@thegingerwanderlust and @wander.licious teamed up for a nine-day Texas adventure that packed in amazing scenery, fantastic food, and some brilliant surprises along the way as they journeyed through Amarillo, Lubbock, Mineral Wells and Grapevine.
Fresh off their American Airlines flights, Ellie and Adriana checked into The Barfield in Amarillo, a boutique hotel with 1920s charm. After a quick zhuzh, they hit the town. Burgers at the legendary Golden Light Café set the tone, followed by dinner at The Big Texan Steak Ranch, then dancing and live music at The Western Horseman Club.
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Breakfast tacos at El Tejavan (a locals’ favourite), then shopping at From 6th Collective. After spray-painting at Cadillac Ranch, they headed to Palo Duro Canyon. Spirit of the Canyon Jeep Tours and horseback riding were unforgettable. Sunset BBQ at Dove’s Rest Cabins? The perfect way to close out the day.
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After a scenic drive south with more canyon views and cotton fields rolling by, Ellie and Adriana arrived in Lubbock and checked into the Cotton Court Hotel. Dinner was all Texas elegance at The Candle Bar, followed by singer-songwriter sets at The Blue Light Live, a great small music venue.
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Coffees and pastries at Ninety-Two Café kicked off the day, followed by custom cowboy hat fittings at Wild Honey Hats. A finger-licking lunch at award-winning Evie Mae’s Barbecue, ranch history at the National Ranching Heritage Center, and even a local pottery class before tapas and wine at La Diosa Cellars.
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Next stop: Mineral Wells and the historic Crazy Water Hotel. After a tranquil morning and brunch at a classic American diner, Ellie and Adriana fully embraced the town’s wellness roots with a soak at the Crazy Water Bath House & Spa. Local mineral water tasting, rooftop music, and sunset views wrapped up the evening.
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A morning hike through Penitentiary Hollow — think sandstone cliffs and quiet trails — then back into town for shopping, lunch, and a chilled-out afternoon. They ended their day with Italian comfort food at Pastafina and craft beers at Rickhouse Brewing, chatting with locals and tapping along to live music.
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Grapevine brought small-town charm with a side of wine culture. Adriana and Ellie climbed the observation tower for views over Main Street, joined the Blessing of the Vines ceremony, and hopped on the vintage railroad. After a TexMex lunch and some gallery-hopping, they finished the night with rooftop dining and live music downtown.
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Kayaking on Lake Grapevine started the day, followed by brunch and a friendly game of pickleball at Chicken ‘N Pickle. A quick shopping trip – including cowboy boots, of course – then an afternoon at the immersive Meow Wolf art experience. They wrapped it all up with local wine, live music, and a final cheers to Texas.
Find out moreFancy following in the footsteps of Ellie and Adriana, enter the competition to be in with a chance to win an epic road trip!
