Travel Log: Texas

Texas brings to mind rodeos, ranches, roughnecks and one heck of a battle that ended up with the territory leaving Mexico and creating its own republic (that is, before it became a state). But Texas isn't all dusty and trail-ridden.

Just south of Texas Motor Speedway is the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area, the largest of its kind in this region that offers a true weekend experience worth taking.

The Fort Worth tourism Web site states that the place is perfect for a two-day getaway. This part of Texas offers some of the finest cuisine, and if red meat is your fancy, then yes -- you indeed have died and arrived in heaven. But there's more: unique shops in Sundance Square, a cattle drive in the Stockyards or even a browsing museum stop in the Fort Worth Culture District.

The Lone Star State isn't just wranglers and saloons. But that part's fun, too.

• Cup Series tickets
• Nationwide Series tickets
• Book your travel

• Six different countries have occupied the territory that makes up present-day Texas: Spain, France, Mexico, Republic of Texas, Confederate States and the United States.

• Sam Houston commanded the Texas army at the 1836 Battle of San Jacinto, where his troops defeated Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna's Mexican army. The victory ultimately led to Texas becoming independent and forming a republic. Later that year, the Republic of Texas adopted a constitution. Ironically, Houston -- who is hailed as one of the most famous Texans -- was born in Virginia and once served as governor of Tennessee before serving the same role in Texas. He is the only man to have served as governor of two different states.

• Texas accounts for more than 7 percent of the United States' total area in land, second only to Alaska.

• There are approximately 24 million residents of Texas, compared to approximately 16 million cattle.

• King Ranch, located near Corpus Christi, is the largest ranch in the United States -- and it is larger than Rhode Island. In addition to farming and ranching (it has more than 50,000 cattle), the ranch also operates in publishing, hardware and hunting.

Best Burger: Ye Ole Butcher Shop
Best Barbecue: Sonny Bryan's
Best Restaurant: Cattlemen's Fort Worth Steak House

Admitted as a State: Dec. 29, 1845, as 28th state
Capital: Austin
Nickname: Lone Star State
Population Rank: 2nd
Largest City: Houston

Just north of all the hustle and bustle, a drive up Interstate 35 W to the very outskirts of Fort Worth, lies Texas Motor Speedway. It's directly off the interstate, and if you've got a back road secret, then utilize it. Traffic can be a bear otherwise.

And much like its sister tracks, Texas has produced a fan guide full of facts, a checklist and advice for this weekend. Make use of it, because the better prepared a ticket holder is, the more fun he will have.
• Texas Motor Speedway

Weekend Schedules: Cup Series | Nationwide Series | Truck Series