Texans like to boast how we’re unique out of all the states – and we’re right! With multiple influences combining to create a rich and unique tapestry of cultures set against a backdrop of wide-ranging geological features, it’s no wonder Texas is considered one-of-a-kind! Read on for more examples of what sets us apart.

Barbecue Is a Food Staple

Regardless of where you live in Texas, you’re sure to find barbecue around every corner. From Black’s Barbecue in Lockhart to Bill Miller Bar-B-Q in the Texas Hill Country, there’s certainly no shortage of quality meats in the state. After all, you haven’t truly experienced all Texas has to offer until you’ve tasted the savory brisket, ribs, and barbecue chicken that make up its signature cuisine! Read the rest of this entry »

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The new 2020 Toyota Corolla offers a modern, stylish driving experience at an affordable price. Pioneering features, attainable luxury, and a smart, bold exterior make the latest model the best yet. Take an in-depth look at what this best-selling vehicle has to offer.

Interior

Built-in backup cameras with projected path bring a level of added ease to the usual stress of backing into a spot or parallel parking. The premium interior SofTex sport seats were specifically designed to enhance the driving experience and increase comfort.
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As the saying goes, “better safe than sorry” – and that pertains just as much to your vehicle. If you hope to get the most out of your investment, prevention is a key factor – staying on top of regular services can extend the lifetime of your vehicle by years. Read on for some of the warning signs that signal you may need to make an appointment with a service center.

Smells

If you have ever been in your car and smelled something like rotten eggs or gas, your vehicle may need some serious maintenance. Most of the time, if you can smell something coming from under the hood of your car or from the vents, you should get your car checked. If the smell is of gas, you could smell a gas leak coming from underneath your car, which causes a fire hazard.

Burning smells are a sign that your brakes need changing or that you need a new clutch. No matter what the smell is, if it’s not something you normally smell – you should have it checked. Read the rest of this entry »

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We’ve all grown up hearing at least some of these recommendations from older drivers – but with advancements in technology and improvements to the various features of vehicles, they’re no longer tried-and-true fact. Read on for 5 of the common car myths that no longer apply:

Manual Transmissions Offer Better Gas Mileage

This myth persists because it once was true back when automatic transmissions were new, but this is no longer the case. Advances in technology, particularly with options like continuously variable transmission (CVT), offer a broader range of gear ratios, which is where manuals once had the edge. Today, automatic vehicles offer the same (or even better) fuel economy than their manual counterparts. Which one you end up buying all depends on your personal driving preference! Read the rest of this entry »

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Should your vehicle break down, you don’t want to be left in a dire situation. With a well-stocked emergency supply, you can rest assured that you’ll be able to navigate the situation without added risk. Read on for tips on what items to keep handy in your car, just in case you’re ever in need during an emergency situation.

1. Take Food and Water

If you get stuck in a remote area because your car broke down, you’ll need food and hydration, so you should keep a case of six to eight water bottles in your car’s trunk. If you’re going to be traveling with more people during bad weather or to an isolated location, bring one or two more cases. For food, you can keep trail mix, protein bars, and other non-perishable items that will give you a burst of energy if you find yourself stuck someplace. Read the rest of this entry »

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El Paso, Texas, is a fun city with lots of things to do and a vibrant nightlife. It has a variety of upscale restaurants and bars with great vibes. Here are some of the best places in the area where you can enjoy a drink with friends.

1. Hope and Anchor

Hope and Anchor is known for its unique cocktails. There’s also a large patio where you can sip your cocktail in the great outdoors. Try the Capital Punishment with ghost pepper vodka, Bloody Mary mix, and Italian salt on the rim. The Summer Sangria has apricot gin, elderflower, seasonal fruit, and sparkling wine, and the Left of Albuquerque uses carrot-infused gin. Several beers are available including Lindemans Framboise Raspberry, Black Chocolate Stout, Stella Artois, Red Stripe, Sam Adams Boston Lager, and Coors. This bar opens its doors Monday through Saturday at 3 p.m. and Sunday at 4 p.m. Though temporarily closed, they are looking forward to opening back up and welcoming their patrons in! Read the rest of this entry »

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Even though El Paso is known for its Tex-Mex cuisine, you can still find some excellent burgers around the city. Whether you’re craving a classic burger or you’re in the mood to try something different, make sure you check out a few of these top burger joints around the city.

