WATCH: Snow’s BBQ

Lexington, TX

Deciding whose barbecue is best is a monumental task, but the professionals at Texas Monthly Magazine have spoken – twice! – and named Snow’s BBQ as the winner. And if Snow’s is the best barbecue in Texas, then by extension, it must be the best barbecue in the world.

Snow’s is only open on Saturdays, so if you want to eat what might just be the best barbecue of your life, you’ll have to pull yourself out of bed before the rooster crows to claim your place in line. The small town of Lexington doubles in size every weekend as folks from all over the world come to taste greatness.

IMAGE CONTENTS: People stand in line to get inside a small building (Snow’s BBQ).

Owner Kerry Bexley likes to say that he “can’t make you like their barbecue, but he can make sure you have a good time while you’re here.” Customer service and hospitality are highest up on the Snow’s priority list, so even though you will most likely be waiting in line for several hours, you won’t be bored. Bexley likes to liven things up with raffles and complimentary beverages to promote a general camaraderie between meat lovers, no matter where in the world they are from. 

When asked if he had a secret to making good barbecue, Bexley shrugged.

“It’s just a lot of TLC,” he maintained. “We’re basic on all our seasonings; we’ve never seasoned with anything but salt and pepper. And we’re one of the few that don’t use a high quality cut of brisket. If you know what you’re doing with it, you can do a good job.”

Meeting the sheer volume of demand is no small task, and that’s why it takes Bexley’s whole family, including his wife, Kim, and their three kids, as well as the efforts of a dedicated staff that feels like family, to keep up. Incredibly, most of the people who work for Bexley also have full time jobs during the week, including the queen of Texas barbecue herself: Ms. Tootsie Tomanetz. 

IMAGE CONTENTS: Three people, two men and a woman (Chet Garner, Tootsie Tomanetz, and Kerry Bexley), pose holding a large rack of sausage inside a smoky barbecue pit area.

At 86 years old, Ms. Tootsie is a self-taught barbecue master and pit boss with a worldwide fanbase. But even with all that notoriety and fame, she’s still just Ms. Tootsie.

“I’m an old country girl,” she said. “I’m just myself. I enjoy this work. I like to turn out a pretty product.”

It isn’t easy or comfortable work, and Ms. Tootsie is serious about it: “If you can’t stand the heat, don’t start the barbecue!”

Though Ms. Tootsie works full time as a janitor for Giddings Independent School District, she started in the barbecue business with her late husband just a few blocks from Snow’s. After their smokers were closed for a number of years, Bexley called her back into action to help open Snow’s, and the world rejoiced.

If you’re able to make it out to Snow’s, take it from Chet: Don’t go easy. Go all in and try everything, even if it’s nine o’clock in the morning.

Snow’s seems to break all the “rules” of Texas barbecue, but their final product can’t be argued with. It’s that good. So good, in fact, that it put a small place like Lexington on the map. It’s a vibrant community that continues to attract people from all over the world, and it is most definitely worth a daytrip.

IMAGE CONTENTS: Pictured is a full tray of Texas barbecue, including chicken, sausage, beef ribs. brisket, sides, and more.

When asked how long she was going to continue blessing the world with her barbecue mastery, Ms. Tootsie said she wasn’t sure. Perhaps another century?

“That would be wonderful,” she replied, smiling.

Long live the queen of Texas barbecue.

IMAGE CONTENTS: Two people (Chet Garner and Tootsie Tomanetz) embrace.

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Photo credit: Todd White Photography

WATCH: Cliff Jumping On Possum Kingdom Lake

Graham, TX

According to local captain and tour guide Jack Graham, one of the best things about Possum Kingdom Lake is that it’s not overly crowded.

“It’s one of the most beautiful lakes in Texas, and what’s been great about it in the 39 years I’ve been coming out here is that it hasn’t been known. So you don’t have a lot of lake traffic.”

The cliffs of Possum Kingdom are unrivaled. One formation in particular is known as Hell’s Gate: two stunning and sheer cliffs that beckon all who dare to enter. The cove was created by an oxbow of the original river channel and it makes a great place for people to hang out on the lake.

“That’s where people congregate for recreational fun,” says Graham, smiling. 

The craziest thing that happens here is the Red Bull Cliff Diving Championship, in which divers compete from heights between roughly 85 and 91 feet. So even if the devil on your shoulder tempts you to try jumping yourself, it’s best left to the professionals. In fact, jumping from any cliff higher than 20 feet around the lake is illegal.

Jumping from shorter cliffs around the lake is legal, however, and remains a popular pastime. Do you think you could take on one of these cliffs like Chet does?

