best small town in Texas

[grayowl60]

Good places to eat, history, etc. I like Jefferson for those reasons. And Canton for "First Monday" trades days (me and about 100,000 other folks).
Any suggestions for a road trip?

[Firebird]

Good places to eat, history, etc. I like Jefferson for those reasons. And Canton for "First Monday" trades days (me and about 100,000 other folks).
Any suggestions for a road trip?

I like some of the small towns east of the oh-so trendy Hill country.

La Grange is one of my favorites, it is in a beautiful little spot, has a lovely courthouse and some fantastic restraunts.

Out West, I like Ballinger and Junction (on the edge of the hill country).

Down south, the small town way of life is withering away along with the best of the old Rio Grande Valley, but Laguna Vista is still a nice place to stay a while...not too far from SPI and all its excitement, but still quiet.

[Favpack]

If you're into golf - grab your spouse and sticks - or buddies - and head to Cypress Bend, just south of Many, LA.

http://www.cypressbend.com/

A really scenic golf course around Toledo Bend Reservoir. -- You can bump over to Hodges Gardens or up to Natchiteches (sp) and tour the old homes. Good food is found all around.

Hmmm, of course, it is just over the border in LA, but still a good weekend.

[toddg]

mentone is a great place to visit:D

[HUM398]

Cut n' Shoot:p

im just kidding.

[BlackandRed05]

Appleby, Tx.

[Favpack]

Appleby, Tx.

outside of Nacogdoches? The only thing there is a c-store and rv slot on a busy highway. There is no Applebee's at Appleby.

[Redhoss]

I saw Junction mentioned and I would agree.

There's a nice little store with some picnic tables set up and they serve BBQ.

Oh and Kerrville for sure.

[stevefoxsc]

there was a real small town maybe not even a town i past through once on a church trip it was going to logans port louisiana and they had the most delicious burgers and they were so hospitable there.

if ur into town with weird names try "Gay hill texas"

[grayowl60]

there was a real small town maybe not even a town i past through once on a church trip it was going to logans port louisiana and they had the most delicious burgers and they were so hospitable there.

if ur into town with weird names try "Gay hill texas"
Uncertain, Texas.... I will be there at least once a year, when the crappie are hot... then run over for a blackjack fix. Hmmmm... I feel a trip coming on;)

[ahsstud]

if ur into town with weird names try "Gay hill texas"

isnt that between thorndale and rockdale?

btw, stop in at knox city the 3rd weekend in july and get some free watermelon at the donald johnson memorial watermelon fest. all kinds of watermelon along with all sorts of vendors and food booths. a classic car show and free swimming at the city pool. if ya'll have never been youre really missing out, its a great stuff

[KT2000]

I'm not quite sure why, but I really liked Goldthwaite when my brothers and I stopped there on the way up to Colorado. Very nice area. The Pedernales area west of Austin is my favorite spot in the state that I've seen. San Antonio is definitely my favorite city.

[CoveMom]

Someone mentioned 'road trip' as part of their post. Go out to West Texas and do the Davis Mountains. Go to the Fort Davis National Historical Site and eat at the burger joint across the road. Really good. Visit the Indian Lodge (we did not and regret it). Link: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/indian_lodge/

Visit the State Park north of that area for the natural springs swimming hole (concreted by the CCC/WPA) with the endangered pupfish swimming all around you. They also have RV sites and cabins for rent. It is Balmorhea State Park. Here's the website: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/balmorhea/

Also visit Fort Stockton and its historic Cavalry Outpost. Don't know how much of a road trip you are planning but you could also visit Fort McKavett. Link to info: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/fort_mckavett/ It is a really neat Cav outpost from back in the day. Those are some out of the way places we visited last Spring Break and really enjoyed.

Have fun and we expect a written report when you return. :)

[Firebird]

Someone mentioned 'road trip' as part of their post. Go out to West Texas and do the Davis Mountains. Go to the Fort Davis National Historical Site and eat at the burger joint across the road. Really good. Visit the Indian Lodge (we did not and regret it). Link: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/indian_lodge/

Visit the State Park north of that area for the natural springs swimming hole (concreted by the CCC/WPA) with the endangered pupfish swimming all around you. They also have RV sites and cabins for rent. It is Balmorhea State Park. Here's the website: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/balmorhea/

Also visit Fort Stockton and its historic Cavalry Outpost. Don't know how much of a road trip you are planning but you could also visit Fort McKavett. Link to info: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/fort_mckavett/ It is a really neat Cav outpost from back in the day. Those are some out of the way places we visited last Spring Break and really enjoyed.

