Local traditions and culture in Texas

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If you cannot get out to Carlsbad Caverns, then the Old Tunnel near Fredericksburg is a nice option. With over five millions bats in residence during August, the outpouring swarms at sunset are quite a sight. Times of the mass exodus and swarm duration are posted next to the upper observation area. Seats are to be found in both the upper and lower observation areas - a smaller scale of what is to be found at Carlsbad. The lower area is limited to the first 70 people who show up and there is a $5 charge - no charge for the upper area.

Texas is one of several states in the country to incorporate "Dry Counties." This entails a county limiting the sale of alcoholic beverages. However, the laws are very inconsistent and will often vary from town to town, thus becoming pretty confusing.
If you're planning on visiting a city or town in Texas aside from the larger ones (San Antonio, Austin, Houston, Dallas, etc.), it may be helpful to research the city and county's laws regarding alcohol sales if you're planning on hitting the nightlife. For instance, Lubbock is considered "dry" although beer and wine are sold in the City of Lubbock. Abilene and San Angelo have similar laws. In many cities, restaurants of a certain size are allowed to sell liquor (not just beer and wine), although this, again, varies from county to county and city to city.

When visiting Texas, one thing you will see in mass, and in many cases large sizes, is the state flag of Texas. In most countries around the world, let alone other states in America, you will not see half of the amount of national or state flags that you will in Texas. Even I, a native Texan, am kind of amazed at times how often I see the flag flying overhead at places of business, institutions, and residences. But many people outside of Texas are not aware of the many other flags that have flown within the state's present boundaries throughout history. Including the present state flag, which was also the flag of the Republic of Texas, 6 nations have raised their flags in Texas -

The first was Spain, who controlled parts of Texas from the 16th century until the 19th century.

In 1685, French sailor & explorer René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle established a colony near the Texas coast. The colony only lasted 5 years following the murder of La Salle at the hands of his crewmen.

After Mexico gained it's independence from Spain in 1821, the new nation controlled most of present-day Texas until 1836.

The Republic of Texas raised it's flag after declaring independence from Mexico in 1836, following Texas' win at the Battle of San Jacinto.

Texas sided with the Conferderate States of America during the American Civil War, seceding from the Union in 1861, and rejoining the United States after the Confederate loss in 1865.

The United States of America first flew it's flag over Texas in 1845, when the Republic of Texas joined as the 28th state. After the brief 4 year period under the Confederate States, the American flag once again was raised over Texas in 1865.

"Don't Mess With texas", a popular phrase in the Lone Star state, actually began as an anti-litter campaign slogan in the 1980's. It has been a very effective campaign, with many Texas celebrities such as Willie Nelson and Lance Armstrong appearing in television advertisements promoting garbage-free Texas highways and wilderness areas. The slogan has been unofficially adopted by many other artists, organizations, and institutions from or within Texas, and you are quite likely to see a "Don't Mess With Texas" banner or bumper sticker in every square mile of the state you visit.

If you have ever been to Texas, or any southern state for that matter, no doubt you would have heard a local using the word "ya'll" when they are talking directly to a group of people. In Texas though, it might as well be a word in a dictionary of proper English. Most people from other parts of the country do not use ya'll, instead using the more proper "you all", or even "you guys". And when I have traveled to other parts of the United States, using the word ya'll often draws a reaction from people. They automatically what part of the country I am from. So if you are coming to Texas, I have just given you your first lesson in the Texan language!

Barbequed meats are enjoyed by people all over the world. And many different places have their own individual styles and recipes for BBQ which makes it unique. Texas is no different. BBQ is one of the most popular types of food here, done with a Texan flair of course! I think what is the main difference between BBQ here and in other places is the sauces that are used here, which tend to be very thick and rich, and often with a bit of spice. There are BBQ restaurants all over Texas, but the best BBQ is to be had in ones own backyard, using your own grill. If you have a chance to attend a BBQ, or even try out a BBQ restaurant while here, I would highly recommend it!

Enchiladas, Tamales, Flautas.........ok, now I am hungry! Tex-Mex food is an absolute fixture in Texas. In fact, it should be a rule of some sort, that when you come to Texas, you must eat Tex-Mex at least once a week! :) Well, maybe not, but there are very few people here that do not enjoy a good Tex-Mex meal. All over the state, there are thousands upon thousands of Mexican restaurants and taquerias that cater to the millions of hungry Texans craving it. And now whenever I travel, wherever in the world it may be, there is usually a restaurant that serves Tex-Mex food. More often than not, unfortunately it is just not up to par with the food back home. It is definately one of my favorites, but of course I am biased. A must-eat when in Texas!!!

People often say that Texans like trucks....and it's true! They can be useful as farm vehicles, hauling stuff around...and so on... Anyway, you can even find special truck washes here as opposed to a car wash...hehehe