Try some small-town Texas charm this weekend

Texas has five of the biggest cities in the country – Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Austin, Fort Worth – but our beloved state where bigger is often better also features any number of charming small towns perfect for a little weekend getaway.

Here are some of those, as recommended by https://enchantingtexas.com:

Fredericksburg, a nice little drive down State Highway 281 from Lampasas and home of the National Museum of the Pacific War. Browse the shops along Main Street. Visit an area winery or two or take a wine-tasting limousine tour. How about a stop at Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm at the Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site and demonstrations on sausage making, sheep shearing, and canning.

Salado, located about 25 miles southeast of Killeen-Fort Cavazos along Interstate 35, offers wineries, breweries, arts and crafts, antiques, Mill Creek Golf and Country Club, cafes, watering holes, and fine dining.

Gruene (pronounced “green”), a National Historic District that is now part of the city of New Braunfels and home to Gruene Hall, a 6,000-square-foot, open-air music venue dating back to 1878 and billed as “the oldest continually run dance hall” in the state. Musicians who have performed at Gruene Hall include Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, George Strait, Garth Brooks, LeAnn Rimes, Gregg Allman, George Strait, Lyle Lovett, Townes Van Zandt, Jerry Jeff Walker, Hal Ketchum, and many more. While you are in town, grab a bite at Gristmill River Restaurant and Bar, whose former guests include actors John Travolta and Robert Duvall, musicians George Strait and Robert Earl Keen, former Texas governors Rick Perry and Ann Richards, legendary University of Texas football coach Darrell Royal and former San Francisco 49ers head coach Bill Walsh, among others.

Boerne (“Bernie”), just north of San Antonio, where the attractions include Cascade Caverns, Cave Without a Name, Cibolo Nature Center, River Road Park, Kreutzberg Canyon Natural Area, John’s Road Antique Mall, Fickle Pickles Antiques and Pickles, Boerne Brewery, Herff Farm, and Free Roam Brewing Company, to name a few.

Luckenbach (“Luke-n-bach”), an unincorporated community and tourist attraction near Fredericksburg. Known as a “Texas music mecca,” the town was first established as a trading post in 1849, and now consists of little more than a post office, general store, and a dance hall. Snap a few photos in front of the post office, grab a souvenir at the general store, park it for a while at the saloon, look for the kissing booth, or do some boot-scootin’ (dancing) at the dance hall.

Jefferson, an East Texas town with antique shops, bed and breakfast facilities on nearly every street corner, and striking architecture. Sample some peanut butter at Nutty’s, try some mouth-watering barbecue and deep-fried jalapeño cornbread at Riverport BBQ, or sip a glass of wine at Enoch’s Stomp Winery. Outdoor enthusiasts can go kayaking or take a guided boat tour of Caddo Lake at Caddo Lake State Park

Laredo, located 300 miles south of Killeen on the Texas-Mexico border. Take a guided tour, visit the Imaginarium of South Texas where kids of all ages can learn hands-on about science and technology. The Lamar Bruni Vergara Environmental Science Center houses live plant and animal specimens from the Rio Grande River ecosystem and serves as “a living laboratory for local students.” Fans of great Mexican food are in the right place here, and one of the top spots in town is Palenque Grill, which features traditional appetizers, soups, salads, enchiladas, tacos, quesadillas, parilladas (sizzling skillets), fajitas, beef ribs, surf and turf, ribeye and sirloin steak, shrimp, oysters, octopus, tilapia, churros, tres leche cake, flan, margaritas, brandy, and a variety of specialty drinks.

Buen provecho.

Enjoy your meal.