I love charming small towns in Texas - especially the ones where everyone knows each other by name and Friday nights consist of catching up at the local diner or dance hall. Albert, Texas is one such place. With a population of just 7, most people you’ll encounter in this virtual ghost town are not permanent residents, but the atmosphere at the Albert Dance Hall is still one of camaraderie and lightheartedness, and plain enjoyment of life’s simple pleasures.

Welcome to Albert, Texas! Founded in 1892, this historic small town is surrounded by ancient oak trees and features a 100-year-old dance hall where folks gather for cold drinks, live music, and good times.

While Albert’s past is a bit fuzzy, we know it used to be called Martinsburg and the earliest residents were settlers from Fredericksburg seeking more fertile soil for their livestock. The town was officially renamed when Albert and Minnie Luckenbach moved there and established a post office and general store (which is now the dance hall!).

The town’s school taught a young LBJ, and the dance hall was established in the 1920s to host German brass bands. Albert has changed hands several times over the years (it was even sold on eBay in 2007!), but the dance hall still remains a sanctuary where guests can leave all their worries at the door.

After undergoing substantial renovations, the Albert Ice House & Dance Hall has adapted to modern times without sacrificing its historic charm.

It’s open daily with live music every night, and there’s even a patio/beer garden where you can sip an ice-cold drink under the sprawling live oaks.

In addition to beer, the ice house also serves cocktails and local wine (it is located right along the Texas Wine Trail, after all!).

Visit the Albert Dance Hall website or the Albert Dance Hall Facebook page for more information, including current hours of operation and a music calendar.

Have you ever been to Albert? If so, do you think it’s one of the most charming small towns in Texas? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! If you need somewhere to stay while you’re visiting, I recommend looking at Fredericksburg. It’s only about a 15 minute drive from Albert, and there’s so much to do! The Hilton Downtown Fredericksburg is one of my top choices.