In Texas, where the motto might as well be “Go big or go home to your reasonably sized state,” everything is served with a generous side of grandiosity. It’s a place where the steaks look at you as challenges rather than meals, and the pickup trucks are more like rolling fortresses. Let’s mosey through the Lone Star State, tipping our oversized hats to 21 things that make Texans puff their chests out with pride, and maybe just a hint of swagger.
1. The Texas Sky
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Expansive and unending, the Texas sky is a canvas of brilliant sunsets and vast, starry nights that stretch beyond the imagination.
2. High School Football
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In Texas, high school football is less a sport and more a religion, drawing massive crowds and inspiring unparalleled fervor.
3. Barbecue Brisket
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Slow-cooked to perfection, Texas barbecue brisket is a culinary masterpiece that’s as large in flavor as it is in size.
4. The Alamo
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A symbol of Texas resilience and independence, the Alamo’s history looms large in the hearts of Texans everywhere.
5. State Fair of Texas
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Home to Big Tex, the towering cowboy, the State Fair of Texas is a colossal celebration of all things Texan, from live music to deep-fried everything.
6. Pickup Trucks
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In Texas, pickup trucks are a staple, used for both utility and statement-making, often seen supersized and lifted.
7. Texas Longhorns
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Not just a university mascot, but a cherished symbol of Texan strength and spirit, celebrated in rodeos and ranches across the state.
8. Cowboy Boots
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Texans wear their cowboy boots with pride, a timeless accessory that’s as much about heritage as it is about fashion.
9. Oil Rigs
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Symbols of the state’s rich natural resources and economic prowess, oil rigs dot the landscape, towering monuments to Texas’ energy sector.
10. Live Music in Austin
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Austin’s live music scene is enormous, from intimate venues to massive festivals like SXSW, showcasing the state’s deep musical roots.
11. Tex-Mex Cuisine
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A fusion of Mexican and Texan flavors, Tex-Mex is a beloved cuisine that serves up heaping portions of nachos, tacos, and queso.
12. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
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The world’s largest livestock show and rodeo is a testament to Texans’ love for cowboy culture, drawing millions of visitors annually.
13. Bluebonnet Fields
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In spring, fields of bluebonnets bloom across the state, creating sprawling, vivid landscapes that are quintessentially Texan.
14. Big Bend National Park
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Offering some of the most dramatic and diverse landscapes in the state, Big Bend is a vast natural wonder that Texans are proud to call their own.
15. Lone Star Beer
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Dubbed the “National Beer of Texas,” Lone Star is a favorite among locals, embodying the state’s independent spirit in every can.
16. San Antonio River Walk
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This sprawling urban oasis winds through the heart of San Antonio, offering a picturesque setting for dining, shopping, and cultural events.
17. Galveston Beaches
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The wide, sandy shores of Galveston invite Texans to enjoy their state’s coastal beauty, with beaches that seem to stretch on forever.
18. Texas-sized Donuts
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In Texas, even the donuts are supersized, offering a delicious challenge for anyone with a sweet tooth.
19. The Space Program
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Home to NASA’s Johnson Space Center, Texas plays a big role in exploring the final frontier, a source of statewide pride and fascination.
20. Texas Hospitality
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Known for its warm welcome and generous spirit, Texas hospitality is as boundless as the state itself.
21. Texas Independence Day
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Celebrated with great fanfare on March 2nd, this holiday commemorates Texas’ declaration of independence from Mexico, a day of state pride and historical significance.
Big is Just the Beginning
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In the sprawling saga that is Texas, the line between myth and reality gets as blurry as the view after a night in a honky-tonk. Here, every day is a tall tale, proving that in Texas, even the hyperbole is bigger.
18 Countries That Don’t Want American Visitors
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It’s time for a reality check, American travelers. As you pack your bags and head overseas, ready to stamp your passport, it’s becoming glaringly obvious that not every destination is thrilled to see you. 18 Countries That Don’t Want American Visitors
18 High-Crime Cities in the US You Should Avoid
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American cities promise rich culture and unforgettable experiences, but rising crime rates can catch travelers off guard. This guide helps you stay safe while fully enjoying your adventures. 18 High-Crime Cities in the US You Should Avoid
What Cruise Lines Don’t Want You to Know: 20 Candid Insights
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Thinking about booking a cruise for your next getaway? Let’s have a real talk first. While cruising might seem like a breezy way to see the world, there are a few not-so-sunny truths that might make you reconsider. What Cruise Lines Don’t Want You to Know: 20 Candid Insights
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