Have fun and we expect a written report when you return. :)

I've been all of those places, and for spring break the wife and I are camping at Guadalupe National Park.

The far west is an underappreciated part of the state.

[CoveMom]

I've been all of those places, and for spring break the wife and I are camping at Guadalupe National Park.

The far west is an underappreciated part of the state.

I forgot to mention the Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park in Mission, TX. Awesome birding there. Home of the World Birding Center. Took the boys there two years ago. Plenty of RV parks or wilderness camping on site (if you are into that). We had a blast, but it was too cold for swimming that year. Hopefully you will have better weather. Here's the link:

http://www.worldbirdingcenter.org/sites/mission/index.phtml

[CoveMom]

Another multi-year journey to start on would be historic Route 66. You can do all of Oklahoma, Texas, and into Tucumcari, NM easily on a week of Spring Break. Fun, hokey, and just plain nostalgic. We have done the route from Oklahoma City to the pier in Santa Monica, CA and are going to start on the eastern leg, OKC to Chicago either this summer or next. You'd be surprised at the level of restoration that has gone on. Get the book "The Mother Road" and any other guides you can find before starting out. Plan your stops and make reservations for the best experience. Get out of the car if you see something interesting. You'll be richer for it. :)

[#1DawgFan]

Luling....because of the city market:D

[grayowl60]

Someone mentioned 'road trip' as part of their post. Go out to West Texas and do the Davis Mountains. Go to the Fort Davis National Historical Site and eat at the burger joint across the road. Really good. Visit the Indian Lodge (we did not and regret it). Link: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/indian_lodge/

Visit the State Park north of that area for the natural springs swimming hole (concreted by the CCC/WPA) with the endangered pupfish swimming all around you. They also have RV sites and cabins for rent. It is Balmorhea State Park. Here's the website: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/balmorhea/

Also visit Fort Stockton and its historic Cavalry Outpost. Don't know how much of a road trip you are planning but you could also visit Fort McKavett. Link to info: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/fort_mckavett/ It is a really neat Cav outpost from back in the day. Those are some out of the way places we visited last Spring Break and really enjoyed.

Have fun and we expect a written report when you return. :)
Well, West Texas is a little to far for the time I will take. There have got to be some places East to see. And fishing WILL be part of the deal. Got to be some antiques involved (not my idea, but I will tag along). We always try to find the best chicken fried steak in town.:D I like to take pictures of old courthouses. Again...how long till spring training starts?:confused:

[CoveMom]

Well, West Texas is a little to far for the time I will take. There have got to be some places East to see. And fishing WILL be part of the deal. Got to be some antiques involved (not my idea, but I will tag along). We always try to find the best chicken fried steak in town.:D I like to take pictures of old courthouses. Again...how long till spring training starts?:confused:


I don't fish, so I can't help you there. There are a LOT of interesting Courthouses in Central Texas. Belton, Goldthwaite, Gatesville, just to name a few. Start with a website like this one: http://www.texascourthouses.com/ Then plan your trip to the ones nearest fishing holes. :)

[grayowl60]

I don't fish, so I can't help you there. There are a LOT of interesting Courthouses in Central Texas. Belton, Goldthwaite, Gatesville, just to name a few. Start with a website like this one: http://www.texascourthouses.com/ Then plan your trip to the ones nearest fishing holes. :)
Thanks for the link... check out the one in Ellis county.WOW!:eek:

[PaulinPlano]

Gruene Texas outside of New Braunfels is a nice place. Shops and dining. Gristmill is a good place to eat.

Wimberley Texas is one of my favorite areas. There are many nice B&Bs in the area. I have stayed at the Inn above Onion Creek. It is very nice and relaxing place a few mile outside of Wimberley towards Kyle. Red Corral Ranch is also nice.

