Just two hours north of Dallas, Wichita Falls is an ideal getaway with its revitalized downtown, historic charm and captivating events and experiences.
Here’s what you need to know about the visit:
Follow the red brick road
The Depot Square Historic District is a slice of the city’s rich history, from the “boom days” of the discovery of oil to the development of the railroad at the turn of the century.
Its red-brick road encompasses six blocks of charming shops and restaurants, as well as historic sites like the former headquarters of the Kemp and Kell Railway, which still houses a collection of old carriages.
Look for local independent shops like Subject: Supply which specializes in sustainable, low-waste products and hosts a variety of workshops year-round on topics such as candle making, food fermentation and herbalism.
Also tucked away along the way is The Speakeasy Distillerythat takes you back to the Roaring Twenties with a decadent retro vibe and Prohibition-era craft cocktails.
Confectionery Wonderland Artisanal cocoa chocolates B is run by chocolate maker Brooke Willis, who uses her overseas experience to import the finest chocolates from around the world. Pro tip: Get the Texas Rita Bite, an irresistible blend of white chocolate, lime, and sea salt.
Once a month, the city center also celebrates its artistic side with the After Hours. Explore galleries, studios, and stalls while tasting local wine and listening to live music.
And on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, Downtown Farmer’s Market sets up shop with everything from local honey to homemade salsa, fresh finds, and more.
Morath Orchard is a market staple with their bountiful produce from a 90-acre family farm. You should know that the orchard also periodically hosts home-cooked farm-to-table dinners that are a must – if you can get tickets.
Savor the scene
Speaking of farm-to-table experiences, Fox Hill is a reservation you must have in your life. This farm-to-table American restaurant is housed in a beautifully restored 1922 home that sits on eight acres of land, where on-site urban gardens provide the produce for the ever-rotating seasonal menu.
More good food (with a side of historic setting) is coming to the Karat Bar & Bistro which is in the very first Zales jewelry store. Local dishes are prepared from scratch, and they specialize in steak and chops as well as elevated iterations of classic dishes like osso bucco, shrimp and grits, and brick chicken.
hook and ladder is a firefighter-owned and operated urban winery that specializes in unique wines and single-origin coffee. They also have artisan flatbread and charcuterie boards that can be enjoyed inside the cafe or on the terraces while listening to the artists and bands performing onsite.
Root yourself in nature
The River Bend Nature Center is a great place to get out with 20 acres of trails, including the River Bottom Forest Trail, and a state-of-the-art butterfly and plant conservatory. They also hold outdoor yoga classes in a beautiful tree-lined space outside.
For the bike, the Wee-Chi-Tah Trail is a scenic jaunt along the Wichita River that was voted the best urban off-road trail in Texas with switchback climbs and wooden bridges.
In August, more than 10,000 professional and amateur cyclists descend on the city to take part in the Hotter’N Hell Hundred, one of the oldest and most important cycling events in the country. It’s topped off with the Hotter ‘N Ale block party, held in front of the Wichita Falls Brewing Company (a destination in its own right), featuring local craft beer, yard games, and a DJ dance party.
Summer is berry season, and you can pick your own strawberries and blackberries at The Kings Good Vineyard and Berry Farm.
Unleash your inner child
maniac mansion is a one-of-a-kind arcade and toy museum that takes a trip down memory lane with meticulously maintained vintage machines. For a snack, head to their unrivaled granola bar which is full of treasured classics and obscure options, as well as various milks and toppings.
With a chic speakeasy decor. The Depot Ax Throwing Parlor features 14 throwing lanes plus pool and shuffleboard tables, plus craft cocktails like any speakeasy worth its salt.
Plan your getaway to Wichita Falls – and find more reasons to fall in love – here.
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