Sweet, danish-like kolaches, and savory, sausage-filled versions await at this West institution, along with house-made meats, sandwiches, breads and so much more. Protip: get extras. These sweet or savory baked goods are superb for breakfast and/or late night eats. Just pop ‘em in the microwave for a few seconds (or don’t). Or, if you’re staying with someone in SA, you’ll be their new best friend if you bring them a box full of kolaches.

If Magnolia Market’s cupcakes didn’t tempt your sweet tooth, try the pies and cookies at Lula Jane’s in Waco. Made-from-scratch-daily breads, cookies, pies and other baked goods, Lula Jane’s features park seating and a self-sustained garden full of vegetables on site.

Stop for a Dr. Pepper float at the soda fountain and get a taste for the real thing (which may spoil you for the canned version), plus a peek into the history of the Texas-born brand of soda. This little museum in Waco is no World of Coke, but it’s full of memorabilia, history and merch.

Do you like nuts? Do you like beef jerky? How about every flavor and variety of each of those you can imagine? If you’ve never been to a Buc-ee’s, you haven’t road-tripped in Texas properly. Stop for gas and come out with meat, nuts and whatever else (perhaps a metal sign of some sort?). You won’t regret it.

Originally built in 1852, The Stagecoach Inn is hosting its grand re-opening on June 14 after being completely renovated by La Corscha Hospitality Group. These are the folks behind The Stonleigh Hotel in Dallas, The Driskill Hotel in Austin, The Saint Anthony Hotel in San Antonio, as well as several Austin restaurants. This I-35 pit stop is worth it just to take in the supreme history of the place. And if you have time for hushpuppies, they’re a worthy choice.

The pies at Blue Bonnet Cafe are baked fresh each day and topped with either meringue or real whipped cream. You’ve got your creme pies, your meringue pies and your fruit pies. If you can make it work, try to arrive between 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. on a weekday because that’s Pie Happy Hour, where Blue Bonnet slices of pie come topped with soft serve for four bucks. Need a pre-dessert? The Cafe serves daily soups, blue plate specials, award-winning breakfasts and more.

In the town with the funny name, there’s a mom & pop hot dog joint that likes to have some fun. For $5 flat you can walk out with a kosher hot dog topped with your choice of toppings: chili, cheese, onions, jalepenos or sourkraut. There’s frito pie, nachos and Eskimo Pie on the menu, too. Tastes like the good ol’ days.

Would you even consider going on a road trip in Texas without at least one stop for barbecue? It’s heresy not to. If you’ve got room in your belly, in between Austin and San Antonio, why not veer off a teensy bit to Lockhart for Black’s Barbecue?

Once you get to San Antonio, margaritas are in order (because when are they not?). Hit up La Gloria, because you while you can find great Tex-Mex in Dallas, the festive atmosphere and modern Mexican flavors won’t steer you wrong.