The 2026 Southwest USA Road Trip (page 2 of 5)

Instead of a "little house on the prairie," here we are at the big Dallas Ranch—it’s not bad for "remember" moments either! 😄 Thanks, Michel

Monday, August 3rd.

On the way to Houston!

It’s time to hit the road again and head down to Houston, more specifically the Seabrook neighborhood. And when you say Seabrook, you’re automatically talking about being close to the water... and the Gulf of Mexico! 🌊 But before reaching our destination, we had to make a stop in Waco, a city unfortunately known for some episodes in American history.

That’s where we stumbled upon a museum we hadn’t planned to visit at all. I came across it by chance while planning our route from France: the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame & Museum. https://www.texasranger.org/Pages/Research-Center.

It’s not huge, but it’s packed with local history. The museum covers nearly two centuries of Texas Rangers history through weapons, uniforms, artifacts, documents, artworks, and other testimonies of this now-legendary Texas institution. And for fans of Wild West stories, there’s plenty to see: the Rangers, outlaws, key figures of the Texas frontier... not to mention a few pieces tied to Bonnie & Clyde. The museum opened in 1968, with the Hall of Fame added in 1976. It’s now located by the Brazos River, near Interstate 35, making it an easy stop to include in a road trip. Long story short, a random discovery that turned out to be a really great surprise. 👍 If you’re passing through Waco, take the little detour—it’s totally worth it!

Off to Seabrook, Houston!

Our base near Houston, specifically in Seabrook, will once again be a Quality Inn. With, of course, the usual breakfast... which, after a while, might start to get a bit boring!

To be precise, the hotel we had booked was the La Quinta Inn Fort Worth Arlington West, at 8250 Anderson Boulevard, Arlington, Texas.

A pretty nice hotel, quiet, and especially well-located... well, relatively speaking! It overlooks a busy urban road with a central lane. Five lanes, just like that! As is often the case in the U.S., the best-located hotels quickly become expensive. This one will cost us 225 € for two nights. Okay... it’s manageable, let’s say.

After dropping off and unpacking our luggage a bit, an essential question arises: where are we going to eat dinner? I had spotted a restaurant not too far away, right by the water: The Barge 295 On paper, it seemed like it would be great.

We arrive at the dock and are quickly taken care of by the staff. I even choose the upstairs... before quickly changing my mind!

The noise, the wind, the blasting music, and a huge fan that looked like it came straight out of a bayou episode... Not for us.

So, we turn around and head back downstairs, where we finally find a high table. It’s also worth remembering that in the U.S., people eat early, and everything closes pretty quickly. No time to linger at the table until the wee hours like we might do back home.

Okay, a seafood restaurant by the water: this should work! For my waistline. Except... It’s heavy, greasy, and filling, and even the oysters are huge! So much so that we won’t finish our plates completely.

And of course, no doggy bag for me. It’s not really my thing, unlike our American friends who’ve long embraced the principle: "It’s good, but there’s some left? Into the box it goes!"

In the end, with wine, two starters, and two mains, the bill comes to around 190 €. Ouch! We leave with our stomachs full... and probably enough reserves to last a good week!

Let’s just say we’ll have to watch what we eat for the next few meals... because after this one, the bar is already set pretty high! No photos, since I never photograph what I eat. Or drink.

Tuesday, August 4th. It’s five in the morning when I wake up.

I get dressed quietly, grab my camera gear, and off I go. Heading toward the sea... or at least a piece of the sea. After the rather heavy meal from the night before, a little walk definitely won’t hurt!

Time to check my route on the GPS, and I’m off on an adventure, shooting randomly in the still-sleepy streets, all while dreaming of this so unique America.

Not a soul outside. Well, almost. I keep walking and eventually reach the end of the world.

Well... the end of the road, really. In front of me, water, the horizon, and that strange feeling of having arrived somewhere no one comes to bother you.

And then the sun starts to rise.

In the East. Yeah, well, the blond guy hasn’t managed to change that yet. 😎

The atmosphere is pretty magical. The sky slowly brightens, the water starts taking on the first colors of the day, and in the distance, I spot a woman who’s also come to enjoy the show.

Like me, she seems to have come to meditate in front of the sunrise. No need to talk. Everyone has their own little moment of peace facing the horizon.

Vibe. And most importantly... not too many barking dogs. That’s already a win!

Tuesday, August 4th. After a warm-up stroll and an ordinary breakfast, we set off for Space Center Houston, just ten minutes away by car. The doors open at 10:00 AM, and the parking lot is already pretty full. A nice line has formed outside the main building entrance. Ouch!

Well, no—actually, everything moves quickly. Security check, souvenir photos (not mandatory), then stopping by the front desk to pay for parking since, of course, the app isn’t working. Clearly, I’m not the only one in this situation, which makes me feel a little better!

The main hall is huge, with lots of exhibits and presentations, gift shops, a cafeteria, and—of course—the restrooms too!

