Texas

Texas, the Lone Star State, was its own country from 1836 to 1845. The independent streak from those Republic of Texas days still runs strong. One of the largest states in terms of both land area (second only to Alaska) and population (second only to California), Texas is full of legends and rich with history. Most of the population lives in East Texas, in the big cities of Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, and Austin, while West Texas is home to some of the least densely populated counties in the whole country: Spanish explorers nicknamed the area west of the Pecos River "despobalodos" (depopulated zone), and the moniker still ...

Texas, the Lone Star State, was its own country from 1836 to 1845. The independent streak from those Republic of Texas days still runs strong. One of the largest states in terms of both land area (second only to Alaska) and population (second only to California), Texas is full of legends and rich with history. Most of the population lives in East Texas, in the big cities of Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio, and Austin, while West Texas is home to some of the least densely populated counties in the whole country: Spanish explorers nicknamed the area west of the Pecos River "despobalodos" (depopulated zone), and the moniker still applies today. From the bi-national community of El Paso to the salty beach towns along Gulf Coast to Hill Country, this is one vast and diverse state, with so many local flavors it's impossible to taste them all on one trip. So pick a portion - say, Big Bend National Park and vicinity or Dallas-Fort Worth - and take time to savor what makes the region unique, not to mention what makes it uniquely Texan.

About the Expert

Eric Peterson has written and contributed to numerous Frommer’s guidebooks covering the American West, including Montana & Wyoming, Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks, and Texas.