TEXAS — A Texas town known for its slow-cooked meats and Southern charm has earned yet another accolade.

Smithsonian Magazine named Lockhart, Texas, one of the 15 best small towns to visit in 2025.

The magazine focused on towns with populations of less than 21,000 people that are home to engaging cultural attractions, access to nature and distinct culinary offerings, as well as a good reason to visit this year.

Located 30 miles outside of Austin, the Central Texas town with a population of 15,318 is also known as the Barbecue Capital of Texas.

A few Lockhart barbecue greats the magazine highlights are the women-owned, Tex-Mex-inspired Barbs B Q — which received a Bib Gourmand from the inaugural Michelin Guide Texas last year — as well as local favorites like Smitty's Market and Black’s Barbecue.

Live music at The Pearl, a historic bar, and shows at the Gaslight-Baker Theater add to the town’s lively attractions.

As for outdoor activities, the magazine spotlights the natural beauty of Lockhart State Park, from hiking trails surrounded by local shrubbery to wildlife sightings of armadillos, rabbits and buff-bellied hummingbirds.

The magazine also points out the town’s work as a filming location for various TV shows and movies like “Yellowstone” prequel “1923,” which aired earlier this year, “Transformers: Age of Extinction” and “Bernie.”