For the July 2021 issue of Texas Highways, I had the distinct honor of visiting and documenting two small rural Texas towns. First up, Brownwood, Tx. It was once a booming military town, home of Camp Bowie training camp in the late 40s. The town was built to house 80,000 residents during the height of the Second World War. When the war ended Camp Bowie was decommissioned and the town's population plummeted to 20,000 - where it has remained ever since. The residents and business owners have lovingly preserved the town’s rich history, even while downtown Brownwood is experiencing a resurgence. Long abandoned commercial buildings all over town are being bought, repaired, and finding a fresh new life in the new era of Brownwood.
Intermission Books
Intermission Books was a movie theatre during the Camp Bowie days. When Kim Bruton was restoring the old space, she found greasy people-shaped stains on the wall where servicemen once grabbed a catnap during a reel. She chose to leave them intact as part of the history of the space. When you visit, ask Kim for a tour, she's passionate about her space and her town. On top of the great stories, they also have a wonderfully curated collection of new and used books (it is also an instagrammer's dream)
Teddy's Brewhaus
The Brewery opened its doors in January 2020 within weeks of the pandemic, lockdown and restaurant and bar closures. Quick on his feet owner Jeff Tucker, shifted gears and began making hand sanitizer, which the team has continued to produce ever since the worldwide shortage. When Tucker and his team bought the building, it had been empty since the 50s, when it was an auto parts distributor. When they cracked open the musty doors they found left behind, ledgers, registers and various articles of everyday business life. With an eye on preserving history, they saved the artifacts and placed them in their dining room for everyone to enjoy. The Brewhaus is named for Teddy Roosevelt (the president when the building was built) and Tucker's favorite.
Star of Texas B&B
While in town, I stayed at the Star of Texas B&B. The cottages are secluded and each is equipped with its own hot tub. The rooms are private, and cozy. Owners Don and Deb Morelock carved out a romantic mile long stroll through their nature trail that leads right out "Oak Cottage's" front gate. No stone was left unturned in the creation of this wonderfully romantic getaway, but If that wasn’t enough, they also have an in-house pastry chef!
Underwood's
If you are craving some comfort food - check out Underwoods. It has been family-owned for three generations. Its a comfy greasy spoon operation that offers fresh whipped cream to top off your cobbler table side. And is most iconic location of the many Brownwood stops.
Runaway Train Cafe
At the end of the day, Brownwood is a wonderful family get away, with BBQ, books, and brews for the adults. The kids will surely love the Runaway Train Cafe housed in an authentic retired railway car.
Lehnis Railroad Museum
When you wrap up there, head on over to Lehnis Railroad museum. Tour a decommissioned Santa Fe railroad car and caboose or get mesmerized watching the many mini train sets and villages built and maintained by miniature train enthusiast volunteers from the Brownwood area. The museum also boasts rotating railroad history exhibits and hands on science of motion exhibits. The kids are gonna dig it, but I bet you will too. Sshhh! I won't tell anyone "It's for the kids!"
Spirit of Texas Winery
At the end of a long day of site seeing fun, park it at the Spirit of Texas Winery for a night cap. There is a beautiful spacious patio with lots of comfy seating to stretch out in. Plenty of space for the kids to run or a host of lawn and boardgames to capture their attention, the rest of the night is yours.
Visiting these small towns in Texas is a such thrill for me, I love the history and the charm. I LOVE the people and the community. This job is tailored made for me, I can’t believe I get to travel for work and for fun!
Where will you travel to next?