'America's Smallest Chiming-Clock Town' Holds Grand Texas Inns, Downtown Diners, And Lake Escapes

As the saying goes, everything is bigger in Texas. However, that phrase doesn't seem to apply to the small town of Fayetteville, which also happens to be the smallest town in America with a four-faced chiming clock. While many other parts of Texas are full of pomp, circumstance, and grandeur, Fayetteville is small enough to walk across in less than an hour. And yet, despite its diminutive size, this town is packing a lot. The crown jewel is the Grand Fayette Hotel, which stands proudly in the center of town. The city also boasts world-class dining options and is conveniently located near Lake Fayette, making it an excellent lakeside escape.

With a population of only around 250, Fayetteville is so small that it's easy to overlook on the map. However, it's about equidistant from Austin – one of America's best destinations for solo female travelers – and Houston, the beloved Texas city with a renowned art and museum scene that rivals New York. And still, it's a town that's far enough away from everything that it really feels like you're in another world.

So, if you want a small-town vacation that still offers all the amenities of a big city, Fayetteville should be at the top of your Texas travel list.

Fayetteville can trace its history back to the early 1800s. European settlers started arriving in the area in the 1830s, and the town existed when Texas was its own country. Its population grew and fell until the city was officially incorporated in 1882. The clock tower was built and dedicated in 1934 for the Texas Centennial, and it's still in operation today. It's located across from the Fayetteville Area Heritage Museum, where you can learn more about the city's past and present.

The crown jewel of the town (besides the clock) is the Grand Fayette Hotel, which was originally built in 1900 and called the Country Place Hotel. It underwent renovations in 2003 and is currently getting renovated as of September 2025; it should reopen to the public in October 2025. Not only is the hotel historic, but it also features artwork from local artists and has an incredible wine bar and restaurant, called Hugo's. If you're looking for a vintage and elegant dining experience, Hugo's is about as good as it gets; not just in Fayetteville, but anywhere.

When you get hungry during your visit to Fayetteville, fine cuisine is not the only option. Orsak's Cafe and Joe's Place are also in the center of town, and they're perfect for any meal of the day, not just special occasions. Joe's is an institution and offers some of the thickest, juiciest steaks in Texas, as well as Texas-sized burgers and breakfast plates. You'll need all the energy you can get when heading out to the reservoir for lakeside activities and watersports.

Although Fayetteville is about the same distance from Austin and Houston, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is slightly closer, at just over an hour's drive away. On your route, you'll pass by another hidden gem, Texas' most historic small town of Bastrop. When you get to Fayetteville, the other major lodging option is Roline's Guest House and Venue, a charming bed and breakfast near the Grand Fayette Hotel. There's also the Red and White Inn or the Fayette Country Hills RV Park, just in case you're planning a road trip through central Texas.

When it's time to go to the lake, you can get close to the water at either Oak Thicket Park or Prairie Park. Both options are around 10 minutes from town, making them super convenient. Lake Fayette is one of the best fishing options in Texas, so if you have fishing gear, you might want to see what you can catch for dinner (or just to flex your skills). You can also go swimming, hiking, biking, and boating on the lake, depending on what you're into.

Overall, a vacation to Fayetteville is almost like a trip to the past. Life moves a little slower in a small town, and with such a small population, you can almost get to know everyone who lives there before you leave.