highlight: music

Denton, TX

Everybody knows about the “Big D”, but few know about “Little D”?  Well, for those seeking everything from fast cars, to delicious food, to independent art and music…sometimes bigger isn’t better.

A trip to Denton proper will undoubtedly start on the Denton County Square which boasts a quirky collection of businesses,  shops, and restaurants revolving around the historic Denton Courthouse.  To explore 3 stories of paperback books and vintage LPs, head to Recycled Books.  And if you are seeking a truly unique treasure for someone special in your life, check out the Downtown Mini Mall, with booth after booth of antiques and consignment novelties.  It truly is the strangest mall in America.  If you find yourself suddenly struck with a sweet tooth, head to Beth Marie’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream with 91 homemade flavors awaiting your mouth, including cupcake, bacon, jalapeño, and my favorite – Dr. Pepper Pecan Praline.  Mmmmmmm.

If you are hungry for a tasty meal, head over to Rooster’s Roadhouse for some southern food kicked up a notch, like Texas sushi (brisket and peppers rolled in a tortilla) or brisket queso.  If you are feeling seriously hungry, take on the Texas Slider Challenge and try your hand at polishing off 18 tiny burgers.  Or if you are feeling seriously sadistic, take on the “Hell Burger,”  small slider topped with a ghost pepper puree.  It is intense!!!  If you’re up for a short drive, head down the road to Roanoke, TX to dine at the original Babe’s Chicken Dinner which has some of the best fried chicken in Texas.

While in Denton, you’ll definitely want to partake in the independent Texas music scene.  From folk hootenannies happening right on the square to incredible touring acts that pass through town, Denton has a music scene that rivals all the much larger cities in Texas.  Recycled Books has a great local music section to educate yourself, but to hear it for yourself, head to Dan’s Silverleaf, my favorite local music venue in town.

NOW – for those seeking the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of driving a real NASCAR stock car, join Team Texas at the Texas Motor Speedway.  Few things are more exciting than cruising at 150mph around Texas’s only active NASCAR track.

 

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”

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 Willie’s “Luck, Texas” ranch isn’t 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 Opie’s 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 Poodie’s Hilltop Roadhouse.  Poodie was Willie Nelson’s 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.

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.

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