Unforgettable Po-Boys, Sides & Bread Pudding NOLA

A bench sitting in front of a yellow building.


Howdy Chow Hounds!

A bench sitting in front of a yellow building.
Po-Boy Deliciousness “I’m in Heaven!”

History has it that the Po-boy was invented by the Martin brothers, Benny and Clovis, to feed striking streetcar drivers in New Orleans in 1929. According to an account on the website of the Oak Street Po-Boy Festival, Benny Martin once said: “We fed those men free of charge until the strike ended. Whenever we saw one of the striking men coming, one of us would say, “Here comes another poor boy.” I’m not really sure how it was created but the generally accepted and repeated story of how the celebrated Po-Boy sandwich was invented first appeared in a New Orleans newspaper in 1969, 40 years after the streetcar strike. All I know is I love me a good Po-Boy sandwich and I sure found one of the BEST Louisiana originals.

Today we’re at Frady’s One Stop, located at 3231 Dauphine St in the Bywater District of New Orleans. It’s a COZY and BRIGHT store on the corner that just screams old school New Orleans. It’s been family owned and operated for decades and has unbelievably friendly service. You will fall in love when you see it, just like I did!

The building that houses Frady’s One Stop has been around for more than a hundred years. Before Joseph Frady bought the going-out-of-business Flick’s Meat Market in 1972, it was an open-air fruit stand. Frady bought the meat market with two goals in mind: to turn it into a corner grocery store and to serve the best cold drinks and sandwiches. He did make that dream happen and today they’re slinging some of the BEST Po-Boys in the USA.

Frady’s in the Bywater District is the perfect place to go after long walks, bike rides, or if you’re just plain hungry. They offer fried shrimp and meatball po’ boys that are truly unforgettable and loaded with deliciousness. They also offer roast beef, fried prawns, fresh sides, and savory sweet bread pudding. Be sure to also check out some of their tasty beer options!

Featured Dishes: Fresh Meatball Po’ Boy and Fresh Fried Shrimp Po’ Boy. Prepared on bakery-fresh French bread that is soft on the inside and with a fantastic crust on the outside. Absolutely the PERFECT Po’ Boys loaded with deliciousness.

Omni Resort Perfection – Lazy River, Golf Course Spa & More.

Two pictures of a resort and golf course.


Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate 

Trey’s Chow Down Travel is back at it again as we continue road trip’in the USA for unique travel destinations! Jana and I took a quick trip to Orlando, Florida because we heard about this unbelievable travel destination. If you love unique discoveries that offer everything, and I mean everything, then you’re gonna love this discovery from Trey’s Chow Down Travel.

It’s an incredibly unique, fun and activity-filled destination for anyone. It’s a great location for families, couples, a date weekend, business travels, and golfers. There is truly something for everyone at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate.

The food was perfect, offering a wide variety of dishes and dining experiences. They offer fresh and creative chef-driven eats, savory sweet treats and tasty craft cocktails. They have so many restaurant and snack options your belly will be full of deliciousness during your entire stay. We ate and enjoyed for 48 hours straight! Don’t sleep on the room service, either, that was awesome too.

Restaurants, Sweets, Coffee and Snacks offered:

ZEN 

Enjoy authentic Chinese dishes highlighted by an intimate sushi and sake bar. ( Deliciousness )

TREVI’S 

Enjoy Trevi’s Breakfast and Italian classics for lunch and dinner. Family style dining is also available.

TREVI’S TERRAZZA 

Join everyone for an Italian al fresco dining experience with fire pits, light bites, sangria and more. ( Perfection )

DAVID’S CLUB 

Enjoy the spirited environment and spectacular resort views while you dine on mouthwatering steaks and innovative cuisine at Omni’s upscale sports bar and grill.A collage of different foods including dessert and coffee.

CROC’S 

Enjoy a delicious meal crafted from regional ingredients or sip on one of Omni’s signature cocktails while overlooking the stunning pools.

BROADWAY DELI 

Choose from a variety of salads, classic deli sandwiches, hand-scooped gelato and on-the-go snacks. Offering to-go breakfast, lunch, dinner items and late-night snacks. ( Love this Place )

PIPER’S GRILLE AND CHAMPIONSGATE LOUNGE 

Sample Omni’s selection of healthy and hearty breakfast options, sandwiches, salads and entrees at lunch or throughout the afternoon for golfers who want to enjoy a refreshing break.

