Meat Markets, Fire Cider, Purple Potatoes AND SHOPPING!

Join us on a flavorful Texas detour where we explore local meat markets, taste bold fire cider, and discover the surprising story behind purple potatoes. Get inspired to savor regional flavors and uncover hidden culinary gems along the way.

You might hear my stomach growling as you listen to this delicious episode. Join us as we eat our way through Mineral Wells, Texas, a small town with a big reputation as "The Wellness Capital of Texas."

Our culinary adventure begins at Fro Pro Cafe, where breakfast comes with an unexpected bonus—a sophisticated body composition scan that reveals far more than your weight. The cafe owner explains how this technology helps customers understand their true health metrics beyond BMI, tracking everything from muscle mass to hydration levels. While Alexa enjoys a colorful acai bowl, Rory discovers the unique purple sweet potato flavor of ube in a protein-packed breakfast shake.

The day continues at City Meats and Market, where wellness takes on a distinctly Texan twist with high-quality, locally-sourced meats and specialty grocery items. This multipurpose establishment flows seamlessly into connecting boutique shops, creating an immersive small-town shopping experience. We meet passionate local business owners who reveal their community-first approach to commerce—rather than competing, they actively send customers to each other's shops.

At The Market at 76067 (named for the local zip code), we discover an innovative approach to supporting local artisans. Instead of each vendor having a separate space, products are organized by category, creating a cohesive shopping experience while still celebrating individual makers. The owner shares how this collaborative model has transformed their downtown, with over 70% of sales now coming from tourists.

We grabbed Rose's book here! You can learn more about her from her podcast here: and www.BeneathTheFigTree.org

Our day culminates with dinner at Second Bar and Kitchen inside the historic Crazy Water Hotel. Under the direction of a New York chef, the restaurant maintains its Texas roots through locally sourced ingredients proudly listed on the menu. Don't miss their "fire cider" shot—a non-alcoholic wellness elixir that packs flavor and health benefits in equal measure.

Through our food-focused exploration, we uncover the true meaning of wellness in this unique Texas town—it's about quality ingredients, strong community connections, and businesses that lift each other up rather than competing. Ready to taste it for yourself? Visit minerallwells.org to plan your own foodie adventure.

Also mentioned in this episode: Vegabond Tea: vegabondteas.com

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Alexa and Rory
The ROAMies

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