
Courtney Bond

Courtney Bond is a senior editor who covers food, drink, and travel.

Finding Respite at Davis Mountains State Park and Its Historic Indian Lodge
In the heart of hard desert country, this welcome refuge features hiking, breathtaking vistas, and proximity to must-visit West Texas attractions.
Where to Eat, Shop, and Stargaze in and Around Fort Davis
With Davis Mountains State Park as your home base, you can find a lot to explore in the area.
Where to Find Fall’s True Colors in Texas
At Lost Maples State Natural Area, the trees put on a spectacular show every autumn.
Tyler State Park Is the Ideal Escape for These Times (or Anytime)
The northeast Texas oasis among the pines reminds us of happier summers while providing needed respite now.
Tyler State Park: Where to Sleep and Eat
Rough it—or not—and make sure to get some barbecue.
What to See, Eat, and Do Near Bentsen–Rio Grande Valley State Park
Outside Bentsen, watch butterflies, dance, and light a candle or two.
Eyes on the Skies at Bentsen–Rio Grande Valley State Park
Just along the Texas–Mexico border, this fragile oasis attracts hundreds of birds (and those who watch them).
Where to Sleep, Shop, and Eat Near Colorado Bend State Park
Make sure to stop for camping essentials on the way in. And maybe a burger or pizza.
Colorado Bend State Park: A World of Wonders, Aboveground and Below
The park features hidden caves, dramatic waterfalls, and sparkling springs.
Sea Rim State Park’s Fragile Magic
The park offers quiet coastland and abundant wildlife, and feels like a defiant bulwark against some very particular cares of urban life.
Where to Stay and What to Do Around Palmetto State Park
Luling, Gonzales, and the park itself provide lots of fun options.
Creatures Abound at Palmetto State Park—Just Beware the Ottine Swamp Thing
At this tropical, mystical park, you’ll find animals and plants unlike anything else in Texas.
Where to Rough It (or Not) In and Around Big Bend Ranch
Choose from campsites, a bunkhouse, or a luxury resort. (And ¡Viva Terlingua!)…
Big Bend Ranch State Park: Where Nothing Is Everything
The untouched vastness of the largest state park in Texas makes you feel like you’re exploring a whole other world.
Blanco State Park Embodies True Texas Spirit
Despite threats to its survival over the years, the picturesque and petite park goes with the flow, just like its namesake river.
The Best of Blanco
Where to eat, drink, and play once you venture outside the park.
Why We Should Go Back to the Coast
Port Aransas has always been a place for Texans to relax, play, and make lasting memories. Now, after Harvey, it needs us just as much as we need it.
Black Tiger Shrimp
Giving new meaning to the term “jumbo shrimp.”…
Sopaipillas
If Proust had lived in Texas, this fried pastry would have been his madeleine.
Chicken and Dumplings
Thickened soup for the post-election soul.
Knives Out
There are certain dishes that every good Texan knows and loves. But do you really know how to grill a flawless ribeye? Season that cast-iron skillet in your cupboard? Make sure your dough rises? We asked experts around the state to share some how-tos and a few recipes that will…
By Courtney Bond, Abby Johnston, Daniel Vaughn, June Naylor, Katharyn Rodemann, Patricia Sharpe and Texas Monthly
Pan de Campo
“Campfire cowboy, cook this bread, Doo-dah, doo-dah . . .”…
Summertime Salsa
It’s what’s for dinner. And lunch. And breakfast. And snack time.
That Old Frio River
Relinquishing oneself to these green waters is a tradition that runs deep in my family.
The Chilton
West Texas’s claim on this fizzy, lemony cocktail is unprovable? We’ll drink to that.
Redfish on the Half Shell
Reel in this tasty catch any way you can.
Texas Sheet Cake
What could be better than a massive slab of cocoa, butter, sugar, eggs, and buttermilk?…
The Only Texas Chili Recipe You’ll Ever Need
Preparing the perfect peppery pot.
Pecan Pie
Our state nut goes just fine with some cream and bourbon.
Green Chile Cowboy Stew
A tradition of the trail—without the hide, hooves, or horns.
Fried Jalapeños
They’re spicy, crunchy, and fattening. What more could a Texan want?…
Guacamole
It’s not easy being green. So make sure you start with some good avocados.
Ramos Gin Fizz
It’s famous, it’s frothy, and it’s making a comeback. …
How to Grill the Perfect Ribeye
The art of cooking it just right.
By Texas Monthly and Courtney Bond
Crawfish
Out of the mud and into Houston’s melting pot. …
Chicken-Fried Steak
These days, a good one is rarer than hen’s teeth—but a whole lot tastier.
Biscuits
They’re fluffy, they’re tasty, and they’re not that hard to make.