Here are ten unexpected small things from Texas that can make you feel homesick—especially if you’ve left the Lone Star State and suddenly realize how much these details shaped your sense of home.
The Scent of Bluebonnets and Fresh-Cut Grass
Springtime in Texas is marked by the unmistakable aroma of bluebonnets and freshly cut grass. This combination is a sensory reminder of home that’s hard to find anywhere else.
The Sound of Cicadas on Hot Nights
The buzzing of cicadas fills the Texas night air during the summer, creating a familiar and comforting background noise that many miss when they leave the state.
Dr. Pepper: A Texas Staple
In Texas, Dr. Pepper is more than just a beverage—it’s a cultural icon. Its presence on nearly every menu is something Texans often take for granted until it’s no longer there.
Homemade Flour Tortillas and Tex-Mex Rituals
Fresh, homemade flour tortillas and the tradition of free chips and salsa at sit-down restaurants are small but significant parts of daily life in Texas.
Friday Night Lights
High school football is a weekly event that brings communities together. The excitement, the lights, and the gathering of friends and family are deeply missed by those who move away.
Wide Open Skies and Big Sunsets
Texas is known for its vast horizons and breathtaking sunsets. The sense of space and the dramatic colors of the sky are difficult to find elsewhere.
The Friendly “Howdy!”
A simple “Howdy!” from a stranger is a hallmark of Texas hospitality. This everyday greeting can make you feel welcome and is often missed in other places.
The Smell of Barbecue Smoke
Barbecue is a Texas tradition, and the smell of smoke from a backyard or roadside pit is a powerful reminder of home and community gatherings.
The Distinctive Texas Accent
Hearing the familiar Texas drawl or accent, even from a stranger, can instantly bring back memories of home.
Small Town Courthouse Squares and Local Festivals
Many Texas towns revolve around a classic courthouse square, often hosting local festivals and markets. The sense of tradition and community found in these spaces is uniquely Texan and deeply nostalgic for many who leave the state
Sources
[1] https://anrp.tamu.edu/2021/12/15/3-things-you-can-do-to-battle-homesickness/
[2] https://solsalute.com/blog/cure-the-texas-homesick-blues/
[3] https://www.reddit.com/r/txstate/comments/15ost93/dealing_with_being_homesick/
[4] https://nnu.edu/top-7-things-to-do-when-youre-homesick/
[5] https://blogs.baylor.edu/parentsguidetoadmissions/2020/04/08/homesick/
