Stripes Breakfast Tacos & Coffee Waves

Lemme tell y'all about some Stripes. So Stripes is a Gas Station in South Texas. Y'all it's on every corner. You'll even find them across streets from each other. But their is a big difference my non-Texan frans who only clicked this post cause they wanna seem like non-tourist. If the Stripes has a star on it's logo on the buildin' it has the cafe and serves the famous breakfast tacos. If it doesn't it's just another gas station location. I know I just overwhelmed some of Y'all and you can't belive I'm gushin' about gas station food. But, that's one thing you'll learn in Texas. Texans love gas station food. And no I'm not talkin' QT serves food. I'm talkin' we love to put hole in the wall restaurants in gas stations and it's the best thing you'll ever experience.

I've been told I've never met a stranger. I can make a fran with anyone. Y'all anyone. It's a blessin' and a curse. But that's besides the point. Coffee is also another blessin' and curse in my life. While your visitin' Corpus you'll wanna do as the locals do. Nothin' to draw attention to yourself. Texans are some of the friendliest people you'll ever meet despite what the media tells ya. But, we don't take the kindest to tourist not wantin' to try our way of life. That includes local cuisine. Coffee Waves is the Coffee of South Texas. I know you just gotta have your Starbucks fix but don't do it. And truthfully you'll thank me afterwards. But, back to makin' frans. I made all sorts of frans as I waited for my coffee. And yes the conversation of Starbucks and how it's the Devil to many South Texans did come up. HA!

Selena

If I have to explain Selena to you, it goes beyond us not bein' frans. You cannot visit my State. You are not welcome. No, but seriously y'all. So, I know everyone wants to know about where she was murdered but I'll let y'all in on a little secret. It's a no-no. You don't just go to the hotel and look around. It's off limits unless you are a payin' customer who bought a room. I kid ya not. So, don't show up lookin' a mess and embarrassed when you are turned away and can't even get pass the front entrance. Texans down in South Texas still morn her death even 20 years later. She is their hope. She told their stories. She sang their songs. She let the world peek into a little untold section of South Texas. Got it? Good!

But, what you can and should visit is the famous statue for starters. And it's conveniently located on the Seawall. See what I did there. And yes's it talks to you in English and Spanish. Located close to the Gazebo from the famous washin' machine scene in the movie. And yes, Analisa, who came with us, is frans with the girl who played little Selena. They grew up together.

Her grave is also a must see. But, Y'all use some common sense and be respectful. That's all I'm sayin' on that.

Now, on to the museum. It's only 3 bucks and somethin' you need to get your behind too. No excuses. Did I mention Selena's fam is heavily involved in the museum and frequents more than they change undies? Instead of explain' the museum and how it has everythin' from her life I'll leave Y'all with this story from my FB page:

So we ran and got pics. Then this took place:

St. Andrew by the Sea
Y'all want the truth, or the story I tell my Momma? HA! Well, the church wasn't gonna happen this trip. Brunchin' and loungin' by the gorgeous pool our condo had were more concern. We happened to be loungin' by the pool when Sherry looked at her phone, glanced over at me and goes, "tomorrow is the day of Pentecost!" My response, "it is.." As we both immediately start lookin' up churches on our phone. Jesus said, "I'm showin' Y'all heathens."

Lemme stop this and say, "I ain't Catholic in the least bit. But I love me some Jesus and a good old' service celebratin' his loveliness." We realized our condo was down the road from St. Andrews. We woke bright and early that Sunday mornin'. Actually, it was late for me but that's besides the point. If the church wasn't grand enough the fact that we could hear the ocean in the background and walk over to it was. They even have an outside service when the Texas weather get's her life together. 

                                                                                           📷: Sherry B. Daniel

Snowballs or Fruteria San Luis

This is another one of those don't look at me crazy. Sadly, no pics. We were too focused on eatin'. You think you know snow cones. Naw, ya don't know snow cones until you've had the Mexican version in South Texas. They are made with condensed milk. Yes, Y'all, heard me right. Snowballs is the premier snow cone place in South Texas and if anyone tells you different you are allowed to,  "Bless their Heart", say "Oh hell no", or take away their sweet tea." Just tell 'em I said so. Need all that traffic I can get. But, seriously. 

Now, as for Fruteria San Luis. This is a placed you need your bottom too. This is one of those hidden gems you only know about if you live in South Texas. You'll never find it on a best or must list unless you are readin' here. Fruteria is a little Mexican place known for its Mexican fruit cups, smoothies, milk shakes, snow cones, sandwiches, Banana splits, etc. You'll want all of it to get in your belly.

Whew! Y'all made it to the end of this post. Good on Y'all. I now bestow on your a little Texas. You're not Texan yet so don't get too excited. But, you will stand out a little less on your next visit and honestly that's a great thing in the eyes of Texas. 

Yes, so many more things I could have added to the list. I know all my Texans are readin' the end shakin' their heads wonderin' were the pier, restaurants, museums, etc. are.  SHHH! I gotta keep 'em comin' back. Remember I need them page views. Gotta pay them bills.

As always, Y'all can find me on all social media @glitzngrits, and you can see all my other Texas travels usin' the hashtag #TravelinTexan on all social media. Till next time my frans when I give Y'all a meaty post entitled my letter to The South. Maybe if I type it here, I'll be more inclined to post it promptly.