The exit off Hwy. 71 looked like nothing special.

Somewhere between Dallas and Austin, Texas, we'd pulled off to refill our rental car with gas. Next to the station in the cotton-farming town of Ellinger was a bakery called Hruska's. Behind a lot packed with cars, a sign touted its 1912 establishment; inside, long cases of sweet and savory kolaches provided edible reminders of the history of Czech immigrants in the largely rural area.

We'd come from one of the largest cities in the country, and were headed toward what some call the hipster capital of the U.S. But between two of Texas' most appealing destinations was something starkly different: rolling hills, steers lounging in ranch pastures, groves of post oaks and nearly hidden roadside gems.

Given the growth of airports, the rise in flight deals and ever-busy lifestyles, many of us opt to fly for vacations rather than make the haul in a car. But road tripping, I always find, still has its merits. What better way to truly explore a particular state or region?

Texas was no different.

In Dallas, buildings tower and neighborhoods abound. In Austin, too-cute cafes with perfect design line the streets.

Outside the cities, though, yellow grasses stretch for miles. Alternative rock and hip-hop are replaced with a steady stream of country music on the dial. Trucks fly U.S. flags. Mom-and-pop shops reign. And the landscape changes before you, going from Hill Country, to coastal plain, to the Gulf of Mexico. You don't get that feel without doing the mileage.

If not for traveling via four wheels, we likely wouldn't have ended up in Galveston, an hour from a major airport. Sans wheels, travelers tend to limit themselves. But the quirky island town with so many stories to tell ended up being our highlight.

Flying is often a necessity in travel. But every now and then, it's freeing to hit the open road.

Amelia Rayno covers food and travel for the Star Tribune. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram: @AmeliaRayno.