Texas Day Tripping

Today we have the drive back home from Abilene on our agenda and have decided to take a bit of a scenic route and check out a road we haven't been on.  I love these little impromptu adventures and they always yield up wonderful memories through the years.  First stop though is for coffee at this cute little place near Jen's house.  It appears we are the only people needing it this morning.  Such a difference to White Rock Coffee in our hood.  It fits the need and after a warm cup of Chai Tea for me, I am ready to roll.

We are driving 351 up to 180 today and once we hit 180, we start spotting a wind farm.  And when I say a wind farm, I guess I mean something larger than a farm.  This goes on for at least 10 miles and is absolutely one of the largest I have ever seen.  At a certain point, there are oil pumps mixed in and Mister cannot resist the photographic bug inside of him so we stop along the side of the road.

Arriving in Albany, TX we make a stop to stretch our legs and check out the Shackelford County Courthouse.  Ya'll know how much I love courthouses right?  Well this one is awesome.  The town is a wee bit quiet, but we still have a nice walk around.

It's clean and inviting, but nothing is open -- not even an antique shop to be found.  So sad.  it is Saturday, after all.  I would understand if it was Sunday, but isn't this the day people go to town?

Oh yeah -- almost forgot -- the lovely courthouse.  I think the gazebo is perfect, don't you?

I usually try and snap pictures of the history markers so that I can manage to remember what I read after I am home.  It's one of the most interesting aspect of these small town.  They all have a story to tell.  Next to the courthouse is a very old jail.  It says it houses current offices, but also is not open.  So sad.

Mister does take peeks through as many windows as he can though.

Albany has more than one old jail.  Just down the street is the Old Jail Art Center which is operated out of one of the historical jails but has been added onto a bit.  It is a wonderful breath of fresh air in a place you would not expect to find such a treasure.  The art is magnificent and some are even ancient Chinese artifacts.  Incredible.  However, the remnants of the old jail are ever present.

Once you pass through the iron door, stairs lead up to where the cells were.  They now house some cool art displays.  I LOVE this giant nest with an equally giant egg in it.  This is truly a great little stop and one could spend a LOT of time here.  We, however, are moving on.   (Psst - Isn't this wall arrangement awesome?)

Down the road a bit we come to Breckenridge and another courthouse for my camera to embrace.  While here, we get out to stretch our legs a bit and check out some antique shops.  I spot this puzzle that I think my crocheting friends will get a kick out of.  I give it a serious consideration but walk out with empty hands.

Next stop:  Palo Pinto where we find an absolutely interesting street right across from the courthouse.

Mister simply cannot resist and is soon peeking away into the windows.  At one time this must have been a thriving area but now it just seems so sad to me.  The really crazy part is just across the street.  When you turn completely around it is updated, well-kept and obviously in use.  There stands the majestic courthouse.  So odd.

As the song goes, we've got to move it, move it.  Mineral Wells holds a few treasures that we want to check out thus we need to get on the road again.  Mineral water has been a big draw in this area since the 1800's.  Here is what Crazy Water has to say:  The waters of Mineral Wells, TX have been making folks feel good inside and out since 1881. The legend goes like this: In late 1881, a woman who suffered from dementia would sit by the well all day drinking the mineral water. People slowly began to notice that the crazy old lady was not so crazy anymore. Had the water from the well alleviated the lady’s “crazies”? The well became known as the “Crazy Well” and thousands of people from all over the country flocked to this magical well, including a man named Ed Dismuke. Mr. Dismuke was told by his doctor that there was no remedy for his ailing stomach. But Mr. Dismuke began drinking the magical water and before he knew it, he was restored to health. In 1904, Mr. Dismuke founded the Famous Mineral Water Company, selling and distributing the mineral water. Now, more than 100 years later, people are still drinking Crazy Water.

Who can pass up an opportunity to check something like this out?  Not us.  Oh, and do we buy some?  Of course.

Continuing our drive through town, I look up and spot this sign.  Dang, wish I knew all the history on that one.  Perhaps it is a chance for me to do some research.

Just around the corner is the old Barker Hotel.  It is the sister hotel to the Arlington in Hot Springs, AR and both Mister and I remember that one well.  This poor thing is a mess BUT we saw an article back at the Famous Mineral Water Company telling us that there are plans in the works to restore this beauty and get her up and running again.  Oh wouldn't that be wonderful?

It's been a lovely day up until now but we are being hit hard with rain and are running to the car.  I guess that means that our sight seeing is over today and it's time to go home.  I've sure enjoyed this little impromptu trip and have added more Texas information to my memory banks.

As we drive down the road, this beautiful rainbow takes us on home.  Thanks for sharing in our day.