highlight: shopping
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.
Galveston, TX
Galveston is the the most historic island in Texas and makes for an epic day trip adventure.
When you cross over the Galveston Bay, whether by car or ferry, you’re sure to be hungry when you get here. My favorite spots on the island are Shrimp & Stuff for a mean shrimp po-boy and Benno’s on the Beach for a casual but top-notch cajun seafood experience with a great view of the Gulf of Mexico.
To experience the history of the island, there are many options. I recommend a tour of Bishop’s Palace and a the Tall Ship Elissa.
For outdoor fun, just grab a towel and stop along the beach. Don’t be scared of the seaweed or seagulls, but if you are, then head to Schlitterbahn or Moody Gardens for a visit to their watermark. Moody Gardens also has one of the best aquariums in Texas and a rainforest pyramid not to be missed.
Other outdoor attractions on the island include Galveston State Park and taking a Dolphin Cruise of Galveston Bay.
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.
Fredericksburg, TX
Ah Bavaria! Its beautiful, its German, and its about 5,000 miles away. Lucky for us, settlers brought Germany to Texas and named it Fredericksburg.
Fredericksburg, TX is a culture clash between boots and lederhosen. It isnt uncommon to see trailers full of cows traveling through downtown and being hauled by German-speaking man wearing a cowboy hat. Seriously! Go see for yourself.
Downtown Fredericksburg is a collection of shops offering just about everything you can imagine. From lady-friendly candles (Circle E Candles) and home accessories, to man-friendly beer and brats (Fredericksburg Brewing Company) and brats. If you are looking for the full German food experience, look no further than The Auslander, an authentic German restaurant in the heart of town.
One thing you cant miss when visiting is the National Museum of the Pacific War. Believe it or not, the national museum commemorating the Pacific combat of WWII is in Fredericksburg. The museum has complete war machines, like a B-12 bomber, tanks, and a Japanese pygmy submarines.
For outdoor-minded folks, head north of town to Enchanted Rock, a stunning pink granite dome rising out of the Texas hill country.
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.
