Things to see, do and eat between Houston and Panama City?

[cornflakes]

Hey all, I will be driving out in May to attend a wedding in the Florida Panhandle. I'd like to make the drive in one long day ( I may take longer on the way back, and I'd like to take time for at least a quick stop in New Orleans, considering that I haven't visited yet.) I'd also like to make a few quick stops along the way. Does anyone have any suggestions for sights, food or anything that is worth a stop but won't take more than an hour or two?

[Oscalo]

Pretty good fried and cajun style seafood at The Schooner in Port Arthur, TX. A little pricey for the type of food it is, but also absolutely delicious.

Also, if you're into corny roadside attractions, world's largest fire hydrant in Beaumont:

http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/7358

[NinetyWt]

What route are you taking? There is a very cool Katrina memorial in Biloxi. Also, up and down the Miss. coast along Hwy 90, there are a lot of wood sculptures in the highway median. These are the stumps of oak trees which were killed by the salt water of the surge; local artists have carved them into the shapes of sea creatures.

[CornTheHead]

Right off I-10 at Grosse Tete is the Tiger Truck Stop. Get some gas, food, and check out a live Tiger. They also have video poker. Well worth the stop.

Tiger Truck Stop

[cornflakes]

The truck stop isn't owned by a guy named Wingo, is it?

Thanks folks, and sorry for not getting back sooner. It would probably only add a couple of hours to cross into Louisiana at Sabine Pass, and drive along 82, then enter Biloxi on US-90. I was born on the Gulf and haven't been back in years. This should do me good.

[neuroman]

I've always wanted to check out the Abita Brewery in Abita Springs, LA. It looks like it would be about a 1.5-2 hour detour, all in all, though.

[cornflakes]

Good idea. I was planning to stay on I-10 for both legs, but I may take I-12 on the return.