At its core, The Original Roy Hutchins Barbeque (not associated with Hutchins BBQ) is about meat, smoke, and patience—and the Arlington location is expected to deliver exactly what longtime fans crave. The brisket remains the anchor, smoked low and slow until the exterior develops a deep, peppery bark while the interior stays rich and supple. It’s the kind of brisket that doesn’t need explanation or heavy sauce—just a sharp knife and a tray lined with butcher paper.
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Winter in Texas is a season of quiet discoveries, where the Lone Star State sheds its summer crowds and reveals hidden corners perfect for a long weekend escape. From the rolling hills of Hill Country to the breezy shores of the Gulf Coast, there are destinations where cozy lodging, local flavors, and scenic adventures combine to create a travel experience that feels both indulgent and restorative. Whether you’re craving fireplaces and wine tastings, historic inns and antique shopping, or fresh seafood with sunlit views, Texas offers a variety of winter weekend getaways within a few hours’ drive of Dallas.
These escapes are as much about the meals you share as the places you explore. Imagine savoring schnitzel and spaetzle in Fredericksburg, tasting brisket and pit-cooked pork in Llano, or enjoying oysters and Gulf fish in Rockport—all while staying in boutique inns, riverside cabins, or charming historic hotels. Each town has its own rhythm, and in winter, that rhythm slows just enough to let you savor the scenery, the cuisine, and the simple joy of stepping away from daily life. This guide highlights five of the best long-weekend destinations in Texas, with lodging, restaurants, and activities that make winter a season worth traveling for.
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Carrollton, Texas (and points across DFW) is home to a true dining institution: Babes Chicken Dinner House. Since opening its first location in Roanoke in 1993, founded by Paul and Mary Beth Vineyard, Babes has grown across the Dallas-Fort Worth area while staying true to the warm, inviting spirit that made it a local favorite. Babe’s feels like home where good food, generous portions, and heartfelt hospitality are always on the menu.
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Dallas has a reliable roster of dim sum houses, but every so often a new find shakes up the familiar landscape. Garden Restaurant in Garland is exactly that sort of discovery—quietly operating under the radar despite offering one of the most satisfying dim sum experiences in the region. The restaurant occupies the former Arc-en-Ciel building, a name that once stood at the top of Dallas-area dim sum rankings, and Garden carries forward the spirit of that legacy with a menu that weaves together Chinese and Vietnamese cooking.
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We’ve written about dim sum in the past, and never grow weary of the subject. You can explore our articles on the subject here or here. Or if on LA, Vegas or one of the many North American cities to host a Din Tai Fun, go here.
A crowded dim sum parlor is a cacophony of sounds, scents, and tastes. Upon entering the dining room, you’ll likely hear snippets of animated conversation, interspersed with the clatter of wheels rolling along the floor.
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The holidays have arrived, and with them comes the annual scramble to plan a showstopping meal—one that feels abundant, comforting, and a little bit celebratory. This year, Pecan Lodge is stepping in as the hero of the holiday table, opening its pre-order menu with an impressive collection of smoked meats, soulful sides, and old-fashioned desserts that take the pressure off the home cook. Instead of juggling oven schedules or stressing over dry turkey, hosts can simply curate their favorites and let one of Dallas’s most appreciated barbecue institutions handle the heavy lifting. It is holiday entertaining made easier, richer, and decidedly more delicious.
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Texas turns undeniably magical in December, and a handful of towns take the season so seriously that a holiday-themed getaway feels almost required. Whether you want small-town charm wrapped in twinkle lights, a German-inspired Christmas village, or full-scale spectacle complete with ice sculptures and parades, these five destinations offer a rich mix of atmosphere, programming, hotels, and dining that make them ideal for going all out for Christmas.
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Texas is full of diners, but some of the best aren’t on TV or in guidebooks. The real gems are small, lived-in cafés where the coffee is always hot, the staff greets you like a neighbor, and the plates come out heaping with comfort food. These diners aren’t famous, but they’re cherished by locals for good reason. From Hill Country classics to small-town counters and neighborhood institutions, these diners serve food that feels like home, each with its own character and specialties worth trying.
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