Winnsboro Texas is a historic town where the tall pines meet, majestic oaks and beautiful lakes to create an amazing palate of spring and fall colors. Winnsboro Texas is a designated cultural arts district and Main Street Town offering art, music, literature, with annual events, award winning restaurants, and shops in a welcoming community. In 2018 Winnsboro was inducted into the Hall of Fame for the Best Downtown in the Upper East Side of Texas County Line Magazine competition.
For the past sixty four years, Winnsboro has been the home of the annual Autumn Trails Festival when people come to Winnsboro to enjoy fun, and family focused events every weekend in October. Some of these include; Antique, Car Parade, Arts & Crafts, Trade Days Swap Meet, Classic Car Show, Baking Contest, Chilli Cook Off, Model A Club BBQ, Model A Tour, Miss Autumn Trails Pageant, Pet Contest, Jeeptober In Boro, Beard Contest, Barrel Race & Mule Rodeo, Trail Riders Welcome Parade, 42 Tourney, Trail Ride, and Livestock and Dairy Show.
Winnsboro boasts a population of 3330 and may be a small town but Winnsboro is big on the Arts. Winnsboro Center for Arts is a multi-disciplinary arts center, it serves communities throughout Northeast Texas. Its mission is to engage people in the arts through educational programming, cultural experiences and entertainment. Throughout the year Winnsboro Center of Arts hosts Classes and Workshops, Art Exhibits, Art and Wine Festivals and The Bowery Stage and Theater where well known artists perform concerts and plays. There is always something to do and see at the Winnsboro Center for Arts. Check out their upcoming schedule of events.
Every Saturday morning April through October from 8 am to 12 noon The Winnsboro Farmers Market is the place to be. The market features local farm produce, foods, and baked items. Additionally, there are local crafts, goods and services being sold from the new recently completed marketplace location. The Winnsboro Farmers Market was started in 2008 and has been growing in popularity since. In 2020 was voted 2nd out of 186 in Texas and 15th out of 8600 Nationally as the Most Essential Farmers Market by American Farmland Trust.
If you plan to visit Winnsboro to take in a show at the Bowery Stage and shop at the Winnsboro Farmers Market, there are plenty of nice AirBNBs in the area or treat yourself to one of Winnsboro’s Bed and Breakfasts. The Clark House Bed & Breakfast is set on an acre of the original four acres of property formerly known as the Oaklea Mansion and Manor House.
The Clark House was built in similar style and decor as the Oaklea Mansion, capturing the opulent romance of another era in Winnsboro, only a 90-minute drive from Dallas. The Clark House was originally built in 2001, and is filled with rich character and true Old World charm. The Clark House offers an extraordinary, restful and luxurious retreat from busy schedules.
The Clark House on Cedar Street and the upcoming Clark House on Main Street set on over two acres of beautiful East Texas landscape with beautiful ponds, fountains, and flowers. Inside the Clark House are 6 rooms filled with antiques, heirlooms and rare collections.
You will never be hungry in Winnsboro. Winnsboro has one of the most trendy and truly enjoyable collections of local eateries of any small town in texas. The following are just a small sampling of some of the really cool restaurants to try for yourself.
If you want to experience something very tasty and different, don’t miss Liefie Li Vine, Mix traditional African, Eastern, and European flavors, recipes and cultures together, cook for a couple of hundred years and you have the exotic dish that is modern South Africa. Now add fine South African Hospitality to complete the experience! Where else can you find the warmth, vibrancy and multicultural influences of modern South Africa in a small Historical Town setting? Liefie Li Vine is a true representation of something that is genuinely unique. It's entertaining, delicious and delightful…Don’t miss the Vinegar Happi Platter, Prime Rib, Chicken Bunny Chow this author’s favorite. Check the hours of operation as Liefie Li Vine is only open for Lunch and Dinner, Thursday through Saturday 11 am - 9 pm
Haven's Cafe is a Texas Twist on a dining classic. This wonderful little breakfast and lunch gem has a full and tasty menu loaded with classic favorites like Biscuits & Gravy, Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes, Omelettes, Quiche, Burgers, BLT, Meatloaf, Chicken Fried Steak. Their Bread Pudding is to die for! Opened in 2020 by Derrick and Amilia Hamilton, Haven's brings 5 star quality dining to Winnsboro. Both Derrick and Amelia have years in the restaurant business with Derrick learning to cook under several well know chefs across the country. Their experience, great tasting food and friendly service is a winner! The author loved the Avocado BLT and the Bread Pudding. Haven's is closed Wednesday and Sunday and open every other day from 7 am to 2 pm
The Barrel House Bar & Grill is a lively and fun eatery with great food, drinks and plenty of room for large groups. The restaurant is just outside the main street area in a renovated old warehouse. The menu is incredible with all the american grill favorites like chicken fried steak (it's massive), Honey Bourbon Glazed Chicken (My Wife’s favorite) and Burgers, Salads and Flatbreads. The Bar features specialty drinks, Martin’s, Liqueurs, Cognac, Domestic Beers, and Craft Premium Beers on Tap and In Bottles.
The Barrel House also features live entertainment from local artists and bands. You will love this place and the owner’s and staff who make things fun, tasty and enjoyable.
The Taco Dive is a neat little place with a patio where you can enjoy a variety of Mexican dishes, tacos, margarita’s while listening to live music from the restaurant or the Bowery.
Winnsboro’s Downtown area also has some of the best places to explore and shop. Whether you are looking for Antiques or Boutiques, you will not be disappointed. Here are some of our favorite places.
Finders Keepers Antiques is a main street antiques mall with a wide collection of antiques and gift items. From Vintage Clothing, Tableware, Tools and Jewelry to Furniture, Signs and Reclaimed Windows and Door. You will love exploring this thoughtfully merchandised, and friendly store. They even have locally produced artwork, crafts and even some specialty foods. Make sure not to hurry as there are treasures lurking in every nook and cranny of this store.
Beauweevils is another one of Winnsboro’s gems. No telling what you will find in this truly unique antique store. Merchandise changes daily and there is something here for everyone.
Clara Ida Frances, Inc. is an upscale boutique that is beautifully merchandised with Bath and Body, Home, Women’s and Men’s Clothing and Accessories, Jewelry, Gifts, Kitchen and Dining Accessories, and more. This is a local favorite.
On your way into or out of Winnsboro, don’t forget to visit Sinclair Market. Sinclair Market is not your average Grab-and-Go Market. Housed in a restored filling station, the market has a full complement of, Specialty Gourmet Goods & Gifts with Fresh Made In-House Food Selections daily. Some of the items include Grocery, Sundry, Pre-Packaged Sandwiches, Salads, Deli Meats and Cheeses, and Beverages including Coffee, Tea, Wine, Beer and more. Sinclair Market is the definition of delicious! They opened in 2021 with the mission to bring delicious food and unique brands to East Texas.
Visiting Winnsboro is a treat, living there is even better. If you like what you see and experience in Winnsboro, and are thinking it might be nice to have a second home, some land or even to relocate to Winnsboro, please consider contacting me. I will be more than happy to give you more information, help answer your questions or share my experience as a former ranch owner and citizen of this wonderful community.
