With 2016 drawing to a close in just a few short days, it's about time we reflect on how many things we checked off our bucket list this year. Chances are, the number is very low if not zero. Why not start planning your 2017 trips now so that work and finances are less likely to get in the way? There are just some things you have to do as a Texan, and these are 15 of the big ones. How many will you accomplish next year?

1. Take a road trip

Whether it's through the rocky canyons of the West or the towering pine trees of the East, there's a road trip for everyone in Texas - after all, we have nearly 900 miles of highway to travel.

2. Eat some world-class barbecue.

Kreuz Market, Black's, The Salt Lick, Luling Market...the options are endless. No matter where you are in the state, you can pretty much guarantee there's a good barbecue place near you.

3. Attend the Texas State Fair in Dallas.

Big Tex is the closest thing we have to a state mascot and a prime example of the slogan, "Everything's bigger in Texas," so it would be a crime to not see him in person at least once. Plus, fried everything.

4. Tour the Alamo.

It's one of the most important places in Texas history, and we all need to pay our respects.

5. Go to the Houston Rodeo.

It's the largest rodeo in the WORLD, y'all. You aren't a true Texan until you partake in this annual event that brings us back to our cowboy roots.

6. Camp under the stars at Big Bend.

If you've never seen the night sky completely unadulterated, you're missing out. There's nothing like doing some soul-searching at the top of a mountain as the Milky Way Band passes over you.

7. Take a mini vacation to Nacogdoches.

It's the oldest town in Texas, but some parts of it look like they haven't aged a bit. The charming town square will take you back to the good old days with its old-fashioned architecture, and the friendly locals will make you feel right at home.

8. Swim in Hamilton Pool.

A world-renowned natural wonder, Hamilton Pool is easily the most breathtaking place in Texas. You'll have a hard time believing it's even real until you see it in person (I know I did).

9. Drive by a roadside oddity.

We have many, from the Cathedral of Junk in Austin (a house made entirely of trash) to the random pair of legs and Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo to the giant fire hydrant with Dalmatian spots in Beaumont.

10. Drink an ice-cold can of Dr Pepper

Nothing quite compares on a hot summer day spent fishing at the lake or swimming in the creek. It just hits the spot.

11. Hike at Palo Duro Canyon

It's our own personal Grand Canyon and the second-largest canyon in the United States. There's no feeling quite like standing at the top and seeing a panoramic view of the world around you.

12. Eat a kolache.

Not the long ones with sausage and cheese in the middle - a real, round, Texas kolache.

13. Frolic in the vibrant springtime bluebonnets.

Don't forget to take pictures of your babies sitting in them, as is Texas tradition.

14. Let your taste buds delight in the glory that is Tex-Mex.

Queso on everything? Yes, please.

15. Walk around the capitol building.

Ours is bigger than the nation's capitol - yeah, it's true. Everything really is bigger in Texas.

How many of these have you done? What other places are obligatory to visit if you're a Texan?