Best Small Towns in Texas

Utopia is a beautiful town to spend your time in, but there are a lot of surprising experiences you can look forward to. Whether you are traveling north to Vanderpool or South to Sabinal, you'll find restaurants, attractions, nature parks, and shops that can make your vacation worthwhile.

Town-hopping can make your stay in rural Texas fun and exciting. We will be highlighting our favorite places to visit in each of these towns, so just know that this is only a piece of what the town offers.

Vanderpool

Distance from Utopia: 10.5 miles

Lost Maples Winery

Address: 34986 RM 187, Vanderpool
Hours
Sunday, Wednesday - Friday: 12PM - 5PM
Saturday: 11AM - 5PM
Closed Mondays and Tuesdays

Want to spend a day in the lap of luxury? Then head over to Lost Maples Winery for some classy drinks grown here in Texas. Wine tasting is a lot of fun, and a perfect couples activity if you're honeymooning or celebrating an anniversary.

Dos Arroyos

Address: FM337, Vanderpool

This nature park is perfect for those who want to get lost in the trails of Texas. Hiking and biking are incredibly popular here, so if this is on your itinerary.

Lost Maples Winery

Tarpley

Distance from Utopia: 19.2 miles

Mac and Ernie's
Address: 11737 Ranch Rd

Hours
Wednesday and Thursday: 11AM - 4PM
Friday - Saturday: 11AM - 4PM, 5PM - 9PM
Sunday: 10AM - 11:30AM, 12PM - 2PM
Closed Mondays and Tuesdays

This small eatery is perfect for lunch or dinner. Our favorites are the catfish basket, the ribeye steak, or the pork tenderloin.

Williams Depot
Address: 12051 Farm to Market Rd 470

Hours: Call the owners at 830-562-3250. They will tell you what's playing and when the bar is open.

At this pit stop, you can expect to hear classic country and rock music while you sip on your drink. It's a rustic building with its own charm.

Mac and Ernies'

Sabinal

Distance from Utopia: 21.7 miles

Old Sabinal Brewery

Address: 412 N Center St

Hours
Friday: 12PM - 10PM
Saturday: 12AM - 10PM
Sunday: 12PM - 7PM
Closed Mondays through Thursdays

In downtown Sabinal, you can receive some homemade brews and wines for an affordable price! They have live music and food sometimes as well, so it's worth the trip.

Old Sabinal Brewery Menu

Nora's Tacos

Address: 426 Fisher Ave E

Hours
Monday - Thursday: 5:30AM - 2PM
Friday: 5:30AM - 10PM
Saturday: 5:30AM - 6PM
Closed Sundays

Being close to the southern border has its benefits--one being delicious, authentic Mexican food. Nora's is the perfect place to grab a snack as you move between towns.

Nora's Tacos Menu

Concan

Distance from Utopia: 23 miles

Swimming Hole

Address: 20718 TX-127, Concan
Hours: If you would like to spend some time at the Swimming Hole, you should contact the owners at 830-834-9560.

Want to go swimming? The Concan swimming hole is the place to take a dive! It's pretty deep water and a comfortable temperature.

Concan Swimming Hole

Texas Hill Country River Region

Address: 21563 TX-127, Concan
Hours
Monday - Friday: 9AM - 4PM
Closed Saturdays and Sundays.

Another great place to explore if you want to see wildlife or just want to hike somewhere. A top pick for sure!

Texas Hill Country River Region

Leakey

Leakey Liquors

Address: 417 US-83, Leakey
Hours
Monday - Saturday: 10AM - 9PM
Closed Sundays

Another brewery stop that has some diverse types of alcohol. Check it out if you want to drink something different from the norm.

Hillbilly Spirits

Address: 426 US-83, Leakey
Hours
Monday - Saturday: 10AM - 9PM
Closed Sundays

Leakey has a lot of places to grab drinks, and Hillbilly Spirits has what you are looking for! Custom-made beverages that you or your friends can enjoy.

Hillbilly Spirits

Barksdale

Chicken Coop Grill

Address: 25607 TX-55, Barksdale
Hours
Monday - Wednesday, Friday: 10:30AM - 9PM
Closed Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays

One of the best restaurants in rural Texas. It's quite the drive, which for some people may be a negative, but if you want to make the trek, it can be worth it.

Chicken Coop Grill

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