The Charming Small Town In Texas That Was Named After The Country Of Italy
Italy, Texas, a charming small town south of Dallas, offers Southern hospitality, historic buildings, and unique attractions like the world's largest caterpillar.
That European vacation you’ve always dreamed of is closer than you think! One of the most unique town names in our state is Italy, Texas and it’s a charming little community about 45 miles south of Dallas. It’s no Venice, but it offers something even better, perhaps – a sense of Southern hospitality that only exists in small towns in Texas.
With a motto like "The Biggest Little Town in Texas," Italy is one of the most charming places you'll ever visit. Founded in 1879, the town was named after the country of Italy, which one of its settlers had recently visited.
Where is Italy, Texas located? Italy, TX is just off Interstate 35E, about 15 miles south of Waxahachie, Italy is home to about 2,000 people. Its population has been on a steady incline since the 1970s - it took over three decades for the effects of the Great Depression to ease enough for people to resettle in the town.
Italy was an important stop along the Missouri–Kansas–Texas Railroad, serving as an export center for cotton, corn, sweet potatoes, and wheat. As you explore the town square, you'll be whisked back to yesteryear and the heyday of the railroad industry, with historic buildings everywhere you look.
The town also boasts a few quirky claims to fame that have helped put it on the map. Named "Bruco," the world's largest caterpillar (60 feet wide, 22 feet tall, and 350 feet long, to be exact) is actually a manufacturing site for a company called Monolithic. It's quite a roadside attraction!
Starship Pegasus no longer exists, but it used to be a UFO-shaped restaurant, arcade, and photo-op. Unfortunately, it was demolished in 2017 after McDonald's purchased the property, and residents are still mourning the loss.
When it comes to food, there are several delicious restaurants to choose from in Italy. Locals rave about Mamma's Place, where you'll find homemade Tex-Mex favorites like enchiladas, tamales, tacos, and rice and beans.
On the outskirts of town, you'll come across several breathtaking sunflower fields that bloom during the summer and early fall months. The bright yellow blossoms extend as far as the eye can see, adding a bit of cheerfulness to your day. This particular field was captured on Highway 34 between Italy and Avalon.
Visit the City of Italy website for more information.
Have you ever been to this charming Texas small town? If so, what are some of your favorite things to do in Italy, Texas! Tell us in the comments. Don’t forget to check out our previous article for another nearby small town in Texas loaded with history!
If you would like to extend your trip to Italy, here’s a charming bed and breakfast that is only a few miles away.
In my opinion, the quickest and most guaranteed way to get into the holiday spirit is by visiting the best Christmas towns in Texas. From the official Christmas Capital of Texas which boasts nearly 1,500 events in under two months to a tiny town with a light display so spectacular, it can be seen from space, these seven cities and towns go all-out for the holidays. What can I say, we do Christmas in the best way in Texas. So, if you've been searching for places to go for Christmas in Texas, consider this your ultimate bucket list.
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1. Grapevine
Oversized Christmas tree ornaments for Grapevine the Christmas Capital of Texas
Grapevine is the official Christmas Capital of Texas, and it shows. The town boasts nearly 1,500 different activities throughout the holiday season, from Christmas wine trains to festive markets and more. Plus, the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center gets all decked out with beautiful lights and decor - and the hotel itself offers all sorts of family-friendly festivities, including a below-zero room filled with massive ice sculptures!
2. Georgetown
Georgetown, Texas – December 1th, 2019: Courthouse All Light Up and Ready For the Holidays
If you've never visited Georgetown at Christmastime, consider this your sign to plan a trip. This Austin suburb has the self-proclaimed "Most Beautiful Town Square In Texas," and it gets even more stunning when the holiday season rolls around. From the quaint shops and restaurants to the trees lining the street, virtually everything is covered in dazzling lights. Plus, the town hosts lots of themed events such as breakfast with Santa, a Christmas stroll, a reindeer run, and more.
