Tag: Visit USA

Texas Craft Barbecue in TAMPA FLORIDA with a TAMPENO FLARE

Trey Chapman Chow
A table with several trays of food on it.


Howdy BBQ LOVERS!

Two men standing next to each other in front of a table.
Pitmaster/Owner Danny Hernandez

Today, we made the long journey to beautiful and sunny TAMPA, FLORIDA. We heard there was a TEXAS influenced BBQ joint that was slang’n BBQ so tasty and delicious that it was unforgettable. In fact, truth is “Tampans” are in LOVE with this place, and when you love TEXAS BBQ like we do, we had to make the trip.

If you follow us you know we travel coast to coast searching for the BEST BBQ, BURGERS, PIZZA, BAGELS, DONUTS and SWEETS. I knew I made the right decision soon as we pulled up, and I could smell BBQ aromas lofting in the TAMPA air like thick clouds of smokey, meaty deliciousness.

Lifetime Tampa resident and creative pitmaster Danny Hernandez is so extremely passionate about barbecue and serving his community that he developed and created an entire destination that everyone can enjoy. Danny owns and operates The Brisket Shoppe and Grill & Provisions. It’s basically two destinations in one! Located in West Tampa at the same location offering more than just BBQ.  You can get Texas influenced BBQ, tasty side dishes, sweet desserts, and pick out some BBQ equipment for your backyard. If that’s not enough for you, it gets even better. Recently, he added a new WINE ROOM offering all types of tasty wines. You can enjoy pairing with his delicious BBQ options, or you can take some home to enjoy. Don’t forget catering because they offer that too!

His BBQ offerings are plentiful! There is truly something for everyone. I know this because we tried a TEXAS size variety including, Danny’s famous brisket. The brisket was succulent, delicious, and coated with that bark-0-licious bark that I love. TEXAS style brisket prepared with fresh WAGYU BEEF and cooked low and slow to achieve the PERFECT brisket flavor. Every bite I took all I could think about was how it was worth the trip to TAMPA alone just for the brisket.

I love to chow down so I couldn’t just stop at the brisket. We enjoyed some juicy turkey breast, jalapeño and cheddar sausage link, and some unbelievably delicious slow roasted hog. WOW! It melted in my mouth! It was Heritage breed whole hog slow roasted and oak smoked to achieve the real deal MOJO, LECHON ASADO. I also had to get some pork ribs to top off the BBQ feast that were flavorful and fall off the bone delicious. The sides were tasty too! The mac-n-cheese, jalapeño poppers, and Dulce De Tres Leche Cake is also highly recommended when you order.

I couldn’t leave without trying one of Danny’s house prepared EMPANADA’S. It wasn’t a hard decision after I saw the name. It hit me like I saw bright neon lights, ” The Pitmaster Smokehouse Empanada. ” Oh my EMPANADA’S! Talk about deliciousness! ENPANADA HEAVEN and worth it! 

If you’re looking for some delicious Texas style BBQ with a Tampeno influence that’s truly unforgettable. Then I would HIGLY RECOMMEND you make trip to chow down and enjoy some Brisket Shop deliciousness. You’re going to LOVE it! I’m sure you will tell everyone like I have how you were in BBQ HEAVEN in beautiful Tampa, Florida.

The Brisket Shoppe and Grill Provisions is located at 3501 N. Armenia Ave.

Trey (Chow Down) Chapman

Based in Texas but you can follow us for coast to coast tales of delicious discoveries! 

A plate of food with meat and vegetables on it.A man sitting at a table with several trays of food.  A table with three bottles of sauces on it A group of people sitting at tables in an outdoor restaurant. A patio with tables and chairs, air conditioner and grill. A fire pit sitting under a tree near two lawn chairs. A building with many different types of graffiti on it. Three men standing next to each other in a store. A person standing in front of a large mural.

A Unique, Dreamy and Picturesque Southern Travel Experience (Louisiana)

Trey Chapman Travel Experiences
A garden with many trees and plants in it


A garden with many trees and plants in it
Welcome To The Dreamy Maison Madeleine

Have you ever seen pictures of a place so dreamy, beautiful, peaceful and picturesque you think to yourself, that can’t be real. It’s just not possible – there’s no way a place like that can exist in today’s world. Well, we discovered a place just like that in Lake Martin, Louisiana; a place so unbelievable we just wanted to pinch ourselves. It is simply known as Maison La Madeleine.

 

I’m going to tell you the rest of this fantastic story and how it all began so you can enjoy this incredibly unique travel destination that is rich in history, cozy vibes, southern hospitality, and food so delicious you will want to lick your plates clean after every meal.

