City of Weatherford
Many know Weatherford, Texas, as having one of the prettiest downtowns in Texas. The beautiful Victorian homes right on the square, the old historic buildings, including the historic Parker County Courthouse, and romantic gardens have to be what brings visitors to Weatherford year-round. This not-so-small charming town only 20 minutes west of Fort Worth also boasts not one but two titles — The Cutting Horse Capital of the World and Peach Capital of Texas. So, if you love the country and sweet juicy peaches, you may want to keep reading to see why Weatherford is that unique destination to spend a long weekend with family and friends that you’ve been looking to visit.
Things To Do In Weatherford
From old Western heritage to many historical buildings, museums, beautiful gardens to walk through, and more, Weatherford has pretty much everything you’d want in a country town. When I visit the country, it reminds me of when I was a little girl when going barefoot was nothing. This just might be the town and place where going barefoot is perfectly okay.
Historic Downtown Weatherford
Park your car for the day or walk from your nearby rental and wander through historic downtown to shop the many antique shops and boutiques, have lunch, then grab a dessert and shop some more. If you’re still in awe, then stay for dinner. Downtown Weatherford has an old town feel with a historic shopping district full of antique, boutique, and specialty stores to marvel over, and you may even find a treasure or two. Don’t forget the side streets, too. Some of my very best treasures have come from shops that are located just off the main drag.
Chandor Gardens
Take a self-guided tour of breathtaking Chandor Gardens. It’s city-owned and has a rich history, and stays beautiful all year long. Think Chinese architecture and a formal English garden intertwined with each other. Only a $5 admission charge, and you’re in a world of beauty.
Vintage Car Museum And Event Center
What’s better than vintage cars, coffee, and donuts? Many will say, “Not a thing!” If you agree, then come out to the Vintage Car Museum and Event Center in downtown Weatherford on the 3rd Saturday of every month from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. to talk vintage cars. Beyond this special monthly event, the museum is open daily, except Mondays, and admission is free.
Clark Gardens
Another beautiful garden in town is Clark Gardens. From the first signs of spring all the way through fall, this breathtaking 50-acre garden is full of color.
Pro Tip: There are wheelchair-accessible pathways through the gardens.
Take A Stroll On The Boardwalk At Lake Weatherford (It Floats!)
Walk the longest floating boardwalk in the country and marvel at the gorgeous scenery all around you and at the lily pads on both sides. The Boardwalk is just under a mile one way and is an easy flat walk. It’s actually a park, so while you’re there, pop open a picnic basket at one of the picnic tables, or if you have a large group, you may want to rent The Boardwalk Pavilion for $20 an hour. Either way, this is a lovely place to enjoy nature and the birds.
Your Adventure Awaits At Grand Adventure
Go-karts, mini-golf, arcade games, oh my! A kid’s dream, right? When springtime hits (usually in March), the doors are open all week long. Until then, it’s weekends only. I don’t know about you, but I welcome an adventure on a go-kart any time of the week! Make the kids happy at Grand Adventure while in town and you’ll be the best parent/grandparent ever!
First Monday Trade Days
One of Texas’s oldest open-air markets, First Monday Trade Days offers everything under the sun. If you’re looking for a certain antique, you’ll likely find it or something very similar at the market. Many vendors return each month to sell their wares, and believe it or not, the market is still growing.
This is a perfect attraction for the entire family to enjoy as there’s something for everyone here. Plan to spend the whole day here — there’s a lot to see! So, on the weekend before the first Monday of each month, things get hectic in Weatherford. Open year-round on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Go Peaches At The Parker County Peach Festival
Weatherford’s largest festival of the year happens in the middle of summer. It gets really sweet in July when the Parker County Peach Festival comes to town. And, yes, it’s hot in July, but that doesn’t keep anyone from attending. The whole town goes all out with peaches on their menus — literally. It’s when just about anything you eat or drink will come with a peach or at least be topped off with one! You bet believe, you’ll experience one-of-a-kind hamburgers with peaches and yummy peach margaritas!
