My husband was born and raised in Cleburne, Texas. Nestled in the north central part of the state, Cleburne is the county seat, only 45 minutes from Dallas and 20 minutes from Fort Worth. Far enough away to maintain its small town atmosphere, but close enough to enjoy those big city perks.
Once a sleepy town boasting of the most churches per capita, today it enjoys a thriving economy with a population near 37,000 and the median age at 35. Perfect for raising a family.
In 1982, we settled in Cleburne as a married couple with three children. However, as a transplant from Wisconsin, I felt like a foreigner. But over the years, the town adjusted to those who moved here from other parts of the country. Today, I love its welcoming vibes and small-town friendliness. You can walk anywhere and
STORY BY Terri White
feel safe. I love that I can mosey around town and meet several people I know.
Around the downtown courthouse, the square is home to dozens of mom and pop shops, salons, bakeries and restaurants. From fine dining to burgers and pizza, take your pick. Some restaurants provide live music, trivia, bingo, dancing or other fun activities that add pizzazz to your stay. Locally-owned coffee shops often host vendors and events. From book clubs to gardening classes, you will find locals sipping a cup of Joe while enjoying these extras.
If you like wineries, several are surrounded with beautiful scenery and offer music, food, paint‘ n sips and more. Not a fan of wine? Lucky you! Cleburne not only has a distillery that produces tasty whiskey and vodka, but also a brewery with numerous selections for beer enthusiasts. Each venue also serves yummy options of sourdough pizza.
Our downtown association plans family-friendly events year-round— spring and fall festivals, music and art fests, wine tastings, carnivals and more. The famed 20-mile long semi-annual Antique Alley brings folks from all over north central Texas. Selling everything from traditional yard sale items to antiques to plants to food, there is something for everyone.
Do you love live theater? Cleburne draws people from long distances to enjoy not just one but two first-class community theaters. Carnegie Players, formed in 1980, produces four shows each year with an all-volunteer staff and cast.
Plaza Theatre co., celebrating its 20th anniversary, owns its theater-in-the-round with a custom-designed rotating stage. Plays run every week of the year, and its summer kids’ camps are wildly popular. During the school months, they offer
10 Community Life