Lifestyle

From the Hippo Capital to the Wedding Capital: Tour Texas Capital Towns

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Tony Maples Photography

 

Most people know the capital of Texas is Austin, which is one of the fastest growing cities in the United States. But did you know that Texas also has some other fun, official capital designations within its borders? The Texas Hill Country has quite a few. Hit these towns and counties at the right time and you’ll likely see why these places have earned their titles. A complete listing of all destinations in Texas can be found on the website for the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. Please note the listing represents only those capital designations officially designated by the Texas Legislature.

From the Hippo Capital to the Wedding Capital: Tour Texas Capital Towns

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The Outdoor Capital of Texas is Buda, due to their inclusion of more parkland per capita than any city in the state. Their claim to fame includes a 54-acre nature park and an official designation as a “Certified Scenic City.”

Comal County earned the title of Volunteer Capital of Texas in 1997, upon the commencement of a county-wide volunteer festival to inspire residents.

Hosting over 3,500 weddings a year led to Dripping Springs receiving acclaim as the Wedding Capital of Texas. Within a 15-mile radius, over 35 venues of great variety await bookings. Of course, accompanying vendors are in good supply as well!

From the Hippo Capital to the Wedding Capital: Tour Texas Capital Towns

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Gatesville is the Spur Capital of Texas, all due to the Coryell County Museum, which is home to the Loyd and Madge Mitchell Collection of roughly 10,000 pairs of spurs. This is considered to be the largest collection in the world, boasting pairs owned by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Pancho Villa.

Hutto is the Hippo Capital of Texas. It sounds strange, but the official school mascot is thought to have been adopted after an escaped circus hippopotamus evaded capture in 1915 by hiding in the muddy waters of Cottonwood Creek. Hutto is now home to a seven-ton concrete hippo named “Henrietta” and multiple smaller concrete hippos outside homes, businesses, and public buildings.

Bluebonnets are the official State Flower of Texas, and two counties share the label of Co-capital: Llano County, which includes the intriguing ghost town of Baby Head, and Burnet County which includes Bertram and Marble Falls. Be sure to plan a trip in the spring and include Temple, which has one of the oldest designations as Wildflower Capital of Texas. It was granted in 1989 after an organized effort to plant wildflower seeds along Interstate 35 and Loop 363 byways through the city. Happy trails!