If so, you are not alone.

Many Texans over 50 have spent decades focused on careers, raising families, paying mortgages, building businesses, and managing the endless responsibilities of everyday life. Vacations were squeezed into corners of busy schedules. Interesting ideas were filed away for “someday.”

Then something changes.

Your old Texan curiosity begins to resurface. Places you’ve always wanted to visit, experiences you’ve always meant to try, and roads you’ve always wanted to take suddenly seem more important than they did before.

And while there are countless ways to spend this newfound freedom, Texans have a unique advantage. Some of the most memorable experiences in the country are sitting right in their own backyard.

Texas offers plenty of opportunities to finally say yes to the things that have been waiting patiently on the someday list.

Gruene Hall

Have you ever noticed that a favorite song can make you feel twenty years younger in less than thirty seconds?

Music has a way of transforming time. Suddenly you’re remembering old friends, first dates, road trips, weddings, heartbreaks, and all the moments that helped shape your life.

The older we get, the more powerful that feeling can become.

Perhaps that is why old Texas dance halls still hold such appeal. They connect us to something that remains remarkably unchanged by age: the simple joy of music, movement, and human connection.

For well over a century, dance halls have been part of the social heartbeat of Texas. In many German and Czech communities, they served as far more than entertainment venues. Long before smartphones, streaming services, and even television, dance halls were gathering places where neighbors met, courtships began, weddings were celebrated, and communities stayed connected.

They are living traditions where people still gather to dance, laugh, celebrate, and lose track of time.

And if there is one thing many Texans discover after 50, it is that joy never really gets old. Sometimes it is just waiting for the right song.

If that sounds like you, Gruene Hall is waiting. As it has been since 1878.

Built by German settlers in the small community of Gruene, not far from San Antonio, the weathered building remains the oldest continually operating dance hall in Texas. The structure itself feels refreshingly uncomplicated and has remained remarkably unchanged for nearly 150 years. Worn wooden floors, a simple stage, open-air ventilation, and walls that have absorbed generations of music and conversation.

The only real change at Gruene Hall has been its performers.

Over the decades, the hall has hosted everyone from Willie Nelson and George Strait to local musicians whose names never appeared on national stages. Yet the spirit of the place has remained remarkably consistent.

Make no mistake: this isn’t a venue built for spectators. If you have been meaning to work on your two-step, you have arrived at your destination.

That spirit is especially apparent during the Friday Afternoon Club. What began as an informal local gathering in the 1970s evolved into one of the most beloved traditions in the Hill Country. Music starts while the sun is still high. Couples dance before dinner. Friends linger over conversations. Nobody seems particularly concerned about what time it is, but somehow everyone, well, mostly everyone, still makes it home at a decent hour.

A living Texas icon, Gruene Hall has earned countless accolades for preserving an authentic piece of Texas culture. Here, feel free to let your hair down — Gruene Hall has always been that kind of place.

The experience feels uniquely Texan because it combines music, history, community, and authenticity in a way that cannot be manufactured. You’ll arrive expecting a historic building and leave remembering how you felt while standing inside it.

A Historic West Texas Ranch

Most Texans over 50 grew up with two versions of Texas.

There is the Texas they know from everyday life. And then there is the Texas that lives in their imagination.

That is the Texas of dusty ranch roads disappearing toward distant mountains. The Texas of horseback riders silhouetted against a sunset. The Texas of mesquite smoke drifting from a campfire. The Texas of rodeos, cattle drives, and weathered ranch gates opening onto land that seems to stretch forever.

It is the Texas found in family stories, western movies, country songs, and history lessons.

For many Texans, a question lingers quietly in the background:

Does that Texas still exist?

Then they arrive somewhere like Cibolo Creek Ranch.

Located near the Chinati Mountains between Marfa and the Mexican border, the historic 30,000-acre property traces its roots to the nineteenth century, when survival in this remote landscape required grit, resilience, and a willingness to live far from almost everything.

This is not glamping. It is not a themed resort built to resemble ranch life. It is a real piece of Texas history that now allows visitors to experience a landscape that has changed surprisingly little over generations.

You feel that history almost immediately.

Morning arrives cool and quiet. Coffee steams in the crisp desert air while sunlight slowly works its way across distant peaks. Somewhere in the distance, a horse nickers. A gate clangs shut. Boots crunch across gravel. The scent of sagebrush and dry earth hangs lightly in the morning air.

As the day unfolds, something you haven’t felt in a long time begins to stir.

You might try your hand at skeet shooting. You might discover that mounting a horse looks much easier in western movies than it does in real life. You might simply spend an afternoon watching the landscape change color as clouds drift across the mountains.

The sensory details are what stay with you.

The creak of saddle leather. The rhythmic sound of hooves on a trail. Wind brushing across open grassland. The smell of mesquite smoke drifting from an evening fire.

As the desert cools, conversations linger a little longer. Ice clinks in a glass. The day’s adventures become stories shared over dinner. One by one, stars begin appearing overhead.

Fortunately, modern ranch life comes with a few advantages. The stars may be the same ones early settlers saw overhead, but tonight you’ll be enjoying a comfortable bed and a good meal rather than a bedroll on the ground.

By evening, the distractions of everyday life feel very far away. There are no notifications competing for your attention. No schedule demanding anything from you. Just the vastness of West Texas settling in around you.

And that may be the greatest surprise of all.

You arrive wondering whether the Texas of your imagination still exists.

You leave knowing that it does.

Marfa

Imagine driving down a lonely stretch of West Texas highway and suddenly spotting what appears to be a Prada boutique sitting alone in the desert.

Not near a city.

Not attached to a shopping center.

Just – there.

Luxury handbags displayed in a storefront window. Designer shoes carefully arranged on shelves. Nothing but scrub brush, open land, and distant mountains in every direction.

Welcome to Marfa.

Population: roughly 1,700. Global reputation: considerably larger.

If Gruene Hall reconnects Texans with joy and a West Texas ranch reconnects them with the Texas of their imagination, Marfa does something entirely different.

It reminds us that Texas can still surprise us.

By the time many Texans reach 50, they have a pretty good idea of what they think Texas is. Cowboys. Oil. Football. Barbecue. Maybe Austin’s tech scene.

But Texas has always been more complicated than its stereotypes.

Not every Texan dreams of owning a horse. Not every Texan wants to work in tech. Some are drawn to art, architecture, photography, design, literature, and ideas. Marfa has quietly become a destination for exactly those people.

A community of fewer than 2,000 residents tucked into one of the most remote corners of Texas has somehow become one of the world’s most talked-about small-town cultural destinations. Visitors journey from New York, Los Angeles, London, Tokyo, and Berlin to experience a place that appears, at first glance, to be little more than a tiny desert town.

The transformation began in the 1970s when minimalist artist Donald Judd arrived searching for something increasingly difficult to find elsewhere: space. Not gallery space. Actual space. Big skies. Open land. Silence. Light.

Over time, Marfa evolved into a place where contemporary art, world-class dining, and West Texas desert culture exist side by side in a way that feels completely unexpected.

It is a curious thing. And Marfa seems determined to challenge your curiosity at every turn.

One moment you might be admiring a neon sign from a hotel that no longer exists. The next, you’re viewing artwork created by World War II prisoners of war or discussing an installation that leaves you with more questions than answers. Later, you may find yourself playing bocce at your hotel while debating what you’ve seen all day.

Then there is Prada Marfa.

Perhaps the most photographed art installation in Texas, it is not a functioning store at all. It is a permanent work of art sitting improbably in the desert, challenging visitors to decide for themselves what it means.

Nothing about Marfa feels expected.

That is exactly why people become so attached to it.

For travelers over 50, Marfa offers something increasingly valuable: the chance to be surprised. To discover a side of Texas that has little to do with familiar myths and everything to do with creativity, reinvention, and possibility.

A reminder that there are still places capable of expanding the way you see the world.

And perhaps the most surprising thing about Marfa is this:

It proves Texas still has secrets.

Not because it has the most observatories or the highest mountains, but because parts of the state, especially in the west, still offer something modern life has nearly erased: true darkness.

In much of the United States, darkness no longer fully exists. Cities glow for miles beyond their limits, highways remain illuminated through the night, and even suburban skies carry the haze of artificial light. Many children have no idea that the sky is full of stars, not just the “Big Dipper” or the other few that they may see casually.

People often do not realize how much of the night sky has disappeared until they stand somewhere truly dark again. They take it in and are often so emotionally moved that they begin to understand, at the deepest level, what disconnecting really means.

That emotional tug has helped fuel growing interest in dark-sky travel and slower outdoor experiences.

And they find that they can have this encounter in a pure way in West Texas.

The stars do not simply appear brighter in this part of the state. The entire landscape changes after sunset. The sky becomes enormous. Silence deepens. This is not a scenic stop but a mesmerizing one.

As you stare upward intently, the Milky Way stretches overhead, time itself seems to melt away into meaninglessness.

For some time, people have become increasingly interested in slower, more natural escapes from the technology, and the lights, of modern everyday living. Camping, RV travel, desert road trips, and unplugged evenings outdoors in the backyard have been growing in popularity.

