This is not by any means an exhaustive list of places to eat along I-45 between Dallas and Houston (I would like your recommendations), but Excellent Cook Nancy mentioned that Buc-ee’s, Woody’s, and Sam’s were noteworthy, so we  checked them out.  After all, Excellent Cook Nancy does have experience driving I-45 to Houston.

There are a bazillion clever billboards advertising Buc-ee’s except when you get near the Madisonville exit.  Maybe it was just us (I must admit I was dozing and that could be why we missed Buc-ee’s , but I do not think Ever-Lovin’ was asleep at the wheel.)  We actually missed it.  How did we do that?  Noted for its 49 or more clean bathrooms, and Lord only knows how many gas pumps, Buc-ee’s is truck-stop extraordinaire.  There is a Buc-ee’s on both sides of the highway.

Inside Buc-ee’s 50,000 foot convenience store you will find a deli (You actually order at computers.), a humongous Texas-themed gift shop, and items for hunters and fishermen – plus so much more.

These were some of the prettiest birdhouses.  Prices were not too bad.

Are you in the market for a turquoise steer head?  They got it.

Pottery decorated with turquoise caught my eye.  Love the Lone Star mugs.

Wooden Texas boards – I certainly wouldn’t cut on them, but they would be pretty on the table.

Turquoise – I like it.  I love it.  What I have shown you is a small sampling of the goods for sale.  There was beautiful jewelry, shoes, guest towels, pillows, candy, jerky, toys, and the list goes on and on.  Buc-ee’s does not sell lottery tickets because it might slow down the check-out lines.  I’ll admit.  I did not see everything.  There is always next time.  We did not eat at Buc-ee’s because we wanted to eat BBQ at Woody’s in Centerville.

Woody’s Smokehouse is the home of the “Smokin’ Gun” giant BBQ smoker.

Just look at this BBQ pit.  Got my attention.

Woody’s proclaim’s that it is the Jerky Capital of the World – not just Texas.  The World.  They had every flavor imaginable.

Meats and specialty food items can be ordered on-line.

The selections of meats and cheeses rivaled speciality shops in Dallas.

BBQ is served by the pound on parchment paper.  You get sauce, beans and pickles.  Delish!  A third of a pound was 5 large slices – I shared with Ever-Lovin’.

Ever-Lovin’ got two large beefy ribs.  He shared with me.  This was good eating.  Oh, Woody’s Smokehouse is the type of BBQ diner with the loaf of bread and paper towels on the tables.  Nothing fancy.  Just good food, and the prices were reasonable.

We had one last stop on our list.  Excellent Cook Nancy had mentioned the pies at Sam’s Restaurant in Fairfield were delicious, and whole pies only cost around $10.00 – what a deal. (Around here some pies cost almost 30 – 40 bucks.)  Sam’s did not look like much from the outside, but inside it was large.  They have a huge buffet, but Excellent Cook Nancy says they always order hamburgers off the menu, and that Sam’s Restaurant has the best French fries ever.  Our next trip to Houston will be planned around hamburgers and fries at Sam’s Restaurant.  Of course, we will have to order pie.

We weren’t hungry since it was less than twenty miles from Woody’s Smokehouse, but that didn’t stop us from buying a couple of pies to bring home to share.  The lemon was my favorite.

The meringue was beyond delicious.  I am not a big fan of meringue, but this was the best.  You can call ahead and order so you will be assured a pie.  Sam’s Restaurant also has a gift shop.

What fun it was to shop and eat our way home.  Looking forward to next time.

Blessings to you and yours,

Remember – send me your recommendations of shopping and eating places that are blog worthy.