11 Slow-Paced Small Towns In Texas Where Life Is Still Simple
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Even though Texas has some of the largest cities in the country, we pride ourselves on our abundance of small towns where not much has changed over the years. Everyone still knows everyone else’s name, most places are within walking distance of each other, and that unmistakable Texas charm is apparent as soon as you enter the town. Here are 11 small towns in Texas where life is still sweet and simple – the way it’s supposed to be.
If you haven't been yet, it's about time you head over to the birthplace of our favorite drink here in Texas. You can tour the brewery that looks exactly like it did upon its construction and see how the best beer ever has been made for decades. You can also visit the historic Gaslight Theatre to watch a show and hang out at Howard's, the local gas station that sports nine beers on tap - yep, a gas station.
Every time my family and I take a trip to Austin, we have to stop in Schulenberg for some pecans. The lady who runs the shop is an absolute sweetheart, and you can just taste the love (and copious amounts of butter and cinnamon sugar) in her pecans. The town is also home to the famous "painted churches" and the Von Minden Hotel and theatre, both of which are presumably haunted.
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It doesn't get much smaller than this town of less than 600 residents. But what it lacks in size, it makes up for in charm. Its meat market, Chappel Hill Sausage Company, sells some of the best meat and homemade canned goods you'll ever eat, and every April, the town hosts a Bluebonnet Festival with music, food, antiques, crafts, and the unmistakable small-town Texas charm that's the most heartwarming feeling in the world.
I think it's safe to say that Luckenbach is the smallest incorporated city in the entire state with a population of 3 - but don't worry, it gets plenty of visitors despite the fact that the town is little more than a post office, general store and dance hall. Clearly, we know what's important in Texas, and it isn't fancy high-rises and expensive stores.
This small town is different from all the rest in that it's a Czech settlement - so the charm might feel a little different than elsewhere in Texas, but it's still there nonetheless. Each year, the town holds "Westfest," a celebration of Czech heritage complete with polka music, dancing, and traditional Czech attire. And year round, you can enjoy the freshest, most authentic kolaches you'll ever eat at the Czech shop.
Not only does Gonzales have character, it also has a rich history that has helped shape Texas into what it is today. The famous phrase, "Come and Take It!" originated here during a battle in the Texas Revolution, and every year, the town honors the brave Americans who fought there on Come and Take it Day.
Although it isn't its own town, I just couldn't pass Gruene up. The little German community has an ambience unlike anywhere else. The famous Gristmill, where you can eat a delicious meal surrounded by the beautiful Guadalupe River, the oldest dance hall in Texas...it's a must-visit for sure.
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No need to travel to Tennessee to see a good opera show - you can do it right here in the tiny town of Liberty, northeast of Houston. The Liberty Opry will bring you back to days of old with its amazing singers and hilarious country comics.
Seymour might not be rich with people, but it is rich with dinosaurs - well, their remains, anyway. Paleontologists have deemed it the best place in the world for reptilian and amphibious remains.
The life of a cowboy is one of the most slow-paced ways of living there is - and you'll find a lot of cowboys in Pecos. After all, the world's first rodeo was held here!
It's hard to find a more charming town than Poteet. Every April, it hosts its annual Strawberry Festival with country music, a rodeo, a carnival, and of course, plenty of food with fresh strawberries as the main ingredient.
Have you ever been to one of these towns? Where else in Texas is life slow and simple?
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