Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WORTH A TRIP
HICO & US 281
Famed outlaw Billy the Kid was gunned down in New Mexico at age 21 in 1881, unless of course, he wasn't. The
model-on-a-mantel cute village of Hico, 100 miles southwest of Dallas, would just as soon hope that you'll be-
lieve otherwise - or at least be curious enough to pay the town a visit.
Their story - and they're sticking to it - is that Billy survived and lived to a ripe old age
right here in Hico!
You can learn about the whole far-fetched notion at the
Billy the Kid Museum
( 254-796-2523;
www.billythekidmuseum.com
; 114 N Pecan St; 10am-5pm Mon-Sat, 1-5pm Sun) , right in the center
of town. The surrounding blocks have an appealing mix of restored and gently decaying 19th-century buildings.
Stay the night at the
Old Rock House
( 214-538-1201;
www.oldrockhousehico.com
; 302 E 3rd St; r
$90-125), a fine little B&B set in a grove of oaks right downtown. Feast on hearty Texas fare at the
Koffee Kup
(
254-796-4839; 300 W 2nd St; mains from $6; 6:30am-9pm) and finish with banana cream pie.
Cruise south along US 281 and you'll pass through lovely, gently rolling land that could be the Hill Country.
As you near Hamilton, watch for the
Dutchman's Hidden Valley Country Store
( 254-386-3018;
www.dutchmans-hiddenvalley.com
;
Hwy 281 N; 9am-6pm Thu-Tue). The selection is eclectic: have a sand-
wich, buy some bison meat, sniff some popourri, go rocking on a rocker, and sample the locally grown pecan
treats. Be sure, however, to buy some of the lovely housemade chocolates.
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West
POP 2900
A modest farm town with an unusually strong ethnic heritage, West suffered great tragedy
in 2013 when a fertilizer plant exploded, killing 15, injuring over 160 and destroying sev-
eral square blocks. It was a low moment for a town that wears its Czech roots for every
one to see - and taste.
West is home to several Czech bakeries and cafes (and even gas stations) that specialize
in
kolaches
(large soft buns filled with all manner of savoury and sweet fillings). The best
outlet is easily
Village Bakery
( 254-826-5151; 113 E Oak St; snacks from $2; 6:30am-5pm Mon-Sat)
,
which exudes fresh-from-the-oven goodness the moment you get your first whiff of its
baked treats. You can have
kolaches
(most people have at least two) filled with sausage,
ham and cheese, apricots, prunes and many more fillings. And if you want further variety,
the fresh cinamon rolls are sublime.
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