How many Texas towns with unique 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). If there are others I did not list, I would love to know them to include them on my list. This is a fun read … and I bet you didn’t know all these Texas towns with unique titles existed or did you?
Wedding in Dripping Springs. Photo Credit: Destination Dripping Springs
Texas Towns With Special Titles
Have you ever wondered why and how these Texas towns got their unique titles? Here are a few that we found in alphabetic order. The “why,” you’ll need to look that up – some are here, most are not.
Photo provided by Dawn M.
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 has a zoo, too, including a Giraffe Safari Exhibit.
Austin – Live Music Captial of the World
The slogan became official in 1991 after it was discovered that Austin had more live music venues per capita than anywhere else in the nation.
Bandera – Cowboy Capital Of The World
Bandera stands out as the Cowboy Capital of the World and even has the title in its weblink – 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!
Beaumont (Gulf Coast) – Cajun Capital of Texas
Beaumont has been dubbed the “Cajun Capital of Texas by Texas Monthly and Southern Living. Let’s wait to see if this becomes official!
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 downright gorgeous, plus you can swim too.
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 Captial 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 bluebonnets plant new seeds yearly because only so many flowers propagate yearly. Burnet is no different, as over 30,000 bluebonnet seeds are planted in fields 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 close by 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 of 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.
Photo Credit: Destination Dripping Springs/Matt Montalvo
Dripping Springs – Wedding Capital Of Texas
In 2015, the Texas Legislature agreed that Dripping Springs is the Wedding Capital of Texas after petitioning to show 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 is small-town Ennis. Ennis comes alive during bluebonnet season with its bluebonnet trails and festivals every April. This is the one I’m most excited about because it’s the closest to where I live—I’m looking forward to attending the festival this year.
Travel Pro Tip: If you can’t make this festival, there are about 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 the month of October is a big party there!
Fredericksburg – Texas Hill Country
I’m unsure if the town has claimed this title, but it should. After all, Fredericksburg is the first town people 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 hang out in the square all night. 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 Captial 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. There are many wineries up and down Main Street, boutiques, and unique stores. But, at Christmastime, this town goes all out on Main Street.
Travel Pro Tip: If planning to spend a weekend here, book early for the holidays.
Kyle (Texas Hill Country) – 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
From their website – Medina has been named the “Apple Capital of Texas” due to its abundance of apple orchards and the fact that they have hosted the international Apple Festival each year.
Travel Pro Tip: The International Apple Festival is at the Great Hill Country Pumpkin Patch in October.
Mineral Wells – Wellness Capital of Texas
After heading to Austin several times, Mineral Wells has the title that the city has been waiting for! Congrats!
The City of Plano is the Official Hot Air Balloon Capital of Texas
Poteet – Strawberry Capital Of Texas
Be sure to search for its Strawberry Festival.
San Angelo is the Visual Arts Captial 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 sure you can get pecans in everything you order – from coffees, sweets, and probably a hamburger!!
Travel Pro Tip: San Saba is at the tip of the hill country and has a beautiful vineyard and winery called Wedding Oak Winery that’s worth a visit.
Downtown Tyler
Tyler – The Rose Capital Of America
I used to think Tyler was named The Rose Capital of America because they grew roses to sell wholesale and retail. But, they sell rose “bushes”—lots of them!
Travel Pro Tip: Tyler has many great things, including Tyler State Park. It’s worth a trip to see the rose bushes and gardens and hang out 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 known as the Peach Capital of Texas. Parker County Peach Festival is held in July every year.
And after all this research, I found a list at Texas State Library – Official Capital Designations. HA!
PIN IT!