Abandoned Texas: Empty Spaces And Forgotten Buildings

Texas is home to a lot of ghost towns, and exploring those places has become a passion for many. We may never know the stories behind the mysteries, but it’s always a thrill to speculate what once was. Below is a glimpse into my experiences of these unusual, uncommon beautiful old places.

Talk about being at the right place at the right time. I took my picture and pulled out of this old gas station in Driftwood, when I saw an elder man pull up in this classic truck. He told me he traveled many miles just to see his prized possession in front of the old Texaco. I asked him if he wouldn’t mind me snapping a picture as well. The man lit up with pride and said, “It would be my pleasure” This old station is one of the few remnants of a bygone time.

I stumbled across this old, beaten up “Wash Wonderful Detailing” carwash in the quiet little town of Littig, Texas. I wonder how good of a job they do?

— Benjamin Franklin

The trees surrounding this abandoned home in Giddings, Texas whisper their secrets about what lies inside. If only these old walls could talk.

Old buildings have many lives. The Walburg State Bank, c. 1913, has been inactive since 2000.

“Time does not have the same appeal for everyone.”

— William Shakespeare

This is an old storefront in Walburg, Texas that’s long been closed for business.

Settlers of the small town Manda arrived in the late 1800s, and its population was only recorded as 20 people. Today, only the Manda Cemetery and this school remain.

“Lost time is never found again.”

— Benjamin Franklin

There is no evidence of any survivors. Bastrop, Texas

“Some places speak distinctly. Certain dank gardens cry aloud for a murder; certain old houses demand to be haunted; certain coasts are set apart for shipwrecks.”

— Robert Louis Stevenson

I drove past this old dancehall/bar off of Highway 71 near Smithville, Texas, and then, I decided to trespass and wander in to see what they had on tap. It was my first experience entering an abandoned spot and I learned the importance of having a flashlight handy, real quick! Searching abandoned places is fun until you remember how fast you have to sprint once you turn out the lights.

I spotted this old, empty house off a road in Manor, Texas. It was breathtaking, as the golden hour was approaching, but I was alone and too afraid to enter (and had no flashlight!) so I knew I had to come back another day.

“Time is the longest distance between two places.”

— Tennessee Williams

I finally convinced my best friend to take the trip back with me so we could do some further exploring.

It makes you wonder why these homes are left to rot and decay when there once was so much beauty. It’s as if the owners left suddenly without looking back. Perhaps they only meant to leave for a short time, only to have it unexpectedly stretch into eternity.

“Carry me back to the places that I knew.”

— Chris De Burgh

Lorraine Ghost Town is a re-created version of the original J. Lorraine that stood just a few miles from present day Manor, Texas. The town was a neutral territory for outlaws and lawmen alike, until it was burned by outraged moral citizens from nearby.

This old gas station now lies on private property in Burnet, Texas.

“Old places have soul.”

— Sarah Anderson

I found this little barn off a county road close by Giddings, Texas. The cow appears to be the only resident.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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