highlight: bbq
Austin, TX – West Side
Lexington, TX
Graham, TX
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.
Nacogdoches, TX
Nacogdoches may be the oldest city in Texas, but that doesn’t mean it feels old and crusty. Modern “Nac” is full of youthful energy pouring in from Stephen F. Austin University. And you’ll discover much more than history in this historic town.
BUT – if you want to dive into the history of this town, start off at the Stone Fort Museum, a recreation of the first permanent structure in Nacogdoches built by the town’s founder Antonio Gil Y’Barbo. Next, pop over to the Nacogdoches Visitor’s Center to learn about the “9 flags of Nacogdoches.” (Yes, this town tops the State of Texas by 3 whole flags). To visit some of Nac’s historic structures, try the Sterne-Hoya House, Durst-Taylor House, and the Old University Building. After this you’ll be dying to step back in time and experience history for yourself. So head to Millard’s Crossing, a historic, hands-on village. You’ll never be more thankful for your home’s washing machine.
As you get hungry, I recommend a 14 oz “Cowboy Steak” from CC’s Smokehouse, about half of an inch thick and cooked on the flat top grill. You’ll love it. For dinner, the best place in town is Hotel Fredonia. But don’t be fooled, the food at this hotel isn’t just for weary travelers. This is the local hang out. Grab an upscale experience at J. McKinney’s Restaurant. Or take the more casual approach at the Nine Flags Bar & Grill.
If you’re looking to get outside into nature, there are two great options. The first is a casual stroll through the SFA Garden Arboretum (especially beautiful in Spring when the azaleas bloom). And the second is an adrenaline-pumping experience at ZipNac, offering a zip line adventure, high above the ground. Weeeeeeee!!!
Dripping Springs, TX
As with many hill country towns, it isn’t so much what’s in town, but all around town. This is especially true with Dripping Springs the “Gateway to the Hill Country.” To download this episode or purchase it on DVD – CLICK HERE.
But before you head to the hills, there are some things in the town worth checking out. First off are the namesake springs of this small town which sit on the private property of the Homestead B&B. Just knock on the door, and the owner is usually happy to show you around. However, Start the day off right with breakfast at Rolling in Thyme and Dough. A delicious breakfast and lunch spot tucked away in an old house right off Highway 290. The egg/sausage/pesto croissant is phenomenal. Later in the afternoon, you might want to grab a fresh pint of craft brew from The Barber Shop serving house-made brews and Texas brews from all over the state.
To experience the beauty of the Texas Hill Country, there are 3 must-do activities just north of town. The first is Hamilton Pool, an amazing natural grotto that is also some of Texas’s most magnificent swimming holes. Make sure you arrive early, or else you might be waiting in the parking lot for hours to get in. While Hamilton Pool is well-traveled, the second activity is as untouched and pristine as possible. This is West Cave Preserve. Take a guided nature tour down to this stunning grotto and cave and be taken into a world far away from human hands. Finally, if you want to jump into the hill country full-on, then there’s no better place than Milton Reimer’s Ranch, this private ranch turned public park is an outdoor playground with everything from fishing to mountain biking to some of the best rock climbing in Texas.
And to cap off an exceptional day, head south of Dripping Springs to the town of Driftwood, TX and take down a big, honkin’ plate of some of the best BBQ in Texas at – The Salt Lick.
La Grange, TX
This might just be the “Best Little Day Trip in Texas.” I’m sure Burt Reynolds and Dolly Parton would agree, as it was the events of La Grange’s famous “Chicken Ranch” that inspired the classic musical “Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.” While the brothel is no longer around (it was moved to Dallas and then burned down), there’s still plenty to do in this town.
For starters, “Czech” out the Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center. This museum gives visitors a feel for the culture and early days of Fayette County when thousands of Czech immigrants populated the area. The museum has clothes, relocated homes, and lots of musical instruments. Crank up the Polka Baby! For some reason, the best Czech food is in gas stations. To taste Czech culture and a delicious kolache or klobasniky, head to Weikel’s Bakery in La Grange or head down the road to Hruska’s in Ellinger, TX. To drink like an early Czech, head to the Rohan Meadery, making authentic old-world meads, right here in Texas.
But for a real taste of Texas tradition, look no further than Prause Meat Market right off the square in La Grange. This meat market / BBQ joint has been serving customers since the 1890’s. Today the fourth generation of Prauses are manning the chopping block helping customers stuff their bellies with tradition.
One other must-see stop is the Monument Hill & Kreische Brewery State Historic Site. This park holds two incredible historic sites, one is Monument Hill honoring the Texan heroes who lost their lives in the Dawson Massacre and Mier Expedition, where Texans had to draw beans for their lives. The other stop is the ruins of the Kreische Brewery and the house of the Kreische family.
To experience the natural side of La Grange, set up a paddling trip down the Colorado River with the folks from Camp Lone Star. This short trip is perfect for large groups and anyone hesitant to get in the river.
As ZZ Top would say….”how how how how”
Huntsville, TX
Some folks think the only way to visit Huntsville is in handcuffs with an official escort that definitely aint a tour guide. But trust me, visiting Huntsville is not sentenced punishment, but one of the best days in your life.
