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Growing up in North Texas, I often felt like we missed out on the cute little day trips of the Hill Country — but little did I know, just about an hour outside of Fort Worth is a little German town with ALL the meat-feels — a carnivorous kingdom, if you will. So of course, I had to check out just what I’d been missing!

To truly understand my excitement about this meaty discovery, you’ve got to understand that my family’s idea of a good time is grillin’ up meats on a summer night or waiting two hours in freezing weather to try out a new BBQ joint. So to celebrate my dad’s birthday, we hopped in the car for a little meat-trippin’.

As we drove out past Denton to our meaty destination of Muenster, TX, we passed what’s probably considered the best town in Texas by most people — Lindsay, TX (ok, I might be a little biased…)

They spelled it wrong — pretty sure it’s spelled LINSEY– but I’ll let it slide because who hasn’t dreamed of seeing their name on a water tower? 😉

The farther we got from I-35, the more it seemed like we were leaving Texas altogether for the quaint German countryside. It was an eclectic mix of wide open hay fields and cute little Bavarian-style shops and bakeries.

When we happened upon the crown jewel of Muenster, Fischer’s Meat Market, I was pretty convinced we were actually in Rothenburg. It looked like a castle straight out of a fairy tale, complete with a working Glockenspiel that played music with a scene of dancing milk maids and kings every hour.

However, instead of princesses and knights, this castle was home to a Texas-sized meat market. And instead of stained glass and sparkling jewels, the walls of this palace were adorned with tiers of hand-stuffed sausages. My kind of kingdom!

Along with over a dozen varieties of sausage, there were also freezers stuffed with fresh cut meats, including treasures like peppered bacon, pork chops and sirloin. Yet the beauty of this carnivorous palace didn’t stop there — we also found fridges overflowing with cheeses — both smoked and un-smoked. (If you were hoping to find some muenster cheese in Muenster, you’re in luck!)

Of course, we bought just about everything. Our plentiful bounty of meats was enough to start our own BBQ joint.

Afterwards, we decided to do as the Bavarians do in this little German-burg. We headed down the street to Rohmer’s Restaurant, a hometown diner that’s been serving up authentic German cuisine since 1953. My plate was piled high with wiener schnitzel, bratwurst, German potato salad and sauerkraut. Truly delicious!

Though we were leaving Muenster, our German adventure wasn’t quite over. On the way back to Fort Worth, we stopped at Rumpy’s in Gainesville, a gas station bakery with surprisingly delicious authentic German pastries that are handmade right in the shop! We filled up a cart with streudels, danishes and kolaches.

With no room left in our car for anymore sweets, treats or meats, we knew it was time to say, “guten Tag” to this little German burg — but we knew we’d be back for more very soon!

Ahh, romance! In honor of Valentine’s Day we’ve decided to find all the spots in Texas that have to do with love…and it just so happens that there are a ton of places! Read on for a little Lone Star Love!

Love, TX — This is an unincorporated community in East Texas between Pittsburg, TX, and the Oklahoma border! Visit for a little Texas TLC…

Loving County, TX – These folks on the edge of the New Mexico border in West Texas might just be some of the friendliest folks you’ll ever meet.

Love’s Lookout – If you love beautiful Texas nature and breathtaking views, then you need to head to Jacksonville, TX, to take in the scene from this lookout.

Dallas Love Field – Nothing says “romance” like a trip for two! Take a trip out of this Dallas, TX airport.

Goodnight Loving Trail – We gotta give a shout-out to this Longhorn love! This famous trail ran through Texas on its way to Colorado in 1866, and it’s where Charles Goodnight and Oliver Loving drove longhorn herds.

Love Creek – There are actually TWO Love Creeks in Texas. One is up in the Panhandle in King County, and the other runs through Medina, TX (which is where Love Creek Orchards got its name!)

Loving Creek – North Texas is reppin’ a little love with this creek 40 minutes outside Mineral Wells, TX!

Love Park – Texas loves it’s nature and it just so happens that there are two Love Parks in the state. One is in Greater Heights, Houston, TX. and the other is on Bardwell Lake in Ennis,TX.

