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People who’ve only seen Texas through the lens of classic Westerns will be gobsmacked by how diverse the Lone Star State really is.
Whether you’re drawn to charming small towns where the aroma of pit-smoked barbecue infuses your clothes, culturally vibrant cities with deep Hispanic roots, or the unique blend of cowboy tradition and modern growth in cities like Fort Worth, there’s no shortage of wondrous destinations in Texas.
Of course, there are some places that aren’t all they’re cracked up to be, either, as Austin has essentially become the new Dallas, and certain small towns definitely live up to let’s say, patriotic, trailer park-laden eyesores.
But no need to worry when hopping aboard perhaps the South’s most underrated train ride, the Texas Eagle, which features some of Texas’s most delightful small towns and captivating cities all in one route.
As a born-and-raised Texan turned California transplant, I had the pleasure of visiting San Antonio recently, reigniting my forgotten love for my home state.
In fact, I lived in 6 destinations on this route and never took the train (womp, womp).
Don’t be like me and regret not exploring Texas by rail. Hop aboard the Texas Eagle’s cushy air-conditioned cabins this summer and make sure to score a seat in the newly upgraded Sightseer Lounge!
Sorry Amarillo! The Texas Eagle Covers Texas’s Best Destinations
No offense to the armpit of Texas, but the Texas Eagle nails it by offering a mix of idyllic East Texas towns, sprawling metropolises, and anything in between.
Much of the barren land, like Amarillo, Abilene, and Midland’s unsightly oil rigs, is skipped over, and if you’ve ever been, you surely understand there’s no reason for FOMO.
According to Texas Highways, this Texas route is part of the longest train route in the U.S. Despite the name, this route begins in Chicago, but for the sake of the article, we’ll be sticking to the Texas portion, which consists of 16 stops in the Lone Star State.
In order from Northeast to Southwest, these are the Texas Eagle’s 16 stops that carve the state’s beautiful and varied landscapes:
- Marshall
- Longview
- Mineola
- Dallas
- Fort Worth
- Cleburne
- McGregor
- Temple
- Taylor
- Austin
- San Marcos
- San Antonio
- Del Rio
- Sanderson
- Alpine
- El Paso
8 destinations are in bold – these are the ones I believe truly stand out. With personal experience living in 6 of them, let’s delve into what makes each truly special.
3 Small Town Must-Visits
Mineola:
The first stop across the Texas state line is Marshall, hugging the Louisiana border. But it’s not Marshall or even Longview that should be your first stop-off; it’s Mineola.
From age 7 to 12, I called Mineola home. Believe me, not much has changed in 23 years, and that’s a good thing.
Mineola is a time capsule. The main drag is lined with inviting boutiques, antiquities, down-home eats, and even a classic theater.
To fuel up for the rest of your journey, the town’s longstanding staple, East Texas Burger Co., alone is worth de-boarding.
Cleburne:
Cleburne itself is a laid-back little town and a growing hub for outdoorsmen with scenic lakes and nature trails, but I believe it’s the neighboring town of Glen Rose that’s more of a draw.
We all know Jurassic Park is a fantasy, but Dinosaur Valley State Park is as close as it gets. Well, let’s see about the mammoth resurrections making waves lately…
Until then, a visit to Glen Rose’s popular state park is a thrill for all ages with dinosaur tracks preserved in dried-up riverbeds and a separate roaring attracting nearby.
Not to be confused with the state park, Dinosaur World offers dozens of animatronic dinosaurs and fossil digs — hold on to your butts!
San Marcos:
I went to college in San Marcos and didn’t graduate (woo! student loans!). Texas State University has made San Marcos a party town.
From the few brain cells I didn’t kill, I remember not only the all-night frat parties and anxiety-ridden report cards, but simply how pretty the vibrant blue San Marcos River is.
In fact, it’s 72 degrees all year long, perfect for tubing, fishing, even snorkeling since the waters are pristine.
Each Texas City Has Its Own Personality
Dallas-Fort Worth:
Despite being neighbors, Dallas and Fort Worth seem like worlds apart. Dallas is (shamelessly) more flashy, with upscale restaurants and high-end shopping, while Fort Worth has maintained its quintessential Texas roots as the ‘Gateway to the West’.
If you find yourself in Dallas, spend some time in the Deep Ellum and Bishop Arts districts for off-the-wall shops and eats. The Stockyards are a must-visit for anyone ready to explore Fort Worth, with daily cattle drives and old-timey steakhouses.
Austin-San Antonio:
Austin and San Antonio are located about an hour apart with aforementioned San Marcos, New Braunfels, and Buc-ee’s in between.
While Austin has changed more than any other Texas city over the past decade, it’s still a blast to visit, with its world-famous 6th Street, too many barbecue restaurants to name, and surprisingly stunning nature, like beautiful Lake Travis and Mount Bonnell.
San Antonio has changed a lot too, but the classics remain like The Alamo and community staples like Los Barrios, my favorite “Texas Mexican” restaurant. Get the chimichurri sauce and tell Diana I sent you!
There’s no city comparable to San Antonio, famously lined with the always buzzing River Walk, with the entire network of waterways winding 15 miles through the city.
Indianapolis and Monterrey have their own takes, but nothing will match San Antonio, especially with one of the most fun citywide festivals I’ve had the pleasure of attending, Fiesta.
El Paso:
Concluding my tour of Texas is El Paso, perhaps the state’s most underrated city. I lived in El Paso for a year and absolutely fell in love with the welcoming people, cheap sensational restaurants, vibrant downtown dotted with posh rooftops, and some of the best hikes I’ve taken in recent memory.
If you find yourself in El Paso, my advice is to arrive hungry, leave happy. Check out local favorite L & J Cafe.
Tickets for The Texas Eagle are available online on Amtrak’s official website and app.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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