If money is tight this spring break, students can stay in Texas and enjoy a ride with friends taking Historic Road Trips from Dallas/Fort Worth by NW instructor Wendi Pierce out for a spin.

Narratives of her trip provide a “dashboard reference” for those going on the road this time of year, Pierce said.

“It’s more of a writer’s eye looking at the landscape and trying to bring to life the past on that location,” she said.

Pierce teaches in NW Campus’ English department. Three or four years of traveling for her previous job, taking pictures and writing led to creating this book.

Pierce said she likes little stops like Parker’s Fort because it is right outside of Waco, so it can be done in a day and is rich with history. Quanah Parker, a famous Comanche chief, is from the area and the destination’s namesake.

While in the area, Pierce suggested students also check out the Texas Ranger Museum in Waco.

Pierce started compiling the book in 2002 while working as an editor for a history-based website with Rick Steed.

She said she finished the project after a “long” eight-year process.

The finished product is a $20 guide to Texas history through several road trips with pictures and maps.

“It has really been flying off the shelves,” said one TCC bookstore employee. “I have enjoyed it.”

— Magan Mitchell