Enjoy family dinner just like Grandma used to make
For the Sammons family, it is not just about the hunting during dove season. The food and fellowship are just as important. Mama Tom set this standard early on and perfected it with this hearty fried dove and biscuits recipe.
Yield: Serves 4 (about 12 dove breasts)
Ingredients:
For the Fried Dove Breasts:
12 dove breast filets (approximately 3 per person)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
1 cup whole milk (for the gravy)
¼ cup all-purpose flour (for the gravy)
Oil for frying (about ¼ inch depth in the pan, approx. ½ cup)
For the Cream Gravy:
Drippings from fried dove breasts
¼ cup flour (additional for gravy)
1 to 1½ cups milk (depending on desired gravy thickness)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
For the Fried Dove Breasts:
Prepare the Dredge: In a shallow dish, mix 1 cup of flour with 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, and ½ tsp garlic powder. Adjust seasoning to taste, if necessary.
Dredge the Dove Breasts: Coat the dove breast filets in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess.
Fry the Breasts: Heat enough oil to cover the bottom of a frying pan (about ¼ inch deep, using approximately ½ cup of oil). Once the oil reaches medium-high heat (around 350°F), fry the filets in batches, cooking for about 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown. Remove and drain on a paper towel.
Prepare the Cream Gravy: Leave about 2-3 tbsp of drippings in the pan. Stir in ¼ cup of flour and cook over medium heat for 2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in 1 to 1½ cups of milk until the gravy reaches your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the gravy thickens.
Below is a great biscuit dough recipe. The dough can be mixed together the day before. It’s super easy and delicious!
Angel Biscuits
5 c. flour
3 TBLS sugar
3 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
¾ c shortening
1 pkg. Dry yeast
½ c warm water
2 c. buttermilk
Instructions:
Combine all dry ingredients. Cut in shortening.
Dissolve yeast in warm water.
Add buttermilk and yeast/water mixture together and mix.
Cover and chill. I usually put the dough in big baggies to refrigerate.
Roll out dough, cut into biscuits, place on greased cookie sheet.
Bake at 400 degrees for approx. 12 minutes.
The dough will keep several weeks in the refrigerator.
Read more about the Sammons Family and their dove hunting tradition:
Inspired by the Stonewall–Fredericksburg community and the Vogel Family
When hunting season rolls around in the Texas Hill Country, kitchens start to fill with the smell of something special simmering on the stove. After a successful morning in the deer blind, nothing warms you up faster than a steaming bowl of homemade venison chili.
This recipe — shared by the Vogel Family and loved by the Stonewall–Fredericksburg community — is a true taste of Hill Country tradition. It’s simple, hearty, and made to feed a hungry crew. Whether you’re gathering around the fire at deer camp or serving up dinner on a chilly evening, this venison chili delivers bold flavor and that perfect slow-simmered comfort.
Ingredients
2 pounds ground venison
1 medium onion, chopped
⅔ cup bacon drippings (or substitute with vegetable oil or olive oil)
3 tablespoons chili powder
3 tablespoons flour
1 cup tomato sauce
2–3 cups broth or water (enough to cover meat mixture)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1–3 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
Instructions
Brown the Venison Heat bacon drippings (or oil) in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the ground venison and cook until browned, breaking up the meat as it cooks.
Add Onion & Seasoning Stir in the chopped onion, salt, pepper, and garlic (if using). Cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Season with Chili Powder & Flour Sprinkle in the chili powder, stirring well to coat the meat and onions. Slowly add the flour, mixing until it’s fully incorporated and begins to darken slightly — this helps thicken your chili later.
Add Tomato Sauce & Liquid Pour in the tomato sauce, then add just enough broth or water to cover the meat mixture. Stir to combine.
Simmer Low & Slow Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer gently for about 1 hour. Stir occasionally and add more liquid if needed to keep the chili from getting too thick.
Taste & Adjust Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or chili powder if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Ladle into bowls and serve with cornbread, tortilla chips, or even over a baked potato. For extra flavor, top with shredded cheddar, diced onions, or a dollop of sour cream.
The Texas Wildlife Association (TWA) and Colorado River Land Trust hosted another incredible afternoon at the 3rd Annual Knockout Clay Shoot, and it did not disappoint. With over 30 shooters in attendance, the event brought together great company, a little friendly competition, and plenty of fun overlooking the historic Trigg Ranch in Bastrop County.
A Unique Setting
There’s no better backdrop for an afternoon outdoors than the Trigg Ranch. Established in 1847, this six-generation working cattle ranch sits along the Colorado River and provided the perfect setting for clay shooting, camaraderie, and connection with Texas’ sporting traditions. We are so grateful for the Trigg Family including Marshall and Brittani, for opening up their ranch for this annual event.
Highlights from the Day
The event kicked off with check-in and a safety briefing before participants hit the “range” for open clay shooting. The real excitement came during the “knockout” game, where shooters went head-to-head for bragging rights and some great swag.
In true Texas style, winners didn’t just walk away with prizes—they took home custom belt buckles, a trophy worthy of showing off at the next big event. The top shooters of the day also earned the grand prize, proving their skills among a field of tough competition.
