Legendary figures of the Old West, from Sam Houston to Charles Goodnight, loom large in Texas mythology. But there’s something more that puts the Lone Star State—El Paso and Mercedes, in particular—on the global map. Cowboy boots.
Whether you’re in the saddle or on the dance floor, your lid says a lot about who you are and where you’re from. We picked 12 favorites that would do any cowboy proud.
Used to identify livestock ownership and to protect ranchers from theft, branding has been practiced for thousands of years. While freeze brands, tattoos, and microchips are increasingly popular, old-fashioned fire branding is the most traditional method. Hank Curry, a third-generation cowboy, explains how to make your mark.
Does a chef who has a Ph.D. in biochemistry find himself naturally drawn to Western cuisine? For Robert Del Grande, no other fare compares. Texas-based chef Del Grande explains his style and shares recipes for hearty cold-weather fare.