Hill Country Trail Region
Scholz Garten and Saengerrunde Hall
1607 San Jacinto Blvd Austin, TX 78701 (512) 474-1958 Website
This year, we proudly highlighted 10 Texas Treasure Businesses in the Heritage Traveler and approved 49 TTBA award recipients this year. These longstanding institutions have faithfully served their communities for decades. As we wrap up 2025 and embrace the holiday season, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to these valuable contributors to Texas’ business heritage. In 2026, expect more stories highlighting the local enterprises that keep our heritage thriving. And don’t forget to nominate your favorite business that has been in continuous operation for 50 years or more. Merry Christmas and warm holiday wishes from the Heritage Traveler editorial team.
December - Zummo Meat Company began in 1908 in Beaumont, Texas, growing from a small operation into a major plant despite an early fire that destroyed its original building. Today, its sausage and boudin are sold in 40 states, celebrated for their quality and inspiring countless recipes and serving styles.
November - CABOOTS, a fourth-generation El Paso bootmaker founded in 1925, carries on a rich tradition of craftsmanship—creating period reproductions for films like "3:10 to Yuma" and "Pirates of the Caribbean" and building boots for major brands including Justin and Nocona.
October - Greer's Western Store: Founded in 1935 in Ranger as Greer’s Boot Shop by brothers Holcomb, Chip, and Ben Greer, the business specialized in making and repairing boots and shoes. Greer’s Western Store continues to serve the ranching communities of Eastland and Mineral Wells with a full range of western wear.
September - San Antonio-based Bolner's Fiesta Products, Inc. was founded in 1955. The company produces a wide range of spices and seasonings, and many a Texan claims their "Uncle Chris' Gourmet Steak Seasoning" is the best you can get.
July - Chico's Tacos has operated in El Paso since 1953. Chico’s Tacos is a longtime El Paso favorite best known for its signature rolled tacos served in a broth-like tomato sauce and finished with melted cheese. This flauta-style specialty has earned a loyal following, with some locals joking that it’s hearty enough to sip. Since opening in 1953, the restaurant has become a distinctive – and often hotly debated – part of the city’s food identity.
June - Copeland's Inc. has operated in Corpus Christi beginning in 1963. Celebrating more than 60 years in Corpus Christi, Copeland’s bills itself as Texas’ oldest dive shop and “southernmost ski chalet.” From scuba certification and gear sales to snow ski and snowboard apparel, it outfits adventure-seekers for both Gulf Coast dives and mountain getaways.
May - Wonder Cave was established in 1903 in San Marcos. Texas’s first show cave, this San Marcos landmark invites visitors into the Balcones Fault Line Cave to explore ancient geology. Above ground, families can enjoy scenic train rides, a petting zoo, and quirky attractions like the anti-gravity house. For generations, it’s been a Hill Country destination that blends natural wonder with classic roadside fun.
April – Health Camp in Waco, Texas: A beloved Waco tradition since 1948, this classic roadside diner began as a simple burger and shake stand. Today, it’s still known for its nostalgic atmosphere, hand-spun shakes, and no-frills comfort food. For generations, locals, Baylor students, and travelers have made Health Camp a must-stop along I-35.
March – Sammy’s Restaurant in Castroville, Texas: A third-generation, family-run favorite in Castroville serving steaks, seafood, burgers, and hearty breakfasts all day. Known for fresh ingredients, homestyle comfort food, and small-town hospitality, it’s been a local gathering spot for decades. From sizzling plates to scratch-made desserts, Sammy’s keeps tradition on the menu.
History isn't confined to museums. In fact, stopping for a kolache at a historic bakery or trying on a pair of boots at a one-hundred-year-old boot shop are just about the most interactive historical experiences one could ask for.
Here we highlight businesses that have stood the test of time, so you know they're worth a visit. Look below for a searchable directory of historic Texas dining, shopping, lodging, and entertainment businesses
Many of the businesses featured here are recipients of the Texas Historical Commission's Texas Treasure Business Award, nominated by Texans and reserved for businesses that have been in continuous operation for at least fifty years, many of them family-owned.
Tap into the real, authentic Texas and do as the locals do...
Hill Country Trail Region
1607 San Jacinto Blvd Austin, TX 78701 (512) 474-1958 Website
Brazos Trail Region
Southside Market 1212 Hwy. 290 Elgin, Texas 78621 (512) 281-4650 Website
Brazos Trail Region
401 S. Stagecoach Road Salado, TX 76571 (254) 947-5111 Website
Forest Trail Region
Stanley's Famous Pit Barbecue 525 South Beckham Ave. Tyler, Texas 75702 (903) 593-0311 Website
Independence Trail Region
Stanton's Shopping Center 219 N Taylor St Alvin, TX 77511
Hill Country Trail Region
Startz Cafe 10350 Startz Rd. Canyon Lake, Texas 78133 (830) 899-7522 Website
Hill Country Trail Region
Stephen F. Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel 701 Congress Ave. Austin, Texas 78701 (512) 457-8800 Website
Forest Trail Region
Stringer's Lufkin Bar-B-Que 203 South Chestnut St. Lufkin, Texas 75901 (936) 634-4744 Website
Forest Trail Region
2293 FM 134 Road Jonesville, TX 75659 (903) 687-3382
Hill Country Trail Region
The Tavern 922 W 12th Street Austin, Texas 78703 (512) 320-8377 Website
Forest Trail Region
100 Myrtle Drive Jacksonville, TX 75766 (903) 586-8014 Website
Lakes Trail Region
Texas General Store 406 S. Main Street Grapevine, Texas 76051 (817) 756-6476 Website
Forest Trail Region
The Co-Ed Shop 203 W Main St. Palestine, Texas 75801 (903) 729-6456
Hill Country Trail Region
The Driskill 604 Brazos Street Austin, Texas 78701 (512) 439-1234 Website
Hill Country Trail Region
Top Notch Hamburgers 7525 Burnet Road Austin, Texas 78757 (512) 452-2181 Website
Forest Trail Region
Uncle Henry's Tamales 4358 East Lucas Dr. Beaumont, Texas 77708 (409) 924-0302
Hill Country Trail Region
201 North Getty Street Uvalde, TX 78801 (830) 900-7300 Website
Tropical Trail Region
Vera's Backyard Bar-B-Que 2402 Southmost Blvd. Brownsville, Texas 78521 (956) 546-4159
Lakes Trail Region
Watson Drive-In 631 W Main St Denison, TX 75020 (903) 465-4669 Website
Independence Trail Region
Weikel's Store and Bakery 2247 West, State Hwy 71 La Grange, Texas 78945 (979) 968-9413 Website