When the Man Friend and I first started dating, one of our favorite topics of conversation was (and still is, honestly) our travel wish lists. However, we both realized there are a lot of places we haven't even traveled to within Texas. There's actually a lot to be said for being a "tourist" in your own state.

go "local"

Texas is a big state. If you paid attention in school, you know it's the largest in the continental United States. In fact, it's 268,597 square miles, which makes up a little less than 7.5% of the surface area covered by the U.S. It's 801 miles from its most northern point to the most southern, and it covers 773 mile east to west. That's a lot of drive time.

The great thing is that Texas is filled with a little of everything, from big metropolitan areas to little towns. The foods, accents, and cultures vary regionally. Dallas is completely different from Houston. Laredo is different from Amarillo. West Texas is different from East Texas. You get it.

Regardless of where you reside, it's a fun experience to be a tourist in your own state. Often, you can plan short weekend trips to visit different things. Though this is one downside to where we live (everything fun seems to occur at least five hours away), we always try to plan ahead so we can account for travel time.

some things we've done...

fredericksburg food & wine fest | fredericksburg

Nestled in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, Fredericksburg is one of those "must do's" as a Texan. They always have a lot of music, shopping, and nice people. This area is a historical German settlement, and the influences can be seen throughout the area. This wine festival promotes Texas wine; however, it's unfortunate that the Man Friend and I are not fans of many of our native state's wine products (too sweet!). Regardless, it's fun trip and even if Texas doesn't produce the kind of wine we like...they damn sure know about food.

wurstfest | new braunfels

One of my best friends from college lives in town near New Braunfels. She and her husband invited us to check out Wurstfest with them last year. How can you go wrong with sausage, schnitzel, pretzels, streusel, and beer? Unfortunately for poor Steph, she was preggo with (the most adorable) twins last year. However, we're going to have to go back so she can drink this time.

onion creek kitchens at juniper hills farm | dripping springs

Learn how to cook like a pro in an industrial kitchen in the Texas Hill Country. This is actually where we held my bachelorette party (wild women that we are). Everyone contributes to the family-style meal overlooking the picturesque back patio. It's a BYOBooze place and dinner is served on a beautiful narrow table with mismatched place settings. I've been twice and can't wait to go back.

restaurant weeks | houston

Each year, hundreds of local Houston restaurants come together for one of the biggest food bank fundraisers in the country. They each set up prix fixe menus (be sure to tell them you're participating in RW) and a portion of each sale goes towards a donation. It's a great way to eat at lots of places you've wanted to try...and for a great cause.

miscellaneous

The River Walk in San Antonio. The Texas State Fair in Dallas. The bluebonnets in the springtime throughout the Hill Country. The beaches of Padre Island and Port Aransas. Palo Duro Canyon in the Panhandle. The Austin bat caves. The Fort Worth Stockyards. The river floats. This list could go on and on.