Howdy! Wichita Falls is ready to greet you with Texas-sized hospitality and southern North Texas charm. Located just two-hours North of Dallas with frequent flights from DFW to our regional airport, Wichita Falls embodies a strong sense of community, a culturally-blended one thanks to both Sheppard Air Force Base, home to the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training program, and Midwestern State University, a 255-acre public liberal arts college.
The heart of Wichita Falls is the revitalized downtown, a must-visit destination with adventures around every corner. They say the best things in life are free, which is true of the parking that places urban-wanderers within walking distance of two wineries, numerous taphouses, the Wichita Falls Brewing Company, boutique shopping, and live music venues. Music enthusiasts will feel at home after opening the century-old front door of The Ironhorse Pub and pulling up a barstool at the authentic Irish pub, voted a top ten live music venue in Texas.
If coffee is more your speed, you have multiple options in Downtown Wichita Falls, such as The Duck Coffee Roastery and Tasting Room which focuses on sourcing beans ethically and roasting them to perfection. It doesn’t take newcomers long to feel the sense of community in Wichita Falls, which is evident in the many partnerships downtown. Fans of The Duck Company coffee can also enjoy an Odd Duck coffee stout at Wichita Falls Brewing Company or an Odd Duck Coffee truffle at B Cocoa Artisan Chocolate.
Downtown is always bustling whether you crave night-life adventure, prefer more artsy ventures, or are seeking a family-friendly environment. Many of the restaurants, breweries, wineries, and coffee shops feature patios, some dog-friendly. Families can play a round of cornhole at Wichita Falls Brewery while digging into an artisan pizza from Progress & Provisions’ venue-appropriate brewery menu which is best accompanied by a locally-brewed craft beer. Those who prefer an alcohol-free environment can rediscover their inner child at Maniacs Mansion, an arcade that features all-you-can-play vintage arcade games and a cereal bar that offers an assortment of cereals, milks, and toppings.
As you explore downtown be sure to take a few instagram-worthy photos with the backdrop of striking, colorful murals, or pose for pics next to one of over seventy beautiful fiberglass horses hand painted by local artists that decorate businesses, parks, and facilities.
For a less urban adventure, Morath Orchards has been practicing sustainable family farming on their 90-acre orchard since 1981. Patrons of the orchard relish in the Moraths’ passion for fresh food, fellowship, and the beauty of wide open spaces. In addition to their ongoing tours, the fall offers adventurers an added bonus to explore their six-and-a-half-acre corn maze and six-acre pumpkin patch. The Morath daughters also host home-cooked Farm to Table dinners in the evenings with a seasonal menu determined by the available fresh produce.
Interested in fresh, local produce but not sure you have time to visit the farm? Morath Orchards brings their produce weekly to the downtown Farmers Market, and Chef Kyle at Progress & Provisions features their produce in his tempting menu selections such as brocollini nestled beside aligot potato and topped with garlic and herb chicken.
Known internationally for the annual Hotter’N Hell Hundred, one of the oldest and largest national cycling events, Wichita Falls especially welcomes its bicyclist guests to experience the thrills of the Wee-Chi-Tah trail and 20-mile-long Circle Trail, both beloved by the local biking community.
The strong bonds of community are at the core of every business and venue in Wichita Falls. Come for a visit. You won’t stay a stranger for long.