Czeching out West

For those who don't know, on I-35 between DFW and Waco lies a small town called West. West was initially settled by people of Czech descent. We know this because the town has capitalized on it and has become an unofficial stop for Texas road trips. Any time you are going from DFW to Waco (or vice-versa) you MUST stop in West for some Czech goodies. 

I was first introduced to this in 2006 when we came down to New Braunfels for spring break.  Since that time, I've spread the love and introduced my family to the wonderfulness. This weekend I found myself in Grandview pet/house sitting and I thought since West is only 45 mins away, why not go there for the day and see what the actual TOWN is like. See, I've only stopped at the convenience store/bakery (aptly named the Czech Stop) and then been on my way. So yesterday I had my coffee, hopped in the car, and headed south to West.

Every adventure starts with coffee. I parked the car on the downtown drag and walked to the coffee shop. Ready Brew had one worker who made me an almond Roca latte. It was lovely. I then sat and journaled for about an hour before moving on.

The coffee shop also had a little store in it, which had some cute and sassy things. I almost bought my pepper jelly for Christmas there, but decided not to.

Probably the best store was the Old Czech Corner store. It had antiques and contemporary items and I couldn't help but get some Christmas presents there. I then found more at a boutique/hairdressers, and at another store they still had HALLOWEEN stuff so I just HAD to get myself a couple tea towels that say "pick your poison." Turns out the owner of that store also loves Halloween. 😁

At this point, I was getting hungry so I went to the Czech American Restaurant, which I had found online but also was recommended to me by the boss of my boss's son, who grew up around West. 

Super cute.

I was way more interested in the Czech food rather than the American. I got the combo plate with a sausage and a cabbage roll.

They must prep all their salads early.

It was SO GOOD!!! I was wracking my brain trying to remember the thing we had in Prauge that my tummy did NOT appreciate. I think it was the potato dumplings... they didn't have those here, so no worries, but I was annoyed I couldn't remember. Its only been 10 years 😳🙄

On my way out, I was blocked by a train! I'm always amazed by how HUGE these things are.

The other place that was recommended was Gerik's. You walk in, and it's mostly a pizza place, but walk around to the right and you'll see the baked goods. This place had HUGE cinnamon rolls that included all kinds of things. The one i remember most is the oreo cinnamon roll. I got Mo some stuff from here

On my way out, I stopped by the Czech Stop and picked up the rest of the things for M, M, and A. Hopefully I'll get to see M&M before Christmas to give them their goodies. I officially spent more yesterday at the Czech Stop than EVER BEFORE. And yes, I got a few goodies for myself as well. It took 3 boxes and one bag to get all my stuff out to the car. Thank God where I'm staying had room in a freezer!!

So if you ever have some free time and are around the area, I highly recommend getting off the interstate and Czeching out the little Czech town. You might find some unexpected goodies!