8 Most Unconventional Towns In Texas
Everything is bigger in Texas, especially considering it's the second-largest state in the US. This heartwarming southern state is known for its rich cowboy history, delicious Tex-Mex cuisine, and the majestic Texas Longhorn cattle. Bring your appetite, natural curiosity, and a camera. Fill your heart and soul with all the uniqueness that Texas has to offer. From vast prairies to the rolling hills of Hill Country, discover whimsical and unconventional Texas towns waiting to enchant visitors.
Fredericksburg
Founded by German immigrants in 1846, Fredericksburg is an endearing, unconventional town in Texas. Experience the charm and wonder of Germany without leaving the United States. This German-themed town has a wonderful small-town hospitality atmosphere. Despite the unlimited number of unique lodgings, staying at the Hoffman Haus is a top-tier and top-rated experience. Hoffman Haus is a cozy bed and breakfast right around the corner from the hustle and bustle of the historic main street. It hosts a beautiful combination of Fredericksburg's old-world charm and modern luxury.
Eat your way through Fredericksburg by digging into authentic Bavarian cuisine at Friedhelm's Bavarian Inn Restaurant and Bar. Enjoy a classic Bratwurst or Jager Schnitzel, and wash it all down with some imported German beer. Continue your German beer bucket list by trying brews from Altstadt Brewery. Take a brewery tour and then hang out at the Tap Room while savoring the good stuff like a Kölsch or Lager.
History buffs and families can easily spend a day wandering the National Museum of the Pacific War. This 6-acre museum offers a complete overview of World War II. See historical military aircraft at the Pacific Combat Zone, lose yourself in the Japanese Garden of Peace, and pay your respects in the Fallen Courtyard.
Marfa
Marfa is a mystical and unconventional town in Texas. Both mystifying and captivating, the area is famous for the mysterious phenomenon known as the Marfa Lights. While the answer remains unknown, many speculate the Marfa Lights are either paranormal, UFOs, or a scientific explanation. Seeing these elusive lights dance across the night sky is an unreal experience. If you visit Marfa from the end of August to the beginning of September, watch the streets and skies light up with food, music, and vendors at the annual Marfa Lights Festival.
Marfa is an art lover's paradise smack in the middle of nowhere. Spend the day wandering the area where Artist Donald Judd embed his artistic roots all around. Check out The Chinati Foundation, filled with large-scale contemporary art since 1986. Donald Judd's masterpieces can also be found at The Block, Architecture Studio, Art Studio, Cobb House, and Whyte Building. See everything from his early paintings, furniture, and architectural marvels.
Extend your stay and embrace your inner hippie by renting an eclectic piece of art at El Cosmico. Spend the night under the stars in a Cosmic Kasita, Bushtec Tent, Yurt, or Teepee. No matter which bohemian-style accommodation you set your heart on, every stay with El Cosmico is one-of-a-kind. Time to stretch out on the hammock and let the Texas night sky consume you.
Jefferson
Both historical and haunted, Jefferson is an unconventional Texas gem. Dive into Jefferson's incredible roots at the Jefferson Historical Society and Museum. Explore life in the 1800s, admire works at the Moseley Art Gallery, check out Civil War artifacts, and see the action at the R.D. Moses Train Layout. At night, play ghost hunters while you get to know Jefferson's spooky history with a Historic Jefferson Ghost Walk. Learn about the area's legends and lore while you hear chilling tales and wander through the dimly lit streets.
Take a glimpse into pre-Civil War times. Jefferson has over 100 well-preserved historical landmarks, some dating back to the 1800s. Stay the night, admire the antique decor, and maybe catch a ghost sighting at The Excelsior House Hotel. One of Texas's oldest operating hotels, it has been welcoming guests since 1858. For another haunting evening, check in at the Historic Jefferson Hotel, the most haunted hotel in the world, with reported ghost sightings in every room. Since 1851, Jefferson Hotel has been brimming with gorgeous Victorian-style rooms and more antique decor than you can count. You won't even believe you're currently in the 21st century.
While venturing into the world of the mysterious and paranormal, why not hunt for Bigfoot as well? The Jefferson area has many reported sightings. Say hello to a Bigfoot statue at the entrance of Port Jefferson History and Nature Center. Walk the short trail, and you may be able to find more bigfoots hiding in the forestry.
Port Isabel
Located at the southern tip of the state, Port Isabel is an unconventional and coastal Texas beauty with a rich maritime history. Immerse yourself in Port Isabel's past at the Port Isabel Historical Museum. The building is enchanting, having been built in 1899 and decorated with an artsy fish mural in 1906. See the iconic Port Isabel Lighthouse, a significant landmark gracing the area since 1852. It's in the middle of the town square so you can't miss it. Climb to the top and see South Padre Island in the distance. Before you head out, take a day trip to South Padre Island by crossing the Queen Isabella Memorial Bridge and soaking in the striking views of the Gulf of Mexico.
Port Isabel is the perfect spot to bust out the old eye patch and say, Ahoy Matey! Venture around the rushing waters of Laguna Madre onboard a pirate ship by booking a tour through Black Dragon Cruises. From treasure hunting to sword fighting, it's a one-of-a-kind experience that's a blast for all ages. Due to its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, Port Isabel has some incredible fresh seafood. Dig into waterfront dining at Pirates Landing Restaurant AND Bar. Feast on a tropical Mahi Mahi, fish tacos, or shrimp ceviche. Experienced fishermen can bring in a fresh catch, and the restaurant will cook it for you.
Bastrop
Bastrop is an unconventional Texas town offering a seamless blend of rustic charm and a small-town feel. Known as "the most historic small town in Texas," Bastrop is perfectly nuzzled along the Colorado River. Since 1832, Bastrop has established a rich past and is home to over 130 historical landmarks.
