Some folks think the only way to visit Huntsville is in handcuffs with an official escort that definitely aint a tour guide. But trust me, visiting Huntsville is not sentenced punishment, but one of the best days in your life.
There are two major reasons Huntsville is famous. The first is General Sam Houston, arguably the greatest Texan to ever live. General Sam lived in Huntsville on multiple occasions and the best place in Texas to learn about his life is the Sam Houston Memorial Museum, which is full of artifacts and lessons on every chapter of his life. Behind the museum sits the Woodland home that Houston built and where he raised his family. Also on site is the Steamboat House where Houston died. Other notable Houston sites about town are the 77 foot tall Houston statue on I-45 at the Visitors Center, and Houston grave in the Oakwood Cemetery.
Huntsville is also famous for the being the home of the Texas Prison System. The Huntsville Unit (aka Walls Unit) was the first state penitentiary in Texas and sits just blocks from the Walker County Courthouse. Take a stroll around its towering wall, or get a glimpse beyond the wall at the Texas Prison Museum and learn all about the current and past Texas Prison System. Among its many interesting artifacts is Old Sparky Texass only electric chair used to execute 361 inmates when in commission here in Huntsville.
If you are hungry and want to stick with the prison theme, head to Mr. Hamburger (since 1959) for a Warden burger with grilled onions and mushrooms, or even an Ol Sparky complete with Texas in July sauce. For BB-Q, head to New Zion Missionary Baptist Church BBQ, or for short Church BBQ. This Baptist church also sells some of the finest BBQ in the piney woods, but its only open Thurs-Sat. And if you want to eat a meal worthy of being your last meal on earth, head to The Homestead on 19th which resides on Sam Houstons old property in an 1830’s log cabin. It is truly one of the best meals in Texas and its served in one of the most unique environments.
If you are craving the outdoors, look no further than Huntsville State Park for a swim, some fishing or a hike. You might also get to see one of the parks resident alligators. For SCUBA diving in some of the most turquoise waters north of Cancun, take a dip in The Blue Lagoon. They also allow swimming based on capacity. So call ahead.
If you arent an Aggie, you might consider a day trip to Aggieland worse than community service. But believe it or not, there is more in College Station than just lots and lots of Aggies. But if you are headed to Aggieland, you might as well make a stop by the campus of Texas A&M University to see Aggie traditions such as the Century Tree, the statue of Sullivan Ross, and Kyle Field. On the north side of Kyle field, youll see the tombs of past Reveillies complete with private score board so that mascots past wont miss a single touchdown. While on campus, visit the George Bush Presidential Library. George Bush 41 wasnt an Aggie, but loved the Aggie tradition so much that he put his Presidential Library on campus.
And one thing every college town has is great grub. College kids need to eat, and BCS provides. Near campus, you might want to grab a burger and beer at the Dixie Chicken, the kind of establishment Aggie legends are made of, complete with full bar, dominos, and rattlesnake cage. Or check out Laynes Chicken Fingers, a place so passionate about its golden fried chicken fingers that all it serves are chicken finger baskets and chicken finger sandwiches. I also highly recommend grabbing a Snuffy burger at the Chicken Oil Company in Bryan (order it Death style if you want to dance with danger), and Mr. Gs Pizzeria in downtown Bryan serves up a mean calzone.
Lovers of class and other fine things might want to head to the renovated Downtown Bryan for some shopping and food, or to the Messina Hof Winery, one of the most-decorated in the state.
And finally, for outdoor lovers, Lake Bryan is a great place to go swimming, or to mountain bike along its 20 miles and miles of well-kept trails.
Galveston is the the most historic island in Texas and makes for an epic day trip adventure.
When you cross over the Galveston Bay, whether by car or ferry, you’re sure to be hungry when you get here. My favorite spots on the island are Shrimp & Stuff for a mean shrimp po-boy and Benno’s on the Beach for a casual but top-notch cajun seafood experience with a great view of the Gulf of Mexico.
To experience the history of the island, there are many options. I recommend a tour of Bishop’s Palace and a the Tall Ship Elissa.
For outdoor fun, just grab a towel and stop along the beach. Don’t be scared of the seaweed or seagulls, but if you are, then head to Schlitterbahn or Moody Gardens for a visit to their watermark. Moody Gardens also has one of the best aquariums in Texas and a rainforest pyramid not to be missed.
Other outdoor attractions on the island include Galveston State Park and taking a Dolphin Cruise of Galveston Bay.
Beaumont is Texas city of lost gold Black Gold that is. Its also the melting pot between Texas and Louisiana, meaning you dont have to jump the Sabine to visit Cajun Country. Its right here in Beaumont.
Beaumonts history began to boom in 1901 when the Lucas Gusher blew at Spindletop marking the first major oil discovery in the state of Texas. Stop by the Spindletop Gladys City Boomtown to take a stroll through a recreated boomtown. If you love museums, you should also check out the McFaddin-Ward House sitting inside a historic mansion and the Fire Museum of Texas, which boasts the largest working fire hydrant in the world.
If you need to get outside, head to Village Creek State Park just north of Beaumont to bask on its sandy shores. And if you are really feeling up for an adventure, grab a canoe and take a trip down the Village Creek Paddling Trail. The Piney Woods Outfitters would be happy to set you up.
To have a first-hand experience with some of Beaumonts wildlife, head to Gator Country, a wildlife park dedicated to the alligator. You can see Big-Al (the largest captive gator in Texas) and hold the smaller, baby version.
After all this, youll be hungry I GUAR-UN-TEE. So head to the original Jasons Deli in the Gateway Shopping Center to see the humble roots of Texass best sandwich chain. For Bar-B-Q, check out the buffet at Willie Rays BBQ which is ranked as one of the Top 50 in Texas. And finally, to sample the best cajun cookin in Texas, head to Larrys French Market down the highway in Groves.
While Jefferson may fully deserve its title as the “B&B Capital of Texas,” it also deserves its title as “The Most Haunted Small Town in Texas.
To see the history of Jefferson, I recommend a carriage ride with Lone Star Carriages, and then a stop into the Jefferson Historical Museum occupying the old Federal Building.
If the history leaves you hungry, head to the Hamburger Store for a delicious burger and to pin a dollar bill on the wall. Wash that burger down with a praline or milkshake from the Jefferson General Store.
And once you are ready to dig into the haunted history of Jefferson, step into the Jefferson Hotel, read the story of Diamond Bessie, and then grab a tour of The Grove, which is the most haunted home in Jefferson.
To experience the beautiful side of northeast Texas, but one that is just as scary, in its own swampy way, head to Caddo Lake. The State Park is a great way to experience the lake. BUT – if you want to really explore the lake, grab a tour with Caddo Outback tours. John will be happy to help you out. And when you are done, grab some fried catfish from Riverbend Restaurant.