Geography is the reason Far West Texas has become one of the country’s premier dark-sky regions. The area especially offers vast open land, low population density, dry desert air, and dramatically lower levels of light pollution than most of the country. 

Protecting the Texas Night Sky

The efforts to protect this astral wilderness began nearly a century ago with a posthumous financial gift from Texan William J. McDonald whose name still graces the observatory. Another citizen, Violet Locke McIvor, generously donated land from her cattle ranch and the local mountain was shortly renamed Mount Locke.

In 1975, the State Legislature of Texas passed House Bill 75, regulating outdoor lighting within a 75-mile radius of the McDonald Observatory. The region continues refining lighting protection guidelines today.

These actions marked the beginning of what is now known as The Greater Big Bend International Dark Sky Reserve, a designation made just in 2022. This area spans more than 15,000 square miles across Texas and Mexico. It is now recognized as the largest certified dark-sky region in the world. 

Big Bend National Park

Many visitors seeking a dark sky experience combine it with a trip to Big Bend National Park.

Like other National Parks, travelers can enjoy camping, hiking, and scenic drives during the day. At night, another story is told.

Many first-time visitors are surprised by the density of the sky itself — not just a scattering of stars, but thousands visible at once. The silence also becomes part of the story.

Campers pull folding chairs into the open desert and stay outside long after temperatures begin to drop. Conversations pause repeatedly as new stars emerge overhead, voices drop, almost reverently. The only sounds you may hear are wind moving through the desert and the occasional bird or coyote call. Other than that, you almost feel like you are floating.

Different parts of the park can offer somewhat different experiences. The most atmospheric locations include the Chisos Basin, Santa Elena Canyon, and Rio Grande Village.

In the Chisos Basin, mountains frame the sky and create an almost intimate feeling of the stars being surrounded. Near Santa Elena Canyon, the darkness feels vast and remote, with canyon walls disappearing almost completely after sunset. Rio Grande Village offers broad, open sky views where the Milky Way often becomes visible without any equipment at all.

But after dark, in any area of the park, the lack of city noise or artificial light, allows Big Bend visitors to almost feel physically still; stargazing becomes more than scenery.

And it may be trendy to say it, but people often leave changed. The darkness reshapes their sense of space and scale. Many visitors leave with a new awareness of how much modern life has disconnected people from experiences like this.

McDonald Observatory

Not every memorable stargazing experience in Texas requires total wilderness isolation.

The McDonald Observatory, located in the Davis Mountains near Fort Davis, makes dark sky viewing more guided and accessible while still maintaining the atmosphere of remote West Texas.

The observatory also broadens the article beyond camping culture and rugged desert travel. It creates an entry point for travelers who may prefer small-town lodging, scenic drives, and more structured experiences.

With its public evening programs and star parties, the observatory makes the dark sky personal and approachable for the more casual traveler. Visitors gather after sunset for constellation tours, telescope viewing, and guided discussions led by observatory staff.

But the impact remains the same. Imagine seeing Saturn’s rings or Jupiter’s moons! “Wows” and shouts are common as well as “come here, you have to see this!”

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area and Beyond

As iconic and renowned as Big Bend is for stargazing, the Texas Hill Country should not be overlooked.

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, located near Fredericksburg, combines hiking, open landscape, and night-sky viewing in a way that works especially well for weekend travelers from Austin and San Antonio.

For sure, the vibe here feels different from Big Bend. Less remote. Less overwhelming. But still deeply atmospheric.

Fredericksburg enables travelers to pair stargazing with cabins, wineries, restaurants, and slower Hill Country weekends. American history fans can even visit the nearby Lyndon Johnson Historical Park.

This rich menu of options is especially attractive for couples and casual road-trippers who are dark-sky curious but may not feel ready for a full-on wilderness expedition.

Other Texas parks help support awareness of the Texas dark sky movement.

For example, Copper Breaks State Park offers structured monthly star programs, while Devils River State Natural Area represents one of the most pristine night-sky environments in the state with exceptionally low light pollution.

Together, these locations remind us that Texas stargazing is not confined to one famous national park. The state contains an increasingly diverse map of dark-sky experiences for travelers across Texas looking for different kinds of dark-sky experiences.

Stargazing as Slow Travel

Regardless of where you choose to travel to see the Texan sky, astronomy groups recommend red-light flashlights to help preserve night vision, much better than traditional white light. In fact, some parks ban white light flashlights – check before you go.

When it comes to planning, check the moon phase, not just the weather, for the days of your trip. As magnificent as a full moon is, it can actually hurt your dark sky visibility.

And as for your phones, please try leaving them in the car! Chances are you will have limited service anyway but at a minimum screens should be dimmed.

Perhaps that is part of what makes Texas stargazing feel so meaningful right now.

In a world filled with constant alerts, artificial light, and endless distractions, true darkness has become surprisingly rare. In West Texas especially, the night sky still has the power to slow people down completely. Conversations soften. Phones disappear. Travelers stay outside far longer than they intended, staring upward as the Milky Way stretches across the sky.

In the best parts of West Texas, the night sky still has the power to slow people down completely. And in a world filled with constant light and noise, that power may be rarer than people realize. It is about silence, scale, and rediscovering what night used to feel like before artificial light drowned most of it out.

With so many action and site-filled travel options, it is somewhat unusual to decide on a vacation to simply look and feel. Yet, a visit to this beautiful part of the state will reward you on levels you won’t expect. And provide unique experiences and memories not gained from your usual vacation destinations.

As the song goes “The stars are big and bright deep in the heart of Texas.” Let them change you.

The cowboy image of strength and independence has left an indelible mark here. So whether we are talking about a Super Bowl champ, local beauty queen, or the winner of the Fall festival’s biggest pumpkin, Texas surely reveres its top performers.

But of all titles, perhaps none is regarded with more reverence than…BBQ Pitmaster.

Or should I say, Pitmistress!

The mythology of the lone pitmaster, tending fires and slicing brisket with precision, still lives at the heart of Texas BBQ. But a new generation is stepping up and many of them are women.

Let’s take a look at a few of the newest generation of women pitmasters. Not only are they experts in Texas BBQ, they are reshaping its future with new techniques and expanding its definition with new flavors.

1. Chuck Charnichart

If Texas BBQ had a capital, it just might be Lockhart. In fact, in 1999, the Texas legislature officially deemed Lockhart the “Barbecue Capital of Texas.” 

So the stakes are high for any aspiring pitmaster. But one who got into the business through a Craigslist ad? And who trained in that well-known land of BBQ – Norway?

And is a woman?

Well, meet Chuck Charnichart whose path to BBQ greatness is as unorthodox as some of her most popular dishes.

Pulling from South Texas BBQ style and her own Mexican heritage, Chuck rewrites the rules of traditional BBQ.

Her signature dish, Molotov Pork Ribs, is named such because it “explodes” with flavor. The ribs are deep fried after smoking to create a crackling texture. Lime zest sprinkled on top “cuts through the richness.
Don’t forget the sides, because Chuck’s Green Spaghetti is a reimagined mac and cheese with a creamy poblano sauce.

Taste sensations like these drive BBQ lovers from the local Austin area and beyond to her restaurant Barbs-B-Q in Lockhart.

It is also what earned Chuck the Michelin Guide’s 2025 Texas Young Chef Award.

Now, what were we saying about celebrating titles?

2. Kelli Nevarez

If you are willing to drive anywhere for a great taste of BBQ, head on down to visit Kelli Nevarez at LaVaca BBQ, in Port Lavaca, about two hours southeast of San Antonio.

Kelli was a school teacher before stepping behind the pits. But when LaVaca made Texas Monthly’s Top 50 in 2021, she told her dad she wasn’t going back to the classroom.

Instead, Kelli poured herself into perfecting the flavors found in brisket tamales, pork belly tacos on blue corn tortillas, even serrano and cheese sausage.

Just your everyday mashup of Hispanic flavors and some good old-fashioned low and slow Texas BBQ cooking.

LaVaca is a family affair, her dad even built the burners for the smokers. And Kelli still lives on the family property.

But it was Kelli’s special contribution to Texas BBQ that put her on a list of the state’s Top 50 female pitmasters and made her food a destination worth the drive.

Somehow the drive to the Gulf, a rural town, and a family-owned and operated restaurant just adds to the spiritual feel of eating at LaVaca.

Daniel Vaughn, Texas Monthly’s BBQ editor, even once said: “You’ll find Jesus at LaVaca BBQ.”

Now that’s an endorsement!

3. Cecilia Guerrero 

Some say the allure of BBQ is simply undeniable.

Maybe that’s why Cecilia Guerrero found herself behind the pit after a 20-year career in marketing and web design. When she was laid off, she applied at a BBQ joint and never looked back.

She brought the work ethic she had built over years in business, and her family-honed cooking skills directly into her new BBQ career and helped make the restaurant Goldee’s Barbeque in Fort Worth the top-rated BBQ joint in Texas by Texas Monthly.

