There’s just something so deeply comforting about a bowl of pho, no matter the weather, am I right?

The steam rising off the broth, the fresh herbs piled high, the way that first sip warms you from the inside out—it is the kind of meal that feels like a hug.

Pho Chau, a family-owned spot tucked into a small strip center near Love Field in Dallas, serves exactly that kind of bowl.

The owner cooks his mother’s recipe straight from Vietnam, and the regulars swear it is some of the best in the city. Here is why this unassuming little restaurant deserves a detour.

Where Pho Chau Is Located

Pho Chau occupies a modest spot in a small strip center at 1640 W Mockingbird Lane, tucked between a Subway and an old-school Italian restaurant.

The location sits near Love Field Airport, making it accessible from Harry Hines Boulevard and Interstate 35.

If you blink while driving past, you might miss it entirely—which is part of what makes discovering this place feel like finding buried treasure.

The exterior gives nothing away. No flashy signs or modern renovations are announcing what awaits inside.

But that understated presence is precisely what loyal customers love about the restaurant.

Pho Chau has been parked in this same location for more than ten years, and by all accounts, nothing much has changed in that span of time.

Bowls of Comfort

Pho Chau’s menu covers the essentials of Vietnamese cuisine, with pho leading the way.

Options range from simple eye‑round steak to bowls loaded with brisket, meatballs, tendon, and tripe.

The 7P is a standout, combining steak, brisket, and a spicy sate sauce. Each bowl comes with herbs and vegetables for customization.

Beyond pho, the kitchen serves vermicelli, rice platters, fried noodles, and banh mi.

Crispy egg rolls, grilled pork spring rolls, seafood soup, and pan‑fried noodles with broccoli are all favorites.

The lemongrass chicken is a signature dish, often praised as the best in Dallas.

Thai‑inspired plates like Pad Thai and fried rice add variety, while vegetarian options such as pan‑fried noodles with vegetables and tofu earn strong reviews.

Together, the menu blends tradition, creativity, and inclusivity, making Pho Chau a reliable spot for Vietnamese flavors with something for everyone.

The Experience

Pho Chau feels like a true neighborhood spot, more about comfort than design. The décor is simple but cheerful, and the atmosphere quickly feels familiar.

Service is fast and efficient, even during the lunch rush, with food arriving hot and prompt.

Staff take pride in their work, and the owner often delivers bowls personally, sharing genuine excitement that makes the experience warm and memorable.

Portions are famously large, with the extra‑large pho described by some diners as the size of a swimming pool.

Despite the size, prices stay affordable, with a full meal averaging around $23, including tip.

Pho Chau delivers hearty food, friendly service, and excellent value in a city where dining costs keep rising.

Planning Your Visit

Pho Chau operates Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. The restaurant closes on weekends, so plan your visit for a weekday lunch or early dinner.

Lunch tends to draw the biggest crowds, with the place filling up around noon, but the efficient service keeps things moving even when busy.

The restaurant offers both dine-in and takeout options, with online ordering available through their website and various delivery platforms.

For those who prefer to eat at home, the pho travels reasonably well, though there is something special about enjoying it fresh from the kitchen in the restaurant’s cozy atmosphere.

For more information about visiting Pho Chau, check their website or call ahead to confirm hours.

Use the map to plan your route to this Mockingbird Lane hidden gem—you will be glad you made the trip.

Where: 1640 W Mockingbird Ln, Dallas, TX 75235

Part café, part bakery, part meat market—and even a deer processing shop—Green’s Sausage House is a one‑stop throwback to the days when country stores did it all.

Founded in 1946 by Jerome and Della Green, the place quickly became famous for sausage made from a Czech family recipe.

Demand grew so strong that by 1960, the Greens moved across the highway into a former dance hall, transforming it into one of Central Texas’s most beloved eateries.

Sausage by the Dozen

The meat counter at Green’s Sausage House showcases more than two dozen sausage varieties, all made on‑site from recipes passed down through three generations.

While the original Czech‑style links remain the cornerstone, the lineup now includes jalapeño cheese, garlic, smoked turkey, and rotating seasonal specialties.

Smoked in four industrial pits behind the building, the sausages emerge with that signature snap and juicy interior that defines a proper Texas link.

Guests can order them hot from the café, buy them by the pound, or take raw links home to cook themselves.

Among the menu’s highlights is the kraut sausage burger—a grilled patty topped with mustard, pickles, onions, and a mound of tangy sauerkraut.

It’s the kind of simple, satisfying dish that keeps Green’s at the heart of Central Texas food culture.

More Than Sausage

The café menu stretches well beyond sausage. Regulars dig into chicken‑fried steak, hand‑battered catfish, rib‑eye sandwiches, and fresh‑ground burgers, with boudin balls and beer‑battered onion rings earning their own fan base.

Fridays and Saturdays bring a sausage‑and‑sauerkraut plate with green beans and mashed potatoes—a tradition many locals won’t miss.

Breakfast is equally popular, with omelets, burritos, and hearty country portions that keep the crowd coming back.

Then there’s the bakery, a surprise for first‑time visitors. Green’s turns out loaves of white, wheat, rye, Italian, jalapeño cheese, and cinnamon nut raisin bread daily, and they sell fast.

Longtime customers even test the remaining stock for freshness, warning newcomers that once you’ve tasted Green’s bread, supermarket loaves will never measure up.

The Kolaches

The kolache case holds 14 flavors at last count, and the Czech pastries are freshly baked every morning.

