In dry West Texas, Balmorhea is blessed with springs that not only supply a giant swimming pool but give the community its identity. There’s even a fountain in the patio of “the Bear Den,” as the locals translate it. We abandoned dieting resolutions for the enormous chicken-fried steak and the pescado de abuelo: a filet of white fish baked in foil with butter, onions, and squash. Squeeze on some lemon, add a kiss of the house’s divine hot sauce, and dive in. (8/12)