The Road Trip Destination Guide

Hillsboro Texas Old Town Square

sam — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 01:59:06 +0000

A short walk around the historic Hillsboro Texas town square. I’ve put together an informal guide to the historic square in Hillsboro Texas complete with many pictures and descriptions.

The images are further down the page.

A Little History

Hillsboro had a period of growth in the late 1800’s and the early 1900’s followed by an extended period of economic decline. As a result many vintage buildings remain, in an unaltered state, around the town square today.

The Old Rock Saloon at 58 W. Elm St. houses law offices today. Once this building was a popular spot for cockfighting and gambling.

The Old Rock Saloon and Bond’s Drug Store set on opposite sides of the entrance to Bond’s Alley on the south side of the courthouse square. This alley has been a popular spot for public gathering over the years. Bond’s Alley is names for Bond’s Drug Store which has been in business at this location since 1881. One can only imagine all the forms of larceny, camaraderie, and politics that have occurred in this alley over the years.

Attractions

The Cell Block Museum: Old county jail house located one block north of the Courthouse. Open Saturdays April through October. 254-582-8912

Katy Depot: Built to serve the Missouri-Kansas-Texas (Katy) Rail Line. Today, home of the Hillsboro Area Chamber of Commerce. A great place to gather information for your visit! 1-800-Hillsboro

Hill County Courthouse: constructed in 1890 and is the work of noted Waco architect W. C. Dodson. This courthouse burned down in 1993, but the people of Hill County loved it so much that they rebuilt it.

More Information:
1-800-Hillsboro

County: Hill
map

Gallery

Old Doc’s Soda Shop in Dublin Texas

sam — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 03:04:30 +0000

Old Doc’s Soda Shop, at the Dublin Dr Pepper bottling plant in Dublin Texas, is the home of a great old fashioned soda fountain. Although this soda shop is not particularly old, the fact that it’s contained within the oldest Dr Pepper bottling plant in the world makes it a good stand in for an authentic old soda shop.

The soda fountain at Dublin Dr Pepper was added in 1995. The counter, cabinets and fixtures appear to be a combination of both old and new equipment. The dark wood back counter, cabinets and mirrors have an authentic old time look to them. The white Formica front counter with it’s gleaming chrome and stainless fixtures look too good to be very old. There are no stools at the counter. Seating is at quaint little tables throughout the room.

Dr Pepper is the underlying theme here. Dr Pepper art and memorabilia grace the walls and shelves. One corner of the room contains a little gift shop. Dublin Dr Pepper is available for sale in both bottles and cans.

Old Doc’s soda Shop is just one of several attractions at the Dublin Dr Pepper Bottling Plant. They also conduct tours of the plant and have a Dr Pepper Museum. The business has a unique history that’s presented by knowledgeable guides during plant tours. If your interested, they have a Web site that tells the history of Dublin Dr Pepper.

Bottom line: fun and upbeat place with an eclectic mix of Dr Pepper history and other old stuff. Be sure to try the Dr Pepper Float.

Location

Dublin Dr Pepper and Old Doc’s Soda Shop
105 E. Elm
Dublin, TX 76446
888-398-1024

http://www.olddocs.com/

County: Erath

map

Beth Marie’s Old Fashioned Homemade Ice Cream in Denton Texas

sam — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 02:31:05 +0000

Beth Marie’s is a charming ice cream and soda shop on the Square in Denton Texas. This shop has so many of the features of an old time soda shop: authentic old building with presses tin ceilings, checkered floor, quaint soda shop tables, and an impressive counter complete with stools.

They’re doing all the things that made the old soda shops grand, yet Beth Marie’s opened for business in 1998. They mix carbonated drinks from syrup and soda water. They make real ice cream sodas, and believe it or not they actually make their own ice cream!

They make more flavors of ice cream than will fit on the menu. Be prepared to do some major decision making because the flavor options are extensive. A long time ago when soda fountains were a relatively new thing, say 80 years ago, ice cream wasn’t a commodity item like it is now. Shops made their own ice cream, much like Beth Marie’s does today.

Besides the great frozen treats, Beth Marie’s serves lunch: sandwiches and soups. They also do catering and parties.

