Every year, The Texas State Fair comes to Dallas, giving people the chance to ride rides, play carnival games, interact with a variety of different animals, hear live music, watch events like pig racing and dog shows, but most importantly: eat fried food. Some fair foods are staples that appear every year, and some foods are new for 2015.
Here is a list of 13 things you need to try at the Texas State Fair. (Though definitely not all on the same day!)
1. Funnel Cakes.
A classic fair food, no one does this staple better than the Texas State Fair. This year, besides the traditional toppings of powdered sugar, chocolate syrup, and strawberries, you can even get a "cookies and creme" flavored funnel cake.
2. Roasted Corn.
Another classic, getting roasted corn will make you feel like you're eating as healthy as possible at the fair, while you're really eating about as much butter as comes on a corn dog. Speaking of which...
3. Corn Dogs.
In my opinion, the Fletcher's Original Corny Dogs that you can buy at the Texas State Fair are the absolute best corn dogs to ever exist.
4. Chicken-Fried Lobster.
New for 2015, this fried lobster tail comes complete with champagne gravy. For those of you who want to eat fried fair food but still be fancy.
5. Smoky Bacon Margarita.
The concept is confusing, but bacon is good, and margaritas are good, and together they make an oddly satisfying smoky and zesty drink.
6. Hand-Dipped Ice Cream Bars.
With or without nuts, these are the most satisfying treat to cool you down, assuming you can enjoy it before it melts!
7. Fried Alligator.
This year, you can even take the alligator adventure one step further with the Deep Fried Alligator's Nest: a concoction of cheesy, jalapeno- and onion-filled fried balls of alligator meat.
8. Salt Water Taffy.
My favorite part about getting salt water taffy at the fair is that you can watch it being pulled in the stand. Plus, with this snack you can enjoy it not just during your time at the fair, but when you get home as well!
9. The Lone Star Pork Handle.
Also new for 2015, this concoction puts a spin on a classic, as the seasoned pork chop is marinated in batter made with Lone Star beer.
10. Belgian Waffles.
Piled high with whipped cream, the fluffy waffles they sell at the fair are a great treat for any time of the day.
11. Turkey Legs.
You absolutely cannot go wrong with a turkey leg. Whether you choose to get it wrapped in bacon or smothered in BBQ sauce, a giant turkey leg is the perfect thing to eat as you wander around the fair.
12. Caramel Apples.
Everything is bigger in Texas, and the caramel apples at the fair are no exception. Try not to break your teeth on these sticky, crunchy spheres of caramel goodness.
13. Deep-Fried Oreos.
Even deep-fried, these Oreos still go perfectly with milk, so try to make it into the Food and Fiber Pavilion and grab a bottle of Borden from Elsie before you spend your tickets on this fried concoction.
If somehow none of these foods strike your fancy, never fear; this is only a small sampling of what the Texas State Fair has to offer. From frozen chocolate-covered bananas to cotton candy, to brisket sandwiches to kettle corn, there is truly something for everyone, including a fried version of almost every food you can imagine.