Pop Culture

Home of iconic brands like Dr Pepper and Big Red, the passion for soda pop-making runs deep in Texas. Here, we feature two of Texas’ legendary soda-makers. They are joined by several relative newcomers, such as Southside Craft Soda in San Antonio and Pecos Pete’s Natural Tea + Soda Co. in Dripping Springs.

Boots Beverages

Belleville, Texas

The legacy began when “Boots” Kristen started featuring seasonal craft sodas in addition to bottling brand-name soft drinks at Kristin Distributing Company, founded in 1930 by his father, Ambrose. Mark Kristen, Boots’ son, reintroduced Boots Beverages in September of 2013, featuring delicious flavors that were popular in the 1940s and 1950s. BootsBeverages.com

Dublin Bottling Works

Dublin, Texas

Back in 1891, Sam Houston Prim’s company, Dublin Bottling Works, started to bottle Dr Pepper. His daughter, Grace, took over the plant in 1946, and in 1991, Bill Kloster, the general manager and the company’s longest-working employee, took over the reins. Today, the Kloster family carries on the tradition of making craft soft drinks with pure cane sugar that come in a tasty variety of iconic flavors sure to whet your whistle.

DublinBottlingWorks.com

TEE-TIME in Texas

FAMILY-FRIENDLY GOLFING GETAWAYS

BY PETE ALFANO

Texas is more than football and barbecue. With more than 900 golf courses and a mostly cooperative climate, the Lonestar State is a haven for those who love the sport. Some of the best golfers in the world, Scottie Scheffler, Jordan Spieth, and Bryson DeChambeau, call Texas home, as did golf legends and native Texans Ben Hogan and Byron Nelson. Now, you can play some of these same courses and bring the family along for a great golfi ng getaway.

HORSESHOE BAY RESORT

Spilling the Tee: This scenic resort in the Texas Hill Country has four golf courses, among them Apple Rock and Ram Rock, a putting course, and, opening this fall, the Horseshoe Bay Golf Academy, which features golf simulators, putting greens, golf lessons, and eight driving stations with Top Tracer technology to measure the distance. There are indoor bays as well.

Fore the Family: There is fun for the kids with special events and the Jungle Kids Club with a two-story jungle gym, rock climbing wall, tunnel slide and arts and crafts. The resort has several restaurants and cafes, the pampering Bayside Spa at the foot of Lake LBJ, a marina for boat rentals, tennis and pickleball, Splash Safari Water Park and an outdoor pool. Accommodations include the main tower, villas, condos, and private home rentals are available.

Visit HSBResort.com

THE WESTIN ® DALLAS STONEBRIAR GOLF RESORT & SPA

Spilling the Tee: Located in Frisco, the hotel is pet friendly (one pet) if it is 40 pounds or less and requires a non-refundable pet fee of $50 per night. There is a fitness center with state-of-the-art exercise equipment where you can wake up and get that heart pumping. The resort also features the Topgolf Swing Suite with a giant screen to play virtual golf games, whether you are a beginner or refi ning your swing. There are two picturesque 18-hole courses and a junior golf program.

Fore the Family: Kids and their parents can enjoy the outdoor pool with private cabanas, a waterslide and splash pad, and lawn games. On autumn or spring evenings, enjoy sitting by the fi re pits or have a personal clear roof tent. There is a fitness room, and after all that exercise, enjoy the Well and Being Spa. Enjoy on-site dining at the Beans and Barrel Café and the Herd and Hearth restaurant, which offers a private room for larger gatherings.

Visit Marriott.com

LA CANTERA RESORT & SPA

Spilling the Tee: Located in San Antonio, the resort features an 18-hole championship course designed by architect Jay Morrish and PGA pro the late Tom Weiskopf. La Cantera was home to the PGA Tour’s Texas Open for 15 years. In addition to playing where the pros played, golfers can sign up for personal instruction to lower that handicap.

Fore the Family: In addition to the customary amenities such as the Loma De Vida Spa and Wellness facility, there are five outdoor pools, including a family-friendly pool and cabanas, an adult pool, a private pool, and three hot tubs. Kids can build their own bear in the Bear Factory, create tie-dyed shorts, play in the arcade, cheer for their favorite duck in the rubber duck races, and create sand art. What’s more, there are area attractions such as Six Flags, SeaWorld, the Alamo, and the San Antonio River Walk.

Visit LaCanteraResort.com

THE RITZ-CARLTON DALLAS, LAS COLINAS

Spilling the Tee: Featuring two championship 18-hole courses, the TPC Las Colinas and the Cottonwood Valley, Las Colinas played host to the PGA Tour’s Byron Nelson tournament for 35 years. The club offers private lessons and custom club fi tting made possible by the Foresight Launch Monitor that analyzes everything from speed, distance, spin and launch angle.

Fore the Family: For mom there is a spa and salon. For adults, there is a fitness center, yoga and other wellness classes, and pickleball, tennis and an indoor pool. And don’t worry about the children. The Ritz Kids program keeps them occupied with scavenger hunts, arts and crafts, nature hikes, family pools, and an afternoon tea.

Bonus: The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas recently earned No.3 Favorite Resort in Texas from Travel + Leisure’s 2024 World’s Best Awards.

Visit RitzCarlton.com

THE WOODLANDS ® RESORT, CURIO COLLECTION BY HILTON

Spilling the Tee: Ranked as one of Golf Digest’s “Top 75 Best Golf Resorts in America,” The Woodlands® Resort has a North and West course for avid golfers and a golf academy that features custom-designed instruction, indoor and outdoor facilities, and workouts that focus on maximizing a golfer’s flexibility and strength.

Fore the Family: Located just 27 miles from downtown Houston, The Woodlands ® Resort is a playground for families, bursting with fun activities for everyone. Dive into the Forest Oasis Waterpark, where a lazy river, water slides, and splash pad await. Adventure enthusiasts can explore nature trails on bikes or trek through an awesome aerial course in the trees at nearby Texas TreeVentures. Enjoy poolside games, movie nights under the stars, daily activities, s’mores roasting by the fi repits for a relaxing day’s end with the family, special events, and live music on Friday and Saturday nights. With all the above, plus a game room, tennis, pickleball, and more, there’s never a dull moment for parents or kids.

Bonus: The Woodlands ® Resort recently earned No. 2 Favorite Resort in Texas from Travel + Leisure’s 2024 World’s Best Awards.

Visit WoodlandsResort.com

TIPS & TRICKS:

If using flat flour or corn tortillas, heat in a skillet until warm and pliable.