Y’all know I’m a proud Texas Longhorn. But when you get invited to experience a game on one of the most storied fields in college sports – you go! End of story. I had a chance to live out this life rule when I was invited to the Alabama vs A&M football game on Kyle Field. So I threw on a maroon “Daytripper” shirt as a disguise (cause y’all know I wasn’t going to put on an actual Aggie shirt), and I headed into “enemy” territory. What I found was both terrifying and amazing! As you can see, I felt a little out of place.
A couple first observations. 1. The Aggies tailgate like champs. And 2. Reveille looks way different in person.
As for the stadium – it was AWESOME! The stands surround the playing field like the walls of the Roman Coliseum. The noise levels are deafening. If I was a visiting football player, this would be one of the most intimidating places to play on earth.
As an outsider, the terrifying part was watching the cheers and band. For all 60 minutes of playing time, the students stand and constantly erupt into songs and chants. Something about farming and delivering milk. 😉 It’s quite amazing…and scary. Mostly I’ve got nothing but respect for the Aggies. Their spirit is on another level.
It was a great game. It didn’t turn out the way the Aggies hoped, but it was an incredible experience. That night we got to stay at the brand new THE GEORGE hotel, named after President George H.W. Bush who’s Presidential Library is on campus. It’s a mix of contemporary style and “old army” design. Very cool place that could hold its own in any downtown Texas city.
Check out this Texas flag in the lobby. Now I know what Aggies do with their books instead of reading them….#badjoke…or is it #dadjoke.
FINAL THOUGHTS: It was really really fun. The Aggies may be crazy, but they do a lot of things right – especially when it comes to spirit and traditions. And if you ever get the chance to attend an Aggie game at Kyle Field – GO! 1000 times. GO!
Stay tuned for the video VLOG that I shot while there, and checkout Linsey’s take on Aggieland here.
It’s fall and you’ve been seeing pictures of wondrous places all around the country with fiery orange and candy-apple red leaves blanketing the tops of the trees. You’re probably feeling discouraged as you look at the green leaves or bare trees around you — thinking that your dear old Lone Star State doesn’t have colorful fall foliage. You may even be planning a trip to New England for a little fall beauty.
However, Texas does, in fact, have some of the most picturesque fall foliage in the country if you know where to look. So here’s TWO Ultimate Fall Color Road Trips (one in the Hill Country and one in East Texas) to give you all the brightly colored leaves and fall foliage fun your heart desires!
Here’s a little tip before you get started: Fall is a fickle creature. In Texas, fall foliage usually hits peak around the middle of November to the beginning of December, meaning the leaves could start changing colors as early as late October. Yet, even so, when fall color starts showing and how much there is depends on the yearly rainfall, as well as other factors. To make sure you’ll get peak red and orange beauty, call ahead to the parks you’re interested in or check their website to see what the color is like.
Hill Country Trip
Autumn beauty along the Frio River in Concan, TX. (Hill Country River Region/ visituvalde.com)
Route: Vanderpool, TX to Concan, TX
Destinations: On this trip, you’ll be driving through some of the tallest peaks of the Hill Country. Your journey starts in the Lost Maples State Natural Area, one of the most beautiful spots to see fall color in the entire state. For the best view of the fall foliage, take the Maple Trail. Surrounded by fiery red and bright orange Uvalde bigtooth maples, you’ll feel like you’re in New England. Next, you’ll drive into Utopia to dine at Lost Maples Cafe, which was featured in the movie “Seven Days in Utopia,”and serves each plate of breakfast with a mason jar of fresh salsa. Be sure to take a slice of freshly baked pie to go.
You’ll take Ranch Road 1050 out of town for a scenic drive over the serene Sabinal River and through the tree-covered hills until you reach Garner State Park. At the park, you’ll see beautiful red Bald cypresses towering over the crystal waters of the Frio River. For a peek at Old Baldy without paying to enter the park, head to Magers River Crossing (one of the best kept Hill Country secrets) where the Frio trickles over County Road 350, a canopy of colorful trees provides shade and the majestic mountain is in full view in the distance. Find the full map here and the Lost Maples Foliage Report here.
