Texas Highways Magazine August 2022

This issue marks the fourth consecutive year we have devoted our August edition to small town Texas. Along with our annual list of Small Towns to Visit Now, we visit 15 mom and pop shops to augment your next road trip. Deputy Editor Michael Hoinski proposed the story after we ran last year’s feature on Buc-ee’s. It got him thinking about what constitutes a convenience store and some of the lesser-known but memorable independent businesses that cater to locals and travelers alike. The nine writers who contributed to the 26-page story collectively spend months every year traveling the state, and we only had to twist their arms a little to persuade them to share their favorite under-the-radar spots. Our original list of Small Towns to Visit Now included Uvalde as one…

my eyes are not large enough to weep this griefmy arms are not wide enough to hold this griefmy tongue is not wise enough to soothe this griefmy heart my sometimes infinite heart is not enoughthis time i don’t know where mothers hold their griefor fathers or children or friends or neighbors or evenstrangers who in this shared hurt are no longer strangersour chests are not large enough can’t hold this roiling ofheat of fire of confusion this churning of fear of rawnessof emptiness are tears enough are flowers enough are songs enoughare gifts enough are condolences enough are prayers enoughnone of us are strong enough to bear this aloneone grief touches another one hurt touches anotherone loss touches another one absence touches anotheralways linking we bring what we can hold what we…

As you explore, you’ll find an amazing range of relaxation and adventure, natural beauty and urban culture, fine art, fine dining, small-town charm and big-city amenities… but what you will remember most is the warm, West Texas hospitality. MIDLAND–Drop by Midland’s trendy downtown for a cocktail, luscious pizza, stylish shops or a game of chess in Centennial Park. There is no end to what downtown has to offer. visitmidland.com Aug 25-28 - Midland County Fair Sep 10-11 - SeptemberFest FORT STOCKTON–Lodging, Dining, Entertainment and History. Experience our Visitor Center, Historic Sites, Museum, Fort Grounds, Golf Course, and Unique Shopping, West Texas style. historicfortstocktontx.com Sep 18 - Fort Stockton Community Theatre Barrio Fest Oct 15 - Big Bend Open Road Race ALPINE–Natural beauty, unique nightlife and shopping, and a grand array of hotels and guest lodging make this the…

While editing the now-defunct Directions: The Magazine of the Texas Hill Country, Anthony Head heard about a model terra-cotta army at a venue in a Houston suburb and made a note to visit. Though the army’s original venue, Forbidden Gardens, shuttered before he could see it, the San Marcos-based writer finally got the chance to visit the statues at amusement center Lucky Land for “Guarding Eden” (Page 26). The story focuses mainly on the terracotta army, but much of the park features creations of owners Nida and Jack Lee. “Some of these exhibits are hard to explain,” Head says. “One area consists of statues—think robots or Transformers—made from recycled car parts. And then there are about a dozen large-scale, whimsical painted backdrops, which make for one-of-a-kind, goofy photos. I defy…

Dalia Azim Azim wrote of her family bonding after a tragedy at Possum Kingdom Lake in “Thicker Than Water” (Page 14). “The lake is a place I have experienced through different seasons and stages of life,” the Austin-based writer says. “It was moving to reflect on all of the time I have spent there.” Azim has written for The Washington Post, American Short Fiction, Aperture, and more. Country of Origin, published in April, is her first book. She is the manager of executive initiatives at the Blanton Museum of Art. Iliana Galvez For the Uvalde poem by writer-at-large ire’ne lara silva on Page 2, Galvez created an illustration dedicated to the victims of the Uvalde shooting. “I thought about the town and the oak trees that it’s known for,” the Denver-based artist says.…

This is so beautiful in every way. I would recreate this group for girls all around Texas. What a wonderful father. @georgiabluedesign Distant Relatives Oh man [“Root to Stem, Nose to Tail,” June], I could get lost in these meals. Cindy Ward Shared Heritage This is incredible [“We’re Still Here,” June]. Thank you for sharing their story, and power to the Karankawa people. @robynpost Family Tradition I remember my dad and grandpa putting salt in their beers back in the day [“A Dash’ll Do Ya,” June]. @kgrovetx Country Living I was born in Perryton and lived there till we moved away when I was 9 [“My Hometown: Perryton,” June]. I remember huge snowdrifts. It was a great place to be a kid back in the ’40s and ’50s. Sue McGregor, Perryton Feeling Salty “A Dash’ll Do Ya” by Anthony Head [June] reminded me of an…