Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Buna, Texas to Shelbyville, Texas

If you love road trips, taking the drive from Buna, Texas, to Shelbyville, Texas, should be on your bucket list. The scenic road trip will take you through piney woods, sprawling fields, and small towns. The distance between Buna and Shelbyville is approximately 63 miles, which should take an hour and a half with mild traffic. However, the drive can take multiple hours given the numerous towns and sites that you may want to explore.

At the halfway point of your trip is Brookeland, Texas, a small town with a population of 600 residents. The town has a great golf resort and is surrounded by Toledo Bend Reservoir, the largest man-made migration bird stopping point in North America.

1. The Redbird Retreat (10.7 miles from Buna)

If you're looking to experience the great outdoors, the Redbird Retreat park is an excellent place to stop. The park is a mecca of natural beauty, teeming with diverse species of birds, animals, and vegetation to explore. Besides, the park has a well-maintained ATV track and horse track to keep you and your family entertained. To cater to your appetite, the park has a small restaurant that serves some of the best burgers and sandwiches in the area.

Favorite Food - Mushroom Swiss Burger

2. The Oldest Town in Texas - Nacogdoches (47.8 miles from Buna)

Are you a history buff? Then Nacogdoches is a must-stop destination on your drive through East Texas. Nacogdoches is the oldest town in Texas, dating back to the 18th century, and has an extensive history museum reflecting the town's history. The town is also surrounded by old-growth forests, and the nature center in Nacogdoches has trails for hiking, biking, and nature study. The town has a variety of restaurants specialising in local delicacies, but the BBQ is unbeatable.

Favorite Food - Smoked BBQ Ribs

3. The Exotic Animal World - Zavalla (32.1 miles from Brookeland)

Located between Sam Rayburn Reservoir and Toledo Bend Lake, Exotic Animal World, or EZ Tiger, is a wildlife park and sanctuary. The park hosts over 50 species of animals, and visitors can take a guided safari or walk with the animals. Some of the animals you can see include zebras, alpacas, tigers, and antelopes. The park also has a catwalk where you get a better view of the animals' natural habitats, and if you fancy, you can take a ride on their camel or pony.

Favorite Food - Elephant Ear

4. A Historical Home - San Augustine (26.9 miles from Shelbyville)

History enthusiasts will love San Augustine, a small town that has some of the best-preserved historical homes in the region. The town is an intensely proud testament to the rich and storied history of the American south and boasts of having several historical markers. Notable places to visit include the Augus Theatre and the San Augustine County Jail. Foodies will find San Augustine comforting, with barbecues and chicken fried steaks that will leave your taste buds craving for more.

Favorite Food - Chicken Fried Steak

5. A Peaceful Getaway - Toledo Bend Reservoir (7.2 miles from Shelbyville)

On your drive back to Shelbyville, what better way to unwind than with a peace lark in Toledo Bend Reservoir? The reservoir is known for its captivating lake views and serene atmosphere, ideal for relaxing, canoeing, kayaking, and camping. The reservoir is also a great fishing location, with anglers from around the world coming to experience the thrill of catching the lake's abundant fish. The locale is a paradise for families looking for a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Favorite Food - Grilled Catfish

In conclusion, a road trip from Buna, Texas to Shelbyville, Texas encompasses many hidden gems that most people overlook. From vibrant cities, exotic animal parks, historical landmarks, and peaceful getaways, the trip is an adventure that will satisfy any wanderlust. So, grab your friends and family, hit the road, and experience Texas as never before.