[PaulinPlano]

Someone mentioned 'road trip' as part of their post. Go out to West Texas and do the Davis Mountains. Go to the Fort Davis National Historical Site and eat at the burger joint across the road. Really good. Visit the Indian Lodge (we did not and regret it). Link: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/indian_lodge/

Visit the State Park north of that area for the natural springs swimming hole (concreted by the CCC/WPA) with the endangered pupfish swimming all around you. They also have RV sites and cabins for rent. It is Balmorhea State Park. Here's the website: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/balmorhea/

Also visit Fort Stockton and its historic Cavalry Outpost. Don't know how much of a road trip you are planning but you could also visit Fort McKavett. Link to info: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/fort_mckavett/ It is a really neat Cav outpost from back in the day. Those are some out of the way places we visited last Spring Break and really enjoyed.

Have fun and we expect a written report when you return. :)

We did the "Loop" several years ago and it was really nice and quiet. From I-20 at Ft. Stockton, go south on 385 to Marathon (has to be the smallest town!) and stay at the Gage Hotel. More importantly, EAT at the Gage. The food at that place was GREAT! Nothing else in Marathon back then. I don't know about now. The loop is a favorite for motorcycle trips. You talk about an Oasis. There is nothing else around.

Then head down to Big Bend. Several good places to stay and eat. Hike. Relax. Take a boat down the river. You need to be an experienced river rat if you do so, or take a guide. Don't take a video camera. Ours ended up in the Rio Grande along with everything else when we flipped!

Then head over to Fort Leaton and then back North to Fort Davis on 67. We stayed at Hotel Limpia.

We took a week to take this trip. A lot of driving but very beautiful.

If you want to go somewhere and have a quiet relaxing long weekend and do nothing but read, take a dip in the pool, mabye get a workout in... sleep... eat more... Again... go to the Gage Hotel. But there is not anything else around the last time I went.:)

[CoveMom]

We did the "Loop" several years ago and it was really nice and quiet. From I-20 at Ft. Stockton, go south on 385 to Marathon (has to be the smallest town!) and stay at the Gage Hotel. More importantly, EAT at the Gage. The food at that place was GREAT! Nothing else in Marathon back then. I don't know about now. The loop is a favorite for motorcycle trips. You talk about an Oasis. There is nothing else around.

Then head down to Big Bend. Several good places to stay and eat. Hike. Relax. Take a boat down the river. You need to be an experienced river rat if you do so, or take a guide. Don't take a video camera. Ours ended up in the Rio Grande along with everything else when we flipped!

Then head over to Fort Leaton and then back North to Fort Davis on 67. We stayed at Hotel Limpia.

We took a week to take this trip. A lot of driving but very beautiful.

If you want to go somewhere and have a quiet relaxing long weekend and do nothing but read, take a dip in the pool, mabye get a workout in... sleep... eat more... Again... go to the Gage Hotel. But there is not anything else around the last time I went.:)

Still nothing much but what we have covered. Alpine is a bit more "hippie" now yet still nice to visit. BEAUTIFUL country. Desolate yet colorful if you take the time to look and listen. This is what "the west" looks like in the movin' pitchers. (movies, for those not literate in Texas slang)

[Favpack]

My final vote is Fredericksburg.

[slorch]

Luling....because of the city market:D

what about Buckees?:p

[slorch]

I like Shiner and also Brenham.

Fredricksburg and Kerrville also have that " old Texas feel" to them.

When i think of a small town, Windthorst is the first one that pops into my mind. if you've never been to a sausage supper and dance there, you're missing out on a little piece o' Texas.

[unbiasedobserver]

I always liked Boerne. Close enough to S.A. that you can get to the golf courses, but still avoid the rush hour traffice. Good food,Taptio Springs is a nice moderate priced resort with golf and a spa for the wife.
Don't miss the Grey Moss Inn for a romantic dinner with your spouse. A bit pricey but really worth it.

[RATTLERS316]

no particular order:
Wimberley
Blanco
Burnet
Marble Falls
Llano
Bastrop
Lockhart
Smithville
Martendale
Luling

[jtk1519]

This is easy... Breckenridge, hands down. Beautiful small town with great fishing on Hubbard Creek Reservoir just West of town and one of Texas' best sporting lakes in Possum Kingdom just to the East. Beautiful country with a Ken's Fried Chicken on the main road.

[Firebird]

This is easy... Breckenridge, hands down. Beautiful small town with great fishing on Hubbard Creek Reservoir just West of town and one of Texas' best sporting lakes in Possum Kingdom just to the East. Beautiful country with a Ken's Fried Chicken on the main road.

