Texas Treasure Hunt
Edited on May 17th, 2025: This is a post I originally wrote back in college. At the time, I wrote this post it was a way to cope with homesickness. While I cannot quite explain how this gave me a sense of comfort and connection back then, it did. You will just have to trust me on this one.
As part of my State to State series, today marks the final chapter. I will be sharing my experience of living in Texas aka the land of the big skies, bold flavors, and unforgettable moments. So, welcome curious and inspiring minds. In this post, I will dive into the culture, the food, and some of my favorite memories from my time in the Lone Star State. So, grab your favorite drink, settle in, and let us tackle Texas together.
Texas is more than just a state, it is an experience, full of personality, pride, and plenty to explore. Whether you are planning a visit, considering a move, or just curious about life down south, I have broken down some of the standout attractions and activities that made my time in Texas unforgettable. From iconic landmarks to mouthwatering bites, Texas knows how to make a bold impression.
Iconic Landmarks & Historic Sites
The Alamo - Where Texas’ fight for independence took place.
Dealey Plaza - Site of where JFK’s assassination took place.
San Jacinto Monument - A powerful symbol of Texan pride.
Texas State Capitol - The beautiful thing about the architecture of this capitol building is that it is slightly bigger than the U.S. capitol’s building. After all, everything is bigger in Texas.
Skyline Views & Architectural Wonders
Reunion Tower - The top of the tower is shaped in form of a ball and has panoramic views of the downtown Dallas area.
Buffalo Bayou Park - Similar to that of Chicago’s parks, this park offers a great view of the skyline of Houston.
Mount Bonnell - A wonderful view overlooking the city of Austin.
Fort Worth Water Gardens - An architectural garden made of fountains.
The Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge - Designed by Architect Santiago Calatrava is a beautiful white bridge crossing over the Trinity River.
Museums & Cultural Hotspots
The Museum of Fine Arts - A big, diverse art museum
Blanton Museum of Art - Another art museum but one with more unique and introspective art.
The Sixth Floor Museum - A powerful museum tied to JFK’s legacy.
Texas State Fair - Full of culture, Texas culture that is.
Dallas Museum of Art - I often enjoyed this art museum as it had a vast collection of art pieces.
Perot Museum of Nature and Science - A place to learn about science with interactive exhibits, history, and plenty of fun events.
Dallas Contemporary - An art museum with more fun, creative, and thought-provoking pieces.
Museum of the Weird - A museum that collects odd and unusual treasures.
Giant Eyeball - A must-see art structure located in the heart of Dallas. While it can only be seen from the sidewalk, it is a pretty intriguing feature.
NASA Johnson Space Center - Offers exhibits, history, and education of space. An activity for all ages.
Outdoor & Family-Friendly Fun
Zilker Park - A big open grassy area with a watering hole. Perfect for swimming, paddle-boarding, and people-watching.
Natural Bridge Caverns - A fun underground cave to explore. Perfect adventure for all ages.
Galveston Beach - Along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico (or as some may now refer to as the “Gulf of America”).
Dallas Arboretum - Perfect way to take in some scenery and enjoy nature.
Trinity Continental Bridge (Ronald Kirk Pedestrian Bridge) - A freeway turned pedestrian bridge with scenic views of the skyline of Dallas as well as walking paths, fountains, and a playground.
Klyde Warren Park - A park above a Dallas highway where many events are held. In other words, a green space in the middle of an urban area.
Dallas Zoo - With around 2,000 animals on roughly 100 acres of land, the Dallas zoo is known for its exhibit where elephants and giraffes roam together.
White Rock Lake - A quiet, scenic walk around the lake with roughly nine miles of trails.
Ray Roberts Lake State Park - Beautiful hiking trails with sandy beaches. Great for swimming, boating, camping, and hiking.
Dinosaur Valley State Park - Real fossilized dinosaur prints can be discovered in the bed of the river. A good place to go for a hike, especially with kids.
Denton Clear Creek Natural Heritage - An outdoor educational nature preserve with more than 2,900 acres. Perfect for an outdoorsy individual.
