This Texas town named one of the most charming small towns in America

Gruene, Texas, is one of the destinations recently spotlighted by HGTV in their roundup of up-and-coming small cities with unforgettable character.

Originally built between the mid-1800s and early 1900s, many of Gruene’s historic structures still stand today, earning the town a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.

Thanks to thoughtful preservation efforts, locals and visitors can enjoy browsing unique boutiques, savoring Lone Star State specialties at Old Gruene Market Days, and tubing down the Comal River—all within a short drive from Austin or San Antonio.

A trip to Gruene Hall, Texas’ oldest continually operating dance hall, is a must for music lovers; it’s where legends like Willie Nelson and George Strait have performed. Whether you’re looking to catch live country tunes, explore the scenic riverfront, or simply soak up the welcoming Hill Country vibe, Gruene offers an authentic taste of Texas history and hospitality.

Below is the full list of all 50 small towns HGTV recognized in their roundup:

Fairhope, Alabama

Unalaska, Alaska

Winslow, Arizona

Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Carmel (Carmel-by-the-Sea), California

Mancos, Colorado

Essex, Connecticut

New Castle, Delaware

Crystal River, Florida

Cartersville, Georgia

Hilo, Hawaii

Wallace, Idaho

Alton, Illinois

Warsaw, Indiana

Decorah, Iowa

Lindsborg, Kansas

Paducah, Kentucky

Ponchatoula, Louisiana

Kennebunkport, Maine

Cumberland, Maryland

Nantucket, Massachusetts

Houghton, Michigan

Park Rapids, Minnesota

Hannibal, Missouri

Whitefish, Montana

Nebraska City, Nebraska

Carson City, Nevada

Littleton, New Hampshire

Lambertville, New Jersey

Taos, New Mexico

Skaneateles, New York

Oxford, Mississippi

Ocracoke Island, North Carolina

Medora, North Dakota

Marietta, Ohio

Medicine Park, Oklahoma

Jacksonville, Oregon

Latrobe, Pennsylvania

Bristol, Rhode Island

Newberry, South Carolina

Yankton, South Dakota

Paris, Tennessee

Gruene, Texas

Kanab, Utah

Montpelier, Vermont

Bristol, Virginia

La Conner, Washington

Thomas, West Virginia

Fish Creek, Wisconsin

Sheridan, Wyoming