There are so many great towns around Central Texas! This week, we take you to the picturesque town of Smithville. You could say that Smithville looks like a movie set, and you wouldn’t be too far off. Some of you might even recognize Smithville from a little movie called Hope Floats!
Located just 45 minutes from Austin in a still-rural section of eastern Bastrop County, Smithville has its own municipal airport, some of the finest city parks, recognizable filming locations, and, most importantly, the friendliest people. Situated between Austin and Houston, it’s the perfect place for a pit stop!
Here’s your guide to the best of Smithville!
Eat & Drink
Pizza is always a good idea! Honey’s Pizza is owned by Amy and Steve Simmons of Austin’s Amy’s Ice Cream. The couple fell in love with Smithville when they bought land in the area almost 10 years ago. Located right in the heart of Smithville, Honey’s provides big city artistic design with the warmth and comfort of a small town. They specialize in traditional wood-fired Neapolitan pizza, craft beers, and unique house cocktails.
Fun fact: Honey’s was previously called Honey’s Diner and featured prominently in Hope Floats.
If you’re looking for something a little different, we suggest Comfort Cafe. Comfort Cafe offers “pay what you can” meals. A minimum of $10 per meal is suggested and appreciated. They are a division of Serenity Star, a program that offers a safe, sober, and spiritual environment for individuals and their families recovering from addition. 100% of the proceeds from Comfort Cafe go directory to the program. It’s a great way to enjoy a meal and offer a solution to others.
If you have a sweet tooth and are looking for someone sugary to start or end your day, look no further. Olde World Bakery is a family- owned and operated bakery and cafe. They’re the perfect one stop shop for all your baked goods and coffee needs. They strive for innovation but make things the way our grandmothers would and that’s definitely part of the charm of Olde World Bakery!
Front Room Wine Bar provides tapas style cuisine and a lovely atmosphere. You won’t find loud televisions, blaring sports games, or clanking pool tables. Styled in the fashion of pubs from owner Victoria Allen’s native Scotland, The Front Room is attempting to revive the lost art of conversation. Whether it’s sitting by the bar or lounging in one of their comfortable leather chairs, an evening at The Front Room Wine Bar is quite unlike anything else in Bastrop County.
Shop
“Small Town, Big Heart” is the slogan for Smithville General Store, an adorable modern day general store. It has a little bit of everything and is a gathering place for the community. They have everything you need from gifts, candles, baked goods, and more. But first, coffee!
Fun fact: Smithville General Store was used as Polka Dot’s employment agency in the movie Hope Floats!
Who wouldn’t want to shop where you can find vintage cowboy boots, cowboy hats, pearl snap shirts, candles, jewelry, greeting cards, and much more. Bombshell Betty’s Shop is committed to using previously loved, hand selected, recycled leather items to create a new narrative in her designs. There are so many great re-sell, vintage, antique, and boutique stores in town you’ll have a hard time choosing!
Experience
If you’re here for filming locations, this is the one you’ve been waiting for. Enter the McCollum-Chapman-Trousdale House. Over the years Smithville has been used as a filming location for various movies. As previously mentioned, the most well known would have to be Hope Floats, starring Sandra Bullock, Harry Connick Jr., Mae Whitman, and Gena Rowlands. The neoclassical structure home from the film is still standing and is a must see!
If you’re looking for something that’s not Hope Floats related we suggest you try Buescher State Park. This park is perfect for everything including; hiking, biking, fishing, and even camping. The park is great for all ages and levels or hiking experiences.
Stay
Where you stay on a trip is a big part of the experience, which is why we suggest The Katy House – Bed and Breakfast. It’s an authentic stay that will give you a full taste of what Smithville is all about. Just look at the rocking chairs!
