I was always a little meh about South Padre Island. I thought it was all spring breakers, crowded beaches, and run down hotels. And it is kind of all of those things, but in a completely charming way during the off-season.

Never again will a road trip be complete without a stop at Buc-ees.

Though I could probably navigate the Texas Tropical Trail without two GPS systems and a fuzz buster.

I’m pretty sure you fall off the side of the earth when you reach the end of the island.

The view from our room at the Pearl Hotel was so lovely I don’t think anyone would believe it was Texas (no offense, Texas).

My first time though border patrol was exciting. I felt like Nancy Botwin. (Specifically, season 4 episode 2. Prius? Check. Iced coffee? Check. Broken tail light? The only thing missing.)

Oh, and a dog jumped through my car window.

Ever go somewhere you weren’t expecting to like but end up really liking it? Yeah. That.