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
Located just off of 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.
Wikimedia Commons/Renelibrary
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.
Wikimedia Commons/Renelibrary
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!
Flickr/Jeremy Sternberg
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.
Flickr/lfwlfw
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.
Facebook/Mamma's Place
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 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.
Flickr/TexasEagle

If you wanna explore more small towns in TX, watch this YouTube video by Econotravel highlighting some of the best towns that are worth visiting.

Visit the City of Italy website for more information.

Have you ever been to Italy, Texas? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience! Tell us in the comments. Don’t forget to check out our previous article for a nearby small town in Texas that’s 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. 

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SMALL TOWNS IN TEXAS & RELATED INFO

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, as well as 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
  • Klyde Warren Park - Uptown Dallas
  • Samurai Collection at The Ann & Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Museum
  • Dealey Plaza - Historic West End Dallas
  • Fort Worth Water Gardens
  • 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