Waxahachie has a rich history as a beloved North Texas city, and it sticks out with a lively downtown scene centered around one of the state’s most memorable courthouses. The sprawling downtown square is jam-packed with great boutiques, bountiful antique shops, adorable home decor, and crafting hubs that’ll have you coming back time and time again.
The beautiful and unique architecture of the city has earned it the appropriate nickname of the “Gingerbread City.” When picking a place to stay, Waxahachie has no shortage of cozy and authentic Victorian-style bed and breakfasts that are perfect for a weekend girl’s trip or an extended family vacation.
The welcoming and friendly faces help to reinforce the town’s reputation as a favorite tourist destination, and the North Texas town offers a wide range of fun activities ranging from historical tours and shopping sprees to lively city-wide events and specialized group outings.
If you’re looking to plan a fun and unique summer getaway, Waxahachie is a top-notch choice that is well worth checking out. Read on and discover some of our favorite ways to experience the city!
Where to Stay
As we mentioned before, Waxahachie is noted for its unique architectural approach that combines Victorian and Richardsonian Romanesque elements to create a truly memorable and aesthetically pleasing appeal. This theme can be found all throughout the city, and there are plenty of notable historical landmarks that have come to define the city such as the Ellis County District Courthouse.
You’ll be pleased to know that the stellar architecture isn’t limited to local landmarks. The bed and breakfasts in Waxahachie are also influenced by the architectural themes, and these notable historical buildings and unique homes offer a quaint, relaxing stay and a warm atmosphere. While there are a few larger hotels in the area, you just won’t get the same personal touch that these local bed and breakfasts can provide.
The Chaska House is a five-bedroom Victorian-style home that was first built in 1900, and it is described as a “luxury bed and breakfast.” This stay certainly lives up to its name, and guests can choose from rooms like the Will Shakespeare, Teddy Roosevelt and F. Scott Fitzgerald (Gatsby). Each dwelling offers a unique and personable theme paying homage to the idols of the past, and there are even a couple of separate two-bedroom cottages on the grounds that offer a heightened sense of privacy.
The English Merchant’s Inn Bed and Breakfast is another great choice for those looking to book a cozy, historically authentic stay. Constructed in 1915, this Waxahachie mansion features four spacious bedrooms and a separate ground-floor cottage for those with a higher capacity party. The amenities include a luxurious footed tub, king-size beds, and free breakfast.
Old is in, and The Range Vintage Trailer Resort combines retro-style trailer-life lounging with luxurious amenities and secluded, spacious stays. This unique compound spans over 30 acres, and each trailer rental is spaced at least 100 feet apart to maximize privacy. Each vintage trailer is fully complete with a large deck so there’s plenty of space for the whole family, and every site is accompanied by comfy hammocks, charcoal grills, and a large fire pit. This is one experience you do not want to pass up!
For a complete list of all the lodging options available in Waxahachie, click here.
Where to Shop
Waxahachie is home to many absolute must-stop shops with everything from boutiques and treasure trove antique shops to culinary supply stores and so much more. Some of the city’s best shopping can be found in the sprawling downtown area where local favorites combine with a warm atmosphere to create a truly memorable shopping experience.
The quaint city on the doorstep of Dallas can easily be described as a focal point of the Texas antiquing scene, and there are several key shops that have helped establish the city as a gathering place of all things timeless. Farmhouse is a great place to check in when shopping for a hand-selected inventory of rural-inspired furniture and decor, and with a sizable collection of local vendors and artists, you’re bound to find numerous pieces you just can’t live without.
Atelier Antiques and With Willing Hands Antiques are two other shops worth checking out, and they’ve got a great selection of timeless treasures such as furniture, collectibles, glassware, and even an extensive assortment of vintage clothing. While you’re at it, be sure to stop by The Dove’s Nest. This unique shop on Jefferson Street is the perfect place to pick out a thoughtful gift or meaningful souvenir, and you’ll be shocked to discover everything they have to offer.
The boutiques of Waxahachie are certainly bountiful, and it can be difficult to hit all of them, so we’ve compiled a convenient list detailing some of the best boutiques worth checking out. Dazzling Divas and The Blume Boutique are two local favorites that have earned quite a reputation as suppliers of trendy, fashionable apparel and accessories. Kimmy’s Boutique is another great locally owned and operated boutique that’s perfect for finding that favorite new fit.
