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5 Surprising Facts About Big Lake, TX

5 Surprising Facts About Big Lake, TX
One of the most underrated and culturally rich cities south of the Mason Dixon is Big Lake, TX. At Glasscock Chevrolet, we are proud to call Big Lake home and love to share a piece of our historic town with our community and visitors alike. Although it is known as a sleepy small town, Big Lake has a lot of surprising historical happenings that make it one of the most interesting places to visit and call home.

Big Lake Once Had a Lake

It is true that Big Lake, TX was named for a big lake. Originally, the lake was one of the largest natural spring-fed bodies of water in the region. The basin of the former lake is now dry, but occasionally it will hold water after heavy rain.

It's Over 100 Years Old

Reagan County, which is home to Big Lake, was created in 1903 by the 28th Texas legislature. Soon thereafter, in 1911, the Orient Land Company purchased the pocket of land that would become Big Lake to establish a townsite and station for the K.C.M. & O. Railroad Company of Texas.

It's the County Seat

The rural small town of Big Lake is the county seat in Reagan County. Although the population of the area is typically below five thousand, it remains a vital part of the region and continues to boast its status as the county seat of the beautiful and vast Reagan county.

Birthplace of the Permian Basin

In May of 1923, diggers struck oil in Big Lake, and it became the first commercial oil site in the Permian Basin. The discovery of oil in the region propelled Big Lake into a thriving oil production center, and the area still has a rich history connected to the industry to this day.

Home of the Santa Ria No. 1

The Santa Ria No. 1, which was named for the Patron Saint of the Impossible, was used in the first commercial oil site in Big Lake. The successful oil production from Big Lake helped to support the University of Texas, and today, the original Santa Ria drilling equipment is on display at the University of Texas, Austin.At Glasscock Chevrolet, we are a family run business and have been in Big Lake since 1941. We understand the importance of driving a tough and reliable truck. Our selection of vehicles is specially designed to serve the surrounding farm and oil country, and we make it easy to shop for options with hassle-free buying.We help buyers with any budget drive away in the best new or used truck available. If we don't have exactly what you're looking for on-site, we will find it for you, for no extra charge or fee. Stop by our dealership to learn more about what makes Glasscock Chevrolet a special part of Big Lake, and let us help you find your perfect truck today! Image courtesy of pixabay.com
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3 Favorite Wedding Locations in and Around Big Lake, TX

3 Favorite Wedding Locations in and Around Big Lake, TX

Big Lake, TX, located in the heart of Reagan County, has beautiful landscapes and breathtaking vistas suitable for a wedding event. The wedding locations in and around Big Lake will make your day special, whether you choose to exchange vows in a lovely farm ranch, an elegant hotel, or a vineyard. more Cactus Hotel Cactus Hotel is a beautiful wedding venue located a few miles from Big Lake. The Cactus Hotel is a stunning tower with elegant spaces perfect for a romantic vow exchange and wedding celebration. For instance, you can exchange vows in the lobby, which can accommodate over 200 people and features a magnificent staircase down which you can elegantly stroll and get married at the bottom step. The towering ceilings, as well as the lovely and elegant chandeliers, create the ideal setting for a romantic affair. You can also have your reception at the top of the Cactus, an excellent area with stunning city views and seating for up to 150 guests. The staff is welcoming, attentive, and eager to assist you in planning your dream wedding. They also provide outstanding catering services. Christoval Vineyard/ Chapel in the Vineyard Chapel in the Vineyard is the place to go if you want a gorgeous outdoor wedding setting. For your special day, Christoval Vineyards creates a unique and beautiful atmosphere. Imagine exchanging vows in a shady, open-air setting among towering majestic soaring trees or within a European-style stone chateau with carriage doors leading to a flower-lined courtyard. Christoval Vineyard is a 25-acre estate located beside the Concho River's spring-fed banks. The space is perfect for a small or large event. Chapel in the Vineyard does not provide culinary services, but they can connect you with the top wedding vendors in the area to help you plan your dream wedding. They've collaborated with several providers who offer top-notch cuisine, wedding rentals, videographers, and wedding planners. Stars on the Concho Star Ranch is a rustic wedding venue outside Big Lake, Texas. On the banks of the Concho River, it is a modern conversion of a horse ranch into a spectacular events venue. You can have your wedding on the riverfront and the reception at the rustic barn. You can also enjoy your first dance in the designated huge concrete dancing area, which is likewise outfitted with appropriate lighting for a first dance. The scenery and locations of Stars Ranch are ideal for capturing memorable wedding shots. A separate bride and groom suite with private bathrooms and showers is available at the location. Three folding arbors may be placed anywhere on the property. The property is wheelchair accessible and allows outside catering. During the reception, the venue also provides a mobile bar where you may enjoy a range of drinks and cocktails. Please drink in moderation and responsibly. Big Lake is a beautiful destination for a wedding, whether you choose an indoor or outdoor event. As you look for the ideal wedding venue, be sure you have proper transportation. To rent a new or pre-owned vehicle, contact Glasscock Chevrolet today.