Kemah Boardwalk - A fun entertainment pier with rides, shops, food, and treats.
Jacob’s Well Natural Area - Natural spring known for its crystal blue clear water and deep underwater cave system. Popular swimming spot.
Dallas World Aquarium - With an array of diverse habitats, it is a fun way to enjoy animals and stay cool in the heat. While a small portion is outdoors, most of the exhibits are indoors.
King Spa & Waterpark - A retreat center offering unique blend of relaxation and wellness for all ages.
Shopping & Entertainment
The Domain - Upscale shopping
NorthPark Center - Kinda, sorta like an art museum but a mall version
Magnolia Market at the Silos - A big shopping area that spans roughly two blocks wide.
The River Walk - Lively walking path along the river lined with shops, music, and more.
Bishop Arts District - A lively, hotspot neighborhood in Dallas known for its boutiques, street murals, art galleries, trendy restaurants, and more.
Recycled Books - A popular bookstore of new and used books.
Free Play Arcade - An arcade with arcade games, pinball machines, with food and drinks available.
Sports & Stadiums
AT&T Stadium - Home of the Dallas Cowboys (National Football League)
Minute Maid Park - Home of the Houston Astros (Major League Baseball)
Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium - Home of the University of Texas at Austin Football Team
Circuit of the America’s - F1 Racing and home to major music events, such as ACL Live.
American Airlines Center - Home of the Dallas Mavericks (National Basketball Association) and Dallas Stars (National Hockey League)
Toyota Center - Home of the Houston Rockets (National Basketball Association)
Minute Maid Park - Home of the Houston Astros (Major League Baseball)
NRG Stadium - Home of the Houston Texans (National Football League)
Shell Energy Stadium - Home of the Houston Dynamo FC (Major League Soccer)
Globe Life Field - Home of the Texas Rangers (Major League Baseball)
Frost Bank Center - Home of the San Antonio Spurs (National Basketball Association)
College Park Center - Home of the Dallas Wings (Women’s National Basketball Association)
Q2 Stadium - Home of the Austin FC (Major League Soccer)
Toyota Stadium - Home of Dallas FC (Major League Soccer)
Most Delicious Must-Try’s
Blue Bell Ice Cream (sold in a container) - Love the flavors!
Whataburger - Fast food chain known for its burgers. Everyone always recommended to give it a try!
Bucc-ee’s - While it is a gas station, it is also a popular eating attraction and a huge part of Texas culture.
Norma’s Cafe - Known for its southern food
Kozy Kitchen - Known for its home style cooking.
Dude, Sweet Chocolate - A sweet shop known its unique creations. I ate “When Pigs Fly” chocolate and I recommend giving it a try.
Chicken Scratch (Now permanently closed) - it was a fried chicken biscuit sandwich bar
Salata Salad Kitchen - At this restaurant, you can customize salads and wraps.
BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse - Notable for its pizza and craft beers as well as their “Pizookie”.
Crooked Crust - Delicious pizza spot.
Zero Degrees - This chain serves Asian-Hispanic fusion food and drinks.
Cartwright’s Ranch House - Known for its comfort food like chicken-fried steak, biscuits and gravy, and more.
Hanabi Ramen - Known for its ramen dishes and seafood.
After soaking in all the sights, sounds, and flavors that Texas has to offer, I would love to take a moment to share a few of my own personal memories from the time I spent living in Texas. While it may have been only for a few years before I returned to the Land of Lincoln, here are some of the adventures I had in the Lone Star State.
From iconic landmarks to mouthwatering eats, Texas certainly knows how to leave an impression. But for me, some of the most unforgettable memories were not found on a tourist map. Rather, they were woven together into everyday moments, family traditions, and stories that still stick with me to this day.
