The charming town of Goldthwaite is situated in the Texas Hill Country. If you’re an outdoor lover, not only is it easy to find, it’s also easy to fall in love with. Hunting is the premiere attraction of the area, with an abundance of whitetail deer which almost equals the town population of approximately 2K. Having just opened gun season, Goldthwaite celebrated its boon as a hunting destination by hosting an annual chili luncheon for hunters from all over, welcoming them to the Hill Country and the 2018 season.
Lifestyle
Goldthwaite, Texas: A Blend of Holiday Magic Unlike Any Other
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Photo: U.S. FWS
Featuring a feast prepared by locals in honor of the hunt and the many people it brings to Goldthwaite, the hunters’ chili luncheon is a great travelers’ social as well as a community gathering. The Mills County Chamber of Commerce hosts the annual Hunters Appreciation Chili Lunch on the first Saturday of gun season in Goldthwaite, bringing the local hunting community together. This year’s event was hosted on Saturday, November 3, and it’s something locals and tourists alike look forward to each year. Held at the Goldthwaite Pavilion, the lunch is served at 11 a.m. featuring drawings for prizes specially donated by area businesses, including firearms and new hunting gear. At a cost of a $5 donation per plate, the meal is well worth it! There’s also a cash prize contest for the “Longest Spike Buck” that’s reported by noon that day, and a silent auction, together with great area vendors in support of the festivities. With all the amenities a hunter could hope for, Goldthwaite is a destination that many make the annual trek toward. Having more than its share of prime hunting property to enjoy and a deep appreciation for hunters, it’s a unique Texas Hill Country location.
Photo: Facebook/Texas Courthouse Journey of Stuart L Schroeder
Along with its outdoor spirit, Goldthwaite also takes great pride in beautifying its surroundings for the holiday season. Among the local creeks and streams, hiking trails, and great sight-seeing it has to offer, community volunteers and private donors are coordinating the lighting of the Mills County Courthouse this year. Each window and door frame will be outlined in holiday lights, defining this historic building in the night for locals and visitors’ amazement. In conjunction with the light display throughout the downtown core and Goldthwaite City Park, coordinated by Darlene McCoy and a crew of local volunteers, this makes Goldthwaite a holiday magnet for families.
Not only that, but the annual Parade of Lights will soon be happening. The parade welcomes friends and family to the area for visiting as the entries light up the night. This year, the event takes place on Saturday, December 1, beginning at dusk, approximately 6 p.m. Before the parade, kids can get their pictures taken with Santa at the Goldthwaite Welcome Center! Judging of the floats will entail the use of motif, creativity, workmanship, as well as light display, and it’s sure to be an amazing sight! Come early to get a great spot along the parade route for this wonderful event featuring this year’s theme of “A Camo Christmas.” Following the parade, everyone can visit at the Goldthwaite Pavilion over a cup of steaming hot chocolate!
Photo: Facebook/Legacy Plaza
Goldthwaite gears up for Christmas in so many unique ways. Why not make a full weekend getaway out of your visit? There are a number of hotels to choose from, and a great variety of restaurants for your family’s dining pleasure. You can also visit the Texas Botanical Gardens to further inspire your Texas outdoor passions like none other! Defined as “a veritable Eden of botanicals, history, and exploration,” Goldthwaite’s Legacy Plaza houses the botanical gardens in the heart of its downtown. Featuring the aforementioned Welcome Center and Pavilion, it’s a picturesque blend of charm and history, providing the type of experience you’d hope for your family to enjoy.
The Texas Botanical Gardens showcases the ecological as well as historical aspects of the area. Featuring a Native American Interpretive Center onsite, not only does this unique destination provide a history of the rich environmental background of Goldthwaite, but it also encourages guests to learn about the cultural past of the area. Home to fascinating displays, it teaches visitors how the very plants witnessed in the gardens were once used by Native Americans of the area. Not only that, but the gardens make use of local materials in construction, conserve water, and preserve the area’s natural resources. It’s a veritable model for responsible land use. For more information or to plan an upcoming visit, check out the LegacyPlaza.org website.
Photo: Pixabay
While in town, consider adding some holiday shopping to your itinerary. Shopping local and supporting Texas hometown businesses is a cornerstone of Goldthwaite’s economy. The Mills County General Store features everything you’ll want for friends and family under one historic roof! In a century-old building, this business thrives in the heart of Goldthwaite as a wonderful home goods shop, hunting and hardware store, as well as a workwear business featuring Wrangler jeans and snap-button shirts. They pride themselves on great customer service and a wonderful selection. You’ll find that and a whole lot more when you visit!
In addition, check out Live Oak Garden & Gifts for all of your seasonal beauty and holiday gift-giving ideas. With top-of-the-line plants, garden accessories, and great little treasures, this business is a Goldthwaite gem during the holiday season! And, speaking of gifts, Ranch Land Country Store offers a huge variety of jewelry, home décor, boots and belts, hats and clothing, and kids toys to satisfy all your shopping needs. You definitely won’t leave Goldthwaite empty-handed!
Photo: Facebook/Mills County Historical Museum
If local knowledge is the gift that you seek, then look no further than the Mills County Historical Museum. Located in downtown Goldthwaite, the museum features exhibits on the history of the town as well as the surrounding area. An old family-farm wagon, turn-of-the-century quilts, and a variety of old pianos were among its first display pieces. Now it houses a variety of area antiques and displays, murals, and business and home exhibits which make it the center of attention! In addition, the Jennie Trent Dew Library, also located in downtown Goldthwaite, will make any search for knowledge an easy one! Looking for family genealogy? Need to complete research on town history? Thirsting for more on the legacy that the founders of Goldthwaite have left in the Hill Country? Sit yourself down in a comfortable seat at the library to learn more. Everything you’ll want to know about the area can be found or referenced here, and it’s all within the heart of this wonderful town.
Photo: Pexels
With great local properties that feature outdoor activities beyond compare, ranches, golf, and seasonal good times, families and friends can get together in Goldthwaite to experience the holidays in a great way. Hunting may be the original reason for your visit (and they love you for it!), but the hospitality, country charm, and focus on family makes this unique town the type of home base you’ll want for all your future Christmas season excursions! Visit Goldthwaite in the heart of Texas and make this holiday one to remember for a long time to come.
