2019 Look Back

One of my favorite things to do at the end of any year is look back on all the blessings that the year brought. If I don’t intentionally take some time to slow down and reflect, then I completely miss celebrating the victories. Simply put, I miss the chance to be thankful for some pretty amazing things. Of course, no year is perfect and 2019 definitely had it’s struggles, but here are some of the amazing moments. Thanks to everyone who made 2019 our best year yet.

Best Overall Moment

Hands down the birth of my son – Shepherd Garner. I know it seems like I have to say this, but truthfully, nothing can top it.

Highest Honor of the Year

I got to be the emcee for the Governors Inauguration on the Capitol Lawn. Other honors include winning our 9th Lone Star Emmy, being named a finalist for the Austin Under 40 Awards, and being the Grand Marshall for the Oatmeal Festival.

I announced the Duncanville band and dance corp. That is Governor Abbotts hometown

I wasnt at the ceremony, so here is Daniel accepting the award on stage.

Eat your oatmeal kids, or youll turn out like this…

Best Meal I Ate

It’s a close one, but the winner is Second Bar + Kitchen in the Domain. It was a multi-course roman feast and everything was amazing. Runner Ups include: The Brewers Table in East Austin and The Schooner in Nederland.

Best Plate of BBQ

This is a really tough one, but the winner is Bodacious BBQ in Longview, TX for its killer….everything. Close second goes to Interstellar BBQ in Austin, TX.

The Full Spread at Bodacious BBQ on Mobberly.

A plate of the goods at Interstellar BBQ

Best Burger on the Road

We eat a LOT of burgers on the show, but on camera and in between the official locations. My top burger goes to “Nate Nasty” at The Porch at ETX Brewing in Tyler, TX. It looks like a pile of slop but its SOO good with beef, pork, mac & cheese, and an egg. Runner Up burgers include Willie’s Place in Wichita Falls, Fat Boy Burgers in Johnson City, and Eatsie Boys in Houston.

The Nate Nasty at The Porch at ETX Brewing in Tyler, TX

Best Adrenaline-Pumping Adventure

This one goes to two experiences. One was taking my first hot-air balloon ride and the other was hiking to the top of Baldy Peak in the Davis Mountains.

Best Family Adventure

My family got to visit Oregon with our partner Best Western. It was an incredible experience. The Eastern side of the state is very similar to Texas in the best of ways. The video will come out in early January 2020. Runner Up includes taking my kids into the “Shark Cage” at the Mesquite Rodeo.

Inside of the SHARK CAGE right next to the Bull Riding!!!

Best Couple’s Adventure

My wife and I got to go to New York City before our baby arrived. We made a video about it which you can find here. A close Runner Up was a getaway to Camp Lucy in Dripping Springs.

The view from a gas station. Or the Empire State Building. I cant remember.

Best Texas-Travel Moments

There are a ton of these, but the ones that stand out in my head as really special are…

Visited 15 new Texas Counties. I’m still about 30 shy of 254, but I’ll get there.

Seeing the Spot where the Colorado River flows into the Gulf of Mexico.

I got to attend my first Aggie ring ceremony for my sister-in-law. Im a proud Longhorn, so you wont see me doing a GIG EM, but I was happy to support her.

I got to see the top of the “Worlds Littlest Skyscraper”

Go to see my first Cowboys game since the 90’s.

Made some new friends on the road like Matt Pittman of Meat Church.

Best Accomplishments of the Year

We raised support for local food banks via our CANS 4 Q partnerships with Rudys “Country Store” and Bar-B-Q

I got to emcee a number of galas raising support for amazing charities.

We opened THE DAYTRIPPER WORLD HEADQUARTERS a new office and retail store.

Got myself a Custom Hat from Nathaniels Custom Hats in Georgetown

We launched a campaign with Don Hewlett Chevrolet. Can you guess the mystery spokesperson?

We did a truly LIVE fundraiser with Austin PBS and raised over $10,000 for public television.

I better cut it off here. But the more I look, the more that I find incredible moments hidden in between these. I want to encourage y’all to take some time and celebrate 2019. I’m sure it had challenges, but don’t miss the chance to celebrate the blessings.

THANKS FOR AN AMAZING 2019