Texas is full of places most travelers miss, and these hidden gems deliver scenery, character, and moments that feel refreshingly undiscovered.

Flanked by a chemical plant and an oil rig construction yard, the site on Corpus Christi Bay may be the last of its kind on this stretch of coastline, now occupied by petrochemical facilities.

I reached out to Capt. Jim Leavelle, who resides in Corpus Christi, to wish him a Merry Christmas. Leavelle packed his bags and left the Galveston Bay system years ago ...