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The Texas state flower springs up around the first of April along Highway 290 East and FM 390. Located only one hour from San Antonio, Bandera is close to two state natural areas and has great trails for hiking, bicycling, or even horseback riding. There are also plenty of opportunities to shop for handcrafted goods, listen to live music, and take in the breathtaking scenery. Located about 40 minutes west of Austin, Dripping Springs is home to the Hamilton Pool Preserve swimming hole and lots of craft wineries, breweries, and distilleries. Its also where youll meet for activities like ghost tours or carriage rides. Georgetown is home to a variety of different attractions, including the Georgetown Palace Theatre and the Williamson Museum. Well, its so huge that the drive from Dallas to South Padre Island takes over eight hours (FYI you can also fly). Rentals are available at the marina. With just 13 official residents, Luckenbach is the tiniest of all the small Texas towns on this list. The town also has glider flying, the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center and Botanical Gardens, and Fort Davis National Historic Site. Photography by Deb Snelson / Getty Images, Education Images / Universal History Archive / Universal Images Group via Getty Images, Medianews Group / MediaNews Group via Getty Images. The town is home to a number of historic sites, including the Historic Port Isabel lighthouse and the Port Isabel Museum. Offers may be subject to change without notice. If you love peaches, youll want to visit Weatherford in July, despite the heat. It flourished with a cotton gin, Gruene general store, and a gristmill all of which are on the National Register of Historic Places today! Want to see and experience life on the Mexico/Texas border? With more than 268,000 square miles, Texas offers lots of room to roam. For a bit of nature, check out the Hamilton Pool Preserve, formed by thousands of years of water erosion, which created the collapsed grotto, canyons, and 50-foot waterfall. It is conveniently located a little over an hour from Austin and about 2 and a half from Houston. From the Chisos mountain range to the whimsical waters of the Rio Grande and charming landscapes of Hill Country, here are 27 beautiful places in Texas to visit on your upcoming trips to the Lone Star State. And speaking of the skies, another one of Marfas claims to fame is the mystery of the Marfa lights. 15 Small Texas Towns to Visit Now - Texas Highways Share in the comments! Campervanning is all the rage these days, so why not join the fun? Fredericksburg is one of a slew of charming towns in the region with rich German heritagenot to mention a wine country. The 27 Most Beautiful Places in Texas - PureWow First, theres Jacobs Well, a beautiful spring famous for its complex, underwater cave system. The town was built by Alden Dow, founder of Dow Chemical Co. during WW II for the plant workers. Whether youre interested in history, shopping, or hanging out in nature, youll have countless activities to choose from. Want to find an awesome Texas beach town for your trip? It served as Texas white house for President Johnson. From the plains of the Panhandle region to the high desert of Big Bend It is located in the northeastern corner of the state, almost three hours from Dallas. For a panoramic view above Wimberley, climb 218 steps to the top of Old Baldy (Prayer Mountain) for spectacular Hill Country views. Outside Fort Worth next to the Brazos River, the town of Granbury was voted as the USA Today Readers Choice best historic small town in America in 2019 and 2020. Jefferson is home to nearly 100 historical landmarks, many of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Some of the best small towns in Texas offer everything from spring wildflowers to summertime watermelon festivals, homemade apple pie in the fall to Polar This is a great place to unbuckle your spurs and have a whiskey or root beer. A rich history, vast landscapes, warm weather thats Texas in a nutshell. Brimming But, let me tell you, youre going to want to stop next time. Related Read:The 6 Best Islands in Texas for an Unforgettable Vacation. Founded in 1716, Nacogdoches is the oldest town in Texas and has a rich history. The 11 Best Small Towns in Texas To Visit This Year It is full of quaint boutiques, antique shops, art galleries, and delicious restaurants. Texas has a rich Czech immigrant history and it is exemplified in their baking of this delicious dessert. Beyond exploring the unique location and eating some awesome tex-mex, there are several other activities available in Laredo. This town used to be a popular stop for cowboys and other old west folks and today serves as a pleasant reminder to a time once forgotten. Traveling the state of Texas you can see the skyscrapers of Houston, the