If you’ve seen the Disney movie Cars, you’ll recall it takes place on historic Route 66, part of which runs through the Lone Star State. Regarded as the Mother Road, the iconic highway is known for its quirky charm and abundant tourist attractions. It winds through the Southern part of the country, passing through many small towns along the way. One such place is Shamrock, a middle-of-nowhere Texas community that inspired several aspects of the film, including the gas station in Cars. Take a look at all the fun things to do in Shamrock, Texas.

"Ramone's House of Body Art" is based on Shamrock's famous U-Drop Inn, a former gas station and restaurant dating back to 1936. Its iconic tower is meant to look like a nail stuck in the soil as if to mark its territory.
Flickr/cwsteeds
Today, the building houses Shamrock's visitor center, chamber of commerce, and gift shop. One area is solely dedicated to memorabilia from the film, drawing tourists in off the highway left and right.
TripAdvisor/Jesus F
Another Route 66 town, Adrian, also had its 15 minutes of fame. Fran Houser, the owner of Midpoint Cafe, is the basis for Flo from "Flo's V-8 Cafe."
Google/Vareilles Family

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While you won't find any "Cars" paraphernalia here, just stepping inside transports you into the cinematic world. The cafe's undeniable vintage charm is exactly what you'd expect on the Mother Road.
Google/Melissa Dube
Another character, Tex Dinoco, is also based on a business here in the Lone Star State. His inspiration came from the horns of this iconic steed commanding his parking lot post.
Management/TripAdvisor
In the movie's epilogue, a mountainous region known as "Cadillac Range" features many jagged peaks running north to south. This scene pays homage to our very own Cadillac Ranch.
Flickr/trickynic
Although the film's "Cozy Cone Motel" bears a more direct resemblance to Arizona's Wigwam Village, the Tepee Motel in Wharton deserves an honorable mention. Who knows? Maybe it crossed the directors' minds at some point during production.
Flickr/rwflash

Clearly, the best way to experience all of historic Route 66 in Texas is to take a road trip, and we have some suggestions for your packing list. Check out some of the wonderful sights you’ll see in Shamrock, including the Cars movie gas station:

Did you know Shamrock, Texas, inspired the movie Cars? Are there any other places in Texas that inspired films? We’d love to hear about them! For more small towns worth a spot on your bucket list, check out these lovely and mysterious small towns in Texas.

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More to Explore

The Best Towns In Texas

William Suphan | March 23, 2023

What are some amazing hidden gem towns in Texas?

Some amazing hidden gem towns in Texas include:

  • Roaring Springs. This little town has less than 250 people and was the main Comanche outpost and has some of the purest water in the state.
  • Paint Rock. This picturesque town has amazing Native American pictographs on the cliffs next to the Concho River.
  • Chillicothe. With just over 700 people, this little town was built in the 1880s during the construction of the Fort Worth and Denver Railways.
  • Round Top. This tiny town of only 90 residents is the personification of a charming small town.

Discover more about these and other amazing hidden gem towns in Texas. 

What are the most charming small towns in Texas?

The most charming small towns in Texas include:

  • Schulenburg. This town is full of German heritage and culture and has the Texas Polka Music Museum and several painted churches.
  • Jefferson. This town is full of antique and specialty shops as well as over 70 historic landmarks.
  • Marfa. This tiny town has a huge arts culture and is the sight of strange lights known as the Marfa Lights.
  • Poteet. This was where George Strait was born and is known for its annual Poteet Strawberry Festival.

Learn more about the most charming small towns in Texas. 

What are the most scenic towns in Texas?

The most scenic towns in Texas include:

  • Marble Falls. This is a beautiful hilly region of Texas where you’ll find the Balcones National Wildlife Refuge.
  • Dripping Springs. With fields of flowers and an utterly gorgeous swimming hole, this place is beyond beautiful.
  • Fort Davis. This little town is near Davis Mountains State Park which contains frontier forts and a historic museum.
  • Vanderpool. This lovely town is home to the Lost Maples State Natural Area which is a picturesque nature preserve.

Find out more about the most scenic towns in Texas. 

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Shamrock, TX 79079, USA