Weekend Getaways: Waxahachie Texas

If you love Victorian architecture, antiques, and small (and friendly) towns consider a weekend trip to Waxahachie, Texas.

Waxahachie is close enough to Dallas to make it easy to combine business with pleasure, or allow a quick, romantic getaway for residents of North Texas. Restaurants, Tea Rooms, bed and breakfasts; Waxahachie has it all. Forty miles south on I-35 will give any harried Dallasite the opportunity to step back in time.

Waxahachie was a prosperous town, producing tons of cotton. Between the time the town was incorporated in 1871 and the decline of cotton prices in the 1930s, most of the buildings that occupy the city now were built. In fact, the large number of Victorian homes has given the city the nickname "Gingerbread City". Waxahachie has about 20% of all the buildings that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places in Texas.

While Queen Anne Victorians do rub elbows with lofty Foursquare homes it isn't only these large homes that bring people who love architecture to Waxahachie. There are several quiet streets lined with bungalows. In fact, about three years ago these smaller homes were featured in an issue of American Bungalow Magazine.

The courthouse sits majestically in the center of the square. It was designed by J. Riley Gordon in the Richardsonian Romanesque architectural style. Few people can resist strolling around downtown with its heavy scent of rosemary in the humid Texas air. The courthouse has been featured in many films as well as the long running television show, Walker, Texas Ranger, which was filmed largely in Waxahachie.

Waxahachie has some of the best antique shopping in North Texas, with several antique malls and stores in the downtown area. Wear comfortable shoes because the best way to visit all the shops is just to park the car and walk.

My Father's House is, of the antique shops in Waxahachie, the best for antique furniture. The store is laid out nicely, with lots of space to walk and look, and not so cram packed with things that you run the risk of breaking something every time you turn around. The atmosphere is friendly and helpful. There is also a small tea room that is open for lunch.

Plan to spend some time here! This building was the old J.C. Penney's and encompasses three floors. It is almost impossible to see everything in less than three hours. Again, the atmosphere is friendly and the store is beautifully laid out. Old Town Antiques has some of the best china and glass collectibles anywhere, and very reasonably priced.

Gran's is one of those places that IS jam packed with everything imaginable. Tea cups to salt and pepper shakers, antique books to Eastlake dining tables. The friendly welcome is part of the charm of this small town.

Caution; there are many things packed into this marvelous store. If you have children that have difficulty in not touching it may be best to find a sitter

There are numerous other antique shops in Waxahachie, as well as other shops of interest. If you get tired of gazing at the Victorain homes, and of eating wonderful food, and of shopping for antiques consider the other options.

Other things to do include:

• Museums

• Fishing on Lake Waxahachie

• Restaurants

• Tea Rooms

• Scarborough Renaissance Faire

• Relaxing in beautiful Getzendaner Memorial Park

• Farmer's Market

• and more

If you are in the mood for a romantic weekend get away then go for the whole experience with a bed and breakfast. There are several in the area. Do be sure to call well in advance of your get away date to be sure you are able to get a room.

• Chaska House Filled with beautiful period antiques, Chaska House is a return to old fashioned southern hospitality. Relax on the Veranda or stroll through the tree shaded grounds. Bedrooms are large, have private baths, and wireless internet. A southern style breakfast is served.
• Harrison B&B was built in 1915. This largue bungalow style home is full of the ambiance of an English country manor.
• Hampton Inn is for those the prefer a full service hotel experience. While not a B&B the hotel has covered every detail to make your romantic get-away just that.

• Bonny Nook is a historic gingerbread B&B. Sleep in one of five country Victorian style rooms an have breakfast on your own time table.

If you live in the Dallas area and are not able to take that week in the Bahamas that your were hoping for, a romantic weekend getaway to Waxahachie might be an affordable alternative.