Austin, TX
Late-summer hotel deals lead the 11 top Texas travel tips for August
The Texas Piney Woods region may not be the most popular of the summer road trip destinations within the Lone Star State, but that’s about to change — Lufkin is not to be missed!
Mostly known for their lumber trade and as the home of Angelina College, Lufkin has quite a rich history. About 220 miles from Austin, this historic town could be an anchor to another ecosystem Central Texans don’t usually get to see.
Since it’s just two hours from Houston, Lufkin recently became an unlikely, yet bustling, hotbed of Houstonians escaping Hurricane Beryl. Here, a CultureMap Houston columnist passes along some recommendations for this vibrant historical downtown district eager to host other Texans with the restaurants, antique stores, and trendy boutiques.
Retail Therapy
With its simple-to-navigate streets, whimsical murals, and adorable shops, Lufkin’s historic downtown is a safe and convenient place to mosey about. Outside of the main downtown perimeter, the city has kindly provided parking lots that are free to use for the day — no worries about feeding the meter while getting in those daily steps.
Vintage and antiques lovers will delight in all Lufkin has to offer. Heritage Antiques lives in an old, large, brick building that all but screams, “Come inside for treasures unknown!” Covering two entire floors, Heritage is full of independent vendors with almost anything imaginable from plumbing fixtures to vintage Lions Club hat pins — plus, a vendor with more collectible cast iron pans, molds, and skillets than you can shake a stick (of butter) at.
It’s worth mentioning that they host an antiques and vintage fair in the spring and fall seasons.“Everyone who comes always comes back — they love it,” one friendly vendor says.
One barely knows where to begin when attempting to describe Amazing Grace Antiques. It’s…a lot. To call this place large would be a disservice to its immensity. Make a note to reserve up to three hours to see the store in its entirety or feel embarrassed about missing out on all it has to offer. A special note to those who collect Cambridge glass: they have an impressive assortment of patterns.
Honorable mention to Hick’s Antiques and Lufkin Mercantile. Both places were not open during my stay, but the window shopping was extremely promising.
In need of a wardrobe refresher? Spruce is filled with trendy, classic, and comfortable attire for ladies and babies. The presence of a branded step-and-repeat at the entrance entices shoppers to post their new outfits on the ‘gram. Think t-shirt dresses, denim, and vast selections of billowy cottons and linens. Now — smile for the camera!
Around the corner from Spruce is a welcoming, albeit narrow, lane lined by quaint two-person bistro sets and a fun, geometric mural. This is the rear entrance to Salt and Honey. A purveyor of artisanal goods, this shop is the perfect place to procure gifts for those back home. Framed vintage prints, candles, small batch foods, and food accoutrements abound — it’s giving “Rose Apothecary.” Who doesn’t “need” another tea towel?
The Pink Leopard Boutique is what some might refer to as “jazzy.” Boldly scented candles, bright separates, fun accessories, and even crystal adorned booties call this shop home. While this boutique has some age appropriate items for everyone, it was mostly populated by trendy co-eds, which is most likely their target demographic.
Sustenance
Restoration Bistro occupies the street level of what was once the Angelina Hotel (now residential lofts). Leaning into the history of the imposing brick building, the decor acts as a historical guide to the town and its former occupants, with old, sepia-toned photos transferred to gallery wrapped canvases and the like. Their chef-driven menu is as impressive as their wine list, and the $8 daily lunch special is a “do not miss.”
Those looking for something more casual will appreciate Real Time Breads, the number one sandwich shop recommended by locals. They offer the usual bakery wares, salads, and generously portioned sandwiches made on their own freshly baked breads — which they also provide to nearby Boxcar BBQ.
Rusty Axe Brewing Company will appeal to craft beer drinkers. Their decor is refreshing in that, unlike many breweries, the seating options expand beyond the realm of splintery picnic tables and stainless steel barstools. Dedicated eating, drinking, and lounging areas guarantee the correct vibe for all their guests. Be sure to check their live music calendar as well!
