Central Texas

 

9th time in Texas and 5th in this area. 

Saturday, February 25th, 2023 

In 2007, the Glazed at tiny Round Rock Donuts made it on my favorites list. In 2020, found it has become quite the operation. Today's line was 4 blocks.

Cream Bismarck, that now famous Glazed and Maple.  The Glazed melts in your mouth.

Round Rock's main drag has a foot in the past.

Couple hours later made it to a rare diner this far west in Wellborn.

Had the Southwest Breakfast Skillet with Hatch Chile grits, chorizo, potatoes and onions.

George HW Bush Presidential Library

2000 

2020

 

2023

 

Taking a stroll around back.

To the gravesite.

 

To pay respect.

  

Then into the museum.

Family Traditions 

World War II 

Political Itch (Congress, UN Ambassador, RNC Chairman, Laison to China in China, Director of CIA, Vice President)

Domestic Leadership 

The Age of Freedom

Could get used to this....

Replica of Camp David Office

Gulf War 

Fidelity 

A Life of Service

Hour drive to Southside Market in Elgin to continue all these trip's efforts to hit all the legendary BBQ joints.

Checked all the boxes.

Then up to Hutto.

For Peanut Butter pie from Texan Cafe. 

Ending at the Austin burger chain.

Sunday, February 26th, 2023

Starting the day in Johnson City.

Chicken Fried Steak was below average.

 

Boyhood home of LBJ.  (Not a fan.)

Fourth time here and still excited to see this symbol of freedom in San Antonio.

Always a pleasure to stroll the Riverwalk.

And always have to admire the architecture of Houston Street.

After driving past it a few times over the years, finally stopped at Buc-ee's past New Braunfels. It is the world's largest gas station convenience store. Here we see 120 gas pumps.

68,000 square feet

Famous for jerky. It was OK.

Wall of dried fruit and nuts.

 

85 soda dispensers.

Roasted in-house.

Sandwiches, with brisket being sliced in-house.

 

In-house bakery.

Jerky by the pound.

Jeez, can't find anything to snack on.

In-house made fudge.

Famous for their Banana Pudding. It was average.

The Brisket was too fatty.

And more.

Another famous item. Like a sugary Captain Crunch.

Headed east for...can you guess?

Second time in this fantastic old town.

Never tire of courthouse squares.

1948

Order your meat by the pound right at the pit.

Then take it into the communal dining room.

Brisket

To The Picnic food truck park in the south of Austin.

Coconut and Pistachio Gelato.

Having not had ice cream in forever, up to the north side of Austin to local chain Amy's for Mexican Vanilla.

Monday, February 27th, 2023 

The eclectic Central neighborhood of Austin.

   

Pear, Bacon and Scallion Pancake at Pancha Cafe.

   

2000 

2014 

2020

   

2023

   

   

Senate

   

Governor's reception.

   

House

   

   

Strolling Austin.

   

The Driskill opened in 1886.

   

It was so fancy it had, gasp, bathrooms in the rooms.

   

Now under the Hyatt umbrella, it retains its glory.

   

Congress Avenue is the spine of Austin.

   

On the famous Congress Avenue Bridge.

   

   

Then heading over Lady Bird Lake.

   

To a taco truck.

   

Then the day was cut short as Southwest messed up flights. Again.