Food, Fellowship, and Fun
After the shooting wrapped up, participants gathered for a catered BBQ dinner- thanks Southside BBQ – and cold beverages, generously provided by our friends at Busch Light and Twisted X. It was the perfect way to cap off a day of marksmanship, laughter, and community.
Why It Matters
Beyond the fun, the Knockout Clay Shoot supports TWA’s Adult Learn to Hunt Program (ALHP), which introduces new hunters to Texas’ proud outdoor heritage and equips them with the skills to enjoy hunting safely, ethically, and sustainably. Partnering with Colorado River Land Trust, the event also helps highlight the importance of conserving Texas’ working lands and wildlife habitat.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 3rd Annual Knockout Clay Shoot! We’re already looking forward to next year’s event and can’t wait to see who takes home the top prize in 2026.
By: Lauren Crosby | Article Photos: Jonathan Vail
We turn off Texas State Highway 87 onto a long, narrow caliche road. As we drive further, the dirt surrounds the truck as if entering a haboob in West Texas. We pass numerous mesquite trees, prickly pear and even catch a glimpse of a roadrunner scurrying by. I start to hear hounds barking loudly, which means we’ve arrived at the ranch. We pull up to the homestead and park next in line after the tenth or eleventh vehicle. I make sure to grab the case of beer from the truck bed as we all jump out of the truck because we know you don’t show up empty handed. I immediately smell the assortment of smoking meats wafting from the pit, accompanied by large smiles and hugs coming to greet us. At that moment, I know it’s officially dove season.
The Sammons family has owned and managed Texas land since the early 1900’s. Tom and Mary Lee Sammons, fondly known as Papa Tom and Mama Tom, purchased this special property west of Brady in McCulloch County in 1990. Together with their children—Larry, Tom, and Bernice Lee—they raised cattle and sheep while perfecting their shooting skills.
The Sammons’ practiced shooting every spare moment of the day. Mama Tom and Papa Tom both shared a love for ranching and shooting, so they taught their kids a thing or two about both. When it came to aim, Mama Tom would consistently outshoot her boys, which is no surprise given she served on the Trinity University shooting team.
The family has always been avid hunters. In Central Texas, there is an abundance of White-tailed deer, turkeys, and coyotes, but there was always something particularly special about the White-winged dove. Hunting dove became more of a social sport, and that’s just how the Sammons liked it. Unlike deer hunting where you wake up before dawn and stay extremely quiet in a blind, dove hunting can start late afternoon and the word “bird” can be heard from a pasture away.
For decades, the Sammons have made it a time-honored tradition to get together opening weekend of dove season. Whether you’re immediate family, a neighboring landowner or a close friend, all were welcome to this annual event. Because that’s who the Sammons are. A family full of hospitality, sharing their knowledge and passion for the ranch and the outdoors.
At an early age, my family and I were welcomed to the ranch for the dove season festivities. I started out as a glorified bird dog because I was not yet ready to “hold my own” with a shotgun. They would shoot, and I would retrieve, along with the basset hounds and German short-haired pointers. Now as an adult, I finally felt ready to be a part of the action. Mama Tom and Papa Tom’s youngest son, Tom Sammons, took the liberty of coaching me through my first hunt. As a father to competitive shooters, he knew just what to say to ease my nerves. “Get ahead of the bird and keep your gun moving,” Tom tells me as the dove begin to fly over me. Once I started relaxing and having fun, birds fell from the sky.
Though Mama Tom and Papa Tom have passed, their children carry the tradition forward—Larry on the grill, Tom leading the safety briefing, and Bernice Lee preserving family memories through scrapbooking. Each child bestowing their unique wisdom to the next generation.
Larry Sammons, the eldest son, is the man behind the meat. Whether it swims, runs, or flies, any food prepared can be mistaken for five-star cuisine. Tom can be referred to as the “savior of safety.”
He rallies the troops for a thorough safety briefing (and a damn-good prayer) before everyone disperses across the ranch to their posts. And Bernice Lee has been the accredited historian from day one. Her passion for scrapbooking has transformed the family’s memories into cherished works of art.
Both boys, who currently live on the property with their wives, now have the pleasure of teaching their grandchildren hunting and ranching as their parents did decades ago. “The ranch is such a special place because of all the memories linked to it – not only fun memories of family and friends, but also memories of hard work and sacrifice,” Larry said. “It’s like the ranch is one of the core building blocks of the person we became. It nurtured our values, beliefs and the family we created.”
“It’s like the ranch is one of the core building blocks of the person we became. It nurtured our values, beliefs and the family we created.”
Larry Sammons
Family members have moved to all edges of the country (Montana, California and Wisconsin to name a few), but that doesn’t stop them from coming back to Texas for the family gathering. Children may miss a holiday or two, but they never miss opening day at the Sammons ranch.
“We’re not worried about Christmas parties, or which in-law has Thanksgiving.” Bernice Lee explains. “We come together for Labor Day to enjoy each other and to catch up on the good, the bad, and the ugly. Steeped in tradition, the heritage, stories, and ambiance give the understanding that through time, we all remain together as a family.” You know the next generation is enthusiastic to continue the family tradition when the grandkids are the first to volunteer to clean the birds from Mom and Dad’s hunt.
Don’t get too fancy with your attire – the birds don’t care what you wear!
