First trip to Stephenville, TX (Hard Eight BBQ)

[74Romeo]

Well, I flew to Stephenville for the first time yesterday. My wife and I departed McKinney around 5:15pm and were vectored north of DFW. I was hoping for a vector over DFW for a more direct route but it didn't happen. I wasn't too disappointed though as it was my first time crossing all the way across Class B without a CFI. Once we were a few miles northwest of DFW I asked for a heading change towards Stephenville that was granted. With the tailwind, it only took a little over an hour which isn't too bad for a Cessna 172. Coming back took a little longer however.

Center had advised me of skydivers in the area and fortunately they were on the ground when we were 10-15 miles out. I'm glad they came down well before we entered the pattern as I've never flown near skydivers before.

A golf cart was there for us to use which was great. We couldn't find any of the signs showing the direction to Hard Eight, so we drove around for awhile until we decided to just take the airport road to the main road that led to the restaraunt. It probably wasn't the correct route but I couldn't find any other way. We did see one sign on the way back that pointed in the direction to the airport but that was it. I wonder if the winds took the other signs that were supposed to be posted.

The food was great! Bought too much and had to bring some home. We had the pork ribs (awesome) and brisket. Also had the banana pudding which was good for a treat on the way home.

Overall was a great trip. Would have been better if the sky was a little clearer but didn't have any problems whatsoever. Only saw a few aircraft in the air and didn't seem busy at all.

Thanks for the suggestion JDE. I hope to fly out there again.

[surreal1221]

Sounds like you had a blast!

[Captain_Bob]

Next stop... Llano, Texas. KAQO

If you liked the Hard 8, then you'll LOVE Cooper's BBQ.

Contact the FBO and make sure the Airport Car is available... It's an old City Police car ala "Blues Mobile". They'll leave the key out for you if they will be closed when you get there... 325-247-5635

It's more Old Skool than Hard 8... but daaaaaaaang... you aint never had brisket this tender and juicy in your life! Open Pit, Red Checker Tablecloths, Take LOTS home for later!

It's about 2 hours from DFW in a 172... or 1 hour in a Seminole. You will not be disappointed!

Either way... Congrats on your trip through the Bravo!

Bob

http://www.airnav.com/airport/KAQO
http://www.coopersbbq.com/reviews.asp
http://www.coopersbbq.com/tour.asp

[FlySooner9]

Theres a new BBQ joint open up here at KADM. Haven't gotten the chance to try it yet (which is sorta sad) I think its called the blue pig or something.

[stillageek]

I went there twice. Once during my PPL work and once after. The signs have never been there....ya just gotta "know" or be with someone that "knows" how to get there. I had the chop beef sandwhich both times. First time was great...second time the meat was in a big pot. The meat was at the bottom...and full of grease. Grease...hot day..thermals....yeah we ate and went straight to GKY (home). I had sky divers as well. No biggie, they were all on the south end of the runway and I was coming in from the north.

[kellwolf]

Actually, the signs are there. They're yellow and BEHIND you when you pull up to the "FBO." Most are either laying on the ground or bent over to where you can't see them along the pathway.

At least they were 6 months ago....

[KLB]

Originally Posted by kellwolf

Actually, the signs are there. Most are either laying on the ground or bent over to where you can't see them along the pathway.

Well if you didn't run over them everytime you came through with the golf cart....

I'm going to try to make a trip down to the place in Huntsville
TX next time I have an IFR X-country to do with a student.

[WAFlyBoy]

Originally Posted by kellwolf

At least they were 6 months ago....

It's been six months? jeez.

Don't forget about that place in Abeline. What's it called? Joe Allen's or something? Great food but I think the Hard Eight takes the cake.

I seem to remember a comment Todd made about putting something in my (take out) box.....

[Captain_Bob]

Anybody want to load up a cessna or seminole in DFW and head to Llano, Stephenville, Ardmore, Huntsville, or some other $100 burger-esque type place? Split 4 ways... it aint so bad! Maybe Ryan will give us block rate at Skymates!

Bob

[Frank_Rizzo]

Dittos on both Coopers and Hard 8. Thought I liked hard 8 a little better for some reason. Hauling on the golf cart is lots of fun, full throttle the whole way. Only bad point was my first visit was with ODB but at least I didn't go home hungry.

