Which Small East Texas Town is For You?

This charming antebellum town nestled between Caddo Lake and Lake of the Pines was a steamboat stop way back when. Today it always makes the list of best small towns in Texas. A bayou runs through town past shops, restaurants, and bed and breakfasts. Living here is like stepping back into the past, complete with carriage rides, Spanish moss, and haunted houses!

This isn't Nathitoches, Louisiana, even though the pronunciation is similar. Nacogdoches has been around a long time - it's the oldest city in Texas. Since its founding by the Spanish, it has flown the flag of eight different countries. Downtown is covered in not only brick streets, but brick alleyways too. It's picture perfect. Nacogdoches is home to Stephen F. Austin University so you can bet there's always something to do and a party to go to!

That's not a non-answer. Uncertain is a real town. What they're uncertain about is not certain, so you'll have to figure that out for yourself. What they ARE certain about is that they are in just about the most beautiful spot in East Texas. Uncertain is on the shore of the magical Caddo lake. Caddo is known as the most beautiful lake in America. The trees that hug the shore are dripping in Spanish Moss. It will make you want to canoe by moonlight. Uncertain is a secluded community but there are still lots of things to do, places to eat, venues for entertainment, and a strong community spirit.

San Augustine was settled in 1717 by the Spanish. Since then, it has been a very important town in Texas but one that time forgot. Davy Crockett called it the garden spot of the world. Eventually, San Augustine was passed over in favor of other nearby towns and ceased to grow. But for you, that's a good thing. It's been described as Faulkneresque, it's unspoiled, and is a perfect representation of Southern charm. Newer residents call it a hidden treasure, resortlike in its peace and quiet, and the friendliest place they've ever lived.

Welcome to the Stars Hollow of Texas! There's a gazebo under fairy lights in the charming town square for local events at night. Mt. Vernon is a historical town on the Bankhead Highway, the nation's first transcontinental road and is, in this part, part of a Choctaw trail. Other Native American traces and pioneer trails go through various parts of the county. If you are in love with nature, you'll have plenty to do here. There are several flowing springs, lakes, nature preserves, and parks. A prairie described in the documents of the Louisiana Purchase still exists in the form in which it was detailed for Thomas Jefferson. For fun, attend Wine in the Pines, Country Fest, or Rodeo Days.

If you want to be close to the city but feel like you're in the country, Coldspring is a perfect fit. The green rolling hills, giant oaks, and towering pines provide a landscape that is reminiscent of Virginia or Kentucky horse farms. You'll almost feel like you're not even in Texas. The hills roll down to Lake Livingston, there are numerous golf courses, an arts community, an adorable downtown and more. The community is generous, especially regarding education. There used to be a rumor that all of the graduating seniors received college scholarships!