Go Two-Steppin' at These 5 Texas Dance Halls
Texas is home to a plethora of stereotypes—stereotypes we happen to be very proud of. Come to Texas and we’ll introduce you to good BBQ, maybe take you to buy your first 10-gallon hat, and force you to listen to country music at least once. But one thing you absolutely must do if you visit the Lone Star State is learn how to two-step. No trip to Texas is complete without some boot scootin’. So where might one go to learn how to dance like a Texan, you ask? Keep reading, because we’ve found 5 Texas dance halls and honky tonks perfect for breaking in those new cowboy boots.
Luckenbach
The town of Luckenbach is a Texas icon in its own right. Bought in 1971 by John Russel “Hondo” Crouch, Luckenbach quickly gained a national spotlight as a town founded entirely on one man’s imagination. Hondo created Luckenbach, dubbing himself the town mayor and initiating several town festivals, like the Luckenbach World’s Fair and Ladies State Chili Bust. But the town’s beating heart was undoubtedly its dance hall, where musicians from all over would come to play and dancers would come to scuff up the dance floor. Nearly 50 years later, you can still find this dance hall alive every weekend with the sounds of singin’, guitar playin’ and the stomp of boots on the dance floor.
Billy Bob’s Texas
For a Texas-sized honky tonk experience, Billy Bob’s in Fort Worth is the place to go. The biggest honky tonk in Texas, Billy Bob’s is the size of a small town with its own indoor rodeo arena, several bar stations, arcade games, and—you guessed it—an enormous dance floor where you can dance the night away. For those less experienced in the art of country dancin’, Billy Bob’s offers line dance lessons every Tuesday night at 7pm.
The Broken Spoke
The Broken Spoke, a modest wooden structure of a dance hall, sits among the towering buildings of the rapidly developing city of Austin. With its grand opening in 1964, the Broken Spoke is a pocket of history in the modern bustle of city living. Come here to meet James White, the man who owns the place, and his charming family who make everyone who walk through the doors feel like they belong. Hone your two step skills on the dance floor or just sit back and enjoy the live performance from a local or big-time country musician.
Schroeder Hall
If there is a dance hall that is, in its purest form, a place to dance and enjoy the company of friends, it’s Schroeder Hall. Dubbed “the second oldest dance hall in Texas,” Schroeder Hall has been around since 1890—persevering through tumultuous war-times and a fire in 1925 that burned down most of the business district in Schroeder, Texas. Today, Schroeder Hall thrives on the frequent visits of country musicians and dance-lovers.
Gruene Hall
The oldest and most famous dance hall in Texas, Gruene Hall is known for the talent it helped usher to success. George Strait got his start at Gruene Hall as did a few other country stars we know and love. Today, Gruene Hall still hosts many of those stars as well as the fans who flock to Gruene to see them. Any day of the week, you can stop by Gruene Hall and enjoy live music. Of course, a Texas dance hall wouldn’t be a Texas dance hall without dancing. Stop by Gruene Hall on Tuesday nights to get a lesson in country swing dancing!
Want to visit all 5 of these dance halls? There’s no better way to see Texas and all it has to offer than by RV. Stop by Howdy Ranch RV and let us help you find the travel trailer or fifth wheel of your dreams!
We’re located on the I-37 access in Mathis, exit #34. Driving distance from Corpus Christi, San Antonio, McAllen, Laredo, & Victoria.