Here are eight ways that makes Texas stand out from any one of those 50 states you call home.
1. Everything's bigger in Texas
You may think it's just a common saying, but everything really IS bigger in Texas—the hair, the Rodeo, the barbecue, the drinks, the cars—you name it. We'll give you the "super size" version of whatever you want. There's no such thing as too much of a good thing.
2. The accents
Now, being from Houston, I would tell you that I don't have much of a Southern accent (anyone from the East Coast would tell me I'm wrong, but hey, I'm a city girl!). But sit me in front of a crowd of Northerners and I could spend a week raving about the word "y'all." One of the smallest and best contractions, "y'all" is found throughout the South, and especially in the great state of Texas. We call access roads "feeder" roads and if we're traveling in Texas, we're "driving up there" or "heading down there." It just makes sense to us.
3. The weather
They say that if you don't like the weather in Texas, wait five minutes and it will change. Where else can you get 100% humidity (Houston), snow (Lubbock), scorching heat (El Paso) and torrential rain (Galveston) all in one state within the range of a few months? All in all, Texas is the perfect place for warm-weather seekers, who can go to the pool in March and still be going to the pool in October.
4. The people
If you've never been to Texas, you haven't truly experienced Southern hospitality. The people in Texas are among the nicest I've ever met, and will go out of their way to hold doors open, say "bless your heart" or give directions to whatever place you're looking to go. Need a restaurant recommendation? Texans are glad to give you their honest opinions on their favorite restaurants and areas of town.
5. The food
Texas barbecue is like no other. Whereas other states may think barbeque involves getting out the grill and putting some hot dogs on it (that is called GRILLING), barbecue involves hours and hours of smoking meat, including ribs, brisket, and pork. It often involves special homemade barbecue sauce and lots of napkins. Barbecue isn't the only food Texas is known for—from avant-garde culinary hot spots like Houston and Dallas to the homestyle cooking found in places like San Antonio and Austin, there is something for everyone in Texas. Side note: Tex Mex equals heaven.
6. The roads
This may sound like a weird one, but hear me out. Where else can you legally drive 70 miles an hour and still have people passing you on the freeway? Most Texans have the "need for speed," and it sure makes commuting a whole lot more interesting. Houston hosts the widest freeway in the country (I-10 near Bunker Hill), and if that isn't enough to convince you, look up pictures on Google of aerial views of highways in Texas. They're a thing of beauty.
7. The traditions
From the Texas State Fair, to the Red River rivalry, to the great history that accompanies Texas, there are so many unique aspects of Texas that make it a one-of-a-kind place to live. Having been a member of six different countries leading up to today, Texas is a cultural hub with many historic spots, including the Alamo, the San Jacinto monument, the port of Galveston and many other important areas. Texans are quick to celebrate anything related to Texas, and therefore we have tons of cool traditions and events in place that relate to Texas' independence from Mexico, Texas sports, Texas food and Texas people.
8. The pride
Texans are among the most nationalistic people in the world. Unlike any other state, which flies their state flag below the flag of the United States, we Texans fly ours at the same height. We built our capitol building higher than the one in Washington D.C., and we have our own Texas pledge all school kids say after the traditional pledge of allegiance. There's a saying that goes "You better thank your lucky stars you're in Texas," and I couldn't agree more. Whether you're born and raised here or got here as fast as you could, you know that Texas is the best state in the nation, and one of the best places in the world. God bless Texas, y'all!
