Sandwiched Between Houston And Dallas Is Texas' College Town With Quaint Coffee Shops And A Historic Downtown

Corsicana may have the downhome air of a tiny Texas town, but it actually serves as home to upwards of 25,000 people, according to World Population Review. "It may seem like a small place, however it is very historical and has many great things to offer," one local shared on Niche. Born as the county seat of Navarro County, Corsicana's official roots stretch back to the mid-1800s. Many of the city's old buildings and original brick-laid roads still line the historic downtown area today.

Interestingly enough, Corsicana was named after the underrated Mediterranean island of Corsica. This slice of northeast Texas certainly has its fair share of beaches, albeit of the freshwater variety. Several lakes can be found nearby, some wide enough to forget you're even inland. Though if you do fancy a splash in the sea, the coastal city of Houston is just a few hours south. Head about an hour north and you'll hit Dallas, where Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is located. 

With all the lovely lake views, not to mention the bevy of cozy coffee shops, Corsicana definitely deserves a spot on the list of the best American college towns for a scenic weekend. The city boasts the award-winning Navarro College, a community college that has a longstanding partnership with East Texas A&M University. Of course, those who aren't of college age can still make a great trip out of a visit here.

It's no secret that Texas' charming main streets encapsulate small-town life, and Corsicana's historic core is no different. Named a Texas Main Street City by the Texas Historical Commission in the 1980s, Corsicana's Main Street District offers a great snapshot of an older way of life. Start your tour of the historic city center by popping into the visitor center on South Beaton Street, just steps away from Main Street. The informational hub sits inside a late-1800s-era railroad depot right next to an old train car, which is another must-see. "If you stop by this visitor's center, you can learn a bit about the history of the town," one visitor shared on Yelp. "They have maps of all the activities, and old pictures of what the place used to look like back in the day."

The history hunting doesn't stop there. Corsicana's downtown area has more than 100 historic buildings still standing strong from days of yore. Among them is The Palace Theatre, which has been a beloved spot for live concerts, shows, plays, and the like since 1921. It would be criminal not to stop by the Old City Jail, too. This place is even older, dating back to the early 1900s. 

You can also step back into the city's storied past at Pioneer Village, which is located right in the downtown area. Several historic structures dot the frozen-in-time grounds, including an old general store, barn, and trading post. "Great place to see exactly how the pioneers lived," said one visitor on TripAdvisor, adding that the open-air museum is "well maintained, and staffed with an excellent docent."

Savor the tasty eats and drinks around Corsicana, too. Across the Street Bistro is conveniently located downtown and scored the No. 1 spot on TripAdvisor's ranking of the best restaurants the city has to offer. Cotton Patch Cafe is another local favorite and serves up hearty plates of Southern classics. If you're craving bolder flavors, grab a table at the Old Mexican Inn Restaurant & Cantina. "Best Tex-Mex in town, in my opinion," reads a Yelp review.

Grab a slump-busting drink at one of Corsicana's many quaint coffee shops. Mita's Coffee House & Fine Food in the downtown district is one of the best places to grab a brew. You can even order a "kid frappe" minus the cold brew if you have little ones in tow. The charming cafe also doles out an array of breakfast and lunch staples, from yogurt parfaits and loaded oatmeals to caprese paninis and avocado toast. 

The mom-and-pop coffee shop Timbers is also around the block. And if you're in a hurry, you can get your coffee on the go at 7 Brew Coffee, an establishment that operates a unique drive-thru concept for its patrons.