That European vacation you’ve always dreamed of is closer than you think! One of the most unique town names in Texas, Italy is a charming little community about 45 miles south of Dallas. It’s no Venice, but it offers something even better, perhaps – a sense of Southern hospitality that only exists in small-town Texas.

With a motto like “The Biggest Little Town in Texas,” Italy is one of the most charming places you’ll ever visit. Founded in 1879, the town was named after the country of Italy, which one of its settlers had recently visited.

Wikimedia Commons/Renelibrary

Located just off of Interstate 35E, about 15 miles south of Waxahachie, Italy is home to about 2,000 people. Its population has been on a steady incline since the 1970s - it took over three decades for the effects of the Great Depression to ease enough for people to resettle in the town.

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Italy was an important stop along the Missouri–Kansas–Texas Railroad, serving as an export center for cotton, corn, sweet potatoes, and wheat. As you explore the town square, you’ll be whisked back to yesteryear and the heyday of the railroad industry, with historic buildings everywhere you look.

Wikimedia Commons/Renelibrary

The town also boasts a few quirky claims to fame that have helped put it on the map. Named “Bruco,” the world’s largest caterpillar (60 feet wide, 22 feet tall, and 350 feet long, to be exact) is actually a manufacturing site for a company called Monolithic. It’s quite a roadside attraction!

Flickr/Jeremy Sternberg

Starship Pegasus no longer exists, but it used to be a UFO-shaped restaurant, arcade, and photo-op. Unfortunately, it was demolished in 2017 after McDonald’s purchased the property, and residents are still mourning the loss.

Flickr/lfwlfw

When it comes to food, there are several delicious restaurants to choose from in Italy. Locals rave about Mamma’s Place, where you’ll find homemade Tex-Mex favorites like enchiladas, tamales, tacos, and rice and beans.

Facebook/Mamma’s Place

On the outskirts of town, you’ll come across several breathtaking sunflower fields that bloom during the summer and early fall months. The bright yellow blossoms extend far as the eye can see, adding a bit of cheerfulness to your day. This particular field was captured on Highway 34 between Italy and Avalon.

Flickr/TexasEagle

Visit the City of Italy website for more information.

Wikimedia Commons/Renelibrary

Flickr/Jeremy Sternberg

Flickr/lfwlfw

Facebook/Mamma’s Place

Flickr/TexasEagle

Have you ever been to Italy, Texas? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience! Tell us in the comments. Don’t forget to check out our previous article for a nearby town loaded with history!

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Address: Italy, TX 76651, USA