For the past two weeks, I’ve been touring exclusively in Texas, landing in the following spots: Houston, Highland Village, Dallas, Lubbock, Houston again, San Marcos, Austin, Waco-ish, Dallas again, Lewisville. And here are my reductionist evaluations of these cities and what they have to offer.
Best food: Dallas (Tillman’s)
Best dessert: Houston (Eddie V’s)
Best coffee shops: Austin (Bennu)
Best coffee: Houston (My-T Good Texas Pecan)
Best organic grocery: Dallas (Urban Acres)
Best radio stations: Austin
Most radio stations with too many accordions: Houston
Best place to burst into tears on stage: Highland Village (The Village Church)
Longest red lights: Austin
Worst traffic: Austin
Easiest navigation: Houston (it’s like a bullseye target)
Most confusing navigation: Dallas (it’s like spaghetti)
Honorable mention: Austin (there's a place where 38 1/2 Street intersects with 38 1/2 Street)
Cheapest gas: Lubbock
Best temperatures: Hawaii
Best views: Texas Hill Country
Best skyline: it's a draw -- Austin and Dallas
Best wildflower fields for running through like in movies: none, all are covered in bees
Best food trucks: Austin
Best flatness: Lubbock
Best running trails: Austin (The Drag)
Running trails on which you’re most likely to get lost and subsequently run an accidental half marathon: Austin (a drag)
Best theological library: Houston (Lanier Theological Library)
Best truck stop chain ever: Buc-ee’s
Best Buc-ee’s: I-45 halfway between Houston and Dallas
Best Granola: Dallas (Impact Granola)
Best place to eavesdrop on conversation and awkward dates: Waco (Common Grounds)
Best place to get a flat tire: Highland Village (Matt & Lauren Chandler’s driveway)
