by Janis / 0 comments - Orginally published:11th May 2018
Was it all steers and Stetsons?
Yeehaa, all saddled up in our Ford Mustang we headed off on a two-week road trip adventure around Texas & New Mexico.
This trip may have been a few years ago now, however, the memories are still so fresh in our minds.
Gary and I often find ourselves chatting about our previous trips, recalling particularly moments that stand out for us.
Our Texas and New Mexico road trip was no exception. We have narrowed down our high points to share them with you, and hopefully, they tempt you into creating your own adventure, which you can then share with us.
Why not Pin it for later?
Our Memories
These consist of Our Highlights, Our Pleasures, Our Treasures, Things we would do differently, A funny moment, Our Disappointments & and other Points of Note. You can click on a title to jump to that section and then click on that headline to return here
Big Bend National Park
Whenever we embark on an American road trip we always search out the surrounding National Parks & Monuments. In western Texas, we visited Big Bend National Park, with the Rio Grande running along its border to Mexico.
A messa shaped over time
We picked up one of the parks maps and headed for the scenic drives.
some of the roads are paved, and some are dirt tracks, but all surrounded by stunning landscape and incredible views.
The Rio Grande gorge
There's more in our post 'Marathon & Big Bend National Park, Texas'
White Sands National Monument
Almagordo in New Mexico. This National Monument is incredible, although the name gives it away and the landscape is sand, it actually looks like snow. Families even bring along their sledges and slide down the gypsum sand dunes.
So white - The White Sands National Monument
For more check out our post - 'White Sands National Monument'
Did you know?
If you are visiting several National Parks, it is often cheaper to purchase an annual pass, rather than pay at each individual park. The annual pass is currently $80 and allows entrance to the pass holder plus three additional adults.
Stockyards, Fort Worth
Perhaps you could be forgiven for feeling like you have stepped into a wild west film set, but Stockyards in Fort Worth is a bit surreal (but in a good way). If you are visiting here, then you need to immerse yourself into all things cowboy. Watch out for the cattle run through the town; those horns look like they could be painful.
Horns to be proud of
Again, there's more in our post - 'A day at Fort Worth Stockyards, Texas', why not check it out?
Leading the herd
Fredericksburg
This was something I didn’t expect to find, a little bit of Germany in the heart of central Texas.
The very German Fredericksburg
Not only does it have German bäckerei and Biergarten, but it also had a traditional rotating wooden Christmas pyramid.
Dallas Grassy Knoll
A little piece of history, no trip to Dallas would be complete without a thoughtful stroll around Dealey Plaza and Elm Street.
Elm Street in Dallas, Texas
As you probably know it's where JFK was assassinated in November 1963.
Terlingua Ghost Town
near Big Bend NP is Terlingua Ghost Town a once bustling mining town in the mid-1880’s, however, over time the population has dwindled. Now only a handful of people remain along with rusting remnants of the past.
An abandoned car in the Terlingua Ghost Town, Texas
San Antonio
We stayed here for a couple of nights at the beginning of our trip. Full of history, particularly at the mission which was the site of the “Battle of the Alamo” in 1836.
Image CaptionThe Alamo, San Antonio, Texas
The Alamo mission is one of five missions along the San Antonio basin, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2015.
Santa Fe
Our stay in Santa Fe was a little too short. However, we made the most of our time and enjoyed strolling around the charming downtown streets amongst its ochre buildings.
The New Mexico Museum of Art, Santa Fe, New Mexico
Route 66
As this is a road trip we wanted to search out parts of Route 66 that time had now forgotten. It’s sad to see the remnants of the passing of time, but equally so intriguing to imagine how this busy route would once have been.
Whiting Brothers on Route 66, New Mexico
F1 Circuit of the Americas
Wherever we are in the world Gary seems to find a motor racing circuit, whether it’s in a state of disrepair, a small local track or in this case, still being built.
Under construction - The Circuit of the Americas in 2011 - Texas
However, the opportunity didn’t pass us by, and we witnessed its development in its early stages.
We also took the opportunity to have lunch at ‘Wild Bubba’s Wild Game Grill’, not too sure if they had a vegetarian option!!!!
Wild Bubba's, Austin, Texas
Marathon & cemetery
Marathon was our base while we visited Big Bend NP. A very quiet town with not too many folks. It felt like you were intruding by wandering around, but equally fascinating to see the difference in people lives, with the railroad tracks cutting through the middle.
Marathon, Texas
A chance natter with a local, who was watching our curiosity, pointed us the direction of the local cemetery to see its contrasting religious celebrations of the dead.
Little did he know about my fascination with cemeteries.
A vibrant memorial of life, Marathon, Texas
Muffler Man
We couldn’t pass by this chap without stopping.
Muffler Man, Amarillo, Texas
Cadillac Ranch
We have photographic evidence that we were there, after a quick pit stop at Home Depot (my dad would have been proud). We’re armed with our spray cans and head to The Cadillac Ranch. We add our own piece of graffiti to the nose-dived caddies, which probably didn’t last an hour before others added their mark.
The Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo, Texas
We have a bit more in our post - 'The Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo, Texas'
Rodeo
I thought this was going to be very staged, and yes, I know it is to some degree. However, there’s no way I’d want to be thrown around like those guys. Even if I had a clown to help me out.
Bring the beast under control
For more on our rodeo experience checkout our post - 'Stockyards Championship Rodeo, Fort Worth, Texas'
Cowboy boots
Who would say no to a pair of cowboy boots? I certainly couldn’t.
My Cowboy Boots
And to help make your decision smoother, Mavericks even offer you a complimentary beer while deciding.
Mosquero
We came across this little village in New Mexico while heading on to Amarillo, we just couldn’t help ourselves and had to stop. A local project was underway to ‘Paint the Town’ and not just your usual masonry paint, this village of barely 100 people went that extra mile.
Mosquero, New Mexico
Austin, Texas
We only managed to fleetingly visit Austin due to lack of time, so I would love to return one day.
It had to be done...
Now we're going back a few years here, and this road trip took us to Amarillo, Texas.
It seemed only appropriate to blow into town, with the roof down blasting out Tony Christies's '(Is This The Way To) Amarillo. Juvenile, but we enjoyed ourselves.
Formula One at CotA
Not having yet returned to enjoy a Formula 1 experience in the USA.
Useful Info
- Don’t forget your Visa/ESTA and your biometric passport.
- If you are driving in the evening around Big Bend NP watch out for the beady eyes of the local wildlife, they may decide to dart across the road.
- Stockyards Rodeo is only on a Friday & Saturday evening.
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