Cool Small Towns/Places Right Outside of Houston to Explore?

I've been feeling like I need to get away from the city, so I've been doing these tiny trips to small towns nearby to explore for fun and chill for a couple of hours. I've been to West Columbia, Freeport, Fayetville, Brenham, El Campo, and Wharton so far. I'm looking for places that aren't too far away (2-2.5 hour max round trip from Houston). Looking for scenic/outdoorsy places or has something cool there for me to go do/see (ghost/abandoned/haunted towns, some cool historical thing, etc.). I prefer quiet/low population places so it feels like I'm just alone surrounded by nature or the environment. Doesn't need to have much as I'll probably only spend 1-2 hours there max.

Any recommendations? Thanks!