music of Gruene Hall in New Braunfels, the beaches all along the Gulf of Mexico, visit Historically, the town was the site of several bloody battles between the Apache and the Comanche Indian tribes and gained relevance as a cypress logging community in the mid-1800s. Need some vitamin sea? While many travel here to take in the beauty of the scene as a whole, those brave enough to surf the dunes will surely leave with the best stories (and videos). Texas also has many ghost towns: places that were once thriving but were abandoned due to the Great Depression, natural disasters, end of the railroad era, and changing routes. Every summer the Texas Outdoor Musical extravaganza performs at the Pioneer Amphitheater against the backdrop of canyon walls. The city is also home to the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historic Site. Of these historic buildings, Gruene Hall is the most famous as is the oldest continually operated dance hall in the whole state. Large-scale art projects like the Prada installation have been springing up around Marfa since Donald Judd's 1970s giant art installation. Terlingua Ghost Town was once home to more than 2,000 people. You'll also find plenty of galleries, shopping, and dining, while the Round Top Area Historical Society tells the history of the town. It is also home to the Marfa Lights, mysterious orbs of light that have been spotted in the night sky for centuries. A scenic drive is a great way to cover some ground and see the jaw-dropping scenery of Colorful Colorado. Welcome to the mythical, legendary Texas Hill Country. Georgetown offers lots of cute wineries and a prettylagoon parkjust a stone's throw from downtown. Take a walk through Fort Stocktons historic district to see Pecos County Courthouse, the Old Jail from 1884, and the Oldest House believed to be built in 1855. Saint Marys Catholic Church is known as the Queen of Painted Churches, but St. John the Baptist Church and Sts. (The last is for experienced rock climbers only. This is one town I cant pass without checking out the local antique shops! Since Marble Falls straddles the Colorado River, you can enjoy views of the water and set off on a boat from Johnson Park or Lakeside Park. Whether youre looking for some interesting places to stop by on a road trip or simply want to get away from the stress of big-city living for a while, these are the best small towns in Texas to explore this summer and beyond. Best for:Experiencing the old Wild West. I feel blessed to live in a state with so much diversity and so much history and, of course, lots of small towns that I never get tired of visiting. This is a great place to gather your girlfriends for a weekend getaway to tour the wineries. .a massive colonial-style courthouse from 1883 that still has the original clock and bell! There are also several riverfront parks where you can picnic or take a leisurely stroll. 34 Best Small Towns in Texas - Cute Places to Visit in West has some of the prettiest prairies, mountains, and rock formations in the whole state right on its doorstep. El Paso is the birthplace of many Wild West legends; Pat Garrett, Wyatt Earp, Pancho Villa, and President William Howard Taft all walked the city's first and oldest street, El Paso Street, during the infamous Four Dead in Five Seconds Gunfight in 1881. Fishing towns along the Gulf Coast attract families looking for beaches and surf while the charming towns and wineries of Texas Hill Country make great honeymoon destinations for couples. Best for:A road trip stop along Route 66. 20 Most Beautiful Small Towns in the U.S. Here, you'll see a magnolia tree that was planted as a seedling by former first lady Lady Bird Johnson. If fishing isn't your thing, you can still enjoy the miles of beautiful beaches on the Gulf of Mexico: Go bird-watching or parasailing, or spot wild dolphins as you explore the ocean. Save. Just 25 miles outside Austin, Dripping Springs is a mecca for those who love spirit tastings, as the town is full of distilleries. Alpine is also very close to the Mexican border and is popular for its proximity to Big Bend National Park. Known as the Irish capital of Texas, this central Texas small town has a robust and diverse population with a number of great local artisans and history to explore. It was the first downtown square in Texas to be added to the National Historic Register, and its where youll find plenty of important landmarks, shops, and restaurants. Depending on whether or not the natural aquifer has enough water that year check the website before you go you can take a dip at Jacob's Well Natural Area, a swimming hole created from an artesian spring and underground cave system. What's your favorite small town in Texas? Lockhart has been dubbed the BBQ Capital of Texas, and rightfully so. Its not the official town slogan, but it does give you an idea of what makes this small town, founded in 1887, so special. The town is also great for birdwatchers since its located in the Central Flyway, which sees hundreds of different bird species pass through annually. Amanda Ogle is a freelance writer and editor who specializes in travel, food and drink, sustainability, and general lifestyle topics. 