highlight: coffee
Stephenville, TX
This town calls itself the “Cowboy Capital of the World” and for good reason. Stephenville (and greater-Erath County) has more world-championship cowboys per capita than any other town on the planet. These aren’t just guys who wear hats, drive big trucks, and pretend to own horses. These are the real deal.
Start your visit with a walk along the Cowboy Capital Walk of Fame right off the square. The plaques on this city block honor the men and women who have made an impact on the cowboy culture of Stephenville. To meet one of these cowboys first hand, head to Chick Elms Grand Entry, a western store and rodeo shop started in the 1950 by walk-of-famer G.W. Lewallen and now run by rodeo champion Chick Elms. Pick yourself up a shiny pearl snap, and then head to catch the action at Lone Star Arena. This facility is constantly hosting rodeos and riding events. If you’re brave enough, you can even jump on a bull and try it yourself. For a taste of Stephenville’s modern culture, check out the campus of Tarleton State University and cheer on the Tarleton Texans.
If you’ve worked up an appetite or need some caffeine to jump start the day, head to Beans and Franks, a coffee and hot dog bar serving house-roasted coffee and gourmet hot dogs. (Warning: please consume these separately, as a coffee-hot dog pairing is not advisable). I recommend diving into the “Big Nasty”, a jalapeno sausage topped with chili, cheese, and cayenne pepper. Woo-Doggy. For a taste of Stephenville’s history, head to Jake & Dorothy’s Cafe, a town institution that’s been turning out delicious chicken-fried steaks since 1948. They’re so popular, they’ve even made the cover of Texas Monthly and may have invented the waffle fry. ??? Make sure to wash it down with a slice of pie.
For a sweet treat, I recommend heading up the road to Dublin, TX. It’s a little bit like Ireland….OK, it’s nothing like Ireland. But you can make a very sweet visit to Dublin Bottling Works, the home of bottled Dr. Pepper. While these guys may no longer be pumping out this Texas original, they do have 7 other flavors, and XXX Root Beer. Grab an old-fashioned soda at the soda shop and then wash that down with a root beer float. MMMMMMM. And another place to see is the Ben Hogan Museum honoring this Dulbin-born professional golfer who is regarded as one of the greatest golfers of all time. While you’re here, keep your eye on the sky, as you might just see one of Dulbin’s other famous visitors….UFOs.
Spicewood, TX
Spicewood is a Texas town nestled along Lake Travis and the home of Country Music Legend Willie Nelson. Need I say more
You will undoubtedly want to kickstart your day with a cup of coffee from Cuvee Coffee, one of the most respected specialty roasters in America that is hidden behind a metal gate marked inconspicuously with a C. If you find it, then you can join them for a cupping and get a tour from the guys roasting the beans. If you like wine more than coffee, then head to Spicewood Vineyards for a tour and tasting. Unfortunately Willies Luck, Texas ranch isnt open to the public, just you can still crank up the tunes as you cruise around town.
To indulge in the adventurous side of Spicewood, cruise through the air on a Zipline tour at Cypress Valley Canopy Tours or hit the trails at Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area on the banks of Lake Travis. If the weather is right, take a dip in Krause Springs, a hidden-oasis swimming hole complete with rope swing, sunbathing rocks, waterfalls, and a hidden grotto.
After a day like this, you will be starving. So indulge in the spicy BBQ (or any BBQ) from Opies Barbecue. The sweet and spicy ribs are killer, as is the brisket, sausage, chicken, banana pudding, spicy creamed corn you get the picture .everything. To cap off your day with some live music, or to eat one of the best burgers in Texas, head to Poodies Hilltop Roadhouse. Poodie was Willie Nelsons longtime stage manager and, before passing, was the proprietor behind one of the best burgers in Texas. Enjoy a burger, a cold one, and an incredible view at Poodies.
Llano, TX
Llano is the little hill country town that rocks literally. Check it out!
This charming little Texas town sits on the Llano River. Its the the county seat of Llano County. And sits atop the Llano Uplift. See a theme here?
