Archer City, Texas: Last Picture Show Theater - The Royal Theatre

If you are fan of the novel or the movie and you have time, it is a fun ride down Texas roads. The town itself is fun, like stepping into the movie almost. In addition to the theater, which is now an outdoor stage for concerts and plays, there is Booked Up (Larry McMurtry's book store), and a dang good Dairy Queen.

The Royal Theatre in Archer City, TX has been converted into an amphitheatre. It is very easy to find, as it is on one of the two main streets through the small town. The space regularly hosts musical performances (most notably a fundraising series called "The Late Week Lazy Boy Supper Club") as well as theatre events.

Additionally, Larry McMurtry, the Archer City native who penned "The Last Picture Show" has opened an extensive used bookstore in the city, which actually occupies four downtown buildings. The store, named "Booked Up," sells used books, specializing in rare books. The store is (I believe) one of the largest of its type in the country and has attracted book collectors from around the world. Occasionally, McMurtry can be seen working in the store (though he reportedly does not like to be bothered, and definitely does not sign autographs in the store). The four buildings house only one cash register, so if you choose to purchase something from building 3, you have to take it back to building 1 to pay. It's an interesting place, whether or not you're a collector, their prices are reasonable and the selection is unbelievable (although they do not apparently, keep a list of what books they actually have).

The movie theater featured in the 1971 film, "The Last Picture Show," has been restored in the dusty town of Archer City, TX. Or at least the front of the place has been rebuilt....