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Sometimes the Destination Isn’t the Point

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Some trips are carefully planned months ahead of time.

This wasn’t one of those trips.

Our Memorial Day weekend journey to San Antonio started with a simple purpose: helping our youngest prepare for an upcoming move to the area for a new job opportunity. Apartment hunting was the priority. Everything else just kind of grew around it.

But somewhere between storm clouds, Tex-Mex, nostalgic candy barrels, vintage cars, shoe shopping, and a drive through a sleepy little Texas town made famous by The Doobie Brothers, the weekend became something more than just an errand.

That seems to happen to us a lot lately.

Dawn’s Take: Storms, Stress, and Passenger Princess Energy

This trip was a mixed bag for me from the very beginning.

I was excited because our youngest is moving back to Texas, which means he’ll finally be closer to home again. That part made me happy immediately. I’m already imagining future weekends where he comes home to visit or we make quick drives to San Antonio to spend time together.

But getting there?

That was another story.

A little liquid motivation always helps to jump-start an early-morning road trip.

We left Houston around 6:30 in the morning, and almost immediately we were chasing storms. Or maybe the storms were chasing us. Either way, I was not enjoying it.

I don’t do great as a passenger most of the time anyway, and when you add blinding rain and interstate traffic, my stress level goes through the roof. I was trying every coping mechanism I know while simultaneously telling Lonnie to “stay ahead of the weather,” which in hindsight was probably not especially helpful.

Thankfully, we made it safely, and the apartment portion of the trip turned out really well.

Once that was finished, I felt like I could finally exhale a little.

We stayed at a three-star rated hotel near the airport that we booked on short notice at Priceline. We picked it mostly because it was a great deal and convenient for a quick overnight trip.

It worked fine for what we needed, although the room felt strangely humid the entire time, the mattresses were not exactly luxurious, and the WiFi connection became a bigger adventure than I expected.

At one point I had to ask the front desk for help connecting to the internet, which made me feel approximately 147 years old.

Also, I remembered my sanitizing wipes this trip, which felt like a personal victory.

I’m learning that part of traveling at this stage of life is figuring out how to make yourself comfortable enough to actually enjoy the experience. I’ve started keeping a little “go bag” of travel toiletries and essentials because it cuts down on the stress of packing.

A little liquid motivation always helps to take the edge off a hectic day.

That may become its own blog post eventually.

Saturday night we revisited Alamo Cafe because we had enjoyed it years ago and remembered loving the atmosphere.

The atmosphere still holds up.

The food? Maybe not quite as much.

Nothing was bad. It just didn’t hit us the way we remembered. But the place still has a fun Texas feel to it with fresh tortillas, fresh chips, lots of large family spaces, and outdoor areas for kids to burn off energy while adults talk. And, a river runs through it…sort of.

By Sunday morning, though, the weather had cleared and I had officially embraced my role as what I now call “Passenger Princess.”

Honestly, I’m kind of attached to the title now.

I’m glad we took the time to find the SAS General Store. It really was a walk down memory lane.

First and foremost, the place has made space to pay tribute to military veterans. Seeing the military wall reminded me, especially on Memorial Day weekend, of our other son’s recent service in the Air Force.

I’m thankful for all he learned and for the man he’s become. He is out now, a veteran getting back into civilian life. But it still reminds me of the sacrifices many families have made.

This store has a lot of Americana throughout, but that was the most meaningful part to this military mom.

Also, the S&H Green Stamps sign caught my eye and brought back a faint little warm memory. I had to text a picture to my mom because it reminded me that back in the day we saved up those stamps.

I think back to the day my parents took my brother and me to redeem them for merchandise. I can’t exactly recall what I got, but I vaguely remember some kind of doll purchased with the stamps I had collected.

(My mom and I laughed because we probably spent far more money earning those stamps than if we had simply bought the item outright.)

Still, it was a fun memory to revisit. The best excursions seem to do that.

As for the primary reason the store exists, I immediately noticed the shoe quality too. These are not bargain outlet shoes pretending to be premium products. They’re expensive, but they’re also extremely well made.

Lonnie’s Take: Rediscovering San Antonio’s Diverse Pop-Culture Heritage

One thing this trip reminded me is how strange nostalgia can be.

