This post is sponsored by the Waxahachie CVB. All opinions are my own.

Experience Historic Homes, Southern Hospitality, and Year-Round Fun

Some places are best discovered with a dear friend by your side. That’s exactly how I recently explored Waxahachie, with my best friend Darla. For those who have followed How Big Is Texas for a while, you might remember that Darla has joined me on several memorable adventures, including our tour of all the Texas Buc-ee’s. The last time we visited Waxahachie together, we were on a Mispronounced Texas Towns & Cities road trip, where a local even taught us the correct pronunciation: WAWK-suh-HATCH-ee.

On this quest, we returned to see Waxahachie through the lens of its renowned Gingerbread Trail Tour of Homes, and to rediscover the warmth and charm that make this community so special. From driving through beautifully preserved neighborhoods to enjoying local restaurants, we found that Waxahachie is once again the perfect place to make new memories together. Whether you are long-time friends or first-time visitors, you’ll find that this is a town that invites everyone to share in its hospitality, all year long.

Touring the Gingerbread Trail Tour of Homes

Waxahachie truly earns its nickname as “The Gingerbread City.” In late spring, the Gingerbread Trail Tour of Homes opens the doors to some of the city’s most beautiful Victorian and Craftsman-style residences. This is the Ellis County Museum’s largest annual fundraiser. This year, Darla and I joined the tour, with six featured homes, all Craftsman style for 2026. With several hundred historic homes in Waxahachie, it’s impressive how each one chosen brings something unique to the experience.

At each stop, we were greeted by friendly docents eager to share the stories behind the preservation and restoration of these homes. One of the most memorable moments was touring two of the homes with Larry, a gentleman who had lived in and renovated them decades ago. Larry’s personal stories captivated us, the homeowners, and other tour participants, making history come alive in ways you can’t get from a brochure. These homes were stunning!

Afterward, Darla and I both agreed this should become an annual trek for us. It was a joy to see the love poured into preserving these gorgeous homes for the future. Mark your calendars for late Spring 2027 to experience this for yourselves.

Waxahachie’s Living History: Museums & Local Legends

Waxahachie’s sense of history is everywhere, from the Norman Rockwell feel of its downtown to its restored homes. Our tour began at the Ellis County Museum, a bonus stop listed on the trail.

As I drove into town, the stretches of farmland reminded me of Ellis County’s agricultural legacy. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this area was the leading cotton-producing region in the United States, with Waxahachie as its hub. There’s a great exhibit in the museum.

We learned about Bessie Coleman, America’s first African American woman pilot, who called Waxahachie home.

Four Academy Award-winning films were shot in Waxahachie: Tender Mercies, The Trip to Bountiful, Places in the Heart, and Bonnie and Clyde. Most recently, Taylor Sheridan’s 1883: Bass Reeves was filmed downtown, featuring the Ellis County Courthouse. One of the painted “Hachie Hearts” in downtown Waxahachie showcased several movies from the city’s film history.

Did you know three major league baseball teams, the Detroit Tigers, Cincinnati Reds, and Chicago White Sox, held spring training here in the early 1900s? Today, the high school team still plays on the same field, now known as Richards Park.

While we didn’t experience it this time, if the Ellis County Museum is offering their Haunted Hachie Tours | Paranormal Ghost Hunting in Historic Waxahachie, TX, locals highly recommend it. Unfortunately, the weather was sketchy for our 9-11 pm tour, so we had to skip it, but it’s on our list for a future visit.

Downtown Delights and Antique Finds

Before the tour and before Darla’s arrival, I took advantage of my time to stroll around the downtown square. The Richardsonian Romanesque-style Ellis County Courthouse stands at its heart. It’s a must-see for architecture buffs and photographers, and the most photographed courthouse in Texas (among the 254 in the state).

The downtown streets are lined with antique shops, boutiques, and galleries, each highlighting Waxahachie’s small-town Texas charm. If you love treasure hunting or just soaking up local flavor, downtown Waxahachie is a perfect getaway. You might even find a hidden gem to take home as a memory of your time.

Unexpected Finds in Waxahachie’s Parks

During the visit, I wandered through Waxahachie’s green spaces, including Getzendaner Park. I admired the historic Chautauqua Auditorium, its octagonal shape still standing proudly as one of fewer than two dozen left in the U.S. and the only one in Texas.

I took a walk along the Waxahachie Creek Hike & Bike Trail, passing locals out for their daily exercise. Just before exiting the park, I came upon the charming Learn & Grow Garden by the Ellis County Master Gardeners, where butterflies, bees, and dragonflies flitted among blooming flowers and two large fig trees.

Another city park boasted a beautiful butterfly garden, adjacent to the adorably named Wags-a-hachie Dog Park. Even though we didn’t spot any butterflies that day, the garden was a peaceful, beautiful place to relax and enjoy the scenery. These little discoveries made our time in Waxahachie feel even more personal and memorable.

Dining and Staying in Style

Where to Eat

Our culinary tour of Waxahachie was as memorable as the architecture. From breakfast at charming coffee shops to lunch inside historic buildings, each meal was a taste of Texas hospitality. Here are some of the restaurants we visited:

A highlight was the Saturday evening Gingerbread Trail of Homes VIP reception at Railport Brewing Company, where we enjoyed local brews and the company of friendly docents and homeowners who make the Gingerbread Trail possible. Their warmth and pride in Waxahachie really make this community special.

For a list of more dining options in Waxahachie, click here.

Where to Stay

We had the good fortune to stay at a lovely historic home in town, the College Street Revival. Less than a half mile from downtown, it was the perfect location for us. We especially loved sitting on the porch in the early mornings, listening to the songbirds and the falling rain, and waving to neighbors as they went about their day. It truly felt like a home away from home.

For the full experience, consider booking a stay in one of Waxahachie’s historic short-term rentals or B&Bs. Waking up in a lovingly restored home truly connects you to the city’s past. If you prefer a hotel experience, no worries. Waxahachie has you covered. Here’s a link to their lodging options.

Blooming Pride: The Crape Myrtle Capital of Texas

Beyond its architecture, Waxahachie is also the official Crape Myrtle Capital of Texas. In summer, the city bursts into color as hundreds of crape myrtles line the historic streets, a beautiful sight for visitors. 

Each year, Waxahachie celebrates with its much-loved Crape Myrtle Festival. Held on July 3rd and 4^th, this year, the festival is extra special, as the town marks the USA’s 250th birthday with a parade, local vendors, and a spectacular fireworks display. It will showcase classic Americana in a charming Texas setting.

Why Waxahachie Should Be Your Next Texas Getaway

What stood out most during our visit? The kindness of Waxahachie’s people. Whether you’re enjoying the Gingerbread Trail, browsing antiques downtown, or sharing a table at a brewery with the locals, you’ll feel the welcoming heart of this community.

Waxahachie truly is one of those rare places in the heart, where history, hospitality, and hometown pride meet at every turn. Whether you come for the Gingerbread Trail, the Crape Myrtle Festival, or simply to explore downtown, you’ll find that the spirit of this Texas town lingers long after you leave. Waxahachie isn’t just a destination. It’s a feeling you’ll carry long after you’re gone.

For more information on things to see and do, where to eat, and where to stay in Waxahachie, check out their website.

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Until next time from Texas…safe travels!