LOBBY BAR 

Relax with a glass of wine or refreshing cocktail while you catch up with friends and family. ( Great Cocktails )

RESTAURANT IN ROOM DELIVERY 

Let Omni deliver the best to you! Room service is available for breakfast and dinner daily.

At the resort is a swimming oasis surrounded by a lush, tropical environment. They offer a BIG lazy river, a great hot tub area, and an adult pool with private cabanas. Together these features combine to make for an incredible outdoor pool area; a tropical heaven for families, friends, dates and singles.

Lexy’s – A Dallas Treasure of Deliciousness

A white plate topped with food covered in sauce.


Howdy Y’all!

Trey’s Chow Down was honored to enjoy some fresh, chef-driven deliciousness at the NEW Lexy’s Dallas, a hip local restaurant serving up creative American cuisine. Every dish is prepared fresh using onlyA man in a suit and tie at a bar. LOCALLY SOURCED vegetables and proteins from local farms and craft suppliers. Each dish is prepared by master chefs, absolutely perfect and loaded with deliciousness.

It’s located in the beautiful Trinity Groves a buzzing dining district with an eclectic range of eateries in converted warehouses. Sleek hip restaurants, a down-to-earth vibrant Art Park, and a bistro serving Asian fusion fare are among the options. Nearby, contemporary art galleries showcase the works of emerging local artists. Spanning the Trinity River, the Ronald Kirk footbridge has skyline views and access to trails in the river basin below.

The restaurant is colorful and vibrant, but still cozy and beautiful. As you enter through the front doors of LEXY’S you’re transported to a place of calm and coziness. You will feel relaxed and love the laid-back atmosphere. The menu is loaded with succulent flavorful meats, craft cocktails, sweets and a CHAMPAGNE VENDING MACHINE. I loved the SIZZLING WAGYU BEEF platter!! #stupiddelicious.

They offer a big variety including: Filet Mignon, Seared Tuna, Flatbreads, Salads, Fresh Wagyu Beef, Roasted Chicken, Big Phat Tomahawk Steaks, Herb-Crusted Salmon, Wines, fresh craft Cocktails, all with incredibly friendly service.

Trey’s Thoughts: 

“If you love bright, beautiful, and cozy restaurants that are slinging deliciousness with big smiles and tasty craft cocktails, The new LEXY’S DALLAS is where you want to be. One of the BEST new restaurant openings of 2022. Chef Beto, along with his wife ALEXY and their team have a created an awesome world of culinary perfection and cocktail heaven!”  

LEXY’S is a new official APPROVED Trey’s Chow Down Delicious Destination for all food and cocktail lovers to enjoy. Their brunch is a must see!

Hope to meet you at a table soon! Stay Hungry!

Trey ( Chow Down ) Chapman

 

Cajun-Creole Deliciousness at Cafe Sydnie Mae

A plate of food on top of a table.


Hello Chow Hounds!

A plate of food on top of a table.
100 Year Old Casket Elevator

We’re back on the road again on our MEETS, EATS and SWEETS Tour 2022. If you follow us you know we’re always on the hunt for the MOST DELICIOUS eats, savory sweet treats, and the BEST Places to MEET. We received another tip about this incredibly cozy and friendly spot in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana Cafe Sydnie Mae. They are slinging some of the BEST French Cajun-creole cuisine in state of Louisiana.

Breaux Bridge is a beautiful and cozy community nestled in the St. Martin parish of Louisiana. It’s centered around an amazing old bridge that was constructed in 1779 to assist with crossing the Bayou Têche, helping ease the passage across for families and neighbors. The rest, they say, is history. The bridge still stands today and has been renovated to its current beautiful state. I loved walking across the bridge, thinking what it must have been like in 1779.

When we heard about Cafe Sydnie Mae, we made reservations and headed out for dinner. Located at the foot of the Breaux Bridge in downtown, we loved the coziness soon as we pulled up. The cafe is located in a 100-year-old casket factory and is full of history. They offer chef-driven, fresh-prepared dishes that are loaded with flavor. The atmosphere is extremely homey, with live music and a beautiful old school Louisiana vibe.

We ordered a big variety of dishes to try and each one we enjoyed was better than the last, all loaded with flavor. My favorite was the BIG PHAT fresh GRILLED pork chop. That Pork Chop was so delicious it was Pork-O-Liciousness. It was so flavorful that I would drive 500 miles to enjoy it again. The fresh dessert was also savory, sweet deliciousness.

