These Towns in Texas Come Alive in Winter
While most people think of the Wild West when they hear Texas, there is far more to the beautiful state than cowboys and ranches. Texas is a state with an incredibly diverse landscape and several small towns. In winter, the temperatures in Texas are mild, and the state's small towns retain their southern charm. The small towns in Texas are a delightful mix of unique culture and serene outdoor landscapes. Visit Brownwood, home to the beautiful Pecan Bayou, or check out Marfa, Texas's quirky art town. In winter, these towns have quieter streets, making it easier to enjoy their allure. Here are some of the best towns in Texas to enjoy this winter.
Brownwood
Brownwood is a small town in north-central Texas just 3 hours southwest of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. The town is home to the Pecan Bayou and gorgeous waterfront golf course resorts, making it the perfect destination to enjoy some outdoor recreation. Since winters in Texas are milder, you can still enjoy a canoe or kayak trip on Pecan Bayou in winter. There are also many relaxing destinations in Brownwood. The Lyric Theatre puts on seasonal productions that are a must-see. During the holiday season, Brownwood is full of festivities including a lighted Christmas parade, and Christmas shopping events in December.
Port Isabel
In winter, Port Isabel is one of the most beautiful places in Texas to visit. The mildly cool, breezy weather and stunning island scenery make for an enjoyable visit. The alluring town has historic charm as one of the oldest towns in southern Texas. During the Civil War, Port Isabel was an essential port for cotton exports. There is no better way to enjoy the town's history than by visiting its local museums. Visit the History Museum and the Treasures of the Gulf Museum for the perfect winter day trip. Port Isabel is also home to the only lighthouse along the Texas coastline open to the public. Everyone is welcome to climb to the top of the lighthouse for an incredible town view.
Port Aransas
Port Aransas is another Texas coastal town that is beautiful in winter. A relaxing scenic beach town, Port Aransas has plenty of outdoor activities in the winter. Even with a slight chill in the air, visitors can enjoy dolphin watching, fishing and boogie boarding. Beyond the beaches and water activities, Aransas is home to a wide array of wildlife. Since the winters are mild, more than 400 species of birds flock to the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. This includes the whooping crane, one of North America's rarest birds. The geography of the refuge supports a diversity of wildlife. There is a long chain of barrier islands around the area, along with several shallow bays and freshwater marsh.
Wimberley
Wimberley is a charming town in Hill County known for its natural attractions and ranching history. The quiet town has many natural attractions from the Blue Hole to Jacob's Well. The mild winter temperatures, serene scenery, and smaller crowds make the season particularly enjoyable in Wimberley. The town also hosts some festivities during the Christmas season. There are tree lighting ceremonies, events in the vibrant downtown as well as Wimbereley's Trail of Lights at the Emily Ann Theatre; a perfect activity for the kids!
Jefferson
Jefferson is a beautiful northeastern Texas city just 167 miles from Dallas. The town has southern charm with historic buildings, unique antique shops, and quaint eateries. Winter brings in less crowds and is the perfect time to enjoy everything Jefferson has to offer. During the holidays, the town comes alive with festivities. There is a Candlelight Tour of Homes and Christmas Express Train to enjoy. Jefferson is also home to one of Eastern Texas's most stunning State Parks, Caddo Lake Park. The park has magnificent bald cypress trees resting over Big Cypress Bayou. There are several outdoor activities to enjoy at the park, including paddling Saw Mill Pond, fishing and hiking around the cypress trees, as well as the opportunity to stay in a historic cabin!
Marfa
One of the quirkiest towns in Western Texas is Marfa. During any time of the year, Marfa attracts modern art enthusiasts. Artists come to the town to explore The Chinati Foundation, a renowned art museum dating back to 1986. The museum specializes in showcasing large-scale works of art. Another hot spot to visit in Marfa is the Hotel Paisano. This spot is the setting for the movie Giant. Winter is a great time to visit Marfa since there tend to be fewer crowds, making it easier to enjoy the art scene at a relaxed pace.
Bandera
Bandera is a small town with less than 1000 residents and is a great destination for anyone a fan of the cowboy allure. The mild winters, Western aesthetic, and bountiful outdoor activities make it an enchanting destination. The town's nickname is "The Cowboy Capital of the World." Bandera earned its name from the battles fought in Bandera Pass between the Comanche and Apache nations and the Spanish Conquistadors. Check out the Frontier Times Museum to learn more about the town's history. Hill Country State Natural Area is one of the best spots in Bandera to explore the outdoors. The destination has over 5,000 canyons and rolling hills, perfect for hiking, camping, and backpacking. Bandera also has the stunning, crystal-clear Medina River running straight through. The river has bald cypress trees on the shorelines, making for beautiful scenery. Bandera City Park is a great place to have a picnic and enjoy the natural view of the town.
For those looking to escape the cold, Texas is the perfect getaway. Texas is a highly underestimated winter travel destination with mild temperatures and serene landscapes. The small towns mentioned here make great winter trips. Whether visitors want to explore a quirky art town such as Marfa or enjoy the outdoors at Caddo Lake Park in Jefferson, these are some of the best small cities in Texas.
