How to blend in Texas: Things you’ll need to know if you want to be Texan

Texans are a unique bunch. We’re fiercely independent, immensely proud of our state, and we have a rich culture all our own. If you’re not from Texas, there’s a lot you might not understand about us. But that’s okay! We’re happy to share our way of life with anyone who’s interested. So, without further ado, we’ll teach you how to blend in Texas. These are things you’ll know if you’re from Texas.

What do I need to know before I travel Texas?

Football is a religion. Football is life in Texas. From Friday night lights to tailgating at the big game, Texans take their football seriously. High school football is especially important. You know that the Dallas Cowboys are America’s team. (No matter how much they lose…) You always root for the underdog. (Especially when it comes to sports.)

Dallas Cowboy Helmet

Texas BBQ is the best BBQ. Period. End of story. BBQ is not just a food – it’s a way of life. Good BBQ is an art form, and Texans know how to do it right. If you want to find the best BBQ in Texas, just follow your nose – it’ll lead you right to the nearest pitmaster.

People talk about the Pecan Lodge BBQ but the chances are you will come to know Bill Miller’s BBQ and Pappa’s BBQ. Bill Miller’s seasonal pumpkin pie is all the Texas rage in the fall.

Honey Bacon BBQ rub Meatchurch

If you want to blend in Texas start learning how to smoke everything you eat. In Texas we smoke anything including armadillo eggs, mac & cheese and smoke this: SMOKED CREAM CHEESE WITH GREEN PEPPER JELLY!

Tex Mex is its own food group

You know that Tex-Mex is its own food group. (No matter how much chile con queso you eat, you can always eat more.) Tex-Mex is the only way to go. Texans know that when it comes to Mexican food, there’s nothing better than a heaping plate of enchiladas smothered in queso. And don’t even think about putting ketchup on your frito pie – that’s sacrilege in these parts! Laredo Supper is a weekly meal.

Recipe for Laredo Supper

Whataburger is the best fast food restaurant ever. Just ask Tito. Whataburger is it’s own food group. Other states are so jealous they started putting them out as fast as Dollar General Stores. (Kansas and Louisiana for example). They’ve even rolled out food trucks!

Chicken Sandwich War

H-E-B is a Texan’s Second home: and yes, Texas prefers the H-E-B brand

No matter where you go in Texas, you’re never more than an hour away from a cold beer or an ice-cold margarita. That’s because liquor stores are able sell liquor on any day of the week – even Sundays! So whether you’re headed out for a hike or just planning a lazy day at home, you can always pick up everything you need for a refreshing beverage easily and conveniently. You know that Shiner Bock is the best beer in the world. (No matter what anyone else says.)

Quintessential Texas liquids include sweet tea, Dr. Pepper, beer, margarita & Big Red. Sweet tea is mandatory. No exceptions. You know that there’s nothing better than a cold Dr Pepper on a hot day. (Or a hot Dr Pepper on a cold day, for that matter.)

H-E-B is your second home where you can find Texas favorites. By the way, H.E.B. is the founder Howard E. Butt. Lest we forget Blue Bell ice cream!

Houston Texas boasts the second most diverse city in America with a unique blend of people and cultures

Everything is bigger in Texas – including our hats. If you want to know how to blend in Texas, get something big. You haven’t truly lived until you’ve seen a ten-gallon cowboy hat atop a six-foot-tall Texan man’s head. Trust us, it’s a sight to behold. The bigger, the better. That goes for hair, cowboy hats, and pickup trucks. You can spot a Texan a mile away. You know that everything is bigger in Texas. (Including the mosquitoes!). Road Trip Anyone?

BIG TEXAS WRITTEN ON BUILDING SIZED TEXAS COWBOY BOOTS

Texas pride runs deep. You know that Texas really is the best state in the country. (And you’ll never forget it!) – especially when it comes to our history. Anyone who’s from Texas knows all about the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto. We’re immensely proud of our state’s history, and we love sharing it with others!

You know that Texas is the best state in the country. (And you’re not afraid to tell anyone who will listen!) If you want to know how to blend in Texas, remember two things: Deep in the Heart and Don’t Mess with Texas. Also, keep this Texas Poem with you.

Deep in the Heart of Texas

Bluebonnets are beautiful…and sacred (don’t pick them!). BlueBonnets are our official state flower – and we take great pride in them! Every spring, Texans can be found driving down country roads admiring the fields of bluebonnets that have bloomed overnight. It really is a sight to see!

Field of Texas BlueBonnets

Texas has more acreage devoted to parks than any other state in the nation

We have more acreage devoted to parks than any other state in the nation. Texans love spending time outdoors, so it only makes sense that we would have plenty of places to do so! From hiking trails to lakeside picnic spots, there’s something for everyone in our great state parks system. FAVE: COMANCHE LOOKOUT.

Comanche Lookout Park Hiking

Y’all come back now!

We know how to have a good time – and we like to do it loud. When Texans get together, there’s always music playing and laughter filling the air. We know how to throw a party, and we sure do enjoy ourselves while doing it! From Mariachi bands to George Strait, we have it all.

We speak our own language here in Texas: Conversations will almost always include the words “fixin’ to.” And yes ,that includes “y’all”! Don’t worry if you can’t understand us at first – just give it some time and you’ll be speaking Texan before you know it ! “Y’all” is a perfectly acceptable pronoun.

Texans are proud of their state

Everyone knows that Texans are proud of their state. And with good reason! If you’re from Texas, there are some things that you just can’t help but love about your home state. If you can relate to any of these things, then there’s no doubt about it…you’re definitely from Texas!

So if you want to blend in Texas, remember: big vehicles, big hair, brisket, Tex Mex, BBQ, Whataburger, Blue Bell, H.E.B., Friday Night Lights and Texas PRIDE. You will be an honorary Texan. Now that you know a little bit more about us Texans, why not come visit us? You’ll be glad you did!

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And claimed her the title of the Great Lone Star

In rawboned stature
Mother Texas stands
With reins of honour
In her hands.
No crown atop her regal head
But flowing hair and wings 
Outspread.
Free in spirit
Breathing deep
In surety her children keep.
With loving eyes
Attentive ears,
She safeguards the vows of 
Her pioneers.
Her firstborn sons were 
Strong bold men,
When fighting, only fought 
To win.
Who spread the hems of her 
Garments afar,
And claimed her the title of
The "GREAT LONE STAR".
Their loyalty seemed deeper
Than mere duty,
They loved her as they 
Strived amid her beauty.
At times a child will 
Plead to roam,
And leave their hearts with 
Her back home.
And when true children greet
Eternal rest,
They return to lie beneath 
Her breasts.