Columbus Area.(Southeast Texas)

A little charmer that many travelers fail to explore as they zip along Interstate 10 between Houston and San Antonio, Columbus surprises visitors with its gracious old homes, giant oak and magnolia trees and restored downtown buildings. The town is quiet during the early part of the week but comes alive on weekends, becoming a welcome slow retreat from the fast lanes of urban life.

Known as the "city of live oaks" because of the many old trees with sprawling branches, Columbus dates back to 1823, when it was settled by some of the original colonists to Texas. Located on the Colorado River about 75 miles west of Houston, it's considered the oldest continuously occupied Anglo-American town in the state.

FUN FACTS ABOUT COLUMBUS

* In 1886, wealthy cattleman Robert Earl Stafford built a large home and adjacent Stafford Bank and Opera House across from Courthouse Square. The home and opera house are so close that Stafford reportedly could watch performances on the stage from his bedroom window.

* Check out the massive live oak tree at 1218Walnut Street, deemed the second largest in the state behind a bigger one in Rockport

Activities & Attractions

A walking tour around the courthouse square and along adjacent blocks encompasses a number of historic sights. The Colorado County Courthouse, Walnut Street (business US 90) and Milam Street, is one of the prettiest in the state, with a stained-glass dome and eight chandeliers over the courtroom and a working Seth Thomas clock in the tower. The 1891 brick building, surrounded by magnolia trees, is open to visitors during regular business hours. On the corner of the square stands the 1883 brick water tower with walls that are nearly three feet thick; it's now the United Daughters of the Confederacy Museum, [telephone] 979-732-8385, displaying historical memorabilia. Across the street is the Stafford Bank and Opera House, 425 Spring Street, [telephone] 979-732-8385. Built in 1886, it has been beautifully restored. The ground floor now serves as a visitor center, with information about area sights, accommodations and activities. The second-floor opera house is once again the site of performances and events.