And here’s a trip tip: If the fall beauty is too breathtaking to enjoy for just a day, make reservations to stay the night at the River Rim Resort in Concan. Just miles away from Garner State Park and Magers River Crossing, this resort provides amazing cabins, cottages and lodges with access to the stunning Frio River.
East Texas Trip
Fall Color along the trails in Tyler State Park.
Route:Daingerfield, TX to Jacksonville, TX
Destinations: Take a journey through East Texas for fall color mixed with towering deep green pines. Starting at Daingerfield State Park, hike the Rustling Leaves Nature Trail to see the oak, maple and sweetgum trees reflecting in Lake Daingerfield like a gold and red watercolor painting. Next, you’re on to Lake Bob Sandlin State Park, which is also an East Texas trove of fall foliage as patches of red and orange pop up in the greenery around the lake.
Take Highway 37 for a scenic drive through part of theAutumn Trails of Winnsboro, TX, where they’ve been hosting a fall foliage festival since 1958. Next you’re on to see trails surrounded by reds, golds and oranges in Tyler State Park and the famous Tyler roses at the Tyler Rose Garden Center. If your stomach’s growling, stop by Coyote Sam’s Bar and Grille in Tyler for a Kobe burger so mouthwatering, it made Texas Monthly’sTop 50 Burgers List. Your last stop is at Love’s Lookout in Jacksonville, which — though small — provides a stunning bird’s eye view of the East Texas countryside. Find the full map here.
Here’s another tip: If you’re yearning to see even more fall beauty, continue on through Rusk, TX and then to Mission Tejas State Park in Grapeland, for just a bit more foliage combined with Texas history.
The Lone Star State is full of some pretty weird and cool stuff…if you know where to look. We’ve partnered up with Austin Area Chevy Dealers to create this road trip that’ll take you to some of the most unique and quirky spots in Central Texas!
Across town from Chevrolet Buick Marble Falls, there’s a limestone cave where outlaws dumped the bodies of Union sympathizers killed during Civil War. Legend has it, if you peek into the hole, you’ll find a ghost!
You’ve gotta head to Georgetown to learn about the town’s favorite three-legged man, and on your way, drop by Don Hewlett Chevrolet Buick! Judge Robert M. Williamson right leg worked poorly due to an illness he had as a kid, so he walked with a wooden leg, leaving his bad leg hanging behind him. Fun Fact: Williamson County was named after “Three-Legged Willie!” You can find his statue in front of the Williamson Museum.
Hutto, hometown of Covert Chevrolet of Hutto, is the “Hippo Capital of Texas.” Yet even stranger than the the town’s title, is the story of how it got it. Legend has it that in 1915, a hippo escaped from a circus train as it made it’s way through town and it took circus workers a while to finally get him out of the muddy waters of Cottonwood Creek. The name stuck and now there are over 300 decorated hippo statues around town.
Near Rush Chevrolet and Covert Chevrolet of Bastrop, you’ll find one of the strangest societies in Texas… Yes, it’s real, and all you gotta do to join is you can join it! All you need to do is walk across the 1924 Colorado River Bridge and spit as far as you can over the railing – the club even gives out certificates to “spitters” at yearly events.
Only in Texas could you find a town filled with decorated pump jacks! Take this strange tour to see everything from quarterbacks to killer whales for a weirdly perfect combo of liquid gold and artistic expression. The tour might even take you by Carroll Barron’s Luling Chevrolet!
As you pass through town, be sure to visit the friendly folks at Ovideo Chevrolet, then head to one of the state’s oldest meaderies on a farm in La Grange to toast to Central Texas. Since the 1880s, Rohan Meadery has been making old-fashioned honeywine like the vikings used to drink. Sample the mead to see what all the “buzz” is about, chill with the farm animals and learn more about the mead-making process with a guided tour of the bee garden and hives.