Fruit-filled, cream cheese, sausage-stuffed—the kolaches alone draw travelers who detour off the highway specifically for them.

Reviews consistently rank them among the best in Central Texas, which is saying something in a region where Czech bakeries compete fiercely.

The buttermilk pies, cookies, and other baked goods fill out the display.

Everything comes from the kitchen attached to the building, made with the same family recipes that have defined the business for nearly 80 years.

The Market Side

Beyond the café, Green’s operates a full meat market. Six varieties of bacon line the display cases alongside the sausage selection.

Cheeses—also around six varieties—complement the smoked meats. Jerky and cured products make popular road trip supplies.

The shelves throughout the store stock jellies, jams, salsas, habanero pickles, pickled quail eggs, and specialty items that reflect both the region’s agricultural heritage and the family’s commitment to homemade products.

Visiting Information

Green’s Sausage House is located at 16483 State Highway 53, approximately 10 miles east of Temple in the Zabcikville area.

The market is open Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM (some sources indicate 6:00 PM closing), and Saturday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM (some indicate 5:00 PM).

The café closes about 30 minutes before the market. Closed Sundays.

For more information, call 254-985-2331 or visit greenssausagehouse.com.

Use the map to explore its location and discover nearby rural communities, farms, and scenic Central Texas countryside.

Where: 16483 State Highway 53, Temple, TX 76501 (Zabcikville area)

Green’s Sausage House isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a living piece of Texas food history, where handmade sausages, fresh-baked kolaches, and country cooking have been bringing travelers back for three generations.

This is Sunshine Community Gardens, one of the largest and most successful community gardens in the country.

Here, there are roughly 320 gardeners who tend 230 plots, and where thousands of pounds of fresh produce are grown specifically to feed Austin residents who might not otherwise have access to healthy food.

More Than a Place to Grow

Sunshine Community Gardens sits on Sunshine Drive near the intersection of Lamar Boulevard and 45th Street—technically within the Brentwood neighborhood but serving gardeners from across Austin.

The land belongs to the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (TSBVI), which has licensed it at no cost to the garden since its founding.

This partnership shapes everything about the place, from its accessibility focus to its commitment to serving a charity connected to TSBVI.

Walking through the garden, you’ll find a remarkable variety of growing spaces. Full, half, and quarter-sized plots stretch across the property in neat rows, interspersed with specialty areas that serve different purposes.

Beyond individual plots, Sunshine maintains several communal gardens: a Contemplative Garden for quiet reflection, a Salvia Garden, a Pollinator Garden, a Pocket Prairie planted with native species, and an Herb Garden.

A Tomato Trial Garden tests varieties suited to Austin’s climate, and results are shared with the community.

The garden also hosts a Chicken Cooperative near the southwest corner, where a small group of members and non-members raise hens—visitors can hear the rooster crow in the morning.

The Famous Annual Plant Sale

Every year on the first Saturday of March, Sunshine Community Gardens transforms into one of Austin’s most anticipated spring events: the Annual Plant Sale and Benefit.

Thousands of vegetable starts and herbs grown by local organic farmers fill tents where knowledgeable gardeners help customers choose the right varieties for their home plots.

The numbers are staggering.

Recent sales have offered 87 varieties of tomatoes, 72 varieties of peppers (40 hot, 32 sweet), 19 varieties of eggplant, 6 varieties of tomatillos, and some 7,000 herb plants—over 24,000 vegetable and herb plants total.

The sale typically runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the garden’s location on Sunshine Drive. Gates open with a musical parade.

Lines form early—Austin gardeners know this is the place to find heirloom tomatoes and peppers specifically selected for Central Texas growing conditions.

Proceeds from the plant sale keep membership fees low and fund maintenance of the garden’s facilities, tools, tractor, and compost operation. The garden receives no government funding and employs no paid staff.

Visiting the Garden

Sunshine Community Gardens welcomes visitors who want to stroll through the plots, observe the gardens, and experience this urban green space.

You can walk the paths, visit the chickens (there’s a bucket for vegetable donations by the coop door), and see what’s growing in different seasons.

The garden asks that visitors respect the plots—these are working gardens tended by individual members, not public picking grounds.

Educational tours are available for groups interested in organic gardening techniques.

The garden provides tours to schools, donations of seeds and plants to local youth groups, and meeting space for other nonprofits.

A Half-Century of Growing Community

Sunshine Community Gardens traces its origins to 1974, though it moved to its current location on Sunshine Drive in 1983.

The garden’s longevity speaks to something beyond simply growing vegetables.

Members range from 90-year-old retirees who find joy in watching plants grow to young families teaching children where food comes from.

Some gardeners have tended the same plots for decades. Others are new to Austin and seeking connection.

All share a belief that urban green space matters—for the environment, for community, and for the people who might not otherwise have access to fresh vegetables.

For more information about Sunshine Community Gardens, including membership, volunteer opportunities, and the annual plant sale, visit sunshinecommunitygardens.org.

Use the map to explore the garden layout, the surrounding Brentwood neighborhood, and nearby parks that make this area one of Austin’s most charming green pockets.

Where: 4814 Sunshine Drive, Austin, TX 78756

Sunshine Community Gardens isn’t just a place to grow food—it’s a place where neighbors share abundance, learn together, and keep Austin’s community spirit thriving, one tomato at a time.

Not in a flashy, city type of way. No, I mean when the Texas sky stretches so wide it feels like it’ll sweep you up in it, and the wind moves slowly, like it’s got nowhere else to be.

That’s precisely the quiet that leads you straight to Perini Ranch Steakhouse in West Texas.