Without traditional training in BBQ, Cecilia operates by a sense of intuition. She even removed the thermometers from the smokers, trusting feel over readings.

Her powerhouse energy is evident to anyone who visits the restaurant. Cecilia frequently talks and jokes with her customers, known to line up way before opening.

And they say it is worth the wait. Not only is the restaurant itself top-ranked, so is its brisket. Perhaps the king of BBQ cuts.

For Cecilia Guerrero, a life outside the boardroom once seemed unimaginable. Now Texas BBQ would be unimaginable without her. 

4.  Staci Schoepf — Schoepf’s BBQ, Belton

For years, Schoepf’s BBQ was a fixture in Belton, just off I-35 between Austin and Waco.

But the place underwent a transformation when Staci and her husband Ronnie left corporate America and purchased the family BBQ restaurant from his parents in 2007.

Together they made a commitment, a line in the sand, as they called it, to make the best BBQ in Texas by focusing on two things: brisket and customer service.

As a result, Schoepf’s is the reigning No. 1 in the state on the 2026 Texas Barbecue Top50, and Staci is the driving force behind the food that earned that crown.

Every single side is made from scratch using Staci’s own recipes including even her own queso.

But the brisket? It is seasoned by Staci herself with her own unique flavors. And unlike most beloved briskets, she traded in mesquite for oak, preferring its long steady burn, to flavor her briskets.

But this focus and attention has changed more than the brisket. It has turned Schoepf’s BBQ into a must-stop BBQ destination for any barbeque lover, and now a growing premier live music venue attracting notable headliners.

Staci’s recipes have transformed her and her husband’s lives, the restaurant, and now Belton itself.

That’s the power of good BBQ!

5. Rita Olsen

Sometimes BBQ is just something you are born to, and you can make that argument for Rita Olsen.

Rita’s first experience with cattle started as a little girl growing up on a West Texas cattle ranch.

There, she learned about meat processing and cooking from an early age. It wasn’t long before Rita started barbequing small catering events which led to other roles in Texas BBQ joints.

She became legendary as the lady pitmaster who ran the pit fires entirely solo at night, starting at midnight.

Rita turned her fierce focus to her own live-fire barbeque outfit Feral Smoke & Fire in 2024. While looking for a permanent home, Rita is all mobile, for now, taking and delivering orders at the Hills Farmers Market in Kerrville.

But plan ahead as this is a Saturday only operation and you can bet it is a sell-out every time.

The demand for her brisket and pork tamales is intense, as is their flavor. Everything is scratch-made and substantial. Nearly a pound of meat goes into an order of a dozen.

Rita’s big personality isn’t just restricted to food. Her Instagram handle is @bbqismyboo — bio reads “Starting fires and playing with food are a few of my favorite things. Texas BBQ-obsessed.”

In fact, Feral Smoke & Fire’s tagline reads “Wild Food for Wild People.”

If you identify with either, make certain to get down to the market next Saturday and treat yourself to some of Rita’s legendary bites.

6. Yvette Helberg

If the Texas identity is a fusion of BBQ, faith, and grit, then nobody is more Texan than Yvette.

Yvette and her husband started Helberg Barbeque with a simple setup and a commitment to
high-quality, hormone-free meats. The restaurant earned a spot on the Texas Monthly Top 50. Then the original location burned down. 

But they refused to quit and served customers from a trailer until their new location was built in Woodway Texas.

Their motto is “Salt, Pepper, and a Whole Lotta Prayer.”

Maybe some of that resilience flavors crowd favorites like turkey stuffed with pesto, a special elote corn. And a banana dessert that’s become a surprising crowd-pleaser.

Yvette modestly claims that she is just half of a BBQ power couple. But there is no doubt she helps set a special tone centered around service.

It is not just the cooking which is important to Yvette, it is the gift of service to their employees, tradesmen and to their customers.

There is no place in Texas that will feed your body and soul quite as fully as Helberg’s, with Yvette standing at the center of it all.

7. Michelle Wallace — B’tween Sandwich Co., Houston

Texas barbeque somehow praises tradition and innovation all at the same time. And perhaps nobody has delivered on that culinary paradox better than Michelle Wallace.

Michelle spent six-plus years developing her craft as a chef and pitmaster in Houston’s Gatlin BBQ before launching her own concept of B’tween Sandwich Co.

B’tween Sandwich is a mobile pop-up offering an extensive menu combining smoked meats and other foods. It is only open every 1st and 3rd Sundays at Rice Village Farmers Market, Houston, with limited hours; currently 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Some advice, order more biscuits than you think you can ever possibly need.

Her cult-like following claims her famous egg and cheese biscuit sando as their undisputed favorite. But there is high praise for a Wagyu brisket pastrami and sides like braised collards and goat.

It’s multicultural BBQ at its best. And Texan in that it honors all the peoples of Texas.

Michelle’s unique flair for bringing together multicultural flavors from Africa, Asia, and India has the locals noticing.

And not just the locals.

Michelle has been seen on TV shows like Top Chef, winning Fan Favorite, and BBQ Brawl. She writes for Tasting Table and was named a James Beard Foundation Taste America ‘Taste Twenty’ Chef in 2022

Well that explains the lines at Rice Village Farmers Market!

The Future is Smokin’

These seven women are proving that Texas BBQ’s future belongs to those willing to push boundaries while honoring tradition.

From Michelin-recognized innovation to James Beard honors, from Top 50 rankings to sold-out Saturday markets — these pitmasters have earned their place among Texas BBQ’s elite.

They’ve brought new flavors, overcome challenges, and expanded what Texas BBQ can be.

The future of Texas BBQ? It’s in very good hands.

And PS – no joke about that sunscreen. Gulf breezes are famously cooling but that sun is deceptively brutal. Reapply sunscreen after a dip in the water and a few hours on land.

Ok, let’s dive in! Each of the following beaches will offer you a nice family feel but each with its own distinct appeal. And each of them is easy to reach from major highways and metro areas, making them ideal for day-trippers.

Try them all to find your family’s personal favorite: Stewart Beach, Rockport Beach, and Surfside Beach.

1. Stewart Beach

Only 50 miles from Houston, this beach is so rich with amenities that it is an easy decision to go – no heavy packing required. Of all these great beach stops, Stewart Beach is perhaps the ultimate “add water and stir” beach.

There are plenty of clean restrooms and amenities. The beach is staffed with lifeguards in season, which is not always common on other beaches. And the beach is dog-friendly in most areas, as long as they are on a leash and accompanied by a person, no free running.

The gentle surf and no alcohol policy add to a calm, family atmosphere.

After a major hurricane in the early 1900s, the coastline at Stewart Beach was totally reimagined and reengineered. The sand is constantly groomed, making it a bit on the firm side. Plopping down a rented beach chair and umbrella is quick and easy.

In fact, one local beach chair and umbrella service, John’s Beach Service, has been helping families get settled at Galveston Beach for 85 years. 

Talk about stress-free, beach-going.

After a few hours, your bellies may start to rumble. You certainly can pack a cooler but plenty of lunch and snack options are nearby too for the ultimate convenience. 

By afternoon, if you need a break from all that sun and surf, gather everyone up and head over to the nearby Moody Gardens Aquarium. It is found in the distinctive glass pyramid-shaped buildings right near the surf’s edge.

Every year, Moody’s holds a lighthearted annual tradition of having resident sea life predict the winning team of the NFL’s Super Bowl Game. In the past, octopus, seals, otters, even a Komodo Dragon have weighed in with a guess for the victor of the Big Game.

To be fair, no one is touting their track record of success.

However, you can enjoy the “winning” atmosphere of Moody’s Garden Aquarium as a welcome beach break.

Make sure to leave time for a final walk on the adjacent historic seawall and then a short ride home.

If you choose to spend a day at the very popular Stewart Beach, do as the locals suggest to avoid crowds. Try to arrive before 10 a.m. (beaches open at 9 a.m.). Going a bit further east gives you a bit more room to spread out.

Oh, and speaking of crowds…

If you are looking to make your getaway sometime in March, it might be wise to check local university calendars. Texas A&M is just a hop, skip and a jump away from Stewart Beach.

Plan smart: avoid mid-March. This way you won’t be sharing the beach with thousands of Aggies with a bit of spring fever.

2. Rockport Beach

Just a quick shot up TX-35 from Corpus Christi lies this little gem of a town and its bayfront beach.

Rockport Beach has been called the safest, and calmest beach in Texas. Locals say it is just like a giant outdoor saltwater pool.

Rockport Beach offers parents all the things to love about a beach — sun, water, nature — with very few of the risks: cars, rough water, boisterous crowds.

This is the perfect beach to introduce toddlers and young kids to beach life.

A very long shallow water entry and nearly no waves make playing in the water calming and much less risky than a pounding surf. Great for your littlest ones splashing around with their bucket and shovel toys.

Clean restrooms, handicap accessibility, and even playgrounds make family visits practical and easy.

Rockport Beach has even made certain that a beach’s most coveted asset, shade, is plentiful.

