
A puzzle I bought at the Wildcatter Ranch gift shop
Texas is big, bold, and full of attractions
Are you a Texan, or perhaps one of those who got here as fast as they could? Every Texan I know carries a little state pride wherever they go. You’ve heard the popular phrase about the Lone Star State, “Everything is bigger in Texas.” This probably stems from the state’s massive size, but if the mantra “bigger is better” holds true, then living in Texas must be a dream come true. Here are seven things that every Texan should do.
Texas offers many unique features for its residents, so it’s no wonder the state is one of the country’s most famous. Every Texas resident should do several things, no matter where they live.
7 Things Every Texan Should Do at Least Once
To really know Texas, every Texan should check off these seven iconic experiences.
Don’t laugh – I forgot my boots!
Visit a Rodeo
One of Texas’s most famous features is its rodeos. Rodeos are a unique event that usually occurs only in the Southern United States. Among Texas’s top 12 rodeos, Mesquite’s Rodeo stands out. But don’t skip Fort Worth and Cowtown — it’s one of the most visited areas in North Texas. It’s also my recommendation for anyone new to Texas.
Rodeos cover a wide range of events and offer a truly unique experience. Contestants may compete in bull riding, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, and barrel racing. Rodeos are extremely popular in Texas, and no other event offers such a wide variety of entertainment. If you live in Texas, then you absolutely have to visit a rodeo.
Attend a Cowboys Game
Now, if you’re into sports, attend a Rangers game and a Mavericks game, too!
Raft Down the Rio Grande
One of Texas’ iconic geographical features is the Rio Grande. The Rio Grande is a massive river that flows through much of the Southwestern United States and empties into the Gulf of Mexico. The Rio Grande is not only large, but also powerful and swift. The water flows so rapidly that many experts say that swimming in the river is extremely dangerous. However, this makes the Rio Grande the perfect place for rafting.
So whether you raft, tube, or float, every Texan should try it at least once; it’s a true once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Okay, if that’s too much, try tubing the Guadalupe instead. It’s not so swift (in places).
Enjoy Local Cuisine
Texas may not be commonly thought of as a place with high-quality food, but the locals would beg to differ. Texas is home to many high-quality restaurants and local recipes. Texas dishes usually feature plenty of fried foods and barbecued meat, perfect for family events. Although this food might not be the healthiest, it’s certainly delicious.
If you live in Texas, then you absolutely have to enjoy some Texas barbecue and fried food.
Hike a Famous Trail
Most states have a wide variety of famous hiking trails, but Texas is especially true since the state is so massive. Plus, Texas weather is generally warm, so you’ll have plenty of days with perfect hiking weather.
Texas has several popular hiking areas, including Big Bend National Park, McKittrick Canyon, Enchanted Rock, Palo Duro Canyon, and many more. If you’re a Texan, then you have to experience one of these great hikes.
Take a Cross-State Road Trip
Texas is a very large state, so you can do an entire road trip within the state. There are plenty of exciting things to do across our state, especially for the whole family. Texas is the second-largest state in America, with a wide range of cities to visit, including Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio, each with a distinct character. Texas is vast and diverse, and a cross-state road trip is a perfect way for a Texan to spend a week.
Go to an Amusement Park
When you think of amusement parks, Texas typically isn’t the first state that comes to mind. Usually, people think of the famous amusement parks in Orlando and Anaheim first. Still, Texans have plenty of amusement parks to enjoy.
Texans can visit Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington, Six Flags Fiesta in San Antonio, and __. San Antonio is also home to SeaWorld and Schlitterbahn.
Finally, local amusement parks offer plenty to enjoy. If you’re a Texan, you don’t need to travel to a coastal city to visit a high-quality amusement park.
Now you’re ready to explore these things every Texan should do at least once. Which one will you try first?