On the top floor of the Texas State University library is an incredible collection of Lonesome Dove memorability from scripts to costumes. Museum founder Bill Wittliff was the producer and screenwriter for the TV show. While you’re there, swing by to see the folks at Chuck Nash Chevrolet!
No need for a full-blown week-long vacation to relax. Hop on the road and follow these 7 road trips to find some of the best Texas has to offer from deep, dark caves and scenic crisp waterholes to tacos galore and some of our favorite BBQ joints — in just one day! Take pictures on your road trip? Share them with with us on our Facebook page!
If you can’t stand that Texas sun any longer, head underground with this road trip that’ll take you to all the coolest spots (literally) underneath the Hill Country. AND as if spelunking and hanging with bats wasn’t great enough, if you hit up all 4 of these caves and get your passport stamped, you’ll receive a FREE T-shirt at the end!
Take a trip to the past when the destination wasn’t nearly as important as the journey. Peppered throughout Route 66 are nostalgic relics of yester-year, like the iconic Cadillac Ranch, the lesser known VW Slug Bug Ranch, the U Drop Inn Cafe which was featured in Disney’s Cars and more!
Check out this list of some of the most significant places and parts of the Texas Revolution to plan your own road trip through Texas’s past, including the Gonzales Memorial Museum where you’ll find the “Come and Take it” Cannon, Washington-on-the-Brazos where the Texas Declaration of Independence was signed and Presidio la Bahia, where Commander Fannin and his men were executed.
Eat your way through the San Antonio taco scene with this road trip that’ll take you to five of the most historic (and mouth-watering) taco shops in town. Start with breakfast tacos at Pete’s Tako House, scarf down brisket taco’s at Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant, gorge on the “Original Puffy Taco” at Ray’s Drive Inn, and so much more.
Can’t get enough of those summertime vibes? Then grab a towel and your swim suit and get to splashing through this Swimming Holes Road Trip. Pick and choose from your favorite swimming holes in the Hill Country, like Zedler Mill in Luling, The Slab in Kingsland, and Barton Springs in Austin, for one refreshing day!
You love BBQ, we love BBQ, everyone loves BBQ — so let’s all celebrate that with this enticing trip through the BBQ Belt that includes some of our favorite joints. Start in the hallowed halls of Louie Mueller Barbecue in Taylor, enjoy jalapeno cheese sausage at Black’s Barbecue in Lockhart, eat with your hands at Luling City Market in Luling and so much more!
You know that here at The Daytripper Headquarters, we love us a good plate piled high with barbecue, so we’re partnering up with Austin Area Chevy Dealers to bring you to some of our favorite ‘que joints around the Austin area. Hit the road and follow this smokey path to some of the best BBQ around!
Stop by this BBQ joint that’s been a Marble Falls’ favorite since the 1980s for a generous helping of tender brisket and pulled pork, or a jalapeno sausage wrap. While you’re in town, say hi to the folks at Chevrolet Buick Marble Falls.
In Georgetown, you’ll find John Mueller, “the dark prince” of barbecue and grandson of ‘que legend Louie Mueller (whose joint is next on our list!) serving his magically moist brisket out of a food truck Thursdays through Sundays near the Square. On your way into town, you’ll find the friendly folks at Don Hewlett Chevrolet Buick!
Near Covert Chevy of Hutto and Covert Chevrolet of Bastrop, is the hallowed barbecue hall Louie Mueller that’s been serving pepper-crusted brisket and Brontosaurus-sized beef ribs since 1949 — and the meat’s so good, you won’t need sauce (though they’ve got multiple to choose from).
At Southside Market in Elgin, it’s all about the sausage. Pile your plate with their juicy Original Beef Sausage and the spicy Jalapeno Cheddar Sausage, and then mix it up with a Sausage Slammer (cheese-filled jalapenos, wrapped in their signature sausage and then wrapped again in BACON.) Once you’re sufficiently stuffed, waddle your way over to Rush Chevy to say hello.
