Dunford Lisa - Lonely Planet Texas

Country is as much about a way of life as a place. Slowing down, taking the rural, farm-to-market back roads; steppin out in polished boots and starched blue jeans for a Saturday-night dance under the stars; doin nothing more on a Sunday afternoon than floating down a lazy river... Life in the country lopes along. Even if most Texans now live in urban areas, theyre influenced by the states agricultural, roping-and-riding heritage and they escape to the country just as often as they can.

Theres just something about eating a big pile of brisket off a butcher-paper plate. Dont dare ask for a fork; real Q is for fingers only. And great barbecue is not the states only fun food. At festivals, rodeos and fairs much of your meal can be served on a stick, from corny dogs to fried PB&J sandwiches. In Austin and other cities the food-truck phenomena continues. And we havent even dug into the ubiquitous Mexican food, Dallas fine upscale dining or the foodie-fave restaurants around Houston.

Bright lights, big cities? Check, Texas has them. Dallas and Houston both boast rich arts and culture districts to explore by day, as well as active nightlife. If you really want to party, Austin is the place with endless live-music concerts and an outdoorsy, alternative vibe. San Antonio may seem a bit more sedate, but once evening falls on the Riverwalk theres a fiesta every night. City life is fun, but dont stop there. Texas also has countless small towns with brick- building lined courthouse squares, landmark cafes and eclectic shops to explore.

We know youve heard, but Texas is big... really BIG. More than 261,000 sq miles, in fact. Thats larger than Germany, England, Scotland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Belgium and the Netherlands combined. And it aint all just tumblin tumbleweeds. Barrier islands with windswept dunes and public beaches stretch down 367 miles of coastline. In the west, three mountain ranges top more than 7000ft; Big Bend National Park is the states primary trekking and rafting destination. And to the northeast, soaring pine forests and sinuous, cypress-lined bayous are perfect for hiking and kayaking.

Bluebonnet wildflowers, Hill Country ()
AMERICA / ALAMY

Why I Love Texas

By Lisa Dunford, Author

Crisscrossing the state in the 22 years Ive called Texas home, Ive learned that there isnt much I dont love: hiking to a riverside hot-spring hot tub made out of adobe ruins and peering across to Mexico from Big Bend; two-stepping in a giant, family-filled tent with the man who would become my husband at the Refugio county rodeo; listening to Ray Price sing Crazy Arms at John T Floores Country Store And the folks here are just as friendly as can be; seems like each time I visit a new place, I come away with new friends.