17 Things You Have To Do Before You’re An Official Texan

Are you an official Texan? Sure, you may have been living in Texas your entire life, but there are certain things you just have to do before you can consider yourself a resident of the Lone Star State - induction ceremonies, if you will. There are a lot more than I've listed here (which makes sense because our state is full of so many great, iconic things), so I picked the main ones that come to mind immediately. Here are 17 things you HAVE to do before becoming an official Texan.

1. Go to a rodeo.

You're in luck, because the biggest one in the world runs through the end of this month in Houston!

2. Eat some good Texas barbecue.

Your options are endless: The Salt Lick in Driftwood, Black's in Lockhart, Luling Street Market...wherever you go, your taste buds will be pleased.

3. Take a hike at Big Bend.

You can't consider yourself a Texan until you've seen these majestic mountains in all their glory.

4. See the starry night sky in a rural area.

This is at the McDonald Observatory in West Texas. They even have stargazing parties here, so you can be inducted into the Texas club with friends!

5. And watch an unforgettable Texas sunrise.

6. Take a stroll down Main Street in a quaint small town.

7. Catch a Friday night high school football game.

It's a necessary experience to understand the spirit and camaraderie that go along with the sport here in Texas.

8. Go huntin'!

It's a way of life in Texas - one that you just can't understand until you've been up in the stand, pointing that rifle at your prey.

9. Go to the state fair!

You have to meet our mascot before considering yourself an official member.

10. See the famous Texas bluebonnets in person.

11. Swim in Hamilton Pool.

12. And Jacob's Well.

13. Eat chips and queso.

Knowing the art of shoveling liquefied cheese into your piehole as fast as possible via tortilla chip is the mark of a true Texan.

14. Oh, and Blue Bell.

I don't even need to elaborate on this one.

15. See the brilliant display that is the Congress Ave bats.

16. Go to Buc-ee's.

You aren't a true Texan until you've used the cleanest bathrooms on earth. And let's not forget about beaver nuggets.

17. Take a stroll down the San Antonio riverwalk.

Have you done all of them? If so, congrats! You're an official Texan and we're glad to have you. If not - well, spring break is coming up, so here's your chance! What other things do you consider obligatory to becoming a true Texan?