The Pies of Texas
When you see a roadside sign boasting homemade pies in the Lone Star State, stop. You'll discover places such as Bevers Kitchen ([979] 836-4178) in Chappell Hill, where a neon sign over the pie case challenges you to "Try the Pie." At The Texas Pie Company ([512] 268-5885) in Kyle, they bake dozens of old-fashioned fruit and nut varieties and have recently added cream pies.

Still, I found none better than the Fredericksburg Pie Company ([830] 990-6992). Their best-seller is owner Charlotte Freeborn's tasty Bourbon Orange Pecan Pie, but the chocolate and coconut--both topped with mile-high Italian meringue--may be the most impressive.

left: Fredricksburg Pie Company's Bourbon Orange Pecan Pie is a favorite.