And if you’ve never been … this isn’t your typical well-let’s-go-out-for-a-steak night.

This is Texas, dressed up.

Boots polished. Shirt pressed. Even a belt buckle you don’t wear every day. Jeans are welcome, but business-casual attire fits right in at Perini.

You’ll still see dust on the road in, though. That’s part of the deal.

Pulling up feels like you’re on the precipice of a night of Great Gatsby proportions, even if all you see at first is ranch land and a low-slung building that doesn’t need to show off.

Because what’s inside? Not loud. Not showy.

Just confident. Like it knows it doesn’t have to prove a thing.

Before you sit and unbutton your jacket

First things first! This is not a “roll in whenever you feel like it” kind of place.

You’ll want a reservation. Book it online to save yourself and your party the trouble later. Pick how many people you’ll have in your group and what time you’ll all get there.

Perini Ranch Steakhouse is the type of spot I’d plan a trip around, not just a dinner. Crank up the fun by planning a whole Texas road trip, if you want, with themed stops along the way. r if it’s a surprise, turn each road trip stop into a clue about Perini, keeping your friends guessing until the very end.

And once they’re there, they’ll understand why.

Perini is typically open for dinner service, with lunch hours that depend on the day or by season. They’re open from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Weekend hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Note that they’re closed on Monday!

Hours shift, especially with private events, so I’d recommend checking ahead.

That’s part of the exclusivity. You’re not just walking into a restaurant.

You’re stepping into an experience that’s carefully timed and curated.

Now let’s talk about getting there. It’s out in Buffalo Gap. You’ll turn off onto a quiet road, pass fences and mesquite trees, and then suddenly, it’s there.

A ranch-style building that looks like it belongs exactly where it is.

Parking? It’s mostly gravel and open space, easy to navigate, without tight city parking stress.

You step out of your car, and the air feels different. Cleaner. Slower.

Like your evening just got a little more intentional.

Now here’s something I like about Perini. This place doesn’t rush you. It’s not a to-go bag pressed into your hand, as someone’s wiping the floor around your feet, shooing you out the door.

From the moment you stroll in, everything moves at a pace that says, “You’re here for a while.”

And you should be. This isn’t a clock-tickin’ dinner before your next soccer game or dance rehearsal.

This is the stop.

Inside, you’ll find a blend of upscale and ranch decor style that feels distinctly Texan.

Wood beams. Warm lighting. White tablecloths that somehow don’t feel stuffy.

It’s refined without losing its roots.

You’ll see someone in a blazer at one table and another person in boots and a crisp button-down at the next.

Both fit perfectly. That’s the magic of it.

It’s upscale, yes. But it never forgets where it came from.

Let’s talk timing! Even with a reservation, this place gets busy. This is especially true on weekends and during hectic travel seasons, such as holidays, summer, etc.

Saturday evening? That’s the busiest time.

If you’re looking for something a little quieter, nabbing a reservation earlier or later in the evening gives you a more relaxed pace.

Though, even when it’s full, there’s a hum in the room.

If you thrive on the energy of a night like that, go for it! Making new friends, laughing with tables next to you, and getting into the center of the action is one way to spend a night out at Perini.

Glasses clinking. Low conversations. The occasional laugh that carries just far enough.

It feels like everyone there knows they’re somewhere full of memories. A snowglobe in time.

And they’re soaking it in.

Service here deserves its own moment. If you’ve got questions about cuts, preparation, or wine pairings, you’re in good hands.

Unsurprisingly, Perini is big on events. Weddings, private dinners, celebrations.

They even have a private dining room! Lean in close as your grandmother pats your hand and shares a bit of wisdom about a long marriage, or find yourself warming up to the in-laws you weren’t sure about — turns out a great meal has a way of doing that.

If you’re planning something memorable, this backdrop does half the work for you. Let it!

Perini converted an old hay barn into something genuinely luxurious, for those Texans who love the high life coupled with a sense of homegrown, farmhouse roots.

There’s outdoor seating, too, to have a night under the stars, pointing out constellations, filling your lungs with fresh air.

On chilly nights, they have a fireplace that keeps you warm and cozy, as conversations deepen.

West Texas sky. Ranch atmosphere. Elevated dining. You don’t need much else.

By the time you’re seated, napkin in your lap, you’ll feel it.

That shift. From everyday to occasion.

And you haven’t even looked at the menu yet.

A menu that honors steak like a legacy

Let’s get straight to it. This steakhouse doesn’t just serve steak.

It honors it. And that honor stems from generations of ranching, of understanding cattle, of knowing exactly what makes a cut shine.

Budget accordingly — expect to spend somewhere in the $50–100 range per person for a full night out.

Start with an appetizer, to ease into it. Their Jalapeño Bites or Fried Quail Legs nod to Texas flavors without overwhelming what’s coming next.

It’s not about reinventing the wheel here. It’s about doing everything just right.

Then comes the steak. And this is where things get serious.

The ribeye? That’s the star for a reason.

Only the top 3% of beef merits Perini’s Prime label. Only 3%!

Deep, rich flavor. Cooked to your specifications. You take that first bite, and there’s a moment. A pause. Like your brain needs a second to catch up to what just happened.

Filets, strip steaks, all the classics. They’re here, and they’ll get your mouth watering.

I personally can’t pass up a chance to add mushrooms and onions to a meal like this. And Perini lets you opt for additions, including Grilled Mushrooms and Onions. Yes, please!

In Texas, sides are never just an afterthought. Cowboy Potatoes sound good to me, topped off with butter and garlic.

