The Domestic Curator: WHY I LOVE TEXAS: Hico & The Koffee Kup Family Restaurant

“I have said that Texas is a state of mind, but I think it is more than that. It is a mystique closely approximating a religion. And this is true to the extent that people either passionately love Texas or passionately hate it and, as in other religions, few people dare to inspect it for fear of losing their bearings in mystery or paradox. But I think there will be little quarrel with my feeling that Texas is one thing. For all its enormous range of space, climate, and physical appearance, and for all the internal squabbles, contentions, and strivings, Texas has a tight cohesiveness perhaps stronger than any other section of America. Rich, poor, Panhandle, Gulf, city, country, Texas is the obsession, the proper study, and the passionate possession of all Texans.” ― John Steinbeck

Well I couldn't have said it any better than Mr.Steinbeck. From awe-inspiring sunsets, tranquil beaches, deep forests to vast prairies, Texas has it ALL and I adore my beloved state and it's people. And even though I am a city gal there's just something special about small town Texas.

A few years back Mr.P and I were headed to the Hill Country of Texas from our home here in Dallas. The quickest and obviously easiest route is to head down 35, the multi-laned highway that connects Dallas to Austin and San Antonio. But as we were in a wandering mood, and had no hard plans, we decided to take the rural route and it turned out to be one of our better 'travel' decisions. One of the highlights of that impromptu trip turned out to be the small town of Hico, Texas.

Most people link small-town Texas with longhorn cattle and Friday night lights. Not chocolate truffles and free Wi-Fi. Enter Hico (pronounced “HIGH-co”). Just 90 minutes southwest of Fort Worth, it’s the northern gateway to the Hill Country and a community blessed with a mixture of creative and classic. The Texas can-do spirit fills the air in Hico, where a red cedar boat wright, a Williams-Sonoma metal smith, a violin-maker, and an ostrich boot designer all live and work. Nationally craved Wiseman House Fine Handmade Chocolates is located in a Victorian home across from the Koffee Kup Family Restaurant. The Koffee Kup is Hico’s true heartbeat. This diner serves up mountainous pies and doughnuts. Proving that even in small Texas towns, bigger is STILL better.

We had heard stories about the Koffee Kup, stories of killer pies. Mr.P and I made the obvious choice to stop in and see what all the fuss was about. We decided to share a slice of their famous Coconut Meringue Pie and it didn't take long for us to realize that all of the hype surrounding the Koffee Kup was TRUE! Of course one piece of pie was not nearly enough. After sharing our second slice we walked out of the Koffee Kup with smiles on our faces and a whole pie! I seriously have not found it's equal....and believe me I've done the research!

What a Real Local Knows about Hico:

Place To Be on a Saturday Morning: Pecan Street farmers market for homemade zucchini bread and fresh eggs.
Best Day of the Year: May 15, Texas Steak Cook-off; 2,500 rib eyes hit the grill.

Local Legend: Hico’s Ollie “Brushy Bill” Roberts claimed to be gunslinger Billy the Kid. Stop in at the local museum and decide for yourself.

Best Pie in Town: Banana Blueberry Icebox Pie at Koffee Kup Family Restaurant.

What $25 Buys: Sloan Brands mini branding irons, perfect for cookouts.
Best experience: Ranch life, including horseback riding, hayrides, and camping, can be experienced at Timber Creek Ranch some ten miles southeast of Hico on Texas Highway 6.
Best ancient history: Approximately 1.8 miles north of Hico are what appear to be the remains of an impact crater.
Best antiques in town: Homestead, housed in Hico’s beautifully restored Opera House, built in 1895, is a beautiful store sure to inspire and satisfy your creative taste. Homestead has been named one of the 50 Best Stores in Texas.