After getting a quick look around, we hop on a little train that takes us across the vast Space Center grounds to visit the Apollo mission control center. It’s on the top floor of a pretty tall building. Two options: elevator or stairs. We go for the stairs. Brave, but we have no idea how many miles we’ll rack up during this trip...

The guided tour is fantastic. Photos are allowed, you can take your time, and everything’s great. Standing in this historic place, where the Apollo missions were monitored, is pretty impressive.

Then it’s back to the main hall to wander around some more, pick up a few souvenirs, and—most importantly—eat.

A funny little thing, though. At the cafeteria, some dishes are ordered at the counter, while sandwiches, pastries, and drinks are self-service in refrigerated display cases. You help yourself calmly, then pay at a kiosk separate from the main cashier. No checks. Can you imagine the same thing in France?

After that, we take the little train again to see a Saturn-series launch vehicle. It’s lying down in a massive hangar all to itself. I knew it’d be big, but wow—this thing is *huge*!

You really have to stand next to it to grasp its size. In photos, you know it’s enormous. In person? It’s a whole different story.

We meet a very friendly French family there and swap travel stories. I highly recommend they visit Yellowstone for their next trip. When you love a place that much, you’ve got to pass on the good tips!

We wrap up the site visit around 4:30 PM.

I’d planned to head down to the Gulf of Mexico afterward to see the ocean. But after waking up at 5:00 AM and already walking quite a bit—our daily average ended up being 15 kilometers over the trip—I skip that option and decide to head straight back to the hotel.

Back to the room.

And a nap. A restorative one, that is.

For dinner, I found an Italian restaurant not far from the hotel: Frenchie’s Villa Capri. A quick drive and we’re seated in a really pleasant spot, originally started by an Italian immigrant and now run by his daughter. Born in Capri—that’s where the restaurant’s name comes from. Well, of course! We chatted for quite a while with this charming woman, who was clearly happy to talk with some French folks. One of those little unexpected moments that add so much charm to a trip.

The setting is truly enchanting, right by the water, with plenty of space for weddings, receptions, and other family gatherings. Big parking lot, nice facilities, and in August, not too crowded. Perfect just the way it is!

As for the bill, about 150 € for two. For the U.S. and this kind of place, it’s still reasonable. But we won’t be eating like this every day—gotta keep it real!

The food is definitely Italian-inspired, but with a little extra American flair in terms of richness and heaviness. It’s a bit of a shame because with a lighter touch, it would’ve been really excellent.

But for the setting, the welcome, the chat with the owner, and the overall vibe, Frenchie’s Villa Capri is absolutely worth the detour.

A lovely way to end a day spent among rockets: after brushing shoulders with the stars, back down to Earth for a great Italian meal.

Wednesday, August 5, 2026.

We're leaving Houston for San Antonio after a short stay because, aside from the Space Center, there isn’t much to see in Houston. I might have missed the Aviation Museum, but since the one in Tucson is on the itinerary, I don’t really have any regrets. After talking it over with the French family we met at the Space Center, I’m taking the northwest route toward Austin, the capital of Texas, with the goal of visiting its famous Capitol. And while leaving Houston is exhausting due to insane traffic, the drive to Austin is really pleasant. It’s lined with huge ranches with land so lush and green it’s hard to believe. With temperatures hitting 38–40°C (100–104°F), it’s tough to imagine such green grass instead of a sun-scorched desert. For reference, every U.S. state has its own Capitol, which houses its legislative branch. In Texas, the Senate has 31 senators, and the House of Representatives has 150 members. And these Texas lawmakers fiercely defend their state’s independence from federal power and Washington D.C.. There’s a covered, free parking lot right next to the Capitol, which is super convenient. Alright, it’s time to clean up the desk, so… I’ll be back later.

Wednesday, August 5, 2026. We're leaving Houston after a short stay because, aside from the Space Center, there isn't much to see in Houston. .😉

The must-see spot in Houston, which is also free, is what’s called the "Rothko Chapel": an octagonal, ecumenical chapel surrounded by monochrome paintings… being there, in the silence surrounded by canvases that resonate, is a truly unique experience…

Wednesday, August 5, 2026. We're leaving Houston after a short stay because aside from the Space Center, there isn’t much to see in Houston. .😉

The must-see spot in Houston, which is also free, is what’s called the "Rothko Chapel": an octagonal, ecumenical chapel surrounded by monochrome paintings.....just being there, in the silence surrounded by canvases that resonate, is a truly unique experience.......

I see, I see... You know, chapels aren’t really my thing 😉

Alright, weekly office deep-clean done and everything’s good to go! Gotta make sure everything’s clean before Shabbat, or else I’ll have the wrath of heaven raining down on me and the fires of Hell devouring me whole! Wouldn’t want that to happen! 😅 So here we are in Austin, right in front of its famous Capitol. We stopped by the Visitor Center where the welcome was warm, had some nice chats with the staff, then crossed the park—packed with squirrels—before heading into the building. A grand old structure with its almost-traditional dome. Security check at the entrance, then a self-guided tour. There’s a bit of monitoring at key spots, but the vibe stays pretty chill, and you can wander around the public areas at your own pace. Once the visit was over, we hit the road again toward San Antonio.