Take a dominant eye test
Aim and shoot for only one bird (AND go get it)
Be aware of all hunter’s locations and watch your shot
Stay hydrated – there’s plenty of time to “have fun” after the hunt
Owning a ranch in Texas is about more than just land. It’s about heritage, open skies, and a way of life worth protecting. But it can also be a source of income – a way to support your land and legacy without compromising the values that make it special.
Whether you’re looking to diversify your revenue or make the most of what your land has to offer, here are a few creative ways to bring in income while keeping your place working and wild.
1. Turn Your Place into a Guest Ranch
People from all over are looking for authentic Texas experiences. Hosting guests for weekend getaways, family vacations, or even “working ranch” stays can be a great way to generate income. You don’t need fancy lodging or a big operation – just a few cozy rooms and genuine Southern hospitality can go a long way.
Landowners are dipping their toes into glamping, short for glamorous camping – a growing trend that offers travelers the beauty of the outdoors with a few more comforts than a sleeping bag. Some landowners are setting up canvas tents, portable restrooms, and string lights for weekend getaways or special events.
Others are listing primitive campsites through sites like Hipcamp or Tentrr. This is a flexible, seasonal option that doesn’t require permanent structures or big investment.
Offer trail rides, ranch tours, or just a quiet place to unplug under a star-filled sky. Experiences like catching a fish in a stocked pond or hiking to the top of a canyon can leave lasting impressions – and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the land itself.
2. Partner with Explore Ranches
Explore Ranches is a unique platform that connects travelers with private landowners who want to share their property in a thoughtful and sustainable way. Unlike other rental platforms, Explore Ranches only features ranches, meaning your listing won’t get lost in a sea of vacation homes.
“When people come to the Explore Ranches site, they are looking for something specific,” says co-founder Allison Ryan. “It’s the experience—not just a place to stay.”
Founded by landowners, Explore Ranches was created to help families keep ranches intact and offer non-consumptive hospitality stays that provide financial support while preserving legacy and conservation values. “As we move through this next generational transfer of land,” Ryan explains, “keeping families connected to the history of their ranch will be key in keeping it from being broken up into smaller tracts and sold.”
Landowners maintain full control over availability and pricing. “We ask for a minimum of 18 nights a year,” Ryan says, “so there’s a lot of flexibility to ensure the family still gets plenty of use out of the property.” The platform also emphasizes conservation and works only with landowners who share those stewardship values.
“You don’t care about the things you don’t know about,” Ryan adds, “and you don’t protect the things you don’t care about. It starts with the experience.”
3. List Your Property with BirdDog for Hunting Access and More
If you’re open to the idea of leasing your land for hunting but want structure, security, and support, BirdDog might be the perfect fit. This tech-enabled platform helps landowners monetize their land through guided hunts, short-term leases, and much more.
“BirdDog is building something that hasn’t existed before,” says Michael Cotter, Chief Revenue Officer. “It’s a platform where landowners can manage and monetize their property with purpose and on their terms.”
BirdDog simplifies what used to be informal, often uncertain handshake agreements and replaces them with a streamlined system that includes built-in legal protections, integrated payment tools, and customer vetting. “We give landowners the ability to create listings with clear pricing, custom rules, and scheduling tools that allow them to maintain full control of who accesses their land, when, and how.”
The flexibility is a major selling point. Landowners can choose from a variety of access models from day hunts to corporate packages and still maintain personal use of the land. For example, Andy Vaughn of Circle V Ranch in Cisco, Texas, brought in over $60,000 in additional revenue through BirdDog in one year, all while keeping his lifestyle and conservation goals intact.
And BirdDog doesn’t stop at hunting. The platform already supports a suite of monetization strategies including carbon credits, farming leases, and tax deduction tools like Section 180, transforming underutilized land into a high-performing asset, economically and ecologically.
4. Offer Guided Horseback Rides
If you already have horses and scenic trails, guided horseback riding presents a meaningful way to share your land while generating steady income. It’s a low-impact business with high guest satisfaction, offering visitors an immersive way to experience wide-open landscapes, native wildlife, and the quiet rhythm of ranch life.
Across Texas, successful guest ranches have built strong reputations by offering everything from one-hour scenic rides to full-day adventures. Some even take it further with upscale options, like sunset rides that include drinks and charcuterie or multi-day treks that combine riding with storytelling and backcountry comfort. Visitors and guests often yearn for well-guided, authentic experiences that connect them to the land in a tangible, memorable way.
Horseback riding is not just about the ride – it’s about creating moments of awe and connection, whether it’s trotting through wildflower meadows or pausing at a hilltop overlook. For ranchers, it’s a way to diversify income while sharing a tradition that’s deeply tied to Texas heritage.
5. Raise Exotic or Heritage Animals
Ranching exotic species such as axis deer, blackbuck, gemsbok, kudu, impala, nilgai, and red stag offers a distinctive pathway to diversify income streams, and it’s rooted deeply in Texas ranching history.
As the Texas exotic game industry has grown into amulti-billion dollar sector, privately owned high-fenced ranches now provide year-round hunting and breeding opportunities that align with conservation, economic, and land use goals. Exotic animals, categorized as livestock rather than wildlife, can be hunted all year long removing a barrier faced by native species like whitetail deer.
