The video above captures a quick stop in Centerville, TX — a small East Central Texas town that most people know as the halfway point on the I-45 drive between Fort Worth and Houston. With a population just under a thousand, Centerville is the kind of place you might blow past on the freeway if you didn't know what was there. But as David Bridwell shows while passing through between gigs, it's worth pulling off for a look around and a bite to eat.
What Is There to See in Centerville, Texas?
Centerville is the county seat of Leon County and has held that title since 1850. The town's unofficial slogan is "The Heart of the Dearest Place in Texas," a nod to the dense forests and large deer population that draw hunters to the area each year. Head off I-45 and drive along St. Mary Street to find the historic downtown strip. The Leon County Courthouse, built in 1887, is the centerpiece, and there's a gazebo and courtyard mini park nearby. You'll also spot the old Leon County Jail — which is actually a hanging jail — sitting right next to the newer jail. The whole stretch has a collection of historic brick buildings, churches, a few restaurants serving Mexican food, the Town Cafe, and some antique shops. It's a compact, quiet little downtown that feels like a time capsule of small-town Texas.
One significant piece of music history: Lightnin' Hopkins, the legendary blues singer and guitar player, was born in Centerville. That alone makes it a noteworthy spot on any Texas music road trip.
Where to Eat When You Stop in Centerville
The main reason most travelers pull off I-45 in Centerville is Woody's Smokehouse. There's actually a location on both sides of the freeway, so they catch traffic heading north and south. They're well known for their homemade jerky — the Texas Fire beef jerky is a solid pick. You can also grab a full meal there; the BLT sandwich hit the spot during a long drive. Beyond Woody's, the downtown strip has a handful of small restaurants, including some Mexican food spots and the Town Cafe, which gives you a few options if you want to sit down and eat something before getting back on the road.
A Worthwhile Stop Between Fort Worth and Houston
If you've ever made the I-45 drive between Fort Worth and Houston, you know it can feel like a long haul. Centerville sits right at the midpoint, which makes it a natural place to stretch your legs, fuel up, and grab some jerky or a sandwich. It's not a live music destination — you're not going to find a honky tonk on every corner — but the Lightnin' Hopkins connection gives it real significance in Texas music history, and the downtown strip is a pleasant walk through a well-preserved piece of small-town Texas. Sometimes the best road trip stops are the ones you almost drove past.