Beth Marie’s is located on the Square in Denton Texas. Denton has an active downtown with plenty to do and see. Unlike so many other old town squares in Texas, Denton’s downtown is a lively place. Because there are residential neighborhoods close by, and also because the University of North Texas campus is just down the road, locals frequent the square. The courthouse lawn is a gathering place where people come to meet and hang out. Musicians frequently gather and play. On top of all this, the courthouse is open to the public, not only during the week—but on Saturday as well.

Location

Beth Maire’s
117 West Hickory St.
Denton, Texas 76201

County: Denton

map

Highland Park Pharmacy

sam — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 01:41:05 +0000

Highland Park Texas got its name because it sat on high land overlooking Dallas, and because of a plan to reserve 20% of the developed land for parks. Wilbur David Cook, who was one of the the planners of Beverly Hills, California, laid out the plans for development of the area. incorporated in 1913 as Highland Park. The 3rd wealthiest location in Texas by per capita income according to the Wikipedia.

Highland Park Pharmacy, an old-time soda fountain, lunch counter, and pharmacy in operation since 1912. Today owned by Sonny and Gretchen Minyard Williams. They strive to maintain the original charm of this storied old pharmacy and soda fountain.

Today almost out of place among the high priced commercial space surrounding Highland Park Pharmacy. On-street parking is in short supply and you may have to drive around. Unlike some other old soda fountains in Texas, this one is in the heart of the Twin Cities are in Dallas.

The soda jerks can make you a strong Coke or an ice cream soda. The chicken salad sandwich is legendary. The current owners have made a great effort to preserve the essence of an old pharmacy and soda shop. Many of the store fixtures, flooring, lights, even little details like the 5 cent suckers at the cash register. Their not 5 cents anymore, but the attention to detail was evident.

Just a few blocks off 75 Central Express Way on Knox Street. If your in the area consider stopping.

Location
3229 Knox St
Dallas TX 75205

County: Dallas
map

Tolar Texas Windmill Farm

sam — Wed, 28 May 2008 00:36:27 +0000

Tolar Texas is a little town along highway 377 between Granbury and Stephenville Texas. Windmills are what puts Tolar on the map.

The Windmill Farm in Tolar Texas is as uncomplicated as it could be. No entry fee, more than 40 windmills on 26 acres, drive through, walk around, open pretty much all day. They’re not really selling anything. It’s more like an open invitation to view a private collection of vintage windmills. They do have several cabins you can rent and they also restore and repair windmills.

If your in this area to tour Granbury, you might find a way to work this place into your trip. Tolar and the Windmill Farm are at the intersection of Highway 377 and County Road 56 South. CR 56 South goes to Glen Rose. Glen Rose and Dinosaur Valley State Park are popular destinations in this area. So, depending on how you travel, the Windmill Farm may be close by and worth stopping to see.

Location

Chuck & Ruby Rickgauer
The Tolar Windmill Farm
6625 Colony Road
Tolar, Texas 76476

County: Hood
map

Hico Texas Where Everybody is Somebody

sam — Mon, 19 May 2008 01:37:39 +0000

Hico Texas

Home of Cowboys and Legends

Hico Texas is a speck of a town along highway 281, between the rural towns of Stephenville and Hamilton, in North Central Texas. This community has a historic commercial district that is interesting for what it’s not. Yes it has antique stores and boutique shops. Yes it has a few restaurants. It also has a true vintage feel about it. The vintage painted signs on the sides of buildings are interesting. The place is fixed up, but not too fixed up.

The landscape of this area of Texas is fairly sparse. It’s rocky with rolling hills and occasional mesas and buttes. Side trips in this area of the state are recommended for those interested in recent geologic history. Recent being relative, of course.

I must mention Hico’s own legend. In the 1950’s, Hico resident Ollie Roberts, also known as Brushy Bill, apparently claimed to be the western outlaw Billy the Kid. There’s a Billy the Kid Museum downtown. They will be glad to tell you the story.

The Koffee Kup Family Restaurant is a Hico Texas must see. The pies are award-winning. That’s what the sign out front said, anyway. The onion rings aren’t bad either, if you ask me.

Hico Texas is an interesting place along a popular highway. If you find yourself planning a trip through this are, consider spending a few hours in this little town.