8 Best Small Towns in Texas You Have to Visit - Travel It also has a number of water activities like boat tours and lakeside hiking/walking trails for you to choose from. It is very close to the Mexican border. Of course, theres also plenty to see and do year-round, from the Blue Bell Ice Cream factory to the quaint downtown area. The general store is a cluster and culmination of all things Texas with cowboy hats, boots, leather, and hides dangling in all corners of the old wood building. Jefferson lies east of Dallas, close to the borders with Arkansas and Louisiana. There are a vast number of very nice bed and breakfasts in town in case you want to extend your stay. The town is home to some great history museums and a charming downtown. One Saturday every month from March to December, vendors set up hundreds of stalls at Wimberley Market Day, the largest outdoor market in the Texas Hill Country. Painted Porch bookshop. Head to town for boutique shopping, restaurants, art galleries, and live music. We want to inspire you to explore new destinations, discover new experiences and savor the journey. You'll find everything from cowboys with Wild West lore to Vietnamese shrimping boats and gumbo along the southeastern Gulf beaches. That translates to pretty good odds of picture-perfect weather for a day of outdoor recreationboating, fishing, swimming and water skiingon beautiful Lake Austin. Most people associate striking fall foliage with places like Vermont and Connecticut (OK, basically all of New England) and New York, but locals and in-the-know travelers know Lost Maples State Park, located two hours northwest of San Antonio, is the best spot in the Lone Star State to peep fiery leaves. There are small towns in Texas, and then there are the downright tiny towns in Texas Luckenbach is definitely the latter. The Best Small Towns in Texas To Visit Any Time of Year The nearest big city is El Paso and that is more than 3 hours away. Its also home to a fascinating array of wildlife and world-class stargazing. The free-spirited attitude of the classic American road trip reverberates as you exploreAmarillo's Sixth Street Historic District. Stories that matter to you. For history and charm, this pre-Civil War town in East Texas is just the ticket. This is actually one of the bigger towns on our list, with a population of 12,000. Visitors to Port Isabel can enjoy a number of activities, including swimming, kayaking, and windsurfing. The island has a few beaches for you to choose from, the best of which is probably Isla Blanca Park located on the southern part of the Island. Youll also be near Caddo Lake State Park, where you can kayak or canoe along miles of paddling trails through the swamps and bayous. During the summer months, you'll find locals tubing down the lazy river and sipping beers. Back in the day, George Strait played here a time or two. Today it's still known for its many Irish-themed businesses and a huge annual St. Patrick's Day celebration. But before you venture to Palo Duron Canyon State Park to explore the impressive natural landscapes, grab some food and learn more about Canyon's history at the Historic Downtown Square and the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum. visit the Pandhandle Plains Historical Museum; Explore hotels near the Caverns of Sonora, Explore hotels near the South Llano River, city tour with stops at Mount Bonnell & state capitol, explore San Antonios natural bridge caverns, South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center, Barton Warnock Environmental Education Center. 10 Small Texas Towns to Visit Now - Texas Highways A weekend here is the perfect place for a girlfriends getaway or an outdoor experience or two. It boats attractions like the Chinati Foundation (a contemporary art museum located in a former military base) and Ballroom Marfa, an internationally recognized cultural space. Today, Jefferson is known for its historic downtown, which is full of quaint shops and restaurants, oodles of small town charm, as well as excellently preserved Victorian architecture. If the weather is good, keep the outdoor fun going with a hike up Old Baldy or a visit to Wimberley Zipline. Be sure to arrive in Lockhart with a big appetite and an empty stomach. Oh, and the Prada shop is nearby, too. Out here, its all about taking things slow and enjoying the expansive Texas landscape (and skies). North of Alpine is the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center, also a great place to go for a stroll and learn about the local desert