Veggies include green beans, asparagus, and zucchini. A good balance to all that richness on the plate.

Drinks? You’ve got options. Perini’s wine list pairs well with the richness of the menu. Cocktails are classic, not trendy.

A sweet tea, at some point in the night, takes you right back to those homegrown roots. Because no matter how upscale it gets, you’re still in Texas.

Dessert at Perini is where things soften. Where the meal slows down. You’re full, no doubt, but you’ll still find room.

Because it feels like the right way to end things. Something a little indulgent. Something that says, “Stay a little longer.”

And you will. That’s the thing about Perini. You don’t rush out. You linger. You talk. You sit back and take it all in. The room. The people. The feeling.

It’s not just about what you ate. It’s about a moment caught in amber — West Texas, warm light, and people you love.

By the time you step back outside, the night’s settled in. The stars are winking. And out there, in West Texas, they don’t hold back.

How do I get there, though? Perini Ranch Steakhouse is located at:

Almost forgot — here’s how to find it:

3002 FM 89, Buffalo Gap, TX 79508

You’ll stand there for a second longer than you meant to. Keys in hand. Door still closed. Just … looking. One arm around a friend, family member, or spouse.

Because something about the night feels fuller now. Like you’ve been part of something that doesn’t happen everywhere.

That quiet I called to your mind? It’s still there.

But it feels different now. Like it’s holding onto the memory of the evening.

As you drive off, gravel crunching beneath your tires, one thought settles in real easy, like that dog out front on the porch slipping into a snooze on the hottest day of the summer.

Some places feed you. Others stay with you. Perini Ranch Steakhouse? It does both.

Stay connected with Perini Ranch Steakhouse through their website, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube — or find them on Google Maps to start planning your visit.

They call for the kind of breakfast your grandmother might have made if she were a Certified Executive Chef with accolades from culinary competitions across Texas.

At Buttermilk Cafe in New Braunfels, Chef Carol Irwin has been serving exactly that since 2011—comfort food elevated just enough to feel special, but grounded enough to feel like home.

The locals figured this out early.

Now the parking lot fills up on Saturday mornings, regulars know the servers by name, and visitors driving through Hill Country wonder why they’ve never heard of this place before. That’s about to change.

Where the Buttermilk Cafe Is Located

Buttermilk Cafe sits at 1324 East Common Street in New Braunfels, along one of the town’s main thoroughfares.

The location puts it within easy reach of the Gruene Historic District, the Guadalupe River, and all the tubing and outdoor attractions that bring visitors to this part of the Hill Country.

San Antonio lies about 30 miles to the south, Austin roughly 50 miles north—making the cafe a natural stop for travelers moving between the two cities or anyone exploring the stretch of I-35 that runs through this German-heritage town.

The building itself doesn’t scream for attention. It’s a modest storefront with a warm, welcoming interior rather than a flashy facade.

Inside, the atmosphere balances cozy and polished—clean lines, pleasant decor, and enough space to feel comfortable without losing the intimate neighborhood vibe.

The Breakfast Locals Love

The menu covers classic American comfort food with what the cafe describes as an “upscale twist.”

You’ll find the staples done exceptionally well: fluffy pancakes that reviewers describe as large and perfectly textured, waffles with crisp edges and tender centers, and French toast made from thick-cut bread.

The Buttermilk Breakfast offers eggs cooked to order alongside your choice of meat, potatoes, and biscuits—straightforward and satisfying.

The biscuits and gravy earn particular devotion, with fluffy biscuits beneath properly seasoned gravy that hits all the right notes.

But the menu ventures beyond the basics.

The Coastal Breakfast has become something of a signature dish: polenta grits topped with blackened shrimp, a poached egg, and lobster sauce—a Gulf Coast-inspired plate that regulars can’t stop talking about.

Chicken and waffles appear on plenty of menus these days, but Buttermilk Cafe’s version draws consistent praise.

The shirred eggs have their own following. Build-your-own omelets let you customize, and the chicken-fried steak has been called by more than one visitor the best they’ve ever had.

For those with dietary restrictions, the cafe offers gluten-free pancakes, waffles, and bread options—made in-house and taken seriously enough that servers communicate clearly about preparation methods.

A complimentary coffee cake arrives at the table, a small touch that reviewers mention again and again as the kind of detail that sets this place apart.

What Makes It a Local Favorite

Consistency matters more than flash in a breakfast spot, and Buttermilk Cafe has built its reputation on delivering the same quality visit after visit.

The cafe also serves lunch—sandwiches, burgers, salads, and daily specials—but breakfast and brunch remain the main draw.

Beer, wine, mimosas, and house-made sangria are available for those who want to make it a proper brunch occasion.

The atmosphere stays family-friendly throughout, with kids enjoying dishes like chicken and waffles alongside their parents.

What transforms a good restaurant into a neighborhood institution is harder to define.

At Buttermilk Cafe, it seems to come down to the accumulation of small things done right: real cream for the coffee, servers who offer helpful recommendations rather than rushing you through, and portions generous enough that you leave satisfied.

The cafe describes its mission as serving “market-fresh comfort foods prepared by people who love to cook, and love to eat.”

After more than a decade in business, that philosophy has clearly resonated.

Visiting Buttermilk Cafe

Buttermilk Cafe opens at 7 a.m. and serves through 2 p.m., Monday through Saturday. The cafe is closed on Sundays.

Reservations are accepted on weekdays, but weekends operate on a first-come, first-served basis—and weekends get busy.