I lived in San Antonio from 1982 to 1986. I remember seeing SAS shoes everywhere back then. I remember the stores. I remember the brand.

What I somehow never connected until this weekend was that “SAS” literally stands for “San Antonio Shoemakers.”

Apparently, I was not especially observant in my younger years.

On Sunday, we decided to stop at the SAS General Store and, honestly, it ended up being one of the highlights of the trip.

The stop became even more interesting because we spent some time talking with Joe Contreras Jr., who shared a lot of the history behind the place.

Back in the 1980s, this wasn’t a tourist destination at all. It was simply a working shoe factory. But after a devastating fire destroyed the property in 1998, SAS rebuilt the facility and intentionally turned part of it into something people would actually want to visit.

And they succeeded.

The place is still primarily a shoe store, but it also feels like a small piece of preserved Texas roadside culture.

There are vintage cars. Old signs. Rustic storefronts. Candy barrels filled with nostalgic candy brands. Five-cent popcorn. Twenty-five-cent Coca-Colas.

Joe explained that all of those little details are intentional because they want people to feel nostalgic while they wander around.

And it works.

The candy barrels especially got our attention. You can grab a scoop, fill up a paper bag with old-school candy, and walk away with a surprisingly affordable sugar-fueled memory from childhood.

The place also attracts classic car fans because several vintage vehicles are displayed throughout the property.

What impressed me most, though, was hearing Joe talk about the company culture itself. He’s been there 15 years, but he mentioned many employees have worked there 40 years or longer.

You don’t hear that very often anymore.

Joe proudly explained that SAS uses real leather, focuses heavily on comfort, and even manufactures shoes tied to military contracts in the San Antonio area.

Or as Joe himself put it: “They don’t make your feet stink.”

That may have been the best line we heard all weekend…and, remember, we spent a day with apartment people trying to sell us on the perks of living at their place.

One important note: SAS does apparently offer guided tours of parts of the facility, although it’s best to call ahead regarding availability and possible pricing. We didn’t specifically seek out a tour during our visit, and honestly, you really don’t need one to enjoy the place.

A lot of the fun comes simply from wandering around at your own pace.

A Quick Detour to China Grove

As much as I enjoyed SAS, I couldn’t pass up one final stop.

I’ve been a fan of the The Doobie Brothers since high school, and “China Grove” has always been one of my favorite songs in their catalog. So, when I mentioned to Dawn that we were close to China Grove, we both immediately agreed we had to drive through it.

Part of me expected the town to lean heavily into the song connection somehow.

Maybe a mural. Maybe a welcome sign. Maybe a themed diner or roadside attraction.

Instead, China Grove really is just “a sleepy little town down around San Antone.”

There wasn’t much there beyond a modest city hall building and the neighboring fire station.

And strangely enough, that wasn’t altogether dissatisfying.

Still, at one point we both joked that some entrepreneur could probably build an entire roadside attraction around the Doobie Brothers connection if they wanted to.

But maybe the town simply prefers being left alone.

And, just so you know…we couldn’t find a church or school, much less “…the preacher and the teacher,” who 50 years ago were the talk of the town.

There was something a bit disappointing about that. But we consoled ourselves with a Doobies playlist.

What Worked This Trip…

  • Apartment hunting turned out successful
  • The trip stayed relatively affordable
  • SAS General Store was unexpectedly fascinating
  • China Grove made for a fun little music-history detour
  • The drive home weather was much better than the drive there
  • We managed to turn a practical errand into an actual memory

…And What Didn’t

  • The storms heading into San Antonio were rough
  • The hotel WiFi nearly defeated us
  • The room always felt humid
  • Revisiting an old restaurant favorite didn’t fully live up to memory
  • Gasoline prices continue attacking all travel budgets equally

The “3-3-3” Breakdown

This trip comfortably fit our unofficial “3-3-3” philosophy:

  • Within roughly three hours from Houston
  • Under $300 total
  • Less than 30 minutes to plan

Your exact budget will obviously depend on how much shopping you do at SAS, because those shoes are definitely not discount-priced. But outside of the hotel, meals, and gas, this ended up being a surprisingly affordable little getaway.

And honestly, those are exactly the kinds of trips we’re hoping this blog continues highlighting.