Landowners such as Aden Lasseter of Caveman Wildlife highlight the ecological and financial benefits: “These animals eat a whole lot less grass and typically drink less water. If we were running cows, we have to haul out a lot more water.”
Texas breeds a wide variety of these animals, which have adapted surprisingly well to local landscapes. Exotic hunting operations typically employ “safari-style” methods using off-road vehicles or elevated platforms to offer immersive, guided experiences with intentional conservation oversight.
Consider exotic and heritage species not only for the novelty, but as part of a bigger stewardship story where land health, legacy, and financial resilience coexist.
Keep It Wild, Keep It Working
Every ranch is different, and so are the ways you can use it. The key is finding income opportunities that align with your values, match your land’s capacity, and help you keep it in the family for generations to come.
Whether you’re offering lodging under the stars, sharing your land with responsible hunters, or tapping into smart tools for maximizing your land’s value, there are more options than ever to earn income without losing your connection to what matters.
At Colorado River Land Trust, we’re here to support landowners who care deeply about their land and want to make it last. If you’re thinking about long-term stewardship or want to explore what’s possible, let’s talk.
Whether you’re planning a weekend hunt this fall, an inland or coastal fishing trip, or just need to restock a few ranch essentials, gearing up with the right supplies makes all the difference. From small-town mercantiles to family-run outfitters in the urban sprawl, the Colorado River watershed is filled with unique and trusted gear shops with helpful staff and must-have essentials.
These stores have bucked the trend that shuttered so many of Texas’ old-time general stores. While others gave way to shrinking rural populations or swapped practicality for kitsch, these spots have held their ground quietly resisting the pull of chain stores and curated tourist traps. Rather than clearing shelves for antiques and novelty trinkets, they’ve stayed true to their roots, offering a little bit of everything: minnows and worms, fishing tackle, propane, coffee, cold beer, hamburgers, groceries, children’s toys, camping gear, and the kind of local wisdom you won’t find on Yelp.
They’re still the kind of places where you can grab a hot meal, a bag of ice, and a few rounds of ammo — all in one stop.
Supporting these local businesses not only prepares you for your next adventure but also helps keep our Texas outdoor heritage alive.
A Texas institution since 1960, McBride’s is one of the most respected firearm shops in Central Texas. Their knowledgeable staff and wide selection of rifles, shotguns, optics, ammunition, and accessories make this a must-visit for serious hunters. The team includes longtime Central Texas hunters — ask for their advice on deer calibers or wild hog stand setups. Local legend has it the late founder once hand-inscribed every firearm’s serial number in the old register by candlelight during power outages.
Located just off Highway 87 across from the iconic “Welcome to Brady” buck sign, Brady Outfitters is a one-stop shop for hunters, ranchers, and outdoor enthusiasts in the Heart of Texas. The store is well-stocked with firearms, ammunition, deer feeders, blinds, fencing supplies, and morenmaking it a practical stop whether you’re prepping for deer season or outfitting your property. Friendly staff, solid gear, and a central Texas location make it a reliable hub for locals and road-trippers alike.
If you’re angling for trophy bass at O.H. Ivie Lake, this place is essential. Locally owned and stocked by real fishermen, they know exactly what works on those waters. The store has a little bit of everything—even lodging for anglers, hunters, and lake enthusiasts. Among the shelves, you’ll find tackle, bait for world-class bass fishing, beer, ice, snacks, and BBQ sandwiches that hit just right after a day on the water.
Just steps from the Gulf, this Matagorda fixture –first opened by O.B. Stanley and now run by the third generation — caters to anglers and beachgoers alike. Stock up on fishing tackle, coastal apparel, bait, snacks, and cold drinks before heading out for redfish or flounder on Matagorda Bay.
Equal parts quirky outpost and essential supply stop, the Bend General Store has you covered for last-minute camping needs, snacks, cold beer, and a dose of small-town charm. It’s perfect for those venturing to nearby Colorado Bend State Park located just down river from Bend General Store. Anglers are especially drawn to Bend in early spring when the sand bass travel upriver from Lake Buchanan to spawn.
On weekends, you’ll often find live music and friendly locals gathered out front.
Weinheimer & Son in Stonewall has been a trusted stop for locals and travelers since 1906, making it one of Texas’ oldest continuously operating general stores.
Still family-run, this Hill Country staple offers everything from groceries, fresh meat, and workwear to hardware, hunting gear, and livestock supplies—all under one roof. Known for its motto, “If we don’t have it, we’ll get it,” Weinheimer & Son blends old-fashioned customer service with practical, everyday essentials, preserving a true piece of rural Texas heritage just off Highway 290.
Local Tip:
Many of these shops are more than just places to buy gear — they’re community hubs, where you can swap stories, get local tips, and connect with fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Gear up local, and you’ll be better prepared — and more rooted in the land you love.
Thanks to a renewed interest in historical preservation and Western culture, Texas’s most iconic establishments are thriving once again
By Laurel Miller | Article photos by Erich Schegel
In the early years of Texas statehood, immigrants- notably of German and Czech heritage- flooded to the state, attracted by cheap land prices, or to escape political and religious persecution. These pioneers found themselves in a foreign land with an often-inhospitable climate and landscape, and thus forging community and retaining their cultural traditions became paramount in helping them adapt.