Scattered across the beach are little palapas, umbrella-like shelters that look a bit like a man-made palm tree. It is a nice way to catch a little shade closer to the water without dragging umbrellas around.

Emphasis here is on wading, napping, building sandcastles or catching up on your favorite beach read.

Spending a day on Rockport Beach doesn’t feel like just visiting a beach. It feels more like stepping back into another time. One with a slower, more intentional rhythm.

And one big reason? There are no cars allowed on the beach, which keeps everything quieter, calmer, and far more peaceful.

After eating a picnic lunch under a tree, consider getting out on the water.

There are boat tours to see the local wildlife, including whooping cranes and dolphins. And if the kids are old enough, other more active water sports like jet skiing are available locally as well.

After lunch, it might be nice to visit some of Rockport Beach’s feathered residents.

The west side of the beach is a designated bird sanctuary designed to help nesting birds and to give local birds a safe place of their own.

The local Rotary Club installed 2 telescopes on a platform near the nesting grounds to give an up close look at birdlife.

If the kids haven’t seen a heron or egret, they are in for a treat!

In fact, Rockport Beach is the first beach in Texas to be named a “Blue Wave” beach for its focus on protecting the ecosystem. There are only 3 other beaches with this designation on the Texas Gulf Coast.

Because of emphasis on local wildlife, Rockport Beach does not allow dogs on the beach. So, for this trip, Fido and friends stay home.

But before you leave, make sure you get a photo op of the gang under The Big Blue Crab, on Laurel Street, right near the entrance/exit.

This huge, whimsical 25×27 foot fiberglass and steel structure may just be Rockport’s unofficial mascot.

A nod to the local crabbing industry, the original structure was much smaller — until a hurricane took it out. But in true Texas style, The Big Blue Crab was brought back bigger and better than before.

Rockport Beach shares its name with the charming surrounding town. On the way home, you can stop in one of its beachy shops or a fun casual restaurant.

Or just go straight for the good stuff and end your day with a delicious ice cream cone.

3. Surfside Beach

If you are looking for a beach with more variety in activities, including more traditional wave power, then the ‘surf’ at Surfside Beach won’t disappoint.

It offers a very different water feel than Galveston or Rockport, giving Houstonians a genuinely different beach experience.

You are welcome to bring up to three furry friends (even cats by permission!) but they must be leashed at all times. And while there are permanent restrooms near the entrance areas, portable toilets are scattered beachside.

Surfside’s four miles of sand offers your family lots of options to entertain themselves here for a day. This makes Surfside a great choice for kids of various ages or those interested in more physical activities than sun worshipping.

Yes, surfing is available at Surfside Beach!

If you have a parking permit, you can drive your vehicle up on the beach, unload your gear, and pick up a daily fishing license over at the Surfside Mart.

Want to cast from the jetty, fish from a kayak, or keep it simple from the shoreline? Or maybe you’ll choose to lower some crab traps instead.

Some tough choices, but you’ll have lots of fun making them.

And while there isn’t a designated sanctuary area like there is at Rockport Beach, Surfside holds a “Bird City” status from The Audubon Society and Texas Park and Wildlife.

Pick up a free bird locator brochure for a self-guided tour or head to the designated Bird & Butterfly Trail where the kids might spot anything from a hummingbird to a bird of prey.

If you are at Surfside during March or October, you will be treated to an amazing display of Monarch butterflies that choose to rest here during their annual migration.

Get your smartphone cameras ready!

Watching thousands of orange and black wings fluttering through the air—and seeing your kids’ faces light up—is something you won’t forget.

The most spectacular display happens very early in the morning.

It is a once-in-a-lifetime moment worthy of an early breakfast.

Before you leave, be sure to stop at Fort Velasco.

Not many beaches can claim a little piece of military history. But this location, now occupied by City Hall, should hold a special place in the heart of every Texan. It was where the first battle of the Texan revolution was fought and subsequent treaties signed.

Texas independence from Mexico was established right here, four years before The Alamo.

As your family drives home, ask yourself: is that glow from a sense of Lone Star pride, or just another picture-perfect Texas Gulf Coast sunset?

Pass the sauce—please!

But Austin is full of surprises. You can bet it’s got more than beef up its sleeve.

Today, we’re taking a look at a cuisine as far removed as you can get from the fabled Texan beef or Mexican options that Austin is known for, far and wide.Yup, I am talking sushi.

To help bring Austin’s diverse sushi scene to life, today we’ll be checking out 4 notable sushi bars: Uchi Austin, Sushi by Scratch Restaurants, Kura Revolving Sushi Bar, and Tare Austin.

1. Uchi Austin

With locations found in multiple U.S. cities, Uchi Austin is wildly popular — one of those rare spots that tops recommended lists regardless of cuisine. And it is often found at the top of recommended lists regardless of cuisine. For many, it is an Austin food bucket list destination.

The name Uchi means “home.” Not just in the traditional “where I sleep” kind of way, but in the warmth and comfort that only home offers. The restaurant is actually in a converted house. Its warm, patterned walls, dimmed lighting, and vaulted ceilings bring a sense of intimacy that’s rare in most dining spaces.

You’ll find this authentic hospitality right at 801 South Lamar Boulevard. Uchi’s warmth is paired with its polished but not overly formal level of service. So while there is a special occasion feel, it doesn’t feel forced.

Diners frequently note that Uchi’s menu spans both hot and cold dishes. This allows timid raw fish eaters the option to choose a dish that feels a bit more familiar. And I, for one, am always delighted by the fact that sushi today no longer just means raw fish.

And if the selection ever feels overwhelming, remember, your wait staff knows the menu through and through. They will help steer you in the right direction.

One thing that is pure Uchi and attracts crowds to its doors is its renowned happy hour.

Dubbed the 4-6 p.m. “Sake Social,” the happy hour features heavily discounted small plates and drinks, allowing people to have the celebratory Uchi experience at a more accessible price point. And since we are talking about happy hour, it is worth noting that Uchi’s drink choices are as imaginative and tasty as its food.It is this open and friendly, yet graceful atmosphere paired with high-quality food that keeps people returning to Uchi over and over again.

Uchi, like most of Austin’s sushi places, has tons of fans. Don’t be disappointed; make your reservation far in advance.

2. Sushi by Scratch Restaurants

Though it has locations in multiple cities, the Austin experience will quickly erase any notion that you’re eating at a chain. At Sushi by Scratch, you’re one of just ten diners at a time, part of a highly orchestrated and curated evening. 

It’s omakase only, which means you’re placing your trust entirely in the chef, the sushi master. That means no menu. In fact, the translation of omakase roughly means “I leave it up to you.”

When was the last time you felt comfortable letting someone else take the wheel? Personally, I sometimes suffer from menu fatigue and find omakase to be such a treat.

I’m happy to hand the reins to someone who understands ingredient seasonality and knows how to bring flavors together in ways that feel thoughtful and unexpected. It turns dinner into something far more memorable than a typical night out.

The omakase experience provides you with 16 to 20 mini courses, allowing you to enjoy a vast array of flavors and textures. This is very different from the Western dinner concept of one big main entree and two sides.

But Sushi by Scratch goes beyond what’s on your plate. They want you to know how honored they are to be serving you. Each diner is even greeted by a wooden plaque bearing their name.

Isn’t that a happy surprise?

Here, you feel you are a welcome guest, not just a patron. And this level of personalization is not stuffy or stiff. Chefs will interact with you over the course of your meal, speaking to you about what to expect and answering your questions.

And honestly, who doesn’t love being a little spoiled?

And that’s the thing about Austin’s sushi scene. When you choose a sushi restaurant in Austin, you are choosing more than food. You are choosing an experience.

Don’t expect run-of-the-mill sushi at 603 Brazos Street. But Sushi by Scratch, like most sushi bars, will try to accommodate any special dietary needs your party might have. Your best bet is to call ahead and remind your server before things get underway.

And here’s an insider tip: if you come 30 minutes before your allotted time, you’ll be greeted by a complimentary beverage and a bite or two to help your night get off to a great start, even before you start dining in earnest.

Now that’s hospitality a Texan can understand! You’ll feel very special and very well taken care of.

3. Kura Revolving Sushi Bar

If a big night out is not in the plans, yet you are craving some delicious sushi with a twist, head over to Kura Revolving Sushi Bar.

Instead of personalized interactions with a chef or a glamorous dining experience, Kura Sushi uses a conveyor belt to bring sushi options right to your table. Or you can use a touchpad at your table, where a cute animated mascot will guide you through the selections. And there is a wide variety of options to choose from, including noodle dishes and desserts.

It’s high-tech, fun, and genuinely delicious. And you are in charge.

Originating in Japan, the sushi belt is not a new concept; sushi bars around the world have been offering it for decades. Kura Sushi perfects it. It does a terrific job of making sushi feel accessible and informal. Less of an elevated date night vibe and more of an out-with-friends or family feeling.

The food selection at Kura Sushi is super interactive and a terrific way to introduce your kids to the sushi experience. They will love the little robots on the sushi belt or “train” as many call it. And if your party eats enough plates, you win a little prize for your efforts.