In need of a sweet treat? The Downtown Scoop, known colloquially as “The Scoop,” is the go-to place for ice creams and desserts. This pastel spot is popular among locals and is what most may consider “beloved!”
Roma Italian Bistro is worth the eight minute trek from downtown. Everything on the Italian American-style menu is prepared fresh daily, and their cocktail menu is certainly inventive.
Where to Stay
Lufkin accommodations include all of the big names in the small town, mid-market range of hotels and motels, plus one B&B. Those who appreciate an on-site bistro (including alcohol service) should inquire about availability at the Courtyard by Marriott. It served our needs well.
Regardless of the circumstances, a day trip or overnight stay to explore all downtown Lufkin has to offer is certainly worth the journey. Jovial locals and a family-friendly downtown restoration project, what more could one ask for? Happy trails!
Austin, TX
Everything you need to know about Austin run clubs
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Data analyst Corey Yeung created the ATX Running Guide to help runners find community across Central Texas. What started as a personal project has become one of Austin’s most comprehensive running resources.
Looking for a Run Club? There’s a Map for That
When Corey Yeung moved to Austin three years ago, he had a simple question:
“How many run clubs are actually out there?” The answer wasn’t easy to find. While several websites listed local groups, Yeung felt none offered a complete picture. So, he decided to build one himself. What started as a spreadsheet evolved into ATX Running Guide, a website and social media platform that helps runners discover clubs throughout the Austin area.
“The list would be more useful if it were a map and search tool,” Yeung said. “The Instagram page was simply a way to communicate those free resources to the community.”
Today, the guide covers running groups from San Marcos to Hutto and serves as a one-stop resource for runners looking to connect. In this episode of KXAN’S Plus Simple Health, Corey Yeung walks us through everything you need to know about the 200-plus running clubs in Austin.
Austin, TX
Texas Volts begin first home slate Thursday at Dell Diamond
AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Volts are off to a rough start in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League, but maybe a little home cooking can help them get right.
After playing their first five games on the road, the Volts open play at Dell Diamond in Round Rock at 6 p.m. Thursday against the Utah Talons, kicking off an 8-game homestand.
It’s the first season the Volts will call Dell Diamond home. In the league’s inaugural season last year, the original four teams competed with a touring schedule that included a stop at Dell Diamond. This is the first year that the AUSL, now a 6-team league, will play in home markets.
They have a roster peppered with local stars, including 2-time NCAA national champion middle infielder Leighann Goode from the Texas Longhorns. Aliyah Binford, a New Braunfels native, played collegiately for Ole Miss and former Texas State pitcher Jessica Mullins made an appearance in the Volts’ previous series against the Carolina Blaze.
Goode said there’s been a bit of a learning curve, but she credits her teammates for helping her adjust to the league.
“This group has brought me in and taught me stuff, taken me under their wings,” she said. “They’ve done an awesome job.”
Legendary Texas pitcher Cat Osterman is the team’s general manager, and the head coach is Texas State’s Ricci Woodard.
“We’re ready to rock and roll at home,” Woodard said. “I’m anxious to see what happens now that we get to play in our own place.”
Texas Tech pitcher NiJaree Canady, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 draft, joined the team last weekend after a brief contract holdout.
The Volts are 1-4 this season, picking up their lone win over the Oklahoma City Spark on June 10. They’ll face the Talons in a 3-game series, the Chicago Bandits for a pair June 23-24, and finish the homestand with a 3-game set against the expansion Portland Cascade on June 26-28.
Ryan Sanders Baseball, the organization that owns and operates the Round Rock Express, is an operating partner with the Volts and an investor with the AUSL.
Austin, TX
Investigators seek clues in small jet crash that killed 1 in Texas, where bystanders rushed to help
(AP) – Investigators combed through wreckage Wednesday for clues to why a business jet crashed on a Texas highway, killing one person on board after its pilots reported mechanical problems while requesting an emergency landing at a nearby airport.
