Posted in Texas
July 17, 2015
10 Places From The Past That You Wish Would Come Back To Texas
Some places from Texas’ past just can’t be erased from our memories, no matter how hard we try. If you’ve lived in Texas during the past 30-40 years or so, you will undoubtedly remember these places from days gone by:

I think everyone had a birthday party here as a kid at least once. Just thinking about this place ignites childhood memories I will never forget...the crazy indoor zipline, that giant ball pit, the roller slide, the endless tunnels and mazes...we could all use some more Discovery Zone in our lives, I think.


America's first drive-in restaurant opened in Dallas in 1921, and paved the way for restaurants such as Sonic to make its way in the food business. The last two Pig Stands in Texas closed their doors in 2006 after the chain went bankrupt, and even though one reopened in San Antonio, it still doesn't measure up to the original drive-in we all knew and loved. Memories of deep-fried onions, Texas toast and chicken fried steak sandwiches with a malt on the side will forever be held in our hearts.


When Astroworld closed in 2005, you could practically feel the sadness in the air. Who could forget Thunder River, Greezed Lightnin', the Ultra Twister, or the Alpine Sleigh Ride?!

While this popular theme park was only open from 1971 to 1973 in Houston, it attracted thousands with the thrilling rides and promises of fun for the whole family.

This was one of the most beloved ice cream shops in the Houston area, with three locations inside malls throughout the city. They also served breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but most people remember them for their delicious ice cream sundaes.

It's been long enough without our favorite ice cream in our freezers, but hopefully we won't have to wait too much longer for the return of Blue Bell to our stomachs.

I remember coming here in the early 2000s at a location in the local mall with my friends to enjoy a nice homestyle meal after volleyball practice. It didn't have as many choices as Luby's, but if you wanted a quick lunch, it was a nice place to get just that.

Before Dillard's acquired the store in in 1987, Joske's was the premier department store for Texans to shop at. There were once twenty seven outlets statewide, with this one in San Antonio being the first to open.

This chain used to have restaurants in San Antonio, Houston, Beaumont, and Richardson. Texans remember it as a great place to get a steak and also a fun place to unwind and listen to the house bands that came to play regularly.

This was one of the most popular nightclubs and dance halls in Galveston for decades, featuring entertainment by legends such as Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, and the Marx Brothers. Unfortunately, the entire structure got destroyed in Hurricane Ike in 2008.
What others places from Texas’ past do you wish would open their doors again for business?