Texas Country Reporter

First, meet a North Texas mom making her daughters’ bookshelf and playroom more reflective of their own images. Then, kickoff our celebration of 100 years of Texas State Parks—Isabella Neff donated the original six acres for this park in 1921. Since then, many folks have discovered what Mother Neff knew: this is a very special place. Finally, travel to Orange and visit the woman who’s become the heart of Waffle House.

Cavarretta Gourds

First, see how one Fredericksburg artist paints hyper-realistic watercolor images of ordinary objects to talk about issues surrounding sustainability in the environment. Then, just 16 miles southwest of Abilene, visit the shady banks of Elm Creek where large trees arch overhead and deer and other critters wander by. Finally, meet Steve Houser, one of the first certified arborists in Texas, and see why he’s in love with something called a Comanche ‘Marker Tree.’

First up, meet Janet Reiter—a Lubbock artist with a unique bend on life, meticulously folding the pages of books to create something wholly new. Next, grab your family, fishing pole, and swimsuit and head for the clear blue water and striking scenery at Possum Kingdom State Park, host of the Red Bull cliff diving competition each summer. Finally, visit the little white chapel in Waring, where the songs span from Sunday morning praise to Saturday evening jam sessions.

A Lakeway mom is raising awareness about Kawasaki Disease with cookies. Next, neet the bison that roam the plains at Caprock Canyons State Park. And finally, jam out to this eclectic acoustic band based in Dallas, Texas.

For 27 years, the TCR Festival in Waxahachie has brought together artisans and musicians who have appeared on Texas Country Reporter. This episode highlights three of this year’s guests—a steel skillet craftsman from Paint Rock, the famous Slaton Bakery from none other than Slaton, Texas. And finally, a Czech musician group from Ennis who are keeping a family tradition alive.

Meet the teacher turned juggler that just so happens to love art. Then, tag along with artist Billy Hassell to the newest state park, Palo Pinto Mountains State Park. And finally, hear the sounds of a Bluegrass Club that’s been meeting since 1974.

For generations the Beasley family has been producing mouthwatering sausage products with a southern flair. See why they’re known for their Texas style Smokehouse Sausage and Mini Links. Next, relax by the lake, tour an old Texas farm, or explore the rugged limestone hills and rare prairie pockets of Cedar Hill State Park. Finally, meet the man who has delivered agricultural news for the South Plains of Texas for almost half a century.

In the first segment, go behind stage of Texas, the spectacular outdoor musical drama where the connection for cast and crew runs deep. Next, visit a local history museum that documents Lamar County, Texas, and its county seat, Paris. Finally, See how mortgage-free homes are being awarded to combat-wounded veterans & unmarried Gold Star spouses who’s loved one were killed-in-action.

First, see what makes Manning’s Texas on Wheels the place to be in Beaumont. Then, venture to Colorado Bend State Park where hundreds of runners clock dozens of miles through the middle of the night. Finally, no ROTC program in the country has more rich history and tradition than the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets. Meet the woman who maintains the photographic history of the group, one generation at a time.

These days Jim Nobles can barely keep up with orders for his caskets made from Pine, Mesquite and Cedar, lined with quilts and denim. At the remote Sea Rim State Park, it’s all about crabbing. Finally, see why Maria’s Cafe, a humble locale, has gained notable attention ranging from Texas Monthly to the New York Times.

A full episode feature on Texas oysters. First up, meet the father and son duo providing fresh seafood to the Corpus Christi area. Then, see how Sink Your Shucks became the first in Texas to reclaim oyster shells from local restaurants and return them to our local waters. Finally, visit Goose Island State Park perfect for camping, fishing and most interestingly, oyster restoration.

Meet Joe Haralson, who has served our state for 41 years. Then, dive into the crystal-clear water of the world’s largest spring-fed swimming pool. Finally, see what our good friend John Bramblitt has been up to since we last featured his amazing works of art.

Meet the Santa who’s creating a fun, inviting and comfortable environment for individuals with developmental disabilities. Then, experience the magic of Christmas at the Santa Claus Museum in Columbus. Finally, his name is Richard Reyes, but most people know him simply as ‘Pancho Claus.’

Isolated on the tip of Port Aransas, school teacher Ryan Piwetz does not hold back on his challenge to students. Then, take a trip to the Texas-sized sand­box for kids of all ages. Finally—hope, understanding, grace, success. You can find it all at HUGS Cafe.

In Corpus Christi, cast a line like never before from these unique floating cabins. Next, not all ice creams are created equal—or they would all be the same price! See what makes Henry’s in Plano so special. Finally, since the 1940’s folks have gathered Garner State Park for nightly summer dances, which have become a backdrop for young love and old-fashioned fun. Meet a family whose love stories at Garner span generations.

In Slaton, meet a man who published three comprehensive books about the quiet recluse & talented silversmith, Adolph Bayers. Next, view Texas’ largest state park in an unexpected way—from the back of a camel. Finally, meet the contemporary Chicana/Tejana artist known as Santa Contreras Barraza.

Meet the woman who thinks nothing of climbing a towering pine with a chainsaw strapped to her waist. Then, explore the beauty of the Big Cypress Bayou with photographer Keith Carter. Finally, see why every 4th of July the Pfluger family gathers in Pfluger Hall, smack dab in the middle of Pflugerville.

First, see why two veteran big city newspaper writers left the chaos behind and took over The Texas Spur. Next, head to Copper Breaks State Park to meet an author determined to inspired outdoor adventures through the pages of his books. Finally, Linda Watson Guillory is an electrical engineer by day and a vintage game collector by night.

In Midland, chow down at a diner that makes you feel like family while serving up delicious dishes. Then head over to a gem in the Hill Country and discover the mysteries of the official state mushroom of Texas. Finally, meet the wolves and wolfdogs of one very unique sanctuary.

A North Texas restaurant is serving up blessings along with its food. Next, explore the underground wonderland that is Longhorn Cavern State Park. Finally, see how this non-profit is preparing the next generation to learn Square Dancing in order to preserve an American traditional art form.

First, meet John Hopkins, the ultimate puppet master. In Palmetto State Park, discover the legend behind the cryptid that some say lives a few miles outside the foothills of the Hill Country. Finally, see how two on air personalities hatched an idea to help people in financial crisis in Lubbock.

Grab a good read from the bookstore that support authors from historically unserved communities & minority voices. At Meridian State Park, “Uncle Mike” is cooking up life lessons through a dutch oven workshop. In Dallas, a clothing brand is equipping refugee women for long-term success.

First up, a tiny cafe in Flint is always packed with diners. Then, visit the star theater at Pedernales Falls State Park. Finally, meet the person carrying on the legacy of Tony Amos, founder of the world-renowned sea turtle rehabilitation center.

The city of Plainview rallies to save an iconic old sign. Then, step back in time at the Sauer-Beckman Living History Farm at LBJ State Park. Finally, discover how one group is bringing adaptive and able-bodied communities together through “scuba magic.”

Bonafide Betties Pie