightseer Lounge!
Sorry Amarillo! The Texas Eagle Covers Texas’s Best Destinations
No offense to the armpit of Texas, however the Texas Eagle nails it by providing a mixture of idyllic East Texas cities, sprawling metropolises, and something in between.
Much of the barren land, like Amarillo, Abilene, and Midland’s unpleasant oil rigs, is passed over, and should you’ve ever been, you certainly perceive there is no cause for FOMO.
According to Texas Highways, this Texas route is a part of the longest practice route within the U.S. Despite the identify, this route begins in Chicago, however for the sake of the article, we’ll be sticking to the Texas portion, which consists of 16 stops within the Lone Star State.
In order from Northeast to Southwest, these are the Texas Eagle’s 16 stops that carve the state’s lovely and diversified landscapes:
- Marshall
- Longview
- Mineola
- Dallas
- Fort Worth
- Cleburne
- McGregor
- Temple
- Taylor
- Austin
- San Marcos
- San Antonio
- Del Rio
- Sanderson
- Alpine
- El Paso
8 locations are in daring – these are those I consider really stand out. With private expertise dwelling in 6 of them, let’s delve into what makes every really particular.
3 Small Town Must-Visits
Mineola:
The first cease throughout the Texas state line is Marshall, hugging the Louisiana border. But it isn’t Marshall and even Longview that needs to be your first stop-off; it is Mineola.
From age 7 to 12, I referred to as Mineola dwelling. Believe me, not a lot has modified in 23 years, and that is a great factor.
Mineola is a time capsule. The fundamental drag is lined with inviting boutiques, antiquities, down-home eats, and even a basic theater.
To gasoline up for the remainder of your journey, the city’s longstanding staple, East Texas Burger Co., alone is price de-boarding.
Cleburne:
Cleburne itself is a laid-back little city and a rising hub for outdoorsmen with scenic lakes and nature trails, however I consider it is the neighboring city of Glen Rose that is extra of a draw.
We all know Jurassic Park is a fantasy, however Dinosaur Valley State Park is as shut because it will get. Well, let’s examine concerning the mammoth resurrections making waves these days…
Until then, a go to to Glen Rose’s widespread state park is a thrill for all ages with dinosaur tracks preserved in dried-up riverbeds and a separate roaring attracting close by.
Not to be confused with the state park, Dinosaur World provides dozens of animatronic dinosaurs and fossil digs — maintain on to your butts!
San Marcos:
I went to school in San Marcos and did not graduate (woo! pupil loans!). Texas State University has made San Marcos a celebration city.
From the few mind cells I did not kill, I bear in mind not solely the all-night frat events and anxiety-ridden report playing cards, however merely how fairly the colourful blue San Marcos River is.
In truth, it is 72 levels all yr lengthy, excellent for tubing, fishing, even snorkeling because the waters are pristine.
Each Texas City Has Its Own Personality
Dallas-Fort Worth:
Despite being neighbors, Dallas and Fort Worth appear to be worlds aside. Dallas is (shamelessly) extra flashy, with upscale eating places and high-end procuring, whereas Fort Worth has maintained its quintessential Texas roots because the ‘Gateway to the West’.
If you discover your self in Dallas, spend a while within the Deep Ellum and Bishop Arts districts for off-the-wall retailers and eats. The Stockyards are a must-visit for anybody able to discover Fort Worth, with day by day cattle drives and old-timey steakhouses.
Austin-San Antonio:
Austin and San Antonio are situated about an hour aside with aforementioned San Marcos, New Braunfels, and Buc-ee’s in between.
While Austin has modified greater than every other Texas metropolis over the previous decade, it is nonetheless a blast to go to, with its world-famous sixth Street, too many barbecue eating places to call, and surprisingly beautiful nature, like lovely Lake Travis and Mount Bonnell.
San Antonio has modified so much too, however the classics stay like The Alamo and group staples like Los Barrios, my favourite “Texas Mexican” restaurant. Get the chimichurri sauce and inform Diana I despatched you!
There’s no metropolis similar to San Antonio, famously lined with the all the time buzzing River Walk, with your entire community of waterways winding 15 miles via town.
Indianapolis and Monterrey have their very own takes, however nothing will match San Antonio, particularly with one of the crucial enjoyable citywide festivals I’ve had the pleasure of attending, Fiesta.
El Paso:
Concluding my tour of Texas is El Paso, maybe the state’s most underrated city. I lived in El Paso for a yr and completely fell in love with the welcoming folks, low cost sensational eating places, vibrant downtown dotted with posh rooftops, and a few of the finest hikes I’ve taken in latest reminiscence.
If you end up in El Paso, my recommendation is to reach hungry, depart joyful. Check out native favourite L & J Cafe.
Tickets for The Texas Eagle can be found on-line on Amtrak’s official website and app.
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This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed listed below are the writer’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, resort, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, permitted or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the put up.
