Travel the World Without Ever Leaving Texas

Everyone knows Texas is a big state. But when you can travel the world from your own backyard, Texas becomes just the right size.

Credit: Frank Kiesel

See the World!

Who needs expensive air fare to see the world when you can just hop in the car? Here in Texas, you can find a dozen towns with international names. We even have a planet!

Though a mere ghost town now, you can still say you've visited Ireland. Located near Gatesville in the Texas Brazos Trail Region, Ireland was named for Texas Governor John Ireland. Its population peaked in the 400s in the 1920s and was home to churches, general stores, and a bank.

The Texas Forest Trail Region is home to four international towns - Athens, China, New London, and Palestine. From outdoor activities to a bustling downtown, Athens has lots to see and do. New London, though known for the tragic explosion that killed 311 school children, is still a lovely town to visit. Palestine is a Texas Main Street City and is known for the annual Texas Dogwood Trails Festival in March.

Dublin, in the Texas Forts Trail Region, is most famously known for its Dublin Bottling Works. But it also boasts a rich history and lots of local treasures.

Egypt is a small agricultural community in the Texas Independence Trail Region, and is located near Wharton. Originally called Mercer's Crossing, people began referring to it as Egypt after a severe drought decimated the corn crops.

The Texas Lakes Trail Region is home to two of our international towns - Italy and Paris. Italy, located near Waxahachie, is known as the "biggest little town in Texas". It was named by a settler who had visited the country. Paris is a Texas Main Street city and features a beautifully restored courthouse in the town square. And one very distinctive landmark - the Eiffel Tower!

The iconic Eiffel Tower topped by a Texas cowboy hat in Paris, Texas

Credit: How Big Is Texas?

London is a small unincorporated community in the Texas Pecos Trail Region located near Junction. The entire London Town Square was designated as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 1971.

The Texas Plains Trail Region boasts three towns with out-of-this-world affiliations. In Canadian is a year-round destination for arts, culture, and outdoor activity. It even has state-designated cultural district. Turkey is home to western swing king, Bob Wills. There's a Bob Wills Museum as well!

And finally, no trip around the world in Texas is complete without a stop in the Texas Plains Trail Region community of Earth. This small farming community north of Lubbock is home to roughly 1,000 residents. Though no one is really sure how the town got its name, most believe a local resident suggested the name "Good Earth" because of the fertile soil in the area. The name was shortened to "Earth" when the post office was opened in 1925.

Now you can see why Texas is really out of this world!

Canadian River Bridge

Credit: Allison Kendrick