Smiley TexasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Smiley, Texas.
1. Sandies Creek
SERENE OUTDOOR RETREAT
Sandies Creek offers visitors a peaceful natural setting for outdoor recreation in Smiley. The creek provides opportunities for fishing, wildlife viewing, and quiet contemplation away from city life. Visitors can enjoy the scenic beauty of this local waterway that has been an important feature of the area since its early settlement days.
2. JB Wells Park & Arena
PREMIER RODEO VENUE
JB Wells Park & Arena is a popular event venue near Smiley that hosts rodeos, horse shows, and community gatherings. The facility features a professional-grade arena, exhibition spaces, and ample seating for spectators to enjoy Western sporting events. With its excellent reputation reflected in its 4.9 rating, this venue serves as a cultural hub celebrating the area's rich ranching heritage.
3. Texas Heroes Square
HISTORIC TOWN CENTER
Texas Heroes Square commemorates the brave Texians who fought for independence in the nearby region. The square serves as a central gathering place with historical markers and monuments detailing significant events in Texas history. Visitors can stroll through this well-maintained public space that connects the community to its revolutionary past.
4. Main St. Marketplace
LOCAL SHOPPING DESTINATION
Main St. Marketplace delights shoppers with its collection of local vendors selling handcrafted goods, antiques, and specialty items. The marketplace's perfect 5.0 rating reflects its popularity among both locals and visitors seeking unique souvenirs and gifts. Its charming atmosphere captures the welcoming spirit of small-town Texas commerce.
5. Gonzales County Jail Museum
HISTORY BEHIND BARS
Gonzales County Jail Museum preserves the historic county jail building, offering visitors a glimpse into law enforcement history of the region. The museum displays original cells, jailer quarters, and exhibits detailing notable prisoners and events from the area's past. With its 4.6 rating, this unique attraction provides an educational look at the justice system of early Texas.
6. Smiley Lake
HISTORIC WATERING HOLE
Smiley Lake is the namesake feature that gave the town its identity when settler John Smiley established himself beside this long, narrow body of water in the 1870s. The lake became a crucial watering point for cattle herds traveling to market, playing a vital role in the early economic development of the region. Today, visitors can enjoy this natural landmark that connects them directly to the settlement's origin story.
7. San Felipe de Austin
BIRTHPLACE OF ANGLO TEXAS
San Felipe de Austin preserves the historic location where Stephen F. Austin established his colony in 1823, marking the first Anglo-American settlement in Texas. This significant site served as the provisional capital of Texas during its formative years. Visitors can explore exhibits and grounds that tell the story of the colony that would eventually lead to Texas independence.
8. San Jacinto Battleground
TEXAS INDEPENDENCE LANDMARK
San Jacinto Battleground commemorates the decisive 1836 battle that secured Texas' independence from Mexico. This expansive 1,200-acre park features the towering San Jacinto Monument and includes a comprehensive museum detailing the revolution. Visitors can walk the hallowed grounds where General Sam Houston led Texian forces to victory in one of North America's most consequential military engagements.
9. Varner-Hogg Plantation
HISTORIC TEXAS ESTATE
Varner-Hogg Plantation showcases the stories of multiple families, both free and enslaved, who built community there over 130 years. The historic site includes preserved buildings, period furnishings, and exhibits detailing the plantation's evolution through different eras of Texas history. Visitors gain insight into the complex social and economic relationships that shaped early Texas society.
10. Washington-on-the-Brazos
WHERE TEXAS BECAME TEXAS
Washington-on-the-Brazos marks the historic site where Texas delegates formally announced their intention to separate from Mexico on March 1, 1836. This pivotal location, known as 'Where Texas Became Texas,' preserves the birthplace of Texas independence. Visitors can explore reconstructed buildings and exhibits detailing the dramatic events that led to the formation of the Republic of Texas.
11. Star of the Republic Museum
TEXAS REPUBLIC HERITAGE
Star of the Republic Museum offers a comprehensive look at life during the Texas Republic era in its distinctive star-shaped building. The museum commemorates both the signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence and preserves artifacts from the Republic's final capital. Its exhibits bring to life the challenges and triumphs of early Texians as they forged their independent nation.
12. Palmetto State Park
TROPICAL TEXAS OASIS
Palmetto State Park features an unusual ecosystem dominated by dwarf palmetto plants, creating a tropical atmosphere unexpected in this region of Texas. The park offers hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and camping facilities along the San Marcos River. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy bird watching, wildlife spotting, and exploring the diverse plant life that thrives in this unique microclimate.
13. Come and Take It Bar & Grill
HISTORIC TEXIAN DINING
Come and Take It Bar & Grill serves hearty Texas cuisine in a setting that celebrates the famous revolutionary slogan of Gonzales. The restaurant features memorabilia and décor honoring the defiant spirit of early Texas settlers who refused to surrender their cannon to Mexican forces. Visitors can enjoy classic Lone Star State dishes while soaking in the patriotic atmosphere that connects diners to local history.
14. Laurel Ridge Antiques
VINTAGE TREASURE HUNTING
Laurel Ridge Antiques offers collectors and casual browsers alike a carefully curated selection of period furniture, vintage items, and Texas memorabilia. The shop occupies a historic building in the nearby town of Gonzales, adding to the authentic experience of stepping back in time. Visitors appreciate the knowledgeable staff who share stories about the provenance and historical context of their unique merchandise.
15. Old Gonzales County Courthouse
ARCHITECTURAL TEXAS LANDMARK
Old Gonzales County Courthouse stands as an impressive example of Texas governmental architecture from the late 19th century. The historic structure features distinctive design elements including a central clock tower, ornate stonework, and period detailing that reflect its importance to local governance. Visitors can admire this architectural gem that continues to serve as a visual anchor for the surrounding historic district.
Smiley Restaurants
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Smiley Beaches
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