9 Unforgettable Small Towns to Visit in Texas
Known for its vast ranches and cowboy culture, Texas packs much more than its miles of pretty beaches, stunning water holes, bright blue lakes, and incredibly clear skies. The largest state in the contiguous U.S. will enthuse a nature lover, a culinary explorer (think about the Texas barbecue), and a history lover (Texas played host to what could have been the last Civil War Battle)— all at the same time. While one can experience the state’s many offerings through its array of big cities, the likes of Austin and Houston, small towns often offer a more intimate and memorable experience. For this reason, discover the 11 unforgettable small towns to visit in Texas.
Fredericksburg
Even for those who struggle with memory, charming Fredricksburg — located about an hour’s drive from San Antonio — will be hard to forget. Situated smack in the middle of the Texas Hill Country, which is regarded as among the most visually delicious in the United States, Fredericksburg’s story-book setting makes it a popular favorite with first-timers. Aside from the heart-melting Hill Country scenery, Fredricksburg's downtown area brims with historic storefronts, eclectic art galleries, the oldest operating brewpub in the state (The Fredericksburg Brewing Company), inviting German-themed restaurants (such as Otto's German Bistro), and numerous other attractions that would take days to exhaust. Outside Marktplatz, Main Street’s bustling hub, Wildseed Farms features more than 200 acres of heart-warming wildflower fields, and a nice butterfly garden.
Luckenbach
Many will agree that music is among the most evocative experiences in the world. Music has stopped wars, inspired socio-political revolutions, and shaped cultures for generations. It happens that one of Luckenbach’s claims to fame is its country music heritage. As a first-time visitor, you can enjoy live country music at the Luckenbach Dance Hall, or for an even more memorable experience, with a spontaneous group under some shady tree. Aside from live music, Luckenbach’s near desertedness is another element that makes it unforgettable. While there is a sign stating Luckenbach’s population stands at 3, it could be 20, 3 (as stated), or even zero. Exuding an ambiance reminiscent of the Old West, this memorable town also provides memorable meals. If in doubt, especially concerning barbecue sandwiches, check out Luckenbach Feed Lot. Alternatively, keep your eyes peeled for the town’s meals-laden food trucks.
Port Aransas
Port Aransas is tucked away on the Northeast tip of Mustang Island, and along the spellbinding beaches that fringe the Gulf of Mexico. Mustang Island, on which Port Aransas sits, is a photogenic barrier island that spans 18 miles. It is known for its rolling dunes, world-class fishing adventures, and wild horse heritage. Port Aransas itself, has been nicknamed the “Fishing Capital of Texas.” A sunset cruise on a vessel of the Deep Sea Headquarters will see you locking eyes with friendly dolphins — and pulling some great snappers while at it. Besides, FINS Grill & Icehouse serves sizzling seafare — of a kind that visitors often find hard to forget. For some kick-ass outdoor experience, Mustang Island State Park is about 20 minutes away by car and will be highly recommended for anyone who loves the heart-melting beauty of a sunrise.
Bandera
Bandera is a Texas eye candy of fewer than 1,000 residents and, offering about 11 dude ranches to first-time visitors — is nicknamed “the Cowboy Capital of the World.”This Texas stunner is secreted in the famously picturesque Texas Hill Country, a factor that partly explains the town’s picture-perfect beauty. Pristine Hill Country terrain, and a world of adventure opportunities, including hiking, primitive camping, and horseback riding, await first-time visitors at the Hill Country State Natural Area, an expanse of unvarnished beauty that spans more than 5,300 acres. If you want to float down a river, amid towering bald cypresses, the Medina River, whose headwaters rise in the springs found in the northwest region of the county, will be right at hand. The river meanders right through the town and lends it its rustic appeal.
