Trey's Chow Down Travel Experiences

Trey and Jana travel in search of creative and talented chefs, tasty craft cocktails, savory sweet treats and unique travel destinations. We believe TRAVEL is good for your heart, mind, body and soul. Mix in some deliciousness, talented chefs, a dash of history, a pinch of fun and you’ll have the perfect travel destination every time.

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

November 19, 2022December 13, 2022 Trey Chapman Travel Experiences

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.

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.

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

September 29, 2022September 29, 2022 Trey Chapman Travel Experiences, Uncategorized

Hello Y’all!

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?” 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!

Margaritaville Resort Fun & Loads Of Deliciousness ( Bossier City )

July 20, 2022July 20, 2022 Trey Chapman Travel Experiences

Howdy Travelers!

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.

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.

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

Historical Texas Motor Lodge That’s Unforgettable

July 14, 2022July 14, 2022 Trey Chapman Travel Experiences

Howdy Y’all!

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 House”. 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.

July 13, 2022July 13, 2022 Trey Chapman Chow, Travel Experiences

History & Hot Sauce Deliciousness

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.

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

July 11, 2022July 12, 2022 Trey Chapman Chow, Travel Experiences 1 Comment

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.

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.

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

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

DFW Chef John Tesar WINS Michelin star!

June 10, 2022September 21, 2022 Trey Chapman Chow, Travel Experiences

Florida Perfection!

Orlando Florida has a new reason to celebrate TODAY! Dallas Chef John Tesar WON a Michelin Star for his KNIFE & SPOON Restaurant located at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes. Orlando visitors can now enjoy dinning at the Michelin star restaurant because last night was a FIRST for Florida. The 122-year-old guide book announced its first-ever star rating and dining guide to Florida and chef John Tesar’s KNIFE & SPOON was among the star-rated restaurants.

John created Knife Dallas and Knife Plano award winning steakhouses serving some of the best steaks in the world. Two months ago he opened OUTER REEF in Dana Point, California with steaks, seafood and creative desserts. There’s NO stopping John now! He has no time to rest with his current venture opening in Los Colinas later this year. Knife Italian will open at the Four Seasons Resort in Las Colinas at the Ritz-Carlton later in 2022.

The Michelin star guide awarded 15 restaurants in the inaugural MICHELIN Guide to Florida 2022. Please see the link for the NEW guide below.

https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/article/michelin-star-revelation/2022-florida-michelin-stars

When you visit Orlando a trip to Knife & Spoon is a must for anyone that wants to enjoy a wide ranch of creative deliciousness with an award winning steak, seafood and savory sweet desserts. Congratulations to Chef John Tesar, Chef Gerald and the entire team culinary team for a job well done.

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