This revitalizing small town is full of history and just far enough away from city life.
The water was known to be magical and able to heal whatever ailed you.
Plans call for reopening the onsite spa, adding a speakeasy, and restoring the old manual bowling alley.
Credit:Pam LeBlanc
At one point more than 100 wells pumped the slightly odiferous water out of the ground around Mineral Wells.
But the well that was dug at the site of the Crazy Hotel in 1881 was the most famous.
According to local lore, a woman who had suffered dementia began drinking the liquid.
Credit:Pam LeBlanc
Eventually she was cured, and voila, Crazy Water was born.
This grand old hotel opened in 1929, at the peak of the citys heyday as a wellness destination.
Visitors came to soak in its healing mineral waters and enjoy a little luxury.
Credit:Courtesy Texas Parks & Wildlife
The Baker stood empty for nearly 50 years, until investors bought it and launched a remodel.
Her windows were broken, and owls,skunks, and ringtail cats had taken up residence.
He accepted the challenge, and crews hauled off 900 dumpsters filled with trash.
Credit:Courtesy Second Bar + Kitchen
Lawrence Welk reportedly got his start on a stage here and Three Stooges appeared regularly.
Were bringing her back to her former grandeur, Rawlings says of the $100-million project.
In all, more than 40 buildings have been renovated.
Now when people are driving through, they have a reason to stop, Jordan says.
Visit a State Park
Fancy hotels and restaurants arent the only reason to come to Mineral Wells.
The city is known for nearby parks, lakes, and a river.
We made the 15-minute drive toLake Mineral Wells State Park & Trailway.
Hiking into Penitentiary Hollow to watch the rock climbers, and hiking into a ravine alongside the lake.
Its rich in calcium, magnesium, and potassium, and available in four levels of minerality.
We were built on the waters, Jordan says.
And weve taken back our roots.
He does a fine job, too, if the short ribs I ate are any indication.
