The 'Antique Capital Of West Texas' Is A Unique Mecca For Vintage Lovers And History Buffs

The Lone Star State is full of charming small towns like Marfa, a unique art-lover paradise in the middle of nowhere. On the other side of the state is the underrated town of West, which is full of Czechia vibes. About a 2.5-hour drive away from West is Baird, an overlooked gem. Dubbed the 'Antique Capital of West Texas' by the state's legislature in 1993, Baird is a paradise for treasure hunters and bargain shoppers. The small yet delightful downtown is jam-packed with antique stores offering a wide range of pre-loved items, from furniture to decor to jewelry and collectibles. Besides antique shopping, the town of 1,700 residents is also the perfect destination for history junkies who are into locomotive history.

Baird is about 160 miles southwest of Dallas, Texas. If you take I-20, it will take approximately 2.5 hours to reach Baird. Baird's weather is warm and humid all year round, with hot summers and temperatures of 80 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit and cool, pleasant winters of 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the best time for antiquing in Baird is during its annual antique market in June. Also, note that many antique stores are only open on the weekends, so plan your trip accordingly. There is only one hotel in Baird proper, but there are a handful to choose from in Abilene, about 20 miles away.

Downtown Baird has wide streets lined with historic, low-rise brick buildings. Antique shopping in Baird is a true adventure because many of the stores do not have a website, social media presence, or even a listing on Google. The little information is intriguing and feels off the beaten track — meaning untapped treasures to be discovered. According to Only in Texas, there are over a dozen antique shops on Market Street in downtown Baird. We suggest strolling down Market Street on a Saturday for the best chance to see as many stores as possible. The best places to start are the shops listed by the Baird Chamber of Commerce, which are all located on Market Street: On the Birdwalk Antiques, Antique Memories, and Lene's Likes.

Another good place to start is Needful Things, also on Market Street, which is the only store with a Facebook page. You can find a trove of eclectic items, from vintage lamps, wooden cabinets, old picture frames, and other curios and knick-knacks. If you are looking for vintage Christmas ornaments in June, you're in luck. The store seems to have a whole room dedicated to Christmas keepsakes available all year round. According to a user on Yelp, "[I]f you love to just stroll around and look this i[s] the place. It has a lot to see and the service there is great." Plus, the shop has a cafe that offers delicious breakfast and lunch, like quiches, hashbrowns, sandwiches, and desserts.

Baird started as a stretch of land where farmhands drove through with their cattle, and a small camp settlement supplied the construction of the railways. It was officially founded in 1880 when Texas and Pacific Railway train services launched from Fort Worth to Baird. The town is named after Matthew Baird, who owned the Texas & Pacific Railway. Needless to say, Baird is crazy about locomotives. While walking around downtown, keep your eye out for a cool mural near Market Street.

Today, you can learn about Baird's fascinating history at the Baird Texas and Pacific Railway Passenger Depot, built in 1911. The town boomed as a result of the railway station. However, when locomotive trains were converted to diesel engines, Baird lost prominence when major commerce moved to Fort Worth. The depot no longer served passengers and became a stopover for trains to change crews. It has since been beautifully restored and turned into a museum. It's located 0.4 miles south of the antique shopping district. History buffs can go to the museum to see artifacts related to the Texas Pacific Railway and precious photographs that document the history of Baird through its trains and the people who worked for the railroad.

If you are hungry after all the shopping and walking, head to Railhead Tavern on Market Street for some grub. Order the fantastic spicy fried pickles and a mean BLT sandwich! If you are there on a Thursday evening, join the karaoke night. Ready for more adventures in the Lone Star State? Check out Granbury, the historic hub known as the 'Celebration Capital of Texas,' only an hour and 40 minutes away.