11 Sleepy Small Towns In Texas Where Things Never Seem To Change

Originally a stronghold against Native American troops, Mason was officially incorporated in 1858. Today, it has a population of about 2000 and a rich culture that can only be found in West Texas. Between rock climbing, antiquing, the oldest movie theater within hundreds of miles, and natural topaz that can't be found anywhere else in Texas, Mason sure packs a punch for being such a tiny town.

Goldthwaite is a hub for trading farm equipment and agricultural products. Angora goats are raised in the area, and hunters come by storm in the fall and winter looking for white-tailed deer. Since much of the town's industry still revolves around farming, it's somewhat stuck in the past with a slower pace of life - just how we like things to be here in Texas. It's an extremely charming place to visit, and it's only 20 miles away from the Regency Suspension Bridge - one of the last of its kind remaining in the entire state!

The famous Chisholm Trail was how Cuero got its start because it served as a stopping point along the way. The town's history is extremely interesting, filled with Old West gun fights, an influx of new residents due to hurricanes in nearby Indianola, and turkey ranching. In fact, a "Turkey Fest" is held every year in which the people of Cuero compete with neighboring towns to see who has the best turkeys. One of the events is a "turkey trot" that involves racing the actual birds instead of humans. Cuero was voted one of the "Coolest Small Towns in America" by Budget Travel in 2010, so it's definitely worth a visit!

Who knew that such a small town was located just 75 miles north of Houston? Livingston had a population of about 5000 per the 2010 census, and it's full of quaint, old-fashioned buildings that suggest anything but its close proximity to a big city. This vintage movie theater, the charming little cafes and shops, and the friendly locals all make Livingston a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle surrounding it.

Blanco is your typical Hill Country small town - AKA lots of nature and beer. Some of the most popular attractions are a state park, several breweries/distilleries, horseback rides, and lavender farms. The charming town square doesn't disappoint, either! If you want to experience this magical part of Texas without all the tourism, head on over to Blanco.

One of the smallest towns on our list, Gordon had less than 500 people per the 2010 census. Despite that, two Major League Baseball players were born and raised here, and an Olympic athlete raises miniature horses in the town. We daresay Gordon is one of the sleepiest communities in Texas; everyone knows everyone and you'll likely just see a handful of cars driving down the street on any given day.

Even smaller than Gordon, Mingus has a population of just over 200 and is most notable for its status as a "wet" down in the 1960s-1980s when all the surrounding areas were dry. Although there isn't much to do, just driving through this tiny community is sure to take you back decades in Texas history.

Graham is the proud home of America's largest town square, and if that isn't a good enough reason to visit, I'm not sure what is. There are two movie theatres - an old-fashioned drive-in and the National Theatre, which dates back to 1919. Plenty of outdoor recreation, historical sites, festivals, and even a U.S. Army fort are all activities the town offers. Stop by and see how their town square compares to yours - trust us, you'll be in for a shock.

The most noteworthy attraction in Buffalo Gap is the Buffalo Gap Historic Village, a huge outdoor museum comprised of fifteen buildings and artifacts dating back to the 19th century. The structures include log cabins, a barbershop, a railroad depot, a bank, and the Old Taylor County Courthouse and Jail, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. Buffalo Gap was also a stopping point on the Great Western Cattle Trail. The next time you're in the mood for a dose of Texas history, look no further than this little town.

With a population of just 19, Mentone could easily fade away and become another of many ghost towns in Texas. So why hasn't it? The answer is simple: its people. Pure-hearted and Southern down to their very core, the residents of Mentone love their little community far too much to let it dissolve into nothing. Their lives are fairly simple, and they have no desire to change that - what's not to love about a laid-back culture like that?

Uvalde is the biggest town on our list, with a population of just over 15,000 in 2010. Even so, it still has that small-town vibe we cherish so much here in Texas. The historic downtown buildings, quaint shops and restaurants, and hospitable locals are just as charming here as they are in towns half the size. Plus, Uvalde is the Honey Capital of the World! Take some home with you to add to your sweet tea.