Cynthia Smoot
The Heart of Texas Awaits Your Next Time Traveling Adventure
Photography courtesy of Interstate Inn, Sara Forrest and Kevin Marple
About 100 miles southwest of Dallas lies Stephenville, Texas, a place that until recently was known more for rodeos than refined design. Dallas travelers looking to escape the city for a weekend of style, substance, and superb dining will want to punch “811 East Road” into their GPS and head directly to the reimagined Interstate Inn, the first boutique property from Mod Motels, according to our always-on-the-go global traveler, Cynthia Smoot.
However, this isn’t your average roadside stop. Initially opened in 1965 and now completely transformed, the Interstate Inn is a masterclass in mid-century modern revivalism, with just the right amount of kitsch to charm without feeling contrived. It’s also home to The Seeker, a new culinary destination helmed by legendary Dallas chef Stephan Pyles.
A Mid-Century Dream Reborn
Mod Motels, a Dallas-based hospitality company, has taken its mission seriously: to restore and reimagine classic mid-century motels across Texas. The Interstate Inn is its debut project, and it doesn’t just nod to the past; it celebrates it with polished flair.
From the moment you arrive, you’re welcomed by a dramatic two-story lobby capped with a sloped roof shaped like an interstate sign. Inside, it’s pure retro luxe. Think terrazzo floors, blush pink glazed tiles, and a Bridget Bardot portrait by Dallas artist Ginger Fox presiding over a Mad Men-worthy seating area. The design by Neal Stewart of Dallas delivers on every level, is stylish and whimsical, and full of many colorful, Insta-worthy moments.
Thirty-three guest rooms flank a central lawn and pool, including two nostalgia rooms for those seeking a truly authentic time-warp experience. Room 106 features a working Magic Fingers bed you can activate with a quarter, while Room 114 boasts a full-size 1970s waterbed. Elsewhere, guests will find custom wallpaper, atomic clocks, Herman Miller lighting, and colorful mid-century furnishings. All rooms include luxury touches, such as terry cloth robes, Yuni beauty products, and a digital Bible, because, after all, this is still Texas.
More Than A Motel. It’s A Mod Mood
The Interstate Inn is far more than a stylish place to rest your head. With expansive gathering spaces, a retail boutique, and ample patio seating, it’s designed for more than just a one-night stay. It’s a place to linger, to host, and to celebrate, whether it’s a road trip with friends, a family reunion, or a milestone birthday.
The showpiece event space, The Cork Room, offers 2,400 square feet of celebratory charm, featuring white oak and cork, with gold leaf wallpaper and lighting that mimics a starry sky. It’s ideal for weddings, culinary weekends, and destination celebrations.
The Seeker: Stephan Pyles’ Return to Roots
Of course, what truly sets this roadside revival apart is The Seeker, the inn’s in-house restaurant led by James Beard Award-winner Stephan Pyles. Known for pioneering Southwestern cuisine, Pyles has created a concept that fuses Texas comfort food with global sophistication.
The Seeker’s design is as delicious as its dishes, as 88 seats wrapped in white oak, copper, and walnut finishes, lined with booths in tooled leather and bespoke textiles. Warm pendant lighting and a tree-lined patio complete the inviting vibe. The adjacent Cork Room adds another layer for weekend dinners and private events.
Pyles’ menu showcases his signature Modern Texas Cuisine, with dishes inspired by his West Texas roots and global travels. Expect bold, unexpected flavors served with a dose of hospitality that feels just right in Stephenville.
If you’re planning a visit, check out the website first to see if you can incorporate one of the culinary weekends hosted by Pyles, held at regular intervals throughout the year.
The Road to Retro Luxury Starts Here
The Interstate Inn is an ambitious, joyfully executed tribute to a golden age of American travel, one that’s been recast for modern sensibilities. It’s upscale without being stuffy, nostalgic without being cliché. For Dallasites and Texans seeking a stylish weekend getaway, it offers the perfect blend of relaxation, inspiration, and impeccable taste.
Is Stephenville the next Marfa? Maybe or maybe not. Yet, just an hour and 40 minutes from Dallas, this roadside gem proves that you don’t have to go far to find a fresh perspective. You just need to take the scenic route. Whether you’re craving retro cool, serious design inspiration, or a meal worth the drive, the Interstate Inn delivers in every direction.
Plan Your Stay Now:
📍 Interstate Inn | 811 East Road, Stephenville, TX
🍽️ The Seeker reservations at OpenTable
📷 Follow on Instagram: @theinterstateinn
