Forum Discussion

Cajun_Bill's avatar
Cajun_Bill
Explorer
Apr 13, 2014

Texas only on next soiree?

Thinking of trying something different this year. For the last two years, I have made a 2-4 week trip with a couple of buds that involved extensive miles. First year, we went the Western route, i.e. Missouri, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, Colorado, etc. Last year, we went the N.E. route, i.e. from Louisiana all the way up to Buffalo and back down a different route. This year, I had a brainstorm that instead of traveling so far, we just pick one (or two) states and fully explore the whole state(s) for our 2-4 weeks. Since we live in La., I was thinking Texas, but I've been told my a friend who resides in Texas, that the western part of the state is basically barren and not worth spending much time there. Interested in confirming (or refuting) that with those who have visited that area.
Roads and Routes
  • antiquedrose's avatar
    antiquedrose
    Explorer
    Apr 13, 2014
    If you travel into TX from NW LA, SH 21 is a nice way to go. You'll experience some of the best East Texas has to offer, including the Halfway Inn, a restored stagecoach inn from the 1800's between San Augustine and Nacogdoches. Historic Road
    My husband and I would be glad to open the Halfway Inn and give you a tour if you swing by that way, just send a msg.

    I always enjoy watching the scenery change around IH 45 at Madisonville, from the lush Piney Woods to the extreme edge of the sparce and rugged Central Texas. The whole vibe and type of things to do change just in these two areas.

    I hope you all chose Texas, it's full of variety and we're partial to our neighbors to the east.
  • agesilaus's avatar
    agesilaus
    Explorer III
    Apr 13, 2014
    Depends on what you guys like to do. There are plenty of interesting parks in Texas. You could easily spend a week in the Big Bend area if not more. Then there is Palo Duro SP, Copper Breaks and Caprock parks in the Amarillo area. And San Antonio has the Riverwalk, Alamo and a number of interesting parks around it.

    Anyway I think people tend to find completely different geography from their home to be interesting. Coming from soggy Louisiana you should find desert Texas to be fascinating.

    But on the other hand, you may recall Phil Sheridan's quip: "If I owned Hell and Texas, I'd rent out Texas and live in Hell."

    BK
  • BillyandKris's avatar
    BillyandKris
    Explorer
    Apr 13, 2014
    West Texas such as Midland/Odessa, etc. is pretty barren. Big Bend National Park is beautiful, but you should plan to go there in the fall or spring as can be very hot. We visited Palo Duro Canyon in the panhandle years ago and enjoyed it. Can't remember much about it, but we rode horses there. South Texas right now is covered up with wildflowers and cactus blooming so very beautiful and weather is great. The TX Hill Country around Kerrville, Fredricksburg, etc. is very beautiful now with bluebonnets. Lots to do around there also. We also are doing as you say and picking one area and really exploring and enjoying it instead of trying to run like crazy to visit a bunch of places in one trip.

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