The Llano Uplift is a peculiar rock formation created when granite pushed its way to the surface exposing rocks all around Llano. The most impressive example is Enchanted Rock in South Llano County. The uplift also kicked up tons of rare earth minerals that are scattered all over the county. There is even a type of granite called Llanite that can only be found in Llano County. To learn more about Llanos rock culture and be pointed in the right direction for your own rock hunt, check out Enchanted Rocks and Jewelry on Llanos square.
For the historic side of Llano, drive across Roy Inks Bridge and take a tour of the old Red Top Jail, built in 1895 with its original hanging gallows still inside. Also check out the Dabs Hotel (a stop for Bonnie & Clyde), the Llano Courthouse, the Historic Railyard District, and the LanTex Theater, a classic theater still showing current movies. For something creepy, you can always head to Baby Head Cemetery up Highway 16 from Llano.
All this touring will surely stir up an appetite. For what many consider the best BB-Q in Texas, head to Coopers Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que and choose your meat straight from the outdoor pit. Dont miss the house pecan cobbler. Another great BBQ spot is Inmans Kitchen serving its famous and one-of-a-kind turkey sausage. For lighter fare and a cup of joe, head to Fuel Coffee House, a nonprofit coffeehouse that also serves up free burgers on Sunday evenings.
If you are around town in the winter, you might also get a chance to see wild Bald Eagles that migrate to Llano in the winter to build nests and have babies. For the past couple years, the nest has been just off Highway 29 between Burnet and Llano. Look for the TXDOT pull-off.
You can read my column about Llano from Texas Highways HERE.
For information about Lake Buchanan visit our Burnet, TX page CLICK HERE.
Waco, TX
To most, Waco is a highway. Nothing more. A pass-through, not a destination. But to those who are willing to look a little deeper, Waco is much, much more.
FOOD
Kick your day off with a caffeine jolt to the mouth at Common Grounds, a locally-owned coffee shop. Common Grounds has all forms of caffeine to fuel your day trip from classics like cold brewed coffee and espresso to specialties like iced coffees with peanut butter and chocolate.
At Health Camp, they’ve got the three main food groups: Burger, Cheeseburger and Bacon Cheese Burger. If it’s soy burgers and salads you want…you won’t find them here at this 60-year old, ironically-named burger joint on the circle. Just delicious burgers and fries. And for a definitely-not-healthy dessert, try their frozen custard that comes in amazing flavors like Chocolate Chip Cheesecake, Toasted Marshmallow, Peach and more!
Hit up Tony DeMarias Bar-B-Que for some fantastic BBQ…well, if you arrive before they sell out. If you want pizza and secret hideouts, look no further than Poppa Rollos. You can try one of their specialty pizzas or create your own…and behind a secret door near the phone booth you might just find a bar.
One of my favorite things to do in Waco is grab a cold one and relax at George’s Restaurant. It’s been serving up chicken fried steaks and homecooking since 1930.
OUTDOORS
Other stops in Waco include Cameron Park, which has some of Texas best mountain biking and beautiful views of the Brazos and Bosque Rivers. And while you’re at the park, check out the Cameron Park Zoo to say “hello” to the bears, giraffes and elephants. They even have Komodo Dragons!
Right off I-35 is Texas’s Oldest University, Baylor University. Take a stroll around Baylors campus to check out Baylors Bear Habitat where they keep the mascots and also stop by the famous Pat Neff Hall.
CULTURE
If a university tour has you in the mood to learn, Waco has museums for every kind of curious tripper. History buffs should check out the Texas Ranger Museum. Science junkies should head to the Mayborn Science Museum on the Baylor University Campus.
Sports Fanatics can head to the Texas Sports Hall of Fame. But everybody should go to the Dr Pepper Museum to learn how the oldest major soft drink on the market was invented in Waco. And dont miss the old-fashioned soda fountain at the end where you can enjoy a frosty glass of Dr Pepper or an ice cream float.
