A lot of people in this day and age operate under the notion that newer is always better, but in some respects, I beg to differ. There are some experiences we had as kids that just can’t compare to anything that exists today. We have our memories, but it’s a real tragedy that generations to come won’t be able to experience these 10 things you can’t do in Texas anymore.
- Ride rollercoasters all day long at Astroworld
Flickr/Ethan Astroworld has been closed since 2005, but our memories will live on forever. Remembering nights spent screaming at the top of my lungs on Greezed Lightnin’ with friends and family brings about a heavy air of nostalgia that’s both happy and sad.
- Eat at Pig Stand
Flickr/Carlos Lowry We’re insanely proud to call our state the home of America’s first drive-in, but sad to say that it isn’t around anymore. Huge chains like Sonic will never measure up to the homemade deep-fried onions, Texas toast, chicken fried steak sandwiches, and milkshakes that will live on in our hearts (and taste buds) forever.
- Find your inner thrill-seeker at Busch Gardens
Flickr/sangre-la This amusement park may have only been open for two years (1971-1973) in Houston, but it attracted thousands of families in its short time with its thrilling rides that promised a fun-filled day for all.
- Shop at Foley’s
Wikimedia Commons Texas was also home to this department store that we knew and loved before it got converted to Macy’s. Even though it doesn’t exist anymore, we’ll never forget our days of shopping here.
- Get a good steak at Gallagher’s
Flickr/rosebennet Gallagher’s used to have chains in San Antonio, Houston, Beaumont, and Richardson. Locals remember it for the top-notch steak (of course) as well as the laid back, casual atmosphere where one could just sit for hours and enjoy the bands playing inside the restaurant.
- Eat at Piccadilly in your local mall
Flickr/Mike Kalasnik I have many a memory of stopping in at Piccadilly for a quick bite while at the mall with friends or family in the early 2000s. The food may not have been stellar quality, but it was something to put in your gullet and satisfied the hungry mouths of kids just fine.
- Birthday parties at Discovery Zone
childrenofthenineties.blogspot.com We all had at least one birthday party here. I can remember it now…the slides, giant ball pit, indoor zip line. Chuck-E-Cheese’s is alright, but nothing beats the original playplace that today’s children will never know.
- Indulge in a “Pig’s Trough” sundae from Farrell’s
Flickr/angryjuliemonday I’m not sure exactly what’s in it, but it’s darn delicious. Old-fashioned ice cream parlors are few and far between nowadays, especially in big cities like Houston, where Farrell’s used to be located. Many unforgettable memories were made digging into delicious treats there.
- Shop at Joske’s Department Store
Wikipedia If you were alive before 1987 when it was bought out by Dillard’s, you remember this premier department store. It has a lot more character than Macy’s or Dillard’s, don’t you think?
- Dance the night away at the Balinese Room
Flickr/gexydaf Once one of the most popular nightclubs in Galveston, the Balinese Room hosted legends like Frank Sinatra and Bob Hope before its tragic destruction in Hurricane Ike in 2008.
Do you remember doing any of these things? What other places don’t exist anymore in Texas that you wish would come back?
Flickr/Ethan
Astroworld has been closed since 2005, but our memories will live on forever. Remembering nights spent screaming at the top of my lungs on Greezed Lightnin’ with friends and family brings about a heavy air of nostalgia that’s both happy and sad.
Flickr/Carlos Lowry
We’re insanely proud to call our state the home of America’s first drive-in, but sad to say that it isn’t around anymore. Huge chains like Sonic will never measure up to the homemade deep-fried onions, Texas toast, chicken fried steak sandwiches, and milkshakes that will live on in our hearts (and taste buds) forever.
Flickr/sangre-la
This amusement park may have only been open for two years (1971-1973) in Houston, but it attracted thousands of families in its short time with its thrilling rides that promised a fun-filled day for all.
Wikimedia Commons
Texas was also home to this department store that we knew and loved before it got converted to Macy’s. Even though it doesn’t exist anymore, we’ll never forget our days of shopping here.
Flickr/rosebennet
Gallagher’s used to have chains in San Antonio, Houston, Beaumont, and Richardson. Locals remember it for the top-notch steak (of course) as well as the laid back, casual atmosphere where one could just sit for hours and enjoy the bands playing inside the restaurant.
Flickr/Mike Kalasnik
I have many a memory of stopping in at Piccadilly for a quick bite while at the mall with friends or family in the early 2000s. The food may not have been stellar quality, but it was something to put in your gullet and satisfied the hungry mouths of kids just fine.
childrenofthenineties.blogspot.com
We all had at least one birthday party here. I can remember it now…the slides, giant ball pit, indoor zip line. Chuck-E-Cheese’s is alright, but nothing beats the original playplace that today’s children will never know.
Flickr/angryjuliemonday
I’m not sure exactly what’s in it, but it’s darn delicious. Old-fashioned ice cream parlors are few and far between nowadays, especially in big cities like Houston, where Farrell’s used to be located. Many unforgettable memories were made digging into delicious treats there.
Wikipedia
If you were alive before 1987 when it was bought out by Dillard’s, you remember this premier department store. It has a lot more character than Macy’s or Dillard’s, don’t you think?
Flickr/gexydaf
Once one of the most popular nightclubs in Galveston, the Balinese Room hosted legends like Frank Sinatra and Bob Hope before its tragic destruction in Hurricane Ike in 2008.
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