As you might suspect, the interior is bright, buzzy, and modern – very cheerful.

But don’t let the tech fool you. Everything is still handmade, fresh, and well, frankly, yummy. And yes, like many other sushi restaurants in Austin, this brand has multiple locations in the U.S. and 15 in Texas. In Austin, plug 6929 Airport Blvd Suite 125 into your GPS to have some sushi with a heavy dose of fun.

4. Tare Sushi Austin

If you like your dinner with a side of swagger, Tare might be just the omakase sushi option you need.

Tucked inside an unassuming white office building at 12414 Alderbrook Drive, the Tare dining room reveals itself as a polished, handsome room of black walls and bamboo accents that seats 12 guests in close proximity to the kitchen.

These intentionally close quarters allow guests to become part of the restaurant’s flow and heartbeat during their omakase meal. The style of omakase here is “kappo,” which simply means to cut and cook — an intentionally unadorned philosophy.

And that’s a fun way to think of how unstuffy things are at Tare. In fact, the chef has been known to even escort guests from the parking lot and into the building.

I can’t remember the last time – or honestly the first time – I have experienced that type of restaurant greeting!

Tare named itself after a thick umami sauce meant to awaken all your taste buds. And that is a good metaphor for your experience here. Expect all your senses to be engaged. Wait — is that hip-hop playing in the background while you dine? (Yup!)

The restaurant also ages some of its fish for deeper flavor — much the way beef is aged. Now that’s a Texan touch.

With a chef and owner raised in South Texas, you can imagine that a bit of local flavor is woven into Tare’s menu as well. As is the occasional squirt of lime and the distinctive bite of serrano.

Somehow, that Texas edge takes pristine imported Japanese seafood and turns it into something completely unique—bold, balanced, and memorable.

If you have ever wanted to venture into the world of sake, this might just be the place to do so, with not one but two certified sake experts on the team. And the sake here is inspired by both Japanese and Texas flavors, reinforcing that magical connection.

The omakase here runs slightly shorter in duration than most — but don’t mistake brevity for lack of depth. That’s not a bad thing. The vibe here is young and energetic, confident in its flavors and uniquely local. Tare is a sign of how deeply sushi is embedded in Austin’s dining scene now.

It’s rewriting the traditions of sushi who treat them less as rules and more as glorious suggestions.

The one non-negotiable, of course, is the food itself: fresh, precise, and unforgettable.

Its plain warehouse exterior humbly hides the vast treasures within its walls. It is a place where your dollar can stretch to not only buy more, but it can buy more of a greater variety of merchandise.

In true Texas style, The Center is, well, humongous. But its size allows for a well-lit, highly organized space that makes your shopping fun and easy. Make sure you wear your most comfortable shoes because you are going to want to stay for a while to peruse your options.

True thrift store professionals know that getting a deal is only half the excitement. The true thrill is finding the unexpected item that could make you scream with delight.

This is what brings thrift shopping to a whole other level. And the fact that you can leave with a full cart, for not so much money, is just the icing on the cake.

Let’s take a tour together, shall we?

Perhaps you want to check out the women’s clothing section first. After all, it is one of The Center’s largest departments. As you approach its many racks, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the size, selection, and most of all organization.

You want a dressy top in pink? You’ll likely find several of them grouped neatly together for you to choose from. But if you are on the hunt for something more casual, or work and church appropriate, you’ll find that here too. Even athletic gear is in inventory.

Of course, your options are not just women’s clothing, but men’s and children’s as well. Which means keeping those fast-growing kids in style is finally within budget.

Buying a winter jacket at full price seems like a sin when you know they will only fit into them for a month or two. Here, your kids can be fully outfitted and as stylish as you like at a cost that works for your wallet and common-sense.

And prepare yourself, you may find that many items are actually brand new, some with their original tags. Brand names you recognize. Designer labels you aspire to own. Vintage, boho and ethnic looks are all there, ripe for the picking.

There is nothing tired or hand-me-down here. It is rare, in any retail environment, to be able to see such a selection that allows you to truly indulge your unique tastes and preferences.

The old assumption that bargain hunting meant sifting through messy piles of shabby does not apply here. And you are likely to be happily surprised by the cleanliness you encounter. Most items appear to have been evaluated for quality.

Of course, it only makes sense that any item you buy in a thrift shops has likely been handled by several people and a good clean is in order before you use it

Because clothing moves so fast out of the store, The Center makes sure just as much flows in. This means you’ll always find new picks and fresh merchandise to choose from. So, putting this shop on your list of regular “must stops” rewards you financially and with uplifting variety.

It is not just clothing

But maybe today, clothing isn’t on your mind. You want to give freshen up your home with a few choice looks. Head right over to their home goods section.

Bring your shopping wish list, because chances are you will be checking off many boxes! Here, you can easily outfit an entire kitchen or add to yours. A simply enormous selection of new and vintage pieces awaits you.

Time for a larger cast iron pan? Check!

Cute and colorful storage items? Check.

Perhaps a new toaster or blender? Check and check!

Perhaps your eagle eye will spy a highly collectible item that has gone unnoticed. Lucky you!

The ridiculously high prices at regular retail shops are fading away like a bad dream as you figure out how to add just a few more things into your shopping cart.

Now a quick spin to the furniture department. You’ll be greeted by both modern and traditional pieces. If you have forgotten the quality of older wood furniture, you may be pleasantly surprised by its sturdiness and handsome good looks. Not to mention the incredible value they will deliver with years of use.

A savvy decorator know that a well-selected and featured wooden piece can elevate the look of an entire room. Your home can truly reflect you and not just a popular trend that could disappear in a few months’ time.

You may even be tempted to buy a piece with a bit of a patina. With your DYI skills and some vision, you could turn it into something remarkable and statement-worthy.

Wait, there is tech too

A few aisles over, and we are visiting the media area. Starting with books where you can pick up a new mystery or a cookbook from a celebrity chef. Browsing through this department is especially rewarding as your review titles both old and new.

Terrific options for kids and teens too. Anything to help distract them from their screens and the power of a great story can definitely deliver on that. Perhaps you can share your own childhood favorite with them.

And even if you aren’t a big reader, every designer will tell you there is nothing like thrifted books to bring a room to life. They offer a decorative touch that warms up a room and balances the technology found in all our homes.

And speaking of technology just a few steps over and you will find a vast array of more-up-to-date media like DVDs, CDs and video games.

Perhaps you are part of the wave of folks rejecting digital and who have returned to vinyl music? Here is your choice of albums from various eras and styles. Maybe you can find your teen-aged favorites here?

And if you or a friend has the skills, checking out the TVs, stereos, computers and other small electronic pieces may make for an incredible steal.

With a few tweaks, you could literally be saving hundreds of dollars when compared to similar store-bought items. If there is a hobbyist in your life, this department can offer them very rich rewards.

Rewards at all levels

Frequent shoppers know the beat of The Center to make sure they are first in line for all its bargains.

Merchandise is refreshed daily so stopping by at any time is always a great idea. But experienced clientele seek out end-of-month sales and seasonal specials for even greater discounts. And every week features a” Color of the Week” sale giving you 50% off items with a specific color tag.

As you get ready for your next outing at The Center, you may want to follow these pieces of practical advice.

1. Dress comfortably to make changing room visits fast and easy.
2. Wear your best walking shoes because you are going to get your steps in!
3. Keep your room sizes, your family’s clothing sizes etc, right in your phone
4. Carrying a lightweight cloth measuring tape is a great idea.
5. Set a time limit and a budget to prevent overload!

Rethink how to satisfy your retail desires into a trip that rewards you on so many levels here at The Center. Every department offers the opportunity for the unexpected find at remarkable value for you and a good cause for others.

Today we “toured” The Goodwill Store and Center located at:
3020 N Westmoreland Rd, Dallas, TX 75212.
(214) 678-1071
Onsite parking is available
Wheelchair accessible
Open 9am-9pm everyday except Sunday 10am-7pm

Find them online at their Facebook or Instagram pages.
Visit their website to learn and check out any specials before you go.

This map can help you get location information and driving directions and speed your way to your next bargain find!

And during the season there is plenty of that happening at the San Pedro Springs Pool, located in San Pedro Springs Park north of downtown San Antonio.

At first glance, it is the perfect summer scene.  Under the hot Texas sun, kids of all ages jostle each other to jump in the pool, hesitating for the briefest of moments.  They come up shrieking with laughter at the shock of the cold water. 

Shivering and pushing their hair back from their foreheads, they pop out and do it all over again. Their bright colored swimsuits blur as they run and jump.

Parents are getting out the towels for the kids, spreading out blankets and settling down in lawn chairs under the shade of cypress trees, claiming their spot for the day. 

It is not uncommon to see multi-generations of families enjoying each other and the shade, from grand babies to older folk.

Some of the adults might be setting out a picnic from their coolers or firing up one of the park’s grills.

Wait, are those hamburgers I smell cooking?

