Smithville may be the most picturesque small town in Bastrop County. Its preserved historic downtown has stood in for the big screen more than once, most famously in the movie Hope Floats, and it is full of antique shops, art dealers, and bed and breakfast inns along walkable streets.
Smithville’s food scene is full of heart. Comfort Cafe runs on a pay-what-you-can model that funds addiction recovery, Hope Floats Cafe serves Cajun food and Texas-made gelato, and Pocket’s Grille is the dependable local favorite. The Olde World Bakery, The Front Room Wine Bar, and the historic Smithville General Store round out a lovely downtown stroll.
For the outdoors, Buescher State Park sits just outside town with quiet, shaded trails, and Railroad Park anchors the downtown with the Smithville Sunday Market and a free railroad museum.
Good to know
- Filming location for the movie Hope Floats
- Walkable historic downtown with antiques and cafes
- Next to Buescher State Park
- Home of the Smithville Sunday Market at Railroad Park
What is Smithville, Texas known for?
Smithville, Texas is a picture-perfect historic railroad town in Bastrop County, Texas, best known as the filming location for the 1998 Sandra Bullock movie Hope Floats. It is a haven for antiques, cozy cafes, and outdoor recreation, with Buescher State Park just north of town.
Things to Do in Smithville
Historic downtown, antiques, and the Hope Floats house
Stroll the walkable historic downtown, browse antique shops and the Smithville General Store, and find the Hope Floats house, the 1908 McCollum-Chapman-Trousdale House at 201 East Eighth Street, which still stands today. See more in things to do in Bastrop County.
Railroad Park and the free railroad museum
Railroad Park honors the town’s rail heritage with a free railroad museum, picnic space, and the Smithville Sunday Market.
Buescher State Park
Just north of town, Buescher State Park offers about 8 miles of shaded trails, a 30-acre lake for paddling and fishing, camping, and more than 250 bird species.
Where to Eat in Smithville
Smithville’s dining leans cozy and local, from comfort food to a wine bar. Favorites include Comfort Cafe, Hope Floats Cafe, Pocket’s Grille, Olde World Bakery, and The Front Room Wine Bar. Browse more in our Bastrop County restaurants directory.
Annual Events and Festivals in Smithville
The Smithville Sunday Market runs at Railroad Park, the Festival of Lights brightens downtown each December, and the town hosts a music festival and the multi-day Texas Photo Festival in the fall. For what is happening this week, get the free Bastrop Current newsletter.
A Little Smithville History
Settled in the 1820s, Smithville grew into a railroad town after the rail line arrived in 1887. It even once held the Guinness World Record for the largest gingerbread man, baked downtown in 2006.
Living in Smithville | Moving Here
Smithville offers small-town Texas living with a walkable historic core, riverside and lakeside recreation, and a strong arts community. Newcomers can find local help in our Bastrop County home and trade services listings. Smithville Independent School District (Smithville ISD) serves Smithville and Rosanky with about 1,800 students across four campuses.
Smithville at a Glance | Practical Info
Smithville sits about 42 miles southeast of Austin, Texas, roughly a 50 minute to one hour drive, on the Colorado River in southern Bastrop County, Texas. The city had 3,922 residents as of the 2020 census.
Nearby Towns in Bastrop County, Texas
Exploring the county? Visit nearby Bastrop, Cedar Creek, and Paige.
Explore Smithville by category
Find local favorites by category: Restaurants & Food, Things to Do, Home & Services, Shopping, and Faith & Community. You can also browse the full Bastrop County directory.
Smithville, Texas FAQs
What movie was filmed in Smithville, Texas?
Smithville’s historic downtown was the main filming location for the 1998 movie Hope Floats, and the town is still recognizable from the film today.
What is there to do in Smithville?
Stroll the historic downtown, browse antiques and the general store, eat at Comfort Cafe or Hope Floats Cafe, hike Buescher State Park, and visit the free railroad museum.
What is there to do at Buescher State Park?
Buescher (pronounced “Bisher”) State Park sits just north of Smithville with about 8 miles of shaded trails, a 30-acre lake for paddling and fishing, camping, and more than 250 bird species. It connects to Bastrop State Park via Park Road 1C.
How far is Smithville from Austin?
Smithville is about 42 miles southeast of Austin, Texas, roughly a 50 minute to one hour drive.
What is the population of Smithville, Texas?
Smithville had 3,922 residents as of the 2020 census, a small and steady town in Bastrop County, Texas.
What school district serves Smithville?
Smithville Independent School District (Smithville ISD) serves Smithville and Rosanky, with about 1,800 students across four campuses.
What events happen in Smithville?
The Smithville Sunday Market runs at Railroad Park, the Festival of Lights lights up downtown in December, and the town hosts a music festival and the multi-day Texas Photo Festival in the fall.
Is Smithville, Texas a good place to live?
Many residents love it for the small-town pace, walkable historic downtown, riverside and lakeside recreation, and a welcoming arts community, all within about an hour of Austin.