We know we don’t HAVE to prove why Texas is the best state ever since it’s pretty much a universally-accepted fact by now, but sometimes it’s fun to pull out the facts and silence naysayers for good. There are plenty of things here in Texas that we have the privilege of doing or saying that no one else can claim. Here are 12 things that are truly, uniquely Texan:
1. Enjoying an incredible amount of ecological diversity given the sheer size of our state.
From the towering mountains of Big Bend to the breathtaking blue waters of South Padre Island, Texas has a little bit of every imaginable type of terrain. You don't ever have to leave the state to see all that Mother Nature has to offer!
2. No state income tax!
While the rest of the country is handing over even more of their hard-earned dollars on tax day, ours get to rest comfortably in our pockets. Too bad, so sad - it's their fault for not moving here.
3. Experiencing real-life Friday Night Lights.
No matter how good a movie it was, the energy and camaraderie of a Texas high school football game simply can't be accurately portrayed through a TV screen. Some say we have an obsession, and those people are 100% correct - but there's not a darn thing we would change about it.
4. The best BBQ in all the land.
You know you've got it good when one of your toughest life decisions is where to get BBQ from for dinner. There's The Salt Lick in Driftwood, Franklin in Austin, Black's in Lockhart...the list goes on. Wherever you live, there's bound to be at least one good joint near you. That, my friends, is a great privilege indeed.
5. Being the proud home of the world's first rodeo...
It's been held annually since 1883, and was named one of the five best outdoor rodeos across the country in 2015 and 2016. With bull riding, steer wrestling, two stepping, and more, the West of the Pecos Rodeo promises to be fun for all. It takes place at the end of June, so be sure to grab tickets before they're gone!
6. ...and the world's largest.
The Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo is more than just a rodeo, it's an unforgettable experience that us Texans eagerly anticipate each year. Between the music, food, rides, and all the wranglin' and ropin', there's something for everyone in the family.
7. Eating food shaped like our state.
Californians might have prettier beaches, but they don't get to eat waffles shaped like their state. And, sure, the Northeast gets white Christmases, but none of those box-shaped states have tortilla chips that look like them. Plus, let's face it: no other state looks as cool as Texas does.
8. Taking credit for one of the biggest oil booms in history.
Who knows where our country would be without Spindletop? Gas prices would almost certainly be higher than they are now, so your wallet has our great state to thank for that.
9. Watching the world's largest bat colony fill up the night sky during the summer months.
Texas is the proud home of the world's
largest ,
second-largest , and several other enormous bat colonies. There's no shortage of places to watch the magnificent creatures turn the night sky into a sea of black, and it's definitely something that belongs on your summer bucket list if you've never done it before.
10. Eating Blue Bell.
No feeling quite compares to that of the cold, creamy taste of Blue Bell on your tongue when it's hot outside (or in the middle of winter, if we're being completely honest). We're so privileged to have access to this decadent creation.
11. Having so much uncharted territory to drive through.
Although we have some of the biggest cities in the country, we also have some of the most remote areas as well. Driving through West Texas makes you swear you're the only human being who's ever set foot on these highways (besides the people who built them, of course).
12. And last but certainly not least, we have the privilege of living in the best country in the United States (no, that isn't a typo).
Texas forever. 'Nuff said.
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