Cafe Sydnie Mae is worth a drive a drive from anywhere in Texas and Louisiana to enjoy some incredibly fresh Cajun-creole cooking in a beautiful old-Louisiana atmosphere, with friendly service and toe tapping music.

SIMPLY PUT: ” It’s so delicious and cozy you will never want to leave! I can’t wait to return for more deliciousness and fun. “

They’re a NEW OFFICIALLY APPROVED Trey’s Coastal Chow Down Delicious Destination for all food lovers to enjoy. Tell’em Trey sent ya to Chow Down!

Trey ( Chow Down ) Chapman

A plate of food on top of a table.

 

Unique Texas Hill County Travel Destination With A… CASTLE & Cool VIBES!

A building with palm trees in front of it.


Hello Y’all!

A castle like building with lights on it's side.
Wine Castle “The Chateau De Chase” on 290 On HILL.

If you follow our travel, food, chef and cocktail adventures then you’re aware that I’m like an OLD HOUND DOG always on the HUNT. Searching for Creative chefs, delicious eats, savory sweet treats and UNIQUE Travel destinations. THIS IS ONE OF THOSE DISCOVERIES. Get ready for an AWESOME Experience! Let’s GO!

There we were, cruising down highway 290, headed to Fredericksburg when Jana blurts out, “Trey did you see that castle?â€Â On the phone I replied by asking her if she had already started drinking wine, even though it was only 8am. Turns out it WAS a castle – a big, beautiful castle, with a new hotel right beside it. I thought, if that’s not intriguing, I don’t know what is. A castle on a hill, in Texas, with a NEW HOTEL right beside it. That just screams UNIQUE!

The next week we made reservations for the NEW Bentley Hotel on 290, adjacent to the Wine Castle. Making the reservations was a good call, because the Bentley Hotel is absolutely an incredible – a true destination that’s not only unique, but inviting, relaxing, charming and comfortable. You truly don’t need to leave once you check in for the weekend.

They’re a twelve room and two suite boutique hotel featuring a resort-style pool and an outdoor wine cabana bar, complete with all of your wine cocktails and culinary delights! Enjoy a wine cocktail after check-in on Friday night, then take a dip in the lounge pool and hot tub and order a pizza for dinner on Saturday. You can visit the Wine Castle just up the hill and enjoy some tasty wines and snacks, then learn about wines in a cozy and inviting castle atmosphere.

They have twelve king-size rooms with private balconies, two two-story Suites with living rooms and double private balconies. Each room tells a story through its name, and no matter which one you choose they’re all warm, cozy, colorful, classy and extremely comfortable. We stayed in the CLINT EASTWOOD ROOM and LOVED IT! ABSOLUTE PERFECTION!

They have a BIG resort-style pool with private lounge cabanas and beautiful pool furniture. A Texas-centric wine cabana bar that’s shaded, and a kitchen that’s open 5pm to 9pm, offering Incredible customer service. The lounge pool is open 10am to 9 pm.

If you’re looking for a Truly UNIQUE Texas Hill Country Travel destination offering a one of kind experience, including a castle, then The Bentley Hotel on 290 is the place to be. Make your reservations and when you get there, walk through the little black gates and leave your troubles behind. That’s what we did and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND you do the same.

Until next time my friends! Enjoy a unique travel experience, enjoy something deliciousness, be happy, and always love your neighbor. We need more love in this world and of course unique travel experiences like the The Bentley Hotel on 290!

Hope to meet you at a table soon!

Adios Y’all!

A man pointing to the camera in front of a hotel.

Salt Lick BBQ – A Real Texas BBQ Experience!

A grill with lots of food on it


Driftwood Texas BBQ Deliciousness  

A man holding two pieces of meat in his hands.
Trey Holding Succulent Ribs!

Driftwood is home to the world famous SALT LICK BBQ. As we pulled up I had a realization that any day is the perfect day to enjoy some Texas BBQ! We took a ride over because we’re on our MEETS, EATS and SWEETS Tour 2022 on the road to discover deliciousness all over the USA.

The Salt Lick doesn’t just serve great BBQ, they offer a TEXAS BBQ experience. They smoke all the meats you can imagine: brisket, pork, beef ribs, buffalo ribs, turkey, sausages, pork ribs… heck, we could go on forever. I’m pretty sure they could smoke anything and it would be delicious. The sandwiches are BIG, and loaded with meat too. They offer one, “Marino’s Triple Chop” that is crazy, meaty deliciousness.

