It’s been a big year for Texas Highways. This year marked our 50th anniversary as the official travel magazine of Texas, which we celebrated with a totally new look. We traveled to all corners of the state, from the Rio Grande Valley to the Panhandle to the far reaches of West Texas and along the Gulf Coast. And we couldn’t have done it without the support of readers like you.
To reflect on 2024, we rounded up the year’s most-read stories.
Austin-Based Zellner Brothers on Capturing Bigfoot
By Matt Zoller Seitz
We interviewed Austin-based filmmakers and brothers David and Nathan Zellner about their 2024 film Sasquatch Sunset—a 90-minute, dialogue-free movie about a family of sasquatches living in a Pacific Northwest forest.
The Lost Underwater Towns of Texas
By Robyn Ross
In 2006 and 2011, severe droughts lowered the Toledo Bend Reservoir, exposing overlooked cemeteries and renewing interest in what lies beneath our waterways. That same story has played out with the state’s other human-made lakes in recent years.
50 Texas Burgers Worth the Drive
By Texas Highways Staff
The only thing Texans love more than beef is when it’s ground, seasoned, and seared on a flattop. Features editor and food enthusiast Chris Hughes put a team together in search of the state’s best burgers, from pitmaster-perfected smoked renditions to tamale-topped Tex-Mex interpretations.
The History of Dallas’ Waterfall Billboard
By Andrea Luttrell
A Dallas native dives into the history behind the city’s iconic waterfall billboard on Interstate 35. The billboard debuted in 1962 and once held the honor of being the biggest beer ad in the world at 45 feet high with a length of approximately 150 feet.
The Dixie Chicken Celebrates 50 Years in Aggieland
By Dave Dalton Thomas
This year, the storied bar next to A&M University’s campus celebrates 50 years of serving beer and good times. In the last half-century, the Chicken has aged into a worn-in, old Texas bar, maintaining its favored status with Aggies.
Are Grackles in Trouble in Texas?
By Asher Elbein
A report showed a 54% drop in common grackle numbers between 1966 and 2019, meaning tens of millions of grackles across the U.S. have been lost over the last 50 years. Whatever the reason for the drop in common grackle numbers, it’s not just a sign of environmental strain: It threatens to carve away some of the useful ecosystem services they provide.
Fifty Years of Cadillac Ranch
By Joe Nick Patoski
Fifty years after its debut, we look back at how the Amarillo art installation became an iconic American roadside attraction.
Friday Night Lights Still Shine on West Texas
By Ian Dille
On the 20th anniversary of the Hollywood debut of Friday Night Lights, we revisit Odessa’s longtime obsession with high school football. In the battle between the rivaling Permian Panthers and Odessa Bronchos, who will win?
The Wonderful Story of Wes Anderson
By Matt Zoller Seitz
We interviewed filmmaker and Texas native Wes Anderson about growing up in Houston, his friendship with Owen Wilson, and his Texan inspirations.
50 True Texas Adventures
By Texas Highways Staff
Whether you were born here or just arrived as fast as you could, there are a host of things you need to do and see in our great state before calling yourself a True Texan.
Where the Saguaros Grow in Texas
By Chris Barnard
It’s said these non-native cacti don’t grow in Texas. But these giants can be found in little Langtry.
The Magic of the Rio Grande Valley
By Danielle Lopez
As part of our September issue dedicated to exploring the Rio Grande Valley, Texas Highways‘ senior editor and RGV native breaks down what makes the region special.
How H-E-B Became Texas’ Most Beloved Brand
By Michael Mooney
H-E-B’s quiet acts of kindness are preserving communities and cementing the grocery giant as Texas’ most beloved brand.
Master the Texas Two-Step
By Jenna Wilson
No Texan should get left behind on the dance floor. As part of our How to Texas series, here’s a step-by-step guide to dancing the Lone Star way.
The Top 50 Recordings in Texas Music History
By Michael Corcoran
In March, the late music writer Michael Corcoran created a list of 50 Greatest Texas Recordings—the perfect playlist for hitting the road.
