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Texas has just over 200 colleges and universities. While many Texas college towns are influenced by the school and its students, each one is also unique in its own way.
In 2022, we looked at a few Texas college towns. That article proved to be so popular that we wanted to visit a few more. So join us as we explore Abilene, Kerrville, Georgetown, Alpine, and Wichita Falls, and what makes each town unique.
Abilene, Texas
Abilene Christian University, Hardin-Simmons University, McMurry University
Abilene (population 127,385) is home to three private universities. In addition to an abundance of educational opportunities, Abilene offers a variety of cultural arts for visitors of all ages. You will find several museums to visit in Abilene. Frontier Texas! is an interactive museum that brings the Old West to life through immersive and multimedia experiences. The Grace Museum features art, history, and children’s museums all under one roof. The Center for Contemporary Arts offers rotating exhibitions of contemporary art, workshops, and events that engage the local art community. The Paramount Theatre offers a range of performances, including movies, concerts, and plays in a beautifully restored setting.
Abilene is known as “The Storybook Capital of America” because of its love for “showcasing the wonders of children’s literature.” Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden is located at the Abilene Convention Center and features sculptures of children’s book characters, making it a delightful spot for families. Be sure to visit the website to learn about storytimes, children’s shows and more!
Finding various restaurants and bars in Abilene to satisfy cravings is easy. Downtown options are The Beehive Restaurant, known for its steaks and cozy atmosphere; Cypress Street Station, a brewpub with a diverse menu and locally-brewed beers; Grain Theory, a popular brewpub with a great selection of craft beers and a casual/friendly atmosphere; and Vagabond Pizza, famous for wood-fired pizzas and unique toppings.
Additional food and drink options around town include Copper Creek Restaurant, an upscale restaurant with a focus on steaks and seafood; and Taylor County Taphouse, which offers a variety of beers and a menu featuring Southern comfort food.
Alpine, Texas
In our fast-paced world, Alpine (population 6,035) offers a refreshing alternative. Located in the Big Bend region of Texas, 140 miles from the Midland International Air and Space Port and 190 miles from El Paso International Airport, the town’s laid-back lifestyle invites everyone to slow down, relax, and take it all in. The mountain vistas, vast deserts, and a sky filled with countless stars provide an awe-inspiring backdrop to everyday life. You can learn more about it by listening to Alpine’s award-winning podcast “Heart of the Big Bend.”
With a world-class museum and a downtown filled with rich cultural heritage that blends beautifully with today’s thriving art community, Alpine is more than just another charming town. Wander through the Museum of the Big Bend, where you learn the Big Bend region’s history and art. You also learn about the region’s evolution through engaging exhibits on ancient fossils, early settlers, and cultural transformations. With the opening of a new artistic and events center in 2023, it is the perfect place to host a West Texas destination wedding. Mural Alley is an outdoor art gallery found amidst Alpine’s charming architecture and tells a story of the region, its people, and its culture. New murals ensure that visitors and residents have something fresh to discover.
Visit Kokernot Field and cheer on the Alpine Cowboys baseball team. Even if they’re not playing, you’ll want to see the West Texas “Field of Dreams.” This ballpark, built in the 1940s, has been called “The Best Little Ballpark in Texas (or Anywhere Else)” by Sports Illustrated. Every summer, Alpine Cowboys bring excitement and energy to the community.
Explore the expansive outdoors with a challenging hike and stunning panoramic views of the desert landscape. One unique hike takes you to The Desk on Hancock Hill. This old metal desk, mysteriously placed atop the hill decades ago by Sul Ross students, is a popular spot for hikers to rest, take in the views, and leave their mark in the notebooks kept inside one of the drawers.
Georgetown, Texas
Georgetown (population 86,507) is a quaint town about 30 miles north of Austin. It may be a small town but it has a big personality. It also boasts the Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas. Around the Square, you find shops, restaurants, wineries, bars, art galleries, and festivals throughout the year.
