This article is sponsored by Tumbleweed TexStyles.
Small Texas towns, historical stops, and road-tripping is good for the soul when we’re lucky enough to venture out and explore. Not long ago I enjoyed a little Texas road trip by heading down I-35 to explore, eat —and eat a little more.
Even hours outside of Frisco, there were connections to our town you can’t help but notice. In the cannons at the Alamo, the cactus and bluebonnets decorating our highways, and in the unique shops, you can spot the inspiration behind many of the designs of Frisco-based biz Tumbleweed TexStyles.
All of their designs are creative and one of a kind, reflecting the “TexStyle” of our great state and the people who live here.
“TEXSTYLE” is the way in which a person expresses or exhibits their deep passion for Texas through fashion, music, attitude, and lifestyle.
Thoughts of exploring Texas along the I-35 corridor prompted me to check in with the co-founders and owners of TWT, Brian Wysong and Jeb Matulich – both native Texans who enjoy a good road trip.
Together they shared a glimpse into their favorite places on the road from Frisco to Waco, down to Austin and finally into San Antonio – many of which provided the inspiration for designs you’ll find at www.shoptwt.com.
They have so many favorite old haunts that you might need to make this trip more than once… Sounds good to us!
From Frisco to Waco.
To start your trip off right Brian suggests loading up with a morning coffee, taquito, or honey butter chicken biscuit at where else? Texas-based Whataburger, of course. Another tradition to fill your belly on the road headed south is the Czech Stop in the town of West, about an hour and a half from Frisco, right before you hit Waco. It’s a must-stop for kolaches. (Exit 353 – you’re welcome.)
For activities right off the Interstate in Waco, the Texas Ranger Museum and the Texas Sports Hall of Fame are worth your while. Head downtown to the Dr Pepper Museum for a fun history lesson about Texas’ favorite soft drink (and you get a sweet treat, too).
Everyone talks about Baylor or the Magnolia silos, but just on the other side of the railroad, you should stop at The Spice Village to shop for gifts, home goods, jewelry and clothes (including Tumbleweed TexStyles merchandise).
Ready for lunch and a beverage? Head to Guess Family Barbecue or George’s Bar in Waco. (This is starting to feel like a Pat Green song.) Once you’re fueled up and back on I-35, there’s a Buc-ee’s in Temple worth mentioning.
But even more, the Miller’s Smokehouse in Belton is a Texas Monthly Top 50 spot. Jeb says to get “The Big’un” sandwich!
The Daytripper World Headquarters is in Georgetown, just outside of Austin. Now that’s a ‘Bonafide Texplorer’ source you need to follow and watch to really catch that Texas culture.
If the adults in your party need a refreshing drink in the area, check out Mesquite Creek Outfitters for one of their 16 Texas craft beers on tap, a glass of Texas wine, and shopping for unique and high-end casual clothing — including our favorite Frisco-based Texas shirts and hats.
From there, be sure to swing by Roundrock Donuts for a donut that’s bigger than your head, and don’t miss Devil’s Backbone Tavern and Dancehall outside of Wimberly.
From Waco to Austin.
Another 90 minutes and you find yourself in the eclectic and outdoorsy city of Austin. There, be sure to see the famous bats flying out from the Congress Street Bridge, and then do some shopping. You can spot Tumbleweed TexStyles designs at Atown, Blue Elephant Boutique, and Tyler’s right across the street from the University of Texas campus.
Of course, you’ve got to find some live music in and around Austin. That’s part of the Texana feel, born from experiences listening to greats like Willie Nelson, Gary P. Nunn, and Charlie Robison.
Picture Jeb hanging out with Cross Canadian Ragweed during the Jason Boland and the Stragglers show at Stubb’s, or Brian finding himself at the YETI flagship store having a beer next to the band Portugal. The Man. when they were in town playing at Austin City Limits. Cheers to catching a show on your next trip.
Jeb recommends Central Texas BBQ and scratch-made sides at Micklethwait Craft Meats. Another Austin food suggestion: Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden serving up 30 house-made sausages and more than 200 beers on tap.
From Austin to San Antonio.
Need to pick up snacks or other essentials? In Central Texas, you must stop at the legendary HEB grocery store. It’s part of the tradition.
As you continue your journey south of Austin, be sure to spend a little extra time in Brian’s hometown of New Braunfels. Behold the deliciousness that is Herbert’s Taco Hut and be sure to check out the local breweries, live music, and float the Guadalupe river if the season is right.
Fun fact: Jeb and his wife, Carrie, and Brian and his wife, Hillary, tubed the river together and then saw Ryan Bingham, Jamestown Revival, and Steve Earl at Whitewater Amphitheater.
Landa Falls is another great place to spend the day tubing. Try the Comal River and the Riverbahn Riverwalk experience. Brian shares,
I’m inspired by so many things in my hometown area of New Braunfels. The old honky tonks, dance halls, Tex-Mex spots… The antiques and junk down there inspires me so much! The Marfa, Texas vibe also plays a role in design inspiration; that and the Big Bend region for the mountains and plants.
Make a note to get to one of Jeb’s favorite breweries, Guadalupe Brewing Co and try the Barrel Aged Scotch Ale and the Texas Honey Ale. (You can even buy and enjoy those frosty beers in a Tumbleweed TexStyles growler.)
The concert mentioned above is only one of the many memorable shows the Tumbleweed TexStyles team remembers at Whitewater. Old 97’s, Willie Nelson, and Turnpike Troubadours playing live for the TV show Texas Music Scene top their list for the venue, too.
Gruene Hall is a pillar of Texas music, with history and charm luring talented singers and songwriters since 1975. What shows have the Tumbleweed owners seen there? Flatland Cavalry, Wade Bowen (shout out to my hometown buddy since Kindergarten), Kelly Willis and Bruce Robison, Charlie Robison (multiple times), Hayes Carll (multiple times), William Clark Green, and Gary P. Nunn many times.
If these names don’t auto play some memories in your mind, go give some a listen and join the jam. Next door to Gruene Hall, pick up a TWT shirt at Gruene Haus to remember your epic trip.
Last but not least along the I-35 corridor about 5 hours from Frisco is San Antonio, where you’ll find history that sparked the inspiration for many a Tumbleweed TexStyles design. The Texas Towns shirts and the famed 1836 Texas border design (see Jeb draw it here) were creations born in the battles and heroes who started it all.
In front of the site of the Alamo sits a DeZavala monument. That awesome iconic star on popular TWT hats and shirts pays homage to Lorenzo de Zavala’s story and is a version of the Republic of Texas flag design. Jeb shares,
The old breweries of Lone Star and Pearl in San Antonio play a role in some of our ideas and looks as well. Not to mention the rich Texas revolution history in San Antonio with Alamo and the missions.
There’s something inspiring about hometowns and history. It’s woven into the Tumbleweed TexStyles brand and culture, and you can see it throughout Texas in the small town dancehalls, unique shops, and taco huts.
Enjoy your road trip!
Bonus TWT Road Trip Tip: You can always find Tumbleweed TexStyles goods at a Cavender’s or Buckle in DFW, Austin, San Antonio or Houston.