 

This story starts back in 1860, when Jean Pierre Cenac walked to Bordeaux from the foothills of the Pyrenees and arrived in Algiers, Louisiana on Christmas Eve. He set up shop, got to work, and started making family history. Fast forward about 160 years and today Proprietress Madeleine Cenac and her husband Walt Adams own and operate one of the most incredible bed and breakfast travel destinations in the world: Maison La Madeleine. It’s located in the heart of the Atchafalaya Basin, adjacent to the Nature Conservancy’s 9,300-acre Cypress Island Preserve in Lake Martin, Louisiana.

 

 

Established as a Bed & Breakfast in 2005 by its owner Madeleine Cenac, it’s been a successful operation for going on 17 years. Madeleine and her family oversaw every little detail and put in years of blood, sweat and tears restoring a beautiful rustic 1840’s southern cottage. She’s extremely detail-oriented and every single item about the restoration, right down to the floor nails, was kept authentic and true to the times. As I walked around studying the details, the beauty, and soaking up the history, I was in a trance. It was so convincing that one would think they were actually back in the 1840’s, except for the modern conveniences.

 

They have also won accolades from the travel and tourism industry, magazines, programs and of course the tourists who are lucky enough to visit. They offer incredible service, history, fantastic stories, delicious meals, live music with a supper club series, incredible French Creole surroundings and accommodations fit for kings and queens.

 

I can’t begin to describe the feeling you get as you drive down the beautiful tree-lined roads on the way to the cottage. Your heart will smile because it’s absolutely breathtaking! The sights, smells, sounds, colors, and animals create a vision like you’re driving into a movie scene. When you finally arrive and step out into the beautiful world that is Masion La Madeleine, you will be in awe of the surrounding landscape and happenings.

 

 

The main house, or historic structure – a circa 1840 French Creole cottage – was moved to its location on Lake Martin in St. Martin Parish from property on the Vermillion River near Perry, Louisiana in 1997. Painstakingly restored and authentically furnished to its original grandeur, it serves as the centerpiece of the Bed & Breakfast. This is one of less than 50 such surviving 19th Century structures in the Acadiana Parishes.

 

When you enter the home, you get a warm cozy feeling that I can’t describe, except to say it’s pure bliss. From floor to ceiling and wall to wall its full of furnishings, artwork, and historical artifacts that would make any historian green with envy. My eyes and senses were on overload as I enjoyed it all – especially once I completely understood how much detail, hard work and dedication went into every aspect of this home and its surroundings.

 

Just when you think you’ve seen it all, you get a key and start upstairs to your living quarters. The stairs creak and the wood pops as you make your way up the narrow staircase. As you slowly push the door open you see the beautiful hallway and rooms decorated so perfectly. It’s like you’ve entered a fairy tale. There are two bedrooms, complete with sitting areas and even a hidden sleeping nook for children to enjoy. Accompanying this is a little kitchen area and a wonderful cozy bathroom. The entire living quarters is inviting and warm, with history about the family and Maison La Madeleine.

 

 

You can stroll around and enjoy the unique, colorful, and beautiful landscape surroundings. When you’re done you can relax on the big front southern still pouch, or in the back by the river. My favorite place was the old Jesus Bar, which is behind the cottage main house. They have an incredible outdoor kitchen and seating area, but the Jesus Bar is where all the good stuff happens! You can also choose to enjoy a private cooking class from professional Cajun-Creole chefs who live close by and are some of the bests you will find. I would highly recommend a cooking class because it’s educational, fun, and packed with delicious eats.

 

” I’ve traveled a lot in my life and enjoy traveling to wonderful and beautiful destinations. Maison Madeleine is TRULY UNIQUE and should be enjoyed by anyone who loves to travel, learn about history, eat, drink, and enjoy Louisiana. If you have some extra time, take a boat ride on Lake Martin to look at gators, or stroll around the nearby Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. I fell in love with everything about this wonderful bed and breakfast and of course the amazing Madeleine and Walt.”

Special Thanks to Chef Herbert and Chef Vicki two incredibly talented authentic Cajun Chefs that are simply wonderful! 

Please follow us on social media. Hope to meet you at a table soon!

Trey & Jana ( Chow & Travel Hounds )

A collage of photos with people and trees

 

Walt, Madeleine & Trey at Jesus Bar + Herbert, Vicki, Jana & Trey Private Cajun Cooking Class + Trey Cooking + Jesus Bar From Door + Jana & Trey in Bliss.

 

Two pages of a recipe with butterflies on them.

Trey’s Chow Down Fresh Crawfish Étouffée and Trey’s Louisiana Bread Pudding ( Thank YOU Chef Walt and Chef Vicki ) 

Austin’s NEW Paradise – Renaissance of Austin!

Trey Chapman Uncategorized
A woman in front of a large sign with an electric guitar.


