Texas. The place where wearing your state flag on your shorts
is normal, where shouting “Texas till I die!” is encouraged, and where rodeos
are not only real, but also the highlight of your spring. Texas is a special
state, and as anyone who has moved away will tell you, there are some
things that you just can’t find anywhere else.
1. Whataburger.
Also known as the home of the Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit. Somehow, at some point in time, we have all found ourselves driving to Whataburger at two in the morning craving taquitos and milkshakes.
2. Breakfast Tacos.
Breakfast... in a taco. It's easy, it's delicious, and there is no doubt in my mind that it should be a nationwide phenomenon.
3. Shipley’s.
Those warm, glazed donuts that somehow showed up at every swim meet, choir competition, and car wash. And let's not forget that one kid who always seemed to carry a dozen around school.
4. Oceans that are actually swimmable.
The brown waters and mountains of seaweed may not be visually appealing, but nothing beats running into the water on a 100 degree day in the summer.
5. Buc-ee’s.
Buc-ee's may technically be a gas station, but we all know it's not just that. It's a bathroom heaven, snack wonderland, and basically a Texas pride mini-mall. Not to mention it's the only place you can find a Dr. Pepper Icee.
6. Being able to say y’all without getting a strange look.
You say it, and they automatically ask, "So, where are you from?"
7. Shaved Ice.
Shaved ice is ten times better than any mere snow cone. And when they ask if you want cream, the answer is always yes.
8. Blue Bell.
Yes, Blue Bell shut down for four months. Yes, it was extremely traumatizing. No, I don't want to talk about it.
9. Kolaches.
Kolaches are the lifeblood of many Texans. Whether they're filled with fruit or meat, you can't really go wrong. The best ones are from the remote, small towns that you pass on five hour road trips across the state.
10. Schlitterbahn.
Big slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools. Schlitterbahn is the place to be in the summer heat. Bonus points if you can score an airbrush tattoo.
11. Sweet Tea.
That sad moment when the server looks at you and says, "We only have unsweetened. Is that okay?" Let's be real. Things just aren’t the same when you have to add the sugar in yourself.
The great state that is Texas may be known far and wide, but only Texans truly know just how great it is. While some of us may move away or live our lives elsewhere, Texas pride will always flow through our veins. And really it doesn't matter how many miles away we are or how many years it's been; Texas will always be our home, and we will always be Texans.
