Atlas Obscura

The definitive guide to the world's hidden wonders.

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4:11
All Roads Lead to Texas: Saddle Up for a Good Time
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Those who seek the rich legacy of barrel racing can trace its roots back to Texas. It's there that we encounter Gary Leffew, a former world champion bull rider and Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Hall of Famer. In this episode of "All Roads Lead to Texas," host Dylan Thuras journeys to Emory, Texas, to glean wisdom from the master himself in the art of barrel racing—maneuvering a horse around a pattern of barrels with speed and precision. Saddle up for a firsthand glimpse into the cowboy way of life as Dylan steps into the rodeo ring for the very first time.
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4:13
Hidden Histories
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Mineral Wells, Texas, just a short drive from Fort Worth, is a town with plenty of history and local lore. Renowned for its unique structure of mineral springs, the town has attracted tourists seeking a rejuvenating and holistic getaway. But the town's history also has a mystical side. Host Dylan Thuras immerses himself in the “Crazy Water” source and the paranormal, in a new episode of “All Roads Lead to Texas.”
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3:48
Just Add Water
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Surf culture thrives along the Texas coast, offering opportunities to engage in a myriad of watersports and ride waves as tall as 14 feet. In South Padre Island, located on the Gulf Coast, Gene Gore, proprietor of the South Padre Surf Co., guides host Dylan Thuras through the art of surfing on the pristine shores of Isla Blanca Beach.
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3:51
Nature is Nurture
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One could spend weeks in West Texas' Big Bend and still not fully explore the vastness of this massive national park. Known as the holy grail of Texas nature and recreation, Big Bend National Park offers over 800,000 acres for exploration with activities like canoeing, hiking, mountain biking, and stargazing. In this latest episode of "All Roads Lead to Texas," host Dylan Thuras journeys to the Rio Grande river to behold its towering limestone cliffs, before settling in for a night of breathtaking stargazing.
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3:37
Destination Delicious
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Foods from every corner of Texas draw upon various cultures and influences, creating a culinary melting pot that makes each city a destination for new and exciting flavors. In this episode of "All Roads Lead to Texas," host Dylan Thuras ventures to San Antonio and visits Stixs and Stone, an Asian-Tex-Mex fusion restaurant operated by chef Leo Davila. As they craft handmade tortillas and explore the creation of some of the restaurant's signature dishes, such as pork belly with apple mole, Chef Leo discusses his perspective on authenticity in food in what he refers to as "the city of gastronomy."
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2:53
Texas Traditions
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A cowboy boot is one of the most iconic symbols of Texas and has become, over time, the official footwear of the state. In this episode of “All Roads Lead to Texas,” host Dylan Thuras heads to Austin to visit a boot-making institution, Texas Traditions. Owner Lee Miller has been making cowboy boots here since the 1970s, using the same techniques that the previous owner did when he opened the shop more than 100 years ago. Get an inside look at how a custom, Texas cowboy boot is made by hand, from the sole on up.