My wife and I have a few days planned in Texas next weekend. Flying into Dallas, driving down to Austin, San Antonio, and the Hill Country.

I've read all posts about where what to do in the cities...Dallas, Austin and San Antonio. I'm looking for any places worth checking out as we're driving between any of the cities mentioned above.

Give me some great off the beaten path suggestions! Fun, weird, bizarre, beautiful, we are up for anything!

Waco is halfway between Dallas and Austin, making it a great place for a rest stop. There's lots to see and do there--here are just a few suggestions:

Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum: http://www.texasranger.org/
Dr. Pepper Museum: http://www.drpeppermuseum.com/
Waco Mammoth Site: http://www.waco-texas.com/cms-waco-mammoth/
The Bear Habitat at Baylor University: http://www.baylor.edu/bear/index.php?id=82037
Waco Suspension Bridge: http://www.waco-texas.com/cms-parksa...age.aspx?id=50

For even more ideas, based on your interests, check out:
http://www.wacoheartoftexas.com/

For off the beaten path . .

From Dallas, take I20 West thru Ft. Worth to HiWay 281, take 281 South thru Stephenville, Lampasas, Marble Falls and Johnson City. You can then go into Austin on 71 or continue South to San Antonio. This will give you as much of the Texas Hill Country as as you can stand and keep you off the boring and crowded I-35

The trouble with going "off the beaten path" between Dallas, Austin and San Antonio is the nothing on that path!

Seriously, check out the area surround Fredericksburg - lots of interesting things- wineries & distilleries, nature center, National Museum of the Pacific War, Admiral Nimitz Home, Pioneer Museum, Enchanted Rock and much more. Go here for more info: http://www.fredericksburgtexas-online.com

If you have never made that drive, just know that traffic on I35 can be crazy. Traffic will be driving 80 mph and then slam on your brakes because it is now going 20 mph. And it may happen over and over. It can be a pretty stressful drive.

Rich's plan sounds good for the drive and RoamsAround for places to see.

We have taken highway 281 many times and found it interesting and far less stressful than the interstate. Be sure to eat at the Bluebonnet cafe in Marble Falls--at least stop for a piece of pie.