Howdy Partner, You Ain't Seen Nothin' Yet: The Great Texas Welcome Sign Census
You might be thinkin', "Now that's a right curious question." Well, hold your horses (or that ten-gallon hat), because in the Lone Star State, hospitality ain't a suggestion, it's a way of life. And what better way to show Southern charm than with a plethora of "Welcome to Texas" signs?
So, how many of these friendly greetings are there, beckoning weary travelers and snowbirds alike? That, my friend, is a mystery as big as Texas itself.
The Official Count: Yeehaw, or Yawn?
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), bless their bureaucratic hearts, doesn't keep an official tally. Maybe they're too busy wranglin' armadillos or keepin' an eye out for tumbleweeds. Who knows?
This lack of a number has some folks hot as a habanero pepper. "How can you claim to be hospitable if you don't even know how many welcomes you're sending out?" they cry. But us Texans, we see the bigger picture. It's the spirit of the welcome, not the number, that counts.
Signs, Signs, Everywhere a Sign...
Let's face it, Texas is a big state. Bigger than France, folks! That's a lot of border to cover. Imagine the poor fella at TxDOT who gets stuck counting welcome signs. He'd be out there for years, wranglin' rattlesnakes and wonderin' if he'd ever see his family again.
But here's the beauty of it all: Texans are a creative bunch. Official signs or not, you'll find "Welcome to Texas" plastered on everything from roadside diners to private ranches. There's the classic green-and-white TxDOT design, sure, but then you get the fun stuff:
- A giant armadillo welcoming you with a friendly wink.
- A ten-gallon hat perched on a fence post, hootin' "Howdy!"
- A BBQ pit smokin' away, promisin' a taste of Texas hospitality.
These unofficial ambassadors add their own special charm to the Texas welcome wagon.
The Verdict: We Don't Need No Stinkin' Badge (or Count)
So, to answer your initial question: There's no definitive number of "Welcome to Texas" signs. And frankly, that's just the way we like it. Our hospitality is as boundless as the Texas sky. Whether it's an official sign, a friendly wave from a local, or the sweet smell of barbecue in the air, you're always welcome in Texas. Just remember to mind your manners, y'hear?
Now, mosey on along and enjoy your time in the friendliest state this side of the Mississippi (or maybe even the whole darn world)!
