9 Most Neighborly Towns In Texas
Texas is one of the nation's largest states, brimming with history, culture, and a charm that can only be defined as "pure Texas." It is known for its diverse topography, landscapes, and cowboy culture. The overall atmosphere is fiercely independent, which the residents trace back to Texas, a sovereign nation in the 19th century.
The Alamo, an iconic American historical site, is a proud emblem of the Lonestar State's freedom. Most cities and towns embrace this spirit, and the community is hospitable to visitors. These nine towns are known for their friendliness and exude an authentic Texas spirit of freedom and community.
Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg is famous for its German heritage, wineries, and friendly community. Founded in 1846, the town celebrates its unique German beginnings with a historic Main Street packed with fine eateries and boutique shopping. Texas Hill Country has over 100 wineries, 75 of which are in Gillespie County, making Fredericksburg the epicenter of Texas wine country.
Messina Hof Hill Country Winery, Airis'Ele Vineyards, and Cross Mountain are notable, offering wine tasting and tours. Nobody will blame you if you do not want to leave the historic downtown area. In that case, Cross Mountain is conveniently located on Main Street. It would be negligent, almost sinful, to leave town without dining at an authentic German restaurant. Popular options include Altdorf Restaurant and Biergarten and Friedhelm's Bavarian Inn, which are also excellent options for immersing yourself in Fredericksburg's culture.
Port Aransas
The coastal town of Port Aransas, in southern Texas, prides itself on "living the island life." The small town is a prime example of the geographical diversity that few states have and that the Lone Star state embraces. The family-friendly village has historic attractions like the Chapel on the Dunes, cultural interests like the Patton Center for Marine Science Education, and a pleasant beach for summer days.
The Chapel on the Dunes is on Mustang Island and a proud pillar of "The Eight Wonders of Port Aransas." Built by Poet Laureate Aline Carter, the Chapel was built on one of the highest points in town, faces the ocean, and is painted with spiritual murals in 1972 that strike awe for those who enter the doorway. The Marine Center is an extension of the University of Texas. It features eight large aquaria and interactive displays, enabling people to learn about conservation and the ocean. Admission is free.
Dripping Springs
Dripping Springs is drenched in natural beauty and serves as the gateway to the Texas Hill Country, only 25 miles from the "Live Music Capital of the World, Austin." This unique topography is home to the state's wine country and is a friendly place to visit. Naturally, this is a wine enthusiast's favorite place in Texas, featuring wineries like Bell Springs, Driftwood Estate, and Carter Creek.
Planning a day at one of the wineries for tasting and tours is the perfect way to decompress and one reason many people visit this region. Another reason is the stunning natural scenery at Pedernales State Park or Reimer's Ranch Park. There is plenty more to see, like Historic Mercer Street. Strolling down Mercer Street or Old Fitzhugh Road is stepping into a time portal between 1870-1940 when the most carefully preserved buildings were erected. There are old-fashioned gas stations and small shops to explore, adding even more charm to this beautiful Hill Country town.
Salado
Salado is a small village with an independent spirit and friendly community north of Austin in the heart of Texas. Its history parallels that of Texas, from the cattle drives on the Chisholm Trail to the emergence of creatives and craftspeople. This history can be observed throughout the town, especially at the Salado Museum, College Park, and any of the historic cemeteries.
The museum and park preserve and promote the region's pioneer history and the ruins and grounds of historic Salado College. The five public cemeteries hold a world of Texas history and many family plots. The cemeteries have historical markers underscoring the significance of the land and the families that made Salado what it is today.
Rockport
The coastal town of Rockport is home to the noteworthy Rockport Beach, with fishing piers and birdlife. It is also an excellent choice for learning about Gulf Coast history at the Texas Maritime Museum, featuring exhibits and displays exploring everything from pirates to oil well drilling. Other cultural attractions include the Rockport Centre for the Arts and the Fulton Mansion.
The art center is 48 years old and is open six days a week with free admission. Its eclectic exhibits feature iconic works, making it one of the top ten coastal art colonies in the US, and should not be missed. The historic 1874 mansion is an elegant part of Rockport's history, and the owner, George Fulton, was a key part of developing the shipping industry here. It is a masterful Second Empire design, and its yellow exterior makes it easy to spot.
Friendswood
With a name like Friendswood, it has to be a friendly and welcoming community. Several historic structures and monuments throughout town provide a prime opportunity to discover the town's roots while walking. The Historical Society sponsors the 1903 Perry House, Frank J. Brown Museum, and the Community Christmas Tree in December.
The 1903 Perry House was the residence of one of the town's first families. The memorial in the front commemorates the historic structure, the oldest structure from the Quaker Settlement Era for the town's first pastors. The Frank J. Brown Museum showcases exhibits and artifacts from the town's earliest roots.
Brenham
Brenham is an affable town with traditional storefronts and a deep German heritage. It is most famous for being home to Blue Bell Creameries, one of the largest in the US. The Americana downtown is also home to myriad antique shops, art galleries, and outdoor murals. It is one of several historic districts and home to a magnificent live performing arts theatre, the Historic Simon Theatre, and the Mt. Zion Methodist Church.
The classic Beaux-Arts Classical Revival, built in 1925, is elegant with ballroom dancing, film screenings, and live theater. It is an architectural landmark similar in significance to the residential East Brenham Residential District. The 19th-20th century homes feature the remarkable Matchett, Edgar House, and the stunning Giddings Stone Mansion.
Granbury
Historic Granbury is a fun and welcoming small community with a landmark and a compact downtown that is fun to explore on foot. The focal piece is the Historic Courthouse Square, built in 1860, the same year as the town. It is in front of the grand Hood County Courthouse, a three-story Victorian architectural marvel topped with a Seth Thomas town clock.
It is the first town square in Texas on the National Register of Historic Places. It is home to several festivals and live events throughout the year. The square is ensconced with mid to late 19th-century commercial buildings and a statue of General Hiram B Granbury. The hamlet is fittingly dubbed "the town where Texas history lives" and had its share of the West's infamous characters. There are 16 historical markers denoting the history of the downtown area.
Boerne
Boerne has a long German history and derived its name from German author and satirist Ludwig Börne by the town's founders. It is a lovely historic town that is pedestrian-friendly. A free DIY Walking Tour winds past more than 100 landmark properties downtown and a historical complex to discover on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month.
The Kuhlmann-King Historial Complex is open to the public two days a month. The residence was built in the 1880s, and the tour explores the history of the German family that first lived here. The Old Jail Museum is new, and visitors are allowed to get locked up in a historic jail cell. If walking is on the list, stop at Herff Farm, a 60-acre historical land track with trails, inspirational gardens, and a Farmer's Market.
Embracing the Heart of Texas: Neighborly Towns Worth Visiting
Texas is known for its diverse landscape. One will encounter hill country, deserts, and Gulf Coast beach towns. Many of these towns have a welcoming spirit, and these nine towns are among the friendliest in the Lone Star State. From the natural beauty of Dripping Springs to the bustling port town of Aransas, these towns should top any traveler's itinerary.
Many Main Street communities like Fredericksburg are fun to walk around and sip wine at local vineyards. Towns like Salado are known for their affable nature and fun live events like the Scottish Festival. What makes small, friendly towns so inviting is the community's willingness to give a friendly wave and answer questions about the town's history. Brenham, among others, is known for its engaging culture, which makes passers-through feel like they are part of the eclectic fabric of the small town.
