Individuals who’ve solely seen Texas by means of the lens of traditional Westerns will likely be gobsmacked by how various the Lone Star State actually is.
Whether or not 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 isn’t any scarcity of wondrous locations in Texas.
After all, there are some locations that are not all they’re cracked as much as be, both, as Austin has primarily develop into the brand new Dallas, and sure small cities undoubtedly reside as much as as an example, patriotic, trailer park-laden eyesores.
However no want to fret when hopping aboard maybe the South’s most underrated practice journey, the Texas Eagle, which options a few of Texas’s most pleasant small cities and charming cities multi functional 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).
Do not 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 Greatest Locations
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.
A lot of the barren land, like Amarillo, Abilene, and Midland’s ugly oil rigs, is disregarded, and when you’ve ever been, you absolutely perceive there isn’t any cause for FOMO.
In accordance with Texas Highways, this Texas route is a part of the longest practice route within the U.S. Regardless of 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.
So as from Northeast to Southwest, these are the Texas Eagle’s 16 stops that carve the state’s stunning and various landscapes:
- Marshall
- Longview
- Mineola
- Dallas
- Fort Value
- Cleburne
- McGregor
- Temple
- Taylor
- Austin
- San Marcos
- San Antonio
- Del Rio
- Sanderson
- Alpine
- El Paso
8 locations are in daring – these are those I imagine really stand out. With private expertise dwelling in 6 of them, let’s delve into what makes every really particular.
3 Small City Should-Visits
Mineola:
The primary cease throughout the Texas state line is Marshall, hugging the Louisiana border. However it’s not 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. Imagine me, not a lot has modified in 23 years, and that is a very good factor.
Mineola is a time capsule. The principle drag is lined with inviting boutiques, antiquities, down-home eats, and even a traditional theater.
To gas 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 imagine it is the neighboring city of Glen Rose that is extra of a draw.
Everyone knows Jurassic Park is a fantasy, however Dinosaur Valley State Park is as shut because it will get. Effectively, let’s have a look at in regards to the mammoth resurrections making waves these days…
Till then, a go to to Glen Rose’s well-liked state park is a thrill for all ages with dinosaur tracks preserved in dried-up riverbeds and a separate roaring attracting close by.
To not be confused with the state park, Dinosaur World affords 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 College 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 truth, it is 72 levels all 12 months lengthy, good for tubing, fishing, even snorkeling because the waters are pristine.
Every Texas Metropolis Has Its Personal Persona
Dallas-Fort Value:
Regardless of being neighbors, Dallas and Fort Value appear to be worlds aside. Dallas is (shamelessly) extra flashy, with upscale eating places and high-end procuring, whereas Fort Value has maintained its quintessential Texas roots because the ‘Gateway to the West’.
In the event you discover your self 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 Value, with every 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.
Whereas Austin has modified greater than some other Texas metropolis over the previous decade, it is nonetheless a blast to go to, with its world-famous sixth Avenue, 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 neighborhood staples like Los Barrios, my favourite “Texas Mexican” restaurant. Get the chimichurri sauce and inform Diana I despatched you!
There is no metropolis corresponding to San Antonio, famously lined with the at all times buzzing River Stroll, with all the community of waterways winding 15 miles by means of 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 city. I lived in El Paso for a 12 months and completely fell in love with the welcoming folks, low cost sensational eating places, vibrant downtown dotted with posh rooftops, and among the finest hikes I’ve taken in current reminiscence.
If you end up in El Paso, my recommendation is to reach hungry, go away glad. Try 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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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, accepted or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the submit.
