Thanksgiving in Texas means one thing for a lot of families: a long drive. Dallas to Austin. Houston to San Antonio. Somebody’s grandma’s house three hours away, plus traffic.
The good news is that Texas highways are lined with some of the best road trip stops in the country. The trick is knowing where to pull over. Here are our favorites on the three big holiday routes, so the drive feels like part of the trip instead of something to survive.
I-35: Dallas, Waco, Austin, and San Antonio
Czech Stop in West
If you have driven I-35 between Dallas and Waco, you have probably been told to stop here. Listen to whoever told you. Czech Stop in the little town of West has been serving kolaches since 1983, and it is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. That includes Thanksgiving morning. Get a dozen. Fruit, sausage, jalapeño, cream cheese, poppy seed. Do not overthink it.
Waco
Waco is the halfway point between Dallas and Austin and an easy place to stretch your legs. Walk around Magnolia Market at the Silos, take a peek at the Waco Suspension Bridge over the Brazos River, or learn some fizzy history at the Dr Pepper Museum. Dr Pepper was created in Waco in the 1880s.
The silos at Magnolia Market in Waco. Photo by Sierra Bell on Unsplash
Buc-ee’s
We would be lying if we said it was not part of the plan. I-35 between Austin and San Antonio has a Buc-ee’s in New Braunfels, and you will want to stop for brisket sandwiches, Beaver Nuggets, and the famously clean restrooms. Our full Buc-ee’s breakdown answers the big question: should you plan a road trip around a gas station?
I-45: Dallas and Houston
Collin Street Bakery in Corsicana
Corsicana’s Collin Street Bakery has been baking its famous DeLuxe fruitcake since 1896, and it ships them all over the world. Even if you think you do not like fruitcake, the holiday season is the time to stop in and try a slice. They have plenty of other pies and pastries too.
A nut-topped fruitcake, a Texas holiday classic. Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash
The Giant Sam Houston Statue in Huntsville
You cannot miss him. A 67-foot statue of Sam Houston towers over I-45 near Huntsville, the work of Texas sculptor David Adickes. Pull off at the Sam Houston Statue Visitor Center for photos (everyone takes the one where he looks tiny next to you) and a stretch. Fun fact: there is a 1999 time capsule hidden in his right leg.
I-10: Houston and San Antonio
The Painted Churches of Schulenburg
This is the stop that surprises people. Around Schulenburg, small country churches built by Czech and German settlers hide incredible painted interiors, with colorful ceilings, stenciled walls, and detailed artwork you would never expect from the outside. There are six churches in the area: Ammannsville, Dubina, High Hill, Moravia, Praha, and St. John.
The Schulenburg Chamber of Commerce offers guided tours Monday through Saturday. Smaller groups of six or fewer can visit four of the churches on their own. The churches are active parishes, so they are not open to visitors on Sundays, and some holidays are unavailable. Call the chamber before you go.
Buc-ee’s, Again
I-10 between Houston and San Antonio has Buc-ee’s locations too, including one in Luling. You know what to do.
Where to Stay If You Split the Drive
Hotel 1928 in Waco
Breaking up a long I-35 drive? Hotel 1928, from the team behind Magnolia, is a stylish place to spend the night in Waco. Booking.com guests rate it 9.4.
Hotel 1928 in Waco. Photo courtesy of Hotel 1928
A Big House for the Whole Crew
Turning the drive into a full holiday getaway? Our roundup of big Texas vacation homes for Thanksgiving has lakefront estates, bayfront houses, and homes that sleep 20 or more.
See Big Texas Vacation Homes for Thanksgiving
Holiday Road Trip Tips
- Leave early: The Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after are some of the busiest travel days of the year.
- Check holiday hours: Many small-town stops close or shorten hours on Thanksgiving Day.
- Pack a cooler: For the kolaches you buy for later. And the ones you said you were saving.
- Have a backup stop: If one place has a line out the door, there is usually another great option down the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Czech Stop open on Thanksgiving?
Czech Stop is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
How tall is the Sam Houston statue?
The statue near Huntsville stands 67 feet tall.
Can you visit the Painted Churches on Sunday?
No. They are active churches, so visits are Monday through Saturday.
Enjoy the Ride
The drive is part of the holiday. Stop for the kolaches. Take the goofy picture with Sam Houston. Duck into a painted church and let it stop you in your tracks. You will get there. And you will have better stories when you do.
Keep Exploring Texas
- What’s the Deal With Buc-ee’s? Should You Really Plan a Road Trip Around a Gas Station?
- Why Texans Go Nuts for Pecans: A Fall Road Trip to San Saba and Seguin
- Is Fredericksburg Worth It in the Off Season? Why Late Fall Might Be the Best Time to Go
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