Under the oaks, the lore of Luckenbach has brought music lovers and musicians together for decades.
The dance hall, that most Texan of establishments, was thus borne of isolation and homesickness. While their primary function was to serve as a gathering place to engage in the dance and music of their respective immigrant communities and pass these traditions on to younger generations, dancehalls also had numerous social functions.
“They were the place to celebrate birthdays, funerals, weddings, and so much more,” says Michael Miller, general manager of Albert Dance Hall in Albert-Stonewall.
In rural areas, “dance halls were the original community centers, and still function that way today,” adds Stephanie McDougal, co-founder of Texas Dance Hall Preservation (TDHP), a non-profit dedicated to preserving and promoting the state’s historic halls. “For many communities, dancehalls are where you go to vote, attend prom, fundraisers, baby showers, and take shelter in emergencies. The big problem is that our population is increasingly concentrated in urban areas, and if communities lose their dancehalls, they lose part of what binds them.”
“These halls are so much more than a dance floor. They represent our history as Texans.”
Michael Miller, general manager of Albert Dance Hall
McDougal says that while there were roughly 1,000 dancehalls in Texas at their peak, it’s unknown how many still exist. “We’re still doing the research to identify halls and where and why they were located. In the late 19th to early 20th century, nearly every community had a dance hall or dance platform.” The structures varied in architectural style and building materials, but they shared a common goal: bringing people together.
While the German and Czech venues of Central Texas have garnered the most attention, dance halls were found throughout the state. McDougal notes that they were less common in East Texas, which was heavily Baptist and thus forbade drinking and dancing. Black-owned halls also existed, including the recently restored Eldorado Ballroom, which opened in Houston’s Third Ward in 1939.
South Texas was home to many Mexican halls, also known as ballrooms or salones, including Victoria’s 97-year-old Club Westerner, currently owned and operated by James Villafranca and his five siblings. While the original owner was not of Mexican descent, Villafranca’s father, John, started leasing the hall in 1956 to put on Sunday dances for the Hispanic community.
In 1965, John purchased the business and young James, and his siblings grew up working at Club Westerner. “It’s in our blood, and our love of live music is embedded in our spirit,” says Villafranca. “While most of our functions now are private parties, we still have about six public dances a year.”
Like Club Westerner, Blanco’s Twin Sisters Dance Hall generates most of its revenue as an event space, but its public dances, held the first Saturday of every month, make it a destination as well as one of the oldest continuously operating dance halls in Texas.
Built in 1879 by German immigrant Max Krueger, Twin Sisters is now owned and operated by a 501 C3 volunteer board of directors and members. Blanco native and board president Jo Nell Haas, learned to dance at Twin Sisters and even met her husband there. “We took our children there- they slept on a pallet under the table,” says Haas. “Two of our girls and their families now volunteer at the hall, as well.”
In her role as president, Haas has also experienced hardships familiar to those who own and manage dancehalls. In 2021, the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) proposed widening SH 281, which would have necessitated relocating the hall. “I told them, ‘Over my dead body,’” says Haas. “There were days we nearly closed the doors, but TDHP was a big help, offering encouragement and help with resources (insurance, attorneys, restoration specialists), grants, and public relations among other things.”
Ultimately, Twin Sisters and much of the surrounding area was declared a Rural Historic Landscape, which protects the hall from being moved or torn down.
Gruene Hall in Gruene, Texas bills itself as “the oldest continually run dance hall in Texas.” Built in 1878 by Heinrich Gruene, the iconic music venue features mainly country music and singer songwriter performers.
While some halls have been relocated or recreated in more contemporary structures, Haas believes that they’re impossible to replicate. “You lose the total history of a place when a hall closes. You can’t replace those 1800s boards; if those walls could only talk.”
Albert Dance Hall, near Fredericksburg, opened in 1922. While the town of Albert, a former stage stop, no longer exists, Miller agrees that historic dancehalls need to simultaneously hold on to their heritage while finding new ways to generate revenue.
“Dance hall culture has had to evolve drastically over the past century,” he says. “It’s been commercialized in many ways, bringing in people from outside of the respective community to experience something new and exciting. It’s a tough balance to maintain, because (halls) are central pillars to the surrounding community, but they also need to grow and prosper in a growing, ever-changing society.”
Two Tons of Steel play Two Ton Tuesdays at Gruene Hall every summer.
The decline of the dance hall and a new era
After World War II, returning veterans sought community and camaraderie through membership in fraternal organizations, many of which owned lodge halls. But “the population of Texas has been shifting from rural areas to cities since the end of the war, and declining and aging rural populations leave fewer people to manage and support dance halls,” says McDougal. Those demographics and changing tastes in music led these venues to wane in popularity by the 1970s.
Interest in cultural heritage and dancing has once again revived the interest in dance halls. McDougal attributes some of this to the rise of social media, which enabled halls to build audiences beyond their local communities, but she also believes that younger generations are seeking authentic experiences, “and there’s nothing more authentically Texan than a dance hall.”
Today, many halls are thriving, like Austin’s family-owned and -operated Broken Spoke, established in 1964. While it’s now surrounded by urban development, the hall has managed to maintain its heritage, as have other historic venues still in operation, like The Sons of Hermann halls in Dallas and San Antonio, SPJST 88 in Houston and Moravian Hall in Corpus Christi.
