Lights, Camera, History!
Film Heritage in Small-Town Texas
For heritage travelers, these small-town film locations offer a chance to step into the world of cinema while experiencing authentic Texas history and culture. As you explore these cinematic landmarks, remember that they're more than just movie sets – they're living pieces of Texas heritage. Explore the top five small town Texas film locations that promise unforgettable heritage experiences.
1. Smithville: A Cinematic Time Capsule
Smithville, just 40 miles southeast of Austin, has earned its place in film history as the backdrop for several notable productions.
Heritage Experience: Stroll through the historic downtown, where more than 200 properties are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visit filming locations from "Hope Floats" and "The Tree of Life," experiencing the town's preserved turn-of-the-century ambiance.
Don't Miss: The James H. Long Railroad Park and Museum, featuring a reconstructed 1890 Katy Depot and a restored caboose.
2. Marfa: Where Art Meets Cinema
This small West Texas town gained fame as the backdrop for the 1956 epic "Giant," and has since become a hub for artists and creatives.
Heritage Experience: View the remains of the fictional Ryan Ranch from "Giant," a testament to the film's lasting impact on the region. Explore Marfa's thriving arts scene, which has grown from the town's cinematic roots.
Don’t Miss: The historic El Paisano Hotel, where many of the cast stayed during the film’s production. The hotel lobby also has a display featuring “Giant” photos and memorabilia.
3. Lockhart: The Barbecue Capital with a Cinematic Twist
Known as the "Barbecue Capital of Texas," Lockhart offers a perfect blend of culinary heritage and film history. The charming and historic downtown square was the backdrop in “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape” and “Waiting for Guffman." Texas-born director Robert Rodriguez also used Lockhart as a stand-in for a town in Ohio in his film, “The Faculty."
Heritage Experience: Tour the Caldwell County Museum, housed in a former jail, to learn about the town's rich past. Visit the Dr. Eugene Clark Library, Texas's oldest continuously operating library, for a touch of literary heritage.
Don’t Miss: You can’t visit the “Barbecue Capital of Texas” without eating some Texas ‘cue. While you can’t go wrong, why not savor the flavor at one of the two Texas Treasure Business Award recipients – The Original Black’s Barbecue or Kreuz Market?
4. Bastrop: A Filmmakers' Paradise
Bastrop County has been a favorite of filmmakers, hosting over 120 productions in recent years.
Heritage Experience: Follow the Bastrop County Texas Film Trail, which features ten iconic filming locations from seven movies. Explore the historic downtown areas of Bastrop, Smithville, and Elgin, which have all been designated as Film Friendly Towns by the Texas Film Commission.
Don’t Miss: Explore Bastrop’s lovely downtown. As a Texas Main Street city since 2007, visitors can expect nearly endless local shopping and dining opportunities.
5. Port Isabel: Coastal Charm on Screen
This seaside town offers a unique blend of maritime heritage and cinematic appeal.
Heritage Experience: Climb the lighthouse at the Port Isabel Lighthouse State Historic Site, the only lighthouse open to the public on the Texas Gulf Coast. Visit the Port Isabel Historical Museum, housed in the 1899 Champion Building, to delve into the town's rich maritime history.
While we're unaware of any movies filmed in Port Isabel, it would make a lovely backdrop. There are probably places in your community that would make great locations for films too! The Texas Film Commission maintains a database of potential locations all over the state. To submit your site, simply complete this simple form. Who knows? Maybe someday you'll see your property up in lights!