Location, Location, Location (Woody’s Smokehouse) August 1, 2007

I make the drive south on I-45 much too often, be it for a sporting event down at the alma mater or for a visit to the many friends who live in Houston.  The drive is long and monotonous.  Even I-45 itself provides no excitement with its rather flat topography and lack of speedway-like curves.  It’s like someone drew a straight line connecting Dallas to Houston and built a highway from it (oh wait, someone did do that, it’s exactly what I do at my day job).  And people are in hurry to get to their destination!  I-45 is the Texas Autobahn.  The first time I merged onto I-45 and set the cruise control at 75 mph, I was immediately passed by a gray haired granny flying in her Cadillac boat.  Yep, I sped up.  There’s nothing to see along this highway.  Move it or lose it, folks.

There’s nothing to stop for except two Shell stations in Centerville, a town so named for its location in the center of Leon County, but also coincidentally located almost halfway between Dallas and Houston on I-45.  Inside both Shell stations is Woody’s Smokehouse, selling their self-proclaimed “world’s best beef jerky.”  Yes, Woody’s is on BOTH sides of the highway.  So whether you’re traveling northbound or southbound on I-45, it will be convenient to stop by. 

I’m no beef jerky aficionado, but there’s something about Woody’s jerky that makes me stop every time.  Maybe it’s because there’s turkey jerky, pork jerky, and five flavors of beef jerky, so you’re bound to find one you like.  Maybe it’s because Woody’s sells a huge selection of locally made pickled vegetables (okra and asparagus, anyone?), jams, and syrups (love their toasted pecan maple syrup), giving you that “I found a neat little country store” feel.  Maybe it’s because their selection of trail mixes, candies, and brittles is just amazing and will please a bored passenger at any age.  Or maybe it’s simply because the location halfway between Dallas and Houston makes it the perfect place to stretch your legs.  Oh, and the bathrooms are always clean.

I normally just stick to purchasing jerky when stopping at Woody’s.  This past trip to Lake Livingston, I picked up a whole smoked turkey breast to feed the crowd at the lake house.  Apparently Woody’s is about more than just jerky, the hickory smoked peppery turkey was a big hit with the hungry crowd after a full day out on the water.

Yay for Woody’s, making that drive down I-45 a little more bearable.

Woody’s Smokehouse
I-45 Exit 164
Centerville, TX