5 of the Best Coffee Shops Near Big Lake, TX

5 of the Best Coffee Shops Near Big Lake, TX

Richly rooted in the farming, ranching, and oil and gas industries, the city of Big Lake, TX has some wonderful family-owned eateries and cafes. Here are five of our favorite Big Lake area coffee shops. 1. Grandma's Kitchen When you're after hearty home cooking with a classic cup of coffee, Grandma's on East 2nd Street in Big Lake is a great choice. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Grandma's offers dine-in or drive-through service, plus some delivery. Known for yummy burgers and satisfying meals like the hot meatloaf sandwich with gravy, this casual eatery is a popular mainstay. With some of the breakfast selections such as pancake, omelet, or egg and meat meals, Grandma's is known for including free coffee for diners age 62 and older. 2. Longhorn Coffee Company If you're in San Angelo, the Longhorn Coffee Company on South Oakes Street can be a fun place to stop not only for a cup to stay or go, but also to purchase beans to take home. Two popular Longhorn whole coffee beans to try are the light roast Snakebite Blend and the medium roast Concho. The ambiance of the shop has a stylishly old-fashioned feel to it and the cement patio garden area out back with umbrella tables is a nice place to enjoy coffee. 3. Sweet Life Bakery & Custom Creations For a convenient spot in Big Lake to enjoy some delicious baked goods with your coffee, the Sweet Life on North Main Avenue can be a good pick. In addition to custom cakes, they have a wide variety of baked sweets including many with a Mexican flair such as empanada, caramel chocolate flan, and arroz con leche (rice pudding). Some of their signature vanilla-iced lemon bread would be the perfect accompaniment to a fresh cup of coffee! 4. Black Lotus Coffee House Located on South Burleson in McCamey, the Black Lotus is a casual, family-owned coffee hangout that also offers tea. Coffees are available in small, medium, and large sizes and in classics like Americano, cappuccino, and espresso as well as blended drinks like cafe mocha that features premium chocolate syrup. If tea is more your style, you'll find some intriguing loose-leaf organic versions here that may include Habanero Green Tea, Blue Mango, and Blueberry Pancakes. For boosting your body's engine, there's even the Jump Start which is a high-caffeine tea. 5. R & S Victoria Donuts An excellent place for early morning takeout coffee or cappuccino along with a pastry, donut, or breakfast sandwich, R&S is a small, homey shop on East 2nd Street in Big Lake. You can buy bread rolls here to take home as well as many different types of pastries. Kolache, the filled-pastry Texas treat of Czech heritage, is a specialty here. After you've sampled some of the best coffee places in the Big Lake region, stop by Glasscock Chevrolet. We're a trusted, family-owned dealership with over 80 years of understanding and serving the needs of the drivers in Big Lake and surrounding areas. We work with all budgets and provide top-notch customer service to help you find the perfect new or used quality vehicle for your needs whether that's a truck, SUV, or car. Image courtesy of pixabay.com

5 Best Spots for Picnics in and Around Big Lake, TX

5 Best Spots for Picnics in and Around Big Lake, TX

There are plenty of incredible picnic spots to explore in the heart of Reagan County, ranging from botanical gardens with breathtaking views to city parks with perfectly manicured landscapes. So, pack a picnic basket with your favorite snacks and head out for a relaxing day in the sun with some good company. Here are some of the best spots for picnics in and around Big Lake, TX. 1. Reagan County Park Reagan County Park is a beautiful park that sits right at the edge of town. You can enjoy a nice afternoon stroll or spread out a picnic blanket in the green spaces. The Park also has plenty of open space to jog around or take your dog for a walk. Kids can burn off some energy at the playground or enjoy some ball games. If you are lucky, you will be able to spot some deer as you snack away. 2. Big Spring State Park Take in the breathtaking views of Texas from the top of the high bluff at Big Spring State Park. There are plenty of activities to keep the entire family entertained, ranging from hiking and biking to scenic drives around the 300-acre park, which derives its name from Big Spring. Empty the contents of your picnic basket at the picnic tables located on top of the scenic mountain where the kids can also burn off some energy at the playground. 3. McCamey Park If taking a dip in the pool before enjoying a nice picnic sounds like the perfect way to spend your day, then McCamey Park is the place to be. With a well-equipped playground and a basketball court, the kids will be kept entertained for hours. The Park also has plenty of great green spots where you can spread out a picnic blanket. Alternatively, you can carry some barbeque equipment and enjoy a cookout. 4. Comanche Trail Park Covering an impressive 400 acres of open space, Comanche Trail Park is a popular picnic destination. Lay down a picnic blanket in the green area overlooking the Comanche Trail Lake and enjoy the picturesque views. After taking a sumptuous meal, head over to the golf course and enjoy a golf game. The Park also features basketball fields, an amphitheater, playgrounds, and pavilions. Fishing, hiking, and biking are among the activities one can engage in while at the park. 5. Josh Mitchell Park Built in honor of a Reagan County deputy who was killed in the line of duty, Josh Mitchell Park sits right in the heart of town. The peaceful park boasts plenty of well-manicured lawns to spread out a picnic blanket, making it the perfect place to spend a fun day in the sun. So park up some yummy bites, sit back, relax and watch the kids enjoy playing various games at the playground. Enjoy some much-needed quality time with family or friends at any of these popular picnic destinations anytime you visit this peaceful rural town. Be sure to visit Glasscock Chevrolet, and we will help you acquire an outstanding vehicle that will get you there safe. Image courtesy of pexels.com