Hanging in the air is that fantastic lazy summer haze of kids’ laughter, conversations fading in and out, and the happy drone of music. The smell of BBQ smoke and sunscreen scent the air.

Nobody is thinking about much of anything except the cold water or perhaps the Rangers or Astros score. Everyone is pretty much satisfied to be where they are right at that moment. But little do they know that right under their feet is some astonishing Texas history.

Long Before the Alamo

Behind the splashing water, the laughter, the smells of summer, is the fact that this very ground has been drawing people in for thousands of years. 

Long before there were lawn chairs or lifeguards, this same spot was a place where people gathered for water, for survival, and for connection. And there is a deep link to modern Texas history. For instance, most Texans believe that San Antonio began at the Alamo. Well it is a bit more complicated than that.

On May 1, 1718, a Franciscan priest named Father Olivares stood at these springs, cut some brush and grapevines, said Mass, and named his little mission San Antonio de Valero.  That mission was later moved twice.  The second time, it landed on a spot by the San Antonio River where, 118 years later, 189 men died defending it. Yup, that’s The Alamo story we all know.  Even the story of the water itself is remarkable.

Originally the pool was fed by springs bubbling up from the Edwards Aquifer, a vast underground reservoir beneath central Texas.  The water naturally filters through cavernous cracks in the karst limestone bed, eventually emerging at over 600 feet in elevation. 

It is this cycle that creates its clear, mineral-rich, and cool spring water that historically sustained indigenous groups and early settlers and fed the springs of San Pedro. The water is in fact so clean that San Antonio is the only major city in the world that does not treat its water before distribution. The aquifer does that work on its own.  Let that sink in for a moment.

After heavy rains, the water returns to San Pedro shimmering aquamarine and emerald green.  Artists have been trying to capture that remarkable color for generations.

In 1729, King Philip V of Spain declared the land around the springs public property, making it the oldest park in Texas and one of the oldest in the United States.  Frederick Law Olmsted, the lauded landscape architect who designed Central Park, called it “a wooded spot of great beauty.”

From Natural Spring to City Pool

A municipal pool fed directly by the springs opened here in 1922. Families came all summer. The water was cold, clear, and free.

Sadly, aggressive pumping from the Edwards Aquifer had reduced spring flow enough that the pool closed in 1940. It sat empty for 14 years. A decaying eyesore in the middle of such natural beauty. Just a sad and fading memory. You could almost hear echoes of the past laughter.

In 1954, with funding from Howard E. Butt Sr., the man behind H-E-B, perhaps Texas’s most beloved grocery chain, the pool was rebuilt using city water.  The pool is no longer fed directly by the natural spring that made this place famous, given the water demands of San Antonio. But it still is the largest pool in San Antonio at 805,000 gallons.

But that history still lingers in the layout, the stonework, and the way the space is designed to gather people around the water. The same ancient geology that drew people to the springs for 12,000 years is still directly underneath it. And families still flock here today. 

Free admission makes enjoying the park achievable for families and offers a rare treat for urban dwellers. The park, and especially the pool, are a beloved piece of San Antonio. Lifeguards are on duty and the pool’s maximum depth is five feet, which makes it genuinely family-friendly.

The pool is seasonal and is typically open late spring through August. On weekends, the pool fills quickly, so arriving early is your best bet. It’s also worth checking the city’s Parks and Recreation site for any last-minute updates. Don’t forget, your gang can even bring softball equipment or bikes for some alternatives to spending the entire day poolside.

Before You Go

But when you do wrap up after a day of splashing around in the pool, you may be tempted to pack up the car and leave. But no trip to San Pedro Springs Park is complete without a visit to the grotto.

You’ll want to get your phone out for this. It’s a moss-covered structure of dark stone with arched openings, draped in creeping green vines. Most people assume it is something ancient and ceremonial. It isn’t.

Although rumors once suggested it housed a bear, the grotto was actually designed as a kind of refrigerator for park guests but purposefully built to look mysterious and intriguing.

You’d open the door up, set your lunch inside on the cool stones, go for a swim, and come back to it later. A pipe at the center fed spring water down the stone sides, keeping it cool and damp.

As you leave the grotto and walk on paths winding through the old-growth cypress and oak, you can still see the primary springs still bubbling from the limestone when the aquifer levels allow.

Within the park grounds, you’ll also find the San Pedro Playhouse, home to the Public Theater of San Antonio, and a tennis center with 22 lighted courts.

It’s almost shocking to realize that this peaceful space was once the setting for major moments in Texas history.

Texas Rangers and Comanche warriors, when they weren’t fighting, met at the springs for riding competitions that eyewitnesses described as something like a rodeo. Sam Houston gave his famous anti-secession speech here in 1860, knowing it would cost him the governorship. The U.S. Army even stabled its experimental Camel Corps at San Pedro. And yes, sightings of abandoned camels wandering Texas and the Southwest continued for decades.

Markers throughout the park trace its connection to the founding of San Antonio and the people who lived here 12,000 years ago.  Long before San Antonio existed, the Payaya people lived around these springs. They called it “Yanaguana” which can be translated as “refreshing waters” or “spirit waters.

These words show that the spring was always more than just a water source.  It was a gathering place, a center of daily life, and for thousands of years, people returned to it again and again. And in many ways, they still do.

The pool may look different now. The water no longer flows the way it once did.  But on any hot afternoon, you’ll still find people gathering here to cool off, spend time together, and refresh in the truest sense of the word.

Some places change and lose what made them special. San Pedro Springs Park isn’t one of them.

Finally she found what she was looking for, the perfect strawberry. A big red jewel of a berry.  “Mom,” she yells, full of excitement, waving her hands. “I got one! I got a magic strawberry!” Three moms look up smiling. This is Saturday morning during spring strawberry picking season at Atkinson Farms in Spring, Texas.

What makes being here feel almost surreal is acknowledging where you are. Just beyond the rows of strawberry plants, Houston traffic buzzes, apartment buildings loom down, and generic-looking storage units line the road. But here in the fields, none of that seems to matter. 

For a few hours, families slow down, crouch low to the earth, and get completely pulled into something simple and rare in an urban setting. The focus is on those strawberry rows, growing low and intensely green. In season, they are crawling with clumps of families, chatting and laughing as they crawl through them filling their bucket with the fattest, ripest berries.

The warm sweet smell hits you before you even get to the rows.  This isn’t a fragrance wafting on the breeze. It is a big deep hug of thick delicious sweetness that just seems to embrace you with both arms.

Strawberries warm from the Texas sun definitely do not smell like shrink-wrapped grocery store strawberries! And they surely do not taste like them either. They are irresistible. 

A strawberry that ripened in a Texas field and was in the ground this morning is a fundamentally different fruit than the one that traveled four days in a refrigerated truck. 

Sweeter. Denser. You probably forgot what a fresh strawberry could actually taste like. We aren’t talking farm to table. We are talking vine to mouth! And if some berries get eaten right there on the spot, well nobody says anything about it.

At Atkinson Farms, it is pretty much expected. For most of us consumers, the connection with the land has been replaced by bland, pre-treated fruits and vegetables.

Putting aside the nutritional value portion of this equation just for a moment, there are two big losses with this arrangement. Yes, there is convenience, absolutely. But that’s a poor exchange for the absolute joy that eating something fresh and delicious can bring us.

It is unmatched. Your taste buds literally dance with joy. For many local residents, U-picking is a yearly tradition.  As they fill their buckets and squish berries in their mouths, not even old-timers may know that this farm has been here longer than most of the city around it.

A Farm That Outlasted Everything

Mike Atkinson’s grandfather started farming in Harris County in 1923. The land the farm sits on today was purchased in 1961. Four generations of the Atkinson family have worked it since.

“Back then, we were the third house on the left,” Mike Atkinson has said. “Now we’re the third million.” Hard to believe that Mike grew up working the fields alongside horses and mules. Today the farm sits like a postage stamp in a sea of urban development.

Spring, Texas has grown up around Atkinson Farms from every direction. A storage unit complex flanks one side. An apartment complex sits on the other.  And even though the farm has shrunk from 150 acres to 75, the Atkinsons are proud hold outs against development.

“Everyone’s kind of sold out,” Mike has said. “There used to be hundreds of little vegetable farms all throughout Spring and Tomball in the 60s and 70s. Then development started. People got older and their kids just didn’t want to farm anymore, so they sold off the land.”

In 2022, a fire broke out in the storage barn off Spring Cypress Road. Five fire crews responded. When it was over, three tractors and a significant amount of harvesting equipment were gone. Miraculously, the crops in the fields were untouched. The community rallied around them.

The Atkinsons aren’t going anywhere. In fact, Atkinson Farms are expanding in a way that doesn’t require additional acreage. Mike’s wife, Theresa pushed for a farm market on the property. It changed the shape of the whole business.

What started as a stand has grown into the farm’s most visible public face. Regulars stop in weekly knowing they can ask what came out of the ground this morning and get a straight answer.

How many recipes have been exchanged at the counter? Doubtlessly an uncountable amount. Now the farm has a direct connection to the families who would become regulars, who would bring their kids, who would eventually bring those kids’ kids. Including that little blonde girl with the magic berry.

