Ask K.Co: Family Trips Near Houston

Ask K.Co is our travel advice column, where we respond to your questions about road trips, art adventures, under-the-radar travel and more!

A reader writes:

I’m interested in a place to visit for a day trip from Houston, with family-friendly things to do that aren’t solely focused on young children. We enjoy good food, scenery and learning about local history.

Our Answer:

Corsicana is a great option for you and your family! Located in Central Texas, approximately 2.5 hours from Houston and a straight shot down I-45, Corsicana has a charming and walkable downtown with restaurants and coffee options; an arts bookstore and a comics store, and a brand-new park to explore.

Corsicana also holds an important place in Texas history. You may know about the famous Corsicana fruitcake and the the Collin Street Bakery, but did you also know that the recipe for Wolf Brand Chili was developed there in 1895, by a 12-year old named Lyman Davis?

If you are looking for some scenery with your history, the newly opened GW Jackson Park is a beautiful, public green space that is part of the GW Jackson Multicultural Society, named for a revered local educator and principal. The society collects and preserves the contributions of African Americans in the Corsicana community.

Visit the park and see Jackson’s statue as part of the self-guided Corsicana Bronze Statue Tour, located in and around downtown. See statues that honor Jimmy Grimmett of Collin Street Bakery, Kaiser Bill, the canine inspiration behind Wolf Brand Chili, musician William Orville “Lefty” Frizzell and Jose Antonio Navarro, a Texas Founding Father and the county’s namesake, along with many others.

Happy road tripping and enjoy the journey!

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On the Road: Dallas to Shreveport

Road tripping between Dallas and Shreveport? There’s so much to see along the way when you take time to leave the Interstate.

Edom

A colorful roadside scene in Edom, Texas.

Detour through Ben Wheeler and Edom for coffee and treats at Lanei’s BakeHouse followed by a short art stroll through Edom’s quirky galleries and shops. No time to stop and browse? There’s plenty of colorful curb appeal to enjoy.

Kilgore

Icons of the Texas oil boom can be seen up close and personal in Downtown Kilgore.

Kilgore offers a little slice of Texas history in an easy to access main street area positioned close to I-20. An original Texas oil town, downtown Kilgore is covered with oil derricks to see up close and personal, along with the historic facades of the Crim and Texan theaters. Close to lunchtime? Stop at Brigitta’s for an authentic Hungarian meal.

Longview

A pretty scene in downtown Longview.

Across the Interstate, downtown Longview is home to Silver Grizzly Espresso and the independent bookstore Books & Barrels. Books and coffee — two great ways to fuel up for the home stretch into Louisiana!

Shreveport

"Art," a giant Dalmatian sculpture, guards the Shreveport Regional Arts Council building in downtown Shreveport.

When you arrive in Shreveport, be sure to wave hello to "Art" the Dalmatian sculpture and enjoy the many murals on the city’s downtown walls.

Looking for things to do once you're in Shreveport? Check out our Creative City Guide to Shreveport!

New Books Announcement: Frontiers

We are excited to kick off our 2023 publishing schedule with the announcement of "Frontiers." our first 2023 release!

Downtown Colorado City, Texas

“Frontiers” is an overview of the Texas panhandle and plains regions. From frontier architecture in Albany to the canyons of Post and Lubbock, to historical sites along the Red River; remnants of industry in the plains and thriving industries in the Permian Basin, this hardcover coffee table book explores the diversity and interest of an area that lives large in Texas lore. (May 2023)

It will include scenes captured in pursuit of other books, and has inspired visits to new places as well.

"Frontiers" will be a hardcover travel coffee table book, 100+ pages, and retail for $65. Bulk ordering will be available, with discounts for orders of more than ten copies. Contact us for more information, or join our newsletter list for cover reveals, notes from the road and other info. Read the official press release here.

"Frontiers" is the first of three planned 2023 releases.