If you live in Texas, you know that what we're known for - southern hospitality, the simplicity of sitting on the porch with a glass of sweet tea, and slow living - only exists in the smallest of our towns. Visiting a place like Wimberley or Alpine just has a completely different feel than, say, Houston or Dallas. All the locals know each other, and they know when someone they meet isn't from their town - but instead of being hostile to newcomers, they're just as welcoming as they are to their own friends and family. That's the beauty of Texas small towns, and they're more abundant than you might think. Here are 11 small towns (less than 10,000 residents) where everyone knows your name:
"Everybody's Somebody in Luckenbach" is the saying here, and it couldn't be more true considering the town had a population of 3 in 2006. It's probably grown slightly since then and sees a considerable number of tourists, but that doesn't even put a dent in its status as one of, if not the, smallest town in Texas. It has two main buildings - a post office and a dance hall. And, of course, we can't forget about the famous song by Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson that memorialized Luckenbach.
With a population of only 940, it would be hard to not encounter the same people on a daily basis in Wink. If you ever find yourself driving through West Texas, make a stop in this desolate town and check out the crazy sinkhole that you can read more about here.
Strawn is a cute little town off I-20 between Fort Worth and Abilene. As of 2010, the population was a mere 653 - but that doesn't mean it's a barren wasteland with nothing to do. There are beautiful hikes overlooking the Palo Pinto Mountain Range, six-man football (yes, you read that right) on Friday nights, and the famous Mary's Cafe where you can get the best chicken-fried steak in Texas.
(Just in case anyone needs a pronunciation lesson, Quitaque's got you covered.) If this welcome sign isn't an indication of how small the town is, I don't know what is. Although only 411 people lived here at the last census, Quitaque sees a plethora of tourists due to its absolutely breathtaking Caprock Canyons. With that kind of beauty, I don't know why more people aren't flocking there. Waking up to a view like that every morning would be priceless.
The city of Noonday has an interesting way of bringing its small population together yearly - the Noonday Onion Festival. Onions grown within a 10 mile radius of the town are rumored to be the sweetest in Texas, and residents don't dare dispute that fact. Instead, they gather each May and bond by celebrating their delicious local onion.
Just a short ferry ride away from Galveston lies the much smaller, much less populous island of Matagorda. If you're craving a beach day but don't want to deal with hundreds of tourists, I highly recommend spending the day here instead. It's definitely more serene and relaxing, and you can always head back to the main island to grab a bite to eat without fighting the beach crowds.
Marathon (pronounced MARE-UH-THEN) is a town full of history despite its small size of 430 residents. It suffered the second most devastating earthquake (5.7 magnitude) in Texas in 1995, as well as serving as a filming location for the movie Paris, Texas. It's way out in West Texas on the way to Big Bend, and is famous for its unbelievably clear night sky.
Salado is a little bigger than the towns listed above with a population of just over 2,000. It's a quaint little village bursting with history - the Stagecoach Inn (pictured) is the oldest hotel in Texas, and over 19 locations in Salado are on the National Register of Historical Places.
"Come and Take it!" Sound familiar? That's because the bloody battle that bore this iconic phrase took place in this little Texas town. It has a population of around 7,000, but residents still know who belongs there and who's a tourist. That's not to say tourists are unwelcome - locals are extremely inviting and eager to show visitors around a town that had a hand in shaping our country into what it is today.
Alpine is a cute little west Texas town with about 6,000 residents. I actually featured it in an article of its own a while back because I was so fascinated with it - it's like an oasis in the middle of the desert. It's a great stopping place during a long road trip with its town square, historic Holland Hotel, and plenty of activities for the whole family. Plus, you'll meet tons of nice locals who'll be happy to show you around.
Wimberley gives you a warm and cozy feeling that's hard to describe unless you've been there. The German town somehow only has a population of 2,500 despite all there is to do there. From Jacob's Well to exploring the shops downtown, you'll never run out of activities, and the Texas charm that only exists in our smallest towns will be with you throughout your visit.
Have you ever visited any of these towns? What was your experience like? Where else in Texas has that unmistakable, small town Southern charm?
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
Christmas in Texas is a beautiful thing. Big cities and small towns alike come alive this time of year with parades, lights, towering trees, and overflowing holiday spirit. Our entire state is a sight to see all season long, but this one city just might have the most magical sights in America. Take a trip to this unique corner of the state and experience the best main street at Christmas in Georgetown, Texas.
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With the self-proclaimed "Most Beautiful Town Square In Texas," it's safe to say this Hill Country city leaves no hall un-decked at Christmastime.
Georgetown, Texas – December 1th, 2019: Courthouse All Light Up and Ready For the Holidays
Over 20 different events take place throughout the holiday season, most centered around Main Street in all its dazzling glory. Brilliantly lit trees illuminate the street for nighttime strolls and every building sparkles from floor to ceiling.
Do some window shopping or pop into a few boutiques to pick up those last few items on your Christmas list. There's so much to discover at this Texas Christmas town.
You also won't want to miss their annual Christmas stroll. This jolly tradition will put you in the holiday spirit. But that's not the only event Georgetown hosts during this season. You can also enjoy a reindeer run, a holiday market, and breakfast with Santa! These activities are great for kids from one to ninety-two!
Panoramic Picture of the Main Downtown Street With the Georgetown Square Lit up and decorated for the Holidays
An Affair on the Square is another whimsical event that's full of magic. This annual holiday shopping event features merchants selling unique gifts you won't find anywhere else. There's a new theme every year, so be sure to come prepared!
Something about the magic of Christmastime just brings people together. Whether it's a stranger on the street corner or dearly beloved family members, expect to form heartwarming and lasting connections with everyone you encounter this season in Georgetown, Texas.
There's more than enough holiday cheer to go around! Have you ever spent Christmas in Georgetown, Texas?
What are your favorite places to visit at Christmas in Texas? Feel free to share your favorites with us through our nominations page! If you need some more ideas, take a day trip to one of the 10 best Christmas towns in Texas. And don't forget to check out our ultimate gift-giving guide.
