Texas Backroads Weekly

A fascinating and somber look at justice in the Lone Star State. The Backstory Huntsville has been the headquarters of the Texas prison system since the state’s first penitentiary was established here in 1848. It is a city where the history of the "Walls Unit" and the community are deeply intertwined. The Texas Prison Museum was opened to tell the comprehensive story of this system, from the harsh days of the lease-labor system to the modern era of corrections. The museum doesn't shy away from the darker chapters of history. It serves as an educational resource that explores the evolution of punishment, the lives of notorious inmates, and the daily reality of the men and women who serve as correctional officers. It is a place of intense curiosity for road-trippers looking for a stop that offers more than just a souvenir shop. 📍 At a Glance Location: 491 State Hwy 75 N, Huntsville, TX 77320 Region: East Texas Typical Timeframe: 1.5...

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 ...