Once in a while, you deserve to slow down and be in tune with yourself. Fortunately, Texas holds several slow-paced towns, where life is slow and relaxed. Starting with Luckenbach, discover eight Texas towns with a slower pace of life
Luckenbach
North of San Antonio, Luckenbach is one of a handful of towns that punch above their weight. It is renowned for its country music heritage, and features a historic dance hall that visitors love to bits.
The Luckenbach Texas saloon and general store is the focal point. People come here to tap their feet to live music and mingle with locals. Some visitors carry instruments and often jump onto the stage to take part in the action. Another touch point is the Luckenbach Texas' dance hall, which also hosts musical performances.
If you want to breathe fresh, crisp, playful air or enjoy some outdoor drama, the smallest Texas state park is a jaunt away: Old Tunnel State Park.
Marfa
Marfa feels and looks so unreal that it can take you some time to believe that you are in a real place, not a make-believe world.
If there is one thing unique about Marfa, it is that art pours out from almost every open space. Hotel St. George is quite calming (except for the occasional train), clean, and in keeping with the town's spirit, artsy. And it does not just serve amazing pork chops. It also serves lovely Texas sky views and, wait for this, some excellent reads. On a different note, the still brand-new Blackwell School National Historic Site is an emotive reminder of the mandated segregated education of Mexican-American children in Texas. It was established in July 2024. Of course, Marfa is also famous for the Chinati Foundation and the mysterious Marfa Lights.
Alpine
Isolated but artistic, Alpine is a small, slow-moving town tucked away in the wildly dramatic Big Bend Region.
Alpine has a funky independent streak that seems to say, “I don't care what you think about me, so long as I'm living my life.” This attitude, you will agree, probably comes with living so far off the beaten path.
The self-proclaimed capital of Far West Texas is easy to love. You can hike to the top of Hancock Hill, a spot that provides beautiful views of the town and the valley between the Davis and Glass Mountains. You can explore the campus of Sul Ross State University and pop inside the Museum of Big Bend, a small but extremely well-done museum that explains and covers the history of the region in great detail. You can also explore the eye-catching murals in the downtown area and catch a lively show at the historic Granada Theatre, loved for its amazing acoustics.
Salado
You may not know this, but Salado, now a tiny, laid-back town with beautiful creekside trails, was once the Intellectual Capital of Texas.
The story of the town intertwines with that of an enterprising colonel who had to ride all night from Austin to beat two other men to the area, then an undulating prairie country. He helped establish Salado College, one of the first co-educational colleges in the nation.
Start with delicious iced matcha at Muscovy Coffee Roasters, then head over to the “Miracle Mile” of Main Street, one of Texas’s most unique shopping districts. Pass by Fletcher's Books & Antiques, an awesome store near one of the town's most defining attractions: the Salado Sculpture Garden.
Chappell Hill
Chappell Hill is near Brenham. Although it is tiny and timid, Chappell Hill boasts several unique offerings. For example, it hosts the oldest bank in the country still operating in its original building: the Chappell Hill Bank. That said, if you enjoy exploring interesting local history tidbits, the Chappell Hill Historical Society Museum, located on Poplar Street, should be on your mind.
You will discover how Washington County boasts tons of Polish history. The Rock Store, just a step away, has lots of cool stuff to see or buy, including incense. You can also drive 8 miles to the Chapel Hill Lavender Farm, an aromatic lavender space with quaint surrounds and a scenic hillside view.
Schulenburg
Schulenburg — or “school town” — is a small, under-the-radar town that had its start as a railroad depot in the decade after the Civil War. The name speaks to the town's German heritage, an aspect you will easily notice if you explore the museums or take part in its festivals.
Speaking of museums, the Schulenburg Historical Museum on Main Street offers a glimpse into the town's beginning years. Taking the cue, Stanzel Model Aircraft Museum keeps a captivating collection of modern airplanes, along with a nice flight simulator. One of its other features is the Stanzel family home, as the museum is a labour of love of two brothers belonging to the Stanzel family. Keep in mind that the town is also known for its beautifully painted churches, an attraction best explored through reasonably priced tours, which require a deposit of $50.
Bandera
If you want to know that the Wild West is alive and thriving, take the next trip to Bandera, an unusual town in the Texas Hill Country.
Bandera is easy to get to. It is just an hour, or less, from downtown San Antonio. Dubbed the Cowboy Capital of the World, the spirit here is that of independence, freedom, bravery, all with a noticeably rugged flavour. Horse-drawn wagons often blend with Main Street traffic, a spectacle rarely found in any other town. Just outside of town is the Hill Country State Natural Area, with its rugged terrain and about 40 miles of multi-use trails. Within town, the Bandera Natural History & Art Museum keeps realistic, life-size replicas of dinosaurs, amazing taxidermy of wild animals, and high-quality historic art. But if you want to explore the town's Cowboy footprints, the Frontier Times Museum is the right place and deserves at least an hour.
St. Joseph
The pace here is slow, soft, and soothing, no doubt aided by the scenic views of the Red River Valley. St. Joseph is hidden in North Texas, and you will rarely find it mentioned in the glossy pages of travel brochures. That does not diminish its appeal. St. Jo features historic architecture, beautiful antique shops, and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Speaking of art, the Davis & Blevins Gallery, right on Main Street, keeps a jaw-dropping array of wonderful artwork, from framed art to furniture and jewelry. Take a quick spin around Saint Jo Heritage Park, then work your way to the well-organized International Artillery Museum, which showcases interesting armament and artillery from around the globe.
The Takeaway
Exhale. You need to unclutter your mind, lock your laptop, and enjoy life at a slow, soothing pace. These Texas towns do not whirl. They hum. Whether you choose Luckenbach, where you can sit and enjoy the melodious hum of a guitar’s strings, or Bandera, a nostalgic town that comes with whispers of the Wild West, you will certainly feel reborn. So, pack light and explore a side of Texas that is slow, beautiful, and laid-back.