In the Fields

Strawberry season runs roughly late March through May — but it moves with the weather. A cold spring pushes it back. A hot one shortens it.  Be smart and call ahead. 

Entry and U-pick buckets run just a few dollars. But you are more than welcome to bring your own. Strawberries are sold per pound.

On Saturday mornings in April, families arrive in waves and the fields get picked fast. By midday on a busy weekend, there may not be much left. Get there when it opens. Strawberries are not the only reason to come. 

Blackberries run May through July. Blueberries too. More than 60 crops rotate through the year with the Texas seasons. If you are lucky, the day you arrive, the flower fields might also be open for picking. A vase of beautiful Texas-grown flowers will bring a smile to your face every time you walk by it. And they last a bit longer than a strawberry!

Come fall, the corn maze opens, the pumpkin patch fills in, and hayrides run across the property. For many, the fall is their favorite time to visit the farm. But in truth, it is often the families that came for the berries end up on the hayrides six months later.

The Market

Whatever came out of the ground this week is for sale at the market. Corn. Okra. Tomatoes. Watermelons. Local honey. House-made jams. Fresh eggs. The honey is worth stopping for. And like the strawberries, the vine-ripened tomatoes are next level.

Atkinson Farms supplies several local farmers markets, and delivers to more than twenty Houston restaurants including its most respected farm-to-table restaurants. Their relationship with Local Foods has been running for more than twenty years. They can make a same-day harvest to delivery because the farm is thirty minutes from downtown Houston.

Before You Leave

Hours are Monday through Saturday, 10am to 6pm, and Sunday 10am to 2pm. Call before you go for seasonal and weather updates. Mother nature is still the boss lady. Give yourself more time at the farm than you think you need. 

There is something about walking a row of aromatic strawberry plants in the morning light that does not cooperate with hurrying. The kids will not hurry. Here’s your chance to get your family off their screens. A ripe strawberry has powers. Maybe that little girl was right; they are magical!

Ninety-nine years of development have come right up to the farm’s fence. Storage units on one side. Apartments on the other. Houston spreading north in every direction. But Atkinson Farms is still here.

It is still farming the same ground, still planting sixty crops, still opening the gate on Saturday mornings so families can walk the rows together. Some places get swallowed by everything around them and lose what made them worth going to in the first place. Atkinson Farms isn’t one of them.

The argument has been going since before your daddy was born, and it will outlast all of us. That’s exactly as it should be. Every restaurant has a different answer to the age-old question of what is the best CFS.

And more importantly, where do you get it? All you have to do is keep trying different options to properly answer the question. These 10 plates are a good place to start.

1. DeWese’s Tip Top Cafe

When a place has been voted Best Chicken Fried Steak in a San Antonio readers’ poll 23 times, you pay attention. The cafe is still in its original location, neon, knotty pine decor and deer heads mounted on the wall.

Some places have been around long enough that their food becomes legendary. DeWese’s opened in 1938, and three generations of the DeWese family have been running it ever since. 

But that is not the most interesting thing about this plate. The most interesting thing is where the gravy goes.  At DeWese’s, it goes underneath the steak, not on top — so the golden batter stays crisp all the way through. 

Once you’ve had it that way, you’ll spend the rest of your life judging every other plate that drowns the crust. The meat is tender, the batter is light, and the onion rings are mandatory! “Once you eat here, you’re family,” that’s the DeWese motto, and after one bite, you’ll believe it.

2. Jake and Dorothy’s Cafe 

Jake Roach opened this place in 1948.  And one regular claims he has been eating here since opening day. He’s 80 years old now.

That tells you everything you need to know about the kind of place this is. When Jack’s health forced a sale in 1971, his daughter Kerry bought the place back a few years later and she is still there.

Locally beloved, The Texas Historical Commission gave it a Texas Treasure Business Award. The city of Stephenville declared June 12 as Jake & Dorothy’s Day.

If you head out about 70 miles southwest of Fort Worth to Stephenville, you can taste what everyone is talking about.

The CFS is hand-cut sirloin, tenderized in-house, served with waffle fries and cream gravy. Order the blue plate and you get the steak, two sides, and a slice of homemade pie (pecan, coconut meringue, or cherry jubilee) for under $10. 

Under ten dollars! 

Texas Monthly named it one of the 40 Best Small Town Cafes in Texas, and they weren’t wrong.

Closed Wednesdays, so plan accordingly.  And save room for that pie.

3. Mary’s Cafe

Between Fort Worth and Abilene on the I-20, lies the little town of Strawn, Texas. Strawn has just about 600 people. Yet it is where you will find the CFS that Texas Highways called the best in Texas. The Texas Bucket List featured it.

Mary Tretter bought the old Polka Dot Cafe there in 1986. Her kitchen now puts out 50,000 pounds of chicken fried steak every year. Two hundred thousand pounds of potatoes. That’s a lot of fries!

What makes the CFS at Mary’s Cafe different is the cooking method. The CFS is pan-fried on a flat top instead of the more traditional approach of deep-frying. And it is made with just a light flour coat, secret seasoning, and a touch of butter. The result is a more tender crust, less crunchy shell.

And of course, it is served on Texas toast with peppery cream gravy. The gravy alone has a devoted following. And you will never leave hungry; the large portion is three-quarters of a pound. Streams of customers consider the drive to Mary’s a true CFS pilgrimage.

4. Hickory Hollow

If there is a John Wayne picture in a CFS establishment, you know you are on to something. And you’ll find one at Hickory Hollow, which maintains a country ambience even though it is located in Houston’s Memorial area.

For nearly 50 years, Hickory Hollow has been turning out its CFS specialty, “The Rancher”. You, and maybe a few hungry friends, want The Rancher. 

It’s a pound and a half of chicken fried steak so big that it is served on a 14-inch pizza pan.

But returning customers say the restaurant’s real secret weapon here is the Texas River Bottom Gravy. A recipe so secret that nobody outside that kitchen has ever truly cracked. Food Network and Travel Channel have both come calling. You may want to get your car keys.

5. Killen’s

When a twice-named James Beard semi-finalist is cooking up some southern comfort food, you pay attention.

When Ronnie Killen took over the old Hickory Hollow Heights space in the Heights section of Houston back in 2020, people wondered how he could possibly fill the hole that the restaurant left when it moved locations. And the answer was CFS, but with a big difference.

Killen’s is chicken-fried ribeye. Not round steak. Not cube steak. Ribeye. Complete with the golden shaggy crust, velvety cream gravy, and mashed potatoes of your dreams.

Killen called it a tribute to his grandma. Houston Press called it the Best CFS in Houston for 2025. 

The Michelin Guide offers this advice about Killen’s that’s worth repeating, “It is the wrong place to count calories or dabble with salads.”

6. Josephine Street 

When the neon out front says “Steaks and Whisky,” you know you are at an iconic Texas roadhouse.

“Jo Street” as it is affectionately nicknamed is located in a 1906 former meat market with uneven wooden floors and a 500-year-old tree that grows inside the dining room. The meat market’s original neon sign still hangs inside.

Just a 10-minute drive from downtown San Antonio, near the Pearl, and you could be enjoying one fine CFS. It is hand-pounded so hard that the kitchen has a name for what they do to that meat: they call it “given CPR.” People have some kind things to say about the peach cobbler dessert too. No reference to CPR there.

San Antonio Current readers voted it the city’s best. Locals claim that it welcomes everyone from hipsters to grandmothers. If you are smart, you’ll follow the advice on the Jo Street website “Come as you are. Leave a lot better.”

7. Babe’s Chicken Dinner House

If I have to choose between restaurants, I am always choosing the place where the staff dances the Hokey-Pokey.

The original and still the flagship location is located in Roanoke but other outlets are sprinkled locally. Southern Living named it one of the best locally-owned restaurants in the South in 2025.

The original Roanoke location sits in a 1908 warehouse, and the whole experience is family-style with a very laid back come-as-you-are feeling. Bring the kids.

Your choices are chicken, chicken, and dessert!

The CFS comes with bottomless creamed corn, bottomless mashed potatoes, and bottomless biscuits served with honey and sorghum butter. 

At Babe’s the CFS is breaded and fried just right after the kitchen gets the order. This ensures a lighter, less greasy meal. Which is perfect because you’ll want to save room for a slice of Momma Jo’s strawberry shortcake.

8. Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill

Moonshine is built on one of Austin’s oldest standing structures — the 1850s Waterloo Compound, which has been a trading post and a speakeasy in its long life. 

It features a dog-friendly, outdoor space with spreading pecan trees. It makes for a casual atmosphere equally appealing for date night or time with the fam.

While the menu at Moonshine has many choices, just do yourself a favor and hone in right on that CFS. But beware, the Moonshine CFS is Texas-sized. Regulars will tell you it serves two. Or just one really hungry Texan!

The unique twist that makes this one worth the stop: the gravy is chipotle cream, not white. Subtle heat, a bit smoky, and it doesn’t overpower the steak, it just makes it more interesting. 

