Words can hardly describe the immense skies, the raw space, and the feeling of history that makes up the soul of Texas. The second-largest state in the U.S., this sprawling land needs to be driven across to be believed. From the sun-baked deserts of the west to the piney woods of the east, the glass canyons of Dallas to the hallowed halls of The Alamo, you can encounter scenes here that feel pulled directly from legend. A lot of Texas truly feels like it came out of a film reel.

The state is known for its proud spirit and its sheer scale, which can be as daunting as it is alluring to a traveler. That shouldn't stop you from wanting to explore this majestic place, though. Go for the endless horizons, the wild and beautiful sunsets, and that feeling you get when your boots are coated in red dust and the sound of a country song hangs in the humid air. It really is a chapter in the story of your life.

The Texas State Capitol in Austin, built from sunset-red granite, stands taller than the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.

The people of Texas were extremely welcoming and kind, as well as very eager to introduce me to their healthy cuisine.