Frisco resident Nick Nokes owns a 1968 RS/SS (Rally Sport/Super Sport) Camaro and often enjoys road trips with it. They enjoy driving to the Texas Hill Country.
He was fortunate enough to win this car in an auction. It originally came with a 396 engine and an M20 in it. Overall, the car was sound, but it did have a few issues. With little knowledge of the mechanics of classic cars, he began a three-year process of refurbishing and rebuilding what he could. He learned mostly through trial and error, ordering parts, and then ordering the right parts. It was important that the vehicle looked classic but also had a few modern amenities such as a bigger motor, better handling, improved air conditioning, more substantial brakes and stereo enhancements.
Nick is a part of the local Camaro club. North Texas Camaros was established in 1991 in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area for first-generation Camaro enthusiasts. In 1990, four guys who were proud owners of 1968 Camaro's, met up at many local car shows. At the end of 1991, at a local cruise scene “Fender’s” on Northwest Highway in Dallas, the founders of NTC started their first-generation Camaro club (build years of 1967, 1968, and 1969). They were Bob Senich, Rick Kidder, Bill Roy, and John Grundl.
For more information on the North Texas Camaro Club, you can visit NorthTXCamaros.com and see their event calendar, event photos and other club information. Most of the members are in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, but we have several in East Texas, South Texas and Kansas. The motto is, “The people are what make this club great; the cars just brought us together.”
The drive to the Texas Hill Country offers great sight-seeing stops along the way. Enjoy a myriad of restaurants that offer a hometown feel with menu items that are unique to that town. You can stop and enjoy scenic views and even partake in hiking adventures that other Texas flatlands won’t allow. During the spring and summer months, your drive will include views of beautiful flowers and greenery. If you want to steer a bit off-course, there are several towns that will help complete your trip. Fredericksburg is one of the most well-known stops. This town holds vineyards, boutique shops, live music, getaway cabins and much more.
Another stop that will excite any traveler is the city of San Marcos. Here, you can meet up with friends to float the river, and there are natural parks to enjoy as well as several tourist options such as exploring the waters during a glass-bottom boat tour. This tour is a must when visiting San Marcos. To explore artistry, you can stop by the Wimberley Glass Works exhibit. View demonstrations on the art of glass blowing and then have the option of purchasing pieces to add to your home.
Some other worthy exits during the road trip include:
Georgetown—enjoy exploring the Innerspace Caverns. Learn about some of the prehistoric fossils and rock formations.
Wimberley—for those who are real thrill seekers, you can enjoy a zip line experience that ranges 150-900 feet!
Gruene—put on your dancing shoes and enjoy the oldest Texas dance hall.
New Braunfels—for the kid at heart, this town offers a fun-filled day at the Schlitterbahn Water Park.
Johnson City—tour what is coined as the “Texas White House” while visiting the ranch house of President Lyndon B. Johnson.
Driftwood—ignite your barbecue craving while visiting Salt Lick BBQ.
Round Top—satisfy your sweet tooth with a made-from-scratch pie from The Pie Queen at Royers Pie Haven.
This vintage Camaro classic is a great choice for the trek to the Texas Hill Country. And we all know you can't have a true road trip without...snacks!
The snacks Nick reaches for are:
—Red Bull (yellow)
—Red Vines
—Homemade beef jerky
Music feeds the soul. Listening to your favorite songs while on a long road trip can brighten any mood and make the time fly by!
Some of the songs on Nick's playlist are:
—Drift Away by Uncle Kracker
—American Pie by Don McClean
—Run Around Sue by Dell Shannon
—Sound of Silence by Disturbed
—Kryptonite by 3 Doors Down
—You Shook Me All Night Long by AC/DC
—Bombshell by Power Man 5000
—California Love by Tupac
—Slow Ride by Fog Hat
—Carry on Wayward Son by Kansas
