Texans have lot of reasons to be proud. Much of this pride stems from the state’s history. Texas was created in a revolution against a brutal dictator, and stood alone for almost ten years as an independent nation. Eventually Texas joined the United States as a result of a treaty between two sovereign nations, not because it was a conquered territory or constituted land purchased from a European power. It’s understandable that the original Texans were proud of what they created and have passed on that pride to later generations and new arrivals. Most of Texas pride finds its roots in Austin and San Antonio.

AUSTIN
Since Austin is the capital of the Lone Star State, much of Texas pride has been generated, legislated, and spurned here. The Texas State Capitol alone is a testament to Texas self-adulation. After all, it’s taller than the nation’s capitol. Here you can gaze into the portraits of all the state’s governors and peer into Texas politics. Not too far from the capitol building is the Old State Capitol Building Ruins, which tell ghost tales of the founding of the State of Texas. And one can’t forget the Governor’s Mansion, which is an original Abner Cook design that is still inhabited by presiding governors and their families.

Just a stone’s throw from the state capitol is the most grand testament to Texas in all the world, the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. Inside this enormous and opulent shrine are historical exhibits, dioramas, and a multi-media experience — all promoting the richness of Texas pride.

From Austin all the way out into the Hill Country is what’s known as LBJ land. Lyndon B. Johnson, the 36th president of the United States, was a proud native son of Texas. Austin is home to the LBJ Library and Museum, the nation’s most visited presidential library. Texans are proud of LBJ, and his library/museum is a sort of mecca for them. The exhibits follow LBJ’s story, from a small-town Texas upbringing to carrying the presidential torch through the civil rights movement.

All of the above are passive ways to experience Texas pride. The best way to actively experience it is by dancing two-step at Austin’s premier honky-tonk, the Broken Spoke. Dance to live country bands and drink Texas long-neck beers (Lone Star or Shiner) in a friendly environment.

THE HILL COUNTRY
Just west of Austin, in a wide spot in the road called Driftwood, is one of Texas’s most famous BBQ joints, the Salt Lick. People drive from miles around to eat ribs, brisket, and smoked turkey in this ancient converted ranch house. Just up the road, in the town of Johnson City, is LBJ’s boyhood home and LBJ State Park and Historic Site, which is the sight of LBJ’s ranch and his Texas White House.

Texas German heritage is ushered in each October with the sounds of accordions for Oktoberfest. This three-day bratwurst, schnitzel, and German beer extravaganza draws big crowds to Fredericksburg. Two stages, two tents, great food, polka and waltz contests, and music with an oompah make this a great Texas Hill Country celebration.

Texas is where the art of ranching was invented and perfected. One of the state’s most famous and historic ranches is Y. O. Ranch, with longhorn cattle drives, a classy lodge-style resort, cowboys, and zebras. Whether you stay here or just take a wildlife tour, your experience will be exclusively Texan.

SAN ANTONIO
Out of all points of interest related to Texas pride, the one that is most revered, most iconic, and embodies the most legend is The Alamo. This is where the revolution went down, the independent spirit was ignited, and the pride was grafted. Ponder where and how Davy Crockett may have died, and marvel at the bravery of those men who faced certain slaughter.

Also in San Antonio is the Institute of Texan Cultures, which features exhibits on all the peoples that have lived in Texas and occupied prominent places in the state’s history. For Texas dinosaur history there’s the Witte Museum. Lastly, a visit to Texas wouldn’t be complete without seeing the Texas Pioneer and Ranger Museum.

You can’t talk about Texas pride without talking about Mexico and Latino heritage. The experience of Mexican food is best had at Mi Tierra. The old building is festively decorated with stings of lights, tinsel, and a mariachi band often strolls around the tables. Be sure to sit in the dining room with masterfully executed murals telling the story of Mexico and Texas.

The most spectacular festival in all of Texas is Fiesta San Antonio. For 10 days in April San Antonio has a citywide celebration in honor of the heroes of Texas history that includes carnivals, sports, fireworks, entertainment, feasts, art exhibits, and parades that float down the San Antonio River.