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6 Reasons Why Texas Should Absolutely Be on Your USA Bucket List
Written by Georgia Pearce
Look beyond the boot-scootin’ cliches of Cowboy Country and allow us to open your heart to Texas’ fine culinary scene, cultural drawcards, and incredible landscapes.
Scratching the surface of Texas will reveal so much more than rowdy cowboys and desert plains, leading curious travellers into a world of art, culture, and surprisingly diverse landscapes. Taste the bold and brash flavours of authentic Tex-Mex and succulent BBQ, follow the toe-tapping tunes floating through the streets of Austin and Houston, or lean into the adrenaline rush of a traditional rodeo. Hike the postcard-perfect riverside in San Antonio, peppered with vibrant umbrellas and alfresco dining, or admire the vibrant street art of Dallas – just how you do Texas is completely up to you!
Planning a road trip? Texas fits in perfectly with an adventure from New Orleans or the mighty South Coast road trip.
Book your mind-blowing Texas escape here.
The Tex-Mex and BBQ dining is out-of-this-world
A trip to Texas isn’t complete without experiencing authentic Tex-Mex. Combining the vibrant flavours of Mexico with the produce and traditions of the renowned cattle-rearing destination, the unique cuisine is becoming one to watch on the US foodie scene. Sample the best of the best at four unmissable destinations: Terry Black’s BBQ in both Dallas and Austin, where the aromas of a traditional smokehouse showcase the best in grill; The Original Ninfa’s in Houston, where you’ll find ‘the best Mexican food in Texas since Texas was in Mexico’; San Antonio’s famed Mexican restaurants, including the glowing (literally and figuratively) El Camino Bar and Food Truck Park; and finally, the sizzling barbeque beauties from Houston’s Goode Co. restaurant.
You can lose yourself in museums
The culture of Texas isn’t all cattle mustering and boot-scootin’ – in fact, there is a huge pull for the state’s love of fine art, galleries and world-class museums. Dallas is the artistic hub of the region, boasting entire neighbourhoods dedicated to showcasing the best in fashion, food, art, and music. Walk the Deep Ellum streets to be consumed by the vibrant street art, while the pumping music venues will put a pep in your step as you discover quirky galleries peppered between trendy cocktail bars. The Bishop Arts district will entice with 60 independent boutique stores, restaurants, cafes, and charming art galleries all bunched together for the perfect day out.
The shopping is an artisan-lover’s dream
Even the staunchest of shopping cynics will be jumping for joy at the unique finds within the stores and market stalls in the Bishop Arts district, with unusual treasures to be found – think antique jewellery, vinyls or a print for your wall. A trip to Fredericksburg will not disappoint, with the main street housing over 150 intriguing stores, wine-tasting rooms, museums, and brewhouses – perfect for a day of easy window shopping and impeccable eats. If you’re on the hunt for vintage pieces, look no further than Fort Worth. Cowboy Country is the prime destination for snagging lived-in boots, real-life cowboy hats, and antique knick-knacks.
The joy of seriously toe-tapping music
As the Live Music Capital of the World, Austin takes toe-tapping to a whole new level. Boot-n-scoot your way down 6th Street for a truly enlightening live music experience, listening to local artists busk, or watching the stars take to the stage, belting their best-loved hits. Houston provides a refined touch to the Texas music scene, with theatres around the city boasting breathtaking opera performances that will bring tears to your eyes. Flock to Dallas with your fellow country-loving cowboys to discover how deep the music runs in the Deep Ellum neighbourhood, jumping from one honky-tonk to another.
You can experience a traditional rodeo and honky-tonk
After slinging back a few cold ones, it’s only natural to fancy a hoedown at the liveliest honky-tonk in Fort Worth – Billy Bob’s. For over 41 years, Billy Bob’s has celebrated some of the biggest stars in country music and along the way, has become famous for being “The World’s Largest Honky Tonk”. 30 bar stations service the 6,000 fun-loving folks ready to enjoy some boot-scootin’ shenanigans, making for a night you’re unlikely to forget in a hurry! Should you find yourself in Houston, it’s time to saddle up with a visit to the world’s largest rodeo. Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo isn’t for the faint-hearted, with its various cattle yards, horse show arena, and even a space for rabbits to have their five minutes of fame.
There are endless nature experiences
The iconic Texas landscape – vast burnt red desert plains and deserted roads that stretch for miles – form just 10% of the state. Getting outdoors is a fundamental element of the Texan lifestyle, with plenty to explore. Choose between the picturesque mountain ranges in Big Bend National Park, the serene, almost Venice-like riverwalk in San Antonio or the white sandy beaches of Padre Island National Seashore, a protected reserve on the border of Mexico. Take an expedition north of Downtown San Antonio to discover a world of natural cave formations at the Natural Bridge Caverns, or explore the second-largest canyon system in the US as you hike across the mighty Palo Duro Canyon State Park.
Find our collection of Texas properties here.
Feeling USA inspired? See our 14 Must-Visit USA Cities.
