Here are a few of Texas Travel Talk’s favorite roadside stops and attractions.
Texas is a vast state, and thank goodness, we have nice rest areas and other places to stop at to take a break when needed. With so many major highways and larger cities full of fun and history, sometimes the trip can take hours or even days. Below, I’ve listed several Texas roadside stops along highways throughout the state and my favorite rest stops on I-35.
Texas Roadside Stops Worth Visiting
Besides Braum’s, Dairy Queen, or Sonic for yummy ice cream cravings, below are a few places you may not have thought about or known about. Okay, maybe not Buc-ee’s, but the others. Take a break from that long road trip and stop at one of these roadside attractions to get something to munch on and stretch your legs.
Texas Travel Information Centers
Speaking of great roadside stops. The Texas Travel Information Centers are the best. They have a beautiful facility, clean bathrooms, a movie about Texas, and all the Texas brochures you could ever want or need. Also, look for professional travel counselors inside to answer any questions. Just know that there are only 12 of these centers, most located on the borders of Texas and adjacent states. Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Mexico.
Buc-ee’s Are Everywhere …Now!
Buc-ee’s has become Texas’s treasured one-stop shop destination. You can get gas (usually cheaper than anywhere else), use the clean restrooms, shop for home decor and Texas memorabilia, buy snacks, and even eat a whole meal here. There are several all over the state. Travelers will drive further and farther to stop at Buc-ee’s.
I remember stopping at Buc-ee’s on our way home from Houston to Dallas. It was a must-stop to see all the Buc-ee’s items. Since having Brody, we would stop and buy him anything at Buc-ee’s. Fast-forward a couple of years, and there’s now a Buc-ee’s five minutes from where we live off I-35 and Hwy 114–we never go, but Buc-ee’s is still my favorite.
Central Texas Roadside Stops
• Czech Stop – West, TX
Czech Stop on I-35 in West, Texas, is a personal family favorite for Courtney’s family! During the fall months, they even have pumpkin-flavored kolaches!
• The Texas Bucket List Store – College Station
Okay, this is probably not considered a roadside stop, but it’s a stop you may want to know about. Have you heard of The Texas Bucket List TV show with Shane McAuliffe that comes every Sunday morning at 10:30? Did you know he has a store in College Station? So, if you’re in the area or visiting Texas A&M, stop by and pick up a few Texas treasures. I’ve been by twice now.
• Slovacek’s – West, TX
This is the one that Shane talks about on his show. Its name is Slovacek’s, just off I-35. If going south, it’s on the right-hand side before entering Waco. There is a dog park, bakery, meat market, gifts, Christmas store, snacks, etc. It’s also a gas station.
• Natty Flat Smokehouse – Lipan And Mineral Wells
Natty Flat Smokehouse is an excellent Texas barbecue restaurant on Hwy 281 in Lipan. There is also a restaurant in Mineral Wells. If you pass up one, you can catch the other. The restaurant in Lipan has a big, colossal rocking chair out front that makes for great photos. The one in Mineral Wells has a smaller rocking chair, but it’s also a great photo op. We thought so!
• Ranglers Gas Station – Hico, TX
On your way to the Texas Hill Country from DFW on HWY 67, take HWY 220 toward Hico. There, you’ll find Ranglers on Walnut and HWY 281. The restrooms are beautiful and clean, and have a seating area. There’s also a lovely gift shop with cute gifts and decor. Oh, and gas was cheaper than most I saw.
• Dutchman’s Hidden Valley – Hamilton, TX
Dutchman’s Hidden Valley is on the right if you’re heading back to Dallas/Fort Worth or going north on Hwy 281. You might miss it if you’re driving too fast, so watch for the signs. My favorite is their sandwiches, but I ordered ice cream on my last trip. They have a restaurant, a large gift store, nice restrooms, and many Texas souvenirs.
• Hruska’s Bakery – Between Austin & Houston on Hwy 71
You’re in luck if you travel on Highway 71 between Austin and Houston in Ellinger, TX Look for small-town Ellinger. That’s where you’ll find Hruska’s Bakery – a convenience store known for its kolaches and cheeseburgers.
East Texas Roadside Stops
• Cooper Farms in Fairfield, TX
From Dallas to Houston or vice versa, off I-45 is a must-stop for clean restrooms, peach ice cream, and everything else, like pecans and other nuts, jams, and jelly. We stopped only for ice cream …and to get this photo (above)!
• Collin Street Bakery Roadside Stop
There are only four Collin Street Bakery’s in Texas. One is in Lindale, TX, off I-20. It offers great bakery items, restrooms, and gift items. The others are in Corpus Christi and Temple (Waco).
• Woody’s Smokehouse – Interstate I-45
Woody’s Smokehouse is off I-45 between Dallas and Houston. The barbecue is excellent, and you can also get all kinds of beef jerky here.
• Buc-ee’s in Ennis, TX
Yep, another Buc-ee’s. Ennis is about 35-40 minutes from Dallas.
• Texas Best Smokehouse – Texarkana
Off I-30 (Northeast Texas) is this beautiful place to stop for just about everything, plus clean restrooms. Next time you’re on your way to Arkansas, make a stop here. A Dunkin Donuts is inside the Shell Gas Station, and a Steak ‘ n Shake is next door.
Texas Gulf Texas Roadside Stops
• Giant Dalmatian Hydrant in Beaumont
Beaumont has quite a few of them, all great for photo taking. The Giant Dalmatian Hydrant comes to mind – a working fire hydrant.
West Texas Roadside Attractions
• Cadillac Ranch – Amarillo
Cadillac Ranch near (about 10 miles on Route 66) Amarillo is an iconic Texas roadside stop many partake in, as it’s a fun place to stop and take photos.
10 Spray-painted Cadillacs in a row and a souvenir shop down the road. Bring a colored spray can to make your mark!
• Buddy Holly Center – Lubbock
The Buddy Holly Center is a must-visit if you are near Lubbock. It’s a great stop to take a photo of the giant glasses.
I know there are plenty more Texas roadside stops because there are plenty of rest areas on I-35 in Texas. I’m keeping an eye out for more when I travel. You can always check out (affiliate link) TripAdvisor. I use them sometimes for a lot of things.
North Texas Roadside Stops
• Texaco Petrified Wood Gas Station in Decatur, TX
A historic 1927 gas station that’s popular for photo ops. Gas pumps are still there. Plus, the Whistle Stop Cafe is right next door, and they have fantastic, large portions of food. Address: 904 US-287
Texas Rest Stops On I-20
Texas roadside stops are plentiful on I-20. Here are a few.
Canton, TX, has a nice rest area on both sides of I-20 on the outskirts of Dallas.
Texas Travel Information Center in Waskom, TX, right before the Louisiana border.
Eastland County in Ranger, TX, has a nice rest stop westbound and eastbound.
There is a picnic area in Cisco, TX, on I-20. (no facilities)
Look for a rest stop in Clyde, TX, on I-20 Frontage Rd (Eastbound).
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