Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Cedar Park, Texas to Kenedy, Texas

If you're looking for a scenic road trip through the Lone Star State, then traveling from Cedar Park, Texas to Kenedy, Texas is an excellent choice. This journey covers over 170 miles of rolling hills, endless skies, and charming small towns. The drive takes approximately three hours, but there are plenty of noteworthy stops along the way to break up the journey and make it all the more enjoyable.

Halfway Point: Luling, TX

Before diving into the five unexpected places to stop on this road trip, it's essential to highlight the halfway point. Luling, TX, is a charming town that's known for its oil industry history and world-famous BBQ. Visitors will find fantastic outdoor murals, antique shops, and a revitalized downtown district. But, undoubtedly, the highlight of Luling is the mouth-watering BBQ. Texas-style BBQ is a cuisine unlike any other, and Luling's City Market is the perfect place to grab a bite. Slather on some of their famous sauce, and you're in for a treat.

1. Lockhart, TX - The BBQ Capital of Texas

As mentioned earlier, Texas is well-known for its BBQ, and the city of Lockhart proudly claims to be the "BBQ capital of Texas." The town is home to four BBQ joints, each serving up their unique take on the Texas staple. A visit to Lockhart is a must for any meat lover, and Black's BBQ is the perfect place to start. The meat is slow-cooked to perfection and seasoned with a proprietary blend of spices. Located in the historic district of Lockhart, Black's BBQ is a must-stop destination.

2. Gruene, TX - Historic Dancehall and General Store

Gruene, TX, is a charming historic district located in New Braunfels. This small town is perfect for a leisurely stroll thanks to its quaint boutiques, restaurants, and shops. However, the true gem of Gruene is the Gruene Hall Dancehall. Built-in 1878, Gruene Hall is the oldest operating dance hall in Texas and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The dance hall plays host to some of the best live music acts in the state, making it an ideal destination for anyone interested in Texas music history.

3. Shiner, TX - The Home of Shiner Beer

If you're a beer lover, then Shiner, TX, is a can't-miss stop on this road trip. Shiner is home to the Spoetzl Brewery, which produces the famous Shiner beer. The brewery offers tours that provide an impressive insight into the beer-making process and a tasting room to sample the famous brews. The town also has a rich German heritage, which is evident in the town's architecture and street names. When in Shiner, visitors should stop by the local Tex-Mex restaurant and enjoy the perfect pairing of spicy food and cold beer.

4. Cuero, TX - Marvel at the Painted Churches

The city of Cuero boasts a fascinating history, and the town's painted churches are something to marvel at. These churches have breathtaking exteriors with intricate designs and patterns. Each church tells a story through the paintings, and visitors will be in awe of the skilled work. A visit to Cuero is not complete without taking in the rich history of this beautiful town and admiring the stunning architecture of the painted churches.

5. Yorktown, TX - The Home of Legendary Pies

The last stop on this road trip is in Yorktown, TX, a small town home to some of the best pies in the state. Visitors can stop by Murphy's Hometown Cafe, which is famous for its delicious pies. The pies are made fresh daily, and visitors will be spoiled for choice with a variety of flavors available. With its small-town charm, Murphy's Hometown Cafe is a great place to relax and take a break from the road.

Conclusion

All in all, this road trip offers travelers a chance to take in some of the uniquely Texan experiences. From indulging in real Texas BBQ in Lockhart to marveling at the Painted Churches of Cuero, this drive offers something for everyone. The journey takes roughly three hours, making it the ideal distance for a weekend getaway. So, embarking on this road trip is an excellent way to experience the best that Texas has to offer.