Gruene
While it plays host to only a handful of residents, Gruene is big on charm and character and is hands-down among the most unforgettable small towns in Texas. If anything, no one easily forgets a town that plays host to the oldest continually operating dance hall in Texas. Featuring a high-pitched tin roof, Gruene Hall has been a feature of the town since 1878 — and is a talent hatchery that provides local artists a chance to showcase their potential and promise. Aside from the best concert venue in the area, the town itself, with its array of quaint boutiques, exhibits an aura of bygone days that is nearly euphoric. Plus, since the town reclines along the scenic Guadalupe River, an outstanding fly-fishing destination, angler-visitors will particularly get a blast. Needful to add, the whole of Gruene is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Ozona
“Dreamy” might just be the adjective that best describes this special town situated approximately 100 miles north of the Mexican border. Ozona is nestled in the western periphery of the Texas Hill Country, and hence, radiates some of the region’s gasp-inducing beauty. Styling itself as "The Biggest Little Town in the World," Ozona boasts numerous attractions — both big and small. The ornate Crockett County Courthouse has been a staple of the town since 1902 and hence, on the National Register of Historic Places. Across the street, an imposing effigy of Davy Crockett, a world-famous hero (and martyr) of the Texas Revolution and the Battle of the Alamo — often provides a nice photo-op. Still on popular memorials, “The Tie That Binds” sculpture honors the area’s pioneer families and will be just as evocative. Finally, the Crockett County Museum displays interesting artifacts used by the area’s first settlers and will be of interest to history buffs.
Marfa
For its impossibly remote location, Marfa is an off-the-beaten-path Texas gem that will linger in one’s memory for a long time. The town is far removed from civilization, going by the fact the closest city, El Paso, is nearly 200 miles away. One will want to kickstart his trip at the family-owned Marfa Burritos, a cash-only restaurant that is everything one would expect from a great hole-in-the-wall. At the Chinati Foundation, a property that catapulted Marfa into the national spotlight, one will gasp at the infinite possibility and variation created by Donald Judd’s installation arts — and learn something fascinating about the whole idea of minimalism. Other Marfa attractions include John Cerney’s “Giant,” a massive mural that honors a movie once shot in the area, and which goes by the same name.
Wimberly
Wimberly is another Texas Hill Country gem that is among the most unforgettable. Aside from its scenic location in one of the most picturesque parts of the Lone Star State, Wimberly provides access to several mind-blowing attractions. Take the Jacob’s Well Natural Area, for instance, which is just about 4 miles from downtown Wimberly. Not only will the sight of what could be the longest underwater cave in the state stay in one's mind for a long time, but the serenity here, massive boulders, and lush greenery, will make for a surreal tapestry. For something different but no less exciting, Wimberley Glassworks displays seasonal hand-blown glass art worth checking out. For the smell and fragrance of colorful flowers, Rough Creek Lavender is reputed to be the oldest lavender farm in the Texas Hill Country.
Granbury
Granbury, the county seat of Hood County, plays host to about 12,800 residents, who, considering the town’s charm and historical value, could be among the fortunate in the state. Granbury is on U.S. Highway 377, about 30 miles from Fort Worth. Anchored around a historic courthouse square, the town’s downtown area brims with sites such as the newly restored 1886 Granbury Opera House, a fabulous, historic building that hosts amazing plays fit for nearly all age groups. Granbury Historic Railroad Depot, on the other hand, will transport one back in time — and to a period when trains were the primary means of transportation. If you want to know what it meant to be arrested back in the day, the Hood County Jail Museum will be quite an evocative adventure as well.
The Takehome
There are several features that can make a town unforgettable. These include a town’s incredible beauty, history-filled sites, remoteness, seclusion, or even friendliness. Expectedly, many of the most unforgettable small towns in Texas display some of these attributes. Fredericksburg, for instance, is an unforgettable gem because of its awesome beauty. Marfa (and to a lesser extent Terlingua), on the other hand, because of its remote, otherworldly setting will remain etched in one’s memory for a long time. And if music, particularly country music, touches every fiber of your being, Luckenbach may just be your most unforgettable Texas small town.