City Market – Luling, TX
Head to this market in Luling near Carroll Barron’s Luling Chevrolet for no frills, just good ol’ meat. The tradition at this joint since it first opened is “no forks” so be prepared to bathe in the BBQ Sauce (which you’ll probably want to do anyways once you try it…)
Since the 1890s, this meat market has been serving up classic ‘que and “hot guts” sausage in an atmosphere that’ll make you feel like family! And if you do the math, that means they’ve been perfecting their recipes for over a century, so you know it’s good. Wave to the folks at Oviedo Chevrolet as you pass by!
Hit up Hays Co. BBQ in San Marcos for smokey brisket, meaty sausage rings and delicious barbecue tradition! While you’re in town, stop by and see the folks at Chuck Nash Chevrolet.
It’s no secret that San Antonio is well known for it’s tasty tacos. So we’ve created a road trip centered around some of the most beautiful and glorious tacos in town! With beginnings in Mexican silver mines around the 19th Century, the taco eventually traveled to Texas through the Chili Queens in San Antonio, and over time has transformed into one of Texas’s favorite foods. The variations are endless and magnificent! So wear your stretchy pants and hop on this Taco Road Trip through the heart of San Antonio where you can enjoy five of the tastiest tacos in town!
HERE’S THE MAP:
Just like each day must start with breakfast, each taco road trip must begin with breakfast tacos, so your first stop is Pete’s Tako House(to all the grammarists out there, this is the correct spelling…so calm down and have a taco.) This family-owned joint has been serving up the most important meal of the day stuffed in fresh tortillas since 1978; each taco is ginormous and the filling combinations are endless and heavenly. Don’t worry if you happen to start your road trip late, they serve breakfast tacos all day — so you’re in luck!
If you wish to declare your taco love to the world, you’re only about 5 minutes from the famous “I Love You Tacos So Much” Mural near Pearl Brewery, which has become a must-see photo stop for taco-eating tourists in town.
Next you’re on to El Milagrito Cafe, a San Antonio mainstay since 1969. Here the locals swear by the chorizo breakfast taco or the authentic barbacoa — which is the perfect amount of moist without being too greasy — served on handmade, sturdy corn tortillas. If you’re looking to add a little fire to your tacos, drench ’em in the mysterious green sauce in the unmarked bottle on the table. Go for the orange, goopy sauce if you’re looking to set your entire mouth on fire. Both sauces are homemade and fresh, and neither will disappoint.
At your next taco destination, you’ll be mixing the best of Texas cuisine (aka barbecue) with the best of Mexican cuisine (the taco.) Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant has been a local favorite since 1962, and the locals rave about the brisket taco, which contains a tender marinated brisket that really shines when covered with the creamy house-made guac and adorned with the pico de gallo.
Okay, by now you’ll be feeling the taco pains, but luckily the next stop is Taquitos West Avenue, where the specialty is mini tacos, so at least you can feel like you’re eating less…This no-frills taco stand serves up some of the best street tacos in Texas and, in accordance with the age-old saying, “less is more,” these authentic tacos come layered five on a Styrofoam plate piled with spit-grilled meat — choices range from the more adventurous “lengua” (beef tongue) or “cabeza” (head) to the less daring bistec (steak) — and the simple toppings of chopped onions, cilantro and a lime wedge on the side. And that’s honestly all you need.
Now on to the big finish…or should I say “puffy” finish? Yep, that’s right…no Taco Road Trip would be complete without visiting the inventor of the “Original Puffy Tacos,” Ray’s Drive Inn. It’s been open since 1956, but it wasn’t until it introduced the puffy taco in 1966 that it became a San Antonio Tex-Mex legend. Order a classic beef puffy taco, and crunch away at this miraculously crispy taco that never falls victim to the greasy meat inside. And by this point, if you’re too stuffed to get out of your car, just flash your lights for car-side service and munch in the comfort of your vehicle!