3. College Station
College Station is home to Santa's Wonderland, a Texas-sized holiday theme park. It's the largest Christmas attraction in the entire Lone Star State, complete with millions of twinkling lights, real snow, holiday shopping, themed food and drinks, and so much more. You can even experience the lights via a hayride or a horse-drawn carriage!
Every year on the day after Thanksgiving, the world-famous San Antonio River Walk decks its halls for the holidays. Beautiful, multicolored lights dangle from the trees lining the river, and it's such an elegant sight to behold. Visitors to the Alamo City can also enjoy fun, festive activities such as the SeaWorld San Antonio Christmas Celebration, Lightscape At The San Antonio Botanical Garden, and Zoo Lights at the San Antonio Zoo.
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5. Johnson City
Johnson City Texas
With a population of over 2,000, Johnson City is a pretty small town - especially for the Texas Hill Country. Despite its size, however, the town truly goes all-out for Christmas. The annual Lights Spectacular is a free event that illuminates the town square each year with over two million lights, local food, beer, and wine, and more holiday cheer than you can shake a stick at. The display is so massive, it can be seen from space!
6. Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg is one of the most iconic and beloved small towns in Texas, and it gets infinitely more magical around the holidays. The town's annual "55 Nights of Fredericksburg Lights" celebration typically kicks off in mid-November, featuring activities such as an outdoor ice rink, holiday shopping, wine tastings, and more. Fredericksburg's German heritage is on full display with the 26-foot German Christmas Pyramid, and the Singing Christmas Tree - with choir members on each row - is also a lovely sight to behold.
If you've never been to Prairie Lights in Grand Prairie, make this the year. This famous holiday light park boasts a dazzling drive-thru light show, a walk-thru magical forest, carnival rides, photos with Santa, and a holiday village with sweet treats and other delicious eats.
How many of these Christmas towns in Texas have you visited? What are your favorite things to do for Christmas in Texas? If haven't been to any of these celebrations on my list, this year is the perfect time to add them.
If you're looking for more Christmas events in Texas, we have a whole bunch of great ones for you to discover. And if Christmas festivals in Texas are your cup of tea, I highly recommend checking out Dickens on Main in Boerne.
Things to do in Texas in the summer are plentiful, and if you've been to Texas in the summer, you'll know just what the experience is like sun-soaked days, vibrant festivals, mouthwatering BBQ, and more! The Lone Star State's warm hospitality and fun summer adventures are definitely worth embracing.
Cons of Visiting Texas In July
The only downside to Texas in July is the heat: Beware of the scorching high temperatures and intense humidity. If you come prepared and make sure to cool off and stay hydrated during the summer fun, you'll be just fine.
Texas Weather in July
Everything is bigger (and hotter) in Texas! Hot and humid, Texas weather in July can include high temperatures that often exceed 90°F. Be prepared for intense heat and occasional thunderstorms.
At Not Your Average Bucket List travel podcast by OnlyInYourState, we aim to find the best things for readers to discover in the United States. In addition to that, now we are going to help you find the best things to do in your state each month.
We are going to explore the top 10 best things to do in Texas in July, but if we missed something good...let us know! You can call or text 805-298-1420 and tell us what we need to know (or reach out to us via email at [email protected]).
So, are you ready to dive into a month full of exciting things in Texas? First, if you want to listen to the episode, make sure to check it out on Spotify:
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You can also watch our hosts Sara and Marisa break everything down on YouTube!
What's July like in Texas? Let's start with the Texas Hill Country, known for its rolling hills, picturesque wineries, and charming small towns...and all of them are even more beautiful in July. Hop in the car and visit places like Fredericksburg, Wimberley, and Gruene to explore wineries; indulge in local cuisine; and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. It may be hot out, but it's worth exploring the area! Learn about a gorgeous park with trails on the Dipping Springs Ranch Park website.
But, if taking a journey through Texas Hill Country in the scorching heat isn't your thing, you can always opt to have a cooler experience (literally) when you float the Guadalupe River. Not only do you get to cool off in the water, but you can spend a relaxing afternoon just enjoying the beautiful scenery.
