Texas Travel

Take The Roads Less Traveled

By Jen Alexander 10.1.15

Traveling time-tested routes through Texas leads drivers to great destinations. Sometimes, though, you want a little more scenery and a little less traffic. If that’s the case for you, try these alternate routes to the big interstates and enjoy a trip off the beaten path.

Instead of Interstate 35, try U.S. Route 77

Stretching from Laredo to Gainesville, Interstate 35 in Texas is traveled by millions of drivers each year. It passes through some of Texas’ most popular metropolitan destinations including Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio. U.S. Route 77 runs along I-35E from Gainesville into Corinth, where it follows I-35 south through the city until it diverges into a separate roadway just north of Waxahachie and continues on to Hillsboro. It terminates in the southernmost city of Brownsville.

Along The Way
Waxahachie, the seat of Ellis County, houses a charming historic downtown district populated with antique shops and specialty stores. It’s also home to Munster Mansion, a private home built as a replica of the home in the 1960s TV show, “The Munsters.” La Grange is a historic community with a starring role in the history of Texas’ independence and a strong Czech and German influence. The Polka Lovers Club of Texas Museum and the Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center are popular tourist spots.

Instead of Interstate 45, try State Highway 75

Interstate 45 is a beautiful stretch of highway that winds from Dallas down to Galveston, passing through Texas’ largest city, Houston, on the way. Highway 75 preceded Interstate 45 and closely follows its path from Streetman, south of Corsicana, to Conroe.

Along The Way
Fairfield began as the community of Mound Prairie, founded in 1850 on 100 acres of land. Cooper Farms in Fairfield entices hungry visitors with juicy peaches in the summer months along with homemade sweet treats such as peach taffy and peach cobbler jam at its country store. Huntsville’s most famous “resident” may well be the Sam Houston statue. Affectionately known as Sam on a stick, it stands 67 feet tall and is the world’s tallest statue of an American hero. The Sam Houston Memorial Museum in town shares the story of the first president of the Republic of Texas and the impact he had on the state.

Instead of Interstate 10, try U.S. Route 90

Interstate 10 runs from the town of Orange in the east to Anthony in the west. Frequent travelers along this route make stops in Houston, San Antonio, Kerrville, and El Paso. U.S. Route 90 parallels I-10 from Orange to Van Horn, passing through small communities and bigger towns alike.

Along The Way
Uvalde rests between Texas’ picturesque Hill Country to the north and its rustic Brush Country to the south. Whether you crave a relaxing stroll under the trees in the Honey Capital of the World or a thrilling trophy hunt, you’ll find what you’re looking for here.

Looking for more travel and adventure inspiration? Find loads of road trip ideas in the travel section of our blog.