Texas Backroads Weekly

The bronze tribute to the man who gave country music its soul. The Backstory In the world of classic country, few voices are as instantly recognizable as that of Lefty Frizzell . Born in Corsicana in 1928, Lefty pioneered a "bent-note" vocal style that became the blueprint for modern honky-tonk singing. At one point in 1951, he had four songs in the country Top 10 simultaneously—a feat even Hank Williams couldn't match. The Lefty Frizzell Museum serves as a homecoming for the star, preserving the legacy of a man who changed the sound of the radio forever. The museum is nestled within Pioneer Village , a collection of historic 19th-century buildings that tell the story of Navarro County. It’s a fitting location; Lefty’s music was always rooted in the stories of everyday people, and his museum feels less like a corporate hall of fame and more like a personal attic filled with the treasures of a life on the road. 📍 At a Glance Location: 103 N Co...

A Central Texas tradition for over 50 years. The Backstory In the world of Texas barbecue, the name Mikeska carries a lot of weight. Jerry Mikeska belongs to a legendary family of nine brothers who all famously went into the BBQ business. Jerry opened his Columbus location in the 1960s, and it quickly became a landmark for travelers on Highway 71. While many BBQ joints focus strictly on the pits, Jerry’s place became equally famous for his other passion: big-game hunting. The history of this restaurant is the history of a true Texas personality. Jerry was a larger-than-life figure who hosted everyone from local ranchers to U.S. Presidents. His BBQ was served at high-profile events in Washington D.C., but the heart of his empire always remained in this wood-paneled dining room in Columbus. 📍 At a Glance Location: 109 N Live Oak St, Columbus, TX 78934 Region: Central Texas Typical Timeframe: 1 hour Must See: The incredible world-wide taxider...

The sweet heart of the "Little Alsace of Texas." The Backstory In the mid-1800s, settlers from the Alsace region of France (near the German border) moved to the banks of the Medina River to establish Castroville. They brought with them a unique architecture, a distinct dialect, and—most importantly—their incredible baking traditions. Haby’s Alsatian Bakery has been keeping those traditions alive since the Haby family first opened the doors in 1974. Located on the main drag (US Highway 90), Haby’s is more than just a bakery; it’s a cultural landmark. It serves as a reminder of the diverse European "pockets" that helped shape the Texas Hill Country. Travelers heading west from San Antonio have made it a tradition for decades to pull over and stock up on treats before hitting the long, open stretches of road toward Del Rio or Big Bend. 📍 At a Glance Location: 207 Paris St, Castroville, TX 78009 Region: South Texas / Hill Country ...

Tex Ritter and his horse, White Flash, standing guard in Carthage. The Backstory In the piney woods of East Texas, the city of Carthage serves as a shrine to one of the most distinctive voices in American music history. Maurice Herbert "Tex" Ritter was born just down the road in Murvaul, and while he found fame on the silver screens of Hollywood and the stages of the Grand Ole Opry, he never truly left his Texas roots. The Tex Ritter Museum is a meticulously curated tribute to his life, his movies, and his massive influence on country music. Tex was a pioneer of the "Singing Cowboy" genre, appearing in over 60 films. But he was also a serious student of folklore and a graduate of UT Austin who even attended Northwestern Law School. The museum does an incredible job of showing the man behind the cowboy hat—a sophisticated entertainer who helped bring the sounds of the West to the entire world. 📍 At a Glance Location: 2020 W Panola St, Ca...

Texas Backroads Weekly — Introduction — Transcript: Field Notes Howdy, folks! Welcome to Texas Backroads Weekly, your guide to exploring the hidden wonders of the Lone Star State. We're here to take you off the beaten path and show you the authentic heart of Texas, far beyond the big cities. Texas Backroads Weekly is your dedicated travel blog for uncovering the untold stories, charming communities, and breathtaking landscapes of Texas. Join us as we showcase the hidden gems and the unique small-town charm that defines the Texas Backroads experience. We'll stop at unique roadside attractions that make Texas quirky and of course, sample the best local eateries along the way. Get ready to explore the rugged beauty of lesser known state parks, stunning natural swimming holes, and untouched Texas wilderness. Each week you can ex...

The only place in Texas where "tackle and tortillas" go hand-in-hand. The Backstory If you find yourself winding through the limestone hills around Canyon Lake, you'll eventually stumble upon a modest building with a sign that stops most tourists in their tracks: Frank’s Bait and Taco Café . In the world of Texas roadside culture, this is a "hybrid" business at its finest. For decades, Frank’s has served as the unofficial headquarters for local fishermen and hungry travelers alike. The history of Frank's is the history of the lake itself. When you're heading out to the water at 6:00 AM, you need two things: bait for the bass and fuel for yourself. Frank’s realized that the fisherman’s lifestyle required a one-stop shop. What started as a simple bait stand evolved into a culinary landmark, proving that some of the best food in the state is found in places that also sell plastic worms and crickets. 📍 At a Glance Location: 722 F...