"Charming Waxahachie" Waxahachie by VeronicaG

Waxahachie Travel Guide: 110 reviews and 279 photos

Antiques And A Touch Of The Victorian

UPDATE: This December, we traveled to Waxahachie for it's Annual Candlelight House Tour AND to see Bethlehem Revisited. Both events were wonderful additions to our Christmas season. Please see my CUSTOMS and RESTAURANTS for these new tips. A travelogue gives you a peek at the homes we toured.

The small town of Waxahachie is a mere 51 miles from where I live and is located in the Prairies and Lakes district of Texas. The hour's drive took us past a string of towns along the way: Arlington, Mansfield, Midlothian, Ennis, Sardis...

Our outing began on the freeway, taking us along stretches of empty fields, where the smoke stacks of distant factories loomed on the horizon and numerous transmission towers paraded along the landscape.

We witnessed muted colors of orange, gold and rust in the Autumn foliage; occasionally, seeing patches of forest accented with red. Outside Midlothian, as we zoomed along US 287 S. we noticed a tall Grandfather tree flourishing along the roadside; its girth protectively encircled by railroad ties.

Soon a sign reading, "WAXAHACHIE, population 21,200" appeared. A few miles ahead of us, the town awaited--ready to present its treasures: lovely restored Victorian homes and antique stores full of wonderful things!

A Thumbnail Sketch of History

Waxahachie lies within Ellis County and is named after Richard Ellis, President of the Texas Declaration of Independence Convention. The first settlers arrived in early 1844, most making their homes in south central Ellis County. The Tonkawa Indians inhabited this area, but were able to peacefully coexist with the settlers.

According to town history, railroads first came to the county in the 1870's. The railroads provided a means of transporting goods in and out of the area, as well as opening a window to the world for the townspeople. Cotton became a very successful crop and is still grown in some parts of the county today.

As the wealth of the town grew, fanciful cottages were constructed. Many of these homes have been lovingly restored and are open for viewing each June during the annual house tour.

Waxahachie is proud to have been the site of such films as Places in the Heart, Tender Mercies, Trip to Bountiful and On Valentine's Day, plus many others.

The Renaissance Faire

Lady Darby

What could be more fun that having an opportunity to step back in time to experience the Renaissance? You can do that each Spring at The Renaissance Faire.

Lords and Ladies gather for court dances, welcome royalty and interact with the underlings in period costumes and character roles.

For a taste of the Medieval, you might want to stop by.

Bethlehem Revisted!

Mary and Joseph

Bethlehem Revisited depicts this Biblical town on the night of Jesus' birth and is complete with Kings, Roman soldiers, shepherds, sheep and even camels.

Visitors easily get caught up in this drama, which is presented on the first two weekends in December. You can follow in the tracks of Mary and Joseph to a stable on that awesome night.

Costumed characters add to the drama, which was wonderful!

Last visit to Waxahachie: Dec 2007
Intro Updated Feb 18, 2008
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Reviews (39)

Heavenly Dessert Coffee and Dessert Bar - Waxahachie

For Tasty Desserts Restaurants (5)

Surprisingly, Heavenly Coffee shares a small portion of the building with another business, Elements of Style, a home... more travel advice

Hearty Home Cooking Restaurants (5)

The 1879 Chisholm Grill was recommended to us by a cashier at one of the shops fronting the courthouse square. She said,... more travel advice

The Victorian Christmas Market Local Customs (3)

The Victorian Christmas Market was held on a street running alongside the courthouse which was blocked off to make it... more travel advice

Annual Holiday House Tour Local Customs (3)

We recently traveled to Waxahachie, for its Annual Holiday House Tour held for three weekends in December. Each of the... more travel advice

Off The Beaten Path (12)
See All Lots and Lots of Shops and Eateries
Things to Do (11)
See All The Odd Fellows Building

Favorites (5)
See All More College Street Homes
Shopping (3)
See All Home Decor and more

Travelogues (1)

Written Dec 14, 2007

4 photos

TOURING BY CANDLELIGHT

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Comments (12)

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amandajayne81 Dec 21, 2010 at 9:17 PM

Looks like a gorgeous place to visit. Great photos and helpful tips. Thanks.
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volopolo Aug 17, 2009 at 4:07 AM

A lot and great information! Excellent architecture of The Ellis County Courthouse!
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virtualling Apr 16, 2008 at 9:54 AM

Thanks for the tips! I'm now thinking of checking out the Scarboroughren Fest on my way to Dallas.
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starship Dec 20, 2007 at 6:01 AM

What a fantastic page! Nice new additions make it even better than the first time I read it. I'd love to visit Waxahachie during Christmas time too!
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deecat Dec 15, 2007 at 10:45 PM

A favorite town that you've written about and the new Christmas pages even add to its delight. Terrific new travelogue, too. These homes are just wonderful, especially both Queen Anne homes. Smiled about coffins/furniture businesses.
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kyoub Dec 11, 2007 at 1:11 PM

Excellent additions to your Waxahachie page. I must visit there next Dec..
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awladhassan Aug 6, 2007 at 3:12 AM

Nice page with interesting comments.
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Jim_Eliason Jun 28, 2007 at 6:41 AM

cool rennaisance fair!
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Nemorino Jun 22, 2007 at 2:11 PM

For some reason I thought Waxahachie was in Oregon, but it turns out to be in the middle of Texas. Interesting tips on the old houses and the Renaissance Faire. That guy playing King Henry VIII certainly looks the part!
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chiara76 May 14, 2007 at 9:19 AM

Hi there;) Very interesting page, I really liked it! Greetings from sunny and warm Warsaw, Maria.