Graham TX is steeped in history and builds on it to create a community that embraces tradition while committing to the future. Explore Graham’s capacious town square,where secret bits of history mingle with friendly hellos.
Shop at boutique clothing stores and admire the wares of local artisans. Or,venture a few miles north to Possum Kingdom State Park for fishing,hiking and other outdoor adventures.
Downtown Square
Graham is a charming small town that has some wonderful shops and restaurants. It also has America’s largest downtown square and many local events throughout the year.
You can best experience this city by strolling around the square. Grab a seat,and enjoy the sights. You can enjoy the beautiful historic buildings and see some of the local artists work. Then after a long day you can head over to the local restaurants and bars for a good meal and drinks.
The town of Graham marks the beginning of the Goodnight-Loving Trail immortalized in Lonesome Dove,a bestselling novel. A playful sculpture is located near the old post office. Locals are friendly,helpful and Young County Arena hosts many western-inspired events throughout the year.
Possum Kingdom State Park
Possum Kingdom State Park is a haven for nature lovers and sits adjacent to a scenic lake. Visitors can explore the hiking trails or swim,fish and boat at a lakeside. There are also air-conditioned camping cabins,as well as primitive and full hookup RV campsites.
The area also offers spectacular views of the towering limestone cliffs that define the southeastern shore of the lake,which is known as Hell’s Gate. It’s a popular place for cliff jumping.
Other Graham attractions include the opulent Chandor Gardens with sparkling fountains,a 30-foot waterfall and fascinating sculptures or Clark Gardens Botanical Park,which boasts unique trails amid beautiful trees. Other local parks offer picnic areas,playgrounds and water sports. The town of Weatherford sits just a few miles away and provides opportunities for shopping and dining.
The Drive-In Theatre
While drive-in movie theaters are disappearing at a record pace across the state,Graham TX remains home to an outdoor movie theater that’s sure to make your kids (and you) smile.
According to its website,this single-screen drive-in theater opened in Texas in 1948. They show both current and classic movies every weekend.
On site,they have a 1950’s cafe that serves funnel cakes,hotdogs,fries and nachos. You can bring blankets and lawn chairs,but no outside food or drinks. Pets are permitted as long as they’re quiet,friendly and on a leash at all times. The movie theater is operated onsite at Community First! The Village provides micro/tiny houses and alternative housing in Austin as part of the community initiative to reduce homelessness.
Restaurants
A visit to Graham is a trip back in time to the days when farmers,merchants,and ranchers dominated the landscape. The city still embraces the vision of its founding fathers by promoting community,opportunity,and growth.
The downtown square of Austin is one the largest in Texas. Its streets are wide enough to allow a wagon turn around. Its people are warm and friendly. And the food is delicious. Possum Hollow is one of the city’s most renowned restaurants,serving everything from steaks to soup.
It’s also the home of the oldest newspaper in northwest Texas. The Graham Leader has been published every week for 132. Gustavous A. and Edwin S. Graham were its founders. In 1869,they purchased land on Salt Creek and built a salt factory.
Shopping
Graham is home to one of the largest downtown squares in America and streets wide enough for a wagon. The founders of Graham surveyed the area with a view to creating a prosperous community. In 1929,they built the city water plant and created the downtown with its 44 historical properties.
Oil was discovered in 1917 and Young County’s early economy was based on farming,land sales,mercantile business,and mercantile. That brought rapid growth,but not the uncivilized growth of other boomtowns.
The Graham Leader newspaper was started in 1876 and is the oldest weekly publication in northwest Texas. In 1884 Dr. J. E. Ryus built a two-story brick pharmacy on the west side the square. He leased the upper floor to the Federal District Court,which moved to Abilene.