Toro Burger Bar

With three locations around El Paso, Toro Burger Bar makes it easy to get a delicious burger. If you’re interested in trying something new, this is the place to go. Consider the Booze Burger, which comes with an Angus beef patty, bacon strips, fried onion strings, Guinness cheese sauce, and a Jameson barbecue glaze. Another popular option is the Rise and Shine Burger, which includes an Angus beef patty, fried egg, bacon, hash browns, American cheese, and spicy cranberry ketchup. Read the rest of this entry »

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Reading is an activity that all ages can enjoy. Reading allows you to travel to new locations, meet new people, and try new things without ever leaving your seat. Check out a few of the must-visit bookstores in the El Paso area.

1. Brave Books

If there is a perfect place to escape the exterior world and jump into a good book, Brave Books is it. This historic home now converted into a bookstore, is colorful and comfortable and offers the perfect environment for enjoying a good book. You will find a unique inventory of books in this quaint and relaxing bookstore. Many of the books are pre-owned which means you can stock your personal bookshelf on a budget. They also offer frequent discounts and sales on popular titles so make sure you check back often. Read the rest of this entry »

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Regardless if you need a cup of Joe to get your morning started on the right foot, or you’re looking for a quick pick-me-up toward the latter part of a hard day, finding the perfect coffee shop is a must-do to get you through those rough patches. If you live in the El Paso area, the good news is that there are plenty of coffee shops in the area, whether you fancy yourself a connoisseur or a budget shopper!

Savage Goods

If you are looking for a coffee shop that provides you with a relaxing place to chill, talk with friends, or get some work done, then Savage Goods is the place to stop. They have plenty of indoor seating, tons of menu options, and really know how to make a good cup of coffee! While their house blend is definitely worth a try, they also offer lattes, cold brews, Americano, Cortado, espresso, and cappuccino.

Sunset Cafe and Coffee Bar

For those hunting high-quality premium roasted flavors, Sunset Cafe and Coffee Bar is the place in El Paso to make a stop. You’ll not only enjoy a fantastic cup of coffee but learn about its origins and the process from planting to picking, to ending up in your favorite cup! They feature coffee provides by 2Ten roasters, who pride themselves on being able to draw out the best flavor profile from their beans as well as come up with a unique array of seasonal flavors that provide for a one-of-a-kind tasting experience. While there are way too many coffee options to list, some of the must-try on the menu include the Honey Latte and Nitro Cold Brew.

Coffee Box

The Coffee Box is easy to find, just across the way from San Jacinto Plaza. The shop is definitely the place for those looking to try different coffees from across the globe. While it’s the ideal place to make your morning coffee stop, it’s also great to relax and enjoy one of their amazing pastries while getting your day started. They offer both indoor and outdoor seating and have a friendly staff that’s happy to help you make your selection. Be sure to try out the new Charcoal Frappe on your next visit!

Hillside Coffee and Donut

Another great place to grab your morning cup of coffee along with some breakfast, or to meet and catch up with old friends, is Hillside Coffee and Donut. The trendy coffee shop features exposed brick walls, large windows, and wood floors, providing its own modern ambiance. The coffee shop focuses on preparing delicious offerings that can satisfy every customer’s palate. They offer more simple regular drip brews as well as coffee brewed using a more complicated Chemex process. Locals love the quality of the coffee as well as their delicious Abuelita donuts!

Find the perfect cup of coffee at one of the El Paso coffee shops listed above, and you won’t be disappointed. Whether you’re looking for a simple regular drip flavor, or specially roasted beans from across the world, you can find what you are looking for in the El Paso area!

Image via pixabay.com | Licensed under Pixabay License

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You can tell a lot about the culture of a place by experiencing its local cuisine. That’s definitely true for El Paso, Texas – a melting pot of cultures with a diverse culinary scene. Here are the best restaurants to experience that tasty diversity.

1. L&J Cafe

Visitors and locals who want to truly experience El Paso’s history need to visit this legendary restaurant. Having been around since 1927 and originally named “Tony’s Place”, this family establishment continues an almost century-old tradition of providing delicious food and drinks, along with a commitment to offering the best possible service to their customers. Their menu is an eclectic mix of old and new, with both traditional dishes and reinterpretations of old favorites. Read the rest of this entry »

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