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Whatever You Love, It Lives Here.

February 25, 2015 By Lena

I’m pretty sure – in fact, I’m almost 100% certain – that in a past life, I was a Texan.

Now before you laugh and say, “Sure, Lena!”…. think about it: I love big hair. In fact, I keenly subscribe to the notion the higher the hair, the closer to God. Next, I say “y’all” at least once every day, and according to a search of my entire site, y’all appears in 286 blog posts.

I’m not making this up. Hand on heart, y’all.

Finally, I’ve been known to whip out my “Real Girls Eat Meat” t-shirt over the summer months, even though I’ve been ridiculed by my vegetarian friends. And to them, I say relax! Eat a burger.
newtexTherefore, it’s obvious to me that a) I’ve either lived as a Texan in a previous lifetime, or b) I am a Texan at heart, and am long overdue for a vacation to the Lone Star State. 

(Also? I’ve always had a thing for cowboys. Yee-haw!)
Picture1So, what’s the big deal about Texas? Well, aside from world-class events, authentic country music, countless attractions and outdoor fun, I think everyone needs to experience their famous Southern Hospitality! And for Canadians seeking a winter escape, breath-taking beaches, award-winning cuisine or a family adventure, Texas truly is an ideal destination.
Picture3Your Texas Cheat Sheet:

– Texas is divided into 7 geographic regions with widely different landscapes such as beaches, forests, rolling hills and canyons. So, whether you’re an adventure traveller or a sun seeker, they’ve got you covered.

– The state boasts over 600 miles of coastline and fabulous beaches (and, is home to the longest undeveloped barrier island in the world). Pack your swimsuit!

– Texas is a great place to get active by hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, fishing and more. In fact, for outdoor enthusiasts, Texas is often at the top of travel bucket lists. From the awe-inspiring Palo Duro Canyon, to natural wonders like Enchanted Rock and Natural Bridge Caverns, you’ll find landscapes begging to be explored.

– There’s plenty in Texas to keep everyone in the family entertained. Check out the various amusement and water parks, museums specific to kids and adults and much more. The State Fair of Texas is definitely something to check out as well.

– Bring your appetite! In Texas, there’s flavour for every type of palate. If you’re searching for awesome food and big time flavour, Texas is the place to be. Throughout Texas, you can satisfy your taste buds with award-winning BBQ, tasty Tex-Mex dishes, seafood and the best chilli in the country! There are also many five-star restaurants to choose from, top-of-the-line chefs and undiscovered food joints wherever you go.

– Where to go for great Western wear? Shoot, that’s pretty obvious! If you’ve got a hankering for Western fashion, Texas is the ultimate authority on cowboy-inspired couture.
Picture4If I’ve piqued your curiosity, The Travel Tex website makes planning your trip easy through their interactive passport which allows you to customize your trip. You can also download the FREE Texas Travel Guide and sign up for the E-Newsletter for easy trip planning.

Love what you see? Do my photos represent your ideal vacation in Texas? Vote for my Texas Roundup photos below to help me win a trip for 2 to the Lone Star State! By voting for me, you will be entered for a chance to win a $1,000 cash prize. (That’s a win-win, y’all!)

Only 1 vote allowed per day; contest ends March 24, 2015 at 11:59 PM EST, open to Canadian residents only (excluding Quebec). See full contest terms and conditions below.

TexasLogoAlthough this post has been generously sponsored by Texas Tourism, the opinions and language are my own, and in no way do they reflect Texas Tourism.

Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: #TexasTraveller, family travel, Texas Tourism, travel

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Teresa Valvano

    February 25, 2015 at 8:55 am

    I thoroughly enjoyed reading this blog! Honestly, never considered a trip to Texas but now I will. I’m going to read more via FB page. I love meat, cowboys, cowboy hats and boots… I don’t say y’all but it’s never too late to start! ;) I loved all the pictures-extremely enticing!

    • Lena

      February 26, 2015 at 5:34 pm

      Thank you so much for the amazing feedback Teresa! Yee-haw!

  2. Lindsay O

    February 25, 2015 at 4:16 pm

    Never considered going to Texas for some reason, but it looks awesome! You’ve got me craving meat now. Ha.

    • Lena

      February 26, 2015 at 5:33 pm

      Haha Lindsay!

  3. Keith N

    February 25, 2015 at 6:23 pm

    I’d love to visit Texas. Maybe check out some of the sights near Houston.

    • Lena

      February 26, 2015 at 5:33 pm

      Me too… that city is definitely on my bucket list!

  4. Madeline Dellamora

    February 25, 2015 at 10:11 pm

    This was a great post! My dad is actually moving to Huston in May so I’ll put it all to great use. I’m so happy to have found you and your blog, Lena :) take care! x

    • Lena

      February 26, 2015 at 5:31 pm

      Thank you for stopping by Madeline!

  5. Joan G.

    February 26, 2015 at 6:24 am

    I’d like to visit some of their beaches and taste the beef.

    • Lena

      February 26, 2015 at 5:31 pm

      YES! Good choices :)

  6. Michelle K

    February 26, 2015 at 11:53 am

    I’d love to go to Texas one of these days to see the culture…

    • Lena

      February 26, 2015 at 5:30 pm

      Me too Michelle! Love it all!

  7. ivy pluchinsky

    February 26, 2015 at 12:44 pm

    would love to go to Texas someday, and I totally laughed at this blog post!

