Tag Archives: Historical Landmark

Hye Market, Hye Texas, Farm-to-table, The Hill Country, Restaurants, Lyndon B Johnson, Hye Post Office, Texas

The Hye Market and the Best Sandwich of Your Life

Down in the Hill Country, on Highway 290 between Johnson City and Fredericksburg lies the small town of Hye. If you blink, you may miss it. Trust me, you don’t want to miss it.

Hye first caught my attention a couple years ago. I was given this incredible picture of an old truck and tractor out (I LOVE those trucks and tractors) in front of a Post Office. There was a little description by the artist on the back stating it was based in Hye, Texas. The Curious George in me started researching. This location holds a lot of history, especially with President Lyndon B. Johnson. I had to find this place and that I did (read more about it here – Hye, Texas).

Most recently, we took a trip down to Fredericksburg. I knew we were going to drive by this old locale and I was curious to see what became of the building. Low and behold, it is now a market with the best damn sandwich I’ve ever eaten!

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The Hye Market is perfection. Bringing together the old and the new. They focus on featuring the best locally produced items and it shows in their products. Walking in, it’s hard not to notice the creaking floors, antique fixtures, amazing ceiling and a charm that you can only find in one of these old buildings. I will admit though, sometimes when I walk into one of these places the thought crosses my mind – “Am I going to want to run out of there?”. Maybe it’s those scary movies I’ve been forced to watch. Not the case here. Kick back and relax!

The food! What’s this “best damn sandwich”?! I don’t think I’ve ever eaten a sandwich so fast. Before I knew it, it was gone and then I was a little disappointed. Even now, I wish it was closer so I could swing in and grab one everyday.

The Levi Local – this great sandwich brings choices. I’m still trying to figure out what made it so damn good. Was it the herb aioli that was finger-lickin’ good? The turkey? Was it because it was served in an old pie dish? I’m still trying to figure it out but all I know is I wish it was closer. I’d order another!

The Levi Local - Honey Roasted Turkey, Swiss Cheese, Local Herb Aioli on wheat bread. Holy moly!

The Levi Local – Honey Roasted Turkey, Swiss Cheese, Local Herb Aioli on wheat bread. Holy moly!

The deli area and the main dining area are in two different rooms. The deli area sits alone with a few extra chairs, some antique relics.

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The adjoining room is the main dining area. This same room is also town’s post office and I’ve heard Lyndon B. Johnson’s post office box is still there. Filled with microbrews, wine and local items to purchase, have a seat and enjoy your meal. Be sure to look up and take in the old tin ceiling that is only found in these old buildings.

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The main dining area leads out to the front porch which houses rocking chairs to observe the traffic and take a breather but more importantly plaques that showcase the historical importance of this spot. President Lyndon B. Johnson grew up down the road. It is here that he claimed to have sent his first letter in the mail. More importantly, the front porch is the very spot in 1965 where President Johnson appointed the United States Post Master General.

The front porch is also the perfect place to sit back and relax after that delicious meal!

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Have you been to the Hye Market?
What is the best small-town meal you’ve ever had?

Hye Market
10261 W. Hwy 290Hye, Texas 78635

Read more:
For information on Hye and my first trip to the Post Office Hye, Texas.
How to Spend 48 Hours in Fredericksburg.

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

Smiley-Woodfin Native Prairie Grassland

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?