Flatonia, Texas
An agricultural village just off I-10 half way between Houston and San Antonio, Flatonia was founded by the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1873, and named for a pioneer merchant, F.W. Flato. Waves of immigrants - English, German, Bohemian, Czech, and Italian settled in and around Flatonia. The town most prominently celebrates colorful Czech traditions; for example, calling their annual (October) chili festival Czhilispiel. Local sausages and kolaches are popular. Flatonia is a very well known train watching spot, especially with the crossrails that run north and south and east and west.
A self-guided walking tour and driving tour is available from the Chamber of Commerce.