If you're looking for the perfect swimming hole this summer, there are plenty of noteworthy spots to visit in the state!
Wimberley
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With popular swimming spots like Jacob’s Well (a large, perennial spring) and Blue Hole Regional Park (a lush park showcasing a forested swimming area with rope swings), Wimberley has just about all you need for a refreshing Texas summer vacation!
Austin
Barton Springs Pool is an iconic and beloved natural spring-fed pool located in Austin, Texas. It offers refreshing year-round swimming, with crystal-clear waters, surrounded by lush greenery, and is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
Dripping Springs
Hamilton Pool is a breathtaking natural swimming hole located in Dripping Springs. With its stunning 50-foot waterfall, serene turquoise waters, and limestone cliffs, it's a popular destination for nature enthusiasts seeking beauty and tranquility.
Balmorhea
Balmorhea State Park, home to the largest spring-fed pool in the world, is a unique oasis in the desert that everyone should have on their bucket list.
Top Texas Events In July
4. Zilker Park Summer Musical (Austin): July 12-Aug. 17, 2024
Experiencing outdoor theater is an incredible part of July events in Texas. Pack a picnic and go to Zilker Park to enjoy the free 65th Annual Zilker Summer Musical at the Zilker Hillside Theater. The outdoor theatre troupe will host live performances with a variety of ticket options. Discover more on the Zilker Theatre Productions website.
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5. Parker County Peach Festival (Weatherford): July 13, 2024
The Parker County Peach Festival in Texas is a beloved annual event celebrating the region's renowned peaches. It offers a wide array of peach-themed treats, live music, arts and crafts, and family-friendly activities, drawing visitors from far and wide to indulge in the sweet and juicy flavors of summer. Visit the Parker County Peach Festival website for further details.
6. Houston World Series of Dog Shows (Houston): July 17-21, 2024
Come. Sit. Stay! Dog lovers should attend the Houston World Series of Dog Shows, a prestigious event featuring various dog competitions, demonstrations, exhibitions, and tons of vendors. If you love meeting good boys and good girls like we do, it'll be a ton of fun! Learn more on the Houston World Series of Dog Shows website.
Every year in the summer, 20 venues throughout the Red River Cultural District host four days of free live music, alongside local food stalls and vendors. Incredible local acts have appeared during this incredible festival over the years -- and it makes sense, Austin is the Live Music Capital of the World! Find the lineup on the Hot Summer Nights web page.
Spread out and enjoy the 100,000+ square feet of retro video games and fun at the Palmer Events Center. Score prizes in the Retro Game Tournaments, receive cash for your old games or buy new ones, and by all means - wear a fabulous costume and compete for the best one!
One of the best summer festivals in TX is a great way to try the local craft beer and cider offerings while having a blast throughout the museum. And the best part - it takes place at the Houston Museum of Natural Science after-hours!
This annual event features a barbecue/fajita cook-off, paintball tournament, karaoke, a Mosquito Chase “Run,” and more. Paying homage to a pest has never been so much fun! Read all about it on The Great Mosquito Festival website.
Best Texas Beaches For July
Texas is home to several beautiful beaches along its Gulf Coast, so if the above attractions and events aren't your style (and you just want to relax at the beach), you should check out these sandy slices of paradise:
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South Padre Island: With white-sand beaches and a lively atmosphere, South Padre Island is a great spot to kick off summer fun
Galveston Island: This historic beach town features a gorgeous beach, family-friendly attractions, and a bustling boardwalk.
Mustang Island State Park: If you're looking for a more peaceful beach with opportunities for camping, birdwatching, and beachcombing, Mustang Island is just for you.
Port Aransas: This beach has a laid-back vibe and attracts visitors for fishing, dolphin watching, and enjoying the beachside restaurants and shops.
Padre Island National Seashore: This seashore is the longest undeveloped barrier island in the world and has incredible beaches, as well as many wildlife-viewing opportunities.
Things to do in Texas in the summer offer much fuel for the imagination. Are you ready to start your July planning? Have you been to some of these events and attractions? Please let us know your experience in the comments below.
