From UFO hoaxes in Dublin to fiery BBQ sauce in Lockhart, Texas pranks prove that everything—including practical jokes—is bigger in the Lone Star State. Some went hilariously right, others disastrously wrong, but all became part of the folklore that makes Texas unforgettable.

Towering 400 feet over Six Flags Over Texas, the Texas SkyScreamer isn’t just the world’s tallest swing ride—it’s a dare to trade fear for freedom. From the first slow rise to the wind‑whipped spin above the Dallas–Fort Worth skyline, the ride delivers more than thrills: it’s a reminder that courage isn’t about being fearless, it’s about saying yes when your knees are knocking. Here’s what to expect, how to prep, and why this Texas‑sized adventure is worth every heartbeat.

From Mattress Mack vaulting over sofas to the Texas Hammer smashing toy semis, Texas’ local TV ads were bigger than life—and they worked. These outrageous commercials mixed humor, heart, and hometown pride, turning business owners into legends and jingles into tradition. Here’s why Texans still remember them—and what modern marketers can learn from their wild, authentic style.

Texas has always been a land of legends—where UFOs crash into windmills, ghostly handprints appear on bumpers, and mysterious lights dance in the desert sky. From the Aurora airship mystery and the Marfa Lights to JFK theories, haunted railroad tracks, secret Capitol tunnels, Chupacabra sightings, and even whispers of buried treasure, the Lone Star State breeds stories as big as its horizons. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, these tales reveal the fears, hopes, and wild imagination that make Texas larger than life.

Everything’s bigger in Texas—including the corn mazes. The South Texas Maze sprawls across seven acres and three miles of twisting trails, where GPS falters and laughter takes over. It’s part puzzle, part playground, and all fall magic. Families turn it into a yearly competition, strangers become teammates, and wrong turns turn into the best stories. With golden-hour light, corny trivia signs, and plenty of funnel cakes waiting outside the rows, this isn’t just about finding the exit—it’s about savoring the detours. In Texas, getting lost isn’t a mistake. It’s the adventure you came for.

Hold on to your hats, y’all—because when Texas news goes live, it goes full tilt. If you’ve ever seen a seasoned anchor lose it in a fit of laughter or a meteorologist fight a losing battle with a rogue gust of wind, you know the Lone Star State does bloopers bigger and better than anyone. These on‑air oops moments aren’t just slipups; they’re Texas in a nutshell: unpredictable, warm-hearted, and always ready to laugh at life’s curveballs. Today, we’re rounding up the funniest, wildest, and most charming Texas news bloopers—and the real reason they stick with us long after the newscast fades to black.

Aaron Franklin isn’t just a pitmaster—he’s the soul of Texas barbecue. With nothing more than salt, pepper, post oak, and time, he’s turned patience and feel into the world’s most celebrated brisket. But what makes Franklin Barbecue legendary isn’t a secret rub or flashy tricks—it’s the quiet craft, the respect for process, and the way a meal turns strangers into neighbors. Here’s what I learned standing by his pit, and how you can bring a taste of that tradition to your own smoker at home.

What if your dinner came with a ticking clock, a cheering crowd, and a shot at Texas-sized immortality? In Amarillo, it does. At the Big Texan Steak Ranch, the legendary 72-ounce steak challenge turns an ordinary meal into a showdown—one hour, four and a half pounds of beef, plus all the fixings. Beat the clock and your meal is free. Fall short and you’re out nearly a hundred bucks and a slice of your pride. But here’s the secret: it’s about more than the steak. It’s about grit, spectacle, and a taste of Texas tradition you can feel in your bones.

Texas kolaches aren’t just pastries—they’re history baked in golden dough. From sweet Old World fruit‑filled kolaches to jalapeño‑sausage klobasneks, these Czech‑Texan creations fuel road trips and preserve heritage in every bite. Follow the Texas Kolache Trail to Hruska’s in Ellinger, Weikel’s in La Grange, and West’s legendary Czech Stop, and discover why no two bakeries—and no two kolaches—are ever quite the same.

Ever tried to sprint straight through a living tide of longhorns? You don’t have to, because the Lone Star State already delivers more than enough heart-thumping, hold-your-breath moments to go around. Texas doesn’t just play at extreme—it lives it. From eight seconds of fury on a bull to 260 miles of river madness, from leaping off high bridges to sculpting skyscrapers out of sand in blistering heat, these are sports that sound like tall tales until you watch them up close. And whether you’re the one strapping in or the one cheering from the rails, you’re in for a wild ride.

