Hi all. One more time looking here for tips and suggestions. Planning to visit Texas this time. Trip to Florida was accomplished successfully a year ago, snowy roads and deep freeze of New England were explored early this year and it's about time to hit another extreme - Lone Star heat

I have a week of training in Florida in mid June after that I will go to Houston. It's a bit of a drive and I would like to hear how would you do it? Especially this leg

 

I do a similar drive every summer for work,as well. I work for the National Park Service and drive to Austin from western NC. I take the southern route down to I-10.

I always turn it into a stop as many times as possible thing. I also look for REALLY awesome restaurants along the way to stop at. I always give myself several days just to kick back and enjoy it. I love driving, so all the stopping and going really does not bother me.

For your trip though, definitely check out some of the little parks in central FL like Silver Springs and whatnot. Also, enjoy as much seafood as humanly possible along the Gulf Coast because the only fishy dish in TX is catfish. Houston may give you more options, but I live in Charleston, SC and like my seafood within eyesight of the ocean. Haha. A trip to NO is also necessary.

 

I have driven from ny to Texas and back a few times in my mini... Fun drive... I usually drive to Virginia and stop then to Tennessee and stop then tepake it on into tejas... If I'm really feeling up to it I'll drive all the way to tennessee and take a little rest then all the way in. But if your looking to go to Florida first I'm not sure haha

 

Au contraire, my fine friend. Houston has the best seafood available anywhere (besides Chesapeake Bay). Check out Capt Bennies while you are in Houston. Guaranteed a winner!
Can't speak for the FL to TX route... I come in from the opposite direction. My wife and I visit Houston 3-4 times a year. For an "I can't believe this!" experience, visit Spec's main location at 2410 Smith St. An entire city block of the most extensive wine (160,000 bottles on hand). liquor, gourmet grocery you will ever see. And a well stocked humidor, if you are so inclined.

 

Sorry can't give you much advise on the drive but you should take a day away from Houston and go visit Galveston, it is only about an hour and a half from there. For some really good seafood go checkout Fisherman's Wharf (right by the cruise ship terminals) or Fish Tales (right across the street from the seawall). Also visit the strand lots of cool little shops with a kind of old timey feel to it, Galveston has a lot of cool history if you are into that check it out before you leave maybe you will discover something that you find interesting.

 

If you are looking for seafood and don't mind spending a bit, Reef is damn near impossible to beat(does require a reservation due to popularity though). I'd say skip Galveston, unless you are going for the history cause the beach is just gross. If you're a beer fan hit up the St. Arnold's brewery for their tour.
http://www.reefhouston.com/
http://www.saintarnold.com/

 

Yes Galveston beaches are not pretty, especially when you are going to be coming from Florida. How long will you be in Texas? and what kind of things are you looking to do while here? Houston has a mini club go to http://www.hmms.org/ I am sure there are plenty of people there who can help guide you. As far as the drive, once you pass Florida the scenery will not change much, I-10 will probably be your fastest route this part of the country is very flat and I don't think there will be too many twisties for you to find. Let us know what you are looking to do once you arrive and we can help much more.

EDIT:
I forgot about http://www.minifundrives.com when it gets closer you can check it out and see if they have any events scheduled for the time that you will be in town.

 

Also, what part of town will you be staying in? Makes a difference when it comes to recommendations on places to go.