The fiery crash late Tuesday in Laredo near the Mexican border sent bystanders racing from their cars to help police rescue passengers and crew from the burning aircraft. The crash killed Joshua Baer, a leader in Texas’ technology and startup sectors, the president of Baer’s company told the Austin American-Statesman.
Video from the frantic scene showed someone trying to smash the cockpit glass with a sledgehammer, while others used makeshift levers as they worked to open the plane’s door. Local officials said a firefighter entered the smoke-filled jet to extract one person still inside after the rest had escaped.
“While the loss of life is deeply regrettable, it is nothing short of a miracle that this tragedy did not become a mass fatality event,” Laredo Mayor Victor Treviño told a news conference Wednesday.
The cause of the crash was not immediately known. The Federal Aviation Administration was investigating along with the National Transportation Board.
Laredo Police Chief Miguel Rodriguez Jr. said investigators working to reconstruct the crash were at the crash site Wednesday.
Crash victim worked to help entrepreneurs launch startups
Baer was the founder and chief executive of Austin-based Capital Factory, which helps entrepreneurs connect with investors and others to launch their businesses.
“Joshua was a fearless leader, a brilliant partner, and a dear friend to so many of us,” Capital Factory President Bryan Chambers told the Austin newspaper.
Capital Factory executives did not immediately return phone messages Wednesday from The Associated Press.
Baer lived in Austin with his wife and three children, according to his LinkedIn page. He recently taught a student entrepreneur class at the University of Texas at Austin.
“I help people quit their jobs and become entrepreneurs,” Baer said on his LinkedIn page.
In a social media post, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas called Baer “one of the most significant figures driving innovation and entrepreneurship across America.”
Police did not release the name of the person killed, citing a request from family members. Rodriguez said those on the plane included two pilots and three teenagers.
Pilots reported low fuel, electrical issues, airport director says
The Cessna Citation Latitude twin jet departed Tuesday evening from the Mexican resort city of San José del Cabo and was bound for Austin, Texas, the FAA said in a statement.
The plane was operated by NetJets, a company owned by Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway that lets people buy part ownership in private jets. NetJets said in a statement it was cooperating with authorities.
The jet went down at about 10 p.m. Tuesday on the Loop 20 highway, just a few minutes after its pilots radioed the local airport seeking to make an emergency landing. Their call to air traffic controllers “mentioned low fuel and a power outage,” Laredo International Airport Director Gilberto Sanchez said.
“They had mechanical issues and they lost communication with the tower,” Sanchez said Wednesday, “and that’s when the accident happened.”
Dashcam video posted on social media showed the aircraft careening down the highway and knocking down a light post before coming to a stop near the airport. The jet also barreled into a car, sending one motorist to a hospital in stable condition, said Laredo police investigator Jose Baeza.
Video posted to social media showed the plane on its side, smashed into a highway barrier with the tail ripped from the fuselage.
“It looked like part of a movie. I was in shock,” said Zayra Garza, an esthetician who was driving her co-workers home when she came upon the crash.
Garza, who shot video of the scene as her husband ran to help, saw motorists leave their cars to try to help smash the cockpit glass. She said the plane’s door opened and three people who looked like teenagers rushed out, followed by someone who appeared to be a pilot. Another crew member tried to pull out a person who seemed to be unconscious.
Smoke billowed from the plane as a firefighter climbed into the aircraft to rescue the remaining passenger. Police officers helping prop open the door had to back away as they doubled over coughing because of the intense smoke. Police said five officers were treated at a hospital for smoke inhalation.
“What was worrying me was the fire,” Garza said. “I was concerned that it could have just exploded at any time.”
This was the third significant aviation accident in as many days. A B-52 crashed Monday during a test flight at Edwards Air Force Base in California and killed all eight people aboard, while on Sunday, 12 people were killed when a plane on a skydiving outing in Missouri crashed.
___
Golden reported from Seattle; Collins reported from Hartford, Connecticut; and Bynum reported from Savannah, Georgia. AP journalists Josh Funk in Omaha, Nebraska, and Jeffrey Collins in Columbia, South Carolina, contributed to this report.
Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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