If you want to get a little taste of Eastern Europe right here in the Lone Star State, start planning a trip to the small town of West. This quaint, rural community off of I-35 boasts the best kolaches in Texas (which makes sense, considering the town has more Czech-American residents than anywhere else in the state).
When you drive into the small town of West and see the Czech flag flying high, you’ll swear you’ve traveled to Eastern Europe - but you’re still in Texas!
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Located about 20 miles north of Waco, the town of just over 2,500 was established in the late 1860s as a stagecoach stop. It saw a large influx of Czech and German immigrants during that time due to the coming of the railroad and the emergence of cotton production, and now has a larger concentration of Czech Texans than any other city.
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West’s town square looks similar to that of any other small Texas town, but it has a decidedly international flair. Some of the architecture is reminiscent of an Eastern European village…
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…and there are murals depicting the main aspects of Czech culture.
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If there’s one thing that has put this itty-bitty city on the map, it’s the food.
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West is known for having some of the best kolaches in Texas, and you can try all sorts of different kinds at Czech Stop, located right off I-35.
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Slovacek’s is another iconic spot to grab authentic kolaches and other homemade baked goods, as well as every type of sausage you could ever want.
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Their BBQ sandwiches are absolutely to die for. It’s a Texas delicacy with Czech panache, and you’ll want to savor every bite.
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For more delicious Czech eats, head over to the Czech-American Restaurant on Main Street.
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Home of the world-famous “Czech fries,” this unassuming outpost serves up both Czech and American classics.
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With a full belly, spend some time delving into the town’s rich history before heading home. The History of West Museum offers an array of fascinating exhibits detailing every aspect of West’s development from a small farming and ranching community into the thriving little town it is today.
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West also hosts a yearly festival, Westfest, that pays homage to the town’s Czech heritage.
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Have you ever been to West? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience in the comments! Don’t forget to check out our previous article for a nearby attraction where you can see the fossilized remains of ancient woolly mammoths.
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Address: West, TX 76691, USA