In particular, my favorite childhood memory was the week or so I spent each summer visiting my grandpa in Texas. While his backyard pool was my playground, the koi fish were my peaceful companions, and the lizards that were darting around the house became a fun game of hide and seek, my all-time favorite moments the ones spent with him. When he was not too busy creating art of his own, we would sit and paint together side-by-side. Other times, I would watch closely as he shared a few of his art techniques, or I would quietly take it all in during his art shows by trying to absorb as much information as possible. Those memories together shaped more than just my summers, they sparked a life love for creativity.
Those summer visits not only deepened my love for art but also introduced me to the heart and soul of Texas living. Beyond the quiet moments with my grandpa, there was a whole world to be explored. One full of festive traditions, bold flavors, and small-town charm. Over time, I came to discover a few local favorites that still hold a special place in my heart today. The first was is the Denton Wassail Festival. This event is always held during the holiday season a few weeks before Christmas. It is when the community comes together to celebrate the lighting of the town tree with live music, twinkling lights, and a a few cups of wassail. If you have never had it, wassail is a hot, spiced cider traditionally served around Christmastime. It is both festive and comforting as it is often brewed with cinnamon, cloves, citrus, and apple cider. At the festival, local businesses compete for the most delicious recipe, offering free samples as you take a walk around the square. This makes the whole town feel like a Hallmark movie set enjoying laughter, music, and holiday spirit.
And the second local favorite I wish to mention is the Texas State Fair. It is where you will find deep fried Oreos, livestock competitions, a rodeo, live music, Texas-sized portions of just about everything, and a shopping experience that could easily fill your suitcase (and your stomach!).
Well those local favorites are well loved and celebrated, there is something special about stumbling upon a hidden gem. You know, the kind of place is not listed on every travel guide but stays tucked away in your memory? In true Texas fashion, one of the best-kept secrets I encountered was just that: unexpected, unforgettable, and a bit mysterious.
In the middle of nowhere, there was this burger joint on the way to my family’s ranch. It has massive, delicious burgers. The twist? I had no idea what it was called, where exactly it was, or how to find it again. All I know is that it existed, and it was incredible. I guess sometimes the best secrets are the ones even you cannot fully explain.
Of course, not every unforgettable memory in Texas comes from food or festivals, some are handed to you by the wild, unpredictable weather. If you have spent any time in Texas, you know how quickly the skies can shift from clear to sunny to chaotic. One particular experience that sticks with me to this day was when my roommate and I decided to move her car to a parking garage to protect it from a fast-approaching storm. What should have been a quick 5-10 minute trip turned into a chaotic and unforgettable experience. I do not remember if it was the news or our schools Eagle Alert system, but we got word that severe weather was heading our way with the possibility of baseball sized hail.
She left first, and I went to meet her. But within minutes, the sunny, clear day turned pitch black with sideways rain and roaring winds. As tornado sirens blared, I took shelter in a nearby parking garage, watching students run for cover from the hail that began pouring down. I kept trying to reach my roommate, growing more concerned with each unanswered message. When we finally reunited back at our place, she told me she had been in a car accident just as the storm hit. Thankfully, she was okay but that day just showed us how fast Texas weather can flip your world upside down.
That stormy day was just one of many moments that reminded me how dynamic and unpredictable life in Texas can be. But beyond the wild weather, there is so much more that shaped my experience living there. From the landscapes I explored to the people I met, every detail left its mark. So now, let us take a deeper look at how Texas compares in some of the areas that impacted me the most.
Scenery & Nature
Texas offers a variety of scenery, far more than many expect. In one part of the state, you will find sprawling plains and golden fields that stretch for miles under wide, open skies. Head west, and you are met with desert landscapes, dramatic canyons, and the beauty of places like Big Bend. To the east, dense pine forests and thickened trees create more of a humid, lush backdrop, while Central Texas boasts rolling green hills, sparkling rivers, and wild-flower covered roadsides in spring. Along the Gulf Coast, the beaches may not have crystal clear water, but they hold their own charm with gentle waves, salty air, and relaxed boardwalk towns. Whether it is stargazing under a dark sky, kayaking through a hidden creek, or spotting wildlife in a state park, nature in Texas often feels vast, grounding, and a little wild in the best way.