Alright, now have a margarita, my friends, because you have completed the “Tastiest Taco Road Trip” through the heart of San Antonio!
If you’re somehow still craving tacos, don’t worry, you’re sure to find a dozen more amazing taco shops nearby in the heart of San Antone!
There is no highway more iconic than Route 66, so we’ve created the Historic Route 66 Road Trip to remind you of the good old days when folks were driving cross country to chase their dreams and the journey was just as fun as the destination.
Route 66 was paved in 1926 to carry travelers, tourists and dreamers, alike, from Santa Monica, CA to Chicago, IL, and since we’d never ask you to leave this great state, our road trip will take you along the historic route from the Texas town farthest west, Glenrio, east to Shamrock, TX. And while Route 66, itself, doesn’t exist anymore, this road trip passes along where it used to be and where nostalgic treasures still remain. So crank up those tunes, roll down your windows and cruise!
Your first stop is actually in New Mexico…but it’s also in Texas (confused yet…?) The ghost town lies across the New Mexico-Texas border. Settled in 1905, Glenrio had a liquor store in the New Mexico side of town (where alcohol was allowed) and the post office on the Texas side (but no bars — Texas was dry at that time.) It is also one of the only Exit 0’s in the country. Though you’d never be able to tell from the now eerily abandoned buildings, this town was a hot spot in the Route 66 days.
This little diner is a Route 66 legend. Built in 1928 and located exactly halfway between Santa Monica and Chicago, it provided the perfect place for travelers to relax along the route, and 88 years later, it’s still doing just that. Midpoint Cafe serves up classics like fried bologna and juicy burgers and contains a Route 66 Souvenir and Antique shop. Most important of all are their “ugly” homemade pies that taste heavenly.
TIP: The next town you’ll pass through is Vega, where you’ll find the strangeDot’s Mini Museum, a little room full of quirky artifacts from the historic Route 66 collected by Dot, herself. The Cowboy Boot Tree that sits in front of the museum is both odd and beautiful.
Destination 3: Cadillac Ranch – Amarillo, TX
This art installation was originally “planted” by the art group “Ant Farm” in 1974 on billionaire Stanley Marsh 3’s property. It’s become a famous must-see attraction in Texas and no road trip would be complete without it. Be sure to bring spray paint so you, too, can leave your mark!
PHOTO OP: About 25 minutes away from Cadillac Ranch, is another art installation paid for by Stanley Marsh 3 and created by Lightnin’ McDuff called “Huge Pair of Legs” that was modeled after an Egyptian statue. These feet may not be along Route 66 (it’s at 4743 W Sundown Ln.), but it’s weird enough that it’s definitely worth visiting.
Destination 4: Jack Sisemore Traveland RV Museum – Amarillo, TX
There’s nothing better than a long family road trip in an old-timey RV, and while you can no longer travel in such style, you can visit the RV Museum to learn all about these classic trailers. It’s great place to get your mind in that yesteryear-frame-of-mind as you continue traveling down the historic highway.
TIP: Hungry? As you pass along Route 66 through Amarillo, there are plenty of places to eat like the Golden Light Cantina (the oldest restaurant in town, built on Route 66 in 1946) in the Historic District on 2906 SW 6th Ave. Of course, we’re a fan of the Big Texan Steak House, view our encounter with their giant 72 oz. steak here.
Destination 5: Lile Art Gallery – Amarillo TX
Photo by Lile Art Gallery
If you were looking at Cadillac Ranch and thought, “Man I wish I could wear that” then this is the place for you. Bob “Crocodile” Lile takes chips of paint that have fallen off the iconic cars and through a process of buffing and UV lighting, makes them into beautiful jewelry he’s calling “Cadilite.”
Destination 6: US Route 66 Sixth Street Historic District – Amarillo, TX
While you’re in Amarillo, take a drive down the actual Historic Route 66 which is now SW 6th Ave. It still contains buildings from when this was the central part of town as travelers trekked across the country in the 20s like The Nat which was once an indoor pool and then a ballroom where Duke Ellington performed. It’s now an antique shop. You’ll also find Amarillo’s Route 66 Store and tons of live music venues and restaurants along this road.
This next destination is especially helpful if you’re losing at the “Punch Buggy” car game. Just like Cadillac Ranch, this lesser-known car art installation features five Volkswagens that have been buried nose-down in the ground and left for every tourist with spray paint to leave their name. And unlike Cadillac Ranch, chances are it won’t be packed. Find it next to the Conway Inn and Restaurant (9696 Interstate 40).
In Groom, you can spot this 190 ft. cross looming over the land from the freeway. This structure which is a part of the Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ Ministries, is actually the largest cross in the Western Hemisphere. As you continue through Groom, if you see a leaning water tower, your eyes aren’t tricking you. It’s the “Leaning Tower of Texas” that was built before the cross with a 10-degree lean as a marketing ploy to attract visitors to the small town.
TIP: About 20 minutes after you leave Groom, you’ll come across the I-40 East Rest Area at Mile Marker 129, which is an attraction in itself. It is built to resemble an old building from the 1950s and now has a Route 66 Museum (as well as actual restrooms) inside…what more could you need?
Destination 9: First Phillips 66 Station in Texas – McLean, TX
Built in the early 1920s, this little house was the first Phillips 66 Station in Texas. It has since been restored by The Old Route 66 Association of Texas. It is no longer a working gas station, but it is a great place for a photo op! You can find it at 219 Gray Street.
Destination 10: Devil’s Rope Museum and Route 66 Museum- McLean, TX
One side of the museum is dedicated to barbed wire, with everything from barbed wire types to barbed wire sculptures. The other side is the largest Route 66 museum in Texas featuring over 700 artifacts like the original cow from Amarillo’s Big Texan Steak Ranch, road signs, advertisements and more! Find it at 100 Kingsley St. And while you’re in town, check out the Cactus Inn — a motel built in 1956 that’s still hosting travelers 1950’s-style!
TIP: As you drive through Lela on your way to Shamrock look out for the RATTLESNAKES sign that was once an advertisement for the famous Regal Reptiles Ranch, a famed Route 66 attraction until the 80’s. The sign is on the corner of Donley and First Street.
Destination 11: U Drop Inn Cafe – Shamrock, TX
Photo by Keith George
This 1920s art-deco style building is one of the coolest sights along Route 66, and possibly the most well-known site along the route in Texas, thanks to the 2006 Disney animated-film Cars, where it was featured as Ramone’s House of Body Art. U Drop-Inn was built in 1936 and was a service station and cafe. It is now a visitor’s center, museum and gift shop.
YOU DID IT! Our attractions stop here, but Route 66 continues all the way to Texola, OK taking you through Benonine, TX. If you aren’t done “getting your kicks,” you can continue riding the highway all the way to the end of Texas (or even to the end of the highway in Chicago…)
Central Texas is well known for its sprawling hills, pristine rivers and all-around breathtaking views — but, what you may not know that its just as mesmerizing down below as it is on top. That’s because it’s home to four of the most incredible caves in Texas: Inner Space Caverns, Natural Bridge Caverns, Cave Without a Name and Caverns of Sonora. And what’s even cooler is that these four caves have teamed up to make one EPIC road trip called the “Texas Cave Trail.”
Starting this year, when you visit one of the caves on the trail you’ll receive a passport or you can print one. Your mission should you choose to accept it (and you should cause it’s awesome) is to take that passport and visit the three other caves in any order within a year to get stamps for each one. Not only will you walk away with an experience unlike any other, but you’ll also receive a FREE T-SHIRT at the end of your cave-trippin’ journey! Read on to learn more about your destinations.