More Information: Hico Texas town Web site - http://www.hico-tx.com/

County: Hamilton

Map

Northwest Arkansas Road Trip

sam — Mon, 12 May 2008 02:31:14 +0000

In a previous post I talked about several old town squares in the heart of Northwest Arkansas, and I concluded with the Rogers Historic District and Scenic Highway 12. That’s where I begin this post.

Scenic Highway 12 in Northwest Arkansas passes through Rogers Arkansas and then through some truly beautiful Ozark countryside. Just the scenery makes this road a good choice for those heading east to destinations like Eureka Springs and the Buffalo River. As you drive out of Rogers you pass through the beautiful country surrounding Beaver Lake. The views of the lake are at time dramatic. Beaver Lake is huge and if your a water sports person or have a boat or personal water craft, this is a lake worth researching.

As you push on a little further the road starts winding as it climbs through the Ozark Mountains. Again, the views are beautiful. For a while your passing through the Hobbs State Park Conservation Area. The area is so inviting that I stopped to walk the Historic Van Winkle Trail. Not much of a hike but plenty of fun and a great way to spend a little more time in the area.

The War Eagle Mill is just a bit out of the park on War Eagle Road. This is an interesting place, and well worth a stop to see. It’s a working water powered grist mill, the forth mill built at this location, on the War Eagle River.

The first mill was built in the 1830’s by Sylvanus Blackburn, but washed away in 1848. The second mill was burned by order of a Confederate general to prevent the Union Army’s capture and use of the mill. James A.C. Blackburn, son of Sylvanus, reconstructed a third mill in 1873. The current mill was built in 1973 by Jewell A. and Leta Medlin and Zoe Medlin Caywood on the original site and foundation and is intended to be an authentic reproduction of the 1873 mill.

Reproduction or not this is a very realistic example of an old grist mill. The power for the stone buhr grinders inside the War Eagle mill comes from an 18-foot undershot waterwheel driven by the waters of the War Eagle River. I’d been through mills like this before, but never had I seen one work before. When the belts are turning and the grinder is grinding and the flower is flowing into the bag, the experience comes alive. Forget your imagination, this place really works.

They sell flowers and meals ground on site along with other crafts and souvenirs. On the top floor of the mill there’s the Bean Palace Restaurant where they serve foods authentic to the region and time of the earlier mills.

The War Eagle Mill and its surroundings are interesting. The area is beautiful. There’s an old metal bridge across the War Eagle River in front of the mill. You can walk along the banks of the river for an alternative perspective and a better view of the undershot water wheel.

War Eagle is a ghost town and you may find other items of interest. I hope you enjoy the War Eagle Mill.

After seeing all the mill has to offer it’s back on Scenic Highway 12 heading east, and you needing to choose between several great destinations. Head north on Highway 23 and end up in Eureka Springs. Or, head off south on Highway 23, travel the back roads for more beautiful cruising time and end up in Lost Valley. Here you find yourself at the furthest western reaches of the Buffalo National River (U.S. Nation Park Service). As the name implies, the river is the attraction, but the rugged natural beauty of the area is equally spectacular. Anyway you go, it’s a great ride.

War Eagle Arkansas

County: Benton

Northwest Arkansas Old Town Squares

sam — Fri, 02 May 2008 02:23:27 +0000

Northwest Arkansas is a very dynamic place. There’s plenty of jobs and just about everywhere you look there’s something new being built. There are plenty of things to do and see in the region. Some of the towns of the region have nice old town squares, and I would like to describe several of them.

Fayetteville Arkansas Town Square

The square in Fayetteville features some very nice old buildings housing quaint shops and restaurants, and a very nice new convention center available for business and social events. The convention center, called the Fayetteville Town Center, is located on the Southeast corner of the square near the intersection of East Mountain Street and South East Avenue.

The square is so beautifully landscaped, it’s almost like a garden setting. The convention center is nice even if your just visiting. There’s plenty of open spaces and glass with great views of the surrounding hills. There are views because Fayetteville is nestled in the Ozark Mountains. There are plenty of shops and restaurants. West Mountain Brewing Co., a microbrewery, is on the square, and there’s a pizza place next door. If your the beer and pizza sort of person, check it out.