Howdy Travel Fans – Welcome to the Renaissance of Austin!

If you’re like us and you travel a lot, sometimes when you reach your destination you get a very pleasant surprise. That’s what we got when we rolled into the NEWLY RENOVATED Renaissance of Austin, located in North Austin, Texas. We were just blown away from the front door to the outdoor entertainment paradise.

The hotel went through a BIG and COMPLETE restoration, modernizing the guest rooms and suites. All of the accommodations are simply stunning, colorful and vibrant, featuring stylish décor, local artwork, and thoughtful amenities. Everything is TEXAS chic, and represents Texas music, fun and an active life style. From the hanging guitars to the cattle and livestock artwork, it’s TEXAS BEAUTIFUL, but also extremely inviting and very comfortable to enjoy a long weekend.

https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/aussh-renaissance-austin-hotel/rooms/

Let’s talk about all of the incredible outdoor entertainment areas. They have four different patio areas on different levels, complete with fire pits, lounging areas, swinging chairs, games… all shaded with trees and landscape. A great feature was the mist machines in the trees, keeping you cool when you’re not enjoying the NEW pool area.  Speaking of which, they have two pools. Yes, two pools! One is located inside with a hot tub and the new pool is outside, offering a sundeck, hot tub and plenty of lounging areas to enjoy the outdoor life. They’ve added a fantastic music system to enjoy some good tunes with fresh craft cocktails so you can chill and get lost in time. When you spend time outside it’s like your miles away from the big city, even though it’s right there. The outdoor area is made for relaxation and good times, which allow you to recharge and enjoy life and that’s exactly what we did!

When you get hungry you can enjoy some fresh poolside snacks, or some chef-driven chow from the KNOTTY DECK & BAR. Lunch, brunch, dinner, and snacks are all very delicious and the offerings always served #HF&D hot, fresh and delicious. The fresh craft cocktails are prepared using only the freshest and finest ingredients to create some creative and tasty cocktails. All the food we tried was great, and the service was first class.

If you’re traveling to the Austin area, I would HIGHLY recommend booking a room and staying at the NEW RENAISSANCE of AUSTIN. You’re going to fall in love with this amazing property. They’re a NEW, officially APPROVED, Trey’s Chow Down Travel destination for all travelers to enjoy.

Click link below for photos, rooms, information and reservations

https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/aussh-renaissance-austin-hotel/overview/

Thanks, and please follow our social media platforms as we travel the USA in search of creative chefs, tasty eats, savory sweet treats, and unique travel destinations everyone can enjoy.

Trey & Jana

A couple of people standing in front of an atrium.

A Texas Dreamy Ranch Resort Destination

Trey Chapman Travel Experiences
A woman standing in front of a building with trees.


AFFORDABLE, fun and activities for everyone! 

Two women standing in front of a fire pit.
Cozy Outdoor Back Side Of Casita.

Tell your family, your friends, and heck tell your mama too. TREY’S CHOW DOWN TRAVEL DESTINATIONS has you covered AGAIN for a NEW wonderful stay-cation idea!

Grab your bags, your family, and your friends and head west to Graham, Texas. The new Oak Ranch Resort offers 3 private casitas and a bigger SUBTERRANEAN HOUSE for larger parties. This ranch is absolutely incredible. You will have the time of your life – we sure did!

Oak Ranch Resort is located in North Central Texas, fifteen minutes from Graham, Texas. Privately located on 57 acres, this secluded setting in the Eastern Cross Timbers and bottom lands of the Brazos River is home to wildlife, bird watching, fishing, star-gazing or just relaxing.

It’s new, it’s private, it’s cozy, it’s fun, it’s quiet, and it has everything you could want for a nice staycation. It offers a heated pool for those chilly country nights, or relax in the hot tub after a day of playing too hard. Each casita also offers a private hot tub. How can you go wrong with that? Oak Ranch Resort is just pure awesomeness.

Please view our video for the three private CASTIAS and LA CASA TIERRA it’s truly amazing.

GOLDEN ROCK CASITA 

https://airbnb.com/h/golden-rock-casita 

ROCKY RIDGE CASITA 

https://airbnb.com/h/rocky-ridge-casita  

SILVER MOON CASITA  

https://airbnb.com/h/silver-moon-casita

LA CASA TIERRA 

https://airbnb.com/h/lacasatierra 

Graham, Texas is a city in north-central Texas. It is the county seat and largest city of Young County. The downtown area offers fantastic shopping, dining and relaxation experiences. The downtown square is one mile in circumference, Graham’s downtown square is the largest in the entire country.

We loved Oak Ranch Resort and I guarantee you will too! Check out the website and book it today. You’re gonna be thanking OL’ TREY, I can promise you this!!

