City Spotlight: Montgomery
When you see six different flags flying side by side on one street, you know you’re somewhere in the Lone Star State. When you see dozens of the same Texas flags flying all over one street, you know you’re in Montgomery.
That’s because Montgomery is the birthplace of the Lone Star State flag, which was thought to be designed by local doctor Charles Stewart (although records suggest he may not have been the sole designer) and adopted in 1839. It hasn’t changed a lick in almost 200 years, and it’s probably the most iconic flag in the entire U.S. besides Old Glory. Ever since, the citizens of this little town just north of Houston have embraced its claim to fame: You’ll see the famous flag literally all over town. See how many of ‘em you can count on your day trip to Montgomery.
Historic Montgomery
The Lone Star State flag has really sealed Montgomery’s place in the Texas history books, but as one of the oldest towns in the entire state (it was officially founded in 1837), there’s plenty of history to encounter here. You can get the bulk of it at Fernland Historical Park, where you can go back in time to explore a bunch of pre- and post-Civil War-era log cabins and homes on the property, including a cabin built in the 1820s, which an Irish migrant hand-built all by himself.
The other historical thing you’ve got to do is head downtown to the original town well to pay your respects to Monty the Goat. Evidently, at one point, there was a local goat who’d loiter by the well and wait for someone to get him a drink of water. Eventually, he got so comfortable amongst the locals that he’d wander around downtown Montgomery, soliciting handouts from the back doors of restaurants. Now, Monty is honored by a life-size statue by the well (a mandatory photo-op spot for visitors), and his beautiful face can be spotted on murals around town. I wouldn’t say he’s as iconic as the Texas flag here, but he’s pretty darn close.
Fishing, Hiking, and Biking
Montgomery sits at the edge of the Sam Houston National Forest, where you’ll find the longest continuous hiking trail in all of Texas. It’s appropriately called the Lone Star Hiking Trail, and it’s an incredible, 96-mile trail that weaves between pine trees and alongside ponds, and is home to all kinds of wildlife. It might take you a few days to hike the whole thing, but it’s a really beautiful experience.
You’ve also got to visit Lake Conroe while you’re in Montgomery, which is one of the most popular fishing lakes in Texas. It’s 22,000 acres big and has more than 150 miles of shoreline. Go with a guide, and you’ll bring in literally countless catfish, largemouth bass, striped bass, everything. I’ve never caught so many catfish in my life as I did on Lake Conroe.
Oh, and one last thing. If you’re into extreme sports and want to learn from the best, hit up Texas Tornado Boot Camp. It’s one of the premier destinations for motocross training in the country, so Montgomery has become a hot spot for professional dirt bikers from all over the globe.
Home to America’s Best Restaurant?
Between the hiking and biking, you’re bound to work up an appetite. Luckily, Montgomery is home to two of the best restaurants in Texas — and maybe even in the entire country.
First and foremost, you’d be hard-pressed to find better Texas barbecue than at Bar-A-BBQ. It’s downtown in a little old house, which may look like nothing special, but the pitmaster has a firm spot on Texas Monthly’s coveted Top 50 BBQ list. He makes enormous Texas-sized spreads of some of the best barbecue you’ll ever have. (Try their Saturday-only Dino beef ribs if you can — they’re humongous, and worth every cent.) No matter what you get, order it with a side of their homemade honey cornbread, which is loaded with what must be a gallon of honey butter.
Save room, though, for Tony’s Italian Delicatessen. At one point in 2017, Tony’s was the No. 1 rated restaurant on Yelp in the entire country. Yes, not just Texas, the entire United States. It’s just in a strip mall, but man, their tight-rolled Italian sandwiches with homemade pesto are one of those meals I still dream about. They even have a staff contest to see who can fit the most meat into each sandwich. When you slice into it, it’s like a package of salami, pepperoni, and capicola, all dripping with homemade pesto. I can confidently say I’ve never had a better Italian sandwich anywhere in the world.
Explore more of Texas’ small towns with The Daytripper here.
