From picturesque Hill Country towns to quaint East Texas communities, Texas is overflowing with charming small towns. The following 11 towns are some of the tiniest in the Lone Star State – and they’re always worth a visit. Take a look:
1. Celina
Celina is a cute little town of about 6,000 with nothing but wide open country as far as the eye can see. There are two vineyards, Caudalie Crest and Eden Hill, where you can enjoy fine meat and cheese trays as well as an amazing glass of wine while watching the sunset. As far as food, Lucy's on the Square is the local cafe serving up down-home cooking like pinto beans with bacon, chicken-fried steak, and coconut cream pie.
2. Decatur
Full of history, Decatur has several natural and man-made landmarks to explore. The Petrified Wood Gas Station dates back to 1927 and still proudly stands today as one of the most unique buildings you'll ever see. Next door is the iconic Whistle Stop Cafe, where sassy waitresses serve up all your Southern favorites for breakfast and lunch. There's also the LBJ National Grasslands, a beautiful, expansive area perfect for fishing, hunting, camping, and other recreational activities.
3. Johnson City
Oh, Johnson City, where do we even begin? With all the sprawling acres of breathtaking nature, it's hard to believe only 1500 people live here. If you've never visited Pedernales Falls State Park, you'd better plan a trip for this summer. With its blue-green waters and hiking trails with panoramic views that will make your jaw drop, it'll be an experience for the books.
4. Cushing
Cushing is home to less than 700 people, and they intend on keeping it that way. This is a town where everyone knows everyone and Southern hospitality oozes from every pore. The backbone of the community is 7th Street Restaurant, one of the only buildings still open in the downtown district. It's here where people gather to shoot the breeze and tell stories over a delicious meal - after all, there isn't much else to do.
5. Edom
Established in 1849, Edom is the third-oldest town in Van Zandt County. Despite having a population of less than 400, there's no shortage of fun to be had here. Stay in a quaint bed and breakfast, pick your own blueberries, buy farm-fresh veggies to take home, and enjoy a vintage car show on the third Saturday of each month. And no trip to Edom would be complete without a stop at The Shed for dinner! Portions are Texas-sized, and the waitstaff is the friendly kind that can only be found in our great state.
6. Fayetteville
Undoubtedly one of the smallest towns in the state, Fayetteville boasted a mere 258 people per the 2010 census. Despite being little more than a blip on the map, it's one of our most historic communities. In fact, the entire city is on the National Register of Historic Places! A self-guided walking tour will lead you past old houses, a general store, gas station, blacksmith shop, and other buildings from the good old days.
7. Italy
Yes, Italy is named after the country, but it's a whole heck of a lot smaller. You won't find pasta, meatballs, and an abundance of tourists, but rather a town with 2,000 people that couldn't be any more Texan. To really get a feel for the place, grab a meal at Uptown Cafe and chat up the locals - it'll be closing time before you know it.
8. Eustace
Eustace has just over 1,000 people and is otherwise a pretty empty town - but here in Texas, we consider that to be a good thing. Instead of a hustling and bustling big city, you'll find a close-knot, tiny community with lots of open land. This makes it ideal for a day trip when you just need to get away from it all, or you can even stay in a cabin overlooking Cedar Creek Lake if you have time for an overnight trip.
9. Goldthwaite
Goldthwaite is most well-known for its annual music festival held each October. It features performances from bands of a wide variety of genres, as well as food and drinks. As for dining, you can't go wrong at Peabody's. Located in an old warehouse, this country cafe serves lunch and dinner buffet-style to satisfy Texas-sized appetites. The jalapeño cornbread is a must-try, and the pies don't mess around either. Walk off your meal with a stroll around town and marvel at the still-standing original jailhouse.
10. Hico
Hico is so small that the town motto is "Where Everybody is Somebody!" The town of about 1500 truly captures the spirit of Texas, with the Koffee Kup Cafe, Billy the Kid Museum, car shows, steak and BBQ cook-offs, and six-man football tournament. Although you'll be an outsider, the locals will adopt you as one of their own in a heartbeat.
11. Hearne
Known as the "Crossroads of Texas," Hearne resides at the intersection of three major highways: TX6, US79, and US190. It's also conveniently located just 25 miles outside of College Station, so you can pay a visit to Aggieland and then escape to a smaller town. You'll find quaint restaurants, hotels, and shops as well as a hefty dose of that undeniable Texas charm we all know and love.
12. Leakey
Leakey had just over 400 people when the 2010 census was taken. It's hiding lots of natural beauty, including the 1100-acre Riding River Ranch where you can swim in the gorgeous Blue Hole. Good restaurants abound as well as charming hotels and the nicest people you ever did meet.
Have you been to any of these towns? Are there any others you would add to the list?
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