The Small Town in Texas That Feels Like Stars Hollow

I know it’s important to live in the moment and appreciate what you have, but I can’t be the only one who occasionally (okay, maybe more than occasionally) wishes I could leave reality behind and escape into a fictional world — even if only for a little while. "Gilmore Girls" was one of my favorite shows growing up, and I often found myself daydreaming of living in the idyllic town of Stars Hollow. As it turns out, we have our own version of that charming New England hamlet right here in the Lone Star State. Gruene, Texas, near New Braunfels, is a small town straight out of "Gilmore Girls," but with a distinct Southern flair that makes it even more special. 

Gruene is a slice of Texas history settled in the 1840s by the Gruene family, who were German farmers. The town's proximity to the Guadalupe River made it a prime location for growing cotton, so it quickly grew into a thriving commercial center for the crop. Businesses started springing up left and right, and before long, Gruene was home to a general store, a river-powered cotton gin, and Gruene Hall, the first dance hall in Texas. The hall was built in 1878 and remains the most iconic building in town to this day.

Sadly, a boll weevil epidemic devastated Gruene's cotton crops in the 1920s, right before the Great Depression. Businesses were forced to close, and the population dwindled until it essentially became a ghost town. All was not lost, however. After sitting abandoned for over 50 years, architecture student Chip Kaufman stumbled upon the remnants of Gruene in 1974 and instantly saw its wasted potential. With his help, the Gruene Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which allowed for the revitalization of all the old buildings that would've otherwise succumbed to the elements.

Today, Gruene has a population of fewer than 2,000 people, but its historic charm attracts thousands of visitors each year. It's a walkable town where people know each other by name, and tourists are greeted with the warmest of welcomes. You'll feel like you're stepping into a postcard; the sidewalk-lined streets and quaint shops and restaurants create an idyllic scene that can only be described as picture-perfect.

The Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar, an award-winning eatery with breathtaking views of the Guadalupe River, is a replica of the old cotton gin. Gruene General Store is housed in the town's first mercantile building, and Gruene Hall is once again a lively gathering place for music and dancing.

Have you ever visited this small town straight out of Gilmore Girls? Are there any other small towns in Texas that remind you of fictional places? Terlingua is one of my favorites. The West Texas ghost town looks like it belongs in "Breaking Bad," with wide-open roads winding through a vast desert landscape surrounded by rugged mountains.

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.