LOCAL AREA Weatherford, Texas
Growing with Tradition
Welcome to Weatherford, a historic town that is just 20 minutes west of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, but it is like stepping back years in time. Weatherford is known for its community and family oriented way of life that makes it one of the premier places to live in the north Texas area. Residents share a vision for Weatherford that balances its rich, western and pioneer heritage with progress and economic vitality. That is why its motto is "Growing with Tradition."
Attractions
• Lake Weatherford • Historic Weatherford Town Square • Doss Heritage and Culture Center
Shopping
• Walmarts are located in Weatherford and in nearby Hudson Oaks • New HEB in Hudson Oaks • Albertsons • Tesky's Western Store
• Lowe's • Home Depot • Best Buy • Kohl's • Belk • Academy • Hobby Lobby • Michael's • JCPenney • TJ Maxx
Entertainment
• Film Alley • Splash Kingdom • City Lights
Parks
• Holland Lake Park
• Soldier Springs Park
• Heritage Park
• Cartwright Park
• Love Street Park
• Cherry Park
• Chandor Gardens
• Lake Mineral Wells State Trailway
Golf Courses
• Sugar Tree
• Canyon West
• Split Rail
• Squaw Creek
• Oeste Ranch
Hospital
Medical City of Weatherford
Things to Do in Weatherford
Visitors to Weatherford will enjoy many treasures and exclusive things to do, including a historic shopping district full of antique, boutique and specialty stores; museums, Chandor Gardens and the love-story to be discovered within its walls; an old-time Farmers Market; First Monday Trades Days; and a bounty of Victorian-era homes. The town's crown jewel is the Parker County Courthouse, recently restored to its original splendor.
Nature Lovers
Chandor Gardens is Weatherford's pride and joy. Built by famed English portrait artist Douglas Chandor for his Weatherford bride, the Gardens capture both the elegance of a formal English garden and the ornate design of Chinese architecture. From the 30-foot waterfall to soothing fountains, from a bowling green to secret hideaways, Chandor Gardens will capture your awe and wonder at every turn.
Clark Gardens Botanical Park awakens your senses to the natural wonders of Texas. Clark Gardens began in 1977 and opened to the public in 2000, as the personal dream of Max and Billie Clark. By using Texas adaptive plants and through an extensive system of conserving and collecting water Clark Gardens hopes to inspire and educate those that visit. For the train enthusiasts, the Clark Gardens G-Scale model gardens trains are a must see. The Historic Tree Trail contains over 75 different historical trees each telling a story from a famous place or famous person in American History. The facility contains 12 different venues for events, picnics and meetings.
Nature Lovers - Rails-to-Trails is a 26-mile trail way that can be explored by foot, bicycle or horseback.
You can enjoy the wildlife along the trail as it winds through the countryside all the way from Weatherford
to Mineral Wells. Town Creek Hike and Bike Trail is 3.2 miles of trail way beginning
at the Weatherford Chamber of Commerce. Golf enthusiasts will love Weatherford's scenic and challenging public courses, while water lovers are sure to find Lake Weatherford perfect for boating or fishing.
Culture & History
The Doss Heritage and Culture Center highlights Parker County's rich tapestry of cattle barons and
cowboys, Broadway stars, artist and political leaders will all showcased in the new exhibit spaces.
Museum planners envision a lively community center that can be used for a variety of purposes
including small concerts, educational programs, meetings, celebrations and events for all segments of
the community. The museum will be dedicated to preserving the history and culture of the area and to
educate future generations about the past.
Museum of the Americas - Located in historic downtown Weatherford, the Museum features the rich
heritage and living traditions of indigenous peoples from Native America, Mexico, and Latin America.
Discover how the Eskimos of Alaska and Canada developed crafts and a way of life very different from
the tribes of the Amazon; or how the Plains Indians followed the buffalo while the Aztecs built great
civilizations. The Museum offers hundreds of artifacts, masks, ceramics, costumes, toys and more, of
interest to people of all ages.
Proximity to the National Cutting Horse Association headquarters and major events has made Weatherford the Cutting Horse Capital of the World. Weatherford is home to dozens of Hall of Fame trainers, hundreds of the best horses in the industry and one life-size bronze cutting horse that graces the lawn of the Weatherford Chamber of Commerce. Thanks to the horse industry, there are also plenty of shops for those looking for western wear or tack. If you want to see what cutting is all about, you can catch a show on most weekends at Weatherford's Silverado on the Brazos.
Downtown & Around
Downtown - Visitors to Weatherford will enjoy many treasures. The Historic Shopping District is full
of antique, boutique and specialty stores. Many specialize in western memorabilia and rustic, ranch-style
furniture. There's also an old-time Farmer's Market downtown, where you can buy fresh Parker County
produce, including watermelon, pecans and the area's famous peaches. The crown jewel of
downtown is the Parker County Courthouse, recently restored to its original splendor.
First Monday Trade Days – If it's wheelin' and dealin' you desire, then be sure and plan your trip
during Weatherford's First Monday Trade Days, always held the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday before
the first Monday in each month. There is a farm and ranch lot with critters, food, items for in the home,
as well as lots of items for use and decoration outside.
Historic Driving Tour - Take a driving tour to see Weatherford's bounty of Historic Homes. A variety of
architectural styles are represented including Victorian, Queen Anne, and Greek Revival. See the home
where Broadway star Mary Martin was born, where her son Larry Hagman, who played J.R. Ewing on the
TV show “Dallas,” grew up, and where former U.S. Speaker of the House, Jim Wright, spent his boyhood
days. Be sure and visit Greenwood Cemetery, where famed cattle drover Oliver Loving is buried and the story is the inspiration behind Texas author Larry McMurtry's
novel, Lonesome Dove. You'll also see the Pythian Home, Weatherford's own “Castle on the Hill” that was built in 1909 by
the Knights of Pythias as a home for widows and orphans.
