Category Archives: Attractions

10th Annual Texas Steak Cookoff

For the past few years, I have been finding myself in the same place on the third Saturday in May – Hico, Texas. The Texas Steak Cookoff and Wine Festival has to be one of the best events that I’ve had the chance of attending and definitely one of my favorites. This year was no exception and it may have been my favorite yet! It’s affordable, family friendly and an all day affair that won’t be leaving you hungry (at any point during the day).

For the Steak Cookoff:
For $25, you will receive a bracelet which will allow you to enjoy appetizers and the steak dinner in the afternoon (ribeye steak, beans, baked potato, dessert and a drink) cooked to your perfection by the team of your choice. You’re belly will thank you for this day!

Now for the details!
The day started out with an opening ceremony. Yes, that’s Nolan Ryan himself. The Steak Cookoff is co-sponsored by Nolan Ryan Beef and Kroger. Mr. Nolan Ryan took the opportunity to come down to Hico that morning to kick off the event. If there’s a soul in Texas who doesn’t like this man, they’ve probably been kicked out by now. It was great having him at the event!

The Cookoff doesn’t mess around and the grills are hot bright and early. Rolling into town, you can smell the grills. It’s amazing. 11am kicks off the hors d’oeuvres competition. The backyard chefs submit a recipe of their own to the judges. I had the opporunity to judge at last years event and some of the items are absolutely mind blowing and belly filling. I only wish that I had the recipes to some of these items. Don’t be mistaken, these hors d’oeuvres are not just for the judges, the chefs are cooking all day for folks. Walk around, sample some food and spend time with friends (and make some new ones). Here’s a few of the hor d’oeuvres that we checked out this year.

I will say – the ritz crackers I had seen at the previous cookoffs and they are so delicious and have a bit of a kick (for this Yankee, jalepeno’s sure are growing on me). Ritz crackers with peanut butter, honey and a slice of jalapeno – killer!

Hors d’oeuvres Competition Winners:
1st Place: Steak Your Claim
2nd Place: J, L & M Cooker
3rd Place: Heavy Smokers

The shrimp (above) was cooked by the backyard chefs (below). I think these fellas were my favorite group of the day and I’m not quite sure how they sported their attire all day in the heat. Regardless, their food sure was good. They even left the recipe out for the shrimp (which I should’ve grabbed). Tasty, Tasty.

There’s entertainment throughout the day for the entire family. Local businesses are open, vendors are set up within town and four bands played throughout the day. There were even two wine tents.

If that’s not enough, just walk around and visit with some of the backyard chefs. They have grills of all shapes and sizes. Check them out, see what they’re cooking and just enjoy the day! Even their team names are pretty interesting. It’s serious business y’all!

This was homemade bourbon or moonshine. I’m not sure. I didn’t try any… I was headed to the wine tent.

These chefs – I’m naming them the party chefs. This is where it was all happening. Music, TV, dancing and cooking. Keeping busy all day long! They also ended up winning an award for being the best in show. They earned it!

The judging for the steaks begins around 1pm and the top 30 chefs are announced around 4pm. Shortly thereafter, be prepared. To receive your steak, pick one tent and get in line as they will cook it to your liking!

The cookoff had a different set up this year and I felt that it made all the difference. I really think that this is why I enjoyed this year the best compared to the past few years. With over 100 teams participating, the chefs were situated along a few separate streets and seemed to have a little more room. The temperature in May isn’t cool and breezy, it’s warm if not hot. With the new arrangement, it was incredibly easy to maneuver but the fact that they were a little more spread out definitely helped with how hot and crowded it felt in the area.

Time for the steak! I chose to have my steak cooked at the Beef Bro chefs. I usually go by luck of the draw and this year, I didn’t go wrong. My steak was cooked to my perfection and it was pretty darn delicious!

After you’ve received and indulged in your steak dinner, it’s not over. It’s time to announce the winners. Something I haven’t mentioned is with your ticket to the cookoff, you also receive a raffle entry which is drawn at the end of the day. This year, the raffle prizes included signed Nolan Ryan memorabelia and multiple $500 gift certificates to use within Hico (if you’ve seen some of the stores in town – it’s good shopping)!

Here are this years Top 10 Hands:
(The top 5 hands received prizes between $500 and $2,500.)

