January/February 2024
Vol. 71, No. 1
Plates
Longtime North Texas Chain El Chico Serves Warm Memories
A writer returns to his beloved childhood restaurant, which has fed families across the state for over eight decades
By Eric Webb
Stay
Texas Treehouse Retreats Bring Guests Closer to Nature
Secluded treetop lodging experiences offer a place to rest your head in the clouds
By Sarah Thurmond
Like a Local
Experience Pottsboro in North Texas Like a Local
Volunteer library director Dianne Connery revitalized the Pottsboro community with technology and innovation
By Lisa Bubert
Texana
See Early 20th-Century Big Bend Through the Lens of Photographer W.D. Smithers
The late Texas photographer chronicled life along the West Texas border
By Matt Joyce
Plates
Chorizo de San Manuel Remains a True Taste of the Rio Grande Valley
This family-owned brand from South Texas can be found in restaurants and on grocery shelves from Hawaii to Maine
By Daynara Gutierrez
Getaway
A Transformative Weekend Getaway in Historic Laredo
As the South Texas border town evolves, it's becoming much more than a historic gateway into Mexico
By Luis G. Rendon
Feature
Embracing the Wild Side Through Glamping
A writer with reservations about the outdoors explores a luxurious alternative to camping
By Jennifer Stewart
Speaking of Texas
Nixta Taqueria Chef Edgar Rico on the Joys of Tacos
The James Beard award winner and Austin-based chef is on a mission to spread taco culture
By S. Kirk Walsh
Drive | Atlas
The Total Solar Eclipse By the Numbers
The state has a front-row seat to the rare celestial occurrence this spring
By Asher Elbein
Feature
Galveston's Mardi Gras Celebration Is a Family Affair
A photographer captures the exuberance of the city's long-running festival
By Pooneh Ghana and Natalie Weiner
Daytripper
The Daytripper Goes Thrifting at the ‘World’s Largest Flea Market’ in Canton
Antiquers, junkers, and thrifters get their thrills in the small East Texas town
By Chet Garner
Vintage
When Texas Highways Became the Official Travel Magazine of Texas
In 1975, the Texas Legislature signed the magazine's official designation
By Traces of Texas
Plates
The South Texas-Inspired Pizzas of Chef Janet Zapata
The Laredo chef and owner of 550 Pizzeria was recently named one of the World Pizza Champions
By Luis G. Rendon
Open Road
An Empty Nester Takes a Trip Back in Time
A father returns with his son to the fields of their dreams
By Antonio Ruiz-Camacho
Drive
Texas Towns Are Partying Through the Total Eclipse
Eclipse chasers across the state plan to celebrate the celestial event with out-of-this-world experiences
By Lori Rackl
Sightseer
Frozen in Time at the Great Trinity Forest
Not even a winter storm could keep photographer Sean Fitzgerald away from this forested urban park
Feature
Where to Stay in 2024
In a state with thousands of hotels, travelers can pick from a bounty of one-of-a-kind accommodations
By Clayton Maxwell
Editor's Note
