Texas, USA
01 Waco
02 west
03 Austin
04 Fort Worth
05 bars and food
01 WACO
Waco is a cute little town I had no idea about before meeting some cool Texan kids, in Italy.
What to do
Dr.Pepper Museum - A small museum that explains the history of soda and of course Dr.Pepper. I don’t suggest getting tickets for the actual museum. On the right, there is another building you can go to for free and get more information. They have tasters, shows, and interactive games. If you do feel like going into the museum get tickets on Groupon beforehand.
Magnolia Market - It is a cute shop with outside games and food trucks. There is also a bakery that is very famous and always has a line.
Riverside walk - Along the riverside, there is a path you can walk to see the nature side of the city.
Spic Village - A hipster Texas shopping center in an older building. It is really cute but very expensive.
Magnolia Market and empty silos.
02 WEST
West is a small town close to Waco. It is a lovely place to drive around and go into the backcountry. In the town itself there are several good restaurants but most importantly some great bars you should check out. In 2013 a Fertilizer plant exploded killing 15 people and whipped out a good part of the town. My friend, who was raised in West, told us stories about the accident happened. A girl he knew in High school lost her father that day. Close to the plant, there was a spot where some horses were tied up. He knew that the plant was going to explode, he tried to save them but was too late. All the firefighters on the scene were volunteers, and many of them lost their lives. The town has since then rebuilt but the Fertilizer lot is still empty.
03 AUSTIN
Austin is really cute. All around the city, they have artwork and events going on but my favorite part of our trip was spending time with ‘Austinites’ (thanks google). We spent a lot of time hilling in north Austin (Spicewood) playing games, sitting on porches, and drinking beer in typical American houses. To me, this was something you can’t get everywhere.
What to do
Barton Springs and Zilker Park - Absolutely stunning swimming hole located in a 350-acre park.
Go day drinking at outdoor bars you’ll meet lots of pubs and great people!
Farmers Markets Downtown - Look for Farmers Markets downtown sounded by big skyscrapers and cute shops surrounding.
GO TWO STEPPING!
Topgolf - You hit golf balls off the top of a build onto the field for fun. It was awesome. Normal people go there to drink and play with their friends.
The Domain - A big shopping mall.
04 FORT WORTH
All kinds of bars, restaurants, and hotels with the old time Texas feel. It still has the old style buildings right next to the cattle brands.
What to do
Rodeo - There are all kinds of events here so just check out what's going on when you are there.
Cow Walk - Twice a day they walk the long horns down the road.
05 BARS AND FOOD
Texas
HEB - It's a grocery store with everything... in bulk.
Buc-ee’s - The biggest gas station you will ever see. Full of everything you could ever need plus some.
Austin
Sour Duck Market - Fabulous food! Everything is good but I highly suggest the goat chilly.
Coppers Old Time BBQ - AMAZING! Communal eating with an upscale cafeteria feels. We were there when it was empty but I am sure when there are a lot of people that it is just a hoot.
Lick Honest Ice Creams - Some crazy flavors but my favorite was the Goat Cheese, Thyme & Honey.
You HAVE to try
BBQ - One thing that will blow your explications is the BBQ in Texas. It is something out of this world. I felt like my body was trying to die from the inside out after taste testing our way around the state. To reach this state of food coma get: beef rib, brisket (even if you normally don’t like this cut… it's way different), turkey, beans, mac & cheese, pickles, and white bread. The sides, such as white bread, are key to the whole meal.
Beer - Get the tall glass and see if you can finish it. A tall glass is actually one litter of beer. I can’t suggest one type because there are so many craft beers but you must drink beer if you are in Texas.