If your looking for more excitement, there are plenty of bars and restaurants and coffee houses a few blocks off the square on West Dickson St.

Really the Town Square in Fayetteville is just a nice place to get out and roam for a while.

Bentonville Arkansas Town Square

The square in Bentonville is fairly modest. The Bentonville town square features a Civil War statue and fountain. Benches and a garden like setting with trees and shade make for a good place to park yourself for a spell on a warm day. The center square is surrounded by quaint shops, and probably most interesting of all, the Wal-Mart Visitors Center. This is Sam Walton’s original variety store. The visitor center tells the story of Wal-Mart from it’s beginning as “Walton’s 5-10″ up to the present.

Rogers Arkansas Historic Downtown

Rogers Arkansas has a fine historic district along West Walnut Street between about First and Forth Streets.

From the Main Street Rogers Web site:

In 1988, a large portion of downtown was dedicated as the Walnut Street National Historic District. This area was expanded in 1993. In addition, 23 structures are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This commitment to our history ties us permanently to our past and plots a course for the future…

Many facade renovations have been completed as well as three fine examples of interior restoration: the J.E. Applegate Building, a 1905 apothecary which is now Poor Richard’s Gifts & Confectionery; the W.B. Felker Building, originally opened as Bank of Rogers in 1905, and now home to the Daisy Airgun Museum; and The Victory Theater, 1927, which after many years of neglect was purchased and renovated by the Rogers Little Theater and reopened as that organization’s home stage.

Like so many other small towns, the railroad played an instrumental role in the early development of Rogers. The tracks, still active, pass right by the historic district at West Walnut and First Street. There’s a little park along the tracks with walking paths, shelters, the Frisco Caboose, and a historic sign.

The sign is about Betty Blake, wife of Will Rogers, who was from Rogers Arkansas. The Will Rogers quote on the sign reads: “My wife came from Rogers, Arkansas, where they raise the prettiest girls and the best apples in the world.”

The day I was there musicians had gathered in the park. The instruments were mostly banjos and guitars, and the entertainment was free.

I hung out for a while listening to the music and the stories, then visited a coffee shop across the street from the park. Maybe it’s still there—or not. I bet you can find something you like in these few blocks along the tracks and in the Rogers Historic District.

Another great thing about being here in the Rogers Historic District is that your blocks away from Scenic Highway 12, A.K.A. East Locust Street. Highway 12 East heading out of Rogers is a really pretty ride, and the further you go, the better it gets. If your heading to Eureka Springs, Lost Valley State Park, or the Buffalo National River, this is the road you want.

So do you see that this story is going places? This is just the beginning of a drive across the Northwest region of the state of Arkansas. Stay tuned.

Caleb’s Diner in Corsicana Texas

sam — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 01:58:26 +0000

As I drove up North Beaton Street in Corsicana looking for Caleb’s Diner, I watched the historic store fronts slowly slip by. I drove along and then, there it was, 125 N. Beaton St, but the sign said “Dee’s Place.” Later I would find out that Dee was the previous owner, but for that moment I knew numbers don’t lie, so I turned the corner looking for a place to park. There on the side of the building was proof positive I had arrived at a long established soda shop. That proof came in the form of a very old Dr. Pepper sign on the side of the building and another sign next to it declaring a soda fountain was just around the corner. Out of the car and across the street I went.

As I walked in the front door, the very first thing I noticed was the soda fountain and counter on the right side of the diner, just a little beyond the cash register and juke box which populate the very front of the store. The counter seems long with its eight red vinyl upholstered stools. A black counter top contrasts with vintage stainless steel behind the counter. The whole setup is reminiscent of a 1950’s lunch counter. The soda fountain and syrup dispensers look quite vintage and probably predate the rest of the fixtures.

Beyond the Counter on the right are several booths, upholstered in red vinyl, then further back in the store several more tables. The walls of the store are a mix of pegboards and wooden shelving. Just about every place I look, I find Coke and Dr. Pepper memorabilia and antiques. Other items on display tell the story of this business which has a long history going back to 1905. There’s an old red Coke case at the end of the lunch counter, apparently still working. Atop the counter are two old soda dispensers, not working, but which no doubt served this business for years.