If you’re hoping to avoid a wait, arriving early is the best strategy. The cafe does offer takeout for those in a hurry.

Expect table service rather than counter ordering, casual dress, and a pace that lets you enjoy your meal without feeling rushed.

The parking lot can fill up during peak hours, but spots turn over regularly. The cafe accepts credit cards, though some reviewers note a small fee for card payments—cash remains an option.

For more information about visiting Buttermilk Cafe, including current menus and any schedule changes, visit thebuttermilkcafe.com or call (830) 625-8700.

Use the map to find nearby river parks, downtown New Braunfels, and Hill Country stops.

Where: 1324 E. Common St, New Braunfels, TX 78130

A Hill Country Breakfast Worth the Drive

Buttermilk Cafe delivers the kind of classic American breakfast locals crave—hearty, comforting plates served in a friendly small-town setting where the chef’s credentials show in every bite.

Nearly two decades later, O.R. Gentry turned that counter’s prime cuts into sizzling burgers, and the neighborhood market transformed into a Texas institution.

From makeshift tables replacing canned goods to earning the title of ‘Best Burger in America,’ Kincaid’s has spent six decades perfecting its craft.

Today, the Gentry family still serves award-winning burgers in the same converted grocery store, keeping tradition alive one bite at a time.”

Where Kincaid’s Is Located

The original Kincaid’s stands at 4901 Camp Bowie Boulevard, in the heart of Fort Worth’s Westside.

The Camp Bowie corridor runs through one of the city’s most established residential areas—tree-lined streets, brick bungalows, and the kind of neighborhood character that comes from decades of continuity.

The location sits west of downtown, easily accessible whether you’re exploring the Cultural District’s museums, wandering the Stockyards, or simply looking for lunch on your way through town.

The building itself tells the story. Walk in, and you’re still walking into a grocery store—or what used to be one. The old shelving units, cut down to standing height, now serve as counters where customers balance their trays and eat.

The Gentry family has expanded beyond Camp Bowie—the second location opened in Southlake in 2005, and today there are six Kincaid’s locations across the Dallas-Fort Worth area, including spots on Overton Ridge, in Arlington, and in Alliance.

But the original remains the pilgrimage site, the place where the magic started, and where the converted-grocery-store atmosphere feels authentic rather than nostalgic decoration.

The Burger That Made Kincaid’s Famous

The formula hasn’t changed because it didn’t need to. Kincaid’s uses USDA Black Angus chuck—all-natural, vegetarian-fed, free of hormones, antibiotics, and preservatives.

The beef is never frozen and gets ground fresh daily at each location. The half-pound patties are hand-formed and cooked on flat-top griddles until they hit that perfect balance of charred exterior and juicy interior.

As Texas Highways described it: an 8-ounce Black Angus blend seasoned simply with sea salt—not even pepper.

The toppings stay classic: shredded iceberg lettuce, tomato, raw yellow onion, Best Maid dill pickles, and yellow mustard on a simple Mrs. Baird’s bun.

Cheese, bacon, jalapeños, and chili are available for those who want them, but the standard build represents the platonic ideal of an old-fashioned Texas burger.

No fancy aiolis. No brioche. No truffle anything. Just beef, vegetables, and condiments assembled the way O.R. Gentry figured out worked best more than sixty years ago.

The result is what the book The Perfect Hamburger described: “The essence of Kincaid’s has not changed one whit—they still produce what is, quite simply, the best hamburger in America.”

More Than Just Burgers

While the half-pound patty draws the crowds, Kincaid’s offers a full menu of Southern-style sides and comfort food.

The crinkle-cut fries are a staple, though some regulars argue the onion rings and fried okra deserve equal billing.

The fried mushrooms come with crispy, golden-brown crusts. Homemade deviled eggs, made fresh daily, have their own devoted following—though they often sell out on busy days, so arrive early if you want them.

Stuffed jalapeños with homemade pimento cheese bring heat. The banana pudding satisfies sweet cravings.

Shakes and malts use Blue Bell vanilla ice cream in chocolate, strawberry, vanilla, and Dreamicle flavors.

The menu also includes grilled chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, BLTs, and a grilled pimento cheese sandwich.

Junior-sized burgers work for smaller appetites. But let’s be honest—people come for the burger. Everything else is excellent company.

Visiting Kincaid’s Today

The original Camp Bowie location opens at 11 a.m. daily. Hours run until 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, with earlier closing at 3 p.m. on Sundays.

The lunch rush remains the busiest time—locals pack the place between noon and 1 p.m., and waits can build.

Weekday afternoons offer slightly more breathing room. The other Fort Worth locations generally open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. (7 p.m. Sundays), though hours vary slightly by location.

For visitors making the pilgrimage, the original location offers the full experience: the converted-grocery ambiance, the sense of history, the knowledge that you’re eating in the same space where O.R. Gentry first fired up that griddle.

For more information about visiting Kincaid’s, including menus and all location addresses, visit kincaidshamburgers.com or call the Camp Bowie location at (817) 732-2881.

Use the map to explore Fort Worth’s Westside neighborhoods and historic Camp Bowie area.

Where: 4901 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107

A Fort Worth Institution, Still Going Strong

Kincaid’s continues to serve the same style of burgers that made it a Fort Worth legend—simple, nostalgic, and rooted in a tradition that stretches back to a butcher’s griddle in a neighborhood grocery store.

Pace Bend Park, a Travis County gem tucked into the Hill Country west of Austin, offers the kind of swimming experience you won’t find at your average beach.