Love Street – We counted at least 24 streets in the Lone Star State with this name. You know how much Texans just love driving…

Wedding Oak – In San Saba, TX, this towering ancient tree used to be the spot for many settler and Indian weddings back in the day.

Valentine, TX – This city far out in West Texas is definitely spreading the love. Each year it comes alive on February 14 with its annual Valentine’s Day in Valentine festival hosted by Big Bend Brewing. You can also have your Valentine’s card postmarked from Valentine, TX!

Heart of TX – Deep in the heart of Texas(!!!) you’ll find the Brady, TX, statue commemorating the center of the Lone Star State. However, the true geographic center is actually 10 miles away in Rochelle, TX.

Everything may be bigger in Texas, but it’s no stretch to say that many things are also weirder here! Last year, we published this blog about quirky attractions including a spaceship, alien landings and Biblical structures made from human hair… yet since then, the Lone Star State’s gotten even more bizarre. So read on for more wacky, strange and unique destinations that will blow your mind!

The Old Jail Art Center 

The jail cells of the historic 1878 jail in Albany, TX, that once housed dozens of criminals, now hold hundreds of priceless artworks. At first glance, the Old Jail Art Center looks exactly like a gallery, with exhibits including a rotating “Cell Series” featuring living artists and a permanent collection of over 2,000 sculptures, modern drawings and paintings by artists from across the globe. Yet upon closer study, you’ll see bars still covering the upstairs windows, the giant iron door in the solitary confinement cell and graffiti on the walls left by 1923 inmate John Hayden.

Pecan Pie Vending Machine

Ever have a late-night pecan pie craving? Well don’t worry, Berdoll Pecan Company has got you covered. In 2008, the company installed a 24 hour vending machine outside of their store in Cedar Creek, TX, to keep up with the insane demand of customers. Now, no matter the time of day, you can go NUTS at the machine and buy everything from honey glazed and chocolate-covered pecans to entire pies! Wave to Ms. Pearl, the world’s largest squirrel statue, while you’re there.

First State Bank Art Collection

Perhaps the most valuable things in this Uvalde bank aren’t the vaults full of cash. Speckling the walls of First State Bank is the entire collection of priceless artworks collected by Governor Dolph Briscoe and his wife on their many trips abroad. Artworks include two Rembrandt original etchings from the 1600s and a gold-laced mirror that belonged to the 4th Earl of Sandwich. Browse on your own or take a 40-minute tour of the art gallery that’s spread across the bank. 

Avenue B Grocery & Market

Stop by this 109-year-old corner store for a slice of the good ol’ days. It may look like the set of a classic film and it definitely sticks out among the rows of houses on this residential street in Hyde Park, but locals know it as a prime lunch spot and Austin’s oldest continuously operated grocery store. The little shop was the built in 1909 and not much about it has changed — the historic one-room cafe and store sells all your convenience needs up front and dishes out hearty soups and sandwiches from a cafe in the back.

Running N Ranch Volkswagen Lady Bugs

Not much excites Texans more than car art in wide open fields, with hoards of spray paint-wielding Texans crowding Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo and a smaller crowd of art junkies paying homage to the lesser-known Slug Bug Ranch in Conway. Yet, few know about the Running N Ranch, where a small line of Ladybug Volkswagen cars march across a private ranch scattered with towering sunflower sculptures and a giant clock made out of power lines.

National Museum of Funeral History

This is one grave museum. No, really. Surprisingly, the nation’s largest collection of funeral service items is at this museum in Houston. You’ll find information about every aspect of the funeral industry, from a showroom full of historic hearses to exhibits on celebrity funerals and hearses through the ages.

Lala’s Little Nugget

Happy Hour has never been merrier. Strung with dazzling lights and decked out in Holiday cheer year-round, Lala’s Little Nugget is most likely where Santa Claus relaxes the other 364 days a year and the best place to “sleigh” those post-Holiday blues. Check out the bar’s epic snow globe collection (and add your own) or take a few selfies by the Ornament Wall as you enjoy a frosty beer or Yuletide-themed cocktail.

