Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Baton Rouge, Louisiana and El Paso, Texas

Taking a road trip from Baton Rouge, Louisiana to El Paso, Texas is a journey through the heart of America. The route is over 1,000 miles long and takes approximately 16 hours to complete. The journey is filled with scenic vistas of prairies and mountains and an exciting variety of places to visit. This article will cover five unexpected places that travelers can visit on their journey.

Halfway Point: Comfort, TX

The halfway point between Baton Rouge, Louisiana and El Paso, Texas is Comfort, TX. Comfort is a quaint town located in the heart of Texas Hill Country. The town was founded in the 1850s by German settlers, and the town's German heritage is still evident in its architecture and celebrations.

In Comfort, visitors can visit the Historic District, where they can explore a variety of shops, restaurants, and galleries. The Comfort Heritage Foundation Museum is also worth a visit, which showcases the history of the town from its founding to the present.

1. Chinati Foundation, Marfa, TX

Chinati Foundation is a contemporary art museum that is located in Marfa, TX, a small town in West Texas. The museum was founded by artist Donald Judd in 1979. Here, visitors can see an impressive collection of modern art, including works by Dan Flavin, John Chamberlain, and of course, Donald Judd.

After a long day of exploring the Chinati Foundation, visitors can head to the town center of Marfa, where they can indulge in some delicious Tex-Mex cuisine. Marfa Burrito and Squeeze Marfa are both great options for authentic Tex-Mex fare.

2. Mercedes-Benz Museum of Tuscaloosa, Vance, AL

The Mercedes-Benz Museum of Tuscaloosa is located in Vance, AL, a town just outside of Tuscaloosa. The museum showcases the history of Mercedes-Benz and displays some of the most iconic cars in their collection. Visitors can see everything from vintage models to modern luxury cars.

While in Tuscaloosa, hungry visitors can satisfy their cravings with a delicious barbecue. Archibald and Woodrow's BBQ is a local favorite, serving up some of the best smoked meats in Alabama.

3. Grand Coteau, LA

Grand Coteau is a small town located in South-central Louisiana that is well-known for its historic architecture and local charm. Here, visitors can stroll through the town's historic district and visit landmarks such as the St. Charles Borromeo Church, which was built in 1740 and is one of the oldest structures in the town.

For those with an appetite for Cajun cuisine, Prairie Acadiana Restaurant is a must-visit destination in Grand Coteau. This eatery serves up traditional Cajun dishes such as gumbo and boudin balls.

4. White Sands National Park, NM

White Sands National Park is a stunning natural wonder located in the heart of New Mexico. The park is home to a vast expanse of sand dunes made of pure white gypsum crystals. Visitors can hike through the dunes or take a scenic drive through the park.

After exploring White Sands National Park, visitors can head to The Shed in Las Cruces, NM for some authentic New Mexican cuisine. The restaurant is known for its delicious red and green chile dishes.

5. Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo, TX

Cadillac Ranch is a roadside attraction located just outside Amarillo, TX. Here, visitors can see a collection of ten Cadillacs buried nose-first in the ground. The installation was created in 1974 by a group of artists known as The Ant Farm.

After visiting Cadillac Ranch, visitors can grab a bite to eat at the Big Texan Steak Ranch, which is world-famous for its 72 oz. steak challenge. If visitors can finish the entire meal in an hour or less, the meal is free!

Conclusion

A road trip from Baton Rouge, Louisiana to El Paso, Texas is a journey full of surprises, from the historic architecture of Grand Coteau to the contemporary art of Marfa. The trek takes approximately 16 hours, and visitors are sure to make memories that will last a lifetime. So go ahead, buckle up and hit the open road!