Panhandle Plains

BIG SKIES, SWEEPING SUNSETS, AND BREATHTAKING VISTAS CHARACTERIZE THIS REGION, WHERE SOMETHING NEW IS ALWAYS ON THE HORIZON

MUSIC IN THE AIR

Albany’s musical attractions make it more than a destination for hunters

By June Naylor

Occupying the eastern edge of the Big Country—the section of Texas extending from Eastland County to the Permian Basin and north to the Panhandle—the 2,000-person town of Albany sits in a land of wide horizons and undulating hills, mesquite, and prickly pear. On the surface, it’s small town Texas as the late Larry McMurtry would have written it: a courthouse square, a main street, and one stoplight. But don’t let the apparent sleepiness of this community fool you. Once a buffalo hunting outpost, today Albany is a prime destination for deer hunters, who gather in the area each fall. And the town’s art and music scenes make even large cities envious. The historical Aztec Theatre, for example, regularly hosts marquee acts like Pat Green and Shane Smith and the Saints Albany’s CareFest, now in its seventh year, was recently headlined by the Josh Abbott Band. A jewel of the plains, Albany offers surprises aplenty for those who stop to look around.

STAY

Stasney’s Cook Ranch
This scenic 25,000-acre guest ranch can accommodate single lodgers or a group of up to 60 guests. Amenities ­include hunting packages, a pool, and a lake for fishing and swimming. Visitors can arrange a wildlife safari to view the ranch’s elk, deer, turkeys, and aoudads. Rooms start at $110/night.

EAT

Goodnight Steakhouse and Saloon
The mesquite-grilled fillet is superb at this steakhouse, which also specializes in other Texas classics like fried pickles and chicken-fried steak. In addition to excellent food, this rustic spot is a go-to for live music.

EVENT

Fort Griffin Fandangle
Still going strong after nearly nine decades, Albany’s annual musical is a romanticized look at pioneer days. The show is staged outdoors on the last two weekends of June at the Prairie Theater and is produced, written, directed, scored, choreographed, and performed by local citizens. Highlights include a reenactment of a cattle drive with a small herd of Longhorns and a recreation of the rough-and-rowdy town of Fort Griffin. fortgriffinfandangle.com

DRINK

Icehouse Restaurant
A Tex-Mex joint up front with a bar and patio in the back, this is where Albany locals unwind. The live music stage is surrounded by chicken wire, a nod to the raucous Texas roadhouses of yore.

SEE

The Old Jail Art Center
Housed in a jail built in 1878, the collection includes works by masters like Picasso and Matisse, Chinese art dating to the Tang Dynasty, and rugged landscape paintings by regional artists.

LEARN

Fort Griffin State Historic Site
Remnants of Fort Griffin, established in 1867, still dot the hill of this historic site just north of Albany. You’ll find the original stone foundations of several buildings, a few recreated structures, and a small museum.

SHOP

Blanton-Caldwell Trading Company
Blanton-Caldwell contains three shops—a women’s boutique, a kitchen store, and a men’s outfitter—­accommodating a variety of shoppers. The latter sells top-notch fishing shirts, work wear, and grilling gear.

RV INFO

Adjacent to the old fort lies Fort Griffin’s campgrounds. Spread across 5 acres, there are seven full hookup sites ($22/night) and 19 with water and electric only ($15/night). 325-762-3592

Fort Richardson State Park & Historic Site in Jacksboro. Photo by J. Griffis Smith.

TEXAS STATE PARKS

Fort Richardson State Park & Historic Site

Explore the rich history and natural  beauty of this former military outpost. The site offers a glimpse into the past with well-preserved buildings and engaging exhibits. Hike or bike on scenic trails, fish in nearby lakes, and camp under the stars or reserve a cabin. With its blend of historical significance and outdoor activities, this site is perfect for history buffs and nature enthusiasts alike.

“My favorite things about Fort Richardson are the quiet places under the shady trees along the Lost Creek. I love to listen to the birds singing and the wind blowing through the leaves, and to watch the squirrels chase each other.” —Jennifer Jenkins, Fort Richardson office manager since 2008

More Panhandle Plains State Parks

For more information, directions, and amenities, get your free mobile guide to all 80-plus state parks: texasstateparks.org/app

Abilene State Park
Big Spring State Park
Caprock Canyons State Park & Trailway
Copper Breaks State Park
Lake Arrowhead State Park
Lake Colorado City State Park
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Palo Pinto Mountains State Park*
Possum Kingdom State Park
San Angelo State Park

*opening soon

San Angelo River Walk
along the Concho River. Photo by Kevin Stillman.

MAIN STREET COMMUNITIES

Texas Main Street communities are peppered throughout the Panhandle Plains region, offering an opportunity to experience the charm of revitalized historic districts.

One of the region’s largest is Amarillo, which includes the restored Potter County Courthouse, Amarillo Museum of Art, and the Historic Route 66 district. In nearby Canyon, travelers can see the restored Randall County Courthouse and visit the Main Street district’s bars, restaurants, and shops.

Plainview is home to the Museum of the Llano Estacado and a notable collection of more than 60 early 20th-century commercial buildings, collectively known as the Plainview Commercial Historic District.

Another Texas Main Street city, Levelland, features the historic Hockley County Courthouse, surrounded by 100-year-old buildings. In Vernon, the Red River Valley Museum recalls the area’s rich ranching heritage, and the downtown Classical Revival-style Wilbarger County Courthouse retains its historic 1928 appearance.

San Angelo offers a thriving art scene with a cultural district along the picturesque Concho River, where visitors can find Fort Concho, the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts, and the Railroad Depot and Museum.

Find other Main Street communities across the state: thc.texas.gov/mainstreet