On the road: A Few Texas State Parks

February 2024

We took advantage of mild and dry weather in late February to make a short four-day journey to central and east Texas to visit three state parks we had never camped at before. It was so nice to get out of our rut at home and do a little exploring.

Our first stop was the first state park established in Texas, Mother Neff, named to honor Governor Neff's mother. It is a small park that opened in 1937 and was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression. Many Texas state parks have structures so well built by the CCC that they are still in use today.

Rock Tower

Rock Shelter labeled as a "cave" on the park map

bell used to summon CCC workers

the backside of a Little Free Library in the park - "I love Smokey Bear!"

After leaving Mother Neff State Park, we drove through Waco and saw a few interesting examples of architecture.

Grand Masonic Lodge of Texas in Waco, built in the late 1940s and quite grandiose

Coryell County Courthouse in Gatesville

In 2008, Texas Monthly magazine published a list of the 40 best small-town cafes in Texas. We keep the list in our glove compartment and visit them when we happen to pass through the towns on the list. We prefer to eat at locally owned eateries instead of chain restaurants so we can support the local economies. One of them is Coffee Cup Cafe in McGregor. Good service and a yummy breakfast. Our servers graciously allowed me to take a photo of his shirt.

amusing marker at the entrance to the cafe

Our next camping destination was near Mexia ...

Sunset and full moon views from our campsite overlooking Fort Parker Lake

On to the Piney Woods of east Texas . . . and time to relax in our camp chairs while watching the pine trees sway and hear the wind sighing in the treetops.

We have a sticker on the back window of our van that states "Take the Long Way Home" so as is our usual custom, we did not take the direct route home, but passed through Kilgore and Nacogdoches.