Mayfield Park Peacocks

For over 80 years, peacocks have roamed freely in this West Austin park. Visit Mayfield Park in late winter and spring be greeted by over two-dozen peafowl with breathtaking emerald tail feathers.

After an incredible day at Texas A&M, all I’ve got to say is “GIG ‘EM.”

I joined the folks at Experience Bryan College Station to spend the day like a true Aggie. We did it ALL. And I loved every second of it.

Unlike my Longhorn boss, I was not tripping on “enemy territory” (you can find Chet’s Aggie adventure here). My dad is an Aggie, which means I’ve got the maroon and white in my blood. Even so, it was my first time to really get a glimpse into the longstanding traditions of this town, and now I’m hooked (or should I say “gig’ed?”)

To start off the weekend, we joined the large crowd of maroon-and-white-clad students piling into Mad Taco, the tiny joint across the street from the university for tacos and pickle fries, which are exactly what you think they are — but ten times better tasting! My Braised Pork and Jerk Chicken tacos put your typical Tex-Mex to shame, which is not something I say lightly.

Next we were on to Downtown Bryan for “First Friday,” a free event each month when all the businesses and eateries stay open late, and downtown becomes flooded with live music, street performers and magicians!

I felt a deep connection with this street art.

Downtown Bryan just really gets me… ‍♀

A post shared by Linsey T. (@linseylouu) on Oct 6, 2017 at 6:19pm PDT

We stopped by The Chocolate Gallery for handmade sweets and there were a ton of choices, many of them Aggie-themed. But when life hands you a tiny chocolate teacup filled with pumpkin spice and whipped cream — you eat that thing and fast!

We wandered through the streets as live music wafted out from art galleries and restaurants, until we ended up at Downtown Uncorked Winebar, where we indulged in a glass of wine and some chocolate fondue: two of my favorite things!

Finally it was time for one of the most iconic Aggie traditions of all  — Midnight Yell at Kyle Field.

One of my favorite parts of the weekend was getting to be down on the field where we had a killer view of all the action.

Before going to Midnight Yell, I had no idea what to expect…and honestly coming out of it, I’m still not sure what happened. But I do know that it was awesome!

This gathering of the Aggies the night before a game has been a tradition for over 85 years, and it’s a sort of midnight pep-rally lead by four “Yell Leaders” who engage the crowd in various chants and songs. It’s something that’s way easier to experience than explain. Basically there’s a whole lot of swaying, singing, hollering and — of course — “Whooping.” Oh, and heads up to all you Longhorns out there…there are many anti-UT battle cries and anthems — regardless of who they’re actually playing against the next day (when I was there, the opposing team was Alabama…)

At one point, all the lights in the stadium dimmed for a secret A&M tradition called “Mugging Down,” that I won’t spoil for you. You’ll just have to find an Aggie to explain it…but if they think you’re cute, they might just show you instead 😉

Soon enough, we’d chanted all we could chant, The Corps had done at least 100 push-ups  — possibly an exaggeration, but they made it look so easy — and everyone was riled up and ready for a win. Piling out of the stadium, we found ourselves face to face with the Texas-sized A&M ring, which contains a time capsule from 1946 that won’t be opened until 2046!

It was the perfect cap to an Aggie-filled day.

Though my day in Bryan/College Station was complete, I’d only begun to crack the surface of the longstanding traditions in this town. I’d dined with the best, uncovered my inner-Aggie-fangirl and even found a new passion for army-chic decor (here’s looking at you, Calvary Court Hotel), but even so, I know there’s so much more to discover. I’ll definitely be rocking my maroon and white jersey again for another Aggie-fied adventure soon!

The start of 2018 brings opportunities to travel to new cities and explore new places. We here at the Daytripper Headquarters can’t wait to check out spots in Texas that we’ve never been to and we encourage you to do the same! Check out our 2018 Texas Travel Bucket List below and get inspiration for your own travel bucket list!