Let’s also talk about the sweets: a slice of chocolate pecan pie, blackberry or peach cobbler and homemade pecan pie that is just insanely flavorful. You can also get a half tray of cobbler (peach or blackberry) TO GO.

The Texas BBQ is worth the drive alone, but it’s the atmosphere that makes you sit a spell. Plenty of inside seating with dining rooms that have an old TEXAS ranch-like atmosphere. The outside seating is truly Texas outdoors as well, complete with big and small trees providing shade over the whole property. They even have an adult-only section with tasty wine and good vibes.

If you follow me you know I’m big believer in overall foodie experiences, and that’s what you get when you Chow Down at The Salt Lick. I would highly recommend a day trip for some Texas Deliciousness. It’s the worth the drive from anywhere! They are a new official Trey’s Chow Down Delicious Destination for all BBQ loves to enjoy.

Hope to meet you a table soon for great conversation and some deliciousness!

Trey ( Chow Down ) Chapman

French Cajun-Creole Cuisine Heaven – Little Big Cup

A plate of food on top of a table.


I discovered French Cajun-Creole Cuisine Heaven – WOW!

A man sitting at the table holding two plates of food.
Little Big Cup Perfection

If you also love to travel for deliciousness, then I have something special for you. If you’re searching for tasty craft cocktails and wonderful food experiences, look no further. This is the one!

Trey’s Chow Down is Road Trip’in the USA for Trey’s Coastal Chow Down deliciousness and today we’re in Arnaudville, Louisiana at The Little Big Cup for some serious comfort food and sweet treats. Located just five hours from DFW on the way to New Orleans, it’s worth a visit to chow down on some seriously creative and flavorful French Cajun-Creole cooking.

Kevin Robin and Sanjay Maharaj are the owners of The Little Big Cup. Kevin is all about food and Sanjay handles the management side. Together they strike a perfect balance and bring you The Little Big Cup.

Kevin is a native of Arnaudville but spent 20 years in New York before returning home to work at his family’s business: Russell’s Food Center, a five-generation operation that has brought the best in food to the Acadiana area. Sanjay is a native of Trinidad.

We received several tips about this place and just had to check it out. We’re glad we did, because their entire operation is incredible – from the menu to the service. Everything we tried was perfection from beginning to end.

They’ve won many awards and offer one of the BEST Po’boys in Louisiana, and that’s saying something. That Po’boy is creamy, savory deliciousness stacked and packed with fresh goodies that will have you screaming, “THANK YOU MAY I HAVE ANOTHER?” Just #Stupiddelicious We ordered a wide variety of dishes and we couldn’t find a single bad one. There was something for everyone and they were all served HF&D #HotFreshandDelicious.

We enjoyed many items, including:

Cracklin’ Dusted Fried Mac-N-Cheese Balls – OMG DELISH!

Cheesy Seafood Nachos – R.I.D.I.C.U.L.O.U.S!

Fried Crawfish Cornbread- Unbelievable!

Kevin’s Po Boy – Savory Deliciousness!

Soft Crab Stack 2.0 ABSOLUTE perfection!

SAVORY SWEET TREATS that were so delicious your tongue will slap your brains out wanting more.

ðŸ“👉 https://thelittlebigcup.com/

If you LOVE to eat and you LOVE incredible food experiences, then I would highly recommend a visit to LITTLE BIG CUP to CHOW DOWN. They are a new official APPROVED Trey’s Chow Down Delicious Destination for all food lovers to enjoy.  

Please follow one of our 11 social media platforms for delicious east, tasty craft cocktails, savory sweet treats and unique travel destinations.

Trey ( Chow Down ) Chapman

A plate of food on top of a wooden table.
The Delicious Fresh Seafood Nachos (CHEESY)

Amazing Delicious Destination – Top 10 in the USA – Emma and Ollie

A bowl of food on top of a white plate.


Breakfast + Brunch + Lunch Hill Country, Fredericksburg, TX

A yellow building with trees and bushes around it.
Emma + Ollie Cozy Delicious Destination

A few months back, while we were “Road Trip’in” for deliciousness, we had to check out a place we heard about in beautiful Fredericksburg, Texas. To say it was worth the trip would be greatly understated. Sometimes culinary perfection is found tucked back in the most unassuming places. When this happens, it puts a smile on my face, fills my heart with joy, and my belly with deliciousness.

