Day Trip to Stephenville 🐴 (FULL EPISODE) S4 E2

This town calls itself the “Cowboy Capital of the World” and for good reason. Stephenville has more world-championship cowboys per capita than any other town on the planet. Yet, these aren’t just guys who wear hats, drive big trucks, and pretend to own horses -- these are the real deal.

Start your visit with a walk along the Cowboy Capital Walk of Fame right next to the Stephenville Chamber of Commerce. The plaques on this city block honor the men and women who have made an impact on the cowboy culture of Stephenville.

To meet a cowboy first hand, head to Chick Elms Grand Entry, a western store and rodeo shop started in the 1950 by walk-of-famer G.W. Lewallen and now run by rodeo champion Chick Elms. Pick yourself up a shiny pearl snap, and then head to catch the action at the rodeo.

Head Lone Star Arena to catch some of the horse-ropin’ and calf-bustin’ action. This facility is constantly hosting rodeos and riding events, and if you’re brave enough, you can even jump on a bull and try it yourself!

For a taste of Stephenville’s modern culture, check out the campus of Tarleton State University and pretend you’re a student. You can even cheer on the Tarleton Texans.

If you’ve worked up an appetite or need some caffeine to jump start the day, head to Beans and Franks, a coffee and hot dog bar serving house-roasted coffee and gourmet hot dogs. Warning: please consume these separately, as a coffee-hot dog pairing is not advisable. I recommend diving into the “Big Nasty”, a jalapeno sausage topped with chili, cheese and cayenne pepper. Woo-Doggy!

For a taste of Stephenville’s history, head to Jake & Dorothy’s Cafe, a town institution that’s been turning out delicious chicken-fried steaks since 1948. They’re so popular, they’ve even made the cover of Texas Monthly and may have invented the waffle fry…either way these fries are hand-cut, homemade and heavenly. Make sure to save room for a slice of pie.

For more fun and a sweet treat, I recommend heading up the road to Dublin, TX. It’s a little bit like Ireland…. OK, it’s nothing like Ireland, but you can make a very sweet visit to Dublin Bottling Works, the home of bottled Dr. Pepper. While these guys may no longer be pumping out this Texas original, they do have 7 other flavors and XXX Root Beer. Grab an old-fashioned soda at the soda shop and then wash that down with a root beer float. Mmm!

Another place to see in Dublin is the Ben Hogan Museum honoring a hometown golfer turned pro who is regarded as one of the greatest golfers of all time. While you’re here, keep your eye on the sky, as you might just see one of Dulbin’s other famous visitors….UFOs.

FOLLOW MY ADVENTURES.

[lawrencesmith]

My grandparents lived about 1 mile from Jake and Dorothy's. The first time they took me there was 1957 when I was 5 yrs old. I didn't care what we had there as long as it included waffle fries. Great restaurant. And great small town in the 50s and 60s. My grandfather was the station master at the Santa Fe depot for decades. My brother and I would go to work with him every day during summer vacations. They lived right across from the highway dept on 281. We would walk through the golf course, across the Bosque, and past Postons Feed Mill to get to the depot. At night we would walk 1/2 a block up the highway to the Starlight Drive -in, sit in the outdoor seating in front of the concession stand to watch movies. Fantastic memories of a time long gone.

[Jon_C-K]

Graduated from SHS 1998....still have a ton of friends and family there! One staple of the ville is Montana's cheddar fries and Santa Fe Taco Company's sweet tea!!!!

[jeepgirl]

Thanks for covering Stephenville! I love that place!

[REMEMBERT-kw]

I lived in stephenville Texas for 13 years between 2000 and 2013 .

The college in the town makes it hard to find good work .

[chevisallen]

im from fort worth but i went to Tarleton State in the ville for a couple of years.... i have to admit.... i really like that town. it was a complete 180 from what i was used to growing up in the city. but i have some very valuable experiences from Stephenville.

[dgc]

I can never go to Stephenville and not eat at Hard eights BBQ so so good! Ive been to J&D'S several times but Hard Eights Is my fav. When Im hungry for BBQ.

[kcinks]

Passed through doing business in the early 2000's....being younger I didn't take the time to look around.

[dustychilds]

Jeez, so much has changed here just since this video haha

[charisselewis]

Jake and Dorthy’s has the best Chicken Fried Steak, Waffle fries and Pies bar none I’ve been eating there since I was 5 years old and I’m 67 years old now.

[SebastianSmith-ct]

I saw on Amazon that the Dublin Dr. Pepper is back . Though it's $38 for a 12-pack.

[rudyrobles]

Mr Chet is one funny dude. Darn near seen all his videos

[missylongbottom]

I can't believe you didn't mention Hard 8. Home of free beans, jalapeño cream corn, brush poppers and 2" thick butter soaked pork chops 🤤

[cameraman]

I read somewhere that the Dr.Pepper Museum is closed, is that true. I last visited there in ‘18’, this episode has sparked a desire to make the trip up that way.

[BullfrogBackyardFarm]

I don’t know why we never had a frank, too bad it’s gone now😢

[sambosr]

Ewin McGregor used Rivian trucks on A Long Way Down documentary. Suggest you watch it.

[ericgomez]

I didn't know that even though Dr. Pepper was invented in waco. Still, it feels weird that bottled dr. pepper was invented in Dublin, won't y'all agee guys? Every day, we learn something new, right?

[WaynJul]

I am proud of you for eating that "Hot" Hot dog.

[dgc]

Cowboys dont drive Subaru's Im certian on this!
country boys dont either

[kcinks]

Good man, the only way to eat a dog is....Hands On!

[corpusfusion]

sorry but the host is not funny by any means and it does hurt the show. the show has enough good elements to be good, doesn't need to have a comedic side to add to it. those side skits was very lame, just stick to the town's features and good.