These Texas Towns Are Home To Some Of The Best Downtowns In The State
May 20,2023
See full The Travel article by Ariana ODonnell here.
Texas has long been a vibrant and bustling place with a thriving economy and culture. There are a lot of awesome things to do in Texas, and a lot of places vacationers can visit. From small and sleepy towns lined with small boutiques and cafés to large metropolises bustling with restaurants, shopping centers, theaters, and vibrant nightlife, Texas offers everything from a taste of the Wild West to a slice of modern life.
For history, architecture, culture, and entertainment enthusiasts, there are a handful of towns in Texas to consider on the next trip there. All of them are small enough to offer a cozy, small-town atmosphere yet rich in culture that can't be found in large cities. These Texas towns have some of the best downtown experiences in the state.
Wimberley
Located in Hays County, Wimberley is a charming town that was founded in 1848 as a trading post-settlement. To this day, it remains a thriving community that offers an amazing small-town charm and a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
Wimberley boasts a quaint downtown area with antique shops, galleries, studios, a thriving arts scene, and performance venues where travelers can enjoy live performances from local artists.
In addition, Wimberley is only 37 miles from Austin, which makes it rank high on the list of day trips from Austin that are worth leaving the city for .
San Antonio
San Antonio is located in south-central Texas. If travelers' ideas of culture, history, and entertainment is exploring colonial missions, then San Antonio is a place to visit.
The city is home to the Alamo, a historic mission involved in the Texas Revolution. The River Walk is another popular attraction that offers a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and bars for entertainment.
Galveston
Located in southeast Texas, on the Gulf Coast of Texas, Galveston is a beautiful island town with a rich history. Galveston is one of the amazing places to visit in Texas in the spring and for a good reason. The town rose to fame after the Galveston Hurricane of 1900, which was one of the deadliest hurricanes in US history.
The Victorian-era buildings that endured the hurricane were preserved, and they offer an insight into what life was like before the catastrophe. Galveston is home to the Texas Seaport Museum, which offers visitors a glimpse into the past through historical artifacts.
The town is also home to Moody Gardens, which has a beautiful botanical garden where travelers can take in the picturesque scenery surrounding the city.
El Paso
El Paso sits on the border of three states, Texas, New Mexico, and Chihuahua, and two countries, the US and Mexico. The city is a major commercial and transportation hub. There are many reasons to visit El Paso.
In terms of history and heritage, the city is extremely, as it was originally built by Spanish settlers. The El Paso Museum of Art offers visitors insight into the history of the area through its collection of Mexican American art.
Fredericksburg
For those interested in German culture, add Fredericksburg to the travel itinerary. Much of Fredericksburg's history is tied to its early German settlers. Today, visitors can experience the area's rich history through tours of various historical landmarks.
The town has many festivals and live entertainment options which makes it one of the unique Texas towns for the best vacations. Fredericksburg is also home to several museums, such as the Pioneer Museum Complex, which offers insight into how people lived over 100 years ago.
McKinney
Located in North Texas, about 32 miles North of Dallas, McKinney is a small town that has never lost sight of its rural roots. The historic downtown area of McKinney features some beautiful historic buildings, shops, art galleries, studios, and amazing restaurants.
Visitors can visit the McKinney Performing Arts Center, where they can enjoy a variety of concerts and performances. Another popular attraction is McKinney's historic square which hosts various events throughout the year, including the annual Oktoberfest celebration.
Waco
Located in central Texas, Waco is an amazing city that has seen several revitalizations in recent years. However, many of the historic buildings in the downtown area were spared.
The downtown area features a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, including small boutiques, antique shops, great restaurants, and live music venues.
Fort Worth
Fort Worth is located in Tarrant County, north-central Texas, approximately 37 miles west of Dallas. Being a modern city, Fort Worth's downtown area is a mix of historic buildings, modern skyscrapers, and a variety of cultural attractions.
Fort Worth Stockyards is a great place to visit for those who love the cowboy culture. In Fort Worth Stockyards, visitors will get to watch cattle drives and explore local shops selling cowboy boots, hats, and western wear.
Abilene
Abilene is a small city in west-central Texas, located about 200 miles west of Dallas. Abilene was established in 1881 as a railroad town. The downtown area still has some old Victorian-era buildings, which are beautiful and well-preserved.
One of the best places to spend time in Abilene is the Grace Museum, which gives a glimpse into the history of Texas. The town is also home to Frontier Texas! Museum, which exhibits the history of the American West.
Georgetown
Georgetown is a beautiful small town located about 37 miles north of Austin. The city's downtown area features some great shops, restaurants, and gorgeous historic buildings that have been preserved and restored.
One place visitors don't want to miss when in Georgetown is the Williamson Museum, which gives travelers a glimpse into the city's rich heritage.