The tiny West Texas town of Valentine has the perfect name for a town that hosts an annual February tradition. When I took this photo about eight years ago, the sign read population 217, a number from the 1990 census that was never updated. Today, Valentine’s population hovers somewhere between 65 and 75 residents, give…
Category: things to see and do in Texas
My How Big Is Texas Top 5 for 2025
As we wind down 2025, I’ve been reflecting on this past year at How Big Is Texas. My hobby blog, photography, and social media posts are now my full-time job, along with consulting work I’m doing across the state. It’s exciting for me because now I can spend even more time sharing Texas with all…
Fall in Texas: The Ultimate Season
When it comes to the four seasons, not Frankie Valli’s band, (look it up if you’re under 50), but the actual seasons in the year, I always find Fall to be my favorite in Texas. Now that Fall has arrived, plan a road trip to experience the beauty of this time of year across the…
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…
Texas Sunrises & Sunsets: Stunning Photos & Views
As an amateur photographer, I understand the phrase “a picture is worth a thousand words,” especially when it comes to sunrises and sunsets. I’m blessed to have experienced many over my years in the Texas. While lots of folks I know like to sleep in, many of my photos show reasons why I choose to…
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…