Who Really Invented the Hamburger? A Texas Tale

According to more sources than I can list, the hamburger was invented by Fletcher Davis from Athens, Texas, in the late 1880’s and introduced at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis. “Uncle Fletch” is so beloved in Athens that they hold the Uncle Fletch Davis Hamburger Festival every September. In fact, the Uncle Fletch…

Headquarters Named Official Tiny House of Texas

As we come up on the 5th anniversary of the founding of How Big Is Texas, what better way to start the month of April? I am honored to announce on this special day that the Texas Legislature has named the Official International World Headquarters of How Big Is Texas as the OFFICIAL TINY HOUSE…

Farm to Table the Texas Way

Join me, Diann Bayes, founder and #1 Quester at How Big is Texas, as I take you on a journey through the vibrant landscapes and agricultural wonders of the Lone Star State. From the blossoming azaleas and wisteria in East Texas to the sprawling produce across various regions, discover the diversity and richness of Texas…

Taking the Ultimate Texas Quiz

It’s hard to believe it’s been a year and a half since we moved to east Texas and back to my ancestor’s old stomping grounds near Tyler. My husband Dan completed the Official International World Headquarters of How Big Is Texas. It’s designed after the store my great-grandfather owned in Troup, located a little more…

2024’s How Big Is Texas Best BBQ List

How It Started In January of 2022 when I was living in San Angelo, I polled my small group of followers on my How Big Is Texas Facebook page to find out their favorite barbecue restaurants in Texas. They came through with a couple dozen selections at the time. I followed that survey up with…

Mason Jars of Tea and Texas Music – That’ll Fix Anything

A few years ago, while I was driving to work, my radio was tuned to Sirius radio and various news stations, all telling their own versions of some truth. In just a few short minutes, I heard so much bickering, I had to turn it off. It was exhausting. Before you suggest your favorite news…

Why ‘Remember the Alamo’ Still Echoes in Texas

Texas Phrases Remember the Alamo! Remember Gonzales! Remember Goliad! If you’re a Texan, you moved to Texas, or you have family in Texas, you’ve likely heard at least one of these phrases, if not all of them, at some time in your life. Even if you have no connection to the Lone Star State at…

If Life’s A Beach, Texas Has You Covered!

I’m thinking of the many trips I have been blessed to take across the Lone Star State over the years. Several times, I’ve found myself on the Gulf Coast of Texas. I’ve enjoyed a long weekend with old friends, gone RVing with my husband and our dogs, and attended conferences for my job. After all…

From Paris to Trinidad—A Global Tour Through Texas

People have asked me why I refer to my headquarters, my home office, as the international headquarters. We are located in northeast Texas, surrounded by the piney woods. To help you better understand, I took an International Road Trip. International Road Trip I hopped in the car and took a two-day weekend to see the…

Introducing the How Big Is Texas Podcast

It’s been in my head for a while and it was time to make it happen. Check out my How Big Is Texas podcast. I’ll share my Texas stories and interview others who can tell you about the many things to see and do in the Lone Star State. I hope you’ll follow along. Click…