critters. However, that does not subtract from its warm and quaint atmosphere. It has a few residents and a few cheesy shops and art installations, but otherwise, its pretty much abandoned. On the western edge of Texas, this small towns isolation will give you a brightly lit image of the nights sky. If youre planning on staying for a night or two, try and book a room at the Dabbs Railroad Hotel, a fully operational railside hotel in business since the times of the old west. The Fort Worth Botanic Garden spans a whopping 109 acres and includes the famous rose gardens, rainforest conservancy Japanese garden, an orchard collection and the Native Texas Boardwalk, which is basically a living outdoor classroom with plants and educational stations. Youll love the boutiques, antique shops, restaurants, lodging options, nature opportunities, and festivals. Grapevine never stops growing. One famous hiking trail runs through this town: the Kolache trail. Intimate art galleries and thrift stores exist alongside squat casitas and stark skylines under the Marfa Lights mysterious glowing orbs that regularly appear at night. You can also try H-E-Bs scrumptious peach tea (for free!) In recent years, it has become a popular destination for artists, musicians, and other creative types. San Antonio, Jefferson is a small East Texas town you wont want to leave! From a disco ball in a geodesic dome to a replica of an old frontier wagon, the Texas Hill Country has some of the coolest glamping spots in the whole country. It is about an hour and 15 minutes from Dallas and only 48 minutes from Fort Worth. Local self-guided walking tours show off historic homes, churches, and buildings throughout the town, including The Excelsior House Hotel and the Jefferson Carnegie Library, the latter of which was funded by American industrialist and steel magnate Andrew Carnegie. Nestled in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, Marble Falls is a charming small town with a big personality. It seems almost like torture for beach lovers living in the Lone Star State to look at Monahans Sandhills State Park only to realize the ocean is nowhere in sight. While it gets a reputation as a rowdy spring break locale, there's plenty of room for families and tamer beachgoers, thanks to over 30 miles of sandy beaches. Laredo is a beautiful Spanish-villa style town that was built 258 years ago. Not when some of the best white sand beaches in the state, dolphin watching and the Gulf of Mexico await. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Naseems Downtown Lofts. These book up quickly for First Monday Trade Days, though! Visitors can also take a trail ride and dance lessons at Mayan Dude Ranch. Jefferson. Driving through the quaint East Texas town of Jefferson feels like traveling back in time. Stop in at Dripping Springs Vodka for a tasting of its small-batch vodka and gin, or check out Treaty Oak Distilling to sample its whiskey. Climbing to the summit will test your endurance, but the pay of commanding views of the city and Lake Austin feels like a proportionate award for all that effort. For good seafood in the area try Fins Grill and Icehouse to sample the catch of the day. Spend some time on the banks of Lake Granbury. The towns Main Street shopping district is called the Hill Country Mile. Spend a morning strolling down the charming Main Street, filled with shops and restaurants, and then the afternoon at a wine tasting whiling away the afternoon sipping a crisp white among the vines, and then drive over to the towns of Gruene or Luckenbach for great live music in historic dance halls. Even if you arent a particularly skilled driver or putter, its worth booking a tee time at the Lanny Wadkins-designed Black Jacks Crossing Golf Course. Lovers of vintage wares will appreciate the antique shops, and flower connoisseurs will want to stop in at the Antique Rose Emporium, whose beautiful, landscaped gardens are filled with dazzling varieties. If you visit, don't miss great outlet shopping, driving through Hill Country, and taking a tour on a glass-bottom boat. (And if I missed your favorite, drop it in the comments!) Wine enthusiasts can head down State Highway 290 for numerous wineries showcasing Texas wines. Back then, I thought traveling an hour or so away from home was a big deal, so I never ventured out that way. It actually boasts what is commonly called "the most beautiful town square in Texas." That means lots of folks are missing out on the chance to navigate to subterranean limestone lairs, peep calcite crystal formations and even pan for gemstones. Whether youre drawn to Marfa for its creative vibes or its inexplicable phenomena, theres no denying that its a truly unique place. If youre in this area for Christmas, take a look at these reasons to visit Grapevine during the holidays. Go to the Acton Nature center for a look at some wildlife