We’re talking limestone cliffs plunging into aquamarine water, quiet coves designated just for swimmers, and for the adrenaline junkies among us, cliff jumps ranging from a modest ten feet all the way up to a heart-pounding forty-five.

It’s wild, beautiful, and the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve discovered something special.

A Sprawling Peninsula on Lake Travis

Pace Bend Park occupies a dramatic peninsula in far western Travis County, about thirty miles northwest of downtown Austin.

The drive takes roughly fifty minutes along Highway 71, winding through the rolling terrain of the Highland Lakes region until you reach Spicewood.

The park itself encompasses nearly 1,400 acres with more than nine miles of Lake Travis shoreline, making it one of the most expansive waterfront recreation areas in Central Texas.

The geography here is striking. The west side features high limestone cliffs and rocky coves carved by time and water, offering some of the most impressive views anywhere on Lake Travis—especially at sunset.

The east side tends toward gentler slopes and sandy beaches when water levels cooperate.

A six-mile paved loop road winds around the peninsula, giving you access to dozens of coves and camping areas.

The interior is managed as a wildlife preserve and can only be explored on foot, by bicycle, or on horseback via roughly thirteen miles of trails.

Old-timers still call it Paleface Park, its former name, supposedly because that’s exactly what happens to people’s faces when they peer over the edge of those forty-five-foot cliffs.

Designated Swimming Coves

If you’re looking for a place to swim without dodging speedboats, Pace Bend has you covered. Three coves—Mudd Cove, Kate’s Cove, and Gracy Cove—are officially designated for swimming only.

No boats are permitted, which means you can actually enjoy the water without constantly scanning for watercraft.

The coves offer calmer conditions than the open lake and tend to have clearer water since there’s less boat traffic stirring things up.

Mudd Cove sits on the east side of the peninsula and is popular with families and casual swimmers. Kate’s Cove and Gracy Cove offer similar vibes with rocky shorelines and natural limestone formations.

None of these swimming areas has lifeguards, so you’re swimming at your own risk.

Where the Cliff Jumping Happens

Now for the good stuff. Pace Bend is legendary among Austin-area thrill seekers for its cliff jumping, and the options range from manageable to absolutely terrifying.

The key thing to understand is that cliff jumping happens primarily on the west side of the park, along the limestone bluffs.

Maugham’s Cove offers jumps in the ten to fifteen-foot range, making it a solid starting point for newcomers.

Here’s the critical safety piece: Lake Travis water levels fluctuate significantly depending on rainfall and dam releases. What’s a safe forty-foot jump one month might be a catastrophic leap onto submerged rocks the next.

You absolutely must check the depth before every single jump. Scout the landing zone, look for rocks and debris below the surface, and never assume conditions match your last visit.

There’s no ladder back up either—you’ll climb the rocks or swim several hundred yards around to a beach area.

What to Know Before You Go

Pace Bend Park is open daily from sunrise to civil twilight for day use. The park charges per person: $5 for adults ages thirteen to sixty-one, $3 for seniors, and free for kids twelve and under.

Critical detail: the park accepts cash or check only at the entrance booth. No credit cards, no exceptions. Hit the ATM before you head out.

The park has more than four hundred primitive campsites scattered along the shoreline, plus twenty improved sites with electricity, water, and shower access.

Primitive sites are first-come, first-served and fill up fast on summer weekends.

Where Adventure Meets the Hill Country

Pace Bend Park delivers something increasingly rare in the Austin area: a genuine escape that still feels a little wild.

You can spend a lazy afternoon floating in the calm waters of Mudd Cove, hike the interior trails, watch the sunset paint the limestone cliffs gold and pink, then wake up in your tent the next morning and do it all again.

Or you can go straight for the adrenaline rush, working your way up from the smaller jumps to those forty-five-foot monsters that will absolutely make you earn your bragging rights.

Either way, Pace Bend is one of those places that rewards the effort of getting there.

Hill Country State Natural Area is designed for the land first.

It’s 40 miles of multi-use trails through some of the most challenging and least-visited terrain in the Texas park system—a place where the only views you’ll earn are the ones you hike, bike, or ride to.

Where the Hill Country State Natural Area Is Located

The natural area sits on the border of Bandera and Medina counties, roughly 10 miles southwest of Bandera (the self-proclaimed “Cowboy Capital of the World”) and about 45 miles west-northwest of San Antonio.

Take Highway 173 south from Bandera, then turn onto Ranch Road 1077 and follow it 10 miles to the park entrance.

That approach—six miles of dusty unpaved road—sets expectations. This is not a manicured destination. Cell service is unreliable. The headquarters is simple, with few amenities and no park store.

The 40 Miles of Trails

Approximately 40 miles of interconnected trails wind through the natural area, ranging from flat, broad prairie paths to steep, technical climbs up limestone hills.

All trails are multi-use, open to hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians, which creates a different dynamic than single-use trail systems—expect to share the path and practice trail courtesy.

The West Peak Overlook is a staff favorite and the park’s signature hike. The trail is steep and rugged, climbing through loose limestone and rocky terrain to reach 1,868 feet of elevation.

At the top, the trail loops so you can take in views of the western Hill Country in every direction. It’s challenging but rewarding—the kind of hike where you earn every vista.

Specific Trails

Hermit’s Trail (also called Hermit’s Trace) offers steep climbs and genuine solitude, with a primitive backcountry camping area called Hermit’s Shack about 3.25 miles from the nearest parking.

