Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Center Point, Alabama to Houston, Texas

Driving from Center Point, Alabama to Houston, Texas may seem like a tedious long drive at first glance. But if you're looking for an exciting road trip with a mix of nice scenery and stops, then this stretch of land offers it all. The route takes you through four states – Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas passing through several counties and cities along the way. With a driving distance of about 553 miles, it should take in the region of 9 hours to complete. Here's a list of five unexpected places to stop on your drive from Center Point, Alabama to Houston, Texas.

Halfway Stop: Covington, LA

Covington, LA is the halfway point on this trip. Located in the heart of St. Tammany Parish on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain, Covington offers a perfect opportunity for a brief stopover to rest and unwind. This historic, quaint town offers a vibrant arts community anchored by the St. Tammany Art Association, galleries, and restaurants that are sure to please every palate.

1. The Oaks of Houmas House and Gardens, Darrow, LA

The Oak Alley Plantation and Gardens of Nottoway Plantation and Resort are famous plantation homes in Louisiana, but there is another stunning work of architecture that you need to visit while driving this route through Louisiana. The Oaks at Houmas House and Gardens is a 38-acre estate that is rated as the most beautiful home in the South. Visitors can tour the house and gardens, take a walk by the lake, have a wine tasting session and try out some beignets while taking in the beautiful scenery.

Favorite Food: Beignets

2. The USS Kidd, Baton Rouge, LA

If you love a little bit of history, the USS Kidd in Baton Rouge is an excellent place for you. This World War II-era destroyer has now retired from active service and is now serving as a museum ship. The museum has several exhibits, including a tour of the USS Kidd, a destroyer, and the veterans' memorial museum, which consists of artifacts and displays commemorating the men and women who served in the US military.

Favorite Food: Po'Boys

3. The Luling Watermelon Thump, Luling, TX

Every year, the small town of Luling, TX, hosts the Luling Watermelon Thump, a three-day festival that celebrates all things watermelon. This famous event has activities such as seed spitting contests, melon decorating contests, live music and dancing, a carnival, a parade, and even a watermelon weigh-off, where competitors bring in their massive melons.

Favorite Food: Watermelon

4. The San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site, La Porte, TX

The San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site is home to the impressive San Jacinto Monument, standing at 567 feet tall, the monument serves to commemorate the Texas Revolution's decisive battle and the region's independence from Mexico. The site also features a museum that has an exhibit with interactive displays, artifacts, and dioramas that help to illustrate the battle's significance.

Favorite Food: Barbecue

5. Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge, Anahuac, TX

The Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge is a beautiful natural reserve that spans across 34,000 acres where you can enjoy nature in its purest form. It offers a unique opportunity for birdwatchers to observe bird species such as the whooping crane, sandhill crane, roseate spoonbill, snowy egret, and white-faced ibis. In addition to birding activities, visitors can also bike or hike on the different trails, fish, or picnic while enjoying the stunning views of the Gulf Coast prairies and marshes.

Favorite Food: Cajun Seafood

In conclusion, the drive from Center Point, Alabama, to Houston, Texas, shouldn't be just a long tiresome drive. Instead, it offers an opportunity for adventure and exploration through unique places you may never expect to see. From Covington, LA, to Anahuac, TX, explorers can visit various landmarks, eat delicious food, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Take the next road trip and enjoy the scenery as you follow this route.