Springtown, Texas
Springtown, Texas – a town that is known for being a wonderful place to live, work, and play! This business-friendly community is a growing part of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metropolitan’s area that services tens of thousands of residents, visitors, and customers in and around the city’s central square – a locally recognized gathering spot for holiday festivities and the cornerstone for many of the local restaurants and businesses. One of the best things about the city of Springtown is the residents who are proud of their community and foster a great welcoming spirit to new families coming to town.
The City of Springtown is home to a 33 acre park with amenities such as soccer and baseball fields, sand volleyball courts and disc golf. There is also a walking/jogging trail that winds through the park and passes by an area of creek bed which hosts a newly discovered set of dinosaur tracks. The town also offers library services both locally and county-wide through a mutual book-sharing program. Many civic organizations are available for employees to become actively involved, such as the Lions’ Club and local Optimist Club. There are also numerous volunteer opportunities in the area, including but not limited to, Neighbor to Neighbors, Center of Hope, the Manna House and Stars and Strides Stables, a therapeutic riding center for children, adults and veterans with disabilities. The City of Springtown also offers the Springtown Legends Museum, which captures Springtown’s rich heritage and community spirit that is still the driving force making Springtown the best place to be in Parker County!
The spirit of this tight-knit community is exhibited in the events which occur here annually. One of those being Old-Fashioned Christmas, a local celebration that encompasses the spirit of the holiday. This event is preceded each year by a lighted Christmas parade the Sunday after Thanksgiving. The nostalgic historic square centers on a State of Texas recognized historic site that includes a carefully preserved open air Tabernacle which adds to the atmosphere of this community’s events. Another such gathering is the annual Wild West Festival, where over 200 plus vendors arrive sporting their goods, along with a parade, and of course, some local western-style showdowns. As the City of Springtown moves into the future, their vision includes continuing to provide quality parks, events and activities that are geared towards creating a sense of community tradition for many generations to come.
Mineral Wells, Texas
Mineral Wells, Texas is known for its famous mineral water wells that have attracted folks to this area for centuries. Dating back to the 1800’s, it is said that early health seekers would travel from far and wide to be healed from the medicinal properties and relief that the wells would provide. You can still reap all the benefits of these glorious mineral baths today at various spas and wellness treatments throughout Mineral Wells. Because it became such a hub for tourism, Mineral Wells is not only steeped in minerals but also in deep rooted history. The Baker Hotel, for instance, can still be visited today and was once known as one of the tallest structures in Texas. Other historical landmarks to visit are the Crazy Water Hotel and the Old Post Office.
You can cater to your artistic side by visiting one of the numerous studios and galleries sprinkled throughout the community in Mineral Wells. Or immerse yourself in the local shops, eateries, parks and other historic landmarks you can find right downtown. Plus, Mineral Wells hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the Crazy Water Festival. This festival celebrates the mineral water found locally and all the rich heritage that surrounds the wells.
Jacksboro, Texas
Known for its long lasting history dating back to the Civil War, Jacksboro offers its visitors an abundance of entertainment. While you’re here, check out Fort Richardson State Park and Historic Site, where you can tour the last surviving buildings of this notorious U.S. Army Fort. If you’re still feeling historical, head over to the Jack County Museum where you can check out local exhibits featuring ranching, military archives and the first frontiers.
Once you’ve gotten your fill of the town’s heritage, take a few strokes off your golf game by practicing at Jacksboro Golf & Sports Bar or cool off with an afternoon of fishing, boating or swimming in Lake Jacksboro. Attend one of the town’s several festivals, including the Fort Richardson Frontier Days Festival or the Jacksboro Peach Festival. Both festivals feature live music and entertainment as well as plenty of food and vendors. Lastly, while you’re here in town, simply take in all the gorgeous scenery around you from the gorgeous, rolling hills to the quiet, winding country roads.
Possum Kingdom Lake
This popular lake offers over 17,000 acres, more than 300 miles of shoreline and is approximately 145 feet deep. Here you can often find folks enjoying an afternoon of picnicking on the shores, boating, fishing or swimming in the lake. Possum Kingdom State Park, which is located just off the north shore of the lake features outdoor camping, cabin rentals and a plethora of recreational hiking trails. The lake itself is engulfed with spectacular views, incredibly tall cliffs and clear, blue waters making it one of the most beautiful lakes in North Texas.
It isn’t just people who have taken refuge here at Possum Kingdom Lake either. The lake earns its name due to a group of possums who escaped a fire and found safety on one of the islands, or so legend says. In addition to the recreation and fun that Possum Kingdom provides, the lake actually serves as a local drinking water source to neighboring cities and towns.
One of the most popular visitor’s attractions is Hell’s Gate at Possum Kingdom Lake. This famous gap in the steep cliffs that shape the lake is roughly 100 feet wide and 20 feet deep. It is a popular spot for tying up a boat for an afternoon of leisure floating and fun. Anchor down here during the 4th of July and enjoy a fantastic firework show over the lake.
Lake Bridgeport
Lake Bridgeport is a popular spot for boating, water sports, fishing and swimming. While you are visiting, check out Runaway Bay Public Beach or Wise County Park for great beaches, beautiful parks and numerous amenities including restaurants, boat ramps, picnic tables and more! Plus, the water isn’t the only thing cool about Lake Bridgeport. People come from all around to enjoy the popular shorelines which offer boat rental services, camping and RV parks and even a UTV trail for you to explore. There are also two full service marinas on Lake Bridgeport. The area offers you and your family several restaurants, rentable cabins and lake houses, as well as numerous boat ramps scattered around the lake for convenience. All of this fun is within minutes of your country homesite at Stallion Meadows Estates.
