I’ve never had opportunity to seriously explore the numerous small towns north of Fort Worth during our Christmas visits, but I’ve seen just enough to know I’d like to see more.

In past years, we’ve enjoyed the food and the historical decor at Reno Red’s, though I’ve never actually seen the place in daylight.

Even in the edges of suburbia, there are a few lingering hints of the distant past, and bits of those once wide-open Texas prairies still remain.

Roanoke, I’m sure, will continue to grow, but is still clinging to the memories of yesterday.

Roanoke’s bison, pictured in 2016