Handpicked in Texas: The Markets, the Memories, the Meals

My Farming History From my junior year in high school until my Senior year in college, I spent most of my summers working on our family’s farm in Livingston, Texas. After the school year ended, I spent my summer Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays picking, washing, and loading vegetables onto my uncle’s pick-up truck. On Tuesdays,…

Georgetown, Texas: A Guide to the Town Square and Beyond

This post is sponsored by Visit Georgetown. All opinions are my own. My friend Judy and I spent three days exploring Georgetown, Texas, in the middle of the week, something I highly recommend. Georgetown is a town of two different speeds. The downtown square is alive with shops, restaurants, and beautiful public spaces, while the…

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…

My How Big Is Texas 2025 Quests

I Do Not Resolve, I Quest!!! As resolutions go, I tend to fail dismally. You may be one of those amazing goal setters and not in the least bit familiar with making but, not keeping, New Year’s resolutions. Good for you. I’m this person, or at least I have been in the past. I purchase…

The 2024 How Big Is Texas Holiday Gift Guide

I’ve given many a generic gift card to friends and family over the holiday season and throughout the year for special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries. While it may be the easiest way to shop, nothing beats a well-thought-out present. I’ve been blessed to travel around the great state of Texas, so I thought I’d…

10 Places for SERENITY NOW in Texas!

Have you ever had one of those days when things seemed to be far more challenging than they needed to be? All you really wanted was a little bit of peace and calm. While it’s not always expected, it would be nice to be filled with a sense of serenity, but that doesn’t continually happen…

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…

My FAVORITE Story about Texas Pride

A few years ago, I was talking with a young woman over the phone and she stated she was from Texas. As a Native Texan, I asked her where she was born. She told me she was actually born in Virginia but moved to Texas when she was three months old. As we talked, I…