I always got in trouble with my upcountry friends for saying this, but lakes are really overrated. I hate swimming in what basically amounts to a big puddle. The ocean has better fishing, better watersports, the only downside being salty skin....which is actually pretty good for you if you don't overdo it. I do like Breckinridge though.

[jtk1519]

I always got in trouble with my upcountry friends for saying this, but lakes are really overrated. I hate swimming in what basically amounts to a big puddle. The ocean has better fishing, better watersports, the only downside being salty skin....which is actually pretty good for you if you don't overdo it. I do like Breckinridge though.

jtk doesn't swim. jtk goes one on one with large-mouths. jtk usually wins. :D

[jtk1519]

I always got in trouble with my upcountry friends for saying this, but lakes are really overrated. I hate swimming in what basically amounts to a big puddle. The ocean has better fishing, better watersports, the only downside being salty skin....which is actually pretty good for you if you don't overdo it. I do like Breckinridge though.

Ocean = http://www.extremescience.com/images/teeth.jpg

[Firebird]

Ocean = http://www.extremescience.com/images/teeth.jpg


If you aren't taking your life in your hands when swimming/fishing, you aren't really swimming or fishing.

[slorch]

I always got in trouble with my upcountry friends for saying this, but lakes are really overrated. I hate swimming in what basically amounts to a big puddle. The ocean has better fishing, better watersports, the only downside being salty skin....which is actually pretty good for you if you don't overdo it. I do like Breckinridge though.

yeah, but PK is such a better commute from Fort Worth...
than the freaking Gulf:eek:

[Firebird]

yeah, but PK is such a better commute from Fort Worth...
than the freaking Gulf:eek:


Move:D

[slorch]

I'm 80 miles from the gulf, and I'd take PK, the Guadalupe, or Lake Sam Rayburn any day.

now this coming week, the scenery improves dramatically at the beach, otherwise I'll take the freshwater places.

[jtk1519]

If you aren't taking your life in your hands when swimming/fishing, you aren't really swimming or fishing.

Hence the reason jtk does not swim. He does walk on the wild side when it comes to fishing though. :cool:

[Firebird]

I'm 80 miles from the gulf, and I'd take PK, the Guadalupe, or Lake Sam Rayburn any day.

now this coming week, the scenery improves dramatically at the beach, otherwise I'll take the freshwater places.

Pansy:cool: I'll take my chances with the big fish.

[slorch]

Pansy:cool: I'll take my chances with the big fish.

now fishing, i can understand the saltwater preference. I was talking more of the skiing/ swimming/ sea-doos/ ect( or tubes on the guadalupe)

[jtk1519]

http://www.solarnavigator.net/films_movies_actors/actors_films_images/jaws_eating_captain_quint.jpg

Big fish 1 - man 0

[Firebird]

now fishing, i can understand the saltwater preference. I was talking more of the skiing/ swimming/ sea-doos/ ect( or tubes on the guadalupe)

Until you have gone surfing and sailing you can never truly appreciate the superiority of beach watersports to lazily tubing the Gudalupe. Though tubing is fun.

[Firebird]

http://www.solarnavigator.net/films_movies_actors/actors_films_images/jaws_eating_captain_quint.jpg

Big fish 1 - man 0

It's only fair that the fish get a sporting chance....makes it more of a "sport":D

[slorch]

Until you have gone surfing and sailing you can never truly appreciate the superiority of beach watersports to lazily tubing the Gudalupe. Though tubing is fun.

I've surfed on all 3 major coasts of the mainland US, but I prefer water skiing and sea-doos to the salt water gigs. The guadalupe is a totally different sport:eek: .

[slorch]

One other small town I love to go to is Dublin.

[jtk1519]

It's only fair that the fish get a sporting chance....makes it more of a "sport":D

jtk disagrees. jtk's prey should never have bigger teeth than jtk.

[slorch]

jtk disagrees. jtk's prey should never have bigger teeth than jtk.

