The Ultimate Texas-Style Thanksgiving: What You Need to Know

As the saying goes, "Everything is bigger in Texas", and Thanksgiving is no exception! Thanksgiving is that special time of year where we gather with family, eat great food, and share what we are thankful for. In Texas we like to do all of that, but even better!

What would Thanksgiving be without the Thanksgiving meal? Of course, the traditional main course for Thanksgiving dinner is the turkey, but don't be surprised if you roll up to the dinner table in Texas and sitting in front of you is a gorgeous Thanksgiving brisket. You can enjoy some spicy jalapeño cornbread on side, and make sure you save some room for a delicious pecan pie. Pecan pie may not be unique to Texas but keep this in mind. Texas is one of the top three pecan-producing states, pecan trees are the state tree, pecans or the state nut, and Pecan Pie is the state dessert of Texas. I can't think of anywhere else more qualified to make the perfect Pecan Pie.

There's more to do in Texas during Thanksgiving that just shoving food in your face. If you are in the Dallas area, then the Thanksgiving Day Parade is a must-attend event! You'll be able to see floats, marching bands, and a bevy of other forms of entertainment marching through downtown Dallas. If you're in the San Antonio area, then the Holiday River Parade takes place right after Thanksgiving. You can go for a stroll along the River Walk and enjoy a beautiful evening lit up with the holiday spirit. For those of you that are a little more active, Texas offers some of the best Turkey Trots you can find. Austin has many to choose from, and the best could possibly be the ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot! It is the largest 5-mile run in Texas with over 20,000 participants from the US and other countries.

So, whether you're swapping out the traditional turkey for a Texas brisket, or you're getting off the couch and going for a run, there is so much about thanksgiving in Texas that makes it unique to the state and better than the rest!