How Big is Texas

Diann Bayes, founder of How Big Is Texas, drives Route 66 on its 100th anniversary with her Aunt Ruth, covering nearly 2,500 miles from Wilmington, Illinois, to San Bernardino, California, and more miles to and from the start and finish line. The trip highlights changing landscapes and quirky roadside stops across Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California and...

Join Diann Bayes, Founder and #1 Quester at How Big Is Texas, in Garland, Texas, to discover why the city is called the Cowboy Hat Capital of Texas, featuring the biggest cowboy hat and an on-street interview with the cultural arts director. Hear the history from Mexican vaqueros to John B. Stetson, and learn about local manufacturers like Hatco, Dorfman Milano, and Master Hatters that make millio...

Join Diann Bayes, founder of How Big Is Texas, as she recaps her 2025 adventures across the Lone Star State. From completing a quest to visit all 254 Texas counties and exploring state parks to seaside getaways in Rockport, this episode highlights the best places, foods, and festivals she discovered. Hear about standout moments like the legendary chicken-fried steak at Mary’s Cafe in Strawn,...

Host Diann Bayes of How Big is Texas shares warm memories of Texas Thanksgiving traditions, family recipes, and classic holiday dishes—from cornbread dressing and questionable salads to pecan pie and cranberry sauce. She reflects on the colors, flavors, and quirks of Texas holiday tables, recounts nostalgic family anecdotes, and invites listeners to celebrate their own seasonal favorites.

Host Diann Bayes celebrates completing her quest to visit all 254 Texas counties after previously driving the 3,331-mile perimeter of the state. She recalls road trips, food trails, mispronounced towns, and Texas Heritage Trail explorations that shaped her journey. Now tracking state parks with a scratch-off map (75 of 89 visited), Diann reflects on living life fully, shares inspiration to "live y...

Join Diann Bayes as she shares her favorite Fall adventures, highlighting the best seasonal sights and activities across the state — from East Texas foliage and Bigfoot lore to Panhandle sunsets, Hill Country drives, Gulf Coast beaches, and the Big Bend’s wide-open solitude. Discover fall festivals, birding hotspots, chili cook-offs, harvest events, and local food traditions, plus tips...

#1 Quester at How Big Is Texas, Diann Bayes shares her memories of growing up across East Texas and the Panhandle, family holiday traditions, and the flavors of small-town life. She recounts her 3,300-mile perimeter road trip, discovering the Texas mountains, winter birding in the Rio Grande Valley, visits to the Alamo, and why Texas will always feel like home. Big miles. Big tastes. Big adventure...

Join Diann Bayes as she takes you on a captivating journey through the Texas Panhandle, unraveling the untold stories and hidden gems of this often-overlooked region. From the awe-inspiring Palo Duro Canyon to the charm of Route 66, discover the rich history and unique attractions that make the Panhandle a must-visit destination. Delight in detailed anecdotes, quirky local legends, and learn why D...

Join Diann Bayes on an epic journey through Texas as she explores the massive and iconic Buc-ee's convenience stores. With a unique blend of big miles, big tastes, and big adventures, Diann invites listeners to experience the magic of Buc-ee's, from its humble beginnings in Lake Jackson to its colossal 75,000 square-foot location in Luling. This episode takes you along for the ride as Diann and he...

In this special episode of "How Big Is Texas," Diann Bayes focuses on the aftermath of the devastating floods that swept through Texas over the July 4th weekend. As homes and communities were ravaged by rising waters, Texans banded together in a spirit of resilience and support for those affected. Bayes shares personal accounts of past flooding events, illustrating the recurrent nature of such dis...

Join Diann Bayes, the adventurous founder of 'How Big is Texas,' as she takes you on a journey through the captivating Gulf Coast of Texas. In this episode, explore the scenic beauty of the coastline, from the sandy beaches of Rockport and Port Aransas to the historical charm of Galveston Island. Discover the unique wildlife, including birdwatching opportunities and sea turtle hatchling releases....

Join Diann Bayes, the founder of 'How Big is Texas', as she takes you on a captivating journey through the vastness of the Lone Star State, celebrating the five-year anniversary of her first trip on her quest to answer the question, How Big Is Texas. In this episode, Diann shares the story of a remarkable nine-day road trip where she and two friends drove around the state's perimeter, covering mor...

In this special Mother's Day episode, Diann Bayes, founder of How Big is Texas, takes us on a heartfelt journey through the cherished memories of her Grandma Barney Althea Thompson Stone. Through tales of family recipes, homemade quilts, and timeless wisdom, Diann honors the legacy and warmth of her grandma, a Texas native, whose influence is still felt decades after her passing. As Diann shares a...

Join Diann Bayes, the founder of 'How Big is Texas,' as she takes you on an exciting journey through Brewster County, the largest county in Texas. In this episode, Diann shares her love for Texas and highlights her experiences exploring this spectacular region. Discover the breathtaking landscapes of Big Bend National Park, the charming towns of Alpine and Terlingua, and the quirky local culture,...

Join Diann Bayes, founder of 'How Big is Texas,' as she takes you on an enchanting journey through the beautiful landscapes and vibrant stories of Texas. In this episode, Diann shares heartfelt anecdotes, including an unforgettable encounter with the legendary Willie Nelson. Delve into the story of honoring Willie Nelson with the 'Hill County Hall of Fame Citizen of the Year Award' amidst the quir...

Join Diann Bayes, founder and #1 Quester, at How Big is Texas, as she takes you on a journey through the vibrant landscapes and agricultural wonders of the Lone Star State. From the blossoming azaleas and wisteria in East Texas to the sprawling produce across various regions, discover the diversity and richness of Texas farming. Diann shares personal anecdotes and insights from her travels, offeri...

Explore the rich culinary landscape of Texas as Diann Bayes, founder and #1 Quester at How Big is Texas, dives into a spirited debate about the state's most iconic foods. From kolaches to chicken fried steak, this episode examines the dishes that define Texas and the passionate opinions they inspire. Travel through the diverse regions of Texas, uncovering the stories behind beloved foods and invit...

It’s been a minute since I recorded a podcast so I’m reintroducing why I love the Lone Star State and my favorite road trips and stories along the way.    

In which I share some holiday life lessons involving gingerbread, icing, and a plethora of bad decisions.

I share my favorite beach towns and cities in Texas.

Adventures and challenges on my 58th birthday weekend traveling the roads of Texas.

On the 40th Anniversary of Buc-ee’s, I decided to take my BFF on a road trip, as we celebrated our 40th High School Graduation. Antics ensued when we drove to all 34 store locations in Texas in 3 1/2 days. Buc-ee’s or Bust

I share my experience growing up in Texas and wonder if the answer to life’s simple questions could be answered with help from a southern staple.

Everybody knows about the Alamo, but what about the quirky and eccentric places in the Lone Star State. Sharing them here with you. Thanks for listening.

I share my 23rd Wedding Anniversary trip to Paris, Texas, with my husband and our two dogs.