Austin Chronicle readers have given it their award, and downtown Austin agrees. And who are we to argue with Austin!

9. Wolf Pack Woodfired Tavern

“Not an option, a way of life” that is how the good people at Wolf Pack Woodfired Tavern describe their CFS. Pull off the highway to Sealy, Texas, about an hour west of Houston and see what the fuss is all about.

Wolf Pack sits in an old feed store in downtown Sealy. The beef comes from Bellville Meat Market, a 40-year local butcher using cuts that are fresh, never frozen.

The CFS is hand-breaded with a thin crispy crust that holds together. You get cream or brown gravy. 

By the way, don’t make the mistake of not ordering the Texas Twinkies, which are bacon wrapped smoked jalapeños, stuffed with brisket and cream cheese. They are exactly as good as they sound.

10. The Wagon Wheel

Eagle Pass is 2.5 hours southwest of San Antonio, in Eagle Pass, right on the border. Most people don’t make it down there. That’s their loss. Because here they would find The Wagon Wheel and a CFS that many claim is worth the drive. They say that some politicians even drove from DC for it!

Funny enough, the Wagon Wheel didn’t feature CFS, it started life as a BBQ place. But when they added it to the menu, it became an instant hit and what they are known for.

The CFS comes Texas-sized. A plate is more than a pound and a half of top sirloin served on a pizza platter. The secret may lie in the light panko they add to the batter.

Expect all the sides, cream gravy, real mashed potatoes, farm-fresh green beans, and a house specialty chicharrón mac and cheese. You won’t forget it.

Likewise, it is the warmth of knowing your neighbors and taking comfort in friendly, recognizable faces. Along with school quality, safety is one of the most important considerations people think about when selecting a home town. Simply put, people want to live in safe places.

But sometimes, statistics do help bring a story to life, and it certainly does so when the story is Texas safety. Texas has over 231 towns, each with its own character. How can safety be measured across them?

SafeWise, an organization focused on evaluating location safety data, regularly evaluates over Texas towns and cities using FBI-reported violent and property crime data. Here are their latest top choices for the safest towns in Texas.

Do any of these five towns feel like the right choice for you and your family?

1. Trophy Club, Denton County

The charming name “Trophy Club” exists because of a trophy case that never arrived. 

In the early 1970s, Houston developers built a country club community around a golf course designed by the legendary Ben Hogan. A special attraction was planned to display Hogan’s trophy collection in the clubhouse. The trophies never made it, but the name stuck. Instead, Trophy Club became a showcase for one of the most family-centric suburbs in North Texas.

Today, Trophy Club ranks #1 on SafeWise’s 2026 list with extremely low violent and property crime rates. As a planned community, safety is almost designed into Trophy Club.

With just over 13,000 residents, Trophy Club is almost at full buildout, creating an intimate atmosphere where neighbors still know each other and keep an eye out for each other.

If you were to live here, expect an invite to a local Fourth of July celebration or watch the kids roll an egg at the annual EGGstravaganza. Maybe just be waved over to share a sweet tea on somebody’s porch. There are no strangers living in Trophy City. It is that kind of place.

Trophy Club calls itself “Patriotism Town.” And you could celebrate that freedom every day at one of its more than a 1,000 ocal parks. That’s a lot of green for only 13,000 residents. And speaking of green, perhaps your idea of a park is very specific. You may be happiest swinging a club on the 36 holes of golf winding through neighborhoods. After all, golf was the town’s inspiration.

But no doubt about it, safety is the backbone of the extraordinary quality of life here at Trophy Club. Making the good feeling and outdoor enjoyment possible.

2. Parker, Collin County

If you like your safety to come wrapped in space and quiet, Parker might be a good choice for you. Parker ranks #2 on SafeWise’s 2026 list with a population of just 6,432 — the smallest town on its list.

There is a local saying: “Once you’re there, you know you’re someplace special. It’s a magical little pocket set apart from the rest of the community around it.” And residents are not going to argue. It is a town where a 7,000-square-foot estate can sit next to an 1,800-square-foot ranch home. And “next” is measured in acres.

Parker is the type of place where people keep chickens, grow orchards, build workshops, and let their kids roam. Schools are great. Neighbors are friendly but not so close that they can see into your windows.

Imagine driving off a quiet road, through a tree-lined drive to home. You may spot your neighbors’ horses and chickens. Your own house is ahead, framed by its fruit trees. The neighborhood kids’ bikes are all in a tangle on the lawn. Life is good here. A Texan town of perhaps another era.

Yet Parker isn’t isolated. Shopping, restaurants and other amenities are only a short drive away. In fact, Collin County is the second-fastest-growing county in the United States, but Parker sits steadfastly in the middle of all that growth.

Staying true to its identity. Choosing to be low-density, intentionally unhurried. And very, very safe. If your idea of a perfect safe neighborhood is one that has private roads leading somewhere beautiful, Parker is hard to beat. 

3. Memorial Villages, Harris County

If one safe town is great – how about six? SafeWise rates the combined Villages #3 in Texas for safety in 2026.

Tucked into a corner of Houston is a group of enclaves known as Memorial Villages. It isn’t one town, or even two. It’s six little standalone villages— Bunker Hill, Piney Point, Hunters Creek, Hedwig, Spring Valley, and Hilshire.

Each town has its own character and its own administration: mayor, police force, fire department, and city hall. Yet there is a definite connection of nature and air of exclusivity that makes them flow together.

If you lived here, you might enjoy a stroll down one of its many walking trails. Overhead, the branches of mature trees reach out to create a peaceful green canopy, shading you from the Texas sun.

Later, you can pop into your choice of an array of restaurants that are integrated right into the neighborhood rather than traveling out to a strip mall. You’re likely to run into a neighbor, or two and their families as well. You may see them again, at Memorial Park, the 1,500 acres of trails, fitness loops, and nature, that is the Village’s shared backyard. A 100-acre expansion called Memorial Groves is breaking ground in March 2026.

The locals are prepared to pay for the high home values because of Villages’ access to Houston and the relaxed independent nature of living in the villages proper. And while certainly a pricier locale, it is also a friendly one. Exclusivity does not wall people off at Memorial Villages. In fact, there are plenty of planned activities to encourage mingling.

Connections and engagement between neighbors is a valued here which is not always the standard for affluent communities. Friendly gatherings include local Halloween events, Easter egg hunts and even its own Fourth of July parade, separate from Houston’s, showing off its Memorial Villages livelier side.

Memorial Villages is a great choice when you are seeking city amenities while also living in a more countryified atmosphere where your whole family benefits from its safety.

4. Melissa, Collin County

One of the fastest growing towns in Texas is also one of its safest. What’s more is that the average home price is more in reach for the average family than most safe towns which tend to be in more upscale neighborhoods.

Melissa is that town; ranked number 4 in Texas town safety. In spite of its rapid growth, Melissa holds on to its small town roots.

And while Friday night football, festivals and parades are part of its charm, there is something else wonderful about Melissa. It loves celebrating its people.

During a rare Texas snowstorm in 2019, a local by the name of Marcial Marichalar put cowboy boots and a hat and a pair of shorts (OK by all accounts they were very short shorts!). He ran through the streets in the snow just to make neighbors smile. He has become a Melissa legend.

The town even has a podcast called The Front Porch where residents share stories about their life in town. For example, one episode featured the two stay-at-home moms who worked to re-open the local farmers market.

That’s 100% Melissa. Very fun. Very safe A safe, vibrant and fast growing place with great people. Maybe Melissa is the spot for you and your family.

5. Fair Oaks Ranch, Bexar/Kendall/Comal Counties

Fair Oaks has a distinctly Texan origin story.

It can trace its beginning back to when the land was part of a ranch that oilman Ralph Fair Sr. purchased in the 1930s. The original ranch house eventually became the country club, which remains the draw for residents today with its offerings of golf, tennis, pickleball, pools, and even member dining.

A town rich in cultural diversity, Fair Oaks spans three counties and sits in the Hill Country corridor between San Antonio and Boerne. And while ranked as Texas’ 5th safest town, Fair Oaks only incorporated in 1988, making it barely 38 years old. 

But its story, while unique, isn’t even the most unique aspect of this town. For that answer, you have to ask the local deer.

Apparently, Fair Oaks believes that the idea of safety should be shared by its animal residents as well as its people. After all, both are drawn to life amongst the gentle rolling hills of Hill Country.

They take deer quite seriously in Fair Oaks Ranch, the most important civic document might be the fawn protocol. The city’s official website advises residents: “If you encounter a fawn alone, it is likely not abandoned. Mother deer often leave their young hidden to protect them while they forage.”

There’s a city ordinance banning deer feeding. And a hotline for reporting violations and driving warnings during rutting season. This is a town that governs around its wildlife.

But deer isn’t the only thing actively managed by Fair Oaks. It has been careful to direct development and projects have been known to be scaled back to preserve the town’s overall character. And character is a hallmark of living at Fair Oaks, oak trees, rolling scenery, deer, all within a short drive of San Antonio.