Formerly vacant rural halls have also been restored, like Hye Hall in Blanco County and Schneider Hall near Columbus, which has been continuously owned by the same family and now operates as a successful wedding venue.
While dance halls still face considerable hurdles, the current level of public support will hopefully help them stay open and operating for many years to come. “They represent a different time and places,” says Miller. “A love letter to past and future generations.”
Waltz across Texas
Dance halls have influenced various musical genres like Texas swing, honky tonk, conjunto, and Tejano, which are the cross-cultural hybrids of early influences like polka and hillbilly music. The venues also served to launch the careers of iconic artists like Willie Nelson, Townes Van Zandt, and George Strait.
Even today, playing iconic venues like Luckenbach or Gruene Hall are considered a badge of honor by musicians. “Dance halls are where Texas music is nurtured and allowed to grow,” says McDougal. “It gives musicians a good training ground to hone their craft, and they support bands that do the dance hall circuit.”
“Texas music and dance halls are, culturally, just as important as cowboy hats and horses. We’ve performed all over the world, and nothing compares to being onstage in an old Texas dance hall.”
Kevin Geil, Front Man of San Antonio’s Two Tons of Steel.
Many dance halls also offer dance lessons, to help maintain heritage and culture and hopefully gain new patrons. Dancing isn’t required, however; the beauty of the modern dance hall is its ability to bring a diverse crowd together for a good time. “Texas music and dance halls are, culturally, just as important as cowboy hats and horses,” says Kevin Geil, front man of San Antonio’s Two Tons of Steel. “We’ve performed all over the world, and nothing compares to being onstage in an old Texas dance hall.”
Preserving the past
Today, some dancehalls are owned and operated by cities or non-profits who rent the space for events. “Part of our job at TDHP is doing feasibility analysis and making people aware of what the possibilities are,” says McDougal. “We need to speak a lot of languages, because we work with architects, engineers, builders, and public city officials.”
The organization also serves as a cheerleader, encouraging owners and providing assistance in the form of seed grants for hall preservation, or facilitating architecture partnerships. During the pandemic, TDHP was able to provide a relief fund to 32 halls, by paying utilities and building insurance for six months.
“Owning a hall is very hard, and maintaining a historic building is very isolating. It’s a lot of work and a lot of these places are family-owned,” says McDougal. “But the future looks brighter. We’re in a strong period for dance halls and the community support is strong- it’s in a Texan’s DNA.”
To make a donation, visit texasdancehall.org.
By Laurel Miller
The pecan has- if you’ll pardon the pun- deep roots in the South and Southwestern United States. And, while Texas is the nation’s third largest producer of the sweet, buttery nuts, after New Mexico and Georgia, only the Lone Star State can claim it as state tree, a designation made in 1919.
“Texas is also the only state of the top three producers where pecans are a native crop,” says Blair Krebs, the executive director of the Texas Pecan Growers Association and publisher of Pecan South Magazine. “So many Texans have an emotional connection to pecans. For me, it was watching my grandfather hand crack shells while talking to the family or eating my grandmother’s pecan pie.”
Adds Kristen Millican of Millican Pecan in San Saba, “A lot of us grew up with a pecan tree in our own, or our grandparent’s yard, and pecans are also synonymous with the holidays in Texas. Those feelings of nostalgia have a way of creating traditions that are passed down.”
“A lot of us grew up with a pecan tree in our own, or our grandparent’s yard, and pecans are also synonymous with the holidays in Texas. Those feelings of nostalgia have a way of creating traditions that are passed down.”
The pecan’s history in Texas predates mankind, however. In San Saba, the self-proclaimed “Pecan Capital of the World,” fossilized nuts from the banks of the Colorado River are estimated to be up to 65 million years old. The wild pecan trees (Carya illinoisnensis) currently found throughout parts of Texas can be up to 200 years of age; these native nuts are typically smaller and more intensely flavored than their modern hybrid counterparts.
Wild pecans were a crucial food source for early indigenous peoples like the pre-Columbian Coahuiltecan [the word “pecan” is derived from the Algonquin “pacane,” a nut necessitating a stone to crack its shell] of South Texas. Pecans were also an important source of trade amongst indigenous communities, which expanded their growing region: the continent’s “Pecan Belt” stretches from northern Mexico to northern Illinois.
While pecans aren’t the only major tree nut indigenous to North America, they are the only widely commercially cultivated native nut. According to Pecan Technology author C.R. Santerre, the earliest known plantings can be attributed to Spanish Colonists in northern Mexico. By the late 19th century, pecans were being propagated using grafting methods, in which rootstock from one tree is fused with a shoot, or scion, from another.
Pecans are also a sustainable crop. They’re wind pollinated, and have lower water needs than some tree nuts, such as almonds. Millican, whose family grows Pawnee and Cheyenne pecans as well as Natives, notes that the latter are the most sustainable type of pecan because they can withstand extreme temperatures and drought, and still produce a crop.
But, while pecans have grown in Texas “for centuries without human intervention, recent erratic and unpredictable weather and growing conditions puts more pressure on the modern management of pecan trees being able to produce a crop,” says Krebs.