[Merlin]

I didnt care for Coopers in Llano that much. Hard 8 is much better IMHO.

[Captain_Bob]

Blasphemor!

[mhcasey]

Some say that manna, the stuff Moses and co. ate in the desert, was actually Cooper's jalapeno sausage.

[74Romeo]

Originally Posted by Captain_Bob

Next stop... Llano, Texas. KAQO

If you liked the Hard 8, then you'll LOVE Cooper's BBQ.
Bob

I had heard of Coopers as well. Maybe one of these days I'll make the long flight out. Since I own a Cessna 172 and only have a SE rating it would be the longer flight instead of shorter (2+hrs vs 1hr) I flew to Cedar Mills a few weeks ago and then Hard 8 this past week. If anyone knows of any other fun places to fly into within 100-150nm let me know.

One of these Saturdays I'm hoping to fly the family down to Mustang Beach on the gulf. It seems like a fun place to fly into.

[74Romeo]

Originally Posted by Captain_Bob

Anybody want to load up a cessna or seminole in DFW and head to Llano, Stephenville, Ardmore, Huntsville, or some other $100 burger-esque type place? Split 4 ways... it aint so bad! Maybe Ryan will give us block rate at Skymates!

Bob

Sounds like fun. Maybe you more experienced types could teach me a thing or two.

[Captain_Bob]

Originally Posted by 74Romeo

Sounds like fun. Maybe you more experienced types could teach me a thing or two.

Don't let an RJ driver back at the controls of your Cessna! It won't be pretty!

Bob

[BoilerPilot2007]

Man, I'm THERE. If anyone's heading out to those spots, let me know.

I'm in Dallas until December on an internship and would LOVE to fly a bit.

-Evan

[74Romeo]

Originally Posted by Captain_Bob

Don't let an RJ driver back at the controls of your Cessna! It won't be pretty!

Bob

Yes, I was thinking more along the lines of twin or instrument stuff.

[FlySooner9]

let me know if any of yall decide to come up to oklahoma.

[ryanmickG]

Originally Posted by Captain_Bob

Anybody want to load up a cessna or seminole in DFW and head to Llano, Stephenville, Ardmore, Huntsville, or some other $100 burger-esque type place? Split 4 ways... it aint so bad! Maybe Ryan will give us block rate at Skymates!

Bob

Oh, Bob no problem. You can take my Arrow. Fuel only. On one condition. I want 1 chopped beef on jalapeneo sourdough bread, banana pudding and some sweet tea.

oh yeah,....one of the hard eight girls too.

actually i am going tomarrow with an old student. (weaqther pending)

[Captain_Bob]

Originally Posted by ryanmickG

Oh, Bob no problem. You can take my Arrow. Fuel only. On one condition. I want 1 chopped beef on jalapeneo sourdough bread, banana pudding and some sweet tea.

oh yeah,....one of the hard eight girls too.

actually i am going tomarrow with an old student. (weaqther pending)

Dang... I was all over that offer... until you threw one of the girls in the deal!

I doubt I could even sweet talk one of 'em into the golf cart, let alone the arrow!

Enjoy it tomorrow! I'll be in Indy... Hope the weather works out for you!

Bob

[CapnJim]

Coopers wins, hands down. Favorite part? When the open the huge smokers outside, all the steam and smoke rushed out, and there's just a sea of meat staring back at you. Second favorite? Guy stabs the slab of meat with a fork, says "You want sauce?" I say "Yup", and down the meat goes into a five-gallon bucket. *Ba-loop!*

The scenery is better at the Hard-8, no question.

[Shinerbock]

head over to abilene and eat @ Joe Allen's BBQ. None finer.
great jalapeno corn bread, too.
enjoy
Shine bock

[BrettInLJ]

Originally Posted by kellwolf

Actually, the signs are there. They're yellow and BEHIND you when you pull up to the "FBO." Most are either laying on the ground or bent over to where you can't see them along the pathway.

At least they were 6 months ago....

It seems like they have changed the path 3 times since you left, steve. Another tip about SEP is that if the golf carts are gone during business hours, there is a old loaner car they will give you that is parked behind the fbo.

[KLB]

You can also call them..... and they'll come pick you up and take you back when you're done stuffing yourself.