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West Texas looks empty on a map. On the road, it is the most vivid part of the state.

In this episode of Front of Book Texas, host Kristie Ramirez maps a five-day West Texas road trip she actually drove: from Dallas through Glen Rose, Hico, Llano, Marathon, Terlingua, Big Bend National Park, Cibolo Creek Ranch, and Marfa. These are the real-world details you need to plan it well.

With FIFA World Cup 2026 bringing the world to Texas, this episode spotlights a side of the state that no stadium can hold. Open desert, mountain passes, the Rio Grande, and the kind of silence that resets something in you.

What's covered:

Day-by-day itinerary from Dallas to Marfa with drive timing and cell service warnings. La Palmilla Resort and Retreat in Glen Rose, including the Casa del Rey Chapel by Granbury artist Cody Stromberg. A quick Hico detour and why it is one to watch. Cooper's BBQ and road timing strategy through the Hill Country. The Gage Hotel in Marathon and a classic Texas night at the White Buffalo Bar. Kristie's pick for the best chicken fried steak in the state: the 12 Gage Restaurant at the Gage Hotel. Willow House in Terlingua, one of the most design-forward stays in the region, with a two-night minimum. The Starlight Theatre in Terlingua and Local Chapter for the local scene. Big Bend National Park drive notes covering winding roads, no reception, and carsickness cautions. Lajitas Golf Resort first impressions. Cibolo Creek Ranch: communal dining, room selection, and what makes or breaks your stay. Hotel Saint George in Marfa, Wrong Marfa for shopping, and a reality check on what is actually open. Save this route, share it with your road trip crew, and subscribe to Front of Book Texas for a new conversation every two weeks.

Thanks for listening to FRONT OF BOOK TEXAS with Kristie Ramirez
New episodes drop every two weeks.

FOB TEXAS explores the people shaping lifestyle & culture and the place shaping them.
For culture seekers, gadabouts, and the Texas curious.

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @FrontOfBookTexas.

FOB TEXAS A Podcast Where Texas Culture Gets Loud

Georgianna Moreland | Executive Producer A Landmore Media Production

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There's a look that's uniquely Texas. Worn in, intentional, quietly expensive. Lauren Owen of Texas built an entire brand around it.

Lauren Mahoney and Matt Owen, the married creative duo behind Lauren Owen of Texas, are redefining Austin vintage shopping with their signature late 20th century old Texas money aesthetic that feels nostalgic, intentional, and completely their own. In this episode of Front of Book Texas, they share the long runway behind the brand: high-level careers at Urban Outfitters mastering buying, merchandising, and creative direction, followed by a life-altering leukemia diagnosis, the chaos of COVID, and a pivotal stint at Outdoor Voices that finally pushed them to build something of their own. This is a masterclass in what it takes to create a vintage brand with a genuine point of view.

From Texas style icons to the ways outsiders misread Texas fashion culture, Lauren and Matt break it all down including the one wardrobe essential they recommend for anyone new to the Lone Star State: cowboy boots. Whether you're passionate about Western style, vintage clothing or the craft of building an authentic lifestyle brand, this conversation delivers the kind of insider perspective you won't find anywhere else.

If you love Texas fashion, Western aesthetics, and real talk about building a brand from scratch, subscribe to Front of Book Texas, follow us on your favorite platform, and watch the full episode now and if this one hit home, leave a review so more listeners can find us.

Thanks for listening to FRONT OF BOOK TEXAS with Kristie Ramirez
New episodes drop every two weeks.

FOB TEXAS explores the people shaping lifestyle & culture and the place shaping them.
For culture seekers, gadabouts, and the Texas curious.

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @FrontOfBookTexas.

FOB TEXAS A Podcast Where Texas Culture Gets Loud

Georgianna Moreland | Executive Producer A Landmore Media Production

Send us Fan Mail

Brand illustrator Rob Wilson, West Texas–born and raised, now creating work for global brands across the U.S. and Europe, went from sketching in Ralls to shaping visual identities for some of the biggest names in media, fashion, and design. His roots have never left his work. In this episode, Rob breaks down what it truly takes to build a sustainable creative career, how a strong creative brief fuels better work, and why a deep sense of place can become your greatest competitive advantage as an artist.

From his landmark Victory Park mural in Dallas to his work for Todd Snyder New York, Rob's approach to brand and editorial illustration is rooted in authenticity and the human touch logos can’t replicate. He also gets personal about the life behind the art — his favorite tools, sketching in cafes while traveling, what he misses most about Texas (real Tex-Mex and breakfast tacos), and what he's building next with books and animation.

This episode is filled with style and substance. Hit play, get inspired, and share this episode with every creative and Texas lover in your circle. Subscribe so you're always first in line, and leave us a review to help the show grow. The conversation doesn't stop here. Tell us: who’s the next creative you’d like on Front of Book Texas?

Thanks for listening to FRONT OF BOOK TEXAS with Kristie Ramirez
New episodes drop every two weeks.

FOB TEXAS explores the people shaping lifestyle & culture and the place shaping them.
For culture seekers, gadabouts, and the Texas curious.

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @FrontOfBookTexas.

FOB TEXAS A Podcast Where Texas Culture Gets Loud

Georgianna Moreland | Executive Producer A Landmore Media Production