People who’ve solely seen Texas by means of the lens of basic Westerns might 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 trendy progress 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 into 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 prepare experience, the Texas Eagle, which options a few of Texas’s most pleasant small cities and charming cities multi function route.
As a born-and-raised Texan turned California transplant, I had the pleasure of visiting San Antonio not too long ago, reigniting my forgotten love for my house state.
In reality, I lived in 6 locations on this route and by no means took the prepare (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 ignored, and should you’ve ever been, you absolutely perceive there is no motive for FOMO.
According to Texas Highways, this Texas route is a part of the longest prepare 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 stunning 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 residing 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 known as Mineola house. Believe me, not a lot has modified in 23 years, and that is a great factor.
Mineola is a time capsule. The major 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 value 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 have a look at in regards to the mammoth resurrections making waves currently…
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 varsity in San Marcos and did not graduate (woo! scholar loans!). Texas State University has made San Marcos a celebration city.
From the few mind cells I did not kill, I keep 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 reality, it is 72 levels all yr lengthy, excellent for tubing, fishing, even snorkeling for the reason that waters are pristine.
Each Texas City Has Its Own Personality
Dallas-Fort Worth:
Despite being neighbors, Dallas and Fort Worth seem 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 end up in Dallas, spend a while within the Deep Ellum and Bishop Arts districts for off-the-wall outlets 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 positioned 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 gorgeous nature, like stunning Lake Travis and Mount Bonnell.
San Antonio has modified loads 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 akin to San Antonio, famously lined with the all the time buzzing River Walk, with your entire community of waterways winding 15 miles by means of the town.
Indianapolis and Monterrey have their very own takes, however nothing will match San Antonio, particularly with probably the most 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 metropolis. I lived in El Paso for a yr and completely fell in love with the welcoming individuals, low cost sensational eating places, vibrant downtown dotted with posh rooftops, and among the greatest hikes I’ve taken in current reminiscence.
If you end up in El Paso, my recommendation is to reach hungry, depart completely satisfied. Check out native favourite L & J Cafe.
Tickets for The Texas Eagle can be found on-line on Amtrak’s official web site 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, lodge, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, authorised or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the put up.