10 Inspirational Things Tourist Must Do in Texas 10 Inspirational Things Tourist Must Do in Texas
Top 5 Taboos in Texas That Visitors Should Avoid Doing Top 5 Taboos in Texas That Visitors Should Avoid Doing
11 Things Tourists Should Never Do in Texas
Welcome to Texas. Photo: Texas Tribune
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These are the things that you should not do while visiting Texas, regardless of whether you are in San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, or Houston or any other city in the state.

It's possible that the incredibly warm hospitality and outgoing nature of Texans is even more well-known than their pride in their home state. But if you are thinking about going to the state known as the Lone Star, we have compiled a list of some things to think about if you still want to avoid uncomfortable interactions because you are a tourist.

1.“Don’t Mess with Texas”

Most tourists to the Lone Star State probably aren't aware that the slogan "Keep Texas Beautiful" was originally used in an ad campaign to curb highway littering in 1985, as reported by The Culture Trip.

The Austin, Texas-based firm GSD&M designed the campaign's original bumper stickers, which first appeared on national television during Stevie Ray Vaughan's performance at the 50th Annual Cotton Bowl Classic on January 1, 1986. Someone who says "Don't Mess With Texas" may be warning you not to litter or not to start a fight you won't be able to finish.

2.Don’t forget the Alamo

The unique history of Texas as a republic within the United States from 1836 until 1845, when it became the 28th state, is the primary source of Texans' unwavering state pride.

In honor of the courageous stand of a handful of Texans against overwhelming odds at the Alamo, the battle cry "Remember the Alamo" became the rallying cry that ultimately won independence from Mexico. Every year on March 2nd, Texans celebrate Texas Independence Day, and on March 6th, they commemorate the Battle of the Alamo.

3.Don’t text during a film at the Alamo Drafthouse

The Alamo Drafthouse, which began in downtown Austin in 1997, now has 16 locations throughout Texas and 10 more across the United States. The Alamo Drafthouse is well-known for its attentive service right to your seat, but also for its zero-tolerance policy toward distractions like talking and texting as well as tardiness.

In 2011, the company made headlines all over the country when it aired an angry customer's outbursts from being kicked out of a theater for texting as part of a pre-feature public service announcement. The Alamo Cinemas gift card offer that made headlines recently involved a man suing his date for texting during a movie at another theater.

4.Don’t try to argue that tacos aren’t for breakfast

Fajitas, nachos, burritos, and breakfast tacos are all staples of Tex-Mex cuisine, which is a fusion of American and Mexican food. In restaurants like Taco Deli, where favorites like the "Otto" (refried black beans, bacon, avocado, and cheese) and the "Vaquero" (scrambled egg, grilled corn, roasted peppers, and cheese) are available, you can go simple by ordering an egg, bacon, and cheese on a tortilla or you can try something more daring.

Don't forget to top your taco with one or more of their delectable, in-house salsas, which are now sold at Whole Foods!

5.Don’t turn down a dance at Gruene Hall

11 Things Tourists Should Never Do in Texas
Gruene Hall. Photo: Kens 5

The oldest dance hall in Texas is Gruene Hall, which Henry (Heinrich) D. Gruene constructed in 1878 in what is now New Braunfels' Gruene Historic District. The hall's original layout has not changed; it is approximately 6,000 square feet (557.4 square meters) in size and features a large outdoor garden, a front bar, a small stage, and side flaps for open-air dancing.

Legends of country music like Loretta Lynn and Willie Nelson continue to perform at the hall, in addition to newer acts. Every day of the week there is live music, so visitors can two-step like locals. If someone asks you to dance, don't say no!

6.Don’t fight the grammar, adopt it

Texans don't just pronounce words differently when using regional names. "Y'all" (you plural) and the perhaps less well-known "fixin' to"—which indicates that someone is getting ready to do something or go somewhere—are the two most prevalent colloquialisms.

"Are y'all fixin' to go to Texas?" is one example. Although it is less common than "y'all," tourists will undoubtedly hear this simple future tense more than once. No one is certain where it originated. And warn your family members: it's not uncommon for visitors to bring the useful contraction "y'all" back to their home country or state.

7.Don’t Confuse Texas with the Deep South

Although Texas is frequently grouped with the Deep South, it has its own culture and is not the Deep South. According to Woltersworld, Texas is very different from other Southern states because it was once even its own country.

Don’t Miss Out on Buc-ee’s or Other Truck Stops

Texas' large truck stops, like Buc-ee's, can stand alone as tourist attractions. Buc-ee's is like a luxury gas station combined with a Field & Stream and a Wal-Mart! These are great stops for getting gas, snacks, and clean restrooms along the way since you will unavoidably need to stop somewhere. Don't forget to order the Beaver Nuggets at Buc-ee's as well!
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