| Austin is a big, beautiful city; there is no doubt about | | | | booths, arts and crafts and a BBQ cook off. |
| that. But, there are several small towns within 50 miles | | | | Lexington has a heritage center showcasing two log |
| of Austin that are filled with charm and beauty. | | | | cabins that were built in the 1850's. They have pioneer |
| Whether you want to get out of the city for a | | | | furnishings, and are open for tours. |
| weekend or move to a smaller town. | | | | Lexington is also home of "Texas Monthly's" number |
| Smithville is a small town in Bastrop County, about 41 | | | | one BBQ joint in Texas, Snows BBQ. It made the top |
| miles from Austin. Its population is just at 5,000. It is | | | | spot in the magazine last summer and is open on the |
| mostly famous for the 1998 movie "Hope Floats" that | | | | weekends. |
| starred Sandra Bullock. Smithville is most proud of its | | | | Bastrop is a town south east of Austin. Their is a lake |
| recreation center. The center has a large gym, | | | | called lake bastrop. Over the last several years |
| basketball court and has events for the entire | | | | Bastrop has been slowly growing. With cheaper prices |
| community throughout the year. | | | | the Bastrop real estate market is becoming an |
| Smithville also has many family owned restaurants, | | | | alternative the sky high prices scene in Austin. |
| grills and antique shops. Visitors can always find | | | | Giddings is just 18 miles south of Lexington, on highway |
| something interesting while visiting. | | | | 77 and is the county seat of Lee County. This little |
| Coupland is east of Austin on Highway 95, between | | | | community's population is just under 6,000. The city has |
| Elgin and Taylor. This small town is most famous for its | | | | bed and breakfasts, hotels, antique shops. They also |
| dancehall. The dancehall also has an Inn and a | | | | have the Lee County Junior Livestock and Rodeo |
| restaurant. There is always something going on here, | | | | each year at the fair grounds. |
| and the band is always live. They have featured such | | | | Dime Box is also located in Lee County, with a |
| acts a Kevin Fowler, Moe Bandy even George Strait's | | | | population of just 400. Dime Box received its name by |
| band has played there. | | | | a resident in 1877 when locals would use a wooden |
| Coupland's last population was about 150. If you want | | | | box to forward and receive mail. They would leave a |
| to get out of the city, this is the place to visit. | | | | dime in the box for payment. |
| Lexington is about 50 miles east of Austin, in Lee | | | | This small town has a winding road through downtown, |
| County. Its population is just under 1,200. This small | | | | covered with trees. The community is so small, |
| German community was named after Lexington | | | | everything is within walking distance. Residents like to |
| Massachusetts. The community has bed and | | | | keep the German and Czech heritage alive with the |
| breakfasts and each year, the first weekend in May, | | | | Dime Box Heritage Museum. |
| they have a "Homecoming" celebration. The | | | | There are not any hotels in the small town, but there |
| celebration begins on the first Friday in May and runs | | | | are small towns nearby that have places to stay. |
| through Sunday. The town holds a parade, food | | | | Take time and visit a small town near Austin. |