highlight: burgers
Tomball, TX
While the lights of Houston shine brightly, don’t let them outshine this small Texas town just 30 miles north. While it’s had a number of names over the years (Peck, TX; Oil Town USA), today it’s named after the man responsible for bringing the railroad to this rural community. A man named Thomas Henry Ball – aka Tom Ball. If you visit, you’ll find a growing city that’s still connected to its historic past. To download this episode or purchase it on DVD – CLICK HERE.
CULTURE
If you’re looking for the history of town, there are two primary places to see. The first is the renovated Railroad Depot. It sits just a stone’s throw from Main Street right on the tracks and takes visitors to the time when the railroad was king. Suddenly this outlying community was connected to the rest of the world and began to boom. The next museum you need to see is the Tomball Museum Center. Rather than one building packed with stuff, this is a collection of historic buildings each filled with artifacts giving visitors a glimpse into an era of Tomball’s history. There is a log cabin, a schoolhouse, a church, and many more. My favorite is the 1940’s oil camp house commemorating the discovery of oil in Tomball which made this city’s population triple in a few short years.
The most popular weekend activity in Tomball is definitely antique shopping. There too many to list. Swing a stick and you’ll hit one. Whatever you do, don’t miss Bob’s Wild West, a small shop packed with antique guns and things killed with guns. You’ll find spurs, knives, and a small Texas Ranger Hall of Fame containing a pistol at the shoot out of Bonnie and Clyde.
If you want to step into a flying museum, then contact the Commemorative Air Force Gulf Coast Wing to see “Texas Raiders” a restored B-17 Flying Fortress. Multiple times a year, they take this gal up in the sky giving riders a once in a lifetime experience.
FOOD
When you’ve worked up a giant appetite, Tomball has a number of giant options. For Texas tea room that’s nothing like a grandma-inspired tea party, head to The Whistle Stop Tea Room. Here you’ll find amazing sandwiches (jalapeno pimento cheese anyone?), homemade soups, and a dessert case that’s worth the stop alone. For country cookin’ with a Texas-sized competition, head to Mel’s Country Cafe. It sits out in the country, but that doesn’t stop folks from lining up to partake in the goodness. Both the chicken-fried steak and hamburger are considered the tops by Texas Monthly. But the burger that tops them all is the Mega Mel. A behemoth of meat, cheese, and bacon. It you can eat it in two hours, you get immortal glory on the wall…and a T-shirt.
OUTDOORS
Tomball has a number of great city parks. Spring Creek Park is massive with tall pines and open fields for playing frisbee or having a picnic. In the back corner, you’ll also find a historic marker for a Confederate gun powder mill that exploded on this site killing everyone inside. It left a crater so big that when it filled with rainwater it became a popular swimming hole that many say is haunted. Another important park down the way is New Kentucky Park, the site of Sam Houston’s famous “fork in the road.” During the Texas Revolution, he had to make a decision, turn left and run for safety in Louisiana or turn right and face the Mexican Army. Sam took a right and headed toward San Jacinto…the rest, my friends, is history.
Kemah, TX
The town of Kemah may be small, but it’s just one tiny piece of the massive establishment that is Houston, and part of the Houston subset known as “Bay Area Houston”, consisting of Kemah, Clear Lake, La Porte, League City, Nassau Bay, Seabrook, and Webster. In truth, it’s very difficult to visit one without visiting the others. And why would you want to? As this area is packed with Daytripper goodness.
The largest attraction in the area is by far Space Center Houston, which is the official visitor’s center of NASA’s Johnson Space Center. Since the 1960’s this spot has been the brain center for space travel, overseeing the Apollo missions to the moon all the way up to the current trips to the International Space Station. You could literally spend all day here between the historic museum, space games, ISS demonstrations, mission control tours, training facility tours, and eating astro-ice-cream. But one thing you definitely don’t want to miss is walking beside the Saturn IV rocket which is identical to the ones that took humans to the moon. TIP: you dont have to buy a ticket to the Space Center to see the rocket, just ask for the NASA side gate that allows admittance to Rocket Park. Another incredible museum in the area is the Butler Longhorn Museum, which tells the story of how this ranching family saved the Texas Longhorn from becoming just another bull. Hook Em.
Your trip to space, will undoubtedly bring you back hungry, and Bay Area Houston has some of the best food on earth. For an amazing sandwich, take the astronauts lead and head to Hoagie Ranch, which is a favorite amongst the space walkers. I recommend everything! For a delicious burger look no further than Tookies, and dont miss out on their famous Pelican Eggs. But being so close to Galveston Bay, you cant miss the seafood. My favorite, laid-back, waterfront shrimp-spot is Bubbas Shrimp Palace in nearby San Leon. There are few better ways to spend the evening than watching the sunset over the Bay from Bubbas beach while chomping on a full platter of all-you-can-eat shrimp.
