State Fair, Texas Gin, Hatch Chile and More!

Fried Delights and Big Tex: A Guide to the 2023 Texas State Fair

Welcome to the 2023 Texas State Fair: A Celebration of Texan Pride and Tradition! As the Lone Star State gears up for its 137th annual State Fair, we invite you to join us for an unforgettable journey filled with the heartwarming spirit, mouthwatering flavors, and thrilling entertainment that define this Texan tradition.

From September 29 to October 22, 2023, Fair Park in Dallas will come alive with the vibrant energy of the State Fair of Texas, a place where Texan pride runs deep and the fun knows no bounds.

The iconic 55-foot cowboy, Big Tex, will tip his hat to greet you with a hearty 'Howdy Folks!' as you embark on a 24-day adventure packed with exciting attractions, sensational shows, and, of course, an array of delicious fried delights.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through all the must-see attractions, the sizzling new additions, and the return of beloved classics. Get ready to be mesmerized by soap bubble circus acts, dazzled by street acrobatics, and transported to the prehistoric era at Dinosaurs at the Lagoon.

Texas Renaissance Festival for First-Timers

The Texas Renaissance Festival (TRF) is one of the largest and most popular Renaissance-themed festivals in the United States. It is an annual event that takes place in Todd Mission, Texas, typically running from early October to late November. The festival is set in a sprawling, wooded area covering 77 acres, which is transformed into a vibrant and immersive recreation of a 16th-century European village.

Mexican Food Tradition and its Impact on Shaping Tex-Mex

Texas, the land of cowboys, wide-open spaces, and a rich culinary heritage, owes a significant debt to its southern neighbor, Mexico. The influence of Mexican cuisine on Texas cooking is profound, pervasive, and deeply ingrained in the state's culinary identity.

The meeting of these two culinary worlds didn't just occur by chance but rather as a result of historical and geographical factors. The shared border between Texas and Mexico, stretching over 1,200 miles, has allowed for a constant exchange of ingredients, techniques, and food culture.

King Ranch: The History of Texas’ Biggest Ranch

If we’re talking about Texas, there are a lot of things that come to mind. Barbecue, chili, vast open hunting grounds, and that classic Southern hospitality that we all know and love. But if there’s one major thing that speaks volumes about the culture of Texas, that would be the vast ranches that dot the biggest state in the US that raise cattle and farms that produce a wide variety of farm-fresh foods.

Nestled in the heart of Texas, the King Ranch stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the American West. With a history that spans over 160 years, this iconic ranch has left an indelible mark on the Lone Star State and the history of ranching in the United States. From its humble beginnings as a Spanish land grant to its status as one of the largest and most influential ranches in the world, the story of King Ranch is a captivating journey through time.

Sipping Lone Star Gins: 8 Easy-Sipping Texan-made Gins

In the vast landscape of spirits, gin stands as an enduring testament to the artistry of distillation. Its botanical symphony dances across the palate, rendering each sip a harmonious crescendo of flavors.

While the world associates gin with the quaint streets of London or the canals of Amsterdam, it's high time we shift our gaze towards the Lone Star State. Texas, with its unique blend of tradition and innovation in distilling fine spirits, has crafted some of the finest gins you'll ever have the pleasure of encountering. Allow me to introduce you to the hidden gems of Texas-made gins.

The Hatch Chile Phenomenon: Spicing Up Texan Cuisine Every Fall

As the summer season ends, a culinary phenomenon sweeps across the Lone Star State, bringing with it a burst of flavor and excitement that tantalizes the taste buds of Texans and food enthusiasts alike.

The phenomenon in question? The annual Hatch Chile harvest season.