You only need to spend about five minutes in Texas before you realize folks here are proud to be Texan. We fly the state flag right up next to the American flag, and when we travel the world, most of the time we tell others we are from Texas just as much as we say we’re American. We have a unique perspective here, one that is distinctly ours, and we’re fiercely protective of it. Celebrating the Fourth Of July is no different: we love to celebrate all the things that make America, and our own state, great.
This year, since Orlando was going to be out of town for the holiday, I felt like something low-key would be best for the girls and I to ring in America’s 240th birthday. Typically we do a huge family get-together at our house, but it just felt a little overwhelming to tackle on my own. Certainly that didn’t mean we couldn’t celebrate though, so I planned an easy picnic at the park with the help of Ozarka Water. They sent us a care package of all things Texas BBQ – we’re talking sauces, meat rubs, mustard spreads, and even tortilla chips. Every single item is made right here in the Lone Star state, so I dubbed our patriotic party “A Very Texan Fourth of July”.
Want to recreate your own Texan BBQ? Here’s what we were working with:
Paqui Tortilla Chips in Very Verde Good from Austin, TX.
Jelly Queens Black Garlic Rosemary BBQ Sauce from Hickory Creek, TX.
Taste Elevated Sweet & Spicy Mustard Seeds from Castroville, TX.
Yellowbird Habanero Sauce from Austin, TX.
Snow’s BBQ Sauce from Lexington, TX.
A few days before the picnic, I scoured the last of the Independence Day party supplies at Target and found these American flag straws, serving dishes, silverware, and little milk bottles for the little ones to drink their Ozarka water out of. I had some napkins left over at the house from the last 4th of July, and I knew we would be needing a LOT for a Texan BBQ. Finally, Target had these hot dog trays which were actually the perfect size for a little bit of brisket and some sides.
The actual food I ordered for pick up the day of from Rudy’s, our absolute favorite spot to grab some ‘cue in San Antonio. It just so happens the original location is down the street from our house in Leon Springs, but not much has changed since they fired up the barbecue pit for the first time in 1989. They’re still serving delicious brisket, their famous creamed corn, and peach cobbler for dessert. I love that our area in Leon Springs has such a rich history, and a delicious one at that!
For our picnic location, we headed to the center of San Antonio at Landa Library. Under their enormous oak trees, right beside the playground, we found a spot to spread our blanket, also provided by Ozarka oddly enough! They added to our Texas theme since the water is bottled at the source from three springs in Texas. It’s another way we can support our great state, and enjoy it’s amazing resources. And on top of that, it’s delicious. In a final touch of homage to our little corner of the Union, I found a Texas Rangers ball cap for Cora and a T-shirt for me at Target. There aren’t exact versions online, but I found this cap and this shirt that are really cute as well! I still might not own a pair of cowboy boots, but I think I’m a full-blown Texan after this picnic. 😉
Many thanks to my friend April of Pure Happiness Photography for snapping these photos of the girls and I enjoying our very Texan Independence Day! Even though Orlando isn’t here to enjoy the day with us, I’m so glad the girls and I were able to get out and enjoy ourselves. It might be a little more effort for me, but it’s worth it to see their silly grins. Especially when their cheeks are covered in barbecue sauce and we’re basking in the warm Texas evenings.
How are you celebrating the 4th of July today? With friends? Family? At the lake or by the pool? Tell me all about it in the comments, and stay safe y’all!
XO,
A
P.S. I received compensation in exchange for this post. Don’t worry though, all opinions are my own.
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