Chet – “I want to go to the Rio Grande Valley to explore both sides of it. I’m talking about Brownsville and McAllen. I plan on eating lots of tacos and checking out the cool history.”

Daniel – “I would like to take a family road trip through West Texas this summer. Stop in Marfa to see the Marfa Lights and explore the art throughout the town, see the stars and planets at the McDonald Observatory in Ft. Davis and go swimming in the spring-fed pool at Balmorhea State Park.”

Tosha – “My 2018 Texas Travel pick is Enchanted Rock.”

Linsey – “I want to take a trip to El Paso to see what it’s like in the farthest corner of Texas. I want to see the incredible view from the Wyler Tramway and (most importantly) eat tons of authentic Mexican food!”

John Mark – “At the top of my bucket list is the Davy Crockett National Forest. I want to take my family there to do some camping, hiking, and unplug for a while.”

Richie – “Well, the longer we keep making The Daytripper, the shorter and shorter my bucket list gets. We’ve been so many places already. There is still some lure to the sound of going to San Antonio and really experiencing  ‘Fiesta’. We always seem to be on the road to another part of the state for a shoot or in the office editing. This year I’d like to really stay in downtown San Antonio for multiple days and really take it all in. It’s so close and yet so far. But not this year! Fiesta, here I come!”

If the North Pole was in Texas, it would look a whole lot like Enchant Christmas in Arlington, North Texas’s newest Christmas lights’ display. The landscape of glistening reindeer, sparkling light arches and incandescent trees is like something out of your sweetest Christmas fantasies. Add in a couple snow flurries and you’ve got a purely magical experience unlike anything else.

The main attraction is the 300,000 sq. ft. Christmas maze where your mission is to help Santa find his 9 missing reindeer before his flight on Christmas eve. Watch out for magical snow flurries throughout! To truly enjoy this journey through pure Holiday wonder, you’ll want to wear comfortable walking shoes that you don’t mind getting covered in the gravely dust that gets kicked up throughout the maze.

Each pathway of the maze holds a new mystical surprise — like this glittering archway that seems to go on forever.

Next you’re on to a “Toyland” of sorts where you must make your way through the dozens of Texas-sized ornaments laying about.

And you’d think that in the midst of all this Holiday mystique, it’d be difficult to keep track of the reindeer scavenger hunt. But luckily, St. Nick’s “deer-est” friends are Texas-sized, making them easy to spot!

As you wander the maze, one of the most captivating lights displays is an entire forest of grand ice cycles so fairytale-esque, you almost expect an Ice Queen to appear and greet you with a cold smile.

 

In the tangle of glimmering crystals, everyone’s favorite reindeer, Rudolph, proudly lights the way with his glowing snout.

True enchantment continues as you discover an entire room filled with dangling twinkle lights and magnificent snowflakes are scattered about the maze — a vision so magical it seems to have been dreamt up by Santa Claus, himself.

After you’ve had your fill of Christmas fun and found all nine reindeer, the excitement continues outside the maze with a giant outdoor ice-skating rink, live music and rows of local food trucks.

There’s even a German-inspired Christkindl Market with craft vendors, German treats, handmade ornaments and goods.

Enchant truly captures the magic of the Christmas season. With dazzling lights, mystical snow flurries and sleighfuls of Holiday fun, it’s enough to bring out the childlike wonder in even the Grinchiest of folks. Click here to experience this dazzling event.

Hey folks, this Holiday season, we’ve teamed up with the folks of Georgetown to create one AWESOME Christmas scavenger hunt that will take you through the Georgetown Square. Complete the scavenger hunt and you’ll win an INSANELY AWESOME STICKER OF CHET’S FACE!

All you’ve got to do is print out a scavenger hunt below or grab one at the Georgetown Visitor’s Center and start snapping photos of these Holiday items on your phone! Once you’ve found them all, head to the Visitor’s Center for your sticker prize!

Georgetown’s Trippin’ Christmas Scavenger Hunt lasts until Dec. 31st, so Merry Trippin’!!

