Texas Towns With Special Titles

How many Texas towns with unique official titles do you know?

Some Texas towns boast their name with a nickname behind it. I have visited a few towns lately with titles it is known for, and thought it would be fun to list them here. Keep reading if you’re curious about how these towns got their special titles (or nicknames). Explore these Texas towns with special titles – some are official, while others are not, but all are well-deserved!

After researching small towns in Texas for my upcoming book, I realize just about every town has a title – official or not. I’ll update this post accordingly. If there are others I have not listed, I would love to know about them so I can include them on my list.

This is a fun read… and I bet you didn’t know all these Texas towns with unique names existed, or did you?

Texas Towns With Special Titles

Have you ever wondered why and how these Texas towns acquired their distinctive names? Here are a few that we found in alphabetical order. The “why,” you’ll need to look that up – some are here, most are not.

Abilene – Storybook Capital of America

There are more than 25 statues of larger-than-life storybook characters in downtown Abilene. More to know about Abilene here – A Fun Weekend Getaway in Abilene, TX.

Travel Pro Tip: Abilene also has a zoo, featuring a Giraffe Safari Exhibit.

Austin – Live Music Capital of the World

The slogan became official in 1991 after it was discovered that Austin had more live music venues per capita than any other city in the nation.

Bandera – Cowboy Capital Of The World

Bandera stands out as the Cowboy Capital of the World, and it even boasts the title on its website at www.banderacowboycapital.com.

The title originated in the late 1800s when Bandera became the area of the last great cattle drives.

And, here I thought it was because of all the dude ranches in town!

Travel Pro Tip: Bandera has become one of the Texas Hill Country’s pride and joy for all things outdoors and glamping!

Blanco – Lavender Capital of Texas

The Hill Country Lavender Farm is the first commercial lavender farm in Texas. It is home to over 2,000 lavender plants spread across two fields in Blanco, Texas.

The town holds its annual Blanco Lavender Festival at the beginning of the summer (usually in June) on the grounds of the Blanco County Courthouse, and everything from soaps to lavender-laced food made from the flower is for sale. Go here for more information on The Lavender Capital of Texas.

Travel Pro Tip: Be sure to visit Blanco State Park to see the ripples of the water flowing – it’s truly gorgeous, and you can even swim there.

Boerne – The Hill Country Mile

Not only does Boerne have a unique name and pronunciation (pronounced Bur-nee), but the town also has an impressive Main Street running through town. Up and down Main Street are boutiques, shops, eateries, breweries, etc. Read all about how to have a fantastic time in Boerne, TX.

Travel Pro Tip: Bring comfortable shoes and an empty tummy!

Breckenridge (West Texas) – Mural Capital of Texas

The town is known as the Mural Capital of Texas. Not sure about this one. I was there last month and didn’t see many. But I didn’t go looking – I was there visiting a friend.

Bremond (Near College Station) – Polish Capital of Texas

Bremond, Texas, is known as the “Polish Capital of Texas” and has celebrated its Polish Heritage for over 30 years.

Burnet – Bluebonnet Capital Of Texas

It seems the town wanted this nickname so badly that they planted bluebonnet seeds everywhere. It’s no secret that cities with many bluebonnet plants plant new seeds yearly because only so many flowers propagate each year. Burnet is no different, as over 30,000 bluebonnet seeds are planted yearly.

Don’t miss their annual Bluebonnet Festival in April.

Travel Pro Tip: The Longhorn Cavern State Park is a must-see for an 85-minute cave tour.

Chappell Hill – Official State Of Texas Bluebonnet Festival

Another Texas town that boasts its bluebonnets. Known for its blooming bluebonnet fields in East Texas and its annual Bluebonnet Festival in April each year, Chappell Hill is the Official State of Texas Bluebonnet Festival. And don’t forget about the other three towns nearby that make up Washington County: Brenham, Washington, and Burton.

Travel Pro Tip: Chappell Hill also hosts a Scarecrow Festival each year.

Cuero – Wildflower Capital Of Texas

Cuero (DeWitt County) was named “Wildflower Capital of Texas” by the Texas Legislature in 1999, in part due to the 1,000 different species that have been documented blooming at various times throughout the county.

Travel Pro Tip: The official celebration of Wildflower Month in DeWitt County is in April.

Dripping Springs – Wedding Capital Of Texas

In 2015, the Texas Legislature recognized Dripping Springs as the Wedding Capital of Texas after a petition was submitted, demonstrating that we have over 35 venues within a 15-mile radius of downtown.

