highlight: art
Blanco, TX
Blanco is that little town in the Hill Country that you could drive through in 5 minutes, or spend a week exploring. Those that are in the know travel here to spend a day or longer diving into the history, blue water, and food. To download the episode or purchase it on DVD – CLICK HERE.
CULTURE
The first thing most notice when they visit Blanco is the Old Blanco County Courthouse which was built in 1886. While it looks very official, it only served as the county courthouse for 4 years, because in 1890 the authorities moved the county seat 14 miles up the road to Johnson City. Today this old building serves as a museum, a gathering place, and a movie set. If you walk upstairs into the courtroom, you can feel the presence of Rooster Cogburn (aka Jeff Bridges) from the 2010 film “True Grit.”
If you love movie history or just history in general, then you’ll want to head to the Blanco Buggy Barn Museum which showcases over 100 different buggies from around the globe. Many of the buggies have been used in films such as “Gone With the Wind,” “There Will Be Blood,” and “Abe Lincoln: Vampire Hunter.” It’s amazing to look at how the technology progressed during the era of horse-drawn transportation. If you arrange it early, the owners will take you on a buggy ride around town.
Blanco’s biggest modern-day contribution to Texas culture is to the growing Texas craft beer scene. If you’re into craft beer, then you’ve heard of Real Ale Brewing, or at least Firemans #4, it’s most popular variety. Many don’t realize that it’s brewed down a dirt road in the heart of Blanco. They offer great tours of their facilities and brewing processes on weekends but even if you don’t take a tour, you can visit their tasting room and sample one (or more) of their dozen or so brews. I highly recommend sampling some of their barrel-aged “Mysterium” series, where they let beer sit in wine and whiskey barrels. It comes out completely different.
If you’re more into Texas wildflowers than Texas beer, then you’ll be happy to know that Blanco is the “Lavender Capital of Texas” and during the summer months, you can visit lavender fields to pick your own puffs of the purple stuff. I highly recommend Hill Country Lavender. Not only do they offer a really great picking experience, but they also sell all of their lavender products on site, so you can stock up on sleep-inducing and bug-repelling lotions, creams, and soaps.
Lastly, there’s a hill country tradition that exists ONLY in a number of small German communities across Texas. It’s 9-pin bowling, and is done in private bowling clubs. It’s different than traditional 10-pin bowling in that the pins are set up in a diamond and bowlers get extra points if they leave the middle one standing. It’s very fun but hard for an outsider to experience. UNLESS – you are in Blanco on a Saturday night, when the Blanco Bowling Club is open to the public. Make sure to call ahead and let them know you are coming, as they’ll need to make sure a pin-setter is on site. This is such a rare game that there are NO machines to do the work, so high schoolers earn extra cash setting up pins after folks knock ’em down.
FOOD
No trip to Blanco would be complete without a trip to the Redbud Cafe on the square. This local favorite mixes fresh sandwiches, baked cookies, and craft beer to become the most charming cafe-bakery-bar combo in Texas. They make perhaps the best reuben sandwich I’ve ever had, and in the winter they make amazing potato chip cookies. Seriously, try them.
If you’re in the mood for Bar-B-Q, then make your way to Old 300 BBQ. This is a very Texas kind of joint smoking up brisket, sausage, ribs, pork loin, and more over live oak wood. You’ll love it. If you’re in town on a Saturday, you can sample their special “Akaushi” beef brisket made from an amazing flavorful and rare bovine breed.
OUTDOORS
The biggest outdoor attraction of Blanco is definitely the Blanco River where folks do everything from swim to paddle to fish, and just generally relax beside the calming blue water. The river flows right through the middle of town where you’ll find Blanco State Park – the best place to jump into the Blanco.
Wimberley, TX
This town calls itself A Little Bit of Heaven. And the funny thing is they may be right. Wimberley is an artists haven in the truest sense. It must be the rolling hills that inspire the inner soul, but whatever it is, youll want to check it out.
CULTURE
Local artisans peddle their craft all around the Wimberley Town Square. Outside of town, you can visit the very prominent artists behind Wimberley Glassworks. Not only can you peruse a gallery of breathtaking glass artworks like light fixtures and vases, but you can also watch glassblowing demonstrations to see how the pros do it.