There are two major reasons Huntsville is famous. The first is General Sam Houston, arguably the greatest Texan to ever live. General Sam lived in Huntsville on multiple occasions and the best place in Texas to learn about his life is the Sam Houston Memorial Museum, which is full of artifacts and lessons on every chapter of his life. Behind the museum sits the Woodland home that Houston built and where he raised his family. Also on site is the Steamboat House where Houston died. Other notable Houston sites about town are the 77 foot tall Houston statue on I-45 at the Visitors Center, and Houston grave in the Oakwood Cemetery.
Huntsville is also famous for the being the home of the Texas Prison System. The Huntsville Unit (aka Walls Unit) was the first state penitentiary in Texas and sits just blocks from the Walker County Courthouse. Take a stroll around its towering wall, or get a glimpse beyond the wall at the Texas Prison Museum and learn all about the current and past Texas Prison System. Among its many interesting artifacts is Old Sparky Texass only electric chair used to execute 361 inmates when in commission here in Huntsville.
If you are hungry and want to stick with the prison theme, head to Mr. Hamburger (since 1959) for a Warden burger with grilled onions and mushrooms, or even an Ol Sparky complete with Texas in July sauce. For BB-Q, head to New Zion Missionary Baptist Church BBQ, or for short Church BBQ. This Baptist church also sells some of the finest BBQ in the piney woods, but its only open Thurs-Sat. And if you want to eat a meal worthy of being your last meal on earth, head to The Homestead on 19th which resides on Sam Houstons old property in an 1830’s log cabin. It is truly one of the best meals in Texas and its served in one of the most unique environments.
If you are craving the outdoors, look no further than Huntsville State Park for a swim, some fishing or a hike. You might also get to see one of the parks resident alligators. For SCUBA diving in some of the most turquoise waters north of Cancun, take a dip in The Blue Lagoon. They also allow swimming based on capacity. So call ahead.
Lockhart, TX
Lockhart is the officially the Barbecue Capital of Texas. Need we say more?There is a challenge in Texas that few brave souls attempt, but for those willing to accept this meaty mission, it carries BBQ street credibility unlike anything else. It is the Lockhart BB-Q challenge. The rules are simple Eat at all 4 BBQ joints in Lockhart in one day. Good luck and bring your antacid.
The 4 joints (in alphabetical order) are Blacks Barbecue, Chisholm Trail BBQ, Kreuz Market, and Smittys Market. Each is unique in its own smoky way. I recommend them all.
If you need a break between BBQ binges, check out Lockhart State Park and enjoy its 9-hole golf course or take a hike along Clear Fork Creek. For history buffs that want to stay in the middle of town, tour the historic Caldwell County Courthouse or the Caldwell County Museum sitting inside of the old jail.
Luling, TX
This is a town known for two things: Bar-B-Q and watermelon. Youd be hard pressed to think of two better things to be known for. According to Texas Monthly, Luling is home to some of the best BB-Q in the Lone Star State. And they are right! Luling City Market is one of Texass most-storied BB-Q joints serving up 3 meats and only 3 meats: brisket, sausage, and ribs. Across the street sits Luling Bar-B-Q a relative new-comer in Luling, as its only been around for 30 years. Try one or try them both, but make sure to save room for watermelon which can be bought just across the street at the Luling Farmers Market.
If you do buy a watermelon, Id recommend taking it down to Zedler Mill to crack it open and enjoy it on the banks of the San Marcos River at this old renovated mill and one of Texass best swimming holes. Or if you want to go a bit further, head to Palmetto State Park, and eat your watermelon in the river or while exploring its unique hiking trails full of Palmetto palms.
Other attractions in Luling worth checking out include the Central Texas Oil Patch Museum, and Lulings Pumpjack Zoo Tour with oil pumps decorated as everything from quarterbacks to killer whales.
Smithville, TX
Lots of things float in Smithville. Hope, Smoke, and YOU on a road bike when you visit Smithville.
Smithville is a picturesque and quintessential small town which is why its been the setting for tons of motion pictures. However, none made Smithville more famous than 1998’s Hope Floats starring Sandra Bullock and Harry Connick Jr. Sights from Hope Floats, Tree of Life, and many others lie all around town. The Smithville Chamber of Commerce can point you in the right direction for a self-guided tour. And Pockets Grille has tons of local movie memorabilia. In town, youll also want to see Smitty who was once the largest gingerbread man in the world. He sits at the end of Main St. and is often dressed for the seasonal holiday and weather.
Outside of town in the nearby community of Winchester is a delicious steakhouse and post office called Murphys Steakhouse. It isnt to be missed and often has more customers than the entire community of Winchester has residents. Folks come for miles to eat at Murphys and you should too. After dinner, wash it down with a scoop of Blue Bell from the Winchester Depot and a ride on an old carousel ride just outside the door. Sadly, Zimmerhanzels Bar-B-Que where we ate in the episode is shut down.
Also not to be missed is the Central Texas Museum of Automotive History in the town of Rosanky. This unexpected car museum has over 100 antique and collectible automobiles. Its incredible.
And finally, if you want to spend some time outdoors, head to Buescher State Park. You can also bike to Buescher via Bastrop State Park.
