A Scenic Drive Along Hwy 180

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Nothing beats a drive out into the middle of nowhere and the middle of nowhere can definitely be found in Texas. These photos were taken off Highway 180 between Weatherford and Strawn, Texas.

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Palo Pinto Courthouse. This town is tiny but the courthouse area has so much character. Brings you back in time…

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Back on the road… there’s a whole lot of nothing. I love it!

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Have you ever traveled this route? It makes for a perfect weekend drive!

In the area:
The Baker Hotel – Mineral Wells
Crazy Water – Mineral Wells

Today I’m linking up with Communal Global, Photography Essentials and Create With Joy for {Wordless Wednesday}.

Summer Grilling with Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce

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This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #CollectiveBias
For more ideas on how to create your own #BackyardBash, check out the tumblr page at www.drpepperbash.com.

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Summer in Texas is usually unpleasantly hot however this past weekend the temperature was unheard of – a cool high of 82 degrees! PERFECTION!!! That only calls for as much time in the summer air as possible! I headed to Walmart and picked up everything I needed for a delicious Dr Pepper BBQ sauce and #BackyardBash!

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Friday night, I whipped up my Dr Pepper BBQ sauce (see below for the recipe). This recipe is super easy and definitely made for great grilling! Quick, flavorful and perfect for any event or preparation time. (This recipe was based on a recipe I found online however I made a few changes and it still turned out fantastic!)

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Saturday was spent having fun outside!  First up – a little bocce ball and a lot of fresh air at the park! It’s so nice to be outside in Texas in July, and still see green!! It was super easy to grab everything in one swoop with my cooler and a small snack. Plus it wouldn’t be a Texas summer without Dr Pepper as it is the official drink of Texas!

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Next up, it was time to try the Dr Pepper BBQ sauce and enjoy the grilling season. First, we coated the chicken with some of the sauce then placed the chicken on the grill. Throughout the cooking process, we coated the chicken with additional sauce to savor the flavor. Juicy with great flavors and spice enhanced by the one of a kind Dr Pepper flavor! #BackyardBash #Shop #Cbias #RecipeThe summer weather made it so nice to be outside enjoying the fresh air! The view wasn’t bad either!

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What’s your perfect way to spend a summer day? Do you have any fantastic Dr Pepper recipes?

Print
Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce
Great on all meats or as a dipping sauce.
Serves: 3½ cups
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Ingredients
  • 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter (I used salted)
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 tsp minced garlic
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 3 Tbsp tomato paste
  • One 12-ounce can Dr. Pepper
  • ½ cup cider vinegar
  • ⅓ cup Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
Directions
  1. In a large saucepan, melt butter.
  2. Add chopped onions and garlic. Saute until onions are translucent. (About 10 minutes.)
  3. Whisk all remaining ingredients in a bowl, add to saucepan. Bring to a boil for about 10 minutes. (Stir occasionally to avoid sticking.)
  4. Simmer under a slow boil for 30 minutes. The sauce will begin to thicken. Stir occasionally. Seasonings may be adjusted per taste.
  5. Remove from heat to allow to cool for 10 minutes (or until warm but not boiling hot.)
  6. Puree with blender. This will thicken the sauce.
  7. Let cool.
  8. Keep tightly sealed in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Crazy Water

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Mineral Wells, Texas, Texas Day Trip, Health, Mineral Water

What brought everyone to Mineral Wells? It’s what they call crazy water!

In 1880, Mr. and Mrs. James Lynch drilled a well on their property in Mineral Wells. The water tasted funny but it was harmless, it was actually beneficial. Their ailments slowly started to decrease. It’s also said to have helped alleviate an old woman’s dementia (crazies). Thus we have “crazy water”.

In 1881, another well is drilled with the same water presiding and a growing number of people arriving, ready to buy a glass of this healing water. By 1900, Mineral Wells has visitors traveling from all over the world coming to drink and bathe in the mineral water springs. By 1913, Mineral Wells had over 21 different mineral water companies. Multiple bath houses, wells, sanitariums and numerous hotels. Mineral Wells, Texas, Texas Day Trip, Health, Mineral WaterThe mineral water holds many different natural minerals including zinc, magnesium, calcium, manganese, and silica to name a few. No mineral can be added to mineral water. With the minerals being in the drinking water, it allows the minerals to be absorbed into the body easier. Allowing folks to stay hydrated and recover faster. (If Mike Modano loves mineral water, it must be great!)

Throughout the years, mineral water is proclaimed to have many health benefits. Although business and the number of open wells has decreased (only two wells are currently open), mineral water can still be found today at one of the original pavilions – Mr. Dismuke’s Famous Pavilion.

Mineral Wells, Texas, Texas Day Trip, Health, Mineral WaterMineral Wells, Texas, Texas Day Trip, Health, Mineral Water

Step on inside, to hear a bit of history, see products and photographs from the prosperous days when mineral water was first introduced and sample some of the mineral water for yourself.

Mineral Wells, Texas, Texas Day Trip, Health, Mineral Water Mineral Wells, Texas, Texas Day Trip, Health, Mineral Water

In case you’re curious, the water tastes a little thicker than normal water and silky. There’s definitely a different taste but it’s not bad. There’s also different levels of the mineral water with hold various mineral contents (and taste).

Mineral Wells, Texas, Texas Day Trip, Health, Mineral Water

Have you ever had or heard of the crazy water?

Crazy Water
209 N. W. 6th Street
Mineral Wells, Texas 76067
Tel: (940) 325-8870