When it comes to experiencing a one-of-a-kind side of Texas where only the hospitality runs deeper than the history, Cleburne is more than just a small Texas town, it’s a great American keystone, with a history dating back to Native American tribes and its position as an important outpost during the time of the Civil War.
Located 40 minutes south of Fort Worth by car, Cleburne is a place with hot summers and mild-to-cool winters where you can find everything, from outdoor adventures and outdoor concerