You might have heard the rumor that everything is bigger in Texas, and if you find a Texan they’ll sure as shootin’ assure you that it is true. Even as a native Texan, I’m not sure I completely understand this passion for magnitude, but I embrace it as a part of my cultural heritage. It was certainly a good mantra for my 80’s era hairdo.
Driving through the winding Texas highways, you can find plenty of examples of Texas enormity, including the world’s largest rattlesnake, cowboy boots, and spurs. Most recently, we encountered two new sites suitable for the pages of the super-size scrapbook.
The world’s largest fishing rod sits along the water in Port Isabel, TX. The Guinness award winning rod and reel is actually a workable model which, according to the sign can be operated by 23 regular men or one Texan.
A little further north in Corpus Christi we discovered the world’s largest sand castle. The massive castle walls invite more exploration, but beware. Just beyond the rampart lies a kitsch filled gift shop where you will be forced to buy tacky shell covered boxes and stuffed animals just to get your kids out the door.
Just when you start to believe the ‘everything is bigger’ hype, you drive through the tiny town of Warrenton, TX. Warrenton, with a population of 65, stakes their claim at the other end of the spectrum. The world’s smallest active Catholic church stands at the center of a cemetery surrounded by headstones marked in Czech and German. This houslet of the Lord is 12 x 16 and has room for about 20 parishioners.
Despite the diminutive size, the 65 citizens of Warrenton couldn’t be prouder. And in Texas, it’s the pride not the dimension that really matter.
This post is a part of Photo Friday at Delicious Baby.
I think the little chapel is adorable. They’re always picturesque.
Oh, I love this post. As a former (is there really such a thing?) Texan and proud Czech/German, I’m going to have to search out the little church next time I visit the parents.
Very neat! I am a new Texan and so this was a great post so that I can know what else we need to go and visit!
I wonder what a wedding would be like there. bride gets 9 people, groom gets 9 people. Everyone else has to stand in the yard 🙂 Fun to imagine!
We’re driving across (northern) Texas later this summer–I’ll have to see if any of these are on our route! I do love me a good roadside attraction.
North Texas is my home. Let me know if you need any travel ideas for the area.
Such a sweet post! I love the sand castle and the beautiful Catholic Church. Wish we could stop by for mass!
I love this! That is such a cute church. If ever I am in Texas, I will have to try to go to a mass there.
LOVE that sandcastle! Thanks for sharing. Also think the church is cute. I wouldn’t have thought it could hold 20 though.
Have a great day!