Lancaster is the home of legendary racehorse Steel Dust, the birthplace of Texas Black Rodeo founder Cleo Hearn, and the site of a bank robbery by Clyde Barrow (Bonnie waited in the car as the getaway driver). Despite this rich history—and being just a 25-minute drive south of downtown Dallas—the city of about 40,000 people has been a little-known destination.
However, a recent revitalization effort could change this.
The charming historic downtown area, with its red brick buildings, circular layout, and shady trees, was the center of Lancaster life for over a century, until a 1994 tornado demolished many of the buildings that had been built in the late 1800s and early 1900s. While a few places like The Lovin Oven Bakery kept downtown from withering away completely, a revival has been underway thanks to investment initiatives by the owners of local commercial development firm Stewarding Space, Kyoto Brewery, and Saviana Winery. All showed interest in buying buildings and opening businesses in the town square around the same time in 2022 and ’23.
The community, aching for things to do in town, rallied behind the three, encouraging city council to back the revitalization efforts. In the past year, new restaurants, shops, and stores have appeared, as well as a co-working space, yoga every second Saturday, and community events.
Michaella Ramler of Stewarding Space has been a major figure in the revitalization efforts, purchasing 17,000 square feet of mixed-use real estate in downtown with the help of 11 investors. She grew up in Lancaster and spent much of her time in the town square, where her mom owned a toy shop called Delinda Doolittles. This is where 9-year-old Ramler started her first business with a Hello Kitty kiosk.
“I was drawn to downtown Lancaster specifically because downtowns are powerful tools for communities, especially in smaller communities,” she says. “I knew that a shot of energy here could rally the neighbors and bring the growing sense of community full circle, and further boost the health of the city as a whole.”
Over the next year, more businesses are expected to open, including Kyoto Brewery, a Japanese-inspired cocktails and craft coffee shop, and the renovated Historic Lancaster Theatre, built in 1918 and a venue for concerts, plays, and films since 1949.
In the meantime, there is plenty to see and experience on a day trip to downtown Lancaster.
Wake Up
Start your morning off with a boba tea, iced coffee, and pastries from Boba Licious, adorably decorated in a pink and white palette with accents of emerald green in the cozy chairs and a fluorescent sign that reads “It’s a vibe” in a heart-shaped floral wreath that begs to be the background of a selfie. The loft-style space even has a small kid’s play area. Mochi doughnuts are available on the weekend. If someone in your party is looking for a healthier option, Just Juice is right around the corner, offering juices, smoothies, and smoothie bowls.
Explore
After getting your coffee or juice, drive three minutes to Ten Mile Creek Preserve, just past the beautiful Edgewood Cemetery. The lush 125-acre preserve has a two-mile mostly shaded trail that winds through meadows, a forest, and offers views of Ten Mile Creek and its stunning limestone walls.
Shop
Good Cycle had already established a name for itself in Dallas as a cool, chic shop for stylish and fashion-forward vintage clothing well before it came to downtown Lancaster.
“I fell in love with the essence of the square,” owner Nikayla Golatt-Barrett says. “It’s cool to be a part of something that is introducing a place for entertainment and gathering.”
Browse through Good Cycle’s collection of jeans, hats, coats, and more, especially during one of their specialty events—live music, film screenings, sewing workshops, and the like. Beyond Good Cycle, there are other shops like John’s Trikes and Bikes, the largest adult recumbent trike store in Dallas, and Lancaster Trading Cards & Games which has collectibles, trading cards, and board games.
Lunch
Hug BBQ is a laid-back barbecue spot that has been drawing crowds from nearby communities. Expect fresh-smoked, brined, and seasoned meats like ribs, brisket, and turkey legs, and a wide variety of homemade sides arranging from baked potato casserole and elote.
Grab-N-Go
Chef Chris Patrick and his wife, Laura Patrick, have opened Curio Kitchen + Market, bringing fresh ingredients to their grab-n-go options like sandwiches, soups, salads, and even snacks like pimento cheese. Take your lunch to the downtown courtyard, which has views of the town square clock and a tiny green space in the circular parking lot with Lancaster’s Texas State Historical Marker. (You could also picnic at Heritage Park which sits right next to the town square.) Buy a bottle of wine from Curio’s curated wine selection or join them for wine tastings, wine dinners, cooking classes, and other events.
Learn
The Lancaster State Auxiliary Museum is situated across from the town square. Here, you can learn about the heritage and history of Lancaster, including how it was one of the first Texas settlements to establish an independent school district. This family-friendly space is a good spot to escape the heat and discover the stories of the people who shaped Lancaster. It currently features a new exhibit in connection with the Hall of State in Fair Park.
Dinner
Dallasites are familiar with the Mexican seafood restaurant La Calle Doce; however, among the locations, the one in downtown Lancaster is arguably the most picture-worthy with its tiled ceilings, curved archways, and charming wallpaper. Imagine having a happy hour margarita in the blue bar or eating ceviche and fish tacos in the beautiful brick courtyard.
Savor
Saviana Winery opened its second location in downtown Lancaster, making it the go-to spot Thursday through Saturday for red, white, and rosé wines. Have a glass of vino and a snack and play one of their provided board games, or check their calendar for live music, trivia nights, and other fun events.
Indulge
End your day with an Italian ice from Gelu Italian Ice. The mangonada, which has chamoy and a tajin straw, is a local favorite. You’ll see many folks eating it under the string lights in the town square courtyard or while playing a giant game of Jenga. Before you leave downtown Lancaster, grab a bag of freeze-dried candy from ChaCha & Chopees for the road.