The caverns were first discovered when highway crews were checking to see if the ground was sound enough to build Interstate 35 on it in 1963 — it was, but they found the Inner Space Caverns when their drill bit got stuck in the limestone below. Explore the massive cathedral-like rooms in these caves on foot on the Adventures Tour or crawl through undeveloped sections of the cave on the Hidden Passages Tour. Either way, there’s nothing more awe-inspiring than the rumble of cars passing on the highway overhead or the complete darkness you can experience in the caves. One sight you can’t miss is the Lake of the Moon — a sight that seems more fitting for astronauts in a spaceship.
Natural Bridge is the largest show cave in Texas, with tours leading you down 180 feet beneath the earth! You can explore the depths by taking a walking Discovery Tour where you’ll learn about the ancient stalactites and stalagmites or you can get an up-close and personal look at these giant formations on the Hidden Passages tour as you venture through untouched parts of the cave and experience total darkness. If you’re really up for a challenge you can take the Lantern Tour where your only source of light is a few lanterns; you’ll see what it was like when the cave was first discovered by college students in 1960. When you’re done exploring underground, head back to the surface for ziplining and a giant maze. See our time at Natural Bridge here.
Yes, the Cave without a Name is the actual name of this “nameless” cave…confused yet? After it was discovered by three children, the town hosted a contest to decide a name for the cave. One entry said “That cave is too beautiful for a name” — and well, the rest is history. But the name (or rather non-name?) of this cave is not the only cool thing here. You can tour Cave Without a Name and see the many breathtaking formations or attend a musical performanceinside the cave where amazing acoustics and wondrous rock formations combine to make one incredibly unique opportunity. See our time in the cave here.
This beautiful cave halfway between the Hill Country and West Texas was actually discovered when a dog chased a raccoon into the caves in the 1920s. Take in the astounding sights of this cave to find alien rock formations and otherworldly beauty on a Crystal Palace Tour or become Indiana Jones and rappel down into the dark depths of the cave on the Discovery Challenge. If you’d rather, you can capture every rock, water droplet and moment on a Photography Tour.
Get to exploring and find more information about the Texas Cave Trail here!
Barbecue, Bluebonnets, Swimming Holes and History — these are all the things that make up a Texas-sized Spring Break adventure. Instead of wasting the week away in front of the TV, get out and explore all the awesome things Texas has to offer! Choose one adventure from this list or trip them all for the MOST EPIC Spring Break ever! Happy Trippin’!
Here in Texas, we sure love a good field sprinkled with hundreds of bluebonnets. On this road trip, you get your blue-flower-fill in the heart of the Hill Country, with stops in Burnet and Llano (both Bluebonnet Co-Capitals of Texas), the famous Willow City Loop (a 13 mile scenic drive through creeks and hills), The Blue Bonnet Cafe for creamy pie in Marble Falls and more! Click here for the route.
If eating your way across Texas sounds like the dream, then this is the trip for you. Be sure to wear your fat pants because you’ve got 6 meaty destinations awaiting you including the hallowed ‘que institiution Louie Mueller Barbecue in Taylor, three barbecue joints in Lockhart (aka “the Barbecue Capital of Texas”) and so much more. Click here to start eating…
Pack the family in the car and trip to the “good ol’ days” when folks were driving cross-country to chase their dreams. On this road trip, the journey is just as fun as the destination. Check out Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, a historic ghost town in *gasp* New Mexico, a Texas-sized cross, the iconic U Drop Inn Cafe in Shamrock, TX and so much more. *DISCLAIMER: You must crank up the tunes and roll down the windows on this trip. Click here for the cruisin’ route.
Texas weather changes on the daily — one day you need a little rainy day fun, and the next day you’re sweating in the sun. On those sweltering days, cool off with this splash-worthy road trip that includes Barton Springs in Austin, Blue Hole (in both Wimberley and Georgetown), Hamilton Pool in Dripping Springs and more! Click here for this wet and wild route.
Want even more fun? Click here for tons of Spring Break ideas!
