Counties visited: Somervell, Erath, Hamilton
Towns visited: Glen Rose, Hico, Hamilton
Roads driven: 144, 67, 281
“There are some beautiful things to see if you just take the time to see them” – Mom
First stop was the Cheerful Heart in Glen Rose. It is right on 67 and they were having a sale. It’s a great shop with tons of fun gifts, greeting cards, funky clothes for babies, tweens, teens and young moms and lots of eclectic jewelry. They also carry home decor and patio furniture. You should definitely check it out as this is the first of many boutiques in this area with great customer service.
We left Glen Rose, but if you have time, you should check out their downtown. There are a couple of cute shops and a place that serves nothing but pie — i know you’re wondering how i missed out on that, but we were on a mission to get to Hico.
As we were headed down 67, I noticed the sign for Loco Coyote. Now you must understand that the last time i went to Loco Coyote, it was a Friday evening and I was huuuunnngggrrryy and tired (a combo my brother tries desperately not to find me in) and we waited 2 hours so I didn’t leave with fond memories. Ya’ll have no idea how happy I am that we decided to stop. It was definitely worth going back. The food is outta this world and on a Saturday afternoon there was no wait!! Now I’m not guaranteeing you this same good fortune as it was a little after the lunch rush, but call it luck, we had no wait. The ribs weren’t ready yet, but if you go you should totally try them. Instead we split brisket, catfish, okra, beans and coleslaw. The flavorings were right on, the fish was right on, the bbq sauce …. well you can see where i’m going with this. For the true road tripper, you are used to eating in any type of establishment and relish the idea of sawdust floors and that’s great because that’s exactly what you get here. That and an outhouse. Oh and this is also where my mom saw brown paper towels for the first time. Aren’t you glad we’re taking her out more?
Hico — let me start by saying I have always had love for Hico. The best beautician in the state of Texas lives and works here so I’ve spent some wonderful afternoons talking, laughing and getting my hair done by Denise Addison. However I never knew how great the downtown shopping scene is. Maybe it happened sometime in the past couple years when I couldn’t make it to Hico for a haircut and dye because of the need to show up to an 8-5 in ft worth, but I am so happy to have discovered this hidden treasure.
First stop, serendipity — a resale shop owned by a sweet lady who is selling off her clothes, dishes and purses. I found a fun polyester dress that she wore to a TCU VS A&M game 30 years ago. Unfortunately, she was cheering TCU while her maroon dress was cheering for A&M.
UPDATE: Western Otter has moved to Santa Fe so you must check them out if you are out that way, BUT you can still check them out at their Etsy Shop. Next stop, Western Otter. This is sort of what tipped me off that there was something to see in Hico. They were featured in Southern Living and this shop is just about the coolest thing I have ever seen. Boots, cookbooks, turquoise jewelry, clothes and funky art. If this shop was a person, it would be james dean. It is so hip, so cool, so timeless.
Next stop, Blue Star Trading Co with ranch gear, clothing, furniture and some beautiful western art. This shop is proof that you haven’t wasted gas getting here.
Next stop, popcorn. any flavor, any color.
Homestead—if you love antiques, you owe it to yourself to see this shop. It’s a huge storeroom and I’m pretty sure they have some good connections as they have what appears to be the leftovers from a Catholic church for sale.
And here’s where the pie comes in – I know ya’ll knew it was coming- the Koffee Kup Restaurant. They’ve made all kinds of lists, all kinds of reviews and it’s true – they have good pie. I had coconut meringue (that was almost as good as my Aunt Cathy’s), my dad had black forest and my mom had a little bit of each because that’s just how my mom rolls and why she’s skinny. There are 16 flavors so obviously it’s a good thing I know that when I eat pie, I eat coconut meringue. Unless I’m at my granny’s. Then I eat pecan. And it’s the best pecan e-v-e-r, but I digress….. They also made us a fresh pot of coffee which means they are either good people or they’ve heard about my mom’s penchant for asking the people at Starbucks to make a fresh pot when we walk in the door. It’s how she rolls and I love her for it (and why I pretend I don’t know her while she asks).
At this point, it’s late in the day, shops are closing and it’s about time to go home, but my mom and I weren’t ready. My dad– maybe– but we kept going. You see how it works around here. So for the first 3 years of my life we lived in hamilton (notice I state it in years of my life. My parents lived there for more years, but I obviously don’t know how many because I’m still under the impression their life began with me). Anywho, Hamilton is a cute little town with a burger joint named Storms, a cute downtown and a beautiful courthouse. Obviously being 3 while living there leaves very few memories, but I still have some. I remember my first house, a poodle named pepper and the church where my dad preached. And one distinct memory I have is going to the Dutchman. This is where my mom would buy meat. It was about 10 miles out of hamilton and I can remember going there and getting candy sticks. Funny how our minds work. That I can hold onto those memories amazes me. Anyway, if you’re on 281, stop at the dutchman, get some peanut brittle and think about where you grew up. I hope it brings back some fond memories.
RoadTrippinTexas 