If you are there during the summer time, theres nothing better than capping off your day with a movie under the stars at the Corral Theater which shows current movies in an old horse corral. You can sit in the chairs at the theater or bring your own, either way, you’re bound to have the best seat in Texas as you enjoy the movie and the beautiful night sky at the same time.
There’s nothing better than cruising with the top down…well except cruising down one of the most scenic drives in Texas, the Devil’s Backbone on Highway 32. The route gets its name from the rolling hills and vertebrae-like rock outcroppings, but there’s really nothing devilish about it — it’s a heavenly view!
OUTDOORS
Wimberley boasts some of the most beautiful nature in the Hill Country. The best way to see a panoramic view of it all is at the top of Prayer Mountain (aka “Mount Baldy”). And if you’re not much of a mountain climber, don’t worry — it’s actually a mound with 218 stairs leading up the mountain to the “bald” rocky top where you can see the hilly Texas landscape for miles and miles.
To take in the work of the great Artist who created everything, take a dip in Blue Hole, one of Texass finest swimming holes. Just one look at the water and you’ll know why it’s called “Blue Hole.” And there’s even a rope swing so you can spend the afternoon just hanging around… (sorry, I had to!)
FOOD
All this art will leave you starving, so I highly recommend fixing that at Brewsters Pizza (also home of the Wimberley Brewing Company) which is run by the Collie family from top to bottom. What could be better than washing down a delicious slice of hand-tossed pizza with a ice cold pint of handcrafted beer? NOTHING!
You might also want to check out the INOZ Brew and Chew to enjoy burgers outside by the creek or the Wimberley Pie Co. for some of the best pies in town. I suggest the Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie — it’s out of this world! You can find both restaurants in the town square area.
Unfortunately, the Gourmet Tamale Kitchen featured in the episode has closed its doors.
Marfa, TX
Part Texas. Part Mars. All Marfa. This West Texas town is a unique blossom of art and creativity in the desert. To see what I mean, head to the Chinati Foundation to see some of the most famous and interesting installation art pieces in the world.
When hungry, head to Food Shark for Mediterranean food in the Texas desert, Padre’s for cajun food, or Squeeze Marfa for swiss food. I told you this place was interesting.
Your next stop should be to the top of the Presidio County Courthouse for a 360 degree view of town. And if you want to get even higher, head to the airport to take a glider ride with trainer Burt Compton of Glide Marfa.
And when the sun sets, the fun really begins, so head to see the mystery Marfa Lights.
Fort Worth, TX
Come along to Cowtown the city of Cowboys and Culture. Youll be glad you did. There are many, many parts of Fort Worth, but here are some highlights.
Fort Worth is famous for the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District. This is a must-see place, especially for out-of-staters who want the Texas experience. Get a history lesson at the Stockyards Museum. Walk amongst the greats at the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame. Ride a bull and do some shopping at Stockyards Station. Take a ride on a horse of your own at the Stockyards Stables. See a real rodeo every Friday and Saturday night at the Stockyards Championship Rodeo. And finally you can honky-tonk the night away at Billy Bobs Texas, the worlds largest honky-tonk. If youre hungry at the stockyards, grab a Love Burger for the Love Shack owned by celebrity chef Tim Love. For a steak, head to the legendary Cattlemens Steak House, serving it up the same classic way since 1947. For even older Tex-Mex, look no further than Joe T. Garcias Mexican Restaurant just outside the stockyards. Since 1935, Joe T.s has been serving delicious food and draws a crowd big enough to fill its 1,600 seat patio.
If you are cowboyd out, then its time for some culture a the Fort Worth Cultural District boasting some of the finest art collections in the world. The Amon Carter Museum of American Art holds incredible Remington and Russell western pieces that you might expect in a place like cowtown; however it also holds an American art collection as diverse as our country. For art outside the U.S., the Kimbell Art Museum contains paintings and sculptures from the best of the best, including Michelangelo, Picasso, Frida, Van Gogh, and Monet. You wont believe it. And then finally, the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth holds a vast collection of artwork that will blow your mind. I highly recommend checking out all three if you have time.
These are just some highlights. I didnt even mention Downtown. There is so much to explore that Ill leave to you. Check HERE for more information.
