Texas: A State That Does Nothing by Halves

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Home of the rodeo and rock 'n' roll, texmex and tejano, Buddy Holly and Beyoncé; it's no surprise that Texas is full of force. Its variety contributes to its world renown; whether inspiring city arts movements or tranquil coastlines picking up surfers from shore to shore, delicate seafood dishes or hearty home grown chilli, Texas has a range of scenes all of which pack as much punch as the next. So it's easy to get lost in the heat of the Deep South (which notably comes in second for the largest and most populous state in the USA). Luckily here at Black Tomato we have created The Alliance - a newspaper ready to guide you through the many roads of Texas. Whether you're looking for the roots of cowboy culture, compelling art movements or eclectic festivities, The Alliance will take you to Texas in a moment. For now, have a taste of The Alliance as we show you some of our Texan highlights.

From wilderness to wild bars, with a long stretch of Route 66 in between, Texan culture takes you on a long dusty drive that is indelible and inimitable. Prepare yourself for Texas' biggest moments...

Texas: A State That Does Nothing by Halves

Big Sounds(01 of05)

The list of musical highlights is endless in Texas, contributing to the world’s best and most successful artists and movements. What is delightfully rare about this state is its ability to sustain the authenticity of its cultures throughout time, and this is truest for its music scenes. Honky Tonk is a sub-genre that began in the late 19th century. It combines American Country music, outlaw Cowboy tunes and Folk, encompassing the use of harmonicas, fiddles, and piano – you can see it live at Billy Bob’s Texas in Fortworth. Rock and Roll kicked out of Texas from the legendary Buddy Holly, whose heritage resonates throughout state as live bands still fill districts in Austin, Houston, Dallas and more. Tejano sees Texas’s Mexican influence burst into sound; adapted from the Polka and Waltz, and later influenced by Rock and Country music, this historical genre of music is still performed in the streets of San Antonio.

Big flavours(02 of05)

State capital Austin has got city living down to a T (for Texas?) Predominantly it is the city’s live music scene that keeps it at an exciting pace and fill it with an atmosphere that is at times wildly fun, at times cool and relaxed. Sixth Street and Market District are more than worth a mention, as is Stubbs on Red River Street where you can enjoy local bands alongside authentic barbecue food. March time sees most of the city’s musical delights spark into action, and of course SXSW, the festival of art, film and music that just keeps on growing, is very much the leader of the Texan pack. Similarly the food scene is, like throughout of Texas, delectable and Austin’s street food is particularly unique. Innovation becomes alive in Austin Food Trucks, which have seen top chefs transfer their kitchens onto wheels and serve up inexpensive dishes at a high standard in the most kitsch of districts.

(03 of05)

The innumerable dining possibilities offered by the Lone Star State will have any foodie falling to their knees. From mouth watering seafood to eye watering chilli con carne, travelling to TexasTexas will take your taste buds on a journey too. However the king of Texan cuisine is undeniably the barbecue, and in this instance there is only one way to dine: The Texas Barbecue Trail. The trail is a semi-loop, from Austin heading to the four towns full of flavour and spirit, Taylor, Elgin, Luling and Lockhart. Tuck into beef brisket, pork ribs or, in the case of one BBQ joint, sausages with jalapeño and garlic cheese.

(04 of05)

As has been previously stated Texan exports don’t come at an average level, and in terms of consistency and influence, rodeo and cowboy culture speak Texas to the world like nothing else. Resist the clichés and experience the real thing to get a grasp on how this culture has remained authentic, despite its heavy reworking across the world. The town of Fort Worth still employs real cowboys, and is the only place in the world to use a cattle drive twice daily. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo meanwhile draws in 2 million visitors each year, and has a carnival spirit alongside delicious cuisine. Wildcatter Ranch lets you live like a cowboy, situated in the serene North Texas Hill Country you stay in the tranquil and rustic cabins by night, and trail ride by day.

(05 of05)

From ArtHouston to Austin’s Soco neighbourhood, Texas is heavy with underground artistic and cultural movements, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore the classics. Approaching its 40th birthday next year is the famous Cadillac Ranch, an art installation which began when Ant Farm members Chip Lord, Hudson Marquez and Doug Michels buried ten cadillacs half-way in the dusty grown, nose first. The angle at which the cars, all used and some junk, were positioned corresponded to that of Egypt’s Great Pyramid of Giza. Since losing their original colour the cars have been spray-painted by visitors over many years, and now possess a brilliantly effervescent colour. A masterpiece of avant-garde experimentalism and its responses, art doesn’t get much more exciting, even 40 years on.

Route 66 tejano Austin Food Trucks cadillac ranch San Antonio

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