If you are planning a trip to Gainesville, Texas, you might want to try and schedule your visit around the town’s annual Depot Day festivities. Organized annually on the second weekend of October, this town-wide event celebrates Gainesville’s heritage as an important railroad transportation hub. The weekend is filled with live bands, stage performances and children’s activities in the kid zone. One of the marquee events of the weekend is the car show, where auto owners compete for awards across 27 classes of cars and six classes of trucks. Check out classic ‘50’s cars as well as customized modern rides. While downtown, be sure to stop into the Morton Museum of Cooke County. In a building that once functioned as Gainesville’s city hall, fire station and jail in earlier years, you can learn about the evolving history of Gainesville and north Texas. Exhibits discuss the area’s role in the civil war, local Texas outlaws, baseball and a number of other historical photographs tracing the town’s development over the years.
Continue your exploration of Gainesville’s history with a guided tour over at the Santa Fe Depot Museum. Take a guided tour of the depot to learn how the railroads contributed to Gainesville’s growth since the depot’s construction in 1902. Browse through displays of vintage photos, historical footage of the popular Gainesville Community Circus and a series of interactive maps to complete your tour through Gainesville’s past. Next, head to Lavender Ridge Farms and bask in the fresh air. Originally used to grow strawberries and melons in the first half of the 20th century, this two-acre farm is now home to lavender, herbs, zinnias and other seasonal flowers. Wander through the rows of beautiful plants, and stop into the café for a relaxing lunch overlooking the fields of lavender. On your way out, be sure to stop by the gift shop for a variety of herbal soaps and other lavender themed products made by hand.
Continue to enjoy the outdoors with a visit to the Frank Buck Zoo. This kid-friendly zoo is full of unique animals and interesting exhibits, and provides ample opportunity for children to learn about, pet and feed the animals housed here. Finally, take in a show at the local Butterfield Stage Playhouse. Enjoy one of several productions of classic stage comedies and dramas in this intimate 100-seat theater during its September to May season.When considering Gainesville, TX hotels, it’s important to find a place to stay where you can enjoy a clean and comfortable room at the end of a long day. Make sure to book with Choice Hotels now to get the most out of your north Texas trip.