Texas | Down Home Traveler

There’s something about the small Texas towns, secluded out in the country. They are all a little different but all a little the same at the same time.

Hico is situated in the Hill Country of the Texas landscape. It’s exactly as it sounds and no, Texas is not 100% flat, at least not everywhere. The Hill Country has to be my favorite part of Texas so far. It’s gorgeous, relaxing and so comfortable.

I recently went to Hico for the Texas Steak Cookoff and I think I took as many pictures of the buildings in town as I did the cookoff. I felt that not sharing some of these shots with you would be a waste. The town is so beautiful. Small shops, paintings on the side of the buildings that were probably first put there 50+ years ago (I could be wrong). There is history and character in this little town that claims fame to Billy the Kid. It leaves a lot to the imagination.

Originally founded in 1883, mostly known for the cattle and cotton market.

Today, Hico is more known for ranching and tourism.

I love the bricks, the stars and those diamond windows.

A small shop in the center of town.

I love the paintings on the bricks throughout town. Vintage.

Look at that bench… It’s calling you to come sit down and just soak it all in!

I loved these buildings!

The front of the buildings remind me of the shots from those old videos, almost like the building is just being held up by a frame in the back, as if it’s not really there.

Although the town is beautiful, this Koffee Kup Kafe has been very controversial area in town. Allegedly once owned by a leader of the KKK. For that, I will just take people’s word that it’s delicious.

C.L. Lynch Hardware

If you love antiques, wood furniture, the knitty gritty, head on over to Hico. I’m sure you will find something you like in one of their shops.

I wish I could see what this town was like a hundred years ago.

Hico claims to be home to Billy the Kidd.

Come on back now ya’hear!

Last year we had such a wicked time at the Texas Steak Cookoff, not attending this year would’ve just been insane. This year we even brought some friends, who even brought some friends! I’m glad we could share the experience!

For starters, the drive down to Hico is beautiful. The hills, the valley’s, the Texas country, full of windmills and gas drilling. It’s so peaceful to get out of the “city” for a bit. The hour and a half drive alone was worth it. Along the way we came to the conclusion that some of the vehicles in front of us were headed to Hico… we were right. Who wouldn’t want to go to Hico?!

An hour and a half later, we arrived in Hico! We’re here!!! I’m pretty sure we both just wanted to start running for the tents, to smell the smoke, see the BBQ’ers, cast ironware and just start trying to absorb it all in, but we had to play it cool, haha. Tents were set up up and down the streets in the middle of town. Washer games were out and ready to be played. Cooks were ready to go and ready to entertain the food lovers who had flocked to Hico. We arrived in time for the Hors d’oeuvres competition. To sum it up, teams are all cooking up treats, ready to be devoured and enjoyed by all visitors, walk up to the “booth” and be ready to savor every flavor. A few of our favorites:

Steak, Jalapeno’s wrapped in bacon in marinade by the Nontypical Grilling team.
For a girl from the north, dang it was tasty!

Fried Gator! (No, he didn’t catch it himself like on Swamp People, we asked!)

This was a big hit with the crowd. Ritz cracker, topped with peanut butter and honey and a slice of jalapeno.

Ribs. I’m disappointed that I didn’t try these but I just couldn’t eat anymore at this point.

What you see is what you get. Crawfish and it was DELICIOUS!

Once the Hors d’oeuvres portion was complete, teams started to really focus on the main event… the Steaks. While walking around stuffing ourselves, we were able to check out a few of tents and get to know our cooks a bit more. They came from all over, one from Georgia! I have to share a few of their “kitchens” with ya’ll.

Any Texas fans around?!

Grab a seat, stay a while!

Down home cooking! Nothing but the best!

We also run into some unique team names along the way.

This was by far, the best and most creative cooker! Love John Deere!

You see a sight like this and you can’t help but think, where do I begin?!

While waiting for the steaks, there are also a bunch of little shops and tents to check out…

…even great music during the day!

There comes a point in the day when you start seeing people line up in the streets, at the tents and you choose to follow suit. It’s a smart move. It’s time to get ready to eat the steak you have been waiting all day, all year for. You see the chef’s start to fire up their grills, grab their seasonings and make your mouth water.

Look at that deliciousness!

Nolan Ryan provided the steaks!

The line up begins. Get in line early – get your steak first!

Ready to cook!

Let the drum roll begin…..

With each meal you receive a steak (cooked to your perfection), baked potato (with butter and sour cream provided), bag of salad (with ranch dressing), and beverage of choice (water, coke or diet coke). I can’t remember the team that cooked mine but they were to the left of Leggo My Angus. (If you see this, send me your name so I can update!) The steak was delicious, of course.

Sy’s Steak – Cooked by Words to Ribeye. They also made delicious fries, and they don’t forget a face!

Once again, I’m going to preach that this event is something that every meat lover should attend. I would say at least once but you attend it once and you will surely be back.

A few tips for next year:

Although you are able to buy beverages, May in Texas tends to be warm *cough* I mean hot. Be sure to bring water, or better yet a cooler.
Plastic ware will be served with your food. Next year, I will have no shame in bringing along a steak knife.
Pets are allowed. This little guy was only 13 months old.
You don’t have to leave your children at home… they would love to try out the different food and even play with these little guys!