Not luxury travel. Not expensive bucket-list vacations. Just realistic adventures for regular people who want to get out, see Texas, make memories, and maybe discover something unexpected along the way.

More Miles and Smiles Ahead

One unexpected blessing of this trip is realizing we’ll probably be making many more drives into the San Antonio area over the next few years.

And honestly, we’re perfectly okay with that.

The greater San Antonio region is full of day-trip possibilities, quirky roadside stops, music history, Hill Country scenery, small towns, and hidden little destinations that feel perfect for this blog.

So if future Miles and Smiles of Texas posts seem to spend more time in South and Central Texas, now you know why.

There are still plenty of Texas roads left to wander.

And sometimes the destination really isn’t the point.

Texas_State_Railroad

Texas State Railroad: One Ride, Many Experiences

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There’s something about stepping onto a train that makes you expect the past… even if the present keeps sneaking in.

We headed to the Texas State Railroad not entirely sure what we’d get—somewhere between a rugged, old-school rail experience and a polished tourist attraction. What we found was something a little more interesting than either.

The Texas State Railroad isn’t just one experience.  It’s several—depending on where you sit.

Lonnie’s Perspective: A Ride with Options—From Open-Air to Presidential

One of the first things you notice is the range of cars available.

At one end of the spectrum, there’s the open-air car—simple bench seating, fully exposed to the elements, and about as close as you can get to a stripped-down, back-in-time experience.  The windows have been removed.  The seating is bench-style—unpadded (think park bench).

TSR_open_air_car
Texas State Railroad’s open-air car

In the middle, you’ll find cars like the ADA-accessible car, where we spent most of our trip—climate-controlled, quieter, and arranged with individual chairs and tables. There’s also the first-class car, with booth-style seating for up to four passengers around a table.

TSR_First_Class_Car
Texas State Railroad’s First Class Car

At the top end sits the Presidential car, with softer seating and a more curated, relaxed feel.

TSR_Prez_Car
Texas State Railroad’s Presidential Car

What stood out most wasn’t just the train. It was how much your seat changes your story.

Same train. Same track. Same scenery. But a very different experience depending on your choice.

Dawn’s Perspective: Planning, Comfort, and Knowing What to Expect

I approach travel through a lens of preparation and awareness. I tend to plan ahead as much as possible—researching and trying to anticipate what the experience will feel like. I recently found out I’m Level 1 on the autism spectrum, and there are a lot of things that can dysregulate me when I don’t know what to expect.

That leads me to ask questions like:

  • How tight is the seating?
  • What’s the temperature like?
  • How loud will it be?
  • Where are the bathrooms?

After researching, I chose the ADA car for predictability and comfort.

I’m tall and need space to sit comfortably. That’s something I’ll always try to point out—what might or might not work depending on your body type. And, if you have specific concerns—seating, accessibility, sensory issues—never be afraid to ask.

Also, you’ll see a few links throughout this post. Those are items I either wish I had brought or would recommend based on this trip. If you decide to purchase through those links, we may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. But, we never want you to feel obliged to buy any of them. And we’d never recommend anything we wouldn’t use ourselves.

Mostly, those links just help us keep this blog going and continue sharing what we learn along the way.

The Miles and Smiles Breakdown: Good, Bad and Some Things In-Between

Before You Go: Plan Ahead (More Than You Think)

We received a text message the morning of our trip that the depot had a water outage.

That matters.

There’s not much around the depot, so Dawn quickly found a nearby gas station to make a stop beforehand.

Also worth noting:

  • Buy tickets ahead of time (we skipped a long line)
  • Bring snacks in a small bag if desired—but be mindful to keep them out of sight
  • Backpack-style coolers are commonly used (more on that later)

Boarding and First Impressions

Boarding the ADA car requires passing through a concession car selling drinks and snacks.

Inside the ADA car:

Texas State Railroad’s ADA Car

Individual chairs and tables

  • Windows on both sides
  • Air conditioning (a bit chilly on our day)

It felt more like a quiet lounge than a traditional train car—at least initially.

The Reality of Shared Spaces

While the ADA car is quieter, you’re still sharing space.

A few louder passengers made it difficult to hear the narration, which led Dawn to explore the open-air car instead.

Open-Air Car: A Different Kind of Ride

This is where the experience shifts.

