Tons of states and countries have cities that share a name. There's Beaumont in Texas and California, Portland in Oregon and Maine, and Columbus in Ohio and Georgia, to name a few. However, none of these cities go out of their way to emulate each other, architecturally or otherwise. That's what sets Paris, Texas apart from the aforementioned places - the town erected a monument that pays tribute to its counterpart in France, and it's a marvel that everyone needs to visit at least once.
The town's main attraction is the Eiffel Tower replica located downtown. It's 65 feet tall with a 4-foot tall cowboy hat on top.
Its downtown is teeming with a myriad of attractions from museums to art galleries to a fountain that's said to make it the "prettiest plaza in the state of Texas."
Have you ever been to Paris, Texas? What's the Eiffel Tower like up close? If you like charming small towns, check out this article to plan where to go next.
I love charming small towns in Texas - especially the ones where everyone knows each other by name and Friday nights consist of catching up at the local diner or dance hall. Albert, Texas is one such place. With a population of just 7, most people you’ll encounter in this virtual ghost town are not permanent residents, but the atmosphere at the Albert Dance Hall is still one of camaraderie and lightheartedness, and plain enjoyment of life’s simple pleasures.
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Welcome to Albert, Texas! Founded in 1892, this historic small town is surrounded by ancient oak trees and features a 100-year-old dance hall where folks gather for cold drinks, live music, and good times.
While Albert’s past is a bit fuzzy, we know it used to be called Martinsburg and the earliest residents were settlers from Fredericksburg seeking more fertile soil for their livestock. The town was officially renamed when Albert and Minnie Luckenbach moved there and established a post office and general store (which is now the dance hall!).
The town’s school taught a young LBJ, and the dance hall was established in the 1920s to host German brass bands. Albert has changed hands several times over the years (it was even sold on eBay in 2007!), but the dance hall still remains a sanctuary where guests can leave all their worries at the door.
Visit the Albert Dance Hall website or the Albert Dance Hall Facebook page for more information, including current hours of operation and a music calendar.
Have you ever been to Albert? If so, do you think it’s one of the most charming small towns in Texas? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! If you need somewhere to stay while you’re visiting, I recommend looking at Fredericksburg. It’s only about a 15 minute drive from Albert, and there’s so much to do! The Hilton Downtown Fredericksburg is one of my top choices.
Small towns in Texas are some of my favorite places to visit year-round, but especially during the summer. There’s just something about driving down lonely backroads with the sun shining, windows down, and music blasting that makes all of my worries seem so small. If you agree, then you need to plan a trip to the little town of Hunt Texas this summer. With a weekly rodeo, a historic general store, and an inn located right on the pristine Guadalupe River, this slice of Texas Hill Country paradise is one of the best summer weekend road trips in the Lone Star State.
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Nestled in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, Hunt is a small town of just over 1,000 where the people are friendly and the pace of life is slow.
From bull riding to calf roping to barrel racing, the rodeo is a family-friendly event that's so quintessentially Texas. I can't imagine a better way to spend a summer night under the stars.
Crider's also offers a delicious menu of catfish plates, burgers, and more on Friday nights between May 6 and September 2. Make it a full Crider's weekend and head home with a nourished belly and happy heart.
No trip to Hunt is complete without stopping by The Hunt Store. Open since 1946, this general store and restaurant is a one-stop shop for travelers who need gas, coffee, toiletries, and/or a bite to eat.
The store is home to the Hunt Rock Café, a full-service eatery turning out delicious pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, salads, and the signature menu item known as "French Tacos," which is a burger stuffed inside a flour tortilla.
This waterfront oasis features 60 individually-owned condos, each one with its own unique furnishings and décor style. Studios and both one and two-bedroom condos are available.
Amenities include BBQ grills, docks, and more. (Charcoal can be purchased in the main office.)
Before heading home, be sure to stop by Stonehenge II in nearby Ingram. While not an exact replica of the original, it's pretty close, and the site also has two fabricated Moai, which are the statues found on Easter Island.
Visit TripAdvisor for more information about the River Inn Resort, such as current nightly rates and availability, and/or to book your stay.
Do you think Hunt in Texas Hill Country is one of the best summer weekend road trips in Texas? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! Don't forget to check out our previous article for seven easy-access waterfalls in Texas that are perfect for a summer adventure.
