MEXIA POP. 7,313
ALT. 534
MAP M-19
MEXIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: 405 E. Milam, Suite 2. 254/562-5569 or 888/535-5476.
www.mexiachamber.com.
The town was named for Mexican General José Antonio Mexia. The General first served under Santa Anna but later joined an uprising against the Mexican dictator. The rebellion failed, and the city’s namesake was executed. An oil boom in the early 1900s ushered in a rowdy period marked by violence and martial law. Events include the Boomin’ on the Fourth Celebration in July and a rodeo in June.
CONFEDERATE REUNION GROUNDS STATE HISTORIC SITE—This Texas Historical Commission property was a place where Civil War veterans met for reunions from 1889-1946. Today, it remains a gathering place for living-history events and family reunions, and offers a place to picnic, fish and canoe. Other historic features include the 1893 dance pavilion, a Civil War-era “Old Val Verde” cannon and structures from the “Roaring ’20s” and Mexia oil boom. Admission charge. From Mexia, go six miles south on Texas 14, then go 2.5 miles west on F.M. 2705 (not shown on most maps). 254/472-0959.
www.visitcrg.com.
The long-running Mesquite Championship Rodeo has become a popular attraction.
with a show barn and arena, picnic pavilion and primitive group-camping areas. 7117 C.R. 166. 972/548-4792.
www.myersinfo.com.
HEARD NATURAL SCIENCE MUSEUM AND WILDLIFE SANCTUARY—This 289-acre site is filled with natural history exhibits. It also offers native and exotic live animal exhibits, a native plant garden and educational programs. 1 Nature Place. Two miles south of town on Texas 5 and east one mile on F.M. 1378. 972/562-5566.
www.heardmuseum.org.
HEARD-CRAIG HOUSE—Built in 1900 and restored in 1999, this home is furnished with antiques, Heard family artworks, heirlooms and paintings by important Texas artists. The grounds include a carriage house, gazebo and garden. Admission charge. 205 W. Hunt St. 972/569-6909 or 972/542-5340.
www.heardcraig.org.
LAKE—Lake Lavon—An Army Corps of Engineers reservoir. Several parks offer fishing, boating, swimming, picnicking and camping. East of Allen and McKinney. Also accessible from Farmersville. 972/442-3141.
PECAN GROVE CEMETERY—Historic cemetery honors remains of the settlers of McKinney, including Dr. James Webb Throckmorton, governor of Texas in 1866-67. Headstones mark burials of veterans of the Texas Revolution, the Mexican War, Civil War, World Wars I and II, and the Korean and Vietnam conflicts. Texas 5 at Industrial Boulevard/Eldorado Parkway. 972/542-4029.
WINERIES—Landon Winery, Lone Star Wine Cellars, Mitas Hill Vineyard and Wales Manor Vineyard and Winery. See WINERIES listing.
MERIDIAN POP. 1,498
ALT. 791 MAP L-17
MERIDIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: 254/435-2966.
www.meridian-chamber.com.
Meridian’s small-town charm is evident on the historic square with its Renaissance Revival-style courthouse with a clock tower. Bed-and-breakfast accommodations are available in historic buildings. The city hosts the annual National Championship Barbecue Cook-Off each October.
MERIDIAN STATE PARK—This wooded 504-acre park surrounds a 72-acre lake with excellent fishing for largemouth bass, catfish, crappie and bream. Hiking trails offer good opportunities to see birds, including
142
the endangered Golden-cheeked warbler. Admission charge. Three miles southwest of Meridian via Texas 22. 254/435-2536.
www.tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/ meridian.
MESQUITE POP. 144,330
ALT. 491 MAP J-18/UU-10
MESQUITE CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU: 757 N. Galloway 800/541-2355.
www.realtexasflavor.com.
Mesquite is known as the Rodeo Capital of Texas. The historic downtown was the site of an 1878 train robbery by outlaw Sam Bass. More than 1,115 acres of parks include disc golf courses, an 18-hole public golf course, swimming pools and recreation centers. The Rows of Texas—Mesquite’s shopping, dining and entertainment district—is located along I-635 from I-30 to Military Parkway.
CELEBRATION STATION—Family entertainment park features games, go-karts, paintball, miniature golf, laser tag and other activities. Admission charge. 4040 Towne Crossing Blvd. 972/279-7888.
www.celebrationstation.com.
DEVIL’S BOWL SPEEDWAY—This half-mile racetrack features all types of vehicle races, including sprint cars, super modifieds, modifieds and motorcycles. Admission charge. I-20, exit Lawson Road. 972/222-2421.
www.devilsbowl.com.
FLORENCE RANCH HOMESTEAD—This site features late 19th-century rural Texas architecture and early pioneer ranching. Many furnishings are original to the Florence family, including a two-seat buggy. Gift shop. 1424 Barnes Bridge Road. 972/216-6468.
www.historicmesquite.org.
MESQUITE ARTS CENTER—This facility’s concert hall, black-box theater and galleries host a variety of music, theater and visual art events. 1527 N. Galloway Ave. 972/216-6444.
www.mesquiteartscenter.org.
MESQUITE CHAMPIONSHIP RODEO—Established in 1958 as an experiment in ongoing rodeo, it has become a popular attraction. Facilities include air- conditioned seating, restaurant and gift shop. Near LBJ Freeway (I-635) and Military Parkway exit. 972/285-8777.
www.mesquiterodeo.com.
SAMUELL FARM—Offers ponds for fishing, picnic tables and hiking. Free. 100 U.S. 80 E. Exit Belt Line Road. 214/670-8740.
FORT PARKER STATE PARK—This wooded park offers a fishing pier on a 700-acre lake, hike-and-bike trails, a nature center, and rental canoes and kayaks. Wildflowers abound from March to early June. The park also offer RVs spaces, screened shelters, a recreation hall, primitive campsites and group barracks. Admission charge. 194 Park Road 28. Seven miles south of Mexia off Texas 14. 254/562-5751.
www.tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/fort-parker.
LAKE—Lake Mexia—A lake on the Navasota River. Recreational areas offer boating, swimming, picnicking, camping and fishing. About eight miles west of Mexia off U.S. 84. 254/562-5922.
MEXIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS MUSEUM—The museum features school memorabilia dating from the 1920s for both Mexia and Dunbar schools. Donations accepted. Free. 616 N. Red River. Museum is on the second floor of the old 1923 high school building. 254/562-4000.
OLD FORT PARKER—See GROESBECK.
TEHUACANA HILLS—This is the highest point between Houston and Dallas, near the community of Tehuacana. The silvery-towered former Tehuacana Academy administration building can be seen at Westminster Street at College Avenue.
MIDLOTHIAN POP. 20,183
ALT. 700
MIDLOTHIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: 310 N. Ninth St. 972/723-8600.
www.midlothian.tx.us.
This city bills itself as the “Cement Capital of Texas” and the “Steel Capital of Texas” because of the number of such manufacturers in the area. Local lore holds that the town got its name from a surveyor who noted the area looked like the Lothian Valley in Scotland.
LARKIN NEWTON CABIN—The cabin was built in 1848 from hand-hewn red cedar logs. It was moved from its original location for preservation as one of the few remaining Peters’ Colony structures in North Texas. 234 N. Eighth St. In Heritage Park. 972/775-7777.
www.midlothian.tx.us.
MOODY POP. 1,400
ALT. 783
MOODY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE:
www.moodytexas.com.
Moody Drug, established in 1881, is one of the oldest drug stores in Texas; the Moody Courier, established in 1889, is the city’s second-oldest business.
PHOTO: KEVIN STILLMAN/TXDOT MAP N-17 MAP K-18
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