You know that Texas is known for its cowboy culture, great food, and beautiful scenery, but did you know there are also some special places you can visit? In this article, We’ll show you five uncommon places in Texas where you can experience something out of the ordinary.
Texas has some amazing sights that you should see. From an oddities store to a legendary granite dome, these are the five unique places in Texas to Visit:
1. Uncommon Objects Store
This store is worth your visit if you want something out of the ordinary. Uncommon Objects is a store located in Austin, Texas, where you can find antiques, memorabilia, and a host of oddities and collectibles. It describes itself as “a one-of-a-kind emporium of transcendent junk that you see before you.”
Uncommon Flea
Uncommon Objects hosts a flea market every last Sunday of the month. They invite and offer booth spaces to vendors who wish to participate in the Uncommon Flea.
Interested vendors must apply online, and if accepted, they’ll receive a notice of acceptance. After which they’ll pre-pay the booth fee within 72 hours to have their booth space reserved.
- Booth space dimensions are approximately 10 feet by 10 feet and it has a non-refundable, non-transferable fee of 60 dollars.
- Electricity isn’t provided for the booths. Vendors bring their tables, chairs, and other fixtures.
- There is no requisite for a canopy; however, having one is greatly suggested.
2. Space Center Houston
In 1961, NASA chose Houston Texas, as the location of its Manned Spacecraft Center for the U.S. Space program. Space Center Houston is one of the top places to visit in Texas.
Independence Plaza Presented by Boeing
The Independence Plaza offers a unique experience that only this international landmark can give. Visitors get the chance to board and explore two historic U.S. space program vehicles.
On exhibit is the original NASA 905 SCA(Space Carrier Aircraft), one of the only two extensively modified Boeing 747 jumbo jets used to carry space shuttles. Mounted on top of this SCA is a full-scale, high-fidelity replica of the space shuttle Independence.
Below are some interesting facts about the NASA 905 SCA and Independence.
- Out of the 87 ferry missions, NASA 905 flew 70 of them.
- This SCA flew three ferry missions to deliver the shuttles Discovery, Enterprise, and Endeavor, to museums for display.
- The space shuttle Independence was formerly known as Explorer.
- Its name, Independence, was chosen among 10,263 entries in a state-wide contest.
3. Congress Avenue Bridge Bats
Located in downtown Austin, Texas. The Congress Avenue Bridge is home to the world’s largest bat colony in an urban setting. Bat watching in Austin is a special experience you wouldn’t want to pass up when you’re in Texas.
Mexican Free-Tailed Bats
Female Mexican free-tailed bats migrate each spring from Mexico to adjacent U.S. States where food is abundant and with less competition from male bats.
The best time to experience bat-watching would be around August. This is when the pups go flying with the adults forming a swarm that’s quite a sight to behold.
- You can do bat watching while kayaking on Lady Bird Lake. Seeing the millions of bats flying against the red dusk sky is an Austin experience you won’t forget.
- If you’re bringing the kids along, you can pick a spot on the hillside below the bridge, spread out a blanket, and picnic as you wait for the bats to fly out.
- If you want to get up close to watch the bats emerge, the best place would be on top of the bridge as they come out.
4. Go Backpacking and Explore Enchanted Rock
Known as the Heart of Texas, Enchanted Rock is a massive, pink, dome-shaped granite rock rising 425 feet above the surrounding terrain. It’s located at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, north of Fredericksburg, Texas.
Spirit Legends on Enchanted Rock
The Tonkawa, Apache, and Comanche Indians considered this legendary dome to be the abode of spirits and a holy portal to other worlds. One legend tells that the spirits of a slaughtered band of an extinct Indian warrior tribe can be heard groaning from the dome at night.
- Hiking to the top at sunrise or sunset provides you with a chance to see a magnificent display of sky colors.
- You can check out the amazing tiny translucent shrimps that live in vernal pools at the dome.
- Take part in an astonishing stargazing activity at the dome and you’re likely to see the Milky Way Galaxy!
5. National Museum of Funeral History
The National Museum of Funeral History aims to preserve the history of the death care industry. You can find this museum at Barren Springs Drive, Houston, Texas.
Funeral Artifacts and Cultural Obsequies
The National Museum of Funeral History houses a large, bizarre, and educational collection of curious artifacts, historical U.S. memorabilia, and the rich cultural world heritage of the funeral industry.
With 15 permanent exhibits on display, a visit to this one-of-a-kind place in Texas would prove to be a worthwhile experience.
Listed below are a few of these exhibits.
- Historical Hearses
- Japanese Funerals
- Dia de Los Muertos/Day of the Dead
- Presidential Funerals
- Celebrating The Lives And Deaths Of The Popes
Visting Texas FAQs
Is Texas a big state?
Yes, Texas is a big state. It’s the second-largest state in the United States by area. It covers over 1,600,000 square miles of land and spans across two time zones, and it has a population of over 28 million people.
Is Texas safe for tourists?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as Texas is a large and diverse state with varying levels of safety. However, overall, Texas is considered a safe destination for travelers.
Is Texas a good place to visit?
Texas is a great place to visit. The state is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in the country, including the Alamo and the San Antonio River Walk.
References
- NASA 905 SCA: nasa.gov
- Granite rock rising 425 feet: tpwd.texas.gov
- Bat population at the bridge: austinmonthly.com
- Congress Avenue Bridge Bats: Youtube.com
Christian Linden is a seasoned writer and contributor at Texas View, specializing in topics that resonate with the Texan community. With over a decade of experience in journalism, Christian brings a wealth of knowledge in local politics, culture, and lifestyle. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications from the University of Texas. When he's not writing, Christian enjoys spending weekends traveling across Texas with his family, exploring everything from bustling cities to serene landscapes.