Located in a little old home surrounded by trees and a beautiful landscape, the atmosphere is cozy and the house is bursting with life. It’s one of those little joints where everything is perfect. The colors, flowers, the wall decorations, and of course the incredible old-school service. It just feels so right as soon as you see it. The kind of place you want to meet family, loved ones, and friends to enjoy something creative and delicious. Simply put, this is a truly hidden spot of culinary perfection that’s unforgettable!

Margaritaville Resort Fun & Loads Of Deliciousness ( Bossier City )

A building with green lights on it's windows.


Howdy Travelers!

A building with green lights on it's windows.
Chill At The Pool Jimmy style!

If you’re new to our site, my name is Trey and I specialize in locating creative and talented chefs, delicious dishes, tasty cocktails, and unique travel experiences that everyone should enjoy around the USA.

We’ve been on the hunt for some close vacation spots that offer the BEST deliciousness, chefs, and fun. Travel experiences that are fantastic and close for Texans, Oklahomans, and Louisianans to enjoy.

Margaritaville Resort Casino in Bossier City, Louisiana is right on the river. It’s close, fun, and has delicious restaurants. Big, clean, colorful rooms and a nice pool atmosphere for the family.

Paradise wouldn’t be complete without a fabulous luxury hotel. You have a license to chill in one of the 395 guest rooms and suites designed with tropical elegance and world-class first-rate amenities. The suites and Premium corner rooms even offer private balconies.

When you stay at Margaritaville, you’ll enjoy everything you expect in a luxury resort from a beautiful tropical pool and elegant spa to extraordinary entertainment and dining.

Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville is a United States-based hospitality company that manages and franchises a casual dining American restaurant chain, a chain of stores selling Jimmy Buffett-themed merchandise, and casinos with lodging facilities.

A building with green lights on it's windows.
Enjoy A Steak at Jimmy’s DELISH.

Better get ready for some fun when you step inside the MARGARITAVILLE Resort. Leave your worries at HOME!

We’ve enjoyed three Margaritaville stays in various states and loved each one of them. The staff is always nice with big smiles and open arms. They offer plenty of parking and a large variety of dining options. We’ve tried 12 of the restaurants at various locations and each one has been fantastic. 

We enjoyed our visit and our room was big and offered great views. The food was fresh and delicious at both restaurants we enjoyed, but our favorite was Riverview Restaurant & Brewhouse. It had great views overlooking the river and a big variety of fresh and delicious options. My favorites dishes were simply delicious Mac-N-Cheese, English Fish & Chips and the cheesy pasta.

Please see all restaurant options below.

A building with green lights on it's windows.

Restaurants and Hours 

Banyan Tree Café: 

Monday – Tuesday: 7 a.m. – Midnight

Wednesday – Sunday: 24 hours

5 O’Clock Somewhere:

Sunday – Thursday: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m. – 2 a.m.

Riverview Restaurant & Brewhouse: 

Sunday – Thursday: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Friday – Saturday: 8 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.

Jimmy’s Steak & Seafood: 

Wednesday & Thursday: 5 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Friday & Saturday: 5 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

Sunday: 5 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Bamboo Asian Café: 

Friday & Saturday: 5 p.m. – Midnight

Sunday & Monday: 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.

The Busted Coconut: 

All Day

If you’re looking for a GREAT place close to home that’s serving delicious food, tasty drinks and cocktails and boasting big rooms with a wonderful pool area, you NEED to check this out! You will thank me later because it offers world class dinning and loads of FUN!

Hope to see you down the road or at a table soon,

Trey and Jana 

A building with green lights on it's windows.

 

 

Historical Texas Motor Lodge That’s Unforgettable

A restaurant with a sky background


Howdy Y’all!

A man standing in front of the press room door.
The Press Room (LBJ Waiting Room)

If you’re new to our site, my name is Trey and I specialize in locating creative and talented chefs, delicious dishes, tasty cocktails, and unique travel experiences that everyone should enjoy around the USA.

I heard about this cozy little 1960’s Motor Lodge located in the beautiful Hill Country of Texas, right down the road from President LBJ’s Ranch – the Texas White House, as they called it. These days when we get a tip, or hear about new place to visit, we must investigate before striking out on the adventure, just to be sure it’s what we’re expecting.

