That European vacation you’ve always dreamed of is closer than you think! One of the most unique town names in our state is Italy, Texas and it’s a charming little community about 45 miles south of Dallas. It’s no Venice, but it offers something even better, perhaps – a sense of Southern hospitality that only exists in small towns in Texas.

With a motto like "The Biggest Little Town in Texas," Italy is one of the most charming places you'll ever visit. Founded in 1879, the town was named after the country of Italy, which one of its settlers had recently visited.
Italy Texas
Carol M. Highsmith, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Where is Italy, Texas located? Italy, TX is just off Interstate 35E, about 15 miles south of Waxahachie, Italy is home to about 2,000 people. Its population has been on a steady incline since the 1970s - it took over three decades for the effects of the Great Depression to ease enough for people to resettle in the town.
Renelibrary via Wikimedia Commons
Italy was an important stop along the Missouri–Kansas–Texas Railroad, serving as an export center for cotton, corn, sweet potatoes, and wheat. As you explore the town square, you'll be whisked back to yesteryear and the heyday of the railroad industry, with historic buildings everywhere you look.
Renelibrary via Wikimedia Commons

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The town also boasts a few quirky claims to fame that have helped put it on the map. Named "Bruco," the world's largest caterpillar (60 feet wide, 22 feet tall, and 350 feet long, to be exact) is actually a manufacturing site for a company called Monolithic. It's quite a roadside attraction!
Jeremy Sternberg / Flickr
Starship Pegasus no longer exists, but it used to be a UFO-shaped restaurant, arcade, and photo-op. Unfortunately, it was demolished in 2017 after McDonald's purchased the property, and residents are still mourning the loss.
lfwlfw / Flickr
When it comes to food, there are several delicious restaurants to choose from in Italy. Locals rave about Mamma's Place, where you'll find homemade Tex-Mex favorites like enchiladas, tamales, tacos, and rice and beans.
Mama's Place, 405 Mosley St, Italy, TX 76651, USA
Yoselin Ybarra / Google Reviews
On the outskirts of town, you'll come across several breathtaking sunflower fields that bloom during the summer and early fall months. The bright yellow blossoms extend as far as the eye can see, adding a bit of cheerfulness to your day. This particular field was captured on Highway 34 between Italy and Avalon.
TexasEagle / Flickr

Here are a few more small-town getaways across the US that remind us of Italy, TX:

 

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Visit the City of Italy website for more information.

Have you ever been to this charming Texas small town? If so, what are some of your favorite things to do in Italy, Texas! Tell us in the comments. Don’t forget to check out our previous article for another nearby small town in Texas loaded with history!

If you would like to extend your trip to Italy, here’s a charming bed and breakfast that is only a few miles away.

There Are More Than 80 Historic Buildings In This Special Texas Town

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Small Towns In Texas

Melanie J. | July 28, 2023

What to do in Italy, Texas?

Italy, Texas is a very small town, so don’t expect a lot of attractions. But, there are parks, shopping, and dining options that you should check out. In addition, as the article states, there are a few historical sites and buildings in town that are worth a visit. Luckily, Italy is just 45 miles south of Dallas, where you’ll have access to all that the city has to offer. Here are a few things to do near Italy that you will enjoy:

  • Fort Worth Botanic Garden
  • Samurai Collection at The Ann & Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Museum
  • Dealey Plaza - Historic West End Dallas
  • Fort Worth Water Gardens
  • Klyde Warren Park - Uptown Dallas
  • General Worth Square - Downtown Fort Worth
  • Trinity Park Duck Pond - Cultural District Fort Worth

Here’s an article telling you more about these attractions near Italy Texas.

What are some more small towns in Texas that are worth visiting?

There are lots of small towns in Texas that belong on your bucket list. Many of them have unique names just like Italy and these are a few that we recommend:

  • Fredericksburg, Gillespie County
  • Marfa, Presidio County
  • Luckenbach, Gillespie County
  • Poteet, Atascosa County
  • Turkey, Hall County
  • Gruene, Comal County
  • Schulenburg, Fayette County
  • Terlingua, Brewster County
  • Boerne,  Kendall County
  • Alpine, Brewster County

Are you up for a weekend getaway? Check out our previous article featuring the best small towns in Texas for a day trip or weekend adventure. 

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Italy, TX 76651, USA