Spending time away from Texas shown me that I really love Texas. I think growing up in Texas caused me to take my wonderful state for granted a little bit. But I know better now, and I realize that Texas has so many things to offer and see. A lot of times I’ll be doing research for this blog and stumble upon some Texas attraction I had no idea about and jot it down. Well, I’ve developed quite the little bucket list. I thought I would share!
RIDE THE TEXAS STAR
Look. I don’t really do heights. I’m not totally opposed, but I’m the kind of person who has to drink psych myself out before I get on a roller coaster or something. I used to be a lot braver when I came to things like this, but I guess as I’ve gotten older, I’ve also gotten more chicken – don’t judge me. But as a Texan, I feel like I should ride the Texas Star at least once. One of the most iconic fixtures at the Texas State Fair, the Texas Star Ferris Wheel is the tallest in the Western Hemisphere – a fact that I will try not to think about when I’m stopped at the top.
SEE THE PRADA MARFA
I am an artsy girl. I love all of that. Take me to any museum and I’m in heaven. So when I found out about this art installation, I knew I had to se it at some point. Despite the name, Prada Marfa isn’t actually located in Marfa. It’s located in Valentine, and practically in the middle of nowhere. It is basically a Prada store that you can’t go in. It doesn’t do anything but I don’t care. I want to see it anyway.
SEE THE MARFA LIGHTS
I also love the paranormal so the Marfa lights are right up my alley – interesting seeing that I actually scare pretty easily. Visible from a platform erected by the city of Marfa, spheres of light appear to be floating above ground with no explanation (!!) like little light ghosts. The lights have bee attributed to vehicle lights in the distance, but I prefer the other explanation – none.
VISIT THE PAINTED CHURCHES
Vibrantly colored interiors are the hallmark of these famous Texas church houses. Built by Germans and Czech settlers in the area between Houston and San Antonio (mostly), these “painted churches” are now protected historical landmarks. There are more than 20 and there is a popular tour to see them all. I plan to be on it one day.
DRINK A SHINER AT THE SHINER BREWERY
There is, arguably, no beer more ‘Texas’ than Shiner. Named for the town where the brewery is located, Shiner is Texas. So imagine my joy when I found out that the brewery offers FREE tours and FREE beer? Sign me up!
SPRAY PAINT A CAR AT CADILLAC RANCH
Similar to Prada Marfa, Cadillac Ranch is an art installation in the middle of nowhere on the outskirts of Amarillo. The piece was made with old Cadillac models in the 1970s. The cars were placed nose down in the ground with their original exteriors but and as time went on, they became covered with graffiti. And apparently, visitors are encouraged to add more art to the cars which is great because I really didn’t want to end up with a vandalism ticket.
SEE THE RODEO IN REAL LIFE AT THE HOUSTON RODEO
A rodeo is not typically my thing. I’ve just never been interested. I really couldn’t even tell you what goes on at the rodeo, what you do at the rodeo, or what to wear to the rodeo. Basically, I know absolutely nothing about the rodeo. But I feel, as a Texan, I need to go at least once. So at some point I’ll visit the one in Houston (I hear there’s food).
What are some things you think every Texan should experience in our great state? Let me know in the comments!
Signed,
Preferred Motorcoach Transportation
Preferred Motorcoach Transportation LLC 