Coming home for summer break means something different for everyone, it can be boring or bougie, it all depends on where you call home. Of course, home means family, and pets, and free food, and wifi galore.
But being home also means you get to rejoice in all the amazing things your home state has to offer. If you're lucky enough to call the Lone Star State home, you know that there is nothing better than coming back to nights under bright stars, and maybe even catching some of the last few bluebonnets. If you're (unfortunately) NOT from Texas, maybe this list will convince y'all to pop down for a quick visit to the best part of the country.
1. Food
No matter where home is, you are bound to miss one thing if you journey out of the state, or out of the region...THE FOOD. Now, Texans have a lot to miss because the state is loaded with famous fare.
Obviously barbecue is number one. Nobody does brisket like us.
Then there is TexMex. No matter where you go, nobody else understands the importance of sour cream and queso.
Sweet Tea gets included because let's be honest, adding your own sugar means that the tea isn't nearly as good.
Can't go without a shout out to Whataburger, because the Honey Butter Chicken Biscuits and Spicy Ketchup taste more like home than anything.
Lastly, there's Blue Bell Ice Cream which is, without a doubt, the best ice cream in the world and is making a beautiful comeback.
I could go on forever, because the fried okra, kolaches, pecan pie, frito pie, and chili are all something to write home about.
2. Y'all
Plain and simple, being back in the great state of Texas (or anywhere in the South, really) means that you can openly say "Y'all", "Fixin' To", "Howdy", and "Bless Your Heart" without anybody looking at you funny or maybe even backhandedly insulting you for your sayings. There's a reason "don't mess with Texas" is a tried and true slogan, too.
3. Natural Beauty
Texas in the summertime is Texas at its best. The sun is shining, the water is warm, and the mosquitoes are biting. Seriously, bring bug spray. Texas has literally so much natural beauty and natural attractions to see.
Float the river for the day or camp next to the river for days on end of relaxing in innertubes as you glide along the current with your trusty cooler beside you.
Jump into Jacob's Well or Barton Springs for a super refreshing dip, because there's nothing better than being in a natural pool of water on a hot day.
If you're feeling super adventurous, then make your way to the Royal Flush in Waco for some amazing water slides and a super beautiful day out.
I'd include Schlitterbahn or Six Flags, but they aren't exactly natural, so I'll let y'all figure them out for yourselves.
4. Cities
A Texas summer means travelling all over to the different cities to see the history and attractions each has to offer, as well as visiting all your friends from college who are bound to be scattered statewide.
With three of the top ten biggest cities in the U.S., Texas is definitely one of the hottest spots to be, even if you have to drive a few hours between each city. If you don't feel like frolicking in the sun all day, visiting places like Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio will give you a taste of Texas culture with a little more shade.
5. Home
Most importantly, Texas is home. It is the place that we miss when we are away, it is the place where our family gathers to share happiness and sadness, and it is the place that will always stay in our hearts.
No matter where you call home, remember that our remaining summers are few and fleeting. As college students fighting to get to the real world, we are letting go of our time at home in exchange for time with internships, summer school, friends, and adult life. Make sure you cherish each minute home deep in the heart of Texas, y'all.
