8 Quirkiest Texas Towns You Didn't Know Existed

Texas is for many the heart of the American Southwest, and the cattle, cowboys, and confidence associated with it. Yet beyond the state's best-known characters, many of its smaller (and very small) towns share the unique, sometimes eccentric spirit that makes the Texan spirit what it is. Beyond cities like the state capital, Austin, quirky towns with quirky names — not to mention their singular histories — merit a visit or two from travelers near and far. For a few ideas on all the unusual points of interest small-town Texas has on offer, start by learning more about places you may not know exist.

Bandera

Texas is known for its swagger, and the tiny southwest town of Bandera makes a bold claim even for these parts. Calling itself the "Cowboy Capital of the World," the town celebrates its past as the onetime staging point for large-scale cattle drives to greener pastures. The town has also played host to Mexican, Native American, and Polish inhabitants, and the latter group has left a notable mark on many of the town's historic buildings.

Bandera's histories live on in the Frontier Times Museum, which celebrates the bygone folkways of this unique village. Other activities in town revolve around cowboy habits, from all-ages horseback riding and overnight stays at ranches like the Flying L Ranch Resort, to the Bandera ProRodeo Association, which puts on events for competition. Also in town, the Cabaret Dance Hall typifies the classic western honky tonk, where line dancing and country music have reigned since the venue opened in 1936.

Cut and Shoot

The name alone begs for explanation. Sitting north of Houston, Cut and Shoot came by its title, and its folklore, after a confrontation among members of different church congregations in 1912. One is remembered to have threatened, "I'm going to cut around the corner and shoot through the bushes!" Thus the name Cut and Shoot was born, according to a history on the town's official website.

Today, this quiet town tends to conduct its business peacefully. Locals and visitors alike can unwind at Time to Spare Entertainment, a bowling and recreation facility that also features pool tables, arcade games, a pickleball area, and a bar. Also in town, the East Texas Elephant Experience, a combination zoo and theme park, offers the chance to interact with three real-life African elephants — a delight for local and out-of-town children. For dinner out and a true taste of Texas, Leija's Mexican Food Restaurant serves classic south-of-the-border meals.

Gun Barrel City

Southeast of Dallas on the Cedar Creek Reservoir, the town of Gun Barrel City, another only-in-Texas name, offers lakeside recreation and proximity to the big city. The place, developed only from the 1960s, appears to have taken its name from Gun Barrel Lane, now a state highway. The town is proud of its name, since its motto is "We shoot straight with you." Gun Barrel City's official logo is a pair of pistols.

While in town, local flavors abound at restaurants like The Jalapeno Tree, a Mexican food establishment, or Elements by 456, an American place that features live music. Golf fans enjoy Cedar Creek Country Club, found at the north end of the reservoir, while Harbor Point Park, at the north end of town, overlooks the water.

Lampasas

Deep in the central heart of Texas, between Fort Worth and San Antonio, the small town of Lampasas offers several quirky charms. It claims to be home to the world's largest boot spur, once common on the heels of cowboys and rancheros. The spur, actually an outdoor sculpture, stands 35 feet tall, 20 feet wide, and weighs 10,000 pounds.

Lampasas is also known for its murals, another expression of this town's creative streak. The painted scenes depict the town's work and leisure, not least its nearby mineral springs, which have stimulated tourism and relaxation here since the 19th century. As a part of Texas' Hill Country, the popular area is a favorite among vacationers. Today, the area sustains a modest wine-growing industry, giving visitors another reason to stay in Lampasas. For even more art, the Hanna Spring Sculpture Garden beckons for a walk through its expressions in steel and other materials.

Providence Village

A practically brand-new town, Providence Village, a master-planned community north of Dallas, was incorporated only in 2010. Part of the town's appeal stems from its location next to Lewisville Lake, a very popular summer destination for boaters, weekenders, and good-time seekers, who gather at local spots like Party Cove.

In town, Providence Village, a family-friendly place, includes destinations like Lake Providence Park, a beloved local area for picnics and other gatherings. Just north of town, Fortunata Winery invites couples and adult groups to sample, as its website says, "a taste of Tuscany in North Texas." The site also serves snacks and wood-fired pizzas.

Hondo

West of San Antonio, the town of Hondo sprang up after the Southern Pacific Railroad built a stop here in 1881. Incorporated in 1942, the town has since become a place where families both live and visit in the Texas Hill Country. Its seasonal fairs and festivals are especially popular, including the Cowboy Country Roundup, held each spring. Each May, the town hosts the Hondo Army Airfield Fly-In, making use of South Texas Regional Airport, which sits northwest of downtown.

Like many Texas towns, Hondo honors its roots through food, and the town's diverse offerings spoil the visitor for choice. Heavy's Bar B Cue is a longtime favorite here, as are Billy Bob's Hamburgers and Pap's Italian Grill.

Marfa

For a town so small, Marfa's reputation has spread far and wide. The place is famous as a mecca for modern art, partly due to the lifelong work of artist Donald Judd, who moved here in 1971. Galleries now dot the downtown area, including standouts like the Judd Foundation and Ballroom Marfa. For bragging rights and a selfie or two, seek out Marfa's so-called Prada store. The site is actually an art installation, built by the creative duo Elmgreen & Dragset.

For a break from driving or the challenges of art shopping, check out The Sentinel Marfa, an upscale coffee and concept store. The Water Stop, a comfort-food restaurant with a locally famous burger, stands in the southwest end of town.

Venus

The quirks of Venus, south of Dallas, seemed to spring up from its very inception. The town was once called Gossip, before opting for a name change to Venus — "after the modestly named daughter of a local doctor," according to an official history. The place grew after the construction of an intersection of two railroads. The town's first post office opened in 1888, and the place has attracted increasing numbers of residents, called Venetians, ever since.

In Venus proper, families and visitors can unwind in Fielder Park, which includes a playground, basketball and baseball facilities, and plenty of fresh air. Local food options include Biundo's Pizzeria, Casa Jacaranda Cocina Mexicana, and American offerings of burgers and much else. East of town, a further flavor of Texas awaits at Shepherd's Valley Cowboy Church. The site combines Protestant church traditions with an indoor riding area and even an outreach ministry for motorcycle riders.

Some of Texas' Quirkiest Towns Are Its Smallest

Texas' smaller towns offer as many unusual points of interest as larger cities do. For an upcoming trip with a quirky twist, these places should provide plenty of inspiration. Bandera calls itself the Cowboy Capital of the World, for historical reasons, while Cut and Shoot honors a past scuffle and a strange name, with quieter living today. Gun Barrel City and Lampasas both mark the legacies of cowboys and rough justice through their official symbols and public art like oversized spurs. Then there is Marfa, whose status as an art hub stretches seemingly around the world. For a trip through Texas' unusual, and exceptional claims to greatness, small towns like these help point the way.