September 8Sep 8 Looks like with my new role at my job, I'll be driving from Dallas to Houston and back 2-3 a month. Anything outside of DFW and Metro Houston worth stopping for? Food specifically, but I will probably need some places to stop just to stretch or walk or something.
September 8Sep 8 There is a pretty good place to buy homemade pickles and other pickled items. You could stretch and walk around whilst looking at pickled items, probably various jerkies as well. I don't remember where, though.
September 9Sep 9 5 hours ago, Jameslaw121 said: Looks like with my new role at my job, I'll be driving from Dallas to Houston and back 2-3 a month. Anything outside of DFW and Metro Houston worth stopping for? Food specifically, but I will probably need some places to stop just to stretch or walk or something. It’s a 4 hour drive, and there’s not shit around the midpoint. I’d drive straight thru. Probably not what you wanted to hear, but it is what it is.
September 9Sep 9 Find a sleezy bar and get yourself a nice looking side piece. I hear about this a lot in old trucker songs.
September 9Sep 9 5 minutes ago, Updawg said: That drive sucks. Sorry Hope for the bullet train avoid the woodlands / conroe traffic buy a very good radar detector
September 9Sep 9 The rest area in Madison County is better than most. There is a walking trail around the pond on each side of the road. That in and of itself may not be noteworthy, but if you're ever that kind of tired or need a wake up... My only recommendation of eatery, because it's not your run of the mill joint, is Farmhouse, just south of the courthouse in Huntsville. It looks like a dump outside, but the meals are great southern style home cooking. The desserts are worthy of a try. The first time I went, I thought to myself, "I ain't going in there..." but it was highly recommended from a couple of friends. https://farmhousecafetexas.com/menu/ Made this drive a bazillion times. There ain't much of note that's on it. Edited September 9Sep 9 by Iceman
September 9Sep 9 I’ve been making this drive 2 to 3 times a month for a very long time. On my way up it’s usually just Schlotzky’s in Huntsville. But if I leave early enough, and I’m feeling breakfast-y, I’ll go to the Black Walnut Cafe (at the Conroe Airport) www.blackwalnutcafe.com On my way back I usually always stop at Farmhouse Cafe. And I get the catfish almost every time. If I have time after that I’ll head over to the antique stores and look for records. Sometimes I’ll take the back way through Groesbeck, Hearne, etc. Edited September 9Sep 9 by Rip76
September 9Sep 9 Probably the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen in person in my life was behind the counter in the DQ in Buffalo. I actually stopped within 6 feet of the counter and did a 360 looking for the cameras-nope. Early evening shift, but it was 30 years ago. About 18, nearly 6 foot tall, and pure Miss America quality. Good luck with your miserable commutes.
September 9Sep 9 I used to drive it often. If you are close enough to downtown in Houston and close enough to Love field in Dallas, Von Lane is a very nice option.
September 9Sep 9 11 hours ago, msbesq said: Woody’s has excellent beef jerky 1 hour ago, Bill Brasky said: I haven't been there in a while but the answer used to be Woody's in Centerville That's it. Beef jerky and pickled stuff.
September 9Sep 9 Jerry is totally correct. Their food is not good. It is bland af, and the BBQ sauce is terrible.
September 9Sep 9 There's a Texas Burger in almost every major town on that drive, but I can't really recommend it any longer-- last few times it was pretty terrible. I think they merged with Subway and it all went to shit.
September 9Sep 9 22 hours ago, Jameslaw121 said: Looks like with my new role at my job, I'll be driving from Dallas to Houston and back 2-3 a month. Anything outside of DFW and Metro Houston worth stopping for? Food specifically, but I will probably need some places to stop just to stretch or walk or something. Driving Between Houston and Dallas - Don't Do It.
September 10Sep 10 Had to make that drive quite often, especially when I lived in Dallas. I’m a get in the car and go person, I don’t like to stop. If I needed gas, I would stop in Ennis, Centerville, or Madisonville because they are easy on/easy off with things right on 45. Gas/Whataburger in Ennis, aforementioned Woody’s in Centerville, and gas/Buc-ee’s in Madisonville. Good luck with the commute.
