Category Archives: Texas

Our Austin Recap – Food & Brews

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Hello Friends!

This past weekend, we headed to Austin for a mini reunion, great food, exploration and a lot of fun! I have to admit, all of my adventures should be credited to my trusty tour guide. We had so much fun and such happy bellies. It was the perfect blend of relaxation, adventures and having fun!

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Once we arrived, we wanted to just relax for a few. Lucky for us, there is a great little bar nearby from where we were staying. The Crown & Anchor Pub was perfect for us. A great selection of microbrews (including many of Austin’s finest). Each night has three beers on special, really fast and friendly service and apparently their burgers are a huge hit. Even enjoy $11 pitchers. Atmosphere – your pub with a ton of pictures and memorabilia on the walls, sit on high stools or at a regular table, there’s room for everyone inside or out on the covered patio (dogs welcome).

Friday’s dinner hit the spot after a traffic filled drive down SB35 at Mandola’s Italian Market. There’s something to be said when you ask what some favorites are and you’re told “between me and my family we’ve had everything and we’ve never been disappointed”, you know it’s going to be good! Spencer picked his “usual”, Tortellini Moda Mia and I opted for Shrimp Scampi. Add a glass of wine (you at least need a glass) and it was perfection in it’s finest. Full bellies, big smiles and a great evening. This is also an Italian Market so leave some time to check out what else they have to offer.

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Menu Description: Tortellini Moda Mia (Classic pasta stuffed with chicken, pork, mortadella, prosciutto, ricotta and Parmigiano, in a cream sauce with peas & mushrooms).Mandolas-7850

Menu Description: Shrimp Scampi (Large gulf shrimp sauteed in butter, garlic, white wine and fresh lemon juice, served with Fettuccine Alfredo).

Saturday morning left what I had been super excited about – a tour of the University of Texas. We walked campus for about two hours, let’s just say we worked up an appetite.  Spencer went 2 for 2 in the food department. Sandwich shops are the best but when you find a great one that understands the art of making a great sandwich, you stick with it. Fricano’s Deli finds the perfect freshly made bread to sandwich filling ratio. Two important key’s of info – get the sour dough and make sure it’s grilled. Your sandwich will be crispy on the outside and gooey melted cheese and greatness on the inside. (Great on prices.)

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Menu Description: Turkey Special (Turkey, cucumber, sprouts, avocado & provolone on your choice of bread.

Speaking of the University of Texas – does Cain and Able’s ring a bell to any of Texas grads? A pure college bar and an extensive line-up of brews. This is a great haunt especially if it’s game day (I’ll have to check that out this fall). I’m not sure which I enjoyed better, the bar or the unending college stories that goes with this place. Either way, can’t go wrong.

Everything’s bigger in Texas right? Well, even around the biggest, you can still find a tiny gem. Let me introduce you to the Tiniest Bar in Texas. Found down on 5th and Bowie, have a seat and enjoy a cold one. Hungry? There’s a small food park connected. Friendly people, great brew variety and relaxation at your fingertips.

If we haven’t had enough adventures, more awaited on Sunday. Austin is full of great art and murals. Perhaps you’ve seen a few. We headed on over south of the Colorado River to find Jo’s Coffee for the beloved I Love You So Much wall. Didn’t disappoint for a quick picture.

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We then headed directly across the street to grab a scoop of Amy’s Ice Cream. Pick a flavor, add a topping(s) and be ready to bring a little coolness to your summer day. Our picks were Mexican Vanilla with cookie dough and Blackberry with rainbow sprinkles. Hit the spot! Each time I go to Austin and get to know it a little bit more, it seems a little smaller and a little more familiar. I suppose it helps that I’m welcome with so many other Subaru’s on the road. The food and beverages are great, the people are wicked friendly and it’s all about taking it easy. Life is good folks, life is good!

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Have you had a chance to check any of these locations out? Which are your favorites? 

Honey Grove, Texas, Small Texas Town, Small Town North Texas, Davy Crockett, Abandoned Buildings

Welcome to Honey Grove!

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Honey Grove, Texas.
Traveling down Highway 82 in North Texas, I knew I had to swing over and check out this little town as soon as I saw the name on a sign. Honey Grove. Can we be any farther in the South? Or Texas?

Honey Grove was established in 1873. Just under two hours northeast of Dallas, this little town is reminiscent of Texas history. Story goes, Davy Crockett camped here on his way to to join the Texas Army in San Antonio. He wrote letters home to Tennessee telling of the “honey filled trees”, calling his campsite a “honey grove”. Davy Crockett also married the towns first settler, Samuel Erwin.

Along the way, you’ll pass the Smiley-Woodfin Native Prairie Grassland, the biggest field you’ve ever seen (the largest in Texas). Within this tiny town, population about 1,600, I have a good idea what you see is what you get. The buildings and quaintness of this town is what I fell in love with, as well as the name. I’m pretty sure I could’ve hung out all day exploring and taking photographs. It’s amazing to think what this town would’ve been like when all of these buildings were in their prime and businesses taking shape.

Lets let the pictures speak for themselves, enjoy!

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Honey Grove, Texas, Small Texas Town, Small Town North Texas, Davy Crockett, Abandoned Buildings, Texas Weather Rock

“Texas Weather Rock
Rock Wet, Rain
Rock White, Snow
Rock Gone, Tornado.”

Honey Grove, Texas, Small Texas Town, Small Town North Texas, Davy Crockett, Abandoned Buildings

What’s the most unique small Texas town you’ve seen?

Texas Historical Landmark, Native Prairie Grassland, M.L. Smiley, Texas, Texas Agriculture, Hwy 82

Smiley-Woodfin Native Prairie Grassland

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Never have I felt more in the Midwest than when I came across the Smiley-Woodfin Native Prairie Grassland. In incredible grass prairie for as long as one can see.

Texas Historical Landmark, Native Prairie Grassland, M.L. Smiley, Texas, Texas Agriculture, Hwy 82

Texas Historical Marker reads:

This meadow approximately 2,100 acres, is the largest section of native grassland existing in Texas. It was originally part of a prairie system that stretched throughout the Midwestern United States and into Canada. Since the earliest settlers arrived in this area in the 1830’s, when Texas was part of Mexico this grassland has remained uncultivated, providing an annual harvest of native grasses.

A lack of fuel and surface water made this area suitable for pioneer farmers. Although similar land nearby was tilled and planted, often resulting in erosion of overworked soil. This site was saved by the owner M.L. Smiley (1872-1953). A native of Lamar County, he used the meadow for cattle grazing and for hay production.

Early harvests consisted of cutting and stacking the grasses for drying, or transporting the hay to nearby steam-powered presses. The process was later simplified by the use of gasoline-powered machines that harvested and baled the hay on the site.

After Smiley’s death, the meadow was inherited by brothers George S. and Gene M. Woodfin. Today the Smiley-Woodfin Prairie Grassland is the largest supplier of native hay in the state.

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The land is absolutely beautiful, endless and something that we really can’t capture just in a photo. Driving by, your gaze will be directed to the prairie and consumed by how endless it seems.

Location: Along side Hwy 82 between Bonham and Honey Grove in North Texas.

What does this remind you of? Have you ever driven by these endless fields?