Texas is big, diverse, and dynamic. Here, we’ve curated some of our best stories and invite you to dive into profiles, analysis, reviews, recommendations, and fascinating stories from all corners of the Lone Star State.
Collection
Stories for All Y’all
True Crime
Schlitterbahn’s Tragic Slide
Jeff Henry often said that his goal in life was to make customers of his family’s legendary water parks happy—“to put a smile on their faces, to give them a thrill or two.” It was a beautiful vision. Until it went horribly wrong.
The Lost Boys
It was the most shocking crime of its day, 27 boys from the same part of town kidnapped, tortured, and killed by an affable neighbor named Dean Corll. Forty years later, it remains one of the least understood—or talked about—chapters in Houston's history.
The Notorious Mrs. Mossler
In “the trial of the century,” a Houston socialite was accused of plotting her husband's murder—and of having an affair with her nephew. But Candace Mossler was only getting started.
News & Politics
Will Elon Musk Austin-ify Brownsville?
Some folks in Texas's poorest city see a new downtown mural funded by the billionaire's foundation as the writing on the wall.
The Case for More Californians
They’re self-obsessed and believe themselves exceptional. In other words, they fit right in. Plus, Texas needs ’em.
The 2021 Bum Steer Awards
Let’s face it: this was no one’s favorite year. Here are a few dozen reasons why.
BBQ
The Top 50 Texas BBQ Joints: 2021 Edition
There's a new generation of pitmasters in Texas, and many of them aren't satisfied with simply doing things the same old way. (Though fear not, staunch traditionalists: plenty of them are.)
Has Texas Brisket Peaked?
The state’s favorite smoked meat is so reliably excellent these days that it no longer feels like an achievement.
Where to Eat Barbecue in Austin
The Capital City is overflowing with great places to grab some ’cue, from classic trays to more unconventional meats and sides.
Sports
The Photo the Dallas Cowboys Never Wanted the Public to See
One former Cowboys cheerleader tells the story behind her epic encounter with Danny White, in a picture that was quashed for 25 years.
Chris Beard, Who? Mark Adams Has Texas Tech Playing Like World-beaters
The number nineteen Red Raiders are among the biggest surprises in NCAA basketball, with hopes of springing another upset Tuesday against Baylor.
In Search of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Who Posed for Playboy
They were at the center of a scandal that rocked the NFL. More than forty years later, would they finally tell their side?
Travel
The Steel House Saga: One Man’s Masterpiece Is Another’s Airbnb
The late sculptor Robert Bruno's unfinished home—a Lubbock-area landmark—is becoming a vacation rental. His friends are distressed.
Folks, Please Don’t Mess With Texas Rock Art
Some idiots carved their names on prehistoric petroglyphs in Big Bend—and it's part of a disturbing spike in vandalism.
Food & Drink
Dining Guide: Highlights From Our January 2022 Issue
We review dozens of restaurants each month. Here’s a peek at what’s new.
Recipe: Pecan Old-fashioned
A Denton bartender created this take on a classic to appease his bourbon-loving grandmother, Joyce, with the fall flavors of salted pecan, orange, and chocolate.
Podcasts
Experience Texas Monthly stories through podcasts. Listen now to Tom Brown’s Body—a Texas Monthly true crime podcast downloaded over 6 million times.
Tom Brown’s Body
In 2016 a popular teenager disappeared in the tiny Panhandle community of Canadian, Texas. Two years later, his remains were discovered beneath a tree outside of town. But to this day, no arrests have been made, and nearly everyone involved in the case has fallen under suspicion. Beginning September 29,
Other Podcast Series
Listen to the First Episode of Boomtown: “Highway to Hell”
In the first episode of our new podcast series, host Christian Wallace takes us back to his hometown in the Permian Basin, which is nearly unrecognizable to him today. We meet a few of the people whose lives have been upended by the biggest oil boom in U.S. history.
Listen to the episode
America’s Girls, Episode 1: The Rise to Fame
The modern Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders launch in 1972 and rocket to national fame.
Listen to the episode
State of Mind, Episode 4: Life, in Dog Years
Mimi Swartz remembers her days caring for her father, and the dogs who took care of them both.
Listen to the episodeVideos
In our Being Texan docuseries, get a taste of Texas Monthly video storytelling as we explore the dreams and realities of Texans from all walks of life.
In the first video of the series, three pint-size cowboys make their inaugural rides on flesh-and-blood steers.
Watch other videos from the Being Texan video series.
