In a massive state like Texas, it is easy for small towns to fly under the radar.
But, as a new ranking from the magazine Country Living shows, the Lone Star State has a number of hidden treasures scattered along its quaint, charming backroads.
Every small town featured on Country Living’s list serves as a window into the heart of Texas, and each has its own unique characteristics.
Here is a closer look at the top five towns selected by Country Living.
No.1 Gruene
Gruene is a delightful town on the Guadalupe River that was originally founded by German settlers in the 1840s.
While water recreation activities like tubing and fly fishing are popular among tourists, you will not want to miss out on the famed Gruene Hall. Texas’ oldest dance hall looks much the same since it was first erected in 1878, including its high-pitched tin roof.
The venue offers live music every day, with musical lineups often boasting several talented Texas artists.
KXAN also put Gruene at the top of a similar list ranking the most underrated small town in Texas late last year, as reported by The Dallas Express.
No.2 Fredericksburg
The next small town is roughly two hours away from Gruene and also has strong German roots.
With over 45 vineyards, Fredericksburg is an excellent home base for touring Texas’ premier wineries. Be sure to visit fan favorites like Barons Creek Vineyards or one of the many other local wineries.
As recently covered by The Dallas Express, a day tour organized by Cottonwood Wine Tours was named 11th in Tripadvisor’s Best of the Best Wine Experiences list.
However, if wine isn’t your thing, check out one of the town’s beer gardens, such as Altdorf Biergarten or The Auslander.
Southern Living also gave this small town some love earlier this year by naming it one of the best small towns in the South, as reported by The Dallas Express.
No.3 Luckenbach
Just a short distance from Fredericksburg is Luckenbach, another gem in the Texas Hill Country.
There are plenty of historical sites to check out, including the town’s oldest building — a combo general store, post office, and saloon dating back to 1886.
Alongside the scenic views of Grape Creek and all the caliche hills, Luckenbach has a strong musical heritage, with its dance hall attracting countless traveling artists over the decades.
No.4 Laredo
For its next entry, Country Living pointed south to the town of Laredo, located on the Rio Grande River’s north bank.
There is much to see in Laredo as the town boasts several historic districts and museums, as previously covered by The Dallas Express.
A major attraction in the border town is San Agustín Cathedral, an awe-inspiring building of worship erected in 1872.
For an idyllic view of the Rio Grande and some gardens, take a tour on the premises of Casa Ortiz, a two-story home built in the Spanish colonial style by Don Jose Ryes Ortiz in 1830.
No.5 Marfa
Country Living looked west to Marfa to fill the No.5 slot. The town has a number of draws.
It has been home to a bustling art scene ever since minimalist artist Donald Judd moved there from New York in the 1970s. While there are several worthwhile galleries to check out, the 2005 Prada Marfa sculptural art exhibit is a must-see.
Visitors can also view the mysterious Marfa Lights, unexplained phenomena of colored lights that sometimes dance across the horizon to the southeast.
Other Texas towns named by Country Living each have their own unique charms, such as Granbury, which was recently named an official music-friendly community by Gov. Greg Abbott.
Whether you decide to visit Waco, Port Isabel, Cooper, Dripping Springs, Galveston, Dublin, Comanche, Marble Falls, or Alpine, each stop offers a unique Texas flavor — be it through history, arts, food, or nature — painting a vivid picture of the state’s rich tapestry.