I'm a true believer that anyone can find happiness on a car trip... even if in Texas... where I've driven through a number of times. I have a 14 year old car with three important things that work... the tape deck, the tires, and the engine. The air conditioner doesn't work when it's hot [duh!] and the door locks need to be manually operated.
That said, I pack all the necessities and comforts of life, including a small digital pressure cooker; and pace myself for 150 to 250 miles per day, stopping at scenic overlooks and sitting in my lawn chair to watch the flowers grow. Prefer mom and pop strip motels where I can park in front of the door, sitting outside sipping a good bourbon, as my meal finishes in that pressure cooker.
If I remember, Texas has some great small town tex mex BBQ places... and what better way to start the day than to mosey into small town cafe for coffee and biscuits and gravy; talking with townspeople as if you lived there. I guess with covid all that is changed for now.
Small towns along rivers and river beds can be places of nice scenery. Of course, Texas is so big and diverse in microclimates and cultures that I wouldn't mind spending a few weeks getting lost there.
Of course, the good old days are gone... but I do remember going across the boarder just to enjoy a town square and hear the mariachi band play... then went into the local liquor store to buy some really great kahlua coffee liqueur and tequila, picked up some tacos, and just drove back to the other side.
Anyway, with some planning I'll bet you can yourself a great road adventure... in Texas!