It’s been 45 years since the sound of a train whistle echoed through the streets of Burton, but whispers of the railroad are everywhere. The town’s history museum is housed in the former train depot, and the old cotton gin draws visitors from all over the world. Passengers once stepped off the trains between Brenham and Austin at this stop, but now visitors arrive by car to explore the quiet community of about 220 people, not far from Washington-on-the-Brazos, where the Texas Declaration of Independence was signed in 1836. The latest familiar sound in the area is the distinct cry of Percy, the resident peacock. There are several theories of how Percy arrived in town a few years ago, including that he escaped from a traveling petting zoo. He has made himself and his proud plumage at home in this small Central Texas town that has found a way to make its mark without the rail.
DISTANCE FROM
Houston
1.5 hours
Austin
1.5 hours
San Antonio
2 hours
Dallas
3.5 hours
El Paso
10 hours
Stay
Pigs Fly & Company
In 2018, Tricia Dabney bought the space formerly known as Henry’s Grocery, built in 1928, and turned it into a vintage-inspired rental. Located just off Main Street, the property features stylish décor and two kitchens and sleeps up to 15 people.
Eat & Drink
White Horse Tavern
This watering hole and informal community hub has served patrons since 1922. Operated by musician and former assistant principal Allison Krause Crowson, the eatery serves lunch three days a week and hosts live music, including tribute shows to stars like Dolly Parton, every weekend.
Shop
The Nesting Company
Fifth-generation Burton resident Heidi Matthies-Jaster opened this store and flower shop in an old pharmacy in 2004. Along with flowers, she sells home décor, all-natural body products, and holistic medicine with the help of her two corgis, Odin and Leia, who greet customers at the door.
Drink
Neon Moon Coffee
This coffee roaster and café is housed in a circa 1900 building. It draws out-of-towners looking for an espresso and longtime residents who meet to catch up on the news over a cup of Joe and a blueberry muffin.
See
Texas Cotton Gin Museum
Visitors can sign up for one of two tours a day or browse the site of the oldest working cotton gin in the United States on their own. Make time for a stop next door at the carefully preserved Wehring Shoe Shop that dates to 1916.
Eat & Drink
Burton Short Stop
This restaurant, convenience store, and live music venue sits on the outskirts of town and sells burgers, pizza, sandwiches, and beers.
Shop
Peeka Ranch
Owner LaNell McMahon and her husband, Phillip, raise 60-plus alpacas, and she runs a gift shop that sells alpaca fleece products from around the world. Visitors can book an appointment to feed the alpacas for $10.
An earlier version of this story stated that the Texas Cotton Gin Museum had the oldest working cotton gin in the world. It is the oldest working cotton gin in the United States.