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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
Communities across the nation are commemorating America250, the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. While many celebrations will focus on the nation's founding, the anniversary also offers an opportunity to reflect on the people, places, and events that shaped the country we know today.
Summer in Texas arrives with unrelenting heat, loosened routines, and the perfect excuse to slow down and make lasting memories. It also brings cravings for classic American fare burgers hot off the grill, hand-dipped ice cream, flaky pie, and ice-cold drinks. As you plan your next road trip or wander off the beaten path, consider seeking out these time-honored treats at historic Texas Treasure Businesses and hometown favorites.
Alpine is the second stop on the Smithsonian Institution's six-city Texas tour. The Smithsonian will open July 3 and will be hosted at the Museum of the Big Bend on the Sul Ross State University campus at 400 N. Harrison St. through August 9. The exhibit will be open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.
During its time in Alpine, the Smithsonian will be presented alongside the local companion exhibit, The Big Bend’s Legacy of Innovation, which highlights the people, industries, and creative spirit that have shaped Alpine’s role as a hub of innovation and culture in Far West Texas. Opening day on July 3 will include a public launch event from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., featuring an opening reception with food, drinks, and live music. The event coincides with Alpine’s Independence Day celebration, offering visitors and residents an opportunity to explore the exhibit as part of the community’s holiday activities.
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Nominate a Historic Business
Family owned since 1956, Gueldner Electric Company has provided trusted residential, commercial, and industrial electrical services to the San Antonio area for three generations. While the company has evolved with the industry by offering modern services like EV charger installations and smart home wiring, one of its favorite claims to fame is helping light up the iconic Budweiser Clydesdales for Fiesta, a memorable reminder of its long-standing ties to the community and one of San Antonio's most beloved traditions.
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
Exploring Texas regionally is a great way to plan your travel across the state or organize day trips if you are staying in one community for several days. Click here to see all regions Explore Regions | Texas Time Travel
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Plains Trail Region
July 1-31: TEXAS Outdoor Musical, Canyon
Set against an authentic tapestry of history, the show’s fictional characters bring to life the stories, struggles, and triumphs of the settlers of the Texas Panhandle in the 1800s. Show runs Tuesday through Sunday.
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Independence Trail Region
July 1-August 30: A Vintage Wedding Exhibit, Spring
Step back in time and explore the beauty and tradition of weddings through the decades. This special exhibit features exquisite vintage wedding dresses, historical wedding photographs, antique wedding gifts, and precious wedding keepsakes and documents from bygone eras. Museum is open Thursday-Saturday 10 a.m-5 p.m. and Sundays 1-4 p.m.
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Mountain Trail Region
July 3-August 9: Spark! Places of Innovation, Alpine
On view at the Museum of the Big Bend in Alpine, this exhibit dives into innovation and invention happening in rural America. In small towns across the country, people are creating new products, taking risks, meeting challenges together, and seizing exciting opportunities that shape local life—and sometimes reach far beyond.
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Brazos Trail Region
July 10: Fiddlers Faith & Frontier Communities, Salado
The program, led by Texas historian Kurt Terry and Scottish fiddler Colin MacLeod, blends frontier storytelling, music, faith traditions, and cultural exploration from the Scots settlers in Salado across the Southwest frontier. Admission is $10 per person.
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Hill Country Trail Region
July 11: Camp Bexar Cocina, San Antonio
Bring history to the table this summer at Casa Navarro State Historic Site's Camp Bexar Cocina. Families are invited to experience San Antonio’s culinary past through a hands-on cooking series on July 11 and July 25.
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Tropical Trail Region
July 11: Veterans: Then and Now, McAllen
Join the McAllen Heritage Center for a special event dedicated to honoring the brave men and women who have served our country, ensuring the freedoms we cherish today. "Veterans Then & Now" invites all local veterans, regardless of age or rank, to participate in a heartfelt tribute through a complimentary photoshoot and an optional interview session.
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Forest Trail Region
July 18: Old Eighteen Defense: Tactical Biathlon, Palestine
A competitive run-and-shoot race combining endurance and marksmanship, participants navigate a set course carrying rifle and pistol, completing timed shooting stages along the way.
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Pecos Trail Region
July 21: 2026 Summer Movie Series, Midland
The Bush Family Home State Historic Site will host its 1950s summer movie series. This year’s theme is sci-fi movies. Four sci-fi movies from the 1950s will be shown in the backyard of the home. All guests are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and snacks. Each event will be from 7:30-10 p.m.
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Lakes Trail Region
July 27: The American Revolution Experience, Denton
From July 27-August 12, the Denton County Courthouse-on-the-Square Museum will host a special traveling exhibition, The American Revolution Experience, in partnership with the Flower Mound Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
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