The open-air car offers:

  • Bench seating
  • No climate control
  • Full exposure to the elements

On a cool day, it’s enjoyable. On a Texas summer day… that’s a different story.

If we did this again in the heat, we’d come prepared—with a cooling towel.

Moving between cars requires caution:

  • The train sways significantly
  • You must step carefully between cars

Lonnie made the trip back to the ADA car once the train slowed.

A Slower Kind of Travel

We traveled about 60 miles over four hours. That kind of pace changes how you experience time.

We found ourselves wondering what it must have been like to travel this way across the country—days at a time.

It’s not about getting somewhere quickly. It’s about choosing to let time pass on purpose.

The Motion: Relaxing for Some, Not for Others

The movement of the train affects everyone differently.

Dawn could have slept through the ride: “The swaying motion felt like being rocked or on a swing. That’s something I look for when I’m stressed. It was incredibly soothing.”

For Lonnie, it had almost the opposite effect—especially after lunch.

Same motion. Different reactions.

If you’re:

  • soothed by rhythmic movement, you’ll love it
  • prone to motion sickness, come prepared

After lunch, the return trip feels quieter and more relaxed. You’ve already seen the ‘scenery’ on the way over, so there are opportunities for some quiet conversations with your traveling companions, if you’re so inclined.

The Rusk Stop: Picnic or Purchase

The midway stop in Rusk gives you about 80 minutes.

Options include:

  • On-site restaurant (preorder or order there)
  • Picnic-style meals you bring yourself

While coolers aren’t allowed on the train, we noticed many people using backpack-style coolers and enjoying their meals at the stop.

That’s something we’d consider next time.  Especially in light of the fact that navigating the line to order or pick up your lunch takes some time. (Interestingly, the line to order on site was shorter and easier to work through than the line to pick up preorders on our trip.)

There’s a lake near the picnic area, so if you love the water, make time to check it out (but beware: signs warn of alligators in the area!)

The depot also contains a mini-museum area with displays that show the events that shaped the current railway. A theater plays a short video that will tell you more about the history too.

Let’s Talk About the Bathroom

Each car except the open-air car is equipped with a bathroom (and the open-air car has access to the bathroom in the concession car).  But don’t anticipate a luxurious or relaxing experience:

  • Single stall
  • Handrails included

But:

  • The train is moving
  • Balance is required
  • The cleanliness is about what you’d expect on an older train

Hand sanitizer is a must.

What We’d Bring Next Time

Every trip teaches you something.

For Dawn, one big takeaway: “I forgot to bring disinfecting wipes—and I won’t make that mistake again.”

Between the train, shared surfaces, and the water outage, she will usually wipe down handles and surfaces—not because things aren’t cleaned, but for her own peace of mind.

Next time, we’ll bring:

State park experiences are great—but they’re very much “bring what you need.”

The 3-3-3 Rule: Does It Fit?

Under 30 minutes to plan?
Yes—if you’re comfortable with minimal research. The TSR website itself takes less than 30 minutes to navigate. ✅

Under a 3-hour drive?
From most of Southeast, Central, and North Texas—Houston, DFW, Austin, San Antonio, Waco—yes. ✅

Under $300?
For the train alone, absolutely—depending on your seating choice. Add a hotel and it likely exceeds that.
Still, it can be a very budget-friendly experience. ✅

Final Thoughts: Worth It?

This falls into a very specific category for us: “Fun to do… but not something you need to do regularly.”

We’re glad we did it.

Would we go back?

Absolutely:

  • with our granddaughter for a summer ride
  • for the Polar Express experience at Christmas

As Dawn described it: “It was a lovely day, and I’m glad I’ve been. If we go again, I’d try the Presidential car.”

We made a weekend of it. There are plenty of great hotel options in and around Palestine. We book most of our travel through Priceline.com and found a good deal on a great room but saw other options for lodging while there that we might look into for our next trip.

Still, this is also easily a day trip if you want to maintain a budget-friendly experience.

But this trip also sparked something else for us. It made us want to take a true long-distance train trip—something like Amtrak.

There’s something romantically nostalgic about riding the rails that this experience only begins to tap into.

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Have questions about seating, accessibility, or what the experience might feel like for you? Drop them in the comments—Dawn especially loves helping people think through those details before they go.

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If we recommend it, it’s something we’d pack ourselves next time.