Over the past week, Texas tourism has been at the forefront of many media reports thanks to the sprawling spaceport of Blue Origin that is bringing space tourism to the Lone Star State. Even without Jeff Bezos’ space expeditions, Texas has always been considered somewhat of a tourist hotspot. In fact, during a typical year, Texas welcomes approximately 72 million out-of-state visitors looking to indulge in the state’s natural beauty, bustling urban centers, delectable cuisine, and a plethora of other destinations just waiting to be discovered. Although there are plenty of touristy places worth visiting during a trip to Texas, there are a few hidden gems, such as the following, that definitely deserve a spot on your travel itinerary.
Luckenbach is the epitome of small-town charm
If it is a small-town charm you are after, Luckenbach definitely won’t disappoint. The town, which was made famous by a Waylon Jennings song, only has three permanent residents. There are also only two main buildings in the tiny town. The one houses a general store, saloon, and what is left of the post office. The other one, surprisingly, is a dance hall that is known to host some of the top country artists in the state every week, making it the ideal authentic country music destination for serious music lovers.
Hill Country is a sight to behold
Texas Hill Country is the perfect mix of whimsy and exquisite natural landscapes. Apart from being known for its large range of sought-after properties, the region is also home to a variety of other attractions. If you enjoy spending time in the great outdoors, a stroll in the beautiful Garner State Park may be right up your alley. There are also a number of award-winning wineries in Hill Country that beckon visitors from across to sip on some of the best wine offerings you will find in the USA while taking in the picture-perfect landscapes surrounding the vineyards. Other must-visit attractions in Hill Country include Gruene Hall, Inks Lake State Park, and the Schlitterbahn water park.
Give Terlingua a chance
If you have your heart set on spending time in an authentic mining ghost town, head over to Terlingua near the Mexican border. While the tiny town with its handful of residents does not sport a Burger King or Walmart, it is home to a variety of eating establishments, bars, art galleries, a gift store, and a very unique selection of accommodations. If you are a fan of absurd attractions you will be glad to know that Terlingua has quite a few of these including a pirate ship and a sand-locked submarine.
Texas is filled with hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. Even if you do want to spend time in some of the state’s bigger cities, you should always add at least a few off-the-beaten-track destinations to your itinerary.
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