Best Restaurants In Weatherford
Lots is happening on Main Street in Weatherford, including great food and yummy sweets. From barbecue to steak, brunch, and lunch, it’s the country, so anything goes, from hamburgers to pizza, too!
Mesquite Pit
Best food for miles, the locals say. So good, Mesquite Pit is also in two other adjacent towns. For a real Texas treat, try the strips of onions and jalapenos coated with a crisp, zesty batter! I’ve been told more than once by locals that this is the place to go as everything on the menu is superb, including the baked potatoes and their amazing margaritas.
Sunny Street Cafe
For a good hearty breakfast, lunch, or brunch, head to Sunny Street Cafe on Main Street and try made-from-scratch classic breakfasts.
Beefmaster Steakhouse
If you like a big juicy steak, this is the place to come for dinner. Beefmaster Steakhouse prides itself on its number-one favorite — the KC Steak. Not a steak eater? They also offer 100 percent beef burgers and sandwiches.
Fire Oak Grill
Located in historic downtown, the Fire Oak Grill is a locally owned upscale restaurant serving rustic cuisine in a historic building. Catch live music on Friday and Saturday evenings. Reservations are required.
Zeno’s On The Square
Across from the Courthouse on the square, you’ll find authentic Italian cuisine at Zeno’s. Reserve a table at Zeno’s On The Square for lunch or dinner Monday through Saturday. This restaurant came highly recommended to me because of their made-from-scratch pasta, fish, chicken, and beef dinners and friendly service.
Best Hotels In Weatherford
Whenever I travel to towns like Weatherford, I love to stay in a quaint bed and breakfast. It completes the feel of a small town — but that’s my opinion. But, when my son is traveling with me, it’s almost a must to find a pool whether it’s indoors or out. Weatherford has it all — and some free breakfasts to boot.
Pro Tip: Most places to stay in Weatherford offer coupons that can be used at local establishments. And, if your choice of overnight stay does not, be sure to stop by the visitor center to pick up a few.
The Rose Garden Cottage
Escape city life by renting an entire house full of Weatherford charm. If you long to stay in a cottage that’s painted rosy pink on the outside and has an inside with lavish antiques throughout, plus a lovely backyard with gorgeous landscaping, you’ll want to check out The Rose Garden Cottage. Be warned, you may never want to leave!
Angel’s Nest Bed And Breakfast
An elegant Victorian bed and breakfast filled with charm and romance with serene views of the city. You can grab a pair of walking shoes and walk a mile to the Chandor Gardens and historic downtown while marveling over your stay. Angel’s Nest Bed and Breakfast in Weatherford is one of the largest mansions I’ve ever laid eyes on and stays are reasonably priced. It’s the perfect place to take your relationship to the next level — and she might even say yes! But be sure to get a room with a jacuzzi or a clawfoot tub for that extra touch. And, if sleeping on a 197-year-old bed that’s worth $75,000 entices you, by all means, choose Room One.
The Loft On The Square
If a wonderful apartment with a full kitchen located right on the downtown square above a coffee shop is your ideal place to stay, you can rent The Loft on the Square through Airbnb. You’ll have full access to all the shops and restaurants on the square.
Fairfield Inn And Suites By Marriott
If you’re looking for a hotel with an indoor pool, a hot tub, free breakfast, and Wi-Fi, the recently updated Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott is your place to be. I know if my grandsonwas traveling with me, this is where we would stay. An indoor pool is a lifesaver, especially when the weather is not that pretty.
Pro Tips
I’ve heard it more than once — that the folks in town are friendly and always lend a helping hand. Locals love the year-round farmers market, the quaint shops in town, and the holidays. Two local favorites not mentioned above are Shep’s Bar and Grill (eat on the porch) and The Shoppes at Carter Ivy.
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