JTK is anti-underdog

bigger teeth just need a bigger hook...or bullet.:D

[t-long20]

jtk disagrees. jtk's prey should never have bigger teeth than jtk.

how long is jtk going to keep referring to himself as the third person, i know farmer was doing it also one time

[elprezidente]

It's only fair that the fish get a sporting chance....makes it more of a "sport":D
if thats the case then next time you come down we'll drop off at rio hondo set anchor and swim for biggest gar:eek: . ill wrap myself if bait to give those tiny fish a better chance at gettin a good lick on me first:D

[twcpfan1]

Of all the major cities in Texas, San Antonio has the most going for it.

[ahsstud]

Until you have gone surfing and sailing you can never truly appreciate the superiority of beach watersports to lazily tubing the Gudalupe. Though tubing is fun.


no one shall ever knock tubing, it is the ultimate and every man should experience the gudadlupe or pedernales at least twice in his lifetime.

the beach is nice to relax at, but you cant beat a day of wakeboarding and tubing PK or lake austin, followed by a late afternoon/night of cruisin the bay with your friends and a cold one watchin the sun go down:cool:

[jakerz]

Mart, Tx.

Or Chilton, Tx.


Sooooooooooooooooo much talent for such little towns.

[BandidoNB]

Gruene Texas outside of New Braunfels is a nice place. Shops and dining. Gristmill is a good place to eat.

Wimberley Texas is one of my favorite areas. There are many nice B&Bs in the area. I have stayed at the Inn above Onion Creek. It is very nice and relaxing place a few mile outside of Wimberley towards Kyle. Red Corral Ranch is also nice.

Gruene is not its own city (its completely within NB city limits)... or at least I never considered it so. Who knows, maybe im wrong.

[jtk1519]

Luckenbach beyotches.

[wide-e-wide]

Centerville...home of Woody's BBQ
Poteet...Strawberry festival was pretty cool
Diboll...still have family living there...gotta show some love for Diboll Day.

[jakerz]

Centerville...home of Woody's BBQ
Poteet...Strawberry festival was pretty cool
Diboll...still have family living there...gotta show some love for Diboll Day.


OMG Dude....Centerville...

Home of The BEEF JERKY! omg

Centerville officially wins now.

[wide-e-wide]

OMG Dude....Centerville...

Home of The BEEF JERKY! omg

Centerville officially wins now.

It's our halfway point pit-stop when we drive from Waco to Lufkin. Woody's = greatness.

[jakerz]

It's our halfway point pit-stop when we drive from Waco to Lufkin. Woody's = greatness.

Dude you copy what I do. When me and my cousin go to see LP play, Centerville is the middle. It's expensive as hell though, but worth it!

[wide-e-wide]

Dude you copy what I do. When me and my cousin go to see LP play, Centerville is the middle. It's expensive as hell though, but worth it!

What are you doing going to see Pack games?

[GoOwls]

My wife and I took this road trip one week back in 1998.

Dallas to San Antonio to Sea World. Then to Corpus Christi to fish and see the USS Lexington. Then to South Padre to go on a fishing trip. Then along the highway that run along the border to Sanderson, I think, and then south to the Big Bend and we stayed in the Chisos Mountains Lodge. Then to The Davis Mountains and the Observatory. Then up to Pecos to I-20 and back to Dallas.

We really enjoyed the sights and the side roads.

[PaulinPlano]

My wife and I took this road trip one week back in 1998.

Dallas to San Antonio to Sea World. Then to Corpus Christi to fish and see the USS Lexington. Then to South Padre to go on a fishing trip. Then along the highway that run along the border to Sanderson, I think, and then south to the Big Bend and we stayed in the Chisos Mountains Lodge. Then to The Davis Mountains and the Observatory. Then up to Pecos to I-20 and back to Dallas.

We really enjoyed the sights and the side roads.

That is a heck of a road trip. Bet it was great. We went to the Lexington a few years ago in 2000. I really enjoyed climbing around that boat or I should say Essex class carrier.

I love staying in Port Aransas. I could live down in Port Aransas... be a beach bum...

[PaulinPlano]

Gruene is not its own city (its completely within NB city limits)... or at least I never considered it so. Who knows, maybe im wrong.

You are correct. Technically, Gruene is not a town, but a historic district in New Braunfels today out of necessity for city services. But it once was it's own community and has it's own history. Great place. I hope it never changes.

[jakerz]

What are you doing going to see Pack games?

LP is like the bigger brother of my school, Waco High. Same swagger, race make up, atheletes all over the field, style of defense/offense...

Except they're purple.:o