The video above captures a quick day trip through Columbus, Texas, a small town of just under 4,000 people located about 70 miles west of Houston. If you're passing through on your way from the Houston area into the Hill Country, Columbus makes for a solid stop to stretch your legs, soak in some genuine Texas history, and grab a beer. David Bridwell pulled off the highway here between gigs and walked around to check out the historic square, old homes, and a few landmarks worth seeing.
What to See in Columbus, Texas
Columbus calls itself "a little slice of Americana with deep Texas roots," and that's honestly a fair description. The town's history stretches back before Anglo-American settlers — there was once a Monuma Indian village on this land. European settlement dates to the early 1800s, and that long history shows up in the architecture. The old Courthouse building sits in the center of the historic square and is known for its copper-top dome. Right next to it is a tall old water reservoir column that serves as one of the more recognizable landmarks in town. Off the square, you'll find multi-story homes with classic, detailed architecture and massive live oak trees lining the streets — the town's official motto is "The City of Live Oaks and Live Folks." There's also the Santa Claus Museum just off the square, which bills itself as the only Santa Claus Museum in the South, with a log cabin sitting right behind it. A mural on one of the downtown buildings reads "All Roads Lead to Columbus on the Colorado," and it's the kind of thing you'd want to snap a photo of if you're into small-town Texas character.
Where Can You Find Live Music in Columbus, Texas?
If you're looking for live music and a cold beer in Columbus, your main option is:
- Hound Song Brewing Company — A local brewery near the square that hosts live music and serves craft beer. It's the go-to spot in town if you want to catch a show in Columbus.
The live music scene here isn't sprawling — this is a town of under 4,000 people, after all. But Hound Song Brewing Company gives Columbus a legitimate spot on the map for anyone touring through this stretch of Texas between Houston and the Hill Country.
A Good Stop on a Texas Road Trip
Columbus works best as a stop along a longer route rather than a standalone destination for a music weekend. If you're driving from Houston into the Hill Country — headed toward places like Gruene, Luckenbach, or Fredericksburg — it's right on the way and worth an hour of your time. Walk the square, check out the old homes, and stop into Hound Song for a beer before getting back on the road. On a quiet day, especially a Sunday, the whole town has a calm, unhurried feel that's a nice reset between bigger stops.