From someone who has experienced Texas’s diverse terrain firsthand, I can tell you, it often feels like you are in a completely different state depending on where you are. Whether you are surrounded by deserts or rolling, green hills, each region offers its own unique vibe and natural beauty.
Weather & Seasons
While Texas weather is famously unpredictable and varies a lot by region, it usually stays hot until mid-November. However, in recent years, Texas where snowfall used to be rare, has started seeing heavier snowfalls than even some places in Illinois.
As for the seasons, while some Texas say they experience all four, both Fall and Spring tend to be very short lived. Sometimes lasting just about a week. For the most part, the state maintains warmer temperatures throughout the year, with drier heat being the more consistent companion.
City vs. Small Town
I spent time in both Dallas, a big city, and Denton, a smaller college town. While I do not have many years of experience in either, here is what I can share. Growing up in a Chicago suburb, Dallas did not feel super big, unless we count the whole Dallas-Fort Worth area. That is one of the reasons I liked Dallas, besides having family nearby.
Denton reminded me a lot of my hometown, just with more college students around. It had a chill vibe and pretty similar. Dallas, on the other hand, had some confusing street ways and highways, but it still felt calmer and quieter than Chicago, and definitely much more modern. One visit to Dallas that stands out clearly was the time my father and I were walking around downtown when we noticed that crickets were everywhere. They were hopping all over town and even on us. It was wild! Kind of like that bug invasion back in Illinois last summer.
Overall, I liked the pace and energy of Dallas as with Denton but just for different reasons.
Food & Local Cuisine
When it comes to Texas cuisine, I will admit, I was not always the most adventurous eater. While I started branching out a bit more during my time there, I have never been a big fan of barbecue, and back then, I did not enjoy Mexican influenced food either (though that has changed a bit now). Most of the time, I stuck to what I knew: fruits, vegetables, smoothies, ramen, pasta, salads with the occasional burger or pizza.
I did not try popular spots like Whataburger or Bucc-ee’s, even though they were highly recommended. I usually stayed true to my own tastes, unless with others. Even then, I would usually stick to a salad and fries. So while Texas is known for its bold and flavorful food, my personal experience with it was pretty limited.
People & Culture
Texans have a different kind of warmth. I once heard someone say that Texans are “kind but not always nice”. Meaning they might not be overly friendly at first, but they will go out of their way to help you. That rang true in my experience. For instance, when my car broke down in the middle of a busy intersection, two strangers quickly helped push it to safety. Meanwhile, when my family’s car broke down in Illinois, off a main road, no one stopped.
That said growing up in the Midwest, I know firsthand the depth of kindness and generosity that people here possess. Midwesterners often help in quieter, more understated ways, such as checking in, offering support behind the scenes, or simply showing up when it matters most. It is a more reserved kind of care, but no less meaningful.
There is a certain charm in the Midwest’s tendency to mind one’s own business. Perhaps it is tied to the regions strong blue-collar work ethic, where people are often focused on their tasks and responsibilities. This does not mean they lack compassion, rather, their kindness is often expressed through actions rather than words.
In Texas, the culture felt more outgoing and expressive. People were bold, proud, and unafraid to put themselves out there. They carried a strong sense of hospitality even if it sometimes came with a bit of sass of “bless your heart”. While it was an adjustment at first, I grew to admire and appreciate this openness.
It just showed me that both regions have their own unique ways of showing kindness and community spirit. The Midwest offers a steady, humble warmth, while Texas brings a vibrant, expressive energy. Experiencing both has given me a deeper appreciation for the diverse ways people connect and support one another across different cultures.
Adventures & Hidden Gems
While out on a walk with a friend at a forest preserve, I encountered an armadillo. At first, I was not sure what kind of creature I was looking at. But it was even more surprising when it looked at us and did not run away. I later learned that Amarillo’s have poor eyesight and rely heavily on their sense of smell and hearing, which might explain its lack of reaction to our presence.
