Those are watermelons, not precious stones, but Texans love them—especially those from Luling. The town is famous for these sweet monstrosities, which are honored in the Luling Watermelon Thump, this year June 21-24. When do they become ripe? Nearly always by Juneteenth, as the saying goes. On through summer you can buy melons at Natal’s Produce in downtown. Don’t leave without lunch at Luling’s famous City Market Bar B-q. For information on the town and festival, visit www.lulingcc.org or call (830) 875-3214, ext. 2.

All of Texas in One Stop
Cindy Figer, owner of New Canaan Farms in Dripping Springs on U.S. 290, makes condiments from fruits and vegetables that span the state. Spread on her East Texas Blueberry Jam, Brazos River Blackberry Jam, Gulf Coast Shrimp Sauce, Cibolo Creek Cilantro Salsa, and from just down the road, Fredericksburg Peach Jam. To order, visit www.newcanaanfarms.com or call 1-800-727-5267.