We did our homework and discovered it was originally built in 1964. This restored L-shaped motel combines modern luxury with a retro twist, featuring 12 remodeled rooms and 4 private cabins — faithful to their mid-century modern roots – along with five RV sites.

Interested, we loaded up and headed for the beautiful Stonewall Motor Lodge in Stonewall, Texas, right next to Fredericksburg, Texas. It’s such a beautiful, quaint, and relaxing drive. We reserved the PRESS ROOM to spend the weekend in and enjoy the Hill Country.

When we arrived and I laid my eyes on the lodge I knew we had made the CORRECT decision. It was perfect! A shining star located roadside like the OLD Motor Lodges from the 1940, 50, and 60’s. Completely refurbished with roof top deck added, nice colorful and cozy rooms, big showers, comfortable beds, outdoor living areas and the big outdoor barn area. This was complete with sitting areas, a bar, fans and windows to view the wild life. They also had an outdoor fire pit and grilling area under big Hill Country trees and loads of deer. I’m serious when I say loads of deer – we counted 10 and one big Texas buck on our first outing to the barn. The next morning when we looked out of the window, I saw so many deer we couldn’t count them all. It was magical!!

I reserved the PRESS ROOM because I firmly believe that every travel experience should include some history, education, and fun, with a dash of deliciousness and a few tasty cocktails. When you have that combination it’s sure to be the PERFECT travel experience.

The Press Room was awesome. If these walls could talk… Once reserved for the Press Corps hoping to snap a shot of President Lyndon B. Johnson during visits to his ranch, this room is steeped in the history of the nearby “Texas White Houseâ€. It has a little kitchenette with a table and all kinds of historical photos. It’s cozy and has PLENTY OF ROOM.

We unpacked, settled in, and started enjoying the wonderful Lodge. We went out back and enjoyed talking to the deer (a one-sided conversation), listening to music and discussing our incredible day with BLAKE the engaged ” Southern White Rhino.” But, that’s another story and one you don’t want to miss. Later on, we got some wine and headed to the rooftop overlooking the hotel and surrounding area. We really enjoyed the outdoor living room and discussing the cars and trucks as the rolled by. What a fantastic day we had, and ending it looking up at the TEXAS star BIGHT night made it perfect.

I don’t know about you, but Jana and myself love staying in cozy old beautiful places. Stonewall was extremely nostalgic, cozy and quaint, and not to mention affordable. There is just something about pulling up, getting out of your car, and walking into your room. Not having to deal with loads of people, big parking lots, elevators, and miles of concrete if you get my drift. It was a nice change of pace, bringing things back to a simpler time. (Boy times have changed but NOT at STONEWALL.)

If you’re looking for a different experience that’s truly a change of pace and one that’s unforgettable, you need to book a stay and enjoy some time at the beautiful STONEWALL MOTOR LODGE. You will thank me Later! 12 stars out of 10 for these travelers.

Hope to see you on the road or at a table soon! Love y’all!

Trey and Jana

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Avery Island An Unforgettable TABASCO Experience.

A man standing in front of large bottles of sauce.


History & Hot Sauce Deliciousness  

A man standing next to a cart filled with rocks.
Old Salt Mine Recreation.

Howdy! If you’re new to our site, my name is Trey and I specialize in locating creative and talented chefs, delicious dishes, tasty cocktails, and unique travel experiences that everyone should enjoy around the USA.

We’re so grateful for the private tour, tasting and extremely friendly staff at TABASCO® and Avery Island, Louisiana. Jana and I had an unforgettable time learning the history behind the TABASCO® brands and the beautiful surroundings that Avery Island offers. We never understood the true amount of EFFORT and TIME that Edward Mcllhenny spent creating the TABASCO® brands in 1868 on Avery Island. I’m not sure the man ever slept a wink, much like my father Barney – very remarkable!

He not only created TABASCO® on the Island; he also mined salt, planted thousands of different varieties of plants and bamboo for the US government. He’s even responsible for helping save the Snowy Egrets and other species. There is so much more that he and the family did for America and the world, which you can learn about during the tour. This tour is a MUST visit if you love historical facts, beauty and of course deliciousness. The TABASCO® restaurant was wonderful too and the staff was fantastic.