and flora, then head over to the Granbury historic Railroad Depot to learn about the iron horses of the old west. While Texas is full of small towns, my list here consists of towns Ive visited a time or two and remember fondly. In Marfa, its almost like youre not sure if a tumbleweed or an Insta influencer will blow past next. Settled by Czech farmers, the town of Ennis boasts an adorable historic district, an annual polka festival, and great Czech food. Weve rounded up the most charming small towns in Texas here! (Do we need to say it again? If youre planning your trip for November, you may get a chance to visit the famous Terlingua Chili Cookoff, where thousands of people arrive to witness a battle for the best bowl of red a.k.a. It is located in the Texas wine country and there are over 40 wineries located in the Fredericksburg area. In Texas, the major metropolises of Austin, Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio each have their individual appeals, but the same holds true for the small towns in Texas youll find around the state. For outdoor pursuits, paddle through bayous at Caddo Lake State Park, a 20-minute drive east. How To Plan A Trip With The Appalachian Mountain Club, Light Show Extravaganza Returning To The Nashville Zoo Why Youll Want To Reserve Tickets Soon, 8 Experiences That Make A Windstar Cruise Worth The Price, 13 Fantastic Things To Do In Beautiful Bastrop, Texas, 12 Best Things To Do In Historic Corpus Christi, For details on Quillt's privacy and cookie policies, please visit our, reasons to visit Grapevine during the holidays, Blue Bell Creameries and Ice Cream Parlor. One of our favorite charming small towns in Texas! From hiking and biking trails to wineries and breweries, theres something for everyone in Dripping Springs. Youll probably be tired from all the driving so lay your head down to rest at the La Quinta Inn, it is very central within the town. The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is acclaimed for its floral displays, sculptures, seasonal events and education programs. The Stanzel Model Aircraft Museum is owned by the Stanzel Family; model aircraft royalty who was inducted into the Model Aircraft hall of fame. Her work has appeared in. It is undoubtedly one of the most charming small towns in Texas! Related Read: Sunshine & Solitude: Best Backpacking Routes in Big Bend National Park. Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list. And no trip to Marble Falls would be complete without sampling the famous pies at Bluebonnet Cafe! You wont want to miss the painted churches, Model Airplane Museum, and homemade German sausage and schnitzel. 8 Best Small Towns In Texas For Lone Star Charm - Southern Inland hikes, gator spotting, marshland kayaking, and more - Houston, Texas, is surrounded by excellent state parks with activities for everyone. People from around the world come out to the designated viewing area off the highway near town to see if they can spot the colorful, dancing lights that others have reported seeing around the horizon. Along with the championship game on Aug. 27, there are Visitors can explore the historic buildings many of which are on the National Register of Historic places, shop for antiques, and enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants. Youve heard it countless times, but thats because its true! Known as the filming location for the James Dean and Elizabeth Taylor movie "Giant" and the mysterious Marfa Lights, this small town offers plenty to see and do. Explore the Lone Star State with Enchanting Texas Travel Blog. Don't miss Royers Pie Haven, which serves up some of the best pies in the state the Texas Trash pie is positively sinful. Stop by the Jefferson General Store, built in the 1860s, for old-fashioned candy and root beer floats, or the Jefferson Historical Museum, housed in the former federal courthouse and post office. . The town has a rich culture and deep southern hospitality that will make your heart warm. But in the spring, the town is covered in brilliant bluebonnets and all kinds of other wildflowers. The beach town draws in fans of deep-sea fishing seeking its excellent fishing areas along the coast. Head over to De Leon Inn if youre looking for a cheap place to stay and grab a bite at Woodys Place to sample some awesome American Barbecue. Founded in 1836, it was one of the earliest towns in Texas and served as the capital of the Republic of Texas for a brief period of time. Port Aransas happens to be the only established town on Mustang Island, a barrier island along Texas Gulf Coast. Marfa is an artistic, quaint town located in the high desert of far West Texas. Sure, seeing (and, of course, snapping pics of) the famously beautiful batholith is the main attraction, but its also deeply fascinating to learn about the mystical legends that swirl around the site (at least, we think so).