Beautiful, beautiful, East Texas

[jinman]

Drew, Texas schools teach that the state has five major regions as shown below.




That said, some people break down the regions differently, as shown here.



The 2nd map more fully describes the regions and is put out by the Parks and Wildlife Dept (TPWD). I tend to agree with their assessment. Here is a link to the TPWD site. Of course, the region discussed in the title of this thread is the East Texas Piney Woods. One of the true representations of East Texas is Caddo Lake. It's the only natural lake in the whole state of Texas. Some would say it's more like Louisiana than Texas, but it is truly a different world there and a great place to have a boat.

 

[Gem99ultra]

Could someone explain what the areas of Texas are like, do they have names?

Not presenting myself as any expert by any means, but having been born up around Nacogdoches and lived in Texas for about 70 years, here's what little bit I know about the regions:

• Big Bend
• Blackland Prairies
• Brazos Valley
• Canadian River Valley
• East Texas
• Edwards Plateau
• Llano Estacado
• Piney Woods
• Red River Valley
• Rio Grande Valley
• South Plains
• South Texas
• Southeast Texas
• Texas Coastal Bend
• Texas Hill Country
• Texas Panhandle
• Trans-Pecos
• West Texas


Texas is pretty big - but not in the same frame as Alaska. It's about 7 x 9, i.e. 700 miles by 900 miles. I've been to pretty to much every region, and I'll say - the terrain, the food, and the people are different in every one. And each is generally proud of their own region just as most people are in other states.

Most of my time was living down around the Houston/Galveston area. Lots of greenery, lots of humidity, and plenty of heat. I can recall only about 3 times in those years that we actually got snow

I recently retired to a small spot in mid-Georgia, and also think it's nice here as well. But then, in my limited travels, I haven't seen too many places in this beautiful United States of America that isn't simply great, in it's own way.

My advice is to see as many places as you possibly can - and I don't mean just fly over them... go there, talk to the people, seen the many unpublished sites and attractions. So, yes - make it a point to go to Texas, and as many of the other great states as you possibly can. Life is short - make very day count.

 

[sseelhoff]

How is the humidity in the Austin area? Texas is a state I really want to visit.

Overall, Austin is pretty dry. There are days where the humidity climbs, mostly when the wind is blowing in from the east, bringing in the Gulf moisture.

 

[WilliamBos]

Overall, Austin is pretty dry. There are days where the humidity climbs, mostly when the wind is blowing in from the east, bringing in the Gulf moisture.

Sounds like an ideal area to live!! Thank you.

 

[farmgirl19]

How is the humidity in the Austin area? Texas is a state I really want to visit.

Generally speaking, Austin has relatively low humidity. I used to love to visit there, as even with the University, and the politicians, traffic really wasn't that bad either. The last few years has seen traffic increase to the point that I don't head that way, just for a visit. My last trip there was in January. I was there for my job, and went down early one Sunday morning, and left there about 1730 that afternoon. I didn';t run into as much traffic and messes as I expected, even on my way out of town, heading north.

 

[farmgirl19]

wow super helpful, thanks.
Yes, sooner or later, I'll make it there.
And I'll be an honorary buckaroo...

daugen; If you let us know ahead of time, I can plan a "TBN get together", and we can have some good Texas food, a keg of beer, and I can even arrange for a Live band! There are 3 RV parks very near me, that have good amenities, and nice settings. I have space for the get together, and am sure some of the other Texas gang, and probably even some of the Oklahoma gang would drive out to say "hello"!

 

[NativeSon]

daugen;

Yes, Texas has several regions. This year, I think they are all similar though, as they are all DRY. But, if this pattern ever breaks, Southeast Texas is known for high humidity and warmth. The year that I worked in the Houston and Beaumont areas, it rained a little shower, almost daily, in the summer afternoons. But that area is normally lush and green, if you get away from the cities and the concrete. I've only spent weekends in the northeastern part of the state, for dog shows, etc., so will let someone else speak of the area, that has seen all of the seasons there.

Fort Worth is known as "Where the West Begins". As one goes west from there, things become more arid, as a rule. On good years, the counties just a few west of FTW still get rain, and have some green, but they also have trees and shrubs that are more adapted to the arid conditions, such as mesquite, Texas Bird of Paradise, etc. The farther west one goes, the more arid it becomes, and the more rugged, and sometimes amazing, the scenery gets, once you are past the long (approx. 4 hours, but seems longer), tedious drive between Parker County and the Permian Basin. Good things now, is one has a legal speed limit of 75 in many areas, so the drive isn't as mundane now. farther west gets more mountains, etc., even if not the tyope you will see in Colorado, Wyoming, etc.

Central Texas, near the Austin area, and west, is also known as the Edward's Plateau. It too can be rugged, and has what some might call, "mountainettes". There are some bluffs, and a LOT of rocks. All sizes of rocks! Near San Saba (still in the Edward's Plateau), there are rivers, creeks and good pastures, if they get rain. San Saba is also the Pecan Capital of the World! One finds pecan trees, that are over 100 years old, growing near the rivers and creeks. The soil is fertile, as even when pastures seem scarce, cattle stay fat on it. It is a region also known for having sheep and goats.

Far south Texas, is known as "The Valley". Temps are moderate, in the winter, and Texas produces some of THE BEST oranges and grapefruit, in that region. Again, I have only stayed in the region for short periods of time, and that was years ago, so I'll leave that area for others that have more firsthand knowledge to discuss.

Maybe you can come see some of Texas for yourself, some Spring or Fall, in your motorhome! As the saying goes, "It's like a whole "nother country!"

FG--That's as good a Geography lesson as anyone could give on Texas. Thank you.......I love Texas and Texas pride. Our family has been here since Texas was a Republic and at this time we have the 7th & 8th Generation on the ground.

Charlie

 

[sseelhoff]

Generally speaking, Austin has relatively low humidity. I used to love to visit there, as even with the University, and the politicians, traffic really wasn't that bad either. The last few years has seen traffic increase to the point that I don't head that way, just for a visit. My last trip there was in January. I was there for my job, and went down early one Sunday morning, and left there about 1730 that afternoon. I didn';t run into as much traffic and messes as I expected, even on my way out of town, heading north.

Traffic in Austin has become ridiculous. I35 turns into a parking lot even on weekends. You really have to plan around it.

 

[WilliamBos]

Traffic in Austin has become ridiculous. I35 turns into a parking lot even on weekends. You really have to plan around it.

Are the rural areas of Austin quiet??

 

[sseelhoff]

Is the rural areas of austin quiet??

There is a lot of building activity going on in that direction (Dripping Springs area, etc...) Austin is a very popular place, and the area is expanding.

If you go further out west, toward Burnet, Marble Falls, it's very quiet. 281 runs west of Austin/I35 corridor, and through the hill country. There are some beautiful areas that have not been discovered yet.