We invite you to visit charming and historic Smithville, Texas,  the first “Film Friendly” city in the state as designated by the Texas Film Commission.  Smithville is quickly becoming a hub of movie industry activity while staying true to its thriving arts community composed of painters, sculptors, photographers, and numerous other creative mediums.

Smithville is also a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts, whether they prefer biking, hiking, kayaking, bird-watching, or running.  Our historic downtown touts not only beautiful architecture but also unique shopping opportunities and informed shopkeepers who will assist you personally in finding a handmade gift or a rare antique.

Whether you choose to take a trip down the beautiful Colorado River (which is clearly visible from the end of Main Street), surf the internet (all of downtown is a Wi-Fi hotspot), or take a trip through history (our Railroad Museum is open six days a week), Smithville is where you ought to find yourself!

ATTRACTIONS:

1)   Take your picture with the Guinness Book of World Record’s Largest Gingerbread Man.  We baked it on December 2, 2006, taking the record from Universal Studios in California by more than 1,000 pounds.  And yes, we did eat it!  The monument is the cookie sheet that the city used to bake the giant cookie.  We skinned the top, painting it just like the decorated cookie, and erected it at the south end of Main Street.  In December 2009, it took the mega-giant IKEA of Norway to take that record.  (We still own the Western Hemisphere Record, and for the record, we will take it all back!)

2)   While you’re at the south end of Main Street, drop into the Visitor’s Center and Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce located next to the gazebo.  Gather some information about the town and take a trip through time at the James H. Long Railroad Museum, adjacent to the Visitor’s Center.
 

3)   Stroll down historic Main Street Smithville and stop in to shop with one of our many antique vendors and art dealers.  While touring downtown, stop into one of our many eateries for a pleasant dining experience.

4)   Discover why Smithville is quickly gaining a reputation for being the small town destination for Hollywood and independent productions.  Visit the movie location sites of the major motion pictures “Hope Floats” starring Sandra Bullock and Harry Connick, Jr. and “Tree of Life” starring Brad Pitt and Sean Penn.
 

5)   Smithville’s natural beauty is on full display at Buescher State Park where visitors can follow hiking trails, locate geocaches, camp, bird watch and fish.   It''s also has a great winding scenic road that runs from Buescher State Park north of Smithville through Bastrop State Park 14 miles to the west.
 

6)   Follow the volksmarch trail through town which will take walkers past historic homes, cemeteries, churches, movie locations, and the peaceful Colorado River located at the north end of Main Street.  A brochure at the chamber office holds the route.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

For more information about the attractions of Smithville, Texas, call the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce at 512-237-2313, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.smithvilletx.org