TABASCO® Brand products are made by McIlhenny Company, founded by Edmund McIlhenny in 1868 on Avery Island, Louisiana. It was there that he developed the recipe for TABASCO® Original Red Pepper Sauce that’s been passed down from generation to generation. To this day, the company is still family-owned and operated on that very same island. The McIlhenny family has made TABASCO® Sauce on Avery Island, Louisiana for over 5 generations. Built on a salt dome, it’s a mysteriously beautiful place where the red peppers grow, the factory hums, and abundant wildlife can be seen in Jungle Gardens.

A table with two bowls of food and sauces.
A Small Tastings From 1868.

The Jungle Garden Tour is a must if you LOVE wildlife, history and beautiful surroundings. You can take a guided bird tour, or a self-guided tour through Jungle Gardens and experience the beauty and tranquility of the ancient oaks and bayous. It is truly a stunning tour and inspiring to see the happenings and all the incredible wildlife come to life.

If you’re looking for a truly memorable TRAVEL experience I would HIGHLY recommend a visit to Avery Island. You can spend the day enjoying life and forgetting about your troubles.

Hope to meet you on our travels and see you at a table soon!

With LOVE Trey & Jana

Unique Texas Hill Country Travel Experience

A rhino and a glass of wine on the table


Howdy Y’all!

If you’re new to our site, my name is Trey and I specialize in locating creative and talented chefs, delicious dishes, tasty cocktails, and unique travel experiences that everyone should enjoy. A glass of wine on top of a menu.

I was so excited when I heard about and booked this NEW travel adventure that I literally didn’t sleep for two nights prior to leaving. It combines and encompasses some of my greatest passions: endangered species, history, tasty wines, and unique travel destinations. The GREATEST factor? It’s an affordable experience that everyone can enjoy. It involves learning about the historic and important factors with the endangered Southern White Rhino population.

The RHINORY is now OPEN in Fredericksburg the beautiful hill country of Texas and worth every single second of your time. You can visit, meet, and have an opportunity to touch and rub BIG BLAKE, a beautiful and sweet Endangered White Rhino. During this time, you can also learn about and enjoy some very tasty wines. Drinking is optional – you can still enjoy this incredible experience without the wine. ( You must make reservations for Rhino visit )

Their 55-acre ranch in Fredericksburg is close to everything, but as you pull through the gates you will be entering into a whole new world when you arrive. They have a special area where you will be able to get up close and personal with Big Blake.  The rhino keeper will escort you and guide you through the experience where you will learn more about this rhino and potentially get the opportunity to feed him, touch and or rub him.  This is an amazing experience that will be remembered for a lifetime. All revenue from the experience will go to the International Rhino Foundation to further aid rhino conservation worldwide.

The concept came about after owner Craig Stevens and wife Chesney witnessed a devastating loss while traveling in Africa and wanted to tell the world about the issues rhinos are facing. I was very impressed with Chris and Kristen’s passion, professionalism and knowledge about rhinos. They have over three decades of experience and will educate you and your family on the history of this incredible species that faces extinction, and how we can help save them.

Three people standing next to a cow in an enclosure.
Chris and Kristen the passionate Rhino Keepers.

The wine team is also excellent and will explain the wide variety of wines offered and help you make educated choices so you can enjoy sipping on some incredible wines. They will answer your questions and educate you on the flavor profiles as well as the origins of the wine. The Stevens family settled in Hill Country over 150 years ago and they’re proud to continue the ranching and farming tradition, albeit they’re raising rhinos instead of cattle and wine grapes instead of hay.

Don’t forget to join the “Winos for Rhinos” wine club before you leave, this is a must if you love wine. Jana and I joined and took home 12 bottles of tasty wine that we can enjoy as we talk about and remember Blake, the sweet Rhino.

I strongly and highly recommend this travel experience that everyone can enjoy at the RHINORY… It’s one you will cherish for the rest of your life!

This is truly one of the most unique and unforgettable travel experiences you will ever encounter. I was so IMPRESSED and TAKEN by my experience that I had a hard time leaving. We said goodbye to BLAKE and the staff and now we are off to locate more fantastic and memorable experiences.

If you love deliciousness, good times, and real travel experiences, I urge you to follow us on our social channels, watch our TV show, listen to our podcast, or sign up for our email list.

Thank you so much for time!

Trey Chapman 

Two people standing next to a statue of an elephant.

Trey Chapman / Trey’s Chow Down /Drink With Trey & Craig Stevens OWNER The Rhinory.