Impressions of TX (Houston, Dallas, Beaumont: rental car, fit in, rental)

[lilypad]

What is your itinerary jm21? If you want the full flavor of East Texas, driving Hwy 80 and passing through the small towns would be a good start!



PS Looks like you are going to be only traveling in SE Texas?

[Jammie]

JM, just wanted you to know that I'm sure there are a few of us who are following your thread with interest. I'm glad you decided on seeing the Galveston area because I'd like your opinion of it, especially the quality of the beach and the water there. Also, anything else in that area would be of interest to me~such as Seabrook, Kemah, Texas City, etc. That whole area looks like it's nice. Oh and when you're in doubt about food, just do what I do~head for Pizza Hut.

[Just Lookin]

I'd like to know about E. Texas.

[BobTex]

Recommended day trip:

North on US 59 to US 190 where you'll want to turn east. Go to Woodville at the crossroads of US 190 and US 69. Pretty little logging town. You'll want to eat at the Herritage village Museum at the Pickett House ... traditional Southern cooking ... no menu, no choices ... food served boarding house style! GREAT vittles. The place is west of Woodville about 1/2 mile so it;'ll be on your left just before you get into town as you are coming from Houston (1.5 hours). Maintain your correct speeds on US 59!!!!!!!

Once you leave Livingston heading east on 190 it is an excellent example of the East Texas Piney Woods. Once in Woodville you might head north on US 69 toward Lufkin. Don't rule out a side trip on PR (Park Road )255 It is beautiful rolling country and the road will take you (20 miles) to the Sam Rayburn Dam. Nice place for a roadside lunch! Get yourself back to US 69 (North) by backtracking 4 miles to SH (State Highway) 63 and going west/north (right) through about 15 miles of the Angelina National Forest. Watch your speed thru the hamlet of Zavalla ... speed trap city. In Zavalla you'll intersect with US 69 again and proceed North on US 69 to Lufkin. From there you can go on to Nacogdoches (the oldest city in Texas) and the home of Stephen F. Austin University. Return to Houston on US 59. Lufkin and Nac are twin cities about 16 miles apart each with about 25,000 thousand folks.

Of course there are plenty of other side leg trips to get the East Texas experience. This is not a diverse rich area ... but don't miss it because of that! Lotsa beautiful forests to enjoy!

[BobTex]

Originally Posted by Just Lookin

I'd like to know about E. Texas.

Ask away ... what do you want to know?

BTW, I've posted a lot of info here over the years! Check the archives!!!

[TexasReb]

Originally Posted by BobTex

Recommended day trip:

North on US 59 to US 190 where you'll want to turn east. Go to Woodville at the crossroads of US 190 and US 69. Pretty little logging town. You'll want to eat at the Herritage village Museum at the Pickett House ... trditional Southern cooking ... no menu, no choices ... food served boarding house style! GREAT vittles. The place is west of Woodville about 1/2 mile so it;'ll be on your left just before you get into town as you are coming from Houston (1.5 hours). Maintain your correct speeds on US 59!!!!!!!

Once you leave Livingston heading east on %( it is an excellent example of the East Texas Piney Woods. Once in Woodville you might head north on US 69 toward Lufkin. Don't rule out a side trip on PR (Park Road )255 It is beautiful rolling country and the road will take you (20 miles) to the Sam Rayburn Dam. Nice place for a roadside lunch! Get yourself back to US 69 (North) by backtracking 4 miles to SH (State Highway) 63 and going west/north (right) through about 15 miles of the Angelina National Forest. Watch your speed thru the hamlet of Zavalla ... speed trap city. In Zavalla you'll intersect with US 69 again and proceed North on US 69 to Lufkin. From there you can go on to Nacogdoches (the oldest city in Texas) and the home of Stephen F. Austin University. Return to Houston on US 59. Lufkin and Nac are twin cities about 16 miles apart each with about 25,000 thousand folks.

Of course there are plenty of other side leg trips to get the East Texas experience. This is not a diverse rich area ... but don't miss it because of that! Lotsa beautiful forests to enjoy!

Great thread, don't know how I missed this one!

And good suggestions, Bob! East Texas is a region of the state that I always strongly advise newcomers to tour, as it destroys that old "western movie" image of Texas.

When you mentioned Hwy 59, I got to thinking of my own favorite town in East Texas...Jefferson. Pure charming "Old South" Ante-bellum in its historical district and downtown area. Be sure and go to the Jefferson General Store.

And speaking of General Stores, there is one called T.C. Lindsey and Co. about 15 miles from Jefferson, in a little settlement named Jonesville, and it is the oldest extant in Texas (having been in continuous operation since 1847). It is like a walk back in time.

Have any of y'all ever been there? Here is a good link: Backroads: A visit to the T.C.Lindsey General Store

[tstone]

Originally Posted by Jammie

I'm glad you decided on seeing the Galveston area because I'd like your opinion of it, especially the quality of the beach and the water there.

I don't think he's going down there, but if he is remember he's from Oregon. I'd really really be surprised if Galveston's construction-grade sand and Ovaltine water impresses him.

The city itself, on the other hand, is definitely not without it's charm.

[BobTex]

Originally Posted by TexasReb

Great thread, don't know how I missed this one!

And good suggestions, Bob! East Texas is a region of the state that I always strongly advise newcomers to tour, as it destroys that old "western movie" image of Texas.

When you mentioned Hwy 59, I got to thinking of my own favorite town in East Texas...Jefferson. Pure charming "Old South" Ante-bellum in its historical district and downtown area. Be sure and go to the Jefferson General Store.

And speaking of General Stores, there is one called T.C. Lindsey and Co. about 15 miles from Jefferson, in a little settlement named Jonesville, and it is the oldest extant in Texas (having been in continuous operation since 1847). It is like a walk back in time.

Have any of y'all ever been there? Here is a good link: Backroads: A visit to the T.C.Lindsey General Store

Thanks Reb, Jefferson is almost 2.5 hours from me but I love the quaintmess of the place. Stayed at a coupla B&B's there. Will definitely have to make the trip again! Soon !!!!

[BstYet2Be]

Hmmm.... seems JM may have gotten lost in the Piney Woods!

[Jammie]

Originally Posted by new2sa

Hmmm.... seems JM may have gotten lost in the Piney Woods!

That's cute! Actually, this was one of the first threads I went to this morning when I got to the forum. Well, that is after I had my "work" done.