Historic locales offer affordable, interesting trips
by Jason Palmer, reporter

    For the cost of a tank of gas, summer weekenders can travel back in time in towns around Fort Worth.

   Many small and historic locales lie within easy driving distance along the highways that radiate outward from the DFW area. The highlights of these towns are the historical county courthouses and the squares surrounding them.

   Granbury, southwest of Fort Worth along U.S. 377, is home to, arguably, the best-preserved town square in the state. The square was the first in Texas to be listed in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP).

   The Hood County Courthouse was constructed in 1890 and completely renovated in 1959. The clock tower was renovated in 1998. Restaurants and antique shops line the square around the courthouse. The 1886 Opera House and a 1940s style theatre, also on the square, are still in use.

   South of Fort Worth is Hillsboro, the “Antique Capital of I-35.” Over 250 homes have been listed on the NRHP, and more than 200 antique dealers have shops in the downtown area. The Hill County Courthouse, constructed in 1890, towers over the downtown square.

   On Jan. 1, 1993, a fire gutted the building and destroyed the roof and clock tower. The structure has since been restored to look exactly as it did in 1890, with all the modern accouterments. Just around the corner from the courthouse is the Cell Block Museum, where Elvis spent a night in jail. A Willie Nelson memorabilia room also is displayed there to honor his contributions to the rebuilding of the courthouse.

   North of Fort Worth is Denton, home of the University of North Texas. But in the middle of town stands an award-winning Main Street historical district. Anchored by the 1913 Denton County National Bank building and the 1896 Denton County Courthouse, this area is rich in historical significance.

   The courthouse was restored in 1986 at a cost of $3 million and is home to the Denton County Courthouse-on-the-Square Museum. The exhibits generally center on the historical side of Denton County with artifacts, photos and weaponry.

   A short drive west of Fort Worth along I-20 takes the traveler to the town of Weatherford in Parker County. The town is famous for its annual Parker County Peach Festival held on the second Saturday in July on the square around the Parker County Courthouse.

   The courthouse was constructed in 1885 at a cost of $55,555.55 and was remodeled in 1985 with peach-colored tiles on the roof and around the clock tower. Another interesting building in town is the Pythian House. The Knights of Pythias built the French-style castle in 1907 as a children’s home.

   Any of these four towns can be reached in about an hour from the metroplex. The historical buildings and sights within them provide a glimpse into the past. They are a must-see for any history buff or college student looking for something fun and different to do with summer weekends.