Rural by Birth: Celebrating the Hick Lifestyle and Why Country Living Wins

Introduction

Growing up on backroads is more than a location – it’s a way of life. At Hick Brand Clothing, our motto “Rural by Birth” isn’t just a catchy tagline; it represents a commitment to the land, the people and the culture that shaped us. When we say we’re hicks, we say it with pride. To us a hick is someone who finds beauty in dirt roads, loves the smell of fresh-cut hay and would rather spend a Friday night around a bonfire than at a fancy gala. Our clothing is built for long days in the field and late nights in honky tonks. In this post we’ll explain what it means to be Hick – why country living is the best way to live – and how our sister brands Cowgirls Tavern and Modish Boutique complete the community.

The Hick Mindset – Proud of Our Roots

Rural by Birth, Country by Choice. The term “hick” has been used negatively in some circles, but to us it’s a badge of honor. When you grow up in the country you learn early on that character matters more than status and that your handshake means something. Life on the land teaches:

• Self‑Reliance and Ingenuity: country folks raise their own food, repair their own fences and can fix just about anything with baling wire and duct tape. Many rural families enjoy low costs and plenty of space, allowing them to live comfortably while growing crops and raising animals.

• Respect for Nature: living where the stars still shine encourages you to slow down, listen to the crickets and appreciate the rhythms of the seasons. Rural living offers immediate access to nature, quiet surroundings and darkness for stargazing.

• Community Spirit: small‑town life revolves around neighbours. Rural communities are tight‑knit; people know each other, look out for one another and have time for friendly conversations. Whether it’s helping a neighbor rebuild a barn or gathering at the local fair, being a hick means you value relationships over conveniences.

Why Country Living Is the Best Way to Live

For those of us who grew up in the country, the advantages are obvious. For everyone else, here’s why we believe rural living beats city life:

1. More space, lower costs and a healthier environment. Rural areas offer bigger yards, open skies and cheaper housing. Studies show that non‑core (rural) counties experience significantly fewer days of unhealthy air quality because there are fewer pollution sources. Fresh air and access to local farms mean better physical and mental health.

2. Safety and tranquility. Crime tends to be higher in cities because of larger populations and greater inequality. In the countryside you don’t worry as much about locks; you worry about leaving the gate open and losing the cattle. Less traffic and noise also lower stress.

3. Genuine community and slower pace. Rural areas encourage long‑term relationships, with neighbours forming meaningful bonds. People walk or ride bikes within their communities and enjoy scenic routes instead of rushing through traffic. This slower pace allows us to savour sunsets, chat with strangers and live intentionally.

4. Better food and water. Country living means access to farm‑fresh produce and often the ability to grow your own garden. Locally sourced meat and vegetables taste better and support our neighbours. Even our water often comes from wells or springs, and while small towns may have to watch water quality, the overall exposure to pollutants is less than in industrial cities.

5. Endless outdoor fun. From hiking, hunting and fishing to planting gardens and riding horses, there are countless activities in rural regions. Big sky nights offer unmatched stargazing, and there’s always a bonfire or a back‑road trip waiting to happen.

Backroads, Bonfires & Honky Tonks – The Heartbeat of Hick Culture

We often say that if you know, you know – and if you’ve ever spent a Saturday tearing down a gravel road with the windows down, you get it. Here are a few of the rituals that make the hick life special:

Exploring Backroads

There’s a reason we prefer two‑lane country roads over interstates. Backroads lead to hidden lakes, abandoned barns and fields full of wildflowers. Travel writers note that taking the road less traveled lets you discover new places, enjoy the rolling hills and grassy meadows and escape the hustle of the city. Small‑town America lives at a slower pace and is friendlier and more welcoming; the trip itself becomes part of the adventure. You’ll find down‑home diners with biscuits and gravy, vintage gas stations and mom‑and‑pop shops where everyone greets you by name.

Gathering Around Bonfires

Nothing beats the glow of a bonfire under a blanket of stars. Studies have shown that spending time around a campfire improves mental health by encouraging social interaction, teamwork and creativity; it even provides a sense of accomplishment and deepens our connection with nature and tradition. Campfires act as “third places” that encourage conversation, create community and help people relax. Whether we’re roasting marshmallows, picking a guitar or telling stories, the fire brings us together and reminds us that the simple things in life are often the most meaningful.

Honky Tonks & Live Music

While the fire dies down, the night doesn’t end; it moves to the honky tonk. The honky tonk bar emerged in the late 19th century as a place where country, western and bluegrass performers played for ordinary folks. Today these establishments, with their neon signs and wooden floors, serve as social hubs where the line between performer and audience blurs. There’s usually no cover charge; musicians play for tips while patrons toast with cold beer or whiskey. It’s a shared experience that fosters community and celebrates our musical heritage. That’s why Hick Brand Clothing is country to the core – our gear is designed for two‑stepping on sawdust floors and singing along to your favorite band.

Our Sister Brands: Cowgirls Tavern & Modish Boutique

The hick lifestyle is about community, and we’re lucky to have partners who share our values.

Cowgirls Tavern – Your Honky Tonk Home

Located in a renovated historic building in Calvert, Texas, Cowgirls Tavern is a rustic venue that combines craft cocktails, beer, wine, hearty meals and live music. Visitors describe it as a hidden gem where locals and travelers gather to enjoy good times www.cowgirlstavern.com. The tavern treats everyone like family and is more than just a restaurant – it’s a destination for bold flavors, cold drinks and live performances www.cowgirlstavern.com. After a long week in the hayfields or on the road, there’s nothing better than heading to Cowgirls, meeting friends and sharing stories over a plate of brisket.

Modish Boutique – Rustic Chic Fashion

For the ladies who want to express their free‑spirited style, our sister label Modish Boutique offers rustic chic fashion with southern charm. Their designs blend earthy tones, natural fabrics and vintage‑inspired details to create clothing that is both elegant and rooted in the countryside www.modishlady.com. Modish pieces pair perfectly with our Hick Brand tees or with a pair of boots for a night at the honky tonk. It’s fashion for the woman who loves cozy knits and flowing dresses but still feels at home on a dirt road.

Country Girls and Guys – Dress the Part

At Hick Brand Clothing we design for real people. Country girls deserve clothing that can take them from feeding calves at dawn to dancing in boots at midnight, and country guys need gear that’s tough enough for tractor work yet stylish enough for date night. Our apparel includes:

• Durable tees and hoodies made from breathable cotton – perfect for working outdoors or lounging by the fire.

• Snap‑front shirts and denim built to withstand chores but tailored for a flattering fit.

• Hats and accessories that keep the sun off your face while showcasing your love of backroads and bonfires.

By mixing our pieces with Modish Boutique’s rustic chic offerings, you can create outfits that express both function and fashion.

Hick Brand Clothing – Country to the Core

We founded Hick Brand Clothing to honor our roots. Every design is inspired by the people and places that shaped us – the backroads we travel, the stars we sleep under, the honky tonks we dance in and the families we love. When we say “Country To The Core,” we mean that our clothing embodies resilience, authenticity and down‑home charm. We use quality materials and practical designs because we know you’ll be wearing our shirts while mending fences, fishing with friends or raising a glass at Cowgirls Tavern.

Our commitment goes beyond fabric; we’re building a community. Join us by sharing your own #RuralByBirth stories, whether you’re chasing sunsets on a dirt road, sharing a bonfire with friends or playing fiddle at the local tavern. Being a hick isn’t about where you live – it’s about who you are. It’s about embracing the freedom of the countryside, the strength of community and the joy found in simple moments. We invite you to wear our brand, support our sister businesses and celebrate what makes rural living the best way to live.