DOWNLOAD THE SCAVENGER HUNT HERE >>>> Georgetown Scavenger Hunt

Right in the heart of the city, you’ll find a glowing trail through a Christmas wonderland of fairy tale characters and shimmering lights displays.

I attended Spirit 105.9’s awesome “Spirit of Christmas” event to get a sneak-preview of all the fun this year at the Austin Trail of Lights in Zilker Park, which opens Saturday, Dec. 9 — and there’s a ton to look forward to!

As soon as you enter the Trail of Lights, you’re greeted by a towering arch made of dazzling lights and a stage with live Holiday performances.

Along the 1.25-mile trail through Zilker Park are Christmas scenes set up by local businesses, like  Winnie the Pooh’s Christmas and Mother Goose’s fairy tales featuring Humpty Dumpty. I even spotted a few Disney princesses joining in on the Holiday fun!

And just like you’d hope to find in Texas’s capital city, there’s a giant Rudolph the Red Nose Jackalope wishing everyone a “Merry Texmas!” (We here in Texas know that jackalopes are the real magical heroes who guide Santa’s sleigh each Christmas…) Truly a glorious sight!

And because no Austin Christmas celebration would be complete without bats, the trail even features an EPIC cave with dozens of Austin’s favorite winged creatures soaring through the air! It was definitely my favorite part of the trail.

The trail, itself, is amazing — but that’s only half the fun! Branching off the main path are different villages that are also full of Christmas fun from the dazzling Candy Cane Lane to the Zilker Village with a fire pit! Stop at the North Pole to mingle with Santa and Mrs. Claus, cozy up with some hot cocoa and hop on the giant Carousel for a bird’s-eye-view of the city!

The fun doesn’t even stop once you exit the trail. Be sure to look behind you as you head up the hill on Stratford Drive for an incredible view of the Trail of Lights with the Austin skyline in the background, and don’t forget to make your way across the street to see the towering Zilker Holiday Tree!

Don’t miss out on tons of Texified-Christmas fun in the heart of the city at Austin’s Trail of Lights. Find more information and buy your tickets here.

It’s the Holiday season and many folks will be jumping in the car and heading out on the road to visit family or just check out a new destination. As you’re heading out for Thanksgiving, check these interesting statistics Chevy found about Texas road trips!

In the national survey, Chevrolet found that more than half of Texas parents say traffic is the most stressful part of a family road trip (which makes sense with all that highway construction!) more so than keeping kids entertained and hearing the ever-present “Are we there yet?” Additionally, parents in Texas are most likely to prefer larger SUVS, more so than parents in California, Florida or New York.

1. Did you know that 82% of Texas parents say that their favorite part of going on a family road trip is spending time with family? Exploring and stopping at interesting locations/destinations came in second with 67% — here’s looking at you Trippers!

2. Listening to music and talking are Texas parents’ top two favorite ways to pass time during family road trips — because who doesn’t love a good family jam session??

3. 95% of Texas parents agree that in-car technology with navigation and connectivity make it much safer to take road trips today.

4. More than half (57%) of Texas parents that do not have WiFi/internet connectivity in their vehicles say they wish their vehicle had Wi-Fi/internet connectivity.

5. When using in vehicle entertainment, Texas parents mostly listen to the radio/use satellite radio (59%) and stream from tablets or other devices (51%).

6. 74% of Texas parents prefer SUVs when taking family road trips.

So what do you think? Does this sound like your road trip preferences? Find more information about the survey at chevrolet.com.

Once upon a time, this Georgetown girl left behind the bustling city and traveled to a far off, wondrous place where magic abounds, the mead is overflowing and it’s just as common to see a fire-breathing dragon as it is to see swashbuckling pirates.

This weekend was my first time at the Texas Renaissance Festival in Todd Mission, TX. It’s the largest one in Texas and it was truly magical.

While it would typically be odd for a grown man to walk around in tights or a woman to don elf ears and a mermaid tail, at “Ren Fest” — as it’s affectionately known to the fest folks — it’s actually encouraged. In fact, those who don’t dress up are usually the ones feeling left out.

