20 unique things Texans have to explain to visitors

Oh Texas, what makes you so unique? 

Are you a “born and raised” Texan? Have you lived here for so long that you feel like you are one of them?

Or are you new and you feel like you wanted to be part of the club?

Well, you can start by experiencing some things that are uniquely Texan, and Plano Moms are here with a list of a few of them.

Texas BBQ

Barbecue (or BBQ) is a tradition that runs deep in the Lone Star State! Yes… you can’t visit Texas without trying some of the BBQ here, and honestly, you wouldn’t want to miss it either. 

Texas BBQ is more than just grilling, smoking or slow cooking meat on charcoal or wood; it is about weekends hanging out with family and friends, a celebration of life that is passed down generations along with other family traditions.

It is a Texan pride as eateries compete to be known as the Best BBQ in Texas.

Whataburger

Have you tried yet? You better go and grab some. Whataburger is Texas very own burger chain and most of the local’s favorite. The doors of the first restaurant opened in 1950 in Corpus Christi, and the chain has expanded across the country. The standard Texas Whataburger is made with mustard, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and diced onions on a toasted five-inch bun. However, the best thing about Whataburger is that you can order a burger any way you like it.

Bucees

Roadtripping in Texas can be fun, especially when you see a sign with the iconic cartoon beaver on it. It has to be Buc-ee’s! Great place to stop to stretch your legs and get some snacks, food, drinks, and trinkets while gassing up.

Billy Bob’s Texas

It is iconic and the largest country music honky-tonk with 100,000 square feet indoor space which has the rodeo arena, mechanical bulls and dozens of bars.  It is a perfect place for a night out with family and friends. 

Texas Nachos

A Texas tradition of freshly fried chips evenly laid down, topped with a pickled jalapeño slice and cheese from Longhorns (that’s the cattle that are decedents from cattle brought over by Christopher Columbus and Spanish settlers in the late 1400’s).

Round Rock Donuts at Round Rock, TX

People around the world have been stopping by this donuts store in Round Rock, TX to try their famous orange donuts. While you are at it, why not try their Texas-sized donut that you can share or eat it all for yourself?!

Drink Shiner Bock

This local beer has been brewed at the Spoetzl Brewery in Shiner, TX since 1909.

State Fair of Texas

You must go to the State Fair of Texas for even once in your life. The largest state fair in the nation!  It is for the whole family; there are many fun activities for kids and adults. The food scene is the most interesting one, and you should be looking forward to it.

Everything deep fried!

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The Schlitterbahn Waterpark

Everything is big in Texas, and so is the Schlitterbahn waterpark. Looking for a weekend water fun getaway with the whole family, then look no further.

The Schlitterbahn’s New Braunfels location has been recognized as the world’s best water park for 21 straight years.

River Float

River floating in an inner tube is a popular outdoor adventure in Texas. With its blazing heat during summer months, this is a great way to cool off. 

There are many rivers around, but the most popular ones are Guadalupe river, the Frio River, the Trinity River, the San Marcos and the Komal river.

Bluebonnets

The Bluebonnet is Texas’ State flower, and it blooms during springtime all over the state. When they are in bloom, act fast because they don’t last long. It’s most Texans favorite time of the year to do some annual family photo shoot with bluebonnets around, for sure. It is truly magical!

The Czech Stop

The best kolaches you could ever find outside of the Czech Republic can be found here. This Little Czech Bakery has been promoting that Czech heritage and spirit in a small town of West, Texas. You HAVE to stop and try their kolaches!

Texas Chili

Chili is the official State food of Texas. Authentic Texas chili doesn’t have beans in it; it should be made of meat and chilies. Apparently, each year on the first Saturday of November, the Chili Appreciation Society International (CASI) holds the ultimate celebration of Chili.

This year’s 53rd renewal of the granddaddy of all chili cook-offs and food festivals will be held at Rancho CASI de los Chisos in Terlingua, Texas.

Rancho CASI is located on the north side of Highway 170, eleven miles west of Study Butte and seven miles east of Lajitas. 

Chicken-Fried Steak

No, there is zero chicken in this dish! It is a cutlet of tenderized beef, battered and fried in a skillet until crisp (like would do with fried chicken, hence the name). It is a Texan staple and typically served with mashed potatoes with cream gravy.

Breakfast Tacos

Tacos for breakfast? Why not? It is a breakfast item found in most restaurants in Texas. However, it can also be easily made at home as it is basically tortillas filled with potatoes, crispy bacon, soft scrambled eggs, and all the toppings!

Blue Bell Ice Cream

No Texas summer is complete without Blue Bell ice cream! Blue Bell creamery started in Brenham, Texas in 1907 and has been a Texas pride and joy. Try their newest flavor, called Cookie Cake – it’s a sweet cream ice cream loaded with chocolate chip cookie crumbles, cake pieces and swirls of chocolate and vanilla icing. Yum!

Fort Worth Stockyards

This place is truly a MUST when you visit the Fort Worth area. The Fort Worth Stockyard is at Fort Worth’s National Historic District, and it offers an authentic glimpse of the American West. You can start your day watching cattle drive by the Fort Worth Herd.

You will see Texas cowhands drive a herd of Texas longhorns down East Exchange Avenue.

Also, you can explore the city after and end your day watching a rodeo then have some fun line dancing at Billy Bob’s Texas.

Bats in Austin

Austin is famous for the food scene, outdoor activities, and musicians performing; but Downtown Austin is also known for its love of the winged nocturnal animals, the Mexican Free-Tailed Bats, which you see during sunset if you go Bat Watching.

North America’s largest urban bat population comes to Austin in late March and continuing through October. It is an exciting experience!

Football

Everything is just a little different in the Lone Star State, and that includes high school football. The game is much more than a sport; it’s a culture, a lifestyle, and some even say it is a religion.

Friday Night Lights is for real; it is a tradition, a time when families gather on bleachers to watch their children play ball, play in the band, cheer, and take the game in as spectators.

Not only that, but Homecoming Games and Dances are a huge thing in our High Schools, as well as the giving and receiving of huge Homecoming Mums.

Live Music Capital of the World, Austin

Austin’s official motto is the “Live Music Capital of the World”; you will see it on their website, at the airport, and around the city.

Mainly because on any given night, you can find over a hundred venues showcasing a wide variety of live music performances. It is entertaining!

One thing Texans do love, is a drive to the Florida beaches at the Gulf Coast, or Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama area

Now it’s you turn!

What makes Texas unique for you? Share your suggestions with us!