If you’ve been craving a road trip packed with cute downtowns, homemade pie, and cowboy boots, you’re in the right place.
Just outside the hustle and bustle of Dallas-Fort Worth, there’s a whole lineup of dreamy little towns.
The streets are full of charm, the festivals are bigger than you’d ever expect, and the sweet tea flows like water.
From wandering historic squares to kayaking across sparkly lakes, this road trip is packed with surprises you’ll be talking about long after you’re back home.
Keep reading to find out all the must-visit spots, hidden gems, and why this adventure might just be the most fun you’ll have all year.
1. Waxahachie
Waxahachie, just 30 minutes south of Dallas, is a town known for its stunning Victorian homes, a beautiful courthouse, and bright spring crepe myrtles.
If you’re a fan of festivals, Waxahachie throws some epic ones like the Scarborough Renaissance Festival, complete with giant turkey legs and jousting knights.
Fun fact: Waxahachie is called the “Crape Myrtle Capital of Texas,” and when those flowers bloom all over town, it basically looks like you’re living inside a painting.
(The Scarborough Renaissance Festival usually runs for eight weeks from April to May.)
2. Grapevine
Just up the road from Waxahachie, Grapevine brings its own magic with a historic Main Street, great wineries, and an adorable vintage train you can ride.
If you show up around Christmas, get ready because Grapevine goes all out with millions of twinkling lights, festive parades, and nonstop holiday vibes.
After all, they don’t call it the “Christmas Capital of Texas” for nothing.
You can also hop over to Grapevine Lake for some sunshine and kayaking, or hit up one of the local tasting rooms and sip your way through Texas wine country.
3. Roanoke
Next on the road trip, Roanoke serves up small-town streets packed with more restaurants than you’d think possible for a town its size.
They call it the “Unique Dining Capital of Texas,” with everything from diners slinging giant burgers to fancy spots where desserts are almost too pretty to eat.
After you’ve eaten your way through town, swing by the Babe’s Chicken Dinner House (yes, you have to) or catch some live music at one of the local patios.
4. Weatherford
After Roanoke, it’s time to roll into Weatherford, where cowboy culture is still alive and kickin’ and the peaches are basically famous across the whole state.
This town lives for big Texas traditions, with a lovely courthouse, a farmers market that has stood the test of time, and a July Peach Festival loaded with peachy treats.
If you’re into history, start with a stroll through the fancy fountains and secret gardens of Chandor Gardens.
Then head to the Museum of the Americas to see incredible Native American art and artifacts.
5. Granbury
Next, cruise into Granbury, a town that feels like it was made for lazy afternoon strolls.
Granbury’s historic square is lined with cute shops, old-timey buildings, and even a tiny opera house where you can catch a live show if you’re feeling fancy.
When you’re ready to chill, hit the beach at Lake Granbury or rent a kayak before grabbing some homemade fudge from one of the downtown candy stores.
6. Glen Rose
If you’re up for exploring prehistory then Glen Rose is the perfect spot.
This little town is famous for Dinosaur Valley State Park, where you can literally walk in real dinosaur footprints along the riverbed and feel like you’ve time-traveled.
Besides the dino magic, you can swing by Fossil Rim Wildlife Center for a drive-thru safari where giraffes might just stick their heads in your car for a snack.
The downtown is also super cute with a ton of pretty buildings, cozy cafes and nice places to eat.
7. Hico
Not ready to head home yet? Make a pit stop in Hico, a tiny town that’s packed with way more beauty (and chocolate) than you’d expect.
Legends run deep here, including the rumor that Billy the Kid lived out his final days here and you can dig into the mystery at the Billy the Kid Museum.
While you’re there, don’t miss Wiseman House Chocolates, where you can load up on handmade truffles that are so good, you might never want to leave.
8. Stephenville
Last but not least is Stephenville, a college town with a big rodeo heart and a whole lot of Texas pride.
They call themselves the “Cowboy Capital of the World” (yep, so does Bandera) but Stephenville is the kind of place where you can catch a real-deal rodeo.
You can also shop for custom boots and hear live country music pretty much any night of the week!
If you need a little breather between all the action, grab some sweet tea from a local café and kick back under the shady trees downtown.
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