Travel | Down Home Traveler

There is nothing like a road trip when you are driving down a two lane highway in what feels like the middle of nowhere. Towns are few and far between, the road just carries you from one unknown destination to the next. The way home from Austin, we did just that thru Hill Country on Highways 183 to 281. Have I mentioned that I love old windmills just as much as those water towers?

We came across a few little towns. Every now and then we’ll pull over to check out a Historical Marker. This was in the small town of Briggs. The 2010 census shows the population as 843. It’s obvious that this town has seen better days.

The historical marker that we almost missed. This was the town bank built in 1909. Later on, a fire burned down almost the entire block of businesses on this street.

Lampasa, TX

And just a little further down the road, Hamilton, TX.

I must say, this is one very nice county courthouse. Believe it or not, it was built in 1830. This wasn’t the best part of this town. Right across the street from the courthouse was The Hamilton Guest House. It looked so old that you can’t help but wonder how beautiful it was back in its prime. I wish I had a chance to take a picture of it.

By the time we hit Hico, we were hungry. We’ve been to Hico a time or two for the Texas Steak Cookoff but we hadn’t had a chance to eat at the Koffee Kup Kafe. (Yes, I know what you are thinking. KKK. We’ve heard the rumor. Not sure if it’s true or not.)

We arrived around lunchtime on a Sunday. My only complaint is that they do not serve breakfast between 11-2pm. What’s up with that on a Sunday?! It’s prime breakfast time. It’s ok – we found something else and it was delicious!

Ask Sy how much he loved this fruit salad. It was chopped apples and grapes mixed with cinnamon flavored whip cream.

Next, we both chose chicken fried steak. Those carrots were mighty tasty and cooked just right. Well, it was all pretty darn good. We even got apple cobbler for dessert. All for about $10. Not bad!