So like any good fest-goer, I transformed into a fair maiden and fit right in among the wizards, knights and creatures.

The Renaissance Festival was more enchanting than my wildest dreams. This 60-acre field was transformed into an entire town of merchants selling handmade goods like stained glass and artworks, kilts galore and even an entire shop specializing in elf ears! All evidence of the 21st Century faded away, except the occasional sight of a mermaid taking a selfie or an ogre wearing headphones.

Around each corner, mystical fairies fluttered by and witches cast spells on unsuspecting onlookers.

Upon first arriving, we watched as the festival crowd was suddenly parted by a royal parade of knights escorting a bride to her medieval wedding ceremony at the English Gardens.

Our day was spent exploring the medieval village, perusing incredible crafts and costumes, and (of course!) eating like a king. The cuisine ranged from Greek gyros to sugary funnel cakes, but wanting to feel like a true barbarian, I opted for the massive turkey leg that was probably big enough to feed an entire village of giants.

As the day came to a close, we were all invited to The King’s Joust in the arena, and as is custom when “His Highness” walks in, everyone stood and some even toasted a glass in his honor.

Since this was the first ever “Heroes and Villains” theme weekend, we were in for a treat. Instead of the usual jousting knights, the entire tournament was superhero-themed. My superhero-loving heart pounded as we cheered on Wonder Woman, Thor and The Man of Steel in their duel against the devilish villains.

And as is always true, good triumphed over evil and the villains were defeated by the Justice League as the crowd went wild!

Soon enough, the sun set, the festival ended with flashing fireworks and it was time to bid adieu to the land of dragons, princesses and mystical creatures. It was truly magical experience and one I plan on making a tradition!

Texas Renaissance Festival ends on November 26 with the Celtic Christmas Celebration, so check it out here before the magic ends!

Fall means the leaves change color and the weather gets colder. It’s the start of the Holiday season, scarves and cozy nights by the fire, as well as toasty drinks and pumpkins galore. Yet, many people don’t know that fall in Texas also means hundreds of Monarch Butterflies flying through as they head South for the winter.

Like birds, each year in September and October, hundreds of Monarchs from North America and Canada migrate south to Mexico for the winter, using Central Texas as their common meeting ground — from North Texas and the Hill Country to San Antonio.

Monarch Waystations

Just like every Tripper needs a Buc-ee’s for refueling with Kolaches and Beaver Nuggets on a road trip, these monarchs are also on the lookout for safe places to stop along their route, so Monarch Waystations have been created along the migration pathway. These waystations are special gardens made for just for butterflies that have plants to attract Monarchs, flowers with the nectar needed for pollination and refueling, and milkweed plants where butterflies can safely lay eggs. Texas actually has the most waystations in the country, with a total of 1,458!

Monarch Waystations are a great place to see dozens of butterflies buzzing around their natural habitat! Below is a list of a few along the migration path, but you can also check this map to see the thousands of other waystations around the state and country.

The Roys Meyer’s Children’s Adventure Garden at the Dallas Arboretum in Dallas, TX

Fort Worth Botanic Garden in Fort Worth, TX

IDEA Garden in Tyler, TX

DIG Butterfly Garden at the Brazos County Master Gardener Association in Bryant, TX

Fischer Park Butterfly Garden in New Braunfels, TX

Riverside Nature Center in Kerrville, TX

Old Fashion Garden at San Antonio Botanical Garden in San Antonio, TX

Texas Native Butterfly Garden at the San Marcos Discovery Center in San Marcos, TX

Doug Blachy Butterfly Trail and Garden at Zilker Park in Austin, TX

Find More Information

Can’t get enough of these little guys? Well neither can the town of San Antonio! Join them on Oct. 19-21 at The Pearl for the third annual Monarch Butterfly and Pollinator Festival to celebrate the butterflies!

If you’re interested in learning more about the Monarch Migrations, Texas Parks and Wildlife and the United Department of Agriculture are great resources. Check Monarch Watch to get updated information about this year’s migration!