Texas recently turned 168 years old, and this massive state proves that sometimes, bigger is better. Check out these five reasons to get lost deep in the heart of Texas. (And a nod to our featured picture of public art installation, Cadillac Ranch – captured by bluecorvette.)
Good eats. You can feast like a king all year long in the great state of Texas. Barbecue, Tex-Mex and chili are just a few local specialties you’ll want to dig into. To truly please your palette, though, don’t miss the food festivals and cook-offs held throughout the year. A few tasty recommendations include the Texas Crawfish and Music Festival, the summer Cheeseburger Festival and the Chili Super Bowl, as well as the annual cook-offs for menudo, steak and shrimp.
Music mecca. The Lone Star State is well represented across a variety of music genres, from Tejano and country to indie and rock. Queen of Tejano Selena is memorialized in Corpus Christi, while a Stevie Ray Vaughn statue can be found in Austin. You won’t have to search far for a taste of Texan music, as coffeehouses, restaurants and dance halls are often graced by local talent. Yearly events celebrate everything from blues to indie pop, but for the best music experience the state has to offer, don’t miss the local bars and venues of Austin.
Undiscovered shorelines. Texas is home to hundreds of miles of warm shores off the Gulf of Mexico. Beyond the soft sand and warm waters, the Gulf Coast of Texas also offers spectacular bird watching opportunities all year long. South Padre Island is definitely worth a trip for water sports during the day and nightlife after dark. The seaside towns along the Gulf Coast are also home to an impressive collection of attractions, including the NASA Space Center, the Houston Museum of Natural Science and the Galleria shopping center in Houston.
Humble history. Texas is home to more than 13,000 historic markers, covering everything from 16th-century Spanish missions to the cowboys of the Wild West. Topping the list of historic attractions in Texas is the Alamo, where one of the most pivotal battles of the Texas Revolution was fought. San Antonio’s missions are also worth a visit, as is the Point Isabel Lighthouse, San Jacinto Monument and Museum, and the Texas State Capitol.
Cowboy country. Cowboy culture is alive and well in the heart of Texas, where you’ll find rodeos, cattle shows and horseback riding opportunities. Book a stay at one of Texas’ numerous dude ranches for an authentic cowboy experience that’ll have you saying “Yee-haw” in no time.
