Small Town Spotlight: Serbin

Population: 200

Location: About 55 miles east of Austin.

Claim to Fame: In 1854, 500 Slavic immigrants arrived in Texas after fleeing their native Lusatia, an area in modern eastern Germany. They hoped to preserve their culture by establishing their own town: Serbin, meaning "Wendish Land".

When to Go: September 28 for the 20th annual Wendish Fest, at which live entertainment and homemade food pay homage to Wendish ways.

Perfect Souvenir: Hand-painted Easter eggs, a cultural tradition, are sold year-round at the Texas Wendish Heritage Museum.

Local Flavors: The Wendish Fest Noodle Committee produces 150 pounds of Wendish noodles weekly using an ancient recipe. Buy some from a festival booth or at a most local restaurants.

In Their Words: "We love having poeple come and learn about our heritage," says Wendish Soceity member Eunice Dunk. "Few people know how much the Wends influenced Texas."

Contact: Texas Wendish Heritage Musuem, (979) 366-2441; wendish.concordia.edu