    • Lena

      February 26, 2015 at 5:30 pm

      I’m so happy I made you chuckle! :)

  8. Harjit C

    February 26, 2015 at 1:40 pm

    I hope your pictures win! I love the saying on your shirt, it’s so funny and my vegetarian friends would say the same thing too lol. Fingers tightly crossed for a lucky win, I sure could use the $ as a Mom with two kiddos under the age of two and no mat leave it would be a huge help. Thanks for the chance, twitter fan@plumerea

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 7:33 pm

      Thank you Harjit, and good luck!

  9. DW

    February 26, 2015 at 1:50 pm

    1000 per blogger? Or overall. Fabulous prizing either way!!

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 7:33 pm

      I believe it’s $1000 – good luck!

  10. Lee Pearson

    February 26, 2015 at 7:27 pm

    I would LOVE to visit Texas. Any place that has big hair, I am so there!! Those are some big ol Texas Cowboy kickers!! I think your descriptions of the restaurants makes me want to go there really soon. Thanks for the fun post and pics :)

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 7:34 pm

      Thanks for the feedback Lee!

  11. gayleen lambert

    February 27, 2015 at 7:57 pm

    Texas has always been a dream of mine. I WILL visit there someday! I am a huge fan of all things Texas and hope that you will win and have the opportunity to visit! But only if you tell us ALL about it when you get back!! lol I want every detail! So envious! Sigh! Good Luck Lena!

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 7:34 pm

      Thank you Gayleen, and good luck in the contest!

  12. Wanda Tracey

    February 27, 2015 at 11:23 pm

    I would love to visit Texas. It sounds like my kind of place as I am a country girl and I would lovee to try the beef there too!!It just sounds amazingly delicious.

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 7:34 pm

      Yee-haw Wanda! Good luck!

  13. Dana Miller

    March 2, 2015 at 1:43 am

    I always knew I would love the heat there if I ever get a chance to go. The plus is discovering there are endless beaches! :)

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 7:35 pm

      You bet – I had no idea either!

  14. Doris Calvert

    March 2, 2015 at 3:53 am

    I always wanted to go but only been there for 2 days on business in Plano, Texas…hopefully one day!

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 7:35 pm

      One day! And good luck!

  15. Gayle Bellemare

    March 4, 2015 at 10:08 am

    I am not entering this contest but wanted to say that I love your post. I too love big hair, red meat, cowboy’s and saying y’all. I love your blog and every time I visit find something that puts a smile on my face. Thank you Lena :)

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 7:35 pm

      Thank you Gayle! Appreciate it!

  16. Matthew Jones

    March 5, 2015 at 12:11 pm

    Interesting, It looks like a beautiful state. I’ll have to put it on my bucket list. I have a few places to travel to first.

    • Lena

      March 5, 2015 at 7:36 pm

      Please do Matthew! Good luck!

  17. kristen

    March 5, 2015 at 6:20 pm

    I’d love to visit, looks beautiful!

    • Lena

      March 22, 2015 at 2:59 pm

      Hope you can win a little cash to put towards a trip!

  18. Margaret Imecs

    March 6, 2015 at 10:06 am

    I visited Arizona once and it was a wonderful experience. Texas is next on my bucket list. :)

    • Lena

      March 22, 2015 at 2:59 pm

      Nice! Hope you’ll get there!

  19. Lisa Neutel

    March 12, 2015 at 9:09 am

    i would love to visit Texas one day ..maybe i could find myself a hunky cowboy :O

    • Lena

      March 22, 2015 at 2:59 pm

      Yee haw Lisa!!

  20. Bobbijo Pentney

    March 18, 2015 at 2:53 pm

    Good Luck Lena, I am voting daily.

    • Lena

      March 22, 2015 at 3:00 pm

      Thank you BobbiJo, I sincerely appreciate that!

  21. Shelley Hickey

    March 20, 2015 at 9:14 am

    Good luck Lena!

    • Lena

      March 22, 2015 at 3:00 pm

      Thanks Shelley!

  22. janice Cournoyer

    March 22, 2015 at 8:49 am

    Although I just discovered this contest, and although we spend a bit of time each winter in the Rio Grand Valley, you have given me some new info that I can’t wait to discover next time. Thanks!!!

    • Lena

      March 22, 2015 at 3:00 pm

      You are so welcome Janice!

  23. Caroline

    March 23, 2015 at 7:00 pm

    Good luck! Hope you win!

  24. Rob Brydon

    March 24, 2015 at 1:19 pm

    Hope that you win this Lena, you’re the best bloggista out there!!

  25. Karina

    March 24, 2015 at 6:03 pm

    Texas looks awesome!!!

  26. Clair P

    March 25, 2015 at 8:53 am

    Good luck :D hope to read that you win :D would love to read all about it and see pic of your trip without FOMO lol but good luck :D

  27. Gail Anema

    April 8, 2015 at 10:25 am

    I must have missed the post – just wondering who the winner of this contest was…

  28. Debbie White Beattie

    April 30, 2017 at 10:09 pm

    I with you,I’m definitely a Texan at heart and this may seem strange but I’ve dreamt of living there for as long as I can remember. I would love to go and I’d be sad to come back home.

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Toronto Blogger, Social Media Strategist for Listen to Lena Inc. Television & Radio Personality, Columnist and Speaker. Family Travel Expert. Star Wars Fanatic. Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion. Read More…

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