Bellville

Our mailing-address hometown has a genuinely walkable historic downtown square — more than 10 boutiques, a couple of local eateries, and a pub, all within a short stroll. History buffs can tour the 1896 Austin County Jail Museum (still has its original hanging gallows) or take a guided walking tour of Bellville's historic buildings through the Bellville Historical Society. On the first Saturday of the month, don't miss Bellville Market Day and the Farmers Market.

For something truly one-of-a-kind, book a tour of Newman's Castle — a genuine, hand-built castle just outside town, complete with a moat, a 3,000-pound working drawbridge, and five turrets.

History of a different kind lives at Phenix Knives, housed in Bellville's historic 1891 blacksmith shop. Master bladesmith Cowboy Szymanski has been hand-forging custom knives here since 1997 — visitors can browse handmade blades from dozens of makers, watch a live forging demonstration, or even try their hand at making their own souvenir knife.

• Bellville Chamber of Commerce: bellville.com

• Visitor info: discoverbellville.com

• Newman's Castle tours: newmanscastle.com

• Phenix Knives: phenixknives.com