Texas Living

10 things we’re thankful for

By Callie Leahy 11.4.13

With turkey day so close you can taste it, it’s important to stop and think about the things we Texans are thankful for. From the wafting smell of chicken-fried-everything to the sheer excitement of seeing the Buc-ee’s Beaver smiling at you alongside the highway — this great state has a lot of things to say thanks for. Here are our Top 10 truly Texas favorites.

  1. Football — Spirit, rivalry, and good old-fashioned camaraderie, there is nothing that completes the Thanksgiving holiday more than tossing around the old pigskin in the leaf-covered front yard or gathering around the TV to cheer your favorite team on to a holiday victory.
  2. Woody’s Smokehouse— Located in Centerville, the Jerky Capital of the World, Woody’s Smokehouse is a wonder-filled stop of sheer excitement featuring specialty meats, cheeses, baked goods, and jarred products.
  3. Czech Stop– If you’ve never stopped in West for a kolache from the Czech Stop, you might have a hard time calling yourself a true Texan. For miles and miles down I-35, the sweet smell of fresh baked fruit kolaches, pecan rolls, pies, and cookies can be detected by even the most untrained nose. Stop and Czech it out!
  4. The Big Texan Steak Ranch— This legendary Amarillo steak house is home to one Texas-sized food challenge, the $72, 72-ounce steak dinner with a shrimp cocktail, baked potato, salad, and fresh baked roll! Finish the meal in 60 minutes or less and your meal is free!
  5. West Texas Scenery — From Lubbock sunsets to the creeks and canyons of the Panhandle, the open land of scenic West Texas brings to mind some of the most picture-perfect images a Texan could ask for.
  6. Buc-ee’s Truck Stops— Known for its adorable mascot, impeccably clean restrooms, and unimaginable amounts of food, toys, and beaver-clad accessories, these south central Texas icons make even the longest road trips to grandma’s enjoyable.
  7. The Salt Lick— Whether you order by the plate, pound, pint, or the gallon, this Driftwood BBQ joint is arguably one of the most iconic family-style grub spots in Texas!
  8. Gruene, Texas — From dancing the night away at Gruene Hall to tubing the Guadalupe River, “Green” Texas is a history-rich honky tonkin’ kind of town.
  9. Blue Bell Ice Cream — Topping off your Thanksgiving dessert with a creamy scoop of Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla? Well thank your lucky stars that you’re fortunate enough to live in the same state as the birthplace of Blue Bell — Brenham!
  10. Dr Pepper — Ever seen a Texan’s face when they order a cold glass of Dr Pepper, and the waiter says “Is Pepsi okay?” Dr Pepper rounds off our list of things we’re thankful for because of its strong Texas roots and delicious sugar cane taste!