Cajun Culture in Port Arthur: A Texas Guide

This post is sponsored by Visit Port Arthur. All opinions are my own. What’s It Like to Be Cajun in Texas? What’s it like to be Cajun in Texas? Growing up in East Texas in the ’70’s and ’80’s, Cajun culture seemed a world away. We’d tie bacon to a string and catch crawfish, never…

10 Weird Texas Wonders

You’ve likely heard the phrases, “Remember the Alamo” or “Remember Goliad” and relate those to Texas. Have you ever heard of a beer-drinking goat? How about an art display located 10 miles from the nearest town? Or what about a replica of a Parisian sculpture that has been westernized? I give you my top 10…

Sharing My Love for Texas

As the #1 Quester at How Big Is Texas, I love sharing my memories of growing up across East Texas and the Panhandle. I also love to share family holiday traditions and the flavors of small-town life. I recount my 3,300-mile perimeter road trip and the Texas mountains I discovered. I discuss winter birding in…

The Texas Panhandle’s Unique Charm

Join me as I take you on a captivating journey through the Texas Panhandle, unraveling the untold stories and hidden gems of this often-overlooked region. From the awe-inspiring Palo Duro Canyon to the charm of Route 66, discover the rich history and unique attractions that make the Panhandle a must-visit destination. Delight in detailed anecdotes,…

Buc-ee’s: A Texas Wonder of the World

A few years ago, I came up with the idea of traveling around Texas and visiting all 34 of the Buc-ee’s stores in the Lone Star State. For those of you not familiar with Buc-ee’s, they are far more than a convenience store with fuel and snacks. Most are massive with at least 50 fuel…

Anniversary Celebration on the Gulf Coast of Texas

Join me as I take you on a journey through the captivating Gulf Coast of Texas. In this episode, explore the scenic beauty of the coastline, from the sandy beaches of Rockport and Port Aransas to the historical charm of Galveston Island. Discover the unique wildlife, including birdwatching opportunities and sea turtle hatchling releases. I…

Five Years of Exploring Texas

Join me on my journey through the vastness of the Lone Star State, celebrating the five-year anniversary of my first trip on my quest to answer the question, How Big Is Texas. In this podcast episode, I share the story of a remarkable nine-day road trip where Debra, Morgan, and I drove around the state’s…

9 Weird & Unusual Texas Stops

When you think of things to see in the Lone Star State, many people think of those iconic places like The Alamo in San Antonio, the Texas Capitol in Austin, or Palo Duro Canyon in the Panhandle. As a Native Texan, I love all of those locations but there’s something about the quirky and eccentric…

Brewster County: The Hidden Gem of Texas

Join me, Diann Bayes, the founder of ‘How Big is Texas,’ as I take you on an exciting journey through Brewster County, the largest county in Texas. In this episode, I share my love for Texas and highlight my experiences exploring this spectacular region. Discover the breathtaking landscapes of Big Bend National Park, the charming…

Willie’s Award at A Texas Walmart

Join me, Diann Bayes, founder of ‘How Big is Texas,’ as I take you on an enchanting journey through the beautiful landscapes and vibrant stories of Texas. In this episode, I share heartfelt anecdotes, including an unforgettable encounter with the legendary Willie Nelson. Delve into the story of honoring Willie Nelson in 2006 with the…