7 unique small towns in Texas for quirky travellers
Texas is home to a considerable variety of quaint small towns and villages. Although not as vibrant as the big cities, San Antonio and Houston, these authentic small towns have a local charm and warm southern hospitality that should not be missed.
Whether visitors are looking for natural phenomena like Enchanted Rock and Palo Duro Canyon, vibrant festivals like the Marfa Lights or Granbury Oktoberfest, or eclectic shops, art galleries and wineries, these destinations will make for a relaxing yet fun vacation. The following cities in Texas have many events and attractions worth visiting, according to thetravel.com.
7. Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg has German roots, a heritage that is reflected in the city's numerous wineries and cultural attractions. Among them is the Pioneer Museum, which showcases German architectural styles and traditions. Visitors can stroll through Marktplatz in the city square or visit the Vereins Kirche, a replica of an original German church from the 1800s. Fredericksburg is also known for the geological wonder of the Enchanted Rock, a formation known for its distinctive creaking sound that it makes when the temperature fluctuates throughout the day.
6. Canyon
The canyon, called the "Gateway to the Grand Canyon of Texas," is located on the periphery of the famous Palo Duro Canyon in the Texas Lower Peninsula. Just 28 miles from Amarillo, the Palo Duro Canyon stretches 120 miles from end to end and is over 800 feet deep. Hikers can enjoy hiking in the park, and Canyon Town offers many alternative attractions and activities for visitors, including museums, zip lines, horseback riding, and golf.
5. Granbury
Granbury offers the perfect destination for history buffs. With numerous historical sites and museums, including the county jail and courthouse museum, the city presents a rich tapestry of the past. Those with a passion for mystery will enjoy the Ghosts and Legends tour, a popular attraction where guides tell visitors fascinating urban myths, such as the story of John Wilkes Booth, who sought refuge in Granbury.
The city also has original markets, vineyards, live music, regular festivals and shopping centres. Visit in early October to take part in Granbury's authentic annual Oktoberfest celebration.
4. Salado
Salado is a vacation paradise with a selection of charming B&Bs, great shopping, enchanting water gardens and leisurely carriage tours. Known for its thriving arts scene and creative locals, the village boasts many eclectic shops where artistry and creativity thrive. It's dotted with galleries, public art venues, antique shops, and family-owned breweries.
3. Marfa
The mysterious lights of Marfa attract crowds of curious visitors every year to see this inexplicable nighttime spectacle. Although the lights were first spotted in 1883, their origin remains a mystery. This quiet desert town near Big Bend National Park also has a world-renowned art scene with many galleries and eclectic shops.
2. Bandera
A short drive from San Antonio, the town of Bandera was the beginning of the great western cattle trail and claims to be the "Cowboy Capital of the World." In addition to several museums and natural attractions, Bandera has many opportunities for visitors to experience cowboy life, including visiting local ranches and going horseback riding.
1. Terlingua
This tiny ghost town is experiencing a tourism resurgence, with visitors eager to explore its dilapidated remains of abandoned homes and Wild West-style cemeteries. The town was once a bustling mining district, and in the mid-1800s, a sharp drop in mercury prices prompted families to seek new opportunities elsewhere.
Today, Terlingua is home to a small community of residents alongside rattlesnakes and sprawling desert cacti. While the town now boasts functional accommodations and restaurants complete with modern amenities, visitors can still get a glimpse of its bygone era through crumbling buildings and abandoned mines.
