Texas Backroads Weekly

A gathering place built on Coffee, Community, and Kindness. The Legacy of Madison and Tanner In January 2017, the lives of Audrey and Kevin McCleary were forever changed by the loss of their children, Madison (18) and Tanner (11), in an auto accident. But in the face of unimaginable tragedy, a movement of kindness was born. To honor their children's legacy of compassion and empathy, the McCleary’s started a 501(c)(3) non-profit called #spreadkindnessforMandT . They encouraged the world to perform purposeful acts of kindness—a movement that the Jourdanton community embraced with open arms. Why It Was Founded Audrey and Madison often joked about opening a coffee shop together. Today, Sunshine House Coffee is the realization of that dream. It’s a way for the McClearys to honor their children and give back to the community that rallied behind them. The name "Sunshine House" comes from the song “You Are My Sunshine,” which Audrey sang to her children. If yo...

The neon sign that has guided travelers to legendary pie since 1929. The Backstory If there is one place that defines the soul of the Texas Hill Country, it’s the Blue Bonnet Café . While many restaurants come and go, the Blue Bonnet has stood the test of time, serving hungry Texans since 1929. It hasn't moved far—only moving a block from its original location in 1946—and the recipes for their famous pies and chicken fried steak have remained largely untouched for generations. The café isn't just a place to eat; it’s a community hub. On any given Tuesday, you’ll find local ranchers in dusty boots sitting in the booth next to tourists from across the globe. It has survived the Great Depression, the building of the Max Starcke Dam, and the transformation of Marble Falls into a bustling travel destination, all while keeping its "small-town" heart intact. 📍 At a Glance Location: 211 US Hwy 281, Marble Falls, TX 78654 Region: Hill Country...

A shimmering testament to patience, persistence, and a lot of empty cans. The Backstory In 1968, John Milkovisch, a retired upholsterer for the Southern Pacific Railroad, decided he was tired of mowing the grass. He began by inlaying thousands of marbles, rocks, and metal pieces into concrete to create unique patio designs. But the project didn't stop at the yard. Over the next 18 years, John completely covered his home with flattened beer cans, pull tabs, and bottle caps. When asked why he did it, John famously gave the most "Texas" answer possible: he just thought it was a good idea, and it was cheaper than painting. Today, the house is preserved by the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art and stands as a globally recognized symbol of outsider art and the ultimate DIY spirit. 📍 At a Glance Location: 222 Malone St, Houston, TX 77007 Region: Gulf Coast / South Texas Typical Timeframe: 45 minutes to 1 hour Vibe: Whimsical, met...

A retail cathedral for the Texas outdoorsman. The Backstory Located right off I-35 between Austin and San Marcos, Cabela’s in Buda is more than just a place to stock up on camping gear. Opened in 2005, this 185,000-square-foot facility was designed as an "educational and entertainment showroom." In a state where hunting, fishing, and hiking are central to the culture, this store serves as a massive tribute to the wild side of the Lone Star State. The centerpiece of the store is a towering, walk-through mountain covered in museum-quality taxidermy from around the world. For travelers driving the busy I-35 corridor, it has become a "must-stop" tradition to stretch their legs while marveling at the sheer scale of the displays. It’s one of the few places in Texas where you can see a polar bear, an elephant, and a Texas whitetail deer all under the same roof. 📍 At a Glance Location: 15570 S I-35 Frontage Rd, Buda, TX 78610 Region:...

Home to Big Al and Big Tex—two of the largest gators in captivity. The Backstory Deep in the salt-grass swamps of Beaumont, Gator Country serves as the premier alligator rescue in Southeast Texas. While most roadside stops involve inanimate statues, this one is very much alive. Founded with a mission to relocate "nuisance" alligators that find their way into backyard pools and golf course ponds, the park has become a sanctuary for over 450 reptiles. The stars of the show are Big Al and Big Tex . Big Al is a legend—nearly 90 years old, weighing 1,000 pounds, and stretching over 13 feet long. When he was caught, he was the largest alligator in captivity in Texas. That was until Big Tex arrived, an even larger giant at nearly 14 feet. These aren't just animals; they are prehistoric survivors that give you a chilling look at what has lived in the Texas bayous for millions of years. 📍 At a Glance Location: 21159 FM 365, Beaumont, TX 77705 ...

The museum as it stood in 1933—a true Texas survivor. The Backstory In 1933, J. Marvin Hunter—a writer, publisher, and historian—opened the Frontier Times Museum to house his growing collection of Texas relics. Hunter was a man who never met a story (or an object) he didn't like. While the museum started as a tribute to the pioneers of the Texas Hill Country, it quickly evolved into a world-class collection of the strange and the sublime. Located in Bandera, a town that proudly wears the title "Cowboy Capital of the World," the museum is a physical timeline of the American West. The building itself is a work of art, constructed from native stone and petrified wood. Inside, the walls are lined with thousands of items that Hunter collected or were donated by travelers passing through the hills, creating a "cabinet of curiosities" that feels like stepping back into a 1930s roadside attraction. 📍 At a Glance Location: 510 13th St, Bande...