As a born and raised Texan, I have always been very proud of my roots. I am grateful to come from a state with so much culture, good food and nice people. Now that I am an expat, I get to experience the culture shock of my own used-to-be home. Watching cowboy’s sip on Shiner in a Honkey Tonk brings me nostalgia and driving down the flat landscape of the Lone Star State with some country music on the radio brings me back to my teenage years. Lemme tell you what I think are the best things to see and do on a Texas road trip.

1. Find yourself a Buc-ees

Now this shouldn’t be too hard, as they have expanded to a few different locations. How can I describe Buc-ees? Well, they have the cleanest bathroom’s you’ve ever seen, perfect for a nice stop on a long road trip. After all, driving across Texas could take you well over 16 hours!

Buc-ee’s is also home to a batch of different traditional Texan foods; from brisket sandwiches, to kolaches, to pickled
jalapeños. They also have plenty of snacks and fountain soda’s, and you have to try the classic Beaver Nuggets. Every time a fresh batch of their homemade brisket comes out of the smoker, get ready to hear “Briskkkeeettt onn the boooaarrrddd!” from every person in that damn gas station. After one stop in Buc-ee’s, that sentence is all I can say for the rest of the day- it makes me so happy.

Besides the amazing food and clean bathrooms, they also have a souvenir shop, selling anything and everything from Texan vendors. You can buy a Texas-shaped cutting board or a Buc-ee’s beaver chew toy for your dog. Seriously- they have candles, lotion, spices, furniture, housing accessories- the list goes on. If you like Texas memorabilia, this is the place to be.

Be sure to fill up your tank on the way out and don’t be shy- each location has an average of 100 gas pumps!

You can find a Buc-ees in Alvin, Angleton, Bastrop, Baytown, Brazoria, Cypress, Denton, Eagle Lank, Ennis, Fort Worth, Freeport, Giddings, Hillsboro, Katy, Lake Jackson, League City, Luling, Madisonville, Melissa, New Braunsfels, Pearland, Port Lavaca, Richmond, Royce City, Temple, Terrel, Texas City, Waller and Wharton Texas.

2. Get an OG Kolache in West Texas

Kolache is a pastry that was brought over to rural Texas by Czech settlers during the mid-to-late 1800s, and you’ll find many of the very best kolaches in family-owned bakeries in small towns that have a historic Czech influence. The classic kolache is more of a pastry filled with jam, but my favourite are the savoury ones. Now, you can search in the small towns, but if you’re in a rush- there are ‘Buc-ee’s like’ gas stations off the highway with incredibly delicious snacks inside.

My wife and I did a pre-wedding road trip down Texas this summer and of course made a stop in West Texas. We went into the shop and got just two kolaches to share, with a large Texan ice tea to water it all down. She loved it so much we went back in for three more (with the intention to save for later)…. that never happened. We ate practically all of them in the course of 20 minutes. We rated our favourites, with the classic sausage kolache – no cheese – being our number one. We tried the Turkey and cheese, sausage and jalapeño cheese, and a pizza version.

These pastries are honestly to die for and will have you running back in the shop to get a batch more.

3. Check out a Drive-In Movie Theatre

There is nothing more beautiful than the Texas sky in the middle of no where. I promise you- on a clear night, you can see over 5 shooting stars dance across your eyes. It’s peaceful, the air is always cool just not cool about 85 percent of the year, and a night at the movies is always a good idea.

My favourite drive in is in Ennis, Texas. The Galaxy Drive In has in theatre movies with 7 screens and mini golf in a retro setting. Check out the snack bar- they have nachos, popcorn, fountain sodas, candy- you name it!

Now, Ennis isn’t the only place for a drive in, and I did the research for you- just follow the link and find the closest location to you. Pack some bug spray, and if you can- go in a pick up truck. You can transform the bed of your truck into an actual bed and enjoy the movie as if you were at home.

4. Visit Gruene

Located around the New Braunfels area, Gruene is a German settlement that was once a cotton producing settlement. You can even dine in the old cotton mile, now under the name of Gristmill River Restaurant and Bar. Gruene is a charming town full of history and historical buildings. The town thrived with the production of cotton, though due to the Great Depression, the town was brought down to a population of only 75 people. By 1950- Gruene was a ghost town.

The town was brought back to life in the 70’s when Gruene Hall was bought back. Gruene Hall is actually the oldest dance hall in Texas- having opened in 1878. George Strait- legendary country singer – started out in Gruene Hall. As a HUGE George Strait fan, I was giddy to get the chance to step foot in this old hall. The windows and doors have screens on them, the wooden floors whisper secrets and stories from the past, and the walls are covered with photographs of singers who have walked through these very same screen doors.

As it’s not too far from Austin, many college students make the trip up to Gruene for a night of dancing and mingling. I recommend you spend the evening having a dinner at sunset at the Gristmill River Restaurant and Bar. Share a batch of their delicious onion rings before getting started on your meal of choice (the small batch is already very big). Follow up your dinner at the Gruene Hall to dance away your full stomach. Finish the evening in one of the many bars down the street, one even hosting a Speak Easy that I will let you find yourself.

5. Take a walk down the River Walk in San Antonio

San Antonio is home to many things- The Alamo (never forget), Six Flags Fiesta, The Spurs, and The Riverwalk. The Riverwalk is a long stroll you must take in the city that is straight down the river- it’s pretty straight forward. As it is a popular tourist destination, you have your choice of restaurants along the way, including Bubba Gumps (if you’re into touristy stuff). Take your time, stroll, have a frozen margarita along the way and even take one of the boat tours.

Another two of my favourite things of the riverwalk are the ducks that are all over the place, and the occasional mariachi band that will serenade you and your partner. It’s a magical place if you’ve never been- though I recommend going in low season (January-May / September-December) as the heat plus a thousand people can feel very overwhelming. I have personally been here a billion times, but my wife who had never been really loved it.

There you have it- the best things to do and see in the beautiful Lone Star State. Don’t forget to try the iced tea and admire the bluebonnets. The South is a very special place, and I hope you feel at home, in the place I was lucky enough to call home for 18 years.

All my love.