Taking Highway 6 South from Aggieland, then merging onto Interstate Highway 290, your first stop is Buc-ee’s. Skepticism may arise as you view the dozens of gopher (or maybe beaver) logos with intense overbites–until you look around, only to see a full carwash and vacuum service with sparkling gas pumps to boot. Inside, Buc-ee’s offers computers with Internet access, ATMs, aisles of pit stop essentials and bathrooms clean enough to host dinner parties.
“This place is cleaner than my own bathroom at home!” said Linda Dobbs, another traveler in awe of Buc-ee’s.
Before leaving, be sure to sink your newly-sprouted, gopher-beaver teeth into the scores of Buc-ee’s homemade snacks, including fudge, jerky and camo-flavored popcorn. Yes, camo-flavored popcorn.
After the gleam of your newly-washed car begins to fade and the reality of Houston traffic is starting to set in, look for the water tower of Goode Company Texas Barbeque just off of Northwest Freeway. Since its creation in 1977, the Houston landmark, Goode Company, has used only the freshest and best quality meats, breads and sides–everything is made from scratch by Goode Company at their central commissary–setting them high above other barbecue restaurants.
“We go the extra step,” said Jon Snell, manager of the restaurant. “Our whole concept is when you buy the best, cook the best and use nothing but the best, you’ll come out with the best.”
The place is a complete Texas museum in itself as the walls are covered with real artifacts and animal heads; old Texas country music dances through the rafters. Be sure to enjoy a brisket sandwich with homemade jalapeno cheese bread and BBQ sauce, homemade potato salad and a huge slice of pecan pie–homemade, of course.
Having experienced the twang of Houston, take the I-10 downtown exit to see the eclectic side of the city. For no charge at all, you can see one of only two freestanding Miro sculptures in the United States, right in front of the J.P. Morgan Chase Building on Travis Street, the tallest building in Texas. The sculpture by Joan Miro, a Spanish surrealist painter and sculptor, was dedicated in 1982 and continues to add a vibrant color pallet to the grey backdrop of the business world.
‘“Yeah, it’s pretty” said one rushed Houstonian.
After pondering its meaning and what it represents, you’ll notice that the statue is supposed to be a woman with things flying about her head. No one quite knows what the things are, perhaps not even Miro. Continue walking past the art, up the steps and enter the Chase Building for a free ride to the 75th floor, the Sky Lobby, for access to more abstract art and a beautiful view of the entire city. I suggest running toward the windows, then stopping just inches before the glass windows for the most incredible flying sensation. Don’t worry, the glass is super strong and there are guards everywhere. You know, to catch you if the unthinkable happens.
The road trip is winding down, but there is still one last important stop, perfect for the history buff. After getting back on I-10 east, take the Highlands exit and ride the ferry to the San Jacinto Monument. A jewel of Texas, it has been hailed by Guinness World Records as “the tallest monument column in the world.” It stands erect at 570 feet, topped with a Texas star. It represents victory in a fierce battle against Mexico on April 21, 1836, ending Mexican rule and extending America’s western border. Enrich yourself and take time to explore the museum, the picnic area, the historical films and yes, rides to the top. Who knew that Houston was home to such a vital piece of American history?