Texas Backroads Weekly

The lonely low-water crossing where a legend refuses to die. The Backstory If you ask anyone in San Antonio about the "Donkey Lady," you’re likely to get a different story every time. The most chilling version dates back to the 19th century, involving a woman who lived in a small cabin near the Medina River. Legend has it that a fire—some say started by a cruel local official—disfigured her hands into hoof-like stumps and fused her features into a long, mule-like face. Driven mad by grief and pain, she fled into the woods and became a vengeful spirit. Today, her ghost is said to haunt a bridge on Applewhite Road . For decades, locals have reported seeing a figure with elongated features and cloven hooves lurking in the shadows of the creek. She isn't just a "watcher"—the Donkey Lady is known for being aggressive, reportedly charging at vehicles that linger too long on her bridge. The Experience The "ritual" for encountering the Donkey ...

The concrete remains of a 1920s playground for exotic animals and local legends. The Backstory In the early 1920s, the town of Cisco was booming. To celebrate, they built a state-of-the-art zoo featuring everything from deer and elk to bears and monkeys. It was a crown jewel of Eastland County, but the glory was short-lived. By the time the Great Depression hit, the zoo fell into neglect, and a dark shadow was cast over the park following an infamous, unsolved murder on the grounds. The zoo was officially abandoned decades ago, but the cages were never torn down. Today, the Old Zoo Nature Trail allows you to hike through the brush and stumble upon massive concrete bear pits, tiered monkey cages, and stone grottos that are slowly being swallowed by the Texas forest. It’s a haunting, beautiful walk through a forgotten era of roadside entertainment. Why It Matters This is the definition of a hidden gem. While most travelers stop in Cisco to see the first-ever Hilton Hote...

The concrete bones of a timber empire, slowly being reclaimed by the Angelina National Forest. The Backstory Deep in the heart of the Piney Woods lies a "concrete ghost town" that looks more like an ancient ruin than a 20th-century factory. Founded in 1905 by Hal Aldridge, this sawmill was once the heartbeat of a thriving community of over 70 buildings, including a hotel and its own railroad spur. When the original wooden mill burned down in 1911, it was rebuilt with massive, hand-poured concrete walls to ensure it would never burn again. At its peak in 1918, the mill was churning out 125,000 board feet of lumber every single day. But the industry moved as fast as the saws; by 1923, the surrounding timber had been cleared out, and the mill fell silent. By 1927, the town of Aldridge was completely abandoned, leaving behind only these massive concrete structures to face the encroaching forest alone. Why It Matters Aldridge is a powerful reminder of the "bo...

A concrete tribute to the "Peanut Capital of Texas." The Backstory If you find yourself driving south of San Antonio through Wilson County, you'll eventually hit a town that takes its legumes very seriously. Floresville is known as the "Peanut Capital of Texas," and they have the monument to prove it. Standing proudly in front of the city hall is a massive, concrete peanut that has become the town's most recognizable landmark. The statue was erected to honor the local farming community that transformed Floresville into a hub for peanut production in the early 20th century. It’s not just a statue; it’s the focal point for the town’s annual Peanut Festival, a tradition that has been going strong since 1938. In a state that loves its "World's Largest" items, this nut holds a special place in the hearts of locals and road trippers alike. Why It Matters The Floresville Peanut represents the backbone of Texas agriculture. While citi...