Pecan pioneers
Pecans thrive in well-drained soil, which is why wild trees as well as orchards are often found in river valleys. In Texas, the Rio Grande River Valley outside of El Paso is the state’s epicenter of pecan cultivation, followed by Central and East Texas, with harvest occurring from roughly late September through early February.
Texas is also responsible for many of today’s most popular pecan hybrids, like the Choctaw, Pawnee, and Kiowa- varieties that have attributes like a higher oil content or larger size.
“The nuts with Native American names were mostly developed at the USDA ARS (Agricultural Research Service) stations throughout Texas,” says Krebs. “The Western variety, which is the most wildly cultivated worldwide, has direct ties to the Mother Tree in San Saba.”
The Mother Tree is estimated to be over 200 years old and according to Texas A&M’s Forestry Service, is “the source of more important varieties than any other pecan tree in the world.” It was discovered by E.E. Risien, an English cabinet maker who later purchased the land surrounding the tree and planted the first commercial pecan nursery in the county.
Today, Risien’s great-great grandson, Winston Millican carries on the family legacy of pecan cultivation. The fifth-generation grower owns Millican Pecan in San Saba with his wife, Kristen. The couple farm over 1,000 acres of pecans which are variously sold shelled, in-shell, or incorporated into pies, candy, and other specialty foods which are sold at the family’s farm shop.
A smarter way to farm
Climatic events in recent years have challenged Texas pecan growers. “Extreme drought and heat killed many trees, and the biggest issue our pecan farmers are facing is a downturn in the market including overall exports, which are sometimes filled by other pecan producing countries [primarily Mexico and South Africa],” says Krebs.
Input prices have also continued to rise, creating barriers for growers, while demographically, “most of our growers are older, and we don’t see many younger growers stepping up to replace them,” says Millican.
Younger generations sometimes opt out of farming due to the cost of rural land in Texas, which is compounded by a loss of agricultural land to urbanization and development. Pecan trees also take eight to ten years to produce, which means growers must have additional revenue streams in order to establish new orchards.
As a result, there has been an increase in pecan farmers implementing regenerative farming practices, says Krebs. Some of these methods include integrative pest management and the use of biochar, a carbon-based natural fertilizer that improves soil health and sequesters carbon.
For pecan grower Troy Swift of Swift River Pecans in Fentress, rising input costs combined with struggling trees led him to switch over to regenerative farming methods five years ago. He and his wife Athanasee grow 14 types of pecans as well as Natives. Their farm also has a small farm shop and sawmill for pecan and other hardwoods.
“Some of my trees were dying, and scientists couldn’t determine the reason,” says Swift, who began farming in 1998. “They thought it was due to the root stock or soil. As a result, I began studying soil health and asking questions. I also learned that I could use soil health as a countermeasure to drought.”
After a visit to pecan farmer Dennis Perz of Georgetown, Swift had an epiphany. “I could tell just by looking at his trees that something good was going on there. It was mid-summer, when trees are typically heat-stressed, and his weren’t,” he says.
After adopting some of Perz’s regenerative practices including amending soil using nitrogen-bearing cover crops, allowing native plants to grow on the orchard floor to bolster soil biodiversity, and making his own Johnson-Su bioreactor compost (a fungi-heavy enrichment that fosters biodiversity above and below the soil and increases water retention and carbon sequestration), Swift saw a dramatic improvement in his tree and soil health and crop yields.
Swift is also conducting experiments with biochar, humates, algae, compost, and wood chips, after chemical fertilizer prices skyrocketed. “I knew I had to find a smarter way to farm, and that meant working with Mother Nature, not against her,” he says. “We routinely have scientists come out to test the soil and do leaf analysis and nut nutrition analysis.”
The orchard uses a non-chemical biopesticide produced by Certis Biologicals as a form of integrated pest management (IPM), and Swift is also working with renown bat scientist Dr. Merlin Tuttle to identify species and bolster bat populations on the farm as a form of pest control. The bats feed on pests like mosquitos, roaches, termites, flies, and stinkbugs. In summer, barn swallows fly in the orchards. “I call the swallows the day shift, the bats the night shift,” says Swift, who is now an in-demand speaker on regenerative agriculture.
Despite the hardships, pecan farming remains firmly entrenched in Texas culture, and many growers remain committed to cultivating the nuts. “The majority of domestic pecan shellers (machinated nut crackers) are located in Texas, and most Texas consumers prefer products grown in-state,” says Millican. “The demand is strong. It’s a good place to be a grower for those reasons.”
For tour and farm shop information and online nut and confection orders, visit millicanpecan.com and swiftriveriverpecans.com.
When you think of Texas, you might picture brisket, bluebonnets, rolling hills or wide-open sky. But tucked into the folds of small towns and backroads, another Texas tradition quietly thrives: the kolache.
These soft, sweet pastries, a legacy of Czech immigrants who settled here in the 1800s, are as much a part of Texas heritage as cowboy boots and cattle drives. And the best way to understand them? A road trip taste test through the heart of kolache country.
How the Kolache Came to Texas
Czech immigrants arrived in Central Texas in the mid-19th century, bringing with them their language, customs, music, and recipes. Kolaches, with their pillowy dough and fruit or cheese fillings, were a staple at family gatherings, weddings, and festivals. Over time, these pastries found a permanent home in Texas kitchens, bakeries, and community fundraisers.