With 35+ wedding venues, no wonder this town is swarming with brides and grooms!

Travel Pro Tip: Dripping Springs is also known as The Gateway To The Hill Country and is minutes from Austin.

Ennis – Official Bluebonnet Trail of Texas

Just a short drive from downtown Dallas lies the small town of Ennis. Ennis comes alive during bluebonnet season with its bluebonnet trails and festivals every April. This is the one I’m most excited about, as it’s the closest to where I live.

Travel Pro Tip: If you can’t make it to this festival, there are seven more different ones throughout the year.

Floydada – Pumpkin Capital of Texas

Floydada, a small town in West Texas close to Llano, is considered the Pumpkin Capital of Texas. Cotton crops are huge here, as are pumpkins. I’m sure October is a big party month there!

Fredericksburg – Texas Wine Country

I’m unsure if the town has officially claimed this title, but it should. After all, Fredericksburg is the first town tourists think of when planning a trip to the Hill Country. Or, if not this title, perhaps something along “Wine Country.”

Travel Pro Tip: I always tell people, ‘Don’t overlook the other Hill Country towns.’  There are magnificent places to visit all over the Texas Hill Country – and wineries are everywhere!

Georgetown – The Most Beautiful Town Square In Texas

Georgetown’s award-winning Main Street is something to see, with its revitalized Courthouse and surrounding Victorian-era storefronts. This nickname is rightfully theirs, and for a good reason. My grandson and I visited a couple of years ago, and I wanted to spend the whole night in the square. Day and night, the square lights up.

Travel Pro Tip: Poppies in spring and Christmas are great times to visit Georgetown during the holidays.

Gladewater – Antique Capital of East Texas

Gladewater is the Antique Capital of East Texas! And if that’s not all, Gladewater is also a Texas Main Street and a National Main Street city. WOW! I can’t believe I’ve never been.

Grapevine – Christmas Capital Of Texas

Anytime is a good time to visit Grapevine. Many wineries are located along Main Street, as are boutiques and unique stores. But, at Christmastime, this town goes all out on Main Street.

Travel Pro Tip: If you plan to spend a weekend here, book early to avoid holiday crowds.

Kyle – Official Pie Capital of Texas

Kyle has been the Official Pie Capital of Texas for the past 32 years.

Lockhart (South of Austin) – Barbecue Capital of Texas

Lockhart is the BBQ Capital of Texas. Official or not, I’d check it out for the best BBQ Joints in Texas.

Medina – Apple Capital Of Texas

According to their website, Medina has been named the “Apple Capital of Texas” due to its abundance of apple orchards and its annual hosting of the international Apple Festival.

Mineral Wells – Wellness Capital of Texas

It’s official! After heading to Austin several times, Mineral Wells has the title the city has been waiting for!

Nacogdoches – The Oldest Town In Texas

The City of Plano is the Official Hot Air Balloon Capital of Texas

Port Arthur (Gulf Coast) – Cajun Capital of Texas

Poteet – Strawberry Capital Of Texas

Be sure to search for its Strawberry Festival.

San Angelo is the Visual Arts Capital of Texas

San Saba – Pecan Capital Of The World

This city has been known as the Pecan Capital of the World ever since a resident planted a commercial pecan nursery in the late 1800s. I’m almost certain you can get pecans in everything you order – from coffee and sweets to a hamburger!

Travel Pro Tip: San Saba is situated at the tip of the Hill Country and features a beautiful vineyard and winery called Wedding Oak Winery, which is worth a visit.

Tyler – The Rose Capital Of America

I used to think Tyler was named the Rose Capital of America because it is known for growing roses to sell both wholesale and retail. But, they don’t sell roses – they sell rose “bushes”—lots of them!

Travel Pro Tip: Tyler has many great things, including Tyler State Park. It’s worth taking a trip to see the rose bushes and gardens, and spending time in the park.

There you have it, Texas towns with notable names. Please send it our way if you know of any other Texas towns with a nickname. Use the comment section for your inclusion. Thank you!

Waxahachie (North Texas) – Crape Myrtle Capital of Texas

In 1997, Waxahachie was designated the Crape Myrtle Capital of Texas after a year-long effort to plant colorful trees around the town. These trees bloom in early summer, and locals and visitors come out to help celebrate at the annual Crape Myrtle Festival and Parade in July – along with the Fourth of July!

Weatherford (Parker County) – Peach Capital of Texas

Weatherford, or Parker County, is the Peach Capital of Texas. The Parker County Peach Festival is held annually in July.

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