All the antiques and memorabilia, the soda fountain, and the old fixtures collectively document the provenance of this old soda shop and lunch counter. Caleb’s Diner claims to be the oldest continually operated soda fountain in Texas. As evidence of their claim, the current owners tell an interesting story of the ownership and history of the business dating back to 1905.

I can’t vouch for the authenticity of their claim. What I can tell you is that my drink was made the old fashioned way, mixed from Dr. Pepper syrup and stir, stir, stirred. There’s a real sense of tradition at Caleb’s. Roseann, soda jerk the day of my visit, told me she had worked at the store for two owners and for 15 years, and she “still loves it.” Caleb’s Diner definitely doesn’t have the “shiny as new” look of a freshly minted reproduction of an old soda shop. No, this is definitely the genuine article.

More Information:
Caleb’s Diner
125 N. Beaton St.
Corsicana, Texas

County: Navarro
Map

Mundane Road Trip Destinations

sam — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 17:37:22 +0000

Gunnar Johnson wrote a post about the sublimely mundane nature of much of his cross-country travels. It’s certainly true that the bulk of road trip travel is mundane. It’s the occasional rare finds you come upon that make road tripping priceless. Gunner seems to have a keen eye for the bazaar as well as the mundane. Look his blog over. It made me realize I need to get out more.

It occurred to me how Gunnar’s definition of mundane compares to interstate highway travel. On that endless ribbon of asphalt called the Interstate, everything is perfectly predictable, and boring. The Interstate it seems was built to bypass anything and everything interesting, informative or controversial. You can travel mindlessly for hours never seeing a thing of interest. Drive off at any exit to find the same fast food eateries, convenience stores and hotels you would find at any other exit on the Interstate.

Traveling on the back roads of America, by contrast, can offer up an occasional surprise. Maybe a ghost sign on the side of an old abandoned building, or a classy family-run business complete with local residents that actually talk to each other, and to you if your a willing participant.

Once while having lunch in Fossati’s Delicatessen in Victoria Texas, some of the locals struck up a conversation with my wife and I. When I told them we were road tripping through the area and interested in visiting historic properties, they told us about places in Victoria we would have never discovered on our own. Finally, before leaving the restaurant I asked for directions to Memorial Square. An elderly couple said we would never find it on our own and insisted we follow them over to the park. When we got there, they told us the history of the park, wished us good day, and went on their way.

Usually, when eating along the Interstate, the only conversation I encounter involves Super-sizing my meal.

Sadly, few of us opt to navigate the road less traveled. During a recent side trip on Route 66 in Oklahoma, I found plenty of interest. Sadly though, I also discovered that many of the mom and pop motels and old carnival style road side attractions are falling victim to decay and abandonment. Or, worse yet, in urban areas they’re being torn down to make way for more fast food restaurants and other boring franchised business establishments.

Both Preservation Oklahoma and The National Trust for Historic Preservation have named Route 66 Motels to their most endangered places list. Unfortunately, city governments are often focused on developing new business no matter what the cost to the culture and heritage of the community. An article in the Urban Tulsa Weekly described one faction of the City Council as the “build anything I want anywhere I want” crowd. I’m not an expert on Tulsa, but there seems to be a riff in the city between those who would rather tear down everything old and build new, and the other camp that would like to preserve some of the character and culture of Tulsa. This post on The State of Fort Worth Preservation by Kevin Buchanan suggests that the build anything I want anywhere I want mentality is far from unique to Tulsa Oklahoma. More likely, this is a national phenomena.

During my recent side trip on Oklahoma’s stretch of Route 66 I also found signs of hope. In Stroud Oklahoma the Rock Cafe, which was opened in 1939, is still operated as a Mon and Pop business. Locals own the business and provide local employment. Further down the road in Arcadia I found POPS. Not a historic property, POPS is brand new and pleasingly unique. You have to admire these folks for doing something different and taking the business risk that goes along with it.

What can the individual do to help save these mundane road side destinations? Get involved if that’s the sort of person you are. And, of course, we can all vote with our dollars. Public awareness and the efforts of individuals and preservation organizations are the best chance these mundane and eclectic road side destinations have for surviving for future generations to discover and enjoy.