Here in Texas, nothing excites us more than the heavenly smell of meat cooking over an open pit and there is no sound more angelic than the crinkle of butcher paper wrapped around a piping hot brisket just waiting to be devoured. To fuel your love for barbecue, we’ve created the ULTIMATE BBQ Belt Road Trip that will take you through some delicious Texas barbecue joints. So wear your stretchy pants and get ready for one epic food coma as you eat your way through this meaty challenge.
The first stop on your trip is a Texas barbecue icon right off Main Street in Taylor that’s been serving perfectly moist pepper-crusted brisket and beef ribs that are melt-in-your-mouth tender (and the size of your head) since 1949, Louie Mueller Barbecue. This barbecue institution is a must-stop for every Texan. Louie Mueller’s is a no frills joint, just smokey barbecue goodness served on butcher paper…which is the way it should be. And if you must use sauce (although you don’t really need it here) they’ve got multiple sauces to choose from.
After you’ve gotten your fill of moist brisket and dino-sized ribs, follow Highway 95 south to Elgin, where you’ll find one of the oldest barbecue joints in Texas: Southside Market & Barbeque. This local institution began as a meat market in 1882 that delivered its delicious meats all over town. After owner William J. Moon spent most of his time traveling miles to deliver meat door-to-door, he opened a storefront where his leftovers and specialty “hot guts” spicy sausage links were served to customers at the end of the day. More than a century later, people are still trekking to this joint for a taste of their time-honored ‘cue, which over the years has grown into a full-scale restaurant with a menu that includes classics like the “1882 Sausage” and brisket, as well as unique items like lamb ribs and pork steak.
DESTINATION 3: Black’s Barbecue – Lockhart, TX
After your feast in Elgin, you’re on to Lockhart, the “Barbecue Capital of Texas,” as named by the Texas Legislature in 1999. Follow Highway 130 south to Highway 183 where you’ll find your next three destinations, the first of which is Black’s Barbecue. Opened in 1932, Black’s was one of the first joints in town to serve brisket; 84 years and four generations later, the family is still carrying on the tradition of providing customers with this meaty perfection today. Combine that tender brisket with an extensive menu of other meats (including a fantastic jalapeno cheese sausage) and good ol’ Southern hospitality, and you’ll feel like you’re a part of the Black family, too.
DESTINATION 4: Kreuz Market – Lockhart, TX
Feeling stuffed? Don’t worry, your next stop is only a few blocks down the road at Kreuz Market. At Kreuz (pronounced “Krites”), meat has been king since it opened in 1900, as showcased by the restaurant’s rules of “no barbecue sauce” and “no forks.” But just one bite into their juicy salt-and-pepper rubbed brisket or hand-filled and tied sausage links, and you won’t mind those rules (or your greasy hands) one bit. In honoring owner Charles Kreuz Sr.’s German heritage, sides include hot potato salad and sauerkraut.
DESTINATION 5: Smitty’s Market – Lockhart, TX
Still in Lockhart, your next stop is Smitty’s Market, a barbecue dream for every Texan that all started with a little family feud between the owners of Kreuz Market and their sister, Nina, who owned the building. The brothers eventually moved Kreuz down the street and Nina opened Smitty’s Market in her building in 1999. The thing to get here is the fatty brisket and the sausage which has just the right amount of juiciness. And for a twist on your normal barbecue habits, pair your meat with the fresh avocados served on the side.
DESTINATION 6: Luling City Market – Luling, TX
By now, your pants are no doubt feeling tighter and you’re probably almost on your way to a meat-induced slumber, but you’ve only got one more destination. Follow Highway 183 south all the way to Luling, where your final stop is the Luling City Market. You order your meats in the same room where it’s cooking on the pit — a tradition, along with the rule of “no forks,” that’s been around since it first opened 50 years ago. And to compliment the already fantastic meat is the sauce…oh, the glorious sauce! Served in little bottles on each table, it’s praised by Texans near and far, and is quite addictive. Just remember, you can’t take it with you…but you can buy your own bottle.
FINALLY, give yourself a high-five, and take that much-needed nap. You have completed the ULTIMATE BBQ Belt Road Trip!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
