The Main Street in Fredericksburg, Texas. Image credit ShengYing Lin via Shutterstock

9 Storybook Towns In Texas

With Texas being nearly twice the size of Germany, there is always a hidden treasure to discover in the massive state, even for locals. From cowboy ranches and seaside boardwalks to German-inspired vineyards, the Lone Star State always has a surprise around the corner. If you have been craving an escape to somewhere a bit more magical, these nine storybook-like towns will definitely spark your imagination.

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Bandera

A scene from Bandera, Texas.
A scene from Bandera, Texas.

Known as the Cowboy Capital of the World, Bandera promises an authentic Wild West experience. Saddle up for a ranch tour at spots like Rancho Cortez or Legacy Ranch, or shake things up with a visit to the Movieland Animals and Camel Farm, where you can swap horseback riding for a camel ride! Check Bandera’s calendar for its periodic rodeo events, including the Bandera ProRodeo, taking place on Memorial Day Weekend, and a barrel race riding event in September. For a Western-style meal, grab a bite at Branding Iron Bar & Grill, located on the Flying L Ranch Resort.

Kemah

Horse and carriage at Kemah boardwalk amusement park, Texas
Horse and carriage at Kemah boardwalk amusement park, Texas. Editorial credit: JSvideos / Shutterstock.com

Just a 35-minute drive from Houston, Kemah is a charming coastal community along Trinity Bay. Visitors can easily spend an afternoon at the Kemah boardwalk, home to both an amusement park and waterfront restaurants, such as the Flying Dutchman, featuring a patio overlooking the bay. Kemah is also extremely popular for boating. Visitors can go on a sailing or yacht charter to explore the seas. For a stay right on the boardwalk, consider Kemah Boardwalk Inn, the only hotel in the area where every room offers views overlooking both the boardwalk and the bay.

Fredericksburg

Buildings lined along Main Street in the town of Fredericksburg, Texas.
Buildings lined along Main Street in the town of Fredericksburg, Texas. Editorial credit: travelview / Shutterstock.com

Originally settled by German immigrants over 175 years ago, Fredericksburg has lots of German heritage to explore. Visitors can do so at the Pioneer Museum, a hands-on museum where they can experience life the way that these original German settlers once did. The surrounding Texas Hill Country is also a thriving wine country, with visitors able to enjoy over 100 vineyards in the area, Santa Maria Cellars and Hilmy Cellars offering scenic tasting rooms and patios to enjoy a glass. Fredericksburg hosts numerous events and festivals throughout the year worth checking out, including their famed Oktoberfest, Food & Wine Fest, and Light the Night Christmas Parade in December.

Granbury

Hood County Courthouse in Granbury, Texas
Hood County Courthouse in Granbury, Texas, By Michael Barera, CC BY-SA 4.0 - Wikimedia Commons

Dinosaurs once roamed the land around Granbury, leaving behind fossilized tracks as proof of their ancient presence. Visitors can see these remarkable tracks up close at Dinosaur Valley State Park, which also features two massive dinosaur models. Another must-see is the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, where travelers can embark on a safari tour to observe an array of endangered species. To soak in the tranquil waters of Granbury, spend a sunny afternoon at City Beach Park swimming or picnicking, or grab a kayak and explore the blue waters of Lake Granbury.

Alpine

Downtown streets, Alpine, Texas
Downtown streets, Alpine, Texas. Image credit jmanaugh3 via Shutterstock

Named “The Eden of the West” by an international journalist, Alpine is home to starry skies, desert valleys, and arid mountains. One of the best ways to appreciate this beauty is by hiking or mountain biking up Hancock Hill, which features 360-degree views of Alpine at the summit. In downtown Alpine, there are over 10 colorful murals to explore and photograph, including the Big Brewster Mural, Poco a Poquito Mural, and Cattle Drive Mural. Sports fans must plan their trip during an Alpine Cowboys game, where they can enjoy an afternoon in the 1947 Kokernot Field.

Gruene

The old brick building houses an antique store in Gruene, Texas.
The old brick building houses an antique store in Gruene, Texas. Image credit Roberto Galan via Shutterstock

Situated along the banks of the Guadalupe River, the town of Gruene, originally settled by Germans, offers a refreshing escape, especially during the sweltering Texas summer months. Visitors can float down the river, appreciating limestone bluffs and towering cypress trees, or try their luck at fly fishing in the trout-filled waters. Through January 5th, travelers can enjoy a pop-up ice rink in town to get them into the winter spirit. In the historic district, an eclectic mix of boutiques and shops, like Black Swan Antiques and Surtr Forge Blacksmith, offers Texas-inspired finds, perfect for Christmas gifts or souvenirs.

Wimberley

Colorful shop with artwork on display in Wimberley, Texas
Colorful shop with artwork on display in Wimberley, Texas. Editorial credit: Fotoluminate LLC / Shutterstock.com.

Wimberley stands out from other Texas towns with its natural artisan springs and refreshing swimming holes. Blue Hole Regional Park is a top attraction, featuring a crystal-clear swimming hole surrounded by lush green trees. Jacob’s Well is another must-see, requiring a hike to reach the springs, but offering a rewarding sight: a 140-foot deep well with an intriguing network of caves beneath. Wanting to enjoy some live music in town? Grab a bite at Chills on the Creek, featuring an outdoor patio along Cypress Creek and a live music venue for some tunes.

Jefferson

Buildings along a street in downtown Jefferson, Texas.
Buildings along a street in downtown Jefferson, Texas. Editorial credit: NicholasGeraldinePhotos / Shutterstock.com

Jefferson, a town dating back to the pre-Civil War era, is home to nearly 100 preserved historic landmarks. The 1879 Howe Truss Lighted Bridge, the 1858 Jefferson Playhouse, the 1907 Carnegie Library, and the Atalanta Jay Gould Railroad Car are just a few worth checking out. History is not Jefferson’s only attraction. Bicycle Hill, a quirky attraction covered in colorful bikes, sits in the heart of town. To get out into Jefferson’s nearby natural surroundings, visitors can explore the mystical Big Cypress Bayou, a dammed lake, by launching a boat, kayak, or canoe from the boat launch on the east side of town.

Terlingua

The historic Starlight Theatre in Terlingua, Texas.
The historic Starlight Theatre in Terlingua, Texas. Editorial credit: Cavan-Images / Shutterstock.com

Located within Big Bend National Park, Terlingua was once a thriving mining town but has since transformed into a near-ghost town, now home to around 150 residents. After a day of exploring Big Bend National Park, visitors can unwind in town, where they will find a trading company and gift shop, art galleries, and local favorites like Taqueria El Milagro and DB’s Rustic Iron BBQ, known for some of the county’s best barbecue. Every first Saturday in November, Terlingua hosts its annual Chili Cookoff, a tradition since 1957 that draws in around 10,000 visitors. Despite its low population, there are plenty of places to lodge in Terilingua, such as “Casa de Amigos”, a traditional rock house constructed over the foundation of a mining ruin.

Final Thoughts

Although we may have grown up, there is no reason we cannot live out our own fairytale. Whether you are drawn to crystal-clear springs, a Western ghost town, or even a camel ride, Texas’s small towns offer plenty of magical adventures. So let yourself escape reality for a while and experience the enchantment these nine storybook-like towns have waiting for you!

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Brielle Read December 10 2024 in Places

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