Episode 30: Route 66 at 100: My 2,500‑Mile Journey Across America and Part of Texas

Episode 30: Route 66 at 100: My 2,500‑Mile Journey Across America and Part of Texas

Diann Bayes, founder of How Big Is Texas, drives Route 66 on its 100th anniversary with her Aunt Ruth, covering nearly 2,500 miles from Wilmington, Illinois, to San Bernardino, California, and more miles to and from the start and finish line. The trip highlights changing landscapes and quirky roadside stops across Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California and features historic sites, classic diners, the Grand Canyon, and the enduring spirit of the Mother Road and its century-long history.

Episode 29: Hat's Off to Garland - Cowboy Hat Capital of Texas

Join Diann Bayes, Founder and #1 Quester at How Big Is Texas, in Garland, Texas, to discover why the city is called the Cowboy Hat Capital of Texas, featuring the biggest cowboy hat and an on-street interview with the cultural arts director. Hear the history from Mexican vaqueros to John B. Stetson, and learn about local manufacturers like Hatco, Dorfman Milano, and Master Hatters that make millions of hats a year. Explore photo spots, local heritage, and how Garland’s working hats have served everyone from ranchers to presidents and country stars. This episode is sponsored by Visit Garland.

Episode 28 - My 2025 Road Trip Highlights in Texas

Join Diann Bayes, founder of How Big Is Texas, as she recaps her 2025 adventures across the Lone Star State. From completing a quest to visit all 254 Texas counties and exploring state parks to seaside getaways in Rockport, this episode highlights the best places, foods, and festivals she discovered. Hear about standout moments like the legendary chicken-fried steak at Mary’s Cafe in Strawn, a chocolate tasting in Cleburne, the Big Tree at Goose Island State Park, the Heritage Syrup Festival in Henderson, and Diann’s ongoing travel goals for the year ahead.

Episode 27 - A Texas Thanksgiving: Brown Food, Sweet Tea, and Family Memories

Host Diann Bayes of How Big is Texas shares warm memories of Texas Thanksgiving traditions, family recipes, and classic holiday dishes—from cornbread dressing and questionable salads to pecan pie and cranberry sauce. She reflects on the colors, flavors, and quirks of Texas holiday tables, recounts nostalgic family anecdotes, and invites listeners to celebrate their own seasonal favorites.

Episode 26 - Visiting All 254 Texas Counties: My Lone Star Journey

Host Diann Bayes celebrates completing her quest to visit all 254 Texas counties after previously driving the 3,331-mile perimeter of the state. She recalls road trips, food trails, mispronounced towns, and Texas Heritage Trail explorations that shaped her journey. Now tracking state parks with a scratch-off map (75 of 89 visited), Diann reflects on living life fully, shares inspiration to "live your dash," and invites listeners to join her in more Lone Star adventures.