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Thank you for subscribing to the Texas Heritage Traveler newsletter, a monthly showcase of heritage destinations, events, and unique Lone Star history for the traveling history-lover. Please support the Texas Heritage Trails Program by forwarding this email to family or friends who love to travel or
Tucked into charming downtowns and quiet highways, these hidden gems preserve the state’s science, spirit, and ingenuity one fossil, broadcast panel, and cotton gin at a time. Whether you’re a history buff, road-tripper, or proud Texan eager to see something new, these distinctive small museums share big tales of discovery, innovation, and perseverance found only in the Lone Star State.
In 2026, travelers are looking for more than just places to go—they’re craving experiences that feel intentional, immersive, and uniquely rooted in place.
Here are five big ideas shaping the way we travel, and where to explore them in Texas.
The top 5 most popular stories we published last year are a mix of the tried and true, as well as some unexpected finds. It's never too early to make plans to add these places to your 2026 travel bucket list.
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Nominate a Historic Business
Paris Hatters in San Antonio has been family-owned and operated since 1917, specializing in custom-fitted and custom-shaped hats from brands like Stetson, Resistol, Dobbs, Bailey, and Kangol. Recognized as a Texas Treasure Business in 2013, the shop is run by the family seven days a week, offering customers a truly hands-on, personalized experience.
More than 700 Texas businesses have been honored for their historic significance with a Texas Treasure Business Award. Nominate your longtime favorite today!
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Upcoming Regional Events
Explore Texas by region and uncover the perfect mix of road trips and local getaways. Explore Regions | Texas Time Travel
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Forest Trail Region
Jan. 10: Piney Woods Living History and New Years Ball, Grapeland
Learn what life was like in Texas before 1870 with demonstrations like camp cooking, dance practice, soldier encampments, weapons presentations, blacksmithing, soap making, and much more.
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Brazos Trail Region
Jan. 10: Coffee at Fanthorp Inn, Anderson
Henry Fanthorp was said to serve a cup of coffee so strong that it could bear up an iron wedge! During this program Fanthorp Inn State Historic Site will roast, grind, and brew coffee and its surprising 19th Century alternatives.
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Tropical Trail Region
Jan. 12: The First Winter Texans, Rockport
A compelling installment of the Winter Lecture Series with “The First Winter Texans,” presented by Pam Stranahan, on Monday, January 12, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
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Hill Country Trail Region
Jan. 17: Preserving YOUR History, San Antonio
Join Casa Navarro State Historic Site in learning how you can help preserve the stories of today for the generations of tomorrow. This program explores the importance of oral histories and offers practical guidance on conducting your own interviews with family members. This event is free with regular admission.
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Mountain Trail Region
Jan. 22: Tom Lea’s Twelve Travelers, El Paso
The Magoffin Home State Historic Site, in partnership with the Tom Lea Institute, is pleased to host Tom Lea’s Twelve Travelers Through the Pass of the North, a collection of illustrations depicting significant historical figures who shaped the history of El Paso and the Southwest. Initially published in 1946, these images will be displayed at the Magoffin Home Visitor Center from January through April 2026 as part of the American Sesquicentennial celebration.
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Plains Trail Region
Jan. 24: Cattle Barons of the Texas Panhandle, Clarendon
Many viewed this area as barren land, unfit for life or industry—but cattle barons saw endless possibilities. Charles Goodnight, Alfred Rowe, Thomas Bugbee, Henry Sanborn, and John V. Farwell, among others, recognized its potential. Join
Charles and Mary Ann Goodnight Ranch State Historic Site for another edition of Frontier Voices, as we explore the stories of men who shared a dream that led to the rise of cattle ranches and a community of cowboys who came to call this region home. This FREE program will be followed by a self-guided tour of the historic Goodnight Home.
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Lakes Trail Region
Jan. 26: Texas Liberator: Witness to the Holocaust, Denison
Join Eisenhower Birthplace State Historic Site as The Texas Liberator: Witness to the Holocaust tells the story of some of the U.S. soldiers who liberated the concentration camps in Europe at the end of the Second World War. The Texas Liberator provides background on the Second World War, a history of the Holocaust and the Liberation, and a series of free-standing panels, each honoring a Texas Liberator. This exhibit is presented during Holocaust Remembrance Week.
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Independence Trail Region
Feb. 1: Houston Children's Festival & Camp Expo, Sugarland
Come out to the 1st Annual Festival & Camp Expo. This is a free family event packed with fun activities and a chance to find summer camps & family resources. Register now for unlimited fun in the Fun Zone, character visits with Bluey/Chase/Stitch, a super bouncy bounce park, a candy hunt, carnival games, and tons of other activities.
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