This Texas Town Ranks Among the Best Small Downtowns in America

BASTROP, Texas (KPEL News) - Texas is packed with incredible cities and small towns, each with its own unique charm. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a new place to call home, the Lone Star State has something for everyone.

But one small Texas town just grabbed the spotlight in a big way—earning national recognition for having one of the best downtowns in America.

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Known as "the most historic small town in Texas," the town of Bastrop is one of "40 Most Charming Small-Town Downtowns in America," according to HGTV.

"It's also one of 90 Texas Main Street cities recognized by the Texas Historical Commission for efforts to revitalize historic downtown districts," their site explained. "Established in 1832, Bastrop got its start as a tiny town with only a hotel, courthouse, stockade and general store before growing to become a prosperous farming and timber community. Today, this charming Texas town exudes history, as evidenced by the hundreds of sites, buildings and structures that have been named to the National Register of Historic Places.

"Plan a half-day or more to explore the historic downtown and the burgeoning arts and music scene," it also noted.

What's in Bastrop, Texas?

"From our live music scene to local theaters our arts & culture scene is anything but ordinary," says the town's website, VisitBastrop.com.

You can start your adventure there in the Bastrop County Museum and Visitor Center, which is located in an old police station from the 1930s. There are also a lot of boutiques and shops in the small town.

But the history is what makes it unique, as it features "130 places where history buffs can get their fix," according to their website.

And, speaking of history, have you heard of these bizarre history markers found throughout the state?