1st Place: Daddy Brad’s Meat Shack
2nd Place: Pirates of the Prime Ribean
3rd Place: J, L & M
4th Place: Smokin’ Down in Texas
5th Place: J & J Cookers
6th Place: North Dallas Grill Billies
7th Place: Carne Knowledge
8th Place: Smokin’ Natives
9th Place: Wild Hanlon BBQ
10th Place: Beast Feast

Congratulations to the winners and thank you to the town of Hico for allowing me to check out this years event! If you had a chance to attend this year, I’d love to hear your feedback and I’m sure I will see you there again next year!

If you haven’t been to the Texas Steak Cookoff and Wine Festival – be sure to check it out next year (3rd Saturday in May).

Disclaimer: I was not compensated for this post, however I did receive free admission to the event in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are 100% my own.

Texas Tuesday link up with Amanda from Princess of the Panhandle and Crystal from Masons Mama. This is a chance for any blogger to participate in a post on the greatness of Texas! There’s so much to explore!

Comfort & Beauty at the Hyatt Lost Pines

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Summertime is the prime time for traveling, especially for families. More so, accommodations while you are checking out a new location, attending events or even conferences for work. I’ve got you covered, or should I say the Hyatt Lost Pines has you covered.

While staying at the resort last month, I was basking in absolute comfort. Besides the entire resort being absolutely gorgeous, the tranquility of my personal room was hard to leave or just perfect after a long day enjoying the outdoors. The rooms had recently been updated (that’s always a plus) but there’s more than just looking pretty and having extremely comfortable beds to get a great nights sleep. It’s all in the details….

The bathroom. Have your pick of an amazing shower or soaking in an oversized tub. What caught my eye was the type of products that were left out. I know, most hotels / resorts leave the typical shampoo / conditioner, etc. however the Hyatt Lost Pines also left out body lotion, foot lotion and after sun gel. Not only did they leave out the extra essentials, they’re also dermatologist approved. Comforting for people with sensitive skin like myself.

Free Wi-Fi, cable, coffee, tea. The ice machine was right down the hall.

It’s the little things, right? I will say, allergy season in Texas almost seems to be year round at time. I GREATLY appreciated this air purifier in my room. I didn’t have to ask for one, it was already there and turned on. Makes everything so much more, breathable.

Texas art and details in the fixtures brings the outdoor, indoors.

If you are like me, you can’t wait to be outside, when you’re inside. Well, you get the best of both worlds! No matter where your room is situated on the property, the view will be phenomenal. I’ll promise you that myself.

Could you ask for a more relaxing view?

For families or groups traveling, be sure to ask about the Family Stay More, Play More resort credits. With a two night minimum stay, you and your family can earn additional credits to spend while staying at the Resort. These can be used for meals or other activities.

Hyatt Lost Pines was voted the top Texas destination and 18th place for the “Top Family Hotels” list in Travel + Leisure’s 2012 World’s Best Awards.

Most Historic Small Town In Texas

Exploring Nature at the Hyatt Lost Pines

Firewheel Cafe at the Hyatt Lost Pines

Activities at the Hyatt Lost Pines

Disclaimer: I was not compensated but did receive one night’s stay at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa in return for this post. All photos and opinions are 100% my own.

Exploring Nature at the Hyatt Lost Pines

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Recently, I told you about my visit to the Hyatt Regency Resort and Spa. It’s absolutely amazing but what really got me was how nature really embraces you. In honor of Wordless Wednesday, I thought I would share some of the sights that I saw outside on my trip.

There are hiking trails throughout the entire resort, so you could probably walk all day if you wanted to. The next few pictures are from the walking trails along the river which also leads to the walking trails at McKinney Roughs Nature Park.

Need a break? Directly outside the rooms, you will find two gardens filled with wildflowers and benches to sit, relax and soak it all in.

The landscaping is absolutely amazing. Just imagine being able to literally step outside of your room and be exposed to all this.

And at the end of the day, is this not the most perfect spot in the entire place? How were these chairs even empty?!

Most Historic Small Town In Texas

Comfort & Beauty – Room Overview
Firewheel Cafe at the Hyatt Lost Pines
Activities at the Hyatt Lost Pines

Today I’m linking up with The Paper Mama, Jenni From the Blog and Project Alicia for {Wordless Wednesday}.

Disclaimer: I was not compensated but did receive one night’s stay at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa in return for this post. All photos and opinions are 100% my own.