Native Texans are always proud to claim our Lone Star State heritage, and we're quick to share our familiarity with the state's history and geography. But even those of us who are fluent in Texan may find that there's some hidden nook left to discover, or maybe just a small town we can't get enough of.
There's "weird" Marfa, a far west town stuck in the hippie era, one with a drawl. The growing popularity of this odd, art installation-filled town has some residents concerned that it will soon become another tourist destination with souvenir gift shops proffering flashy key chains. So get there soon, and opt to stay in a yurt, teepee or tent (pictured in the slides above).
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Other Texas vacation destinations center on the beauty of the state's natural springs, mountain ranges and cattle-grazing plains. Some of these have become home to family-owned bed-and-breakfasts that offer guests an authentically Texas experience complete with horseback rides and bacon-filled breakfast dishes.
When exploring our 268,820 square miles of land, it's important to keep in mind some smart road trip tips.