They smash cars for fun in Texas—and the bleachers erupt like a Friday night football game when metal meets metal. I thought I knew what I was walking into at my first demolition derby, but nothing prepared me for the electricity under those fairground lights: the roar of V-8s, the smell of barbecue and burnt rubber, the grit in the air, and the sense that the whole town showed up to witness something gloriously chaotic and strangely heartwarming. This isn’t your ordinary Sunday drive. It’s the Lone Star spirit on four battered wheels, and by the end of the night, you’ll understand why folks keep coming back.

Texas’s legendary music venues aren’t just stages—they’re living landmarks. From the two‑step tradition of Austin’s Broken Spoke to the televised magic of ACL Live, the century‑old charm of Gruene Hall, the porch‑light hospitality of Luckenbach, and the riverside energy of Whitewater Amphitheater, these spots have shaped the sound and soul of the Lone Star State. Rising rents and development threaten their future, but fans keep them alive by showing up, dancing, and sharing the stories. Whether you’re chasing history, great sound, or a perfect brisket‑and‑blues night at Stubb’s, the best way to hear Texas is to be there.

From dill‑pickle fizz to jalapeño heat, Texas soda makers aren’t afraid to bottle the unexpected. This fizzy tour covers the Lone Star State’s wildest flavors—pickle, ranch dressing, sweet corn, Big Red, cherry limeade, and more—complete with tasting notes, pairing tips, and where to find each bottle. Whether you sip for nostalgia or for the dare, these drinks prove Texas flavor has no limits.

From lawnmower racing and pickle parades to armadillo races, rattlesnake roundups, and even duck herding, Texas takes hobbies to a whole new level. These quirky clubs mix competition, creativity, and community—proving that in the Lone Star State, the weirder the pastime, the bigger the fun.

From luxury treehouses above the Sabinal River to a UFO‑shaped beach house in Galveston, Texas is packed with Airbnbs that turn a getaway into a story. This guide spotlights 11 unforgettable stays—caves, cabooses, desert Airstreams, and more—plus booking tips to help you snag your dream spot.

Discover the forgotten history of America’s all-Black towns—from Greenwood’s Black Wall Street and Rosewood to Nicodemus and Eatonville. Built by formerly enslaved people after the Civil War, these communities thrived with their own schools, businesses, and local governments, offering safety, prosperity, and self-determination. Many were destroyed by racial violence, discriminatory laws, and urban renewal, yet their legacy remains a powerful reminder of Black resilience, innovation, and the ongoing fight for equality.

Texas diners are more than just places to eat—they’re vibrant hubs of community, history, and hospitality where legendary dishes like chicken-fried steak and mile-high pies come with stories as rich as their flavors. From Dallas’s Norma’s Cafe to Austin’s Magnolia Cafe, Marble Falls’ Blue Bonnet, and Houston’s House of Pies, these iconic spots serve up not only comfort food but also a sense of belonging and timeless Texas spirit. Whether it’s late-night pancakes, green chile cheeseburgers with lore, or a four-pound burger challenge, each diner invites you to slow down, savor the moment, and become part of a living tradition that’s as much about people as it is about plates.

Texas tornado drills are far more than routine exercises—they’re vital life-saving practices rooted in a history of real storms and survival. With an average of 140 tornadoes annually, Texans learn from a young age how to respond swiftly and safely, whether in schools, offices, or nursing homes. These drills build community resilience, passing down stories of courage and preparedness that turn fear into strength. Beyond the drills themselves, they embody Texas pride and a deep respect for the unpredictable skies. For Texans, every siren is a reminder that readiness can mean the difference between tragedy and triumph.

Explore the most extravagant homes in Texas, where luxury meets Lone Star spirit. From Houston’s sprawling estates with private golf simulators and bowling alleys to Dallas’s grand ballrooms and Austin’s lakeside mansions, these palatial properties redefine opulence. Discover legendary residences featuring secret tunnels, NBA-sized courts, and helicopter pads—all blending Texas tradition with modern extravagance. Whether city glamour or countryside grandeur calls you, Texas luxury living promises bigger dreams and bolder lifestyles.

Dive into Texas’ wildest true stories—from meat mysteriously raining down in Olympia Springs and the eerie, dancing Marfa Lights to a UFO burial in Aurora and the tragic New London School explosion. Meet the Goat Woman breaking norms with her goats on the road, the outlaw Elmer McCurdy’s bizarre postmortem journey, and the fiery Chili Queens who shaped Tex-Mex culture. These unforgettable tales reveal the Lone Star State’s unique blend of history, mystery, and larger-than-life characters that make Texas truly one-of-a-kind.