On your way to Big Bend, stop by Ferguson Motors in Sanderson

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I detoured through the little West Texas town of Sanderson while heading back to Austin from Big Bend recently and discovered a new coffee shop called Ferguson Motors.

I first wandered through Sanderson three years ago, when I wrote about the scrappy little town for Texas Monthly Magazine. I stayed at the Desert Air Motel, met a bunch of locals, and learned something about the town’s tragic history.

Read more: Sanderson is an underrated West Texas escape

Now I’ve got another fantastic reason to take Highway 90 instead of Interstate 10 when I’m driving to Big Bend.

Here are the best things about Ferguson Motors:

1. It’s housed in an old Ford dealership!

2. They sell a lot more than just coffee.

3. There’s an open mic session every Friday evening.

4. They make great sandwiches. The cookies (especially the peanut butter ones) are fantastic, and I didn’t try it, but the pizza smells great too.

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5. They sell art by local artists, including one of my favorites, Liz Potter. I discovered Liz’s work at Blue Genie Art Show in Austin one Christmas and liked it so much I tracked her down and met her for coffee in Alpine, where she now lives. I’ve got a whole collection of bandanas she made, printed with cool West Texas critters like jackrabbits and javelina.

6. The events venue in the backside of the building hosts jam sessions, live music and more.

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7. The owners of Ferguson Motors, Jake and Hannah Harper, are really nice.

8. On July 1, they’re hosting a beer tasting with Farm Ale Brewing Co.. Meet the brewery owner, ask about brewing, taste the beer, and grab some free merchandise.