8 Reasons Why a Vacation in Texas Might Be Just What You Need
Photo by Daniel Lloyd Blunk-Fernández on Unsplash
The USA has many famous landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge, the Grand Canyon, the Statue of Liberty, and Mount Rushmore.
But where do you go when you’ve checked off all the major tourist spots? You head to Texas! Why? Because the Lone Star State has some unique places to visit that are well worth seeing.
From some of the best-named cities in the country to abandoned ghost towns and spectacular scenery, here are 8 reasons to add Texas to your next travel itinerary.
Unusual Place Names
A fun way to travel through Texas is to stop in a town with an unusual name. There are over 100 of them! Some are the same as other famous cities, some are unique, and others are just laugh-out-loud funny. Here’s an example of each:
1. Paris, Texas
Located 100 miles northeast of Dallas, Paris was founded in 1845 and named after the famous French city; there’s even a replica of the Eiffel Tower there. The 1984 film of the same name made Paris, Texas, famous.
2. Earth, Texas
Who wouldn’t want to visit a city named Earth on the planet with the same name? Aliens would find this confusing! Earth, Texas, is a small farming town in West Texas with a stable population of just over 1,000 people. Nobody knows for sure, but legend has it that resident O.H. Reeves named it as a tribute to the fertile soil found in the area. Earth, Texas, USA, Earth—now that’s an address!
3. Ding Dong, Texas
Plenty of Texas cities have funny names; Bigfoot, Telephone, and Kermit are just a few, but Ding Dong was featured on the TV show Ripley’s Believe It or Not. The town was settled by brothers Zulis and Bert Bell. The sign above their store had two bells painted on it; one read ding, and the other dong, and that’s how the town got its name!
Ghost Towns
Ghost towns always make for great tourist attractions. It’s believed that there are over 500 of them in Texas, the most in any American state. They became abandoned due to a significant catastrophe or when mining ran out and people moved to other cities. Tales of the Wild West feature many of these towns.
The heart of each of these towns was the saloon. History and Hollywood movies show us that many activities occurred in them, including their fair share of card games. However, these days, due to the strict regulations, there aren’t nearly as many gambling options available in Texas.
Nevertheless, here’s a look at three popular ghost towns:
4. Terlingua
The most famous ghost town in Texas is Terlingua. The name comes from the three languages spoken by the natives: Indian, English, and Spanish. Terlingua was part of the 1900s mining boom and, at its peak, housed 2,000 people. By 1950, it was practically deserted. Today, the population is 110, and it caters to the many tourists who visit.
5. The Grove
Where there were once two general stores, a cotton gin, and a church, travelers will find only the remains of the church at The Grove. Looking closely around the main street, they might see the foundations of one of the general stores, indicated by rusted metal cans strewn about the area.
The Grove wasn’t a huge town; it had a population of 400 at its peak. Today, it’s a reminder of how towns can come and go as people’s lives change.
6. Sherwood
Progress turned Sherwood into a ghost town. It used to be the county seat in Irion County, with a courthouse, a post office, and numerous businesses. Then the railroad came to town — except that it didn’t.
The rail lines bypassed Sherwood altogether and went to Mertzon, a town created for this purpose. The new highway was built to follow the train line. Mertzon became the county seat, and Sherwood was abandoned.
Natural Wonders
The Grand Canyon and the Great Lakes aren’t the only natural wonders the US offers. Texas has some spectacular ones; here are two:
7. Caverns of Sonora
Sonora is a town in Suffolk County, at the crossroads of US Highway 277 and Interstate 10. It’s a quaint little town with a population of around 2,500. However, what makes Sonora a must-visit city is its subterranean caverns.
The Caverns of Sonora are two miles of caves deep below the city. Guided tours are available daily. Prepare to see stalagmites, stalactites, underground pools, and rivers.
8. Palo Duro Canyon
The second-largest canyon in the US is in Palo Duro Canyon, the heart of the Texas panhandle. Similar to the Grand Canyon, it has multicolored layers of rock and steep mesa walls. The canyon can be visited by hiking, biking, or horseback.
To really immerse yourself in the experience, stay overnight at one of the glamping (luxury camping) sites.
Texas is Ready and Waiting for You
There you go, 8 reasons why a vacation in Texas might be just what you need. Have a giggle at, or Instagram yourself by, the city sign of an unusually named city. Get spooked at one of over 500 ghost towns or, if you’re a nature buff, find plenty of awe-inspiring geographical places to visit.
Whatever your preferences, it’s time to take another look at Texas and explore this big, beautiful state.