Hey there,

Really interesting and unusual this latest trip to some off-the-beaten-path spots!

The weirdest part was the flat-screen TV in the "Dallas" lounge, right?? I even looked for the microwave in the kitchen... but nope, nada.

See you soon for the next part. Jean.

Hey there,

Really interesting and unique, this latest trip to some off-the-beaten-path spots!

The weirdest part wasn’t it that flat-screen TV in the "Dallas" living room??? I also looked for the microwave in the kitchen... but nope.

See you for the next part. Jean.

😉

After a formal visit to the Texas State Capitol, we hit the road again for San Antonio. 130 km, about 2 hours with the coffee break. Nothing much to report, except for the road conditions. For nearly 130 km, it’s just construction and detours, with trucks zooming past concrete barriers at full speed. Tense vibes! And most of all, for 130 kilometers, it feels like we’re driving through one giant industrial zone: factories, mega-stores, car dealerships, and all the usual signs, with the inevitable massive US flag flying overhead—just so you don’t miss it! In short, 130 km of stress. They repair roads in August, just like back home. Some traditions really are universal!

We’re arriving at our hotel in San Antonio. It’ll be the La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Antonio, 100 West Cesar Chavez Boulevard, San Antonio, TX 78204, USA. Plus, we’ve got a junior suite. Nice! Great location, just a few minutes from downtown. It’s still so hot!

Once we’re settled, we rush to see what we absolutely must before closing: the Alamo site. The Alamo Mission is right in the city center, surrounded by tall buildings and closely monitored by law enforcement. I’ll take a few pictures and come back tomorrow morning at dawn for a different, probably quieter, perspective.

A facade, a corner with the Davy Crockett statue, a few cannons, and a tiny chapel—that’s basically what the Alamo looks like architecturally. Historically, though, it’s a whole different story.

The models really help you understand the strategic situation of this former mission and, above all, show just how little the current site reflects what the whole place was like during the famous battle.

Another moment of history, right in the heart of the city.

Thanks for this reassuring account—I was wondering if it was still possible to consider road trips after 70! Just a quick question: why travel in August when you have the option (I assume) to go outside of school holidays?

I get why they drink so much coffee—there’s not a drop of caffeine in it. Cool

Don’t be so sure! From what I know—and I don’t think I’m wrong here—the longer the coffee is brewed, the more caffeine it has. So, on the flip side, you can drink espressos without worrying too much. 😉

Thanks for this reassuring account—I was wondering if it was still possible to consider road trips after 70. Just a quick question: why travel in August when you have the option (I assume) to go outside school holidays?

For us, no choice. I didn’t say we could travel outside school holidays, by the way. We both still work—my wife in the arts and me as a self-employed consultant. So for now, no off-peak trips longer than a week.

Best,

I get why they drink so much coffee—there’s not a drop of caffeine in it. Cool

Don’t be so sure! From what I know—and I don’t think I’m wrong here—the more diluted the coffee, the more caffeine it has. So, on the flip side, you can drink espressos without worrying too much. 😉

Fair enough. Either way, their weak coffee isn’t really my thing. 😉

Thursday, August 6th.

I hurry to get dressed—it’s still really early, and I rush to Alamo to catch some night views or shots with the breaking dawn.

The place is still under local and state police surveillance. They don’t mess around here. And by the way, hardly any homeless people in the area.

Just got back from the Alamo, grabbed breakfast, and now heading to the Missions along the San Antonio River. We’ve seen the Alamo—four more to discover.

These missions were established by Franciscan monks to Christianize the local populations—let’s not mince words—essentially poor farmers they sought to convert while integrating them into a new way of life.

Along the way, the missions also helped develop agriculture and, most importantly, optimize water management through an extensive irrigation system. The ideas were good... well, almost. Because behind the agricultural and social organization lay the clear goal of converting and acculturating Indigenous peoples.

It’s worth noting that, among the three major Abrahamic religions, two have historically practiced proselytism and sought to convert new populations, sometimes by force.

A mission, in the end, was a closed space: a nearby river or water source, buildings for sleeping, working, and trying to live, farmland to cultivate, and, of course, a chapel at the heart of it all.

Here, in one of these missions, I also learned something interesting: American cowboys owe part of their history to Mexican *vaqueros*, from whom they adopted cattle-herding, riding, and livestock-driving techniques.

“Imported” is actually a strong word, because we mustn’t forget one key detail: before becoming American, Texas was Mexican.

As often happens in history, what’s presented today as a quintessentially American tradition has much older and more blended roots.