Smithville Historic Downtown
Smithville · 100 Main St, Smithville, TX 78957
At a glance
Type
Downtown District
Setting
Interior + Exterior
Parking
Yes
Power
Yes
Prior Filming
Hope Floats (1998), The Tree of Life (2011), Bernie (2011)
Permit
Required
Visual character
“Nostalgic, Charming, Southern Gothic”
About
Smithville's weathered brick storefronts and oak-canopied Main Street read as authentic small-town Americana on camera in a way you just can't fake. The first community ever designated Film Friendly Texas by the Texas Film Commission in 2008, this Bastrop County town has hosted over 120 productions—from Sandra Bullock's Hope Floats to Terrence Malick's The Tree of Life. The downtown square retains its original 1890s–1920s commercial architecture, with narrow two-story facades, covered sidewalks, and a classic water tower visible from multiple angles. Crew parking is abundant on adjacent streets, and local liaisons are actively trained to facilitate productions of all scales. A Star Biscuit Co. mural painted specifically for Hope Floats still graces the NE corner of 2nd and Main.
Restrictions
No nudity/adult content without special permit
Where you'll be
Permit Information
✓ VerifiedFirst-ever Film Friendly Texas community (2008). Streamlined permitting through city.
Contact
Want to save this location?
Free account unlocks your Scout Board, notes, filming history, and more.
Start Scouting Free →Already have an account? Sign in