September 10Sep 10 16 hours ago, Iceman said: The rest area in Madison County is better than most. There is a walking trail around the pond on each side of the road. That in and of itself may not be noteworthy, but if you're ever that kind of tired or need a wake up... My only recommendation of eatery, because it's not your run of the mill joint, is Farmhouse, just south of the courthouse in Huntsville. It looks like a dump outside, but the meals are great southern style home cooking. The desserts are worthy of a try. The first time I went, I thought to myself, "I ain't going in there..." but it was highly recommended from a couple of friends. https://farmhousecafetexas.com/menu/ Made this drive a bazillion times. There ain't much of note that's on it. Agree with the take on Farmhouse. Really good home cooking.
September 10Sep 10 12 hours ago, Rip76 said: I’ve been making this drive 2 to 3 times a month for a very long time. On my way up it’s usually just Schlotzky’s in Huntsville. But if I leave early enough, and I’m feeling breakfast-y, I’ll go to the Black Walnut Cafe (at the Conroe Airport) www.blackwalnutcafe.com On my way back I usually always stop at Farmhouse Cafe. And I get the catfish almost every time. If I have time after that I’ll head over to the antique stores and look for records. Sometimes I’ll take the back way through Groesbeck, Hearne, etc. Those are some solid looking catfish filets.
September 10Sep 10 Texas Burger in Madisonville. DQ in Centervile for a steak finger basket Texas Burger and DQ in Buffalo DQ in Fairfield Edited September 10Sep 10 by BurntOrange&White
September 10Sep 10 Kolache Depot in Ennis makes a half assed kolache and pig in a blanket. As with many suggestions upthread, it’s only really worth stopping if you need gas or a bathroom break.
September 10Sep 10 Bush's in Fairfield is the only logical answer. The Corsicana store is too far from I-45. And nobody ever really need to go to Groesbeck. Edited September 10Sep 10 by DalTxHornFan
September 10Sep 10 1 hour ago, DalTxHornFan said: Bush's in Fairfield is the only logical answer. The Corsicana store is too far from I-45. And nobody ever really need to go to Groesbeck. tender rolls with gravy go hard
September 10Sep 10 I've only made that drive a few times. If I had to make it for work, I would find a way to use Vonlane because fuck that drive.
September 10Sep 10 28 minutes ago, BurntOrange&White said: tender rolls with gravy go hard And fried livers or gizzards with that gravy @Brisketexan
September 10Sep 10 20 minutes ago, PhillyD said: I've only made that drive a few times. If I had to make it for work, I would find a way to use Vonlane because fuck that drive. Thanks Bobby. See you in the morning on C&F
September 10Sep 10 18 hours ago, SydneyCarton said: Driving Between Houston and Dallas - Don't Do It. Hey, that construction between Huntsville and Corsicana will be finished in, um, 2095?
September 10Sep 10 4 minutes ago, Js1 said: Hey, that construction between Huntsville and Corsicana will be finished in, um, 2095? I don’t care if there’s zero construction and 8 lanes in each direction existing, it’ll still suck.
September 10Sep 10 On 9/9/2025 at 2:50 AM, Iceman said: There is a walking trail around the pond on each side of the road. Just keep an eye on your dog.
September 10Sep 10 18 minutes ago, Js1 said: Hey, that construction between Huntsville and Corsicana will be finished in, um, 2095? from the Woodlands to Huntsville took 20 years...
September 10Sep 10 Author Well... This maybe the most accurate thread on Surly. There is not a god damn thing. Unless I stop and the Prison Museum. @Iceman Thanks for the heads up on the rest area. I think from now on, I'll just bring my dog and a couple of sandwiches and stop there. If anyone else knows a good park or something, I would like to stop and do a 2-3 mile run somewhere when the weather is nice.
