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| Luling, Texas |
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| City Market BBQ |
At least two or three times a year, if not more often, we make our way to Luling, Texas either as a destination ride or passing through as we take the back roads to Austin. If you couldn't see Luling you can sure get the heavy smell of crude oil as you roll into town. Luling is at the intersection of Hwy 90 and 183 and is approximately 50 miles Southeast of Austin. Founded in 1874, Luling was known as a rowdy town for cattle drivers on the Chisholm Trail, but became most famous for its oil production in the 1920's. At one time Luling produced over 10 million barrels of oil per year. That's still evident today as you pass through town seeing several oil rigs still pumping. There's one right at the heart of town right across the Central Market BBQ.
BBQ is the reason we stop. City Market Barbecue is a rustic, old fashioned restaurant that is packed with locals so you know it has to be good. Once inside, at the far end there's another small room where you enter through one door to order. That's the room where the pits are and it is hot. The signs on the wall in the pit area are all pretty well covered with years of soot, but you can still make out what's available. Half a pound of brisket, a slab of pork ribs, and a jalapeno sausage link is more than enough for two. Everything is placed on several layers of butcher paper along with as many slices of bread as you care for. Pay, exit through other door, and make your way to the drink counter to order your "Big Red" before finding a place on any available picnic type table.
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| A Passing Train is a Regular Occurrence |
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| Watermelon Thump |
June is a good month to visit during the annual watermelon thump. It's still pleasant riding weather in June and makes for a great one day ride. Can't beat BBQ, watermelon, and strolling around downtown to check out what the local merchants have for sale.
If you're looking for a one day ride to somewhere other than the hill country think about making a stop in Luling, Texas. You won't regret it.
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| Luling At Cross Roads of Hwy 90 and 183 |
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