The Wilderness Trail and Twin Peaks Loop (3.8 miles, 501 feet of elevation gain) is one of the most popular routes, taking hikers along double-track before ascending to Twin Peaks for panoramic overlooks.

For a longer day, the Wilderness, Creek, Hermits, Cougar Canyon, Twin, and Vista Ridge Loop covers 9.5 miles with over 1,100 feet of elevation gain—the most strenuous option in the park.

The Ice Cream Hill Trail is considered one of the most difficult in the park, with rolling hills, rocky sections, and significant elevation change.

The Heritage Loop near headquarters is an easier option that passes remnants of the former ranch, offering a glimpse of the area’s agricultural history without the punishing climbs.

Trail navigation requires attention. Many routes overlap, and markers can appear in multiple directions at intersections.

A map is essential—download one before you arrive, since cell service is spotty. GPS apps like Gaia work reasonably well if you’ve cached the area offline.

Wildlife

The remote setting and limited crowds increase your chances of wildlife encounters. White-tailed deer are common.

Armadillos root through the underbrush. Wild turkeys move through the grasslands. Birds of prey—hawks and vultures—soar overhead regularly, and the area is considered a regional hot spot for birdwatching.

Less visible but present are bobcats, coyotes, both red and gray foxes, and occasionally mountain lions.

You’re unlikely to see them, but they’re out there, particularly in the more remote sections of the trail system.

Camping and Facilities

Hill Country State Natural Area offers only primitive camping—no hookups, no drive-up sites.

Three backcountry areas require hikes of 2.3 to 3.25 miles: the Wilderness Camp Area, Chaquita Falls Area (with three creekside sites), and Hermit’s Shack.

Sites are first-come, first-served at $10 per four people. Ground fires are not allowed at backcountry sites; bring a containerized fuel stove.

Equestrian campsites and a group lodge (sleeps 12) are also available. Day-use entry costs $6 per person for those 13 and older.

The park is open daily from 8 AM to 10 PM. Reservations are strongly recommended—the park often reaches capacity on weekends.

Know Before You Go

Bring more water than you think you’ll need—at least half a liter per hour of hiking. Pack sun protection, a downloaded trail map, and sturdy footwear for rocky terrain.

Cell service is unreliable, so don’t count on your phone for navigation or emergencies.

The park closes trails during and after heavy rain to protect against erosion; check the Facebook page or call ahead if the weather has been wet.

The Bandera 100K ultramarathon is held here every January, drawing runners for 100K, 50K, and 25K distances across what the organizers describe as trails “of rugged and brutal beauty where everything cuts, stings, or bites.”

That’s not marketing hyperbole—it’s an accurate description.

Where the Trails Stay Wild

Hill Country State Natural Area isn’t trying to compete with the polished state parks closer to Austin and San Antonio.

It’s offering something else: 40 miles of challenging terrain where the views are earned, the crowds are sparse, and the land comes first.

The trails are rocky, the amenities are minimal, and the solitude is real.

FB post credit: Pier Zeringue

At Mustang Island State Park, you can skip the dunes entirely and pitch your tent directly on the sand, steps from the surf.

This 3,954-acre barrier island park near Port Aransas offers one of the rarest camping experiences in the state: primitive sites right on five miles of undeveloped Gulf Coast shoreline.

Here, falling asleep to the sound of waves isn’t a marketing promise; it’s just what happens when there’s nothing between your tent and the ocean but a few feet of sand.

Where Mustang Island State Park Is Located

The park sits on Mustang Island, an 18-mile barrier island between Corpus Christi Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.

The main entrance is at 17047 State Highway 361, about 14 miles south of Port Aransas and roughly 25 miles (a 30-minute drive) from Corpus Christi across the JFK Causeway.

For visitors coming from the north, the free Port Aransas Ferry provides 24-hour service from Aransas Pass to the island’s northern tip.

The Beach Camping Experience

The park offers two distinct camping options, and the difference matters. The 48 developed campsites with water and electricity sit behind the dunes, about 400 yards from the water.

They’re fine for RVs and trailers up to 65 feet, with picnic tables, grills, and access to restrooms with hot showers. But they don’t have beach views—you can’t see the Gulf from these sites.

For the real beach camping experience, you want the primitive drive-up sites. These 50 undesignated spots spread across 1.5 miles of actual beachfront, where you can drive right onto the sand and set up camp wherever you find space.

No reservations required—it’s first-come, first-served, which means arriving early on summer weekends if you want a prime spot.

The sites have no hookups, no shade structures, and no designated boundaries. What they do have is direct Gulf access, the sound of surf all night, and unobstructed sunrise views over the water.

Small beach campfires are allowed in the primitive camping area. Portable toilets are spaced along the beach between 50 yards and 1.5 miles from campsites, and a beach bathhouse with full restrooms sits near park headquarters.

There are no lifeguards—swimming is at your own risk.

What to Do at the Park

Five miles of beachfront means plenty of room for swimming, wading, and splashing in the Gulf when conditions allow.

Shore fishing and surf casting are popular, with anglers targeting speckled trout, flounder, redfish, and other Gulf species. You’ll need a fishing license unless you’re fishing from the shore within the park boundaries.

The real standout is the Mustang Island State Park Paddling Trail—20 miles of shallow-water kayaking and canoeing routes along the western shoreline of Corpus Christi Bay.

The trail divides into three segments: the North Trail (8.5 miles), Shamrock Loop Trail (5.24 miles), and Ashum Trail (6.8 miles). All pass through some of the best sight-casting fishing waters in Texas, and the birding is exceptional.

