We love to go to Huntsville--just 45 to 60 minutes north on I-45. It is a town that is rich in history (Sam Houston lived there and is buried there), and there are many antique shops around the town square and a wonderful down-home restaurant called the Farm House located a block or two south of the square. There is a BEAUTIFUL bed and breakfast a few blocks north of the square called The Whistler. It is run by a charming little lady named Mary Mabel (don't remember her last name!), and she will happily show you around and tell you stories of the old place that has been in her family for generations. In addition, Sam Houston National Forest is just a few miles south of Huntsville, and it is an absolutely beautiful place to take a picnic lunch and even go canoeing if you feel adventurous. If museums are your thing, there are many in Huntsville--the Sam Houston Museum, the Prison Museum (yes--the Huntsville State Prison is there--the Walls Unit is near downtown and is quite imposing with its 20-foot high brick walls), and several others. Another good place to eat is just south of the Sam Houston Museum grounds. It is called the Homestead, I think. The food is five-star gourmet--and the price is a little high, but worth it for a fantastic meal. Another thing: Don't miss the Glenwood Cemetery. (I think that's the name. You can ask anyone in town, and they'll direct you to it.) It's where Sam Houston is buried, along with notables from Texas history. It is fascinating to walk through the cemetery and read the headstones. You'll find many with the same date, as hundreds died from a yellow fever epidemic in the late 1800's, I think. Sam Houston University is there, too, and the campus is really beautiful. Hope this gives you some ideas and that you love it as much as we do!