To experience the natural side of the Bay, I recommend a visit to the Armand Bayou Nature Center, which boasts being one of the largest urban wilderness areas in the United States. Since being protected, the wildlife and plant life of Armand Bayou have exploded. This includes the gator population. So swimming isnt such a good idea, but taking a canoe or kayak trip around the bayou is. I recommend a guided pontoon ride and Breakfast on the Bayou” with resident naturist Mark Kramer. Another option is to take grab a tour from Pinky’s Watersports in Clear Lake. They can answer any questions and will do all the hard work.
And as the sunsets on your incredible day, follow the lights to the Kemah Boardwalk. This entertainment/amusement/dining/good-time spot is full of energy. And whether youre riding the carousel, braving the roller coaster, listening to live music, or eating at one of the many restaurants, this place is sure to please. Dont miss the Friday fireworks.
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.
Brenham, TX
Brenham is more than just Blue Bell. Dont believe me? Check it out for yourself. However, lets not pretend. Brenham IS Blue Bell too. And to explore the sweetest side of Brenham, head to the Blue Bell Creamery for a tour and a scoop to learn how the little creamery in Brenham got its start and went from producing 2 gallons a day to thousands.
For something more substantial in your stomach, how about a $100 hamburger? Sound delicious? For a hundred bucks, it better. Well the good news is that the burger doesnt actually cost $100 it is only worth $100 to folks who are willing to fly to the Brenham Municipal Airport just to eat it and who have voted it the Best $100 hamburger in the USA. Try it for yourself at the Southern Flyer Diner a 50’s themed diner complete with poodle skirts, jukebox, and homemade cookin. More good news they have a parking lot, so you can leave your private jet at home (if you want).
While in town, check out Brenhams Historic Downtown, with shopping and good casual eateries like Must Be Heaven for soup, sandwiches, homemade pies, and (of course) Blue Bell. You might also want to make a stop by the Pleasant Hill Winery to sip on a glass, or for something a bit odd, the Monastery of St. Clair, operated by nuns who raise miniature ponies. NOTE: the Monastery will close at the end of May 2011. So, go quick if you want to check this out.
Bastrop, TX
Bastrop is a city tucked away along the winding Colorado River and lost within the Lost Pines.
To appreciate Bastrop, it is mandatory to exit Highway 71. Or else youd miss the three crown jewels of Bastrop: (1) the Colorado River, (2) Bastrops historic downtown, and (3) the Lost Pines.
For a first stop, Id head straight downtown. Grab a giant Chicken Fried Steak and sip sweet tea from a mason jar at Maxine’s on Main. Then head over to Lock Drugs, a old pharmacy , and wash it all down with a hand-dipped Blue Bell milkshake from their old-fashioned soda fountain. Downtown is also a great place to do some shopping, antiquing, and maybe grab an old-fashioned shave from John’s Barber Shop. Also, dont miss the chance to spit off the bridge. Be sure to ask a local for details on this one. For the best food outside of downtown, hit up Roadhouse where I highly recommend diving into a Jalapeno-Cream-Cheeseburger. You wont regret it.
If you seek the natural side of Bastrop, take a trip down the Colorado River along the El Camino Real Paddling Trail, a six mile trail winding around the city and finishing up at the Lost Pines Recreational Trails. Rising Phoenix Adventures would be happy to set you up with a kayak or canoe. You can also head to Bastrop State Park to see the famous Lost Pines a group of Loblolly Pine trees that got separated from East Texas during the ice age and are now permanent residents of Bastrop.
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.
Austin, TX – South Side
thatIf there’s a part of Austin that epitomizes the “Keep Austin Weird” slogan, then it’s South Austin. And the funkiest part of this funky town is the South Congress District. It has everything from shopping to costume shops to antiques and candy shops. I recommend stopping by Lucy in Disguise to marvel at the aisles of costumes, Uncommon Objects to marvel at the unique antiques, and Big Top Candy Shop to marvel at imported candies from around the globe and CHOCOLATE-COVERED BACON. Yes, you heard that right. If the bacon isn’t enough to hold you over, head to Hopdoddy Burger Bar for an absolutely killer burger or Homeslice for some killer pizza.
Off of South Congress, I recommend dining at one of the hundreds of trailer parks filling up every empty lot. You can eat everything from Asian to Cajun. For you sweet tooth, don’t miss grabbing a chocolate-covered banana from Bananarchy, maybe a dough-nut from Gordough’s, or some classic frozen custard from Sandy’s. Oh yeah, and you could do a lot worse than a Sno Cone from Sno Beach.
To enjoy the outdoors of South Austin, head to Zilker Park which is Austin’s big grassy playground. And for a dip, jump into Barton Springs. The 68 degree water is refreshing on any day. I also recommend a hike along the Greenbelt.
As the sunsets, live music fills the air. For honky-tonk, look no further than the Broken Spoke. Get your boots ready.
