As you're making spring and summer plans for next year, add a quick stop in South Texas to that list, more specifically, Crystal City, Texas. There you will find the "World Spinach Capital", as deemed by texasescapes.com. You can also swing by city hall to take a selfie with the animated sailor man Popeye.

101.5 KNUE logo
Get our free mobile app

History of Crystal City, Texas

Crystal City has an interesting history. When the railroad arrived in the town in the late 1920's and early 1930's, the town made it's name for onions. But during The Great Depression, Crystal City thrived because of it's spinach. The town could produce about 10,000 cans a day. That thriving spinach business landed the town the title as "World Spinach Capital" according to roadsideamerica.com. Crystal City is still a major producer of spinach.

Popeye Statue

In 1937, with the blessing of Popeye creator, E. C. Segar, the town erected a statue of Popeye. Obviously, with the title of "World Spinach Capital", and Popeye's love of spinach, the tribute is perfect. The statue still sits in front of City Hall ready for the perfect selfie. There is a second statue inside their Chamber of Commerce.

This spring or summer stop could be the ultimate lesson for your kids to finally like spinach.

Maybe.

If anything, your little ones will have some fun getting their picture with the famous sailor man. So yeah, in between snacking on Buc-ee's Beaver Nuggets in your travels to South Texas, stop by Crystal City, eat some spinach and visit Popeye. However, there will be no guarantees you will get instant muscles after eating their famous spinach.

Be Aware of 5 New Texas Laws That Go Into Effect January 1, 2024

New Texas laws going into effect in 2024 address a wide range of topics.

Gallery Credit: unsplash.com

Up to $7,500 Reward Offered for Information Leading to an Arrest of These 46 Texas Fugitives

The Texas Department of Public Safety is looking for 46 possibly armed and dangerous fugitives in December. Three of those fugitives have warrants in East Texas. 

Gallery Credit: Texas Department of Public Safety

Top 11 Counties for Executions in Texas and a Prisoner Who Was Executed in That County

Texas is well known for its use of the death penalty with many executions carried out for heinous crimes every year. Which counties have the most in the state? How many have been carried out in East Texas? Let's take a look at the numbers and some of the crimes committed.

Gallery Credit: Google Maps, Texas Department of Criminal Justice

More From 101.5 KNUE