Cleburne is a perfect day trip destination for families and couples looking to explore small town America and all the joys of Southern living. With warm summers and mild winters, Cleburne is a year-round destination where you can take in the beautiful outdoors, revisit history, explore quirky museums, enjoy delicious food and make unforgettable memories. To help you get started, check out these day trip itineraries for families and couples for a short but exciting visit.
FAMILY ADVENTURE
Morning: Family Breakfast at Chaf-In Resturant and Chisholm Trail Museum
Start the morning off right with a hearty breakfast at Chaf-In Restaurant, where the servers great you with smiles. The quintessential American menu has fresh eggs, pancakes, grits, bacon and chicken fried steaks.
After an indulgent meal, stretch your legs by exploring the outdoor Chisholm Trail Museum. The trail marks the site of the largest man-made animal migration ever documented—2017 marked the 150th anniversary of the famous migration. In its heyday, the trail held more than 5 million cattle as they made the arduous journey from Cleburne to Abilene, Kansas, employing nearly 45,000 cowboys. At the museum, a large teepee and life-size cattle silhouette greet you. Expand your child’s mind as they learn about the time of cowboys and pioneers. The whole family will enjoy wandering through several replica buildings that show what life looked like during the Wild West. On the grounds, you’ll also find the Big Bear Native American Museum, which has a large collection of Native American artifacts including headdresses, spears and clothing. For admission and hours of operation visit the website.
Lunchtime: Burger Bar
Stop by and enjoy some of Cleburne’s best burgers at Burger Bar. The building was built in 1902 and has been the place to go for burgers since 1949. The 68-year-old gas- fired griddle cooks the burgers and buns to perfection. Only four customers can sit at the counter at a time, while the others wait for a spot or an order to go. If you want something a little spicy, try the burger with grilled onions and jalapeños. Craving some sugar? Pay a visit to the nearby Southern Joy Bistro for homemade sweets and mouthwatering pastries.
Afternoon Activities: Catch a Game at the Dept or Go Bowling Nightlife:
La Moderna Field is home to the minor league baseball team Cleburne Railroaders; the team began playing again in 2017 after a 100-year hiatus. La Moderna Field was named the "Best of the Ballparks 2017: Independent Baseball" by Ballpark Digest, and the team’s name honors the town’s long railroad history. Check out its schedule and cheer on the Cleburne’s stars at the ballpark.
When there isn’t a game to catch, create your own fun at Pin Center Bowl, where you can bowl for up to four hours for only $11. The center has 16 bowling lanes with Brunswick Vector scoring equipment, games for kids, a video arcade, billiards and a full-service snack bar.
Nightlife: The Plaza Theatre Company
The Plaza Theatre Company's new location at Dudley Hall presents classic performances, such as “Jane Eyre The Musical,” “Singing in the Rain” and the “A Christmas Carol.” Throughout the year the theater showcases affordable performances, including Shakespeare plays, Broadway musicals, comedies, dramas, and family-style concerts.
TABLE FOR TWO
Morning: Outdoor Activities at Cleburne State Park
Take a leisurely hike or go on a thrilling mountain bike ride at Cleburne State Park. The park provides 5.5 miles of scenic trails that wind through dense woodland and wide-open wildflower fields, making for an exciting start to the day. Take a break at Cedar Lake with your loved one and enjoy a snack before hitting the trails again. If you are looking to cool down on a warm day, canoe, kayak, fish or go for a refreshing swim in the clear waters of the 116-acre spring-fed lake.
Brunch: R&K Cafe
Bring your appetite when you pop into R&K Cafe II, located on 408 S. Main Street, and enjoy chicken fried steak with homestyle mashed potatoes or bite into a juicy R&K burger. Finish your meal with a slice of pie or homemade desserts. You won’t be disappointed with either.
Afternoon: Gone With the Wind Remembered Museum
If you’re a fan of the iconic movie “Gone With the Wind,” you must visit Gone With the Wind Remembered Museum in Cleburne. Owner and die-hard fan Vicky Lynn Rogers has collected over 6,000 pieces of movie memorabilia over the course of 30 years. You’ll find thousands of rare items at the museum, including over 600 dolls of Scarlett O’Hara, an armchair used in the film and props from the movie. Enter through a replica of the Tara door and you’ll be amazed by the devotion and the costumes on display, from Bonnie Blue’s original return from London costume to hats designed by Walter Plunkett for the film and much more. The museum is open Thursdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Nightlife: Jimmies and Songbird Live!
Spend your next date night at Jimmie's Restaurant, a chef-owned local favorite where every dish is thoughtfully prepared with fresh ingredients and an evolving menu. Enjoy premium seafood, hand-cut steaks, an expertly selected collection of imported wines, and handcrafted cocktails in a warm, lounge-inspired atmosphere.
And if you happen to be in Cleburne on a Friday night, don’t miss Songbird Live—a fun listening room to enjoy great music in historic downtown. Whether you like classical guitar, bluegrass, western swing, pop or jazz, you’ll be entertained by the talented musicians.
Photo Courtesy of Jhan Beaupre, Gary Wylie, and Kortney Boyett