Texas Learning Vacations
Relive the Early Days of Texas at San Felipe de Austin
Are you looking for a vacation that combines fun and a chance to get a better understanding of our Texas history?
Take a trip back in time to the birthplace of Texas.
San Felipe de Austin was the location chosen by Stephen F. Austin in 1823 for his colony in what was then Mexico.
The colony was destroyed by residents during the war for Texas independence to keep it from falling into the hands of the Mexican army.
Now, San Felipe de Austin has been rebuilt by the state. A tour will give your family an idea of what Texas was like before the 
Alamo, and before the Civil War (War Between the States).
Your family will mirror the footsteps of Texas pioneers and get a feel for the way Texas was founded.
In addition to the historic buildings, there is now a state-of-the-art new museum that tells the stories of the early Texas settlement.
San Felipe de Austin is an active Texas historical archeological site. Archeologists are still finding artifacts from Stephen F. Austin and his settlers.
This is a very reasonable single day trip for many of our readers.
San Felipe de Austin is two and a half hours from Lufkin and just two hours from Beaumont.
Dining Options Near San Felipe de Austin:
Are you looking for an old school option?
Sealy Truck Stop has been completely remodeled. The restaurant has long been popular for Mexican food and burgers. I used to go to the Sealy Livestock Auction with my grandfather. After the auction, we would enjoy burgers, chicken fried steak, BLTs, and other diner style fare. Click here to learn more about the restaurant at the Sealy Truck Stop.
Are you always looking for high quality meat?
Prasek’s Hillje Smokehouse. This new location of a regional favorite is praised by locals and families on road trips for high quality meats, Texas style barbecue (no sauce needed), beef jerky, and souvenirs. Have a great meal and pick up some jerky and jellies in the store to take home. Some vistors recommend Prasek’s as a high quality and less crowded alternative to the popular Bucee’s travel centers. Click here for more information about the Prasek’s Hillje Smokehouse.
Are you looking for something more elegant?
Yellow Brick Road Winery & Restaurant. If you are looking for a more upscale option, celebrate your trip with fillet mignon and lump crab cakes. Click here to learn more about the Yellow Bruck Road Winery & Restaurant.
Where to stay in San Felipe de Austin
If you are looking to turn your day trip into an overnighter, consider a stay at the Blisswood Bed and Breakfast on a working ranch near Sealy / Cat Springs. There are a number of cabins and guest houses available. One thing I always enjoy on family trips is watching animals and wildlife. Blisswood has horses, cattle, miniature donkeys, peacocks, fallow deer, black buck antelope, and even American Bison (buffalo). Does your family enjoy fishing together? Enjoy catch and release fishing for bass, perch, and catfish at a number of stocked lakes on the property.
Click here to learn more about Blisswood Ranch and Bed and Breakfast.
Our history forms who we are. It connects us and binds us.
Our history becomes our identity: individually and collectively.
Discover early Texas History at San Felipe de Austin.