IMAGE CONTENT: A man dressed in a red demon costume (Chet Garner) stands on top of a tall cliff at Possum Kingdom Lake.
There is a bright blue sky with clouds above him, green trees and cactus around him, and turquoise water below him.
http://www.toddwhite.org


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Christmas in Grapevine!

It’s that time of the year again…lights, Christmas trees, caroling, shopping and so much more! In the midst of it all, be sure to plan a trip to the Christmas Capital of Texas – Grapevine! This is truly a magical wonderland of Christmas fun and adventure with something to do for everyone!

http://www.grapevinetexasusa.com/

One of the must-stop locations in Grapevine is ICE at the Gaylord Texan Resort! Everyone in your family will love this place, seriously…snowtubing, ice, a 54-foot Christmas tree and 1.5 million twinkling lights. Brings out the kid in everyone!

http://www.grapevinetexasusa.com/christmas-capital-of-texas/

In addition to the “Icy wonderland” there’s shopping around town and at the Country Christmas Market, pictures with Santa, events at the LEGOLAND Discovery Center and performances of “A Christmas Story” and double features of “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” at the Palace Theater.

GPV_Photos

There are so many awesome things to do in Grapevine for Christmas…you won’t want to miss it. There’s still time to enjoy the magic of the holidays and plan a daytrip there. Need help in planning your trip, Grapevine has plenty of resources online. Here are a few of the key links:

Create Lifetime Christmas Memories in Grapevine – List of key activities (Christmas in Grapevine press release)
Christmas Around Grapevine

Also, Texas Highways published an article with tips and events to see in Grapevine.

So pack up the car, gather your family and head over to Grapevine. It’s one of our favorite Christmas daytrips to take.

http://www.toddwhite.org

 

(photos provided by the Grapevine Convention and Visitor’s Bureau)

Road Trip – Hill Country Trail of Lights!

It’s the most wonderful time of year and one of the most beautiful. The weather is crisp, and the anticipation of Christmas is felt and shown by millions of lights throughout the Texas Hill Country! It’s a sight you won’t want to miss, so gather your friends and family, jump into your car, tune the radio to Christmas Carols and road trip your way through the Texas Hill Country for the best trail of lights experience ever!

Guest Post from Travelin’ Texan Amanda Waltman

Burnet_Courthouse

Your first stop is Burnet, TX where the magnificent and historic courthouse shines like a Christmas beacon in the middle of the town square. The impressive display of lights is well worth the visit if that is the only thing you see on your stop in Burnet but if you are traveling through on December 12th, drop by Christmas on the Square where you’ll find Pinterest worthy Christmas gifts, a parade and other free entertainment that is sure to heighten your holiday spirits and get you pumped up for your next stop!  Photo by Burnet Chamber of Commerce.

Marble_Falls

Next you’re off to Marble Falls, TX, a winter wonderland that has been visited by people all over the world, 32 different countries to be exact. The world famous, Walkway of Lights! This merry and bright display is decked with around 2 million lights that glisten against Lake Marble Falls, a beautiful sight to see. Snap a picture with Santa, grab a cup of hot cocoa or warm apple cider and take it all in!  Photo by Marble Falls Chamber of Commerce.

Pedernales_Coop

Next stop, Johnson City, TX! The Blanco County Courthouse shines like a star in all its glory. With over 100,000 lights on the Courthouse alone. Johnson City has one of the largest and brightest light displays in Texas! The Courthouse is open Saturday-Sunday from 6-9pm, when road-tripping sojourners can stop in to enjoy the splendorous sight of a Christmas tree and lots of Yuletide treasures available for purchase. Before you leave town, don’t miss the Pedernales Co-op’s holiday tradition of 1 million plus lights illuminating an entire block of big beautiful oak trees.

Fredericksburg-2

Your last stop is Fredericksburg, TX, a place so full of holiday cheer that they have a Holiday Guide available to plan your visit. Lights abound throughout four full weeks of festivities including: the charming German Christmas pyramid standing 26ft tall, a ginormous Christmas tree, a parade, an ice skating rink, Christmas Balls, holiday shows and more!

Fburg_2

 

Summertime Swimming Holes in Texas

“Summertime and the livin’ is easy.”  That’s how the popular song goes.  And if you’re living easy and living right in Texas, then you’ve found yourself sitting in a Lone-Star swimming hole staring up at the big Texas sky above.  You see, the Good Lord knew Texas was going to get hot in the summertime – and that’s why he gave us so many swimming holes.

You can find spots to beat the heat in every part of our state, but here are some of my favorite Central Texas Swimming holes.  Enjoy!  And Dive In!

