11 Underrated Texas Towns That Deserve A Second Look
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Considering just how big our state is, it’s very likely we’ll never be able to cover every single small town, but that doesn’t mean we won’t try. The following are 11 of the most underrated communities in Texas that you’ll have to keep your eyes peeled for – some of them are so tiny, you might miss them if you blink too long!
Rosebud's population has been on a steady decline since the Great Depression, boasting a whopping 1,493 people per the 2000 census. The community was close-knit - so much so that every house had a rosebush planted in the front yard as a sign of solidarity and togetherness. Today, Rosebud is characterized by its 170-foot tall Christmas tree located in the heart of downtown each holiday season.
Albany is most well-known for its production of "Fort Griffin Fandangle," the oldest outdoor musical in Texas. It's a tribute to the American West and tells the story of Fort Griffin, a military outpost near the town. With covered wagons, a stagecoach, a replica of the first Texas Central Railroad train, an oil derrick, and cowboys, it perfectly captures the essence of our state.
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Built on the hard work of cattle barons, Morton's residents stay true to their deeply rooted Texas values and do whatever it takes to support their family. Known as "The Last Frontier," it was one of the final portions of the state to be divided into farmland and settled. Due to its location in the iconic Llano Estacado, sunsets and starry night skies are absolutely breathtaking here.
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One of the larger towns on the list, Jacksonville has a population of about 14,500. It's earned itself the title "Tomato Capital of the World," due to abundant production and shipping of the crop. The high school stadium has even been deemed the "Tomato Bowl" since it was constructed from red iron ore rock. A festival paying homage to the fruit is held each June, and a rodeo also takes place every May.
This quirky railroad town is home to just over 4000 people and has derived its income from farming, timber, oil, and cattle raising over the years. Nearby Lake Holbrook provides a refreshing escape from the city for tourists and locals alike, and the uniquely charming downtown shops make Mineola a delight to visit.
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Clifton is one of the most ethnic towns in the state, yet also one of the least known. It was settled by Norwegian immigrants in the 19th century and has retained the culture in the form of homes, churches, and museums. It's truly a neat place to visit!
This North Texas town has a rich history full of cowboys, Indians, and even Western swing music. It hasn't changed much from its heyday - in fact, these old-fashioned gas pumps are still fully functional. Talk about nostalgia!
Not too far from Turkey is Quitaque, home to Caprock Canyons State Park. These red rocks are much less frequented than Palo Duro and still offer 90 miles of trails to enjoy.
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With over 14,000 residents, Beeville has seen major growth over the past few years due to an oil extraction project. Despite the boom, it's still a laid-back, slow-paced Southern town with quaint shops, friendly locals, and the undeniable Texas charm we all know and love.
Just 50 miles north of Houston, this tiny hidden gem is home to less than 1000 people. It dates back to the times of Stephen F. Austin, and over 36 historical markers riddle the town. If you want to take a step back in time, Coldspring is definitely the place to go.
San Augustine is full of history that's shaped Texas into what it is today. Between the old-fashioned architecture, locals with more Southern hospitality in their pinky finger than some of us have in our entire bodies, and charming cafes and shops, you'll feel right at home and never want to leave.
How many of these towns have you been to? Are there any others you’d add to the list? Let us know if we missed your hometown!
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