They’re an officially APPROVED Trey’s Chow Down Travel Destination for fun and relaxing times in Texas.

Follow us trey and Jana as we road trip the USA in search of creative chefs, tasty eats, savory sweet treats and unique travel destinations that everyone will love.

Trey & Jana

 

Best Pies in the South & Top 10 in the USÅ

Trey Chapman Chow
A man holding a plate of food in front of a building.


Fresh Pie Royalty at Charlotte’s Eats & Sweets Keo, Arkansas  

A man holding a box in front of stacks of boxes.
Stacks of fresh pies daily.

When we heard that the best PIES in the South were just a short ride to Arkansas, you know what had to do. We dropped the hammer and headed out for some of the BEST PIES in the USA.

CHARLOTTE’S EATS AND SWEETS has been awarded BEST PIES in the south by Southern Living, Best Pies Arkansas, Food Network, and a host of other media outlets. I was so impressed with what I read in my research that I couldn’t wait to make the trip to meet them and try their fresh pie deliciousness.

Often hailed as the best coconut pie in the South, this main attraction still brings crowds to this tiny shop on Main Street. It’s easy to find and located just east of northern Little Rock. Pie and cake lovers will line up an hour before the doors open at 11 AM, and you better be ready because it’s hard and fast. Smart diners know to reserve their slices early because they’re in high demand. It’s simply a bonus that the SANDWICHES are very delicious too!

I couldn’t believe the number of pies they still make fresh from scratch every day. Their staff is so nice and helpful, and they have that sweet southern attitude and big smiles. The atmosphere is all Southern old-school decor and makes you feel right at home as soon as you walk through the door.

THE PIES ARE ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE! Honestly, I’ve never tasted pies and cakes so flavorful. Each bite I took was better than the last. They were so good I couldn’t help but make noises; folks kinda looked at me funny, but I paid them no mind. I was smacking, moaning, and licking my lips because I’ve never had pies that delicious before. There is just something about Charlotte’s Sweets. If I had to guess, it’s all the love they put into the process.

WINNER TREY’S BEST PIES I’VE HAD IN THE USA.  

If you’re looking for something new or just want to try some of the BEST PIES, CAKES, AND SWEETS you’ve ever had, I would highly recommend you take a ride over to chow down. I can’t explain the deliciousness except the say this: I would drive 1,000 miles to enjoy the delicious eats and sweets anytime!

They’re a new officially APPROVED Trey’s Chow Down Delicious Destination for all food lovers to enjoy.

A group of people standing on the side of a road.

Unique Blue Skies Retro Resort Texas Hill Country

Trey Chapman Travel Experiences
A blue and white bus parked in front of a building.


Trey’s Chow Down TRAVEL heard about this incredibly cozy Palm Springs-style resort that’s a throwback to the retro classics. Located in the Hill Country, it’s an overnight retro dream close to Fredericksburg, Texas that we absolutely LOVED!

The Blue Skies Retro Resort is located approximately 3 hours from DFW and 1.5 hours from San Antonio and Austin. They’re nestled between the Texas Wine Trail and Enchanted Rock on TX Hwy 16, where the possibilities for fun, relaxation and adventure are endless.

The fully refurbished retro trailers are cozy, colorful, fun and clean. Each trailer offers WI-Fi, a small refrigerator, retro record player, a couch, kitchenette, and small bathroom. They also have an outdoor entertainment area with a fireplace (wood is included!) and a pool. It’s all you need for a quick, affordable get away.

 

 

ACCOMMODATIONS 

Offering five Shasta trailers with private yards along with additional private bathrooms with vanities and outdoor showers, a pool and a covered pavilion for you to enjoy!

Each trailer offers:

  • Keyless entry
  • Full bed featuring a Casper® mattress
  • Luxury linens and pillows
  • Keurig single cup coffee
  • Fridge
  • Microwave
  • Sink
  • AC/Heat
  • TV
  • Bluetooth radios and record player with records
  • Private yards
  • *19ft trailers have an additional twin bed in the back that also offers extra seating

 

The sunsets and sunrises are impeccable and the skies are a bright blue, so no need to even wander off the property as it provides a unique resort experience all on its own.

If you’re looking for an affordable and fun getaway, I would HIGHLY recommend a trip to BLUE SKIES RETRO RESORT. You will thank me later for the fun and relaxing time you will enjoy.

Disclaimer: I can’t be held responsible if you have TOO MUCH FUN!

A collage of different colored trailers parked in front of a building.

Please follow our social media channels as we discover creative chefs, tasty eats, savory sweet treats and unique travel destinations around the USA!

Trey ( Chow Down ) Chapman

 

 

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

Trey Chapman Travel Experiences, Uncategorized
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.