9 Towns in Texas With Thriving Local Businesses

The second largest state behind only Alaska, Texas is where everything, from the food to the landscape to even local businesses, is bigger. Texas shares its borders with Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, New Mexico, and Mexico. It offers a diverse terrain with sandy beaches along the Gulf of Mexico and a deep desert further into the state. Texas is known for cowboys, barbecue, and heat, but there is much more to the state than its stereotypes. Each part of the state has its own feel, with the Northern Dallas region feeling more like the northern U.S. and the Southern San Antonio area feeling more like Mexico. There is no shortage of local businesses, cafes, and restaurants to explore throughout the state, and we recommend making the most of the state by exploring it on a grand road trip.

Cedar Hill

Known as a "city in a park," Cedar Hill is a beautiful community that prides itself on its thriving local businesses. The historic downtown is home to Cedar Hill's best local spots. The nearby Cedar Hill State Park offers some of the best boating, fishing, swimming, and kayaking in the region, attracting tourists from around the country year-round. The best downtown stores include Corner Square Quilts, Cedar Hill Market, Sly Cat Gallery, and Lavishing Teas. Some of the best local spots for a bite to eat include 1846 Coffee and Harris Bar-B-Que.

Farmers Branch

Located in the North Dallas region, Farmers Branch is a historic city that was heavily advertised abroad during the 1840s. This town maximizes the benefit of being a small city within close proximity of a metropolis; residents and visitors alike remark about this community's tight-knit feel, excellent food locales, and its proximity to downtown Dallas. Some of the best businesses in Farmers Branch include Locals Lounge, Cavender's Boot City, and Modani Furniture. Be sure to stop in for a bite at Pete's Cafe, The Diner, or Taqueria Victoria to make the most of a visit to this thriving community.

Texarkana

Bordering Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana, Texarkana is a dual municipality town with separate municipal governments while being integrarated in its economic and social spheres. Some of the best local shops on the Texas side include Uptown Cheapskate Texarkana, Treasure Trove Vintage Flea Market, and The Ranchers WIfe Boutique. Some of the best places for a bite on the Texas side include the Ironwood Grill, Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux, and the Loca Luna Mexican Restaurant. Be sure to cross the border into the Arkansas side of Texarkana to continue exploring this unique city.

Del Rio

Del Rio sits on the shores of the third-largest lake in Texas and is only a mile from the Rio Grande. A border town near the U.S.-Mexico border, Del Rio has an eclectic mix of American and Mexican characters. On Fridays, join the town for Del Rio's Friday Art Walk or stop for a drink at the Val Verde Winery, which is the oldest winery in Texas. Stop in at the Mesquite Creek Outfitters, La Bohemia, Del Rio Feed and Supply & Boutique, or Border Chic Boutique for some of the best local clothes shopping in town.

Keller

Keller is a small city in the north Fort Worth area known for its public art and parks. The community has 336 acres of developed parks, playgrounds, and trails. The Pecan, Memories N' Treasures, Hoola Hoops, and Turquoise Gypsy are some of the best local shops in town. In terms of local eating establishments, Horizen 76 American Grill House, Seven Mile Cafe, Sea Siam, and El Sabor offer some of the best meals in the city. No visit to Keller is complete without spending some time outdoors, soaking up its beauty at Bear Creek Park, Arcadia Trail Park, or on the green at Sky Creek Ranch Golf Course.

Weatherford

Weatherford prides itself on its "true Texas heritage and hospitality," offering a quintessentially Texan experience to those who step foot in town. Just a short drive from the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Weatherford is a super accessible community for those looking to explore it, whether you're coming from elsewhere in Texas or flying into DFW/ Some of the best local shops in town include the Urban Gypsies Boutique, The MarketPlace at 76086, The Junktion, and Bella Vida Boutique. Don't forget to stop in The Boiling Cajun, Fuzzy's Taco Shop, or Bandi Lou's Steakhouse for some classic Texan fare.

Canyon Lake

Canyon Lake is located between Austin and San Antonio, surrounded by rocky cliffs and with 80 miles of shoreline. Comal Park offers the best swimming beaches in town, with long stretches of sandy beach and ample picnic space. Canyon Lake is home to some of the best campgrounds in Texas, with Cranes Mill Park, Potter's Creek Park, and North Park all worthy of exploration. Some local shops worthy of a visit include Maroney's Gifts, Barefoot Beatnik Co., Nature Rocks Crystals, and Guadalupe River Rocks Designs.

Prosper

A community in the north Dallas area, Prosper is known for its eclectic blend of urban services and access with small-town charm and feels. The downtown portion of this community has a historic feel full of wonderful local shops and restaurants. Some of the best local shops include Dawson + Claire, The Gates of Prosper, and Black Willow Boutique. Be sure to grab a bite at The Gin, Eddie's Napois of Prosper, Fish City Grill, or Mi Luna Great Tex-Mex to undergo a gastronomic tour worthy of a week's stay in town.

Eagle Pass

Another border town near Mexico, Eagle Pass, has a long history, acting as a major port of entry and being an important military post during the Civil War and Mexican Revolution. Today, Eagle Pass is a great community in which to spend a weekend shopping or golfing. La Primavera, Coco's Shoes, Mi Casa Gifts & Shoes, and Cowboy Corral Inc. offer some of the best shopping in the downtown core, though this densely packed area is certainly worth wandering through to find other gems. Padilla de San Miguel and Skillets Restaurant offer some of the tastiest plates in town and are certainly worth a visit.

Regardless of where you choose to make a trip to in Texas, you will be sure to find no shortage of local businesses, craft breweries, and hiking trails to explore. This state is friendly, full of southern hospitality, and warm. With its hot summers and temperate winters, there is never a bad time of year to explore the Lone Star State, though this state is best explored by car, with lots of free time to wander and explore.