The Essential Guide to Waxahachie, Texas

Driving on I-35 toward Dallas, exit signs for Waxahachie appear about 30 miles south of the city. This small town in Ellis County is technically a part of the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, but there are no big-city vibes to be found here.

Waxahachie is perhaps best known for its cute-as-a-button Victorian architecture and lively historic square, which is anchored by the pink granite Ellis County District Courthouse. If you venture into town, though, you’ll find ice cream-colored Victorian homes that have earned Waxahachie the nickname, “Gingerbread City.” This is a small town that excels at encouraging you to linger just a little longer.

But for local resident Michelle Haye, who has served as the president of the historic preservation society Historic Waxahachie Inc. and the chair of Waxahachie Home Tours, the real draw of the town is its overall atmosphere. “There’s a real sense of place here,” she says. “Waxahachie has a great sense of connection to history and heritage while being vibrant and modern, which is a unique dichotomy. We’re not like Dallas, not like any other small town. We’re connected to architecture and agriculture, and I think that sense of connectedness is the first thing every visitor feels.” 

Here’s what you need to know before planning a trip to Waxahachie, Texas.

Best Things to Do

Explore the Town Square

Sometimes, town squares in small Texas towns can feel somewhat decorative. But here, the town square is truly the heart of Waxahachie—this is where locals come to eat, shop, and linger. The streets are lined with the usual antique stores and curio shops, but you’ll also find independent coffee shops and fun boutiques, such as Savvy Boheme Elixir Lounge, a spa and mocktail bar. For knitters, Ewe 2 Yarn may be one of the cutest yarn shops in the Lone Star State.

One of the most eye-catching businesses in the area is arguably Meat Church BBQ (it can be hard to ignore a name like that). The store is owned by the official pitmaster of the Dallas Cowboys, Matt Pittman, and is stocked with all the seasonings and accoutrements one would need to start smoking brisket.

“Waxahachie’s home for me, so it’s pretty special when people tell me they came to town because they saw one of our videos,” says Pittman, who is also known for his relatable how-to videos on the craft. “We’ve got food and beer samples going, people are asking questions, hanging out, shopping, and it’s just a really fun way to connect with folks and show them what Waxahachie is all about.”

Get Spooky

For those wanting a more hair-raising experience, Haunted Hachie Tours digs into the town’s history with a ghost tour twist. Tours run for about two hours and can be personalized based on your preferences. In addition to learning about Waxahachie’s past, you’ll use tools like spirit boxes and thermal cameras to search for apparitions. And I can personally vouch that owner Sandy Emmons knows her stuff. The last time I visited, we met at the Ellis County Museum, I noticed that the bell that alerts museum staff to the arrival of a new visitor kept beeping every few minutes—she told me that it was just the property’s resident ghost, and proceeded to tell me the story of his life and death.

Enjoy the Great Outdoors

The Waxahachie Creek Hike & Bike Trail spans four miles of paved trails that start in town at Getzendaner Park, running through the city’s cemetery and ending at Lions Park. Haye says Getzendaner Park is her favorite hidden gem. “It’s a beautiful, open-air, nature-inspired space in the heart of town,” she says. “It has a phenomenal paved trail system, play spaces, a butterfly garden, and huge trees that were here probably before all of us.”

Where to Eat and Drink

You don’t have to go far to find good food and drinks in Waxahachie—most restaurants and bars are clustered around the town square. To start your day, grab a coffee at Bloom and Pour, where you can buy a cup of joe, as well as a bouquet of fresh flowers.

Butter & Grace serves up breakfast, brunch, and lunch with an extremely diverse and packed menu. The name might fool you into thinking this is a biscuits and gravy with fried ham kind of spot, but it’s got a respectable list of inventive bennies, omelets, and handhelds, as well as healthier options and an extensive list of mimosas and other brunch-worthy libations. Next door is Farm Luck Soda Fountain & Dry Goods, which specializes in soups, sandwiches, and soda fountain classics, as well as all manner of ice cream desserts. Although it’s hard to resist a good sundae, Farm Luck is perhaps best known for its banana pudding.

College Street Pub on North College Street has an unexpectedly authentic British pub vibe, with fish and chips, bangers and mash, and other pub favorites. The Dove’s Nest on West Jefferson is housed in a restored hardware store that dates back to 1913, and feels like a throwback to the days when high-end department stores had elegant tea rooms. People come from all over the region for Saturday lunch on Saturdays, so you’ll want to plan your weekend visit well in advance. The Dove’s Nest also sells a cute selection of gifts, high-end housewares, and apparel—the perfect place to fuel up and grab a souvenir.

Whether you’re looking for a sit-down experience with pastries or a quick afternoon chai break, there are coffee options galore. has an airy, modern look with a wide glass window facing the courthouse that lets in lots of natural light, as well as being a prime spot to people-watch. White Rhino Coffee, located in an old Victorian home off the square, has a warm, design-forward vibe with living room-style seating – if they’re serving homemade Pop-Tarts when you stop in, don’t miss those. The Dessert Spot on North College Street is another choice spot to nurture your sweet tooth, with dinner plate-sized cookies. 

Where to Stay

Though Waxahachie doesn’t have a ton of accommodation options in the area, it does have several Airbnbs in the area, many of them being second-story lofts that overlook the square with dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows. It’s hard to beat a quick trek downstairs and the convenience of being in the heart of downtown. There’s also a five-room boutique hotel, The English Merchant’s Inn, which offers the experience of staying inside a 1915 Victorian home with a healthy dose of British flair.