Today, you’ll find kolaches all over the state but to taste them the right way, head for the backroads within the Colorado River watershed where the tradition remains closest to its roots.
The Texas Kolache Trail: Stops You Can’t Miss
Here’s a route that honors old family recipes, small-town pride, and the slow art of baking done right.
Right off Highway 71, Hruska’s has been baking kolaches since 1962. It’s a must-stop for travelers heading through Ellinger, the apricot and cream cheese varieties are local favorites.
Known for their dedication to traditional Czech baking, Weikel’s serves up buttery, fruit-filled kolaches that are worth the detour. Try the poppyseed or cherry for a true Texas Czech experience.
A modern twist on a classic: Batch pairs locally brewed beer with small-batch kolaches. Expect creative flavors like peanut better and jelly, served up with a pint in Austin’s east side.
A small-town gem where every kolache tastes like it came straight from grandma’s kitchen. B-Jo’s is known for their generous fillings and old-school flavors like prune, peach, and poppyseed.
Each September, the small town of Caldwell—officially recognized as the ‘Kolache Capital of Texas’ hosts its beloved Kolache Festival. Held on the second Saturday of the month, the event brings together everything that defines Texas Czech culture: homemade kolaches, beseda dancers in traditional dress, live polka bands, arts and crafts booths, a classic car show, quilt exhibitions, and more.
More Than a Pastry — A Piece of Home
True kolache culture isn’t about Instagram-perfect pastries. It’s about lineage. It’s about waking up before sunrise to make enough for your whole town. It’s about sharing something simple and good because it connects you back to where you started.
So gas up the truck, leave the highway behind, and take the slow roads through the heart of Texas Czech country. A good kolache is waiting, and a great story comes with every bite.
Bonus Tip: Kolache vs. Klobasnek: If it’s stuffed with sausage and cheese, it’s technically a klobasnek not a kolache. But in Texas? We’ll call it a kolache anyway. Just eat it warm.
Kolache Road Trip: Tracing the Sweet, Buttery Roots of Texas
Hope Boatright
With over a decade of marketing, public relations, and nonprofit experience, Hope manages Colorado River Land Trust’s membership, events, and outreach programs.
Hope can often be found on a central Texas river in her kayak with a fly rod in hand, or enjoying a peaceful evening on the front porch with her husband and two Australian Shepherds, Quigley and Claude.
When most Americans hear ‘Colorado River,’ they picture the grand canyons of the Southwest, carved by a mighty waterway stretching from the Rocky Mountains to Mexico. But deep in the heart of Texas flows another river with the same name — one no less important to the state it serves. The Colorado River of Texas, entirely contained within state borders, has a story all its own, shaped by exploration, natural resource management, and generations of people who have depended on its waters.
A Spanish Legacy in a “Colored River”
The Texas Colorado River got its name during the Spanish exploration of North America in the 17th century. Spanish explorers, including Alonso de León, used the term ‘Rio Colorado’ — Spanish for ‘colored river’ — to describe its muddy red waters, stained by sediment and clay. Although the name was originally associated with what is now the Brazos River, it eventually came to refer to the river we now call the Colorado. This renaming likely stemmed from mapping errors, misunderstandings, and the exploratory chaos of the time.
Two Rivers, Same Name — But No Connection
Despite sharing a name, the Colorado River in Texas has no connection to the more famous Colorado River of the American Southwest. The latter flows westward through the Rocky Mountains, carving the Grand Canyon and emptying into the Gulf of California. In contrast, the Texas Colorado flows southeast from Dawson County through the Hill Country, Austin, and eventually to the Gulf at Matagorda Bay. At 862 miles long, it’s the longest river to begin and end entirely within the same state.
From Floods to Hydropower: Enter the LCRA
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The Colorado River has long been critical to life in central Texas — but it hasn’t always been manageable. Severe flooding and prolonged droughts plagued communities in the early 20th century. In response, the Texas Legislature created the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) in 1934. Its mission: to harness the river’s potential and protect those who lived near it. Over time, LCRA built a chain of reservoirs and dams, including Buchanan Dam and Mansfield Dam, giving rise to the Highland Lakes system that now supplies water, generates hydroelectric power, and supports recreation across central Texas.
The Colorado Today: Lifeblood of a Growing State
Today, the Texas Colorado River continues to shape the state’s landscape and economy. It supplies water to millions — not just for drinking, but for irrigating rice fields, powering industry, and supporting agriculture. It flows past major cities like Austin and sustains wetlands and wildlife habitats vital to regional biodiversity. Balancing these needs is no easy task, particularly as Texas faces increased demand, population growth, and a changing weather.
More Than a River — A Cultural Touchstone
For many Texans, the river is more than a utility — it’s a symbol of place. Generations have paddled its waters, fished from its banks, built homes in its valleys, and celebrated life along its course. It’s present in family histories, small-town festivals, and even local myths. The Colorado River has quietly threaded itself into the identity of central and southeast Texas — a reminder that not all great rivers need canyons to be legendary.
Though its name may have come from a case of mistaken identity, the Colorado River of Texas has earned its place in the story of the Lone Star State. It may not be the river that carved the Grand Canyon — but it helped carve out a home for millions of Texans.