The annual Red Poppy Festival, held each spring, attracts thousands of visitors to the Square for three days of live music, artisans selling crafts, great food, a parade and car show. Kids enjoy their own corner of the Square where the Fun Zone offers inflatables, games and crafts to keep them entertained. Georgetown became known for all the red poppy flowers growing around town after a soldier in WWI mailed home some poppy seeds from Flanders Field. Today local residents pick up packets of poppy seeds from the Visitor’s Center on the Square and plant them around town.
There is plenty to do around the Square even when there’s not a festival to attend. Visit rustic wineries, charming boutique shops, and delicious local restaurants. Away from the Square, visitors to Georgetown enjoy the scenic Hill Country with lots of parks, swimming holes, and even caves you can explore.
Kerrville, Texas
Nestled in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, Kerrville (population 24,752) is a charming destination that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and small-town hospitality. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, an art lover, or someone seeking a peaceful retreat, Kerrville has something to offer everyone.
Kerrville is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, with the Guadalupe River meandering through the town, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities. Riverside parks like Louise Hays Park and Kerrville-Schreiner Park offer scenic spots for picnicking, fishing, kayaking, and hiking. The surrounding rolling hills create a perfect backdrop for nature photography and wildlife spotting.
Kerrville is a hub of artistic and cultural activities. The Kerr Arts & Cultural Center, Hill Country Arts Foundation, and the Museum of Western Art showcase works by various artists and host rotating exhibitions, offering a glimpse into the region’s vibrant art scene.
The Cailloux Theater and Arcadia Live present various performances, including theater productions, concerts, and community events, making them cultural cornerstones of the area.
Kerrville is famous for its annual events that draw visitors from near and far. The Kerrville Folk Festival, one of the longest-running folk festivals in North America, features numerous artists and attracts music lovers from all over. The annual Texas State Arts & Crafts Fair celebrates local craftsmanship and artistry, providing a unique shopping experience.
Kerrville’s blend of natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and warm community spirit promises a memorable and enriching experience. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, cultural immersion, or a peaceful retreat, Kerrville is a perfect place to craft your experience.
Wichita Falls, Texas
Midwestern State University, Vernon College
In addition to two institutions of higher learning, Wichita Falls (population 102,664) is home to Sheppard Air Force Base and offers something to do for the military, students, families, and everyone in between. For those who enjoy the outdoors, Circle Trail weaves throughout the city and is popular with walkers, runners, and cyclists year-round. The trails go through several expansive parks, including Lucy Park, where trail-goers glimpse the iconic falls of Wichita Falls’ namesake.
When it comes to food & drink, Wichita Falls delivers a small-town atmosphere with big-time flavor. Fox Hill Restaurant & Gardens is a unique farm-to-fork dining experience – nearly every ingredient on the menu is grown onsite. For a casual dining experience, try Progress Pizza in Parker Square, which serves Detroit-style pizza, pasta, salads, and more. It is also available inside Wichita Falls Brewing Company downtown, where patrons enjoy a bite from the Progress & Provisions food truck in the outdoor beer garden. Live music is enjoyed downtown several times throughout the week at venues such as The Iron Horse Pub or more relaxed Hook & Ladder Coffees and Wine Co. Within walking distance to MSU, Collective Coffee is popular with students who study or relax with a cup of coffee, craft beer, or wine.
Don’t miss the monthly After Hours Artwalk, a celebration of the arts in Downtown Wichita Falls held the first Thursday of each month, April through October. Vendors line the streets and offer art, music, food, and more. Other local festivals include Taco Fest, held in September, which promotes local Hispanic vendors and food, and raises funds to help support local scholarships and educational programs. In December, the City Lights Parade and Festival brings joy to celebrate the holiday season with children’s activities including photos with Santa.
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Cover Photo courtesy Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau
Minnie Payne grew up in South Carolina but because of her husband’s government job, lived in many different U.S. cities. Having lived in Texas 38 years, she claims it as home and appreciates the many opportunities and advantages that the Lone Star State provides.