CB & CO Boutique & Salon doubles as both a superb supplier of cute clothing and an ideal destination for a relaxing makeover, so stop by and check them out for an experience that’ll help reestablish your style and boost your confidence.
For those that value a good ol’ fashioned BBQ cookout, Meat Church is a definite must. This one-of-a-kind culinary supply store is everything barbecue; we’re talking flavorful seasonings and rubs, unique brines, meat-lover merchandise, and more.
Where to Eat
You’ll build up quite the appetite while you’re out and about exploring the city, and Waxahachie has a great selection of welcoming places to chow down. The North Texas city reflects a strong sense of diversity with tastes ranging from Chinese to Mediterranean, so rest assured that you’ll find something that’s diverse and satisfying for every day of the week. Our list makes it easy to find exactly what you’re in the mood for!
If you’re craving a fine dining steakhouse experience, look no further than Prime 115. This classy eatery located on Rogers Street offers juicy cuts in an elegant setting, and it’s the perfect place for celebrating a meaningful occasion.
As we mentioned before, the Doves Nest is a great place to shop for a meaningful gift or souvenir, but they’re also home to one of Waxahachie’s most popular dining destinations. This classic American bistro features an extensive menu with everything from burgers to pasta, and they’ve also got some of the best desserts in town. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, and the casual ambiance makes this spot ideal for nearly any occasion.
Waxahachie has plenty of fun and unique dining destinations, but Farm Luck Soda Fountain & Dry Goods really fits into a league of it’s own. This fun, personable spot is inspired by the soda fountains of the early 1900s, and it brings people together in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. They’ve got some solid choices for lunch, and their menu features items like sandwiches, salads, and soups. The hand-pulled sodas are to die for, and you’ll find an interesting selection of flavors with everything from classic colas to fruity combinations.
What to Do
You’ll be shocked to learn just how many fun things there are to do in Waxahachie. The city has a thriving art scene, tons of city-wide events, and a number of influential establishments that all offer unique and unforgettable experiences.
Embrace the creativity and inspiration of the city and check out the Webb Gallery. This one-of-a-kind venue features creative pieces from local artists all across the city, and they update their shows with fresh exhibits on a regular basis, so you’re bound to find something new and captivating every time you visit. Another artful destination worth checking out is Railyard Park. This beautiful local park is fully equipped with a picnic area, amphitheater, water fountain, and playground, and scattered throughout the park are multiple sculptures from local artists that help to establish the destination as a cradle of creativity.
After you’ve checked out the works of local artists, you can broaden your horizon and take in the big pictures with a show or two at Showbiz Cinemas on Broadhead Road. This luxury theater features massive screens and oversized leather rocking chairs, and they even offer competitive bowling if you’re in the mood for a little more than a movie. Galaxy Drive-In Theater is another great place to catch a flick, and you can do so from the comfort of your own car!
If you’re looking for a unique outdoor shopping experience, be sure to check out Junk in The Trunk. This flea-market style gathering takes place quarterly throughout the year, and the show features a wide range of vendors with everything from specialty canned goods to Southern-inspired home decor. The Downtown Farmers Market on Howard Road is also a great family-friendly activity that brings about some of Waxahachie’s freshest produce and friendliest faces.
When the family is in the mood for an adrenaline rush, be sure to stop by the Texas Motorplex for an unforgettable day of thrill-filled racing. This quarter-mile-long track was built in 1986 by Bill Meyer, and they host awesome events on a regular basis so you plan your trip accordingly!
While Meat Church is a great place to shop for those that love to dabble in the art of BBQ, they also host classes and events so that you can improve your skills as a legendary smoker while enjoying some tender, mouthwatering cuts. Stop by during your getaway and learn from some of the best! Waxahachie takes its beer very seriously, and there are a number of superb breweries worth checking out. Southern Roots Brewing Company and Railport Brewing Company both boast an impressive selection of in-house handcrafted beers, and they also feature tasting rooms, tours of their facilities, and tons of exciting events throughout the week. Raise your glasses and toast to an unforgettable getaway!
