By Kristen Kouk

1. Marfa, pop. 2,000
Best known for the Marfa lights and the movie set of Giant, Marfa has become an oasis of West Texas. This little city has attracted some West Coasters seeking open spaces and unique art. Make sure to visit Marfa for a one of a kind experience.

2. Port Arthur, pop. 57,000
My favorite part of Port Author? The other worldy accents. And by other worldly I mean, not West Texas slang but East Texas drawls. Beautiful beach town with friendly natives.

3. Denton, pop. 120,000
The up-and-coming Austin? Maybe, but for now it’s a quaint college town with a burgeoning music scene. Check out the stellar downtown book store and attend a University of North Texas football game.

4. Weatherford, pop. 19,000
Headquarters to some of the state’s best Texas country music, Weatherford is also the home to many cowboys who commute to Cow Town during the week.

5. Lajitas, pop. ? (it’s that small)
A personal fave, this little resort town has grown tremendously over the past ten years. Make sure to say hello to the mayor… a beer guzzling goat named Clay Henry.

6. Llano, pop. 3,300
Watch the Llano River peacefully pass by while you chow down on Inman’s Barbeque. If you happen across Llano in the spring? Stop for the community-wide Crawfish Boil which benefits local charities.

7. Magnolia, pop. 1,100
One of the fastest growing communities surrounding Houston, this previously quiet one stop sign town has now become a bustling and developing city. One interesting bonus? The Texas Renaissance Festival is held from September to December.

8. San Marcos, pop. 53,000
Now San Marcos isn’t the only place to float the river, but it’s definitely the most interesting. Home to Texas State University, this college town will definitely blow you away with country nightlife and relaxing river options.

9. Waco, pop. 120,000
Home to the Dr Pepper Museum and the Texas Sports Hall of Fame, Waco has much to offer as a stop on your next road trip between Dallas and Austin.

10. Tyler, pop. 84,000
Besides grabbing some quality vino in East Texas, make sure to check out the rose capital of Texas, Tyler. Also makes an ideal city for antique hunters.

Photos courtesy of flickr