Bastrop, Texas

Welcome to Smithville!

Smithville is perhaps best known as the home of "Hope Floats" the 1998 movie starring Sandra Bullock, Harry Connick Jr. and Gena Rowlands. It was also the location for "Tree of Life", starring Brad Pitt and Sean Penn, filmed in 2008.

Smithville Facts and Features

  • Smithville's early growth was attributed mainly to the Taylor, Bastrop and Houston Railroad (later purchased by the M-K-T), which brought its first passenger train through Smithville in 1886. The railroad presence has been integral to the community ever since, and a railroad museum and park were established in Smithville in 1991.
  • Our natural features make it a "must ride destination" for bicyclists, whether if is through the oak-lined streets of town or the beautifully wooded, winding roads of Buesher State Park. Sitting high atop the banks of the Colorado River, Smithville is also a popular choice for kayakers.
  • Smithville touts a variety of histroric bed & breakfast inns, charming downtown shops including art and antique dealers, and restaurants ranging from gourmet dining to Texas' best bar-b-que.
  • Known as "The Heart of the Megalopolis" due to its centrality to Austin, Houston, San Antonio, and Bryan/College Station, Smithville's rich legacy si displayed at the Heritage House Museum.
  • Our town earned the Guiness Book of World Records award for baking the "World's Largest Gingerbread Man." The creation, which was baked over hot coals during Smithville's annual Festival of Lights celebration in 2006, weighed 1,308 pounds, 8 ounces.
  • Smithville was the first town in Texas to be named "Film and Family Friendly" by the Texas Film Commision.

Smithville Community Events Calendar

Month Event Description
March Smithville Thunder on the Colorado Motorcycle Rally Third weekend. Motorcyclists meet at Riverbend Park, parade through downtown Smithville and return to the park to enjoy food, contests and live music.
April Smithville Jamboree First weekend after Easter.This four-day celebration - the town's oldest and largest - includes a Main Street parade and arts & Riverbend Park is host to a carnival, livestock show, sports tournaments, food and nightly dances.
June Smithville Swing Golf Tournament Area Golf Clubs in Bastrop including Cola Vista adn Pine Forest werve as hosts for this event.
July Smithville Casino Night Fourth Saturday. The gambling action is hotter than the July temperatures outside as Smithville's Recreation Center si transformed into a Vegas-style venue. It's a sure bet this fundraiser will be entertaining!
October Smithville City Wide Garage Sale First Saturday. What a draw - over 100 sites to shop in one day!
December Smithville Festival of Lights First Saturday. A Gingerbread Man theme with lights deck out this picturesque downtown plus ther are arts & crafts shows, a 5K run, kid's games and crafts, live music, a lighted parade plus a street dance!