I am from a tiny town in deep Southeast Texas (population: 6,611). This town runs through my blood. My family is there, and it will always hold a special place in my heart, no matter how far away from home I may wander. I know many of you Southeast Texans know how I feel when it comes to your hometown. Here are nine signs that you are from one of these tiny deep Southeast Texas towns.
1. The highlight of your year is attending the South Texas State Fair.
If you live in the Golden Triangle area, attending the South Texas State Fair in Beaumont, Texas, is an absolute must. The rodeo is likely your favorite part of the fair. To consider yourself a true Southeast Texan, you must attend the rodeo. Besides, who wants to miss that? (Side note: There are tons of cute cowboys there, ladies.)
2. If you live in the Northern part of Silsbee, you have to set aside extra time to get past the train.
The Santa Fe rail runs smack dab through the center of Silsbee, Texas, making getting to work or school pretty much impossible most mornings. If you try to go around it, it will speed up. If you try to be patient and wait it out, it will literally stall on the tracks. You gotta love Silsbee.
3. Galveston Island is your favorite vacation spot.
Galveston is only two or so hours from most of Southeast Texas, making it the perfect spot to unwind and catch some rays.
4. You consider one of our rivers or lakes your second home.
Southeast Texas has a variety of fresh waterways. From Dam B to Village Creek, most of us fish here on a regular basis.6. Parkdale Mall is the best shopping place until you reach Houston.
From Bath and Body Works to 2nd and Charles, Parkdale has something for everyone.
7. The Big Thicket National Preserve is practically your backyard. Pine trees and wildlife is everywhere in Southeast Texas.
8. No one seems to know where you are from.
If you are from the Golden Triangle area, it is likely that no one will know where you are from. You will probably tell them that you're from "around the Beaumont area." It is likely they won't know where Beaumont is, so you will resort to telling them that you live near the Texas-Louisiana border. The struggle is real when it comes to this.
9. George Jones, Tracy Byrd, and Mark Chesnutt hold a special place in your heart.
These are “our” country singers. They were born in Southeast Texas and represent our community well. Like Mr. Chesnutt says, “Been having a ball since I was a boy in Beaumont…The golden gate is great, but it ain't home…Blame it on Texas, don't blame it on me.” Basically, you wouldn’t have it any other way. Southeast Texas really is the best.