Travel back in time and experience Bastrop's roots with a historical journey through the old town. Originally built in 1884, the Bastrop County Courthouse stands strong and tall on Pecan Street and is still used today. Stunning both inside and out, the Bastrop Opera House has been captivating audiences since 1889. Visitors can still catch a performance today. Walk on history, literally, when you cross the Old Iron Bridge. The structure has been an iconic Bastrop landmark since 1923. In the evening, rest your head at the Pecan Street Inn. This cozy, Victorian-style bed and breakfast is conveniently located in downtown Bastrop. Be in the center of all the action and enjoy the Inn's signature dishes, such as the Pecan Waffles. Pecan Street Inn offers a comfortable hominess that's highly rated and well-loved.
Nothing beats the unique ecosystem at the Lost Pines Forest. Traverse through the endless vast area of loblolly pines and breathe in that fresh forest air. If you are lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the Houston Toad, an endangered species.
Terlingua
Formerly a mining town, Terlingua has an enchanting ghost town atmosphere, and the area is a hotspot for off-the-grid living. A quiet town in the middle of nowhere comes with perks. Stay the night in Terlingua and witness incredible sunsets with bright reds, yellows, and oranges painting the desert sky. Watch the transition from sunset to starry night skies and see the Texas night sky light up with an endless cosmic masterpiece.
Terlingua's fascinating heritage offers abundant photo opportunities throughout the region. One of the top spots is The Terlingua Cemetery. This eccentric landmark combines an eerie stillness but serene vibe with many handmade grave markers. Walk through the dusty paths in the middle of the vast, open desert landscape. Snap photos of St. Agnes Church and Terlingua Jail during your historical venture. Both cultural landmarks are notable monuments in the Terlingua area. Despite the ghost town atmosphere, Terlingua still has a bumping restaurant. Grab a bite to eat at The Starlight Theatre Restaurant and Saloon. Kick back and enjoy a rib-eye steak or burger or catch a live band.
Terlingua is an unconventional Texas town known as a gathering spot for hearty appetites. Bring your hunger to the iconic Terlingua Chili Cook-off. Enjoy four nights of live music and feast on a fabulous bowl of homemade Texas chili. Nothing beats a warm hug in a bowl to commemorate the cozy fall season. Join the gang from late October to early November for this unforgettable extravaganza.
Wimberley
Wimberley is a rustic, old-world town beautifully located in the panoramic landscape of Texas Hill Country. Formerly a trading post in 1848, Wimberley has evolved into a well-loved and unconventional Texas town. To get the best view of the area, hike up Old Baldy. The trail gives you an incredible bird's-eye view of Wimberley. Another phenomenal way to get a feel for the Wimberley area is with a chilling drive through the Devil's Backbone. This haunted highway is an eerie stretch of road that ranges from Wimberley to Blanco. Many mysterious sightings of phantom Civil War soldiers and ghosts of Spanish monks have been reported.
A town as unique as Wimberley has some pretty cool accommodations. Enjoy a refreshing slumber onboard a renovated 1915 train caboose. It is guaranteed to be a unique and unforgettable stay. For a more authentic cowboy experience, book a stay at 7A Ranch. The many options of cabins and lodges are a rustic and true Texan experience nestled in the wilderness along the gorgeous Blanco River. Another option is admiring the vast landscape from the treetops. Wake up in a one-of-a-kind tree house accommodation at Onera Wimberley. Nothing beats those vibrant, striking sunrises and sunsets above the Texas Hill Country.
Travel back in time with a historic walk through old Wimberley and learn about the area's rich heritage. Stop by the Winters-Wimberley House, which served as the home for the Winter family for generations until the 1900s. This cozy stone cottage is a recognized Wimberley symbol. Constructed in 1892, the John R. Dobie House is another historical beauty. The home was owned by the Dobie residents until 1977.
Canton
Fill your home with quirky trinkets from Canton. This unconventional Texas town is famous for hosting First Monday Trade Days, the biggest flea market in the world. Explore the extravaganza every Thursday until Sunday before the first Monday of every month. Stock up on homemade crafts, antiques, vintage clothing, and collectibles. After your shopping excursion, fill your stomach with funnel cake, corn dogs, and a good old basket of fries.
The perfect day consists of wandering around the historic downtown Canton. Embrace the small-town feel while supporting local businesses and getting cozy at the cutest eateries. Pick up a handmade beauty product from October Soap and update your wardrobe Texan style at The Rancher's Wife Boutique. Have a taste of the old times at Southern Pop. This unique Texas shop offers an extensive variety of popcorn, ice cream, and soda. After some retail therapy, stop at the Van Zandt County Courthouse, also in the downtown area. Built in 1937, this historical landmark is still serving Canton today.
Pay your respects to fallen soldiers at the Van Zandt County Veterans Memorial. Walk through the well-crafted grounds and see military aircraft and equipment. Venture around statues of a Marine Corps helicopter, Phantom jet, and an army transport truck. Van Zandt County Veterans Memorial also has a free museum containing even more artifacts, including military medals and uniforms.
Texas Charm Meets Unconventional Travel
Texas is glowing with unconventional small towns that have an unbeatable allure. Travel back to pre-civil war times and have a haunting stay in Jefferson. Venture out to the coast in Port Isabel or see Terlingua's enchanting ghost town. Stay in the most quirky accommodations in Wimberley and travel down the Devil's Backbone. Grab an eccentric souvenir from First Monday Trade Days in Canton, or eat your heart out in the German-themed town of Fredericksburg. Visit the historic town of Bastrop or be enchanted by the mysterious Marfa Lights. From historical architectural masterpieces to chilling paranormal experiences and a good old bowl of chili, Texas has a little something for everyone to explore.
