I want your opinions, but first … In the December issue of Texas Highways, I explored a few places that serve some sweet pies - the kind that warms your heart in a way few foods can. Clearly unable to eat my way across Texas one slice at a time, there are some places that deserve mention that were not. For example, I received a few nice letters from readers willing to share. Rhonda Cagle of Glen Rose shared that she and her friend Jean Ford run the Pie Peddlers there. She says her pies are 100 percent homemade and absolutely delicious. I can’t wait to try it, myself. I also ...

I had dinner last week with Dallas friends who had read about Austin’s ever-burgeoning trailer-food trend. “Was this going on elsewhere?’ they wondered. And had I explored many of the trailers’ offerings? From what I understand, I told them, it’s primarily an Austin thing–at least in the sense that no where else has such numbers or diversity. Take your pick around town—we have everything from chocolate-covered bananas and cherry-stuffed donuts to Cuban sandwiches and vegan chili. And while I’ve enjoyed samplings from a handful of ...

With the impending launch of Space Shuttle Discovery’s last voyage (and end of the Shuttle program in early 2011), it was about time that I finally explored Space Center Houston , if only for a couple of hours during a short visit to Bay Area Houston last week. While I didn’t have time for the in-depth NASA Tram Tour or Level 9 Tour , I was able to focus my attention on several areas of the complex: Starship Gallery , which follows the progression of the Space Race from the 1960s through Skylab, complete with some of the actual capsules and equipment; the Astronaut Gallery , ...

With the impending launch of Space Shuttle Discovery’s last voyage (and end of the Shuttle program in early 2011), it was about time that I finally explored Space Center Houston , if only for a couple of hours during a short visit to Bay Area Houston last week. While I didn’t have time for the in-depth NASA Tram Tour or Level 9 Tour , I was able to focus my attention on several areas of the complex: Starship Gallery , which follows the progression of the Space Race from the 1960s through Skylab, complete with some of the actual capsules and equipment; the Astronaut Gallery , ...

As if the gorgeous autumn weather isn’t excuse enough to cruise the Hill Country … the 20th annual Fredericksburg Food & Wine Festival takes place this Saturday on the town’s Marktplatz (on the 100 block of West Main St.). Some 50 food and arts vendors and more than 20 Texas wineries—including Val Verde Winery, Fall Creek Vineyard, and Messina Hof—will be on hand, along with the sweet sounds of Texas musicians like Jeff Lofton. So listen, sip, and sample to your heart’s content! Texas Highways staffers will be there, too, sharing copies of the magazine ...

Every year around mid-October, when I receive that much-anticipated invitation to my friends’ annual Halloween costume party, I scramble around to various Austin thrift stores (and then dig through my costume bin) to see what sort of ridiculous outfit I can come up with. The stars must be in alignment this year, because I just got word that Cirque du Soleil—that Canadian-based, all-human theatrical circus that highlights grace and strength, with elaborate costumes, music, and sets–is bringing its new insect-themed touring show, Ovo, to Frisco and Houston in 2011. ...

A few years ago, after writing a story on the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin, I got the gardening bug, big-time. And since the only lawnmower I owned (and still own) was a rusty push-mower, I decided to till up my water-greedy Saint Augustine grass and turn my lawn into a giant native-plant garden. And now that the plants have matured, it’s a jungle of Lindheimer senna, agaves, Texas sage, butterfly bush, and dozens of other plants whose names I promised I’d never forget… but did. I’m not the most organized landscaper, it’s true. But in honor ...

In our November issue, we delve into the joys of traditional (and not-so-traditional) hot dogs, with a sidebar on New Braunfels’ upcoming sausage celebration–Wurstfest-which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.The fest, which takes place October 29 through November 7, features live music and dancing fueled by lots of German sausage and beer. And I just got word that the Wurstfest Association, the dedicated team of enthusiasts who have organized this popular event for the past half-century, will debut a 17 X 75-foot Wurstfest-themed mural on Monday, October 18, at noon. ...

Amy Sedaris with David Rakoff in the Cooking Tent promoting her book, "I Like You" in 2006. Little known tip: The humor and satire book events at the Texas Book Festival (this weekend, Oct. 16-17 at the Capitol) are as entertaining and hilarious as what you’d expect at a comedy club minus the hefty cover charge, rude hecklers, and the two-drink minimum. And you don’t even have to like books to enjoy the show. In recent years attending the fest, I’ve been regaled with such performances from the editors of The Onion (presenting clips and quips from “Our Dumb ...

Hello, there! It has been awhile since my last blog, and it’s good to be back! It’s Texas Wine Month, and I know what I’ll be doing this evening–cracking open a bottle of vino to celebrate this and other recent toast-worthy events. In my cabinet at the moment are several new-to-me bottles from East Texas’ Los Pinos Vineyard, as well as a few tried-and-true wines from Central Texas’ Alamosa Cellars, so I’ll have to see what sounds best when I get home. The Texas wine biz has grown tremendously in recent years, and now contributes more than $1.3 ...

Eastland sits next to Interstate 20, about 1.5 hours west of Fort Worth (and about the same distance east of Abilene). The town square — anchored by the Eastland County Courthouse — lies one mile from the Interstate, and just off the square, on Lamar Street, is where you’ll find the Majestic Theater. The city owns the theater and it shows current films four nights a week — Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Even if you don’t make time for a movie at the Majestic, take a few minutes to drive to the square and see the theater. Walk around the corner to visit ...

On this day in 1914, the city of Houston celebrated the deepening of the Houston Ship Channel to twenty-five ...

On this day in 1914, the city of Houston celebrated the deepening of the Houston Ship Channel to twenty-five ...