BARTON SPRINGS, AUSTIN, TX

I think the term “urban oasis” was invented specifically for this spot.  It’s right in the shadow of downtown Austin and it’s 68 degree water feels perfect year round, which is the perfect temperature on a blazing summer day.

BLUE HOLE, WIMBERLEY, TX

The crystal clear water of Cypress Creek pools underneath massive trees.  Throw in a couple rope swings and you’ve got one of the best swimming holes in Texas.

DEVIL’S WATERHOLE, BURNET, TX

Take the plunge off a 40 foot cliff into the waters of Inks Lake at Inks Lake State Park.  Or just sit on a float and watch others do it.  It’s your choice, and that’s the beauty of it.

HAMILTON POOL, DRIPPINGS SPRINGS, TX

  It’s a creek, a pool, and a massive limestone grotto.  It’s also one of the best “post card” shots in the Texas Hill Country.

KRAUSE SPRINGS, SPICEWOOD, TX

Here you’ll find a swimming hole with dozens of natural springs trickling down a fern-covered wall and pooling into what feels like a secret oasis in Hawaii, yet 100% Texan.

ZEDLER MILL, LULING, TX

What used to be a place to turn grain into bread, is now a place to turn a boring afternoon into an awesome day in the river.   It’s the San Marcos river to be exact and it flows just south of the town of Luling where you can bask in the sunshine, or slide down the moss-covered dam.

August Wine Tour and Distillery Tour Photos

We had a great time on our 2015 Distillery Tour and learned a lot about Texas Spirits. It was good to see the familiar faces of our bus tour regulars and meet some new fans as well. Thanks to Rudy’s Country Store and Bar-B-Q for the breakfast tacos to start the day! Also, a big shout out to Garrison Brothers, Cypress Creek, and Deep Eddy for hosting us and then Brewster’s for lunch! Fun times as always.

Our next adventure is a End of Summer Wine Tour! Join us as we tour and taste our way around some of the best wineries west of Austin and in the Hill Country. Tickets are on sale now in the Daytripper General Store. This tour is already halfway sold out. We’d love to see you there!

Season 6 – Tomball!

In case you missed it, our Tomball episode aired in a few markets last week and on KLRU in Austin on Thursday. This was the winner of our Viewer’s Choice contest, so obviously you really want to watch this episode.

In this episode, Chet heads north of Houston to explore a town built along the railroad.  He visits its many historic sites and takes a flight on a WW2 B-17 “flying fortress” bomber.  To polish off the day, he attempts to eat a “Mega Mel” burger coming in a 1 1/2 feet tall.  Let’s hit the road or is that “rail-road!”

Be sure to tune into you local PBS station to watch.

You can also catch the show online. Check out our Tomball episode page for the link.

Season 6 – Devils River

In case you missed it, our Devils River episode aired in a few markets last week and on KLRU in Austin on Thursday. Don’t miss this episode as Chet heads to no-man’s land to canoe the “most pristine river in Texas.”  On this multi-day canoe trip, he fishes, camps on the banks of this beautiful blue river and learns what it takes to survive in the middle of nowhere. Let’s hit the road…or shall we say River!

Be sure to tune into you local PBS station to watch.

You can also catch the show online. Check out our Devils River episode page for the link.

Season 6 – Schulenburg!

In case you missed it, our Schulenburg episode aired in a few markets last week and on KLRU in Austin on Thursday. Don’t miss this episode as Chet explores the “Painted Churches of Texas” and dives into the German and Czech history of Central Texas! Lots to learn and explore in this beautiful town and surrounding countryside! A Polka museum, a Texas dance hall and the iconic Stanzel Model Aircraft Museum are just a few of our stops. Let’s hit the road.

Be sure to tune into you local PBS station to watch.

You can also catch the show online. Check out our Schulenburg episode page for the link.

Season 6 – Monahans!

In case you missed it, our Monahans episode aired in a few markets last week and on KLRU in Austin on Thursday. You won’t want to miss this West Texas adventure! Chet gets lost in the desert, meets an odd frog, walks in the shoes…ummm, I mean wears the glasses of a music legend and grabs some air in a dune buggy. All this and a million more adventures await in Monahans.

Be sure to tune into you local PBS station to watch.

You can also catch the show online. Check out our Monahans episode page for the link.

Round Rock!

In case you missed it, Round Rock premiered on KLRU last night and we threw a party in Round Rock to celebrate! Thanks so much to everyone who came out…we had a blast. It’s always great to hang out with you…our fans!

So, Round Rock isn’t called the “Sports Capital of Texas” for nothing.  Especially if you can make a sport out of eating, learning about history, or beekeeping. Got you curious…Be sure to tune into you local PBS station to watch.

You can also catch the show online. Check out our Round Rock episode page for the link.