September 13Sep 13 On 9/10/2025 at 9:36 AM, Iceman said: from the Woodlands to Huntsville took 20 years... From downtown Houston to the seawall in Galveston, at least one mile of 45 has been under construction since it was named an Interstate. In the 1960s.
September 13Sep 13 1 hour ago, tx 3 putt said: also, who the fuck stops on this trip. foot on the gas and go ! For those of us over 40, its not optional.
September 14Sep 14 Yeah, I can go 3 hours in a truck without taking a leak, but then you're in traffic. No need to press the issue at all.
September 14Sep 14 It’s not reasonable to do every week, but make an effort to do it at least once if you’re making the drive on Thursday or Friday evening: https://leonageneral.com/
September 15Sep 15 23 hours ago, Iceman said: Yeah, I can go 3 hours in a truck without taking a leak, but then you're in traffic. No need to press the issue at all. Never pass up a chance to say to a friend or use the restroom.
September 15Sep 15 On 9/10/2025 at 1:35 PM, next2naus said: if there was a High Speed Rail option..... Agree, I don’t get why Texas doesn’t do this. Flying absolutely sucks these days as does driving due to construction, traffic congestion and/or accidents. Fucking ridiculous.
September 15Sep 15 Woody's >>>> Bucees. That Bucees in Madisonville is a fucking zoo 24/7. We don't bother any more. There's an identical Woody's on each side of the highway in Centerville, so it's easy no matter if you're going north or south. The only other intel I have is that the peach place in Fairfield you see the signs for is bullshit. Basically a glorified gas station, not worth your time. We also ate at Sam's in Fairfield once and the food was trash and the place depressing.
September 15Sep 15 On 9/13/2025 at 10:47 AM, Macanudo said: From downtown Houston to the seawall in Galveston, at least one mile of 45 has been under construction since it was named an Interstate. In the 1960s. Death, taxes, and construction on the Gulf freeway
September 15Sep 15 11 hours ago, Horn80 said: I don’t get why Texas doesn’t do this You know exactly why.... State money for public transportation is socialism O&G lobby runs the state Anything that would be a net benefit for the two biggest cities in the state is immediately shut down by the Lege, because they hate the cities
September 15Sep 15 Get yourself a bladder and hoof it - try to make it in 3.5 hours. Consider it a challenge!
September 16Sep 16 Author On 9/13/2025 at 2:16 PM, tx 3 putt said: also, who the fuck stops on this trip. foot on the gas and go ! On 9/13/2025 at 9:43 PM, Iceman said: Yeah, I can go 3 hours in a truck without taking a leak, but then you're in traffic. No need to press the issue at all. On 9/15/2025 at 9:18 AM, Shot Caller said: Get yourself a bladder and hoof it - try to make it in 3.5 hours. Consider it a challenge! Oh I can definitely make it there and back without any problems. I regularly have to drive to San Angelo, Amarillo, and Lubbock. But a couple of years ago, I realized that I didn't need to rush. I've lived in Texas virtually my whole life and haven't really spent much time seeing Texas rather than driving from point A to point B and back. Last time I was in San Angelo, I detoured on my way back to go through Brownwood - which is kinda mine and @Knoxtnhorn home town. Next time I'm in Amarillo, I'm going to take a couple of extra days and visit Palo Duro Canyon. Want to do the same thing on this Drive, but apparently the State Prison Museum in the lone highlight of this drive.... Edited September 16Sep 16 by Jameslaw121
September 16Sep 16 7 minutes ago, Jameslaw121 said: Oh I can definitely make it there and back without any problems. I regularly have to drive to San Angelo, Amarillo, and Lubbock. But a couple of years ago, I realized that I didn't need to rush. I've lived in Texas virtually my whole life and haven't really spent much time seeing Texas rather than driving from point A to point B and back. Last time I was in San Angelo, I detoured on my back to go through Brownwood - which is kinda mine and @Knoxtnhorn home town. Next time I'm in Amarillo, I'm going to take a couple of extra days and visit Palo Duro Canyon. Want to do the same thing on this Drive, but apparently the State Prison Museum in the lone highlight of this drive....
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