Watermelon Thump; Luling Texas

This post is fueled by my Texan Roots and Ozarka

I pulled up to her house at 8:32. Thirty-two minutes later than I said I would. Would you expect anythin’ less? After all, I work on Southern time. A joke I made many weeks back when I was visitin’ the East Coast and didn’t understand why everythin’ moved so fast. The whole riders on one side, walkers on the other when takin’ the METRO escalator in DC utterly blew my mind. What’s was the point of an escalator if you were just gonna run up it? No, really, I’ll wait for that answer. But, I digress. Happens a lot I suppose.

We loaded up the Ford ready to hit the open 35 road. Hill Country was to be our destination; I have much Texas to see in my quest to be #TravelinTexan (ya know my viral Texas bucket list... the basis of my blog) and not an inch of summer was to be wasted- perks of bein’ an educator.

I’d never been to Luling and didn’t realize we’d be so close to Austin. Okay, maybe I did but figured if I famed like I didn’t know Steph would be more likely to tag along. It worked.  To Luling we were headed. The Watermelon Thump to be specific. I could just taste the watermelon covered in salt as we hit the road outta town.

We stopped once. Could it really be a hill country road-trip if you didn’t “have a Kolache when you drive through West?” Shh, Steph doesn’t like Czech Stop so we hit up Slovacek West. I’d been there and either was fine for me. All the while I munched on Paqui Tortilla Chips. The health benefits and gluten free locals boasted on the package in hindsight made me smile. All I cared was that they were Texas Made and tasted good. I lathered in Yellowbird Sauce doin’ my best to stay awake durin’ the four hour drive.

We finally hit Luling Texas home of the famous Watermelon Thump. I stared at the sky darin’ the clouds... darin’ them to spout rain in my direction. My excitement was tangible. I needed all the watermelon in my belly and all the photos on my camera.  We roamed around with childlike innocence. Each experience and person a new adventure we wanted to savor before it was gone. 

I spent much of my time with one roamin’ question in my head: “Why Texas?” Truthfully, Ozarka wasn’t the first to ask this and I’m sure wouldn’t be the last. Seems every time someone new comes ramblin’ I’m asked what I love about Texas. I could fill pages upon pages the size of The Alamo. Honestly, it’s more than my birthplace, my state, my home. It is me.

It’s manifested in small town festivals such as Watermelon Thump.

And honestly It’ while I’ll never leave, why Texas will always be home. 

Luling Texas:
Population: Just under 6K
Location: San Marcos River just outside of Austin
Watermelon Thump: Always the last Saturday of June

Texas Products

So, if you didn't catch on by now Ozarka sent me a few Texas products to munch on. Y'all already know I'm all about shoppin' local. The ones posted above I took on my trip and munched out on.

Ozarka: That delish water comes from Texas obviously. Ya'know East Texas has my heart and so does the water. Plus they employ thousands of Texans. That's my kind of business.

 Snows BBQ: When I saw the BBQ sauce in the box I was to excited. Eatin' BBQ at Snows is on my #TravelinTexan list. So, until I can make it out that way the bottled sauce will now have to do. Did you know they are always on Texas Monthly BBQ list as the best in the state. Pause, Texas BBQ week starts the 10th of July. If you don't know about it then I'mma need you to get on it. Every year I spend almost every day eatin' BBQ with bestfran Sherry. Essentially some of the best places in the state team up with Texas Monthly to provide deals. If you are in Dallas I recommend Pecan Lodge, Lockhart's or Peggie Sue's. Everyone knows I stalk Lockhart's, but all are fine choices. And Lockhart's is right by Emporium Pies. Some of the best pies this side of the Trinity River. For those not near Dallas click here to find a place close to you participatin'.

Jelly Queens/ Taste Elevated: Now, I'll admit I'm new to Jelly Queens and Taste Elevated. But I can't wait to use some of the items on our 4th of July cook-out Monday. Be lookin' for that post and I'll go in more detail.


I'd love to hear from y'all. What makes Texas home for you. #Fromhereforhere