During my time in Texas, I came across various animals that I was not used to seeing. I saw a mole (basically a blind rat), large snakes, and even scorpions. Although I did not personally encounter any wild pigs, I know they exist in Texas and can cause significant problems.
These wildlife experiences added an element of adventure to my explorations, reminding me of the natural variety that Texas has to offer.
Personal Growth & Change
When I first moved to Texas for college, I did not expect to change much. But being away from home, especially without the option to visit on weekends, made me realize how much I relied on my support system. At first, I felt homesick. Over time, though, I built meaningful relationships that provided emotional support and a sense of belonging. These connections became like a second family, offering comfort during challenging times.
It was not until I returned to Illinois during the holidays that my family noticed a change in me. They expressed how much more talkative I had become. Before, I tended to be quiet and focused much of my energy on listening, only chiming in occasionally. So, I am sure it was a bit of a surprise.
Meanwhile, living away from my main support system pushed me to become more independent and confident. I remember having a deep conversation with my roommates on a personal topic. And even though we had different views, their support helped me realize it was not as big of an issue as I thought.
The same thing went for being part of a diverse college community, especially interacting with international students. It opened my eyes to new perspectives and cultures. These experiences broadened my understanding and appreciation of different viewpoints.
Looking back, my time in Texas was transformative. The challenges and experiences helped me grow into a more confident and open-minded person. If I had the chance to relive that period, I wouldn’t change a thing. The people, the experiences, and the growth is what made me into who I am today. Changing that would change me.
Final Notes: Texas Quirks & More
Everything is bigger in Texas. If going from south to north, it can take 16 hours to get out of Texas.
Interesting wildlife encounters.
Distinctive food culture. Known for its fusion of dishes as well as being renowned for its barbecue, I just learned that it is the birthplace of the frozen margarita machine. Your welcome!
Cultural traditions and sayings, such as “y’all” “howdy” “bless your heart” and “don’t mess with Texas” can have different meanings depending on the context.
Local icons and landmarks like the red Pegasus often referred to as “Flying Red Horse” which can be seen in downtown Dallas as it is a cherished symbol of its history, embodying the cities rich history and enduring spirit. One of the first times my grandma showed me around she told me about the red Pegasus. Apparently, it cost a lot to replace after the original sign was removed due to deterioration.
Celebrations and Festivals. I have had the chance to experience both the State Fair of Texas and a few Rodeo’s. And both offer a unique glimpse into Texan culture from thrill rides and deep-fried treats to impressive livestock showcases. Both of which, I highly recommend to anyone visiting the state. For me personally, I want to visit SXSW (South by Southwest), a renowned festival in Austin that celebrates film, music, and technology. It’s known for premiering a variety of intriguing films and hosting engaging discussions on diverse topics. Attending SXSW would be an exciting opportunity to immerse myself in the creative energy that Austin has to offer while also exploring the latest in film and media.
Final Thoughts
Experiencing these vibrant events not only introduced me to the rich history of Texan culture but also marked significant milestones in my personal journey. Each festival, fair, and rodeo became more than just a celebration, they were moments of connection, learning, and self-discovery. As I look back on my time in Texas, it is clear that these experiences played a pivotal role in shaping the person I am today.
As I conclude this chapter of my State to State series, reflecting on my time in Texas brings a sense of gratitude and growth. From the warm hospitality of its people to the diverse cultural experiences, Texas offered a unique blend of challenges and adventures that enriched my perspective. Each state I have lived in has left a memorable mark, and Texas was no exception.
Thank you for joining me on this journey across states and stories. Your support and engagement have made the series a rewarding endeavor. While this marks the end of the current series, the spirit of exploration continues. Stay tuned for future adventures and reflections.
As a signature of my blog, I’d like to end this post with a suggestion to “Pass on kindness.” There’s no time like the present to Inspire Those Who Inspire You. Acts of kindness, no matter how big or small, can have a direct, positive impact on someone else. Go out there today and change someone’s life for the better!
***These are my personal opinions and may not be those of my employer.***
