Michael SatterfieldWhile I’ll always have a soft spot for the long-haul road trip, the kind that takes you across state lines, under big skies, and through winding backroads, sometimes all you really need is a day behind the wheel and a solid plate of barbecue. That’s exactly what I set out for recently when I grabbed the keys to my BMW 1 Series and pointed it northwest towards Old Union Eats, a hidden gem of a restaurant perched on the quiet shores of Lake Limestone in here in Central Texas.
If you’ve been following our Great Road Trips series on YouTube, you know I’m a fan of the open road, but not every escape has to span hundreds of miles. There’s something therapeutic about a quick trip, no overnight bags, no hotel check-ins, no itinerary. Just a drive, some fresh air, and, if you’re lucky, a slab of brisket and lake views at the end of it.
Central Texas: A Driver’s Playground
Living in Texas has its perks, especially if you see a map not just as directions, but as a list of opportunities. This region is full of character-packed small towns, quiet stretches of highway, and more BBQ joints than you could ever hope to try in one lifetime. It’s a place where a spontaneous drive can turn into a memorable adventure, and the journey often ends up being just as rewarding as the destination.
That’s what inspired this quick trip to Old Union Eats, less than a two-hour drive from Bryan-College Station, with just enough open road to unwind and a promise of good food waiting at the other end. The BMW 1 Series is the perfect fun sports car for a quick day trip or a weekend getaway, and it can double as a daily driver.
Behind the Wheel of the BMW 1 Series
The car for the day was my BMW 1 Series, compact, sporty, and just the right mix of fun and refinement. It’s the kind of car that feels planted on the road but still light enough to flick through a series of corners confidently. On these rural Texas highways, where sweeping curves and elevation changes sneak up on you, the BMW 1 Series felt right at home.
Cruising past ranches, wildflowers, and the occasional longhorn, the drive gave me exactly what I needed: time to think, time to breathe, and time to remember why I love cars in the first place. There’s a freedom in these moments that’s hard to replicate anywhere else.
Old Union Eats: BBQ with a View
Tucked just off FM 1512, near where the Navasota River swells into Lake Limestone, Old Union Eats isn’t a place you stumble upon by accident; you have to be heading there on purpose. But once you arrive, you’re rewarded with more than just a meal. The restaurant sits close enough to the lake that you can smell the water in the air, and their big covered porch makes for a perfect spot to sit and stay a while.
Their menu is classic Texas BBQ, smoked brisket, sausage, ribs, and all the sides you’d expect, but there’s a little extra care in the preparation here. It’s not just barbecue; it’s comfort food made with intention. I ordered a brisket plate with a side of jalapeño mac and cheese and a sweet tea, and I swear I sat there for an hour just soaking it all in: the quiet hum of boat motors on the lake, the sizzle of meat on the smoker, and the easy conversation of locals coming in for lunch.
There’s a timeless quality to spots like this, no rush, no pretense, just good food and good company. It reminded me of road trips from when I was a kid, when stopping for lunch meant a roadside diner and a glass bottle of soda, not a drive-thru window.
More Than Just Miles
People talk a lot about the “destination” in travel, but for me, it’s always been about the reset. The clarity that comes from unplugging, driving unfamiliar roads, and remembering that you don’t have to go far to find something meaningful.
This trip was only about 90 miles round-trip, but it felt like more, maybe because I needed the break. Maybe because I let the drive do what it’s supposed to, slow things down, strip things back, and remind me of what matters.
I didn’t film the whole thing, but I did grab some clips for our channel. You can check out the video below to see a little of the drive, the car, and of course, the barbecue. It’s not a grand adventure by any stretch, but it’s proof that you don’t have to go far to find something great.
Plan Your Own Reset Drive
If you’re feeling the weight of routine and just need a reset, I highly recommend planning your own micro road trip. Find a spot within 100 miles, pick a good playlist, and just go. Don’t overthink it. Maybe it’s a lake, a BBQ shack, or a forgotten ghost town. Texas is full of them, and each one has a story to tell.
Bring someone along or don’t. Some drives are better solo, and there’s nothing wrong with chasing a little solitude now and then.
Whether you’re in a sports car, a family SUV, or something you built in your own garage, the point is to get out, explore, and reconnect with the road, with yourself, and maybe with a plate of brisket at a lakeside diner.