The park also offers hiking and mountain biking trails, including the Holly Hike Trail, a three-mile route through coastal terrain.

Ranger-led programs cover birding, stargazing, beachcombing, and nature walks—check the park’s events page for schedules.

What to Know Before You Go

Entry costs $7 per day for anyone 13 and older, with campsite fees on top of that. A Texas State Parks Pass ($70 annually) gets you and your guests free entry to more than 80 state parks.

The park is open daily with gates operating from 8 AM to 10 PM. Campsite check-in is at 2 PM, checkout by 11 AM.

There’s a 14-day camping limit. Pets are allowed but must stay leashed. Beach wheelchairs are available for free loan from the headquarters.

Weather matters here more than at most parks. The beach primitive sites close periodically due to weather conditions—call ahead at 361-749-5246 before driving down.

Where the Sand Meets the Surf

Most Texas beach camping involves compromise—either you’re on the sand but miles from facilities, or you’re in a developed campground but can’t actually see the water.

Mustang Island State Park splits the difference better than anywhere else on the Gulf Coast.

The primitive sites put you directly on five miles of protected, undeveloped beach with Gulf waves lapping just feet from your tent.

How can anything be better than that, right?

Tucked into the rolling piney woods between Houston and Dallas, this 1,847-acre park flies under the radar while bigger, flashier parks draw the crowds.

Fort Boggy offers something increasingly rare in the state park system: genuine solitude, a beautiful 15-acre lake, and just five primitive hike-in campsites for those who want to sleep under the stars without neighbors on every side.

It’s back-to-basics camping in a place that feels remarkably unchanged from how it looked when settlers first arrived in the 1840s.

Where Fort Boggy Is Located

The park sits near Centerville in Leon County, almost exactly halfway between Houston and Dallas along Interstate 45.

That makes it roughly ninety minutes from either city—close enough for a weekend escape but far enough from the interstate that you won’t hear traffic from your campsite.

The landscape here is classic East Texas: rolling hills covered in post oaks and loblolly pines, open meadows dotted with wildflowers in spring, and wetlands that attract an impressive variety of birds.

The Five Exclusive Campsites

Fort Boggy intentionally keeps its overnight options limited. The park offers just five primitive hike-in campsites, plus five rustic cabins for those who want a roof over their heads.

That’s it.

No RV hookups, no sprawling campground loops, no generators humming through the night. The authorities want this park to remain true to how nature intended it.

The primitive sites require a hike of up to one mile from the trailhead, which means you’ll need to carry everything in.

Each site accommodates up to eight people and comes equipped with a fire ring, lantern post, and picnic table—the essentials and nothing more.

There’s no electricity or running water at the sites. You’ll pack out everything you bring in.

For experienced campers who value solitude over amenities, these are among the most peaceful overnight options in any Texas state park.

The sites are spaced far enough apart that you won’t be sharing your evening with strangers.

On weekdays, especially, you might have the entire primitive camping area to yourself. That kind of quiet is hard to find anymore.

The Lake and What You Can Do There

Sullivan Lake is the heart of Fort Boggy, a fifteen-acre jewel fringed with oaks and other hardwoods.

It’s small enough to feel intimate but big enough for a proper paddle around. The lake operates as a no-wake zone, which means no jet skis or speedboats—just the quiet splash of kayaks, canoes, and small fishing boats.

Fishing is excellent here. The lake holds largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill, redear sunfish, redbreast sunfish, and even rainbow trout during the cooler months when the park stocks them.

Best of all, you don’t need a fishing license to fish within the park—Texas Parks and Wildlife waives the requirement.

A fishing pier and boat ramp provide easy access, and the park participates in a tackle loaner program where you can borrow rods, reels, and tackle boxes if you didn’t bring your own.

Swimming is permitted in designated areas, and the water is surprisingly clear for an East Texas lake.

There’s a sandy beach and a floating dock that make for an easy afternoon of cooling off.

You can rent kayaks at the park, though some visitors have noted the rental process can be complicated—bringing your own boat, inner tubes, or paddleboard might be simpler.

The Cabins

For campers who want more comfort, Fort Boggy’s five cabins are worth considering. These modern, energy-efficient structures sit about a hundred yards from the main parking lot, nestled into the woods.

Each cabin is roughly 900 square feet and accommodates up to eight people.

The cabins include a mini fridge, microwave, table and chairs, bunk beds, and a queen bed. Outside, you’ll find a picnic table, fire ring, and grill.

They don’t have bathrooms—restrooms and outdoor showers are in a separate building nearby. Pets are not allowed in or around the cabins.

What to Know Before You Go

Reservations are strongly recommended for both the primitive campsites and cabins. With so few options available, weekends can book up quickly, especially during pleasant weather in spring and fall.

The park is open daily from 8 AM to 8 PM, with the office staffed from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Day-use entry costs just 3$ per person for ages 13 and up, with kids 12 and under free.

Pack accordingly for primitive camping: you’ll need everything, including water, food, and a way to pack out your trash.

The cabins don’t include linens, so bring your own bedding. And definitely bring bug spray—this is East Texas, after all.

Where Quiet Is the Point

Fort Boggy State Park won’t dazzle you with dramatic scenery or adrenaline-pumping activities.

What it offers is subtler and, for the right visitor, more valuable: peace and quiet in a landscape that hasn’t changed much in a very long time.

With just five primitive campsites and five cabins, it’s one of the smallest overnight footprints in the state park system—and that’s exactly the point.

Sometimes the best escape is the one where you can actually hear yourself think.