Looking to rekindle the romance or longing for a relaxing weekend as a couple? Plan a trip to Cleburne! A short drive from the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Cleburne offers a fun and easy getaway for city dwellers. Whether it is a chance to reconnect with your special someone or you are overdue for a staycation away from the kids, you will have a blast together in Cleburne.
Here’s how to enjoy your romantic couples trip to Cleburne.
Where to Stay
City break or country escape—which will you choose? In Cleburne, you can have the best of both worlds. If your ideal getaway is to be in the center of all the action, reserve a room at the Liberty Hotel. Set in a historic brick building, the boutique hotel is in the heart of the city. Here you are just steps from shops, restaurants and a number of scenic spots. Texas charm abounds in the wood-paneled lobby and continues into the warmly decorated guest rooms with all the amenities you could need. Begin your day with free hot coffee or a workout in the hotel’s fitness center. Cleburne also has a slew of other hotels in town for every price point. Movie and history fans can start their exploration of Cleburne at the Gone With the Wind Remembered Museum—it’s just moments away.
Where to Dine
You'll find a variety of family-owned restaurants serving delicious food in a warm, welcoming setting throughout town. After exploring historic downtown Cleburne, stop by the Garden of Eating Bistro for homemade soups, fresh salads, gourmet sandwiches, and decadent desserts. While you're there, don't miss Always Add Sprinkles Dessert Boutique, located inside the bistro, where you'll find scratch-made cakes, cupcakes, beautifully decorated sugar cookies, gourmet cookies, and other specialty sweets perfect for any occasion.
Just minutes from downtown is the cozy and inviting Purple Turnip. As its name would suggest, the inside is decked out in shades of lavender, violet and plum, but the menu will appeal to both vegetarians and meat eaters. The restaurant serves a mix of comfort food and American classics with an Italian influence. Try its Caesar salad topped with artichoke hearts and shrimp, or go for its Southwestern version that comes with grilled chicken, tomatoes, black beans, corn, bacon and fried tortilla strips. The savory portabella mushroom sandwich comes full of veggies and with a pesto basil mayonnaise. Or have your sandwich with grilled chicken, Italian fried chicken or chicken fried steak. Desserts are a must at Purple Turnip! Locals recommend the tiramisu and Mississippi mud pie.
What to Do
The picturesque 528 acres of Cleburne State Park offer a variety of outdoor activities to enjoy as a couple. Lace up your hiking boots or bring your mountain bikes and explore nearly 13 miles of scenic trails that take you through wooded areas, limestone hilltops and along the spring-fed Cedar Lake. Follow the Spillway Trail to get to the three-tiered spillway built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Make sure to bring your camera! Commemorate your visit with a picture in front of the awe-inspiring rushing waters, one of an infinite number of beautiful views at the state park. The heart of the park is the sparkling blue 116-acre lake. Paddle out on a double kayak, or cast a line from the ADA-accessible, covered fishing pier. You can rent kayaks, paddleboards and fishing gear in the park. Or pack a picnic and pick a secluded spot along the water and take in the sights and sounds of nature together.
Ever wondered how your favorite spirits are made? Plan a day date at Cleburne’s own Johnson County Distillery, just south of downtown. Learn how its small-batch bourbon is crafted, discover how the Texas climate influences aging and flavor, then enjoy a tasting of Jacob Weldon blended bourbon whiskey or a handcrafted cocktail in the saloon. Before you leave, pick up a bottle of locally made bourbon or a whiskey-inspired gift to take home.
Then head to Pollo Rosa Vineyard & Winery, where Duane and Donna Patrick grow disease-resistant and heritage Texas grape varieties—including rare cultivars dating back to the 1800s—to produce distinctive Texas wines. Relax with a tasting and experience a passion for farming and winemaking rooted in the Lone Star State.
Date night doesn’t get much better than a show at Plaza Theatre Company. Now doing outdoor shows, this intimate venue is where you get to be close to the performers, allowing you to be truly immersed in the live theater experience. Showcasing the region’s top performers and shows of everything from “Always… Patsy Cline” to “Matilda the Musical” to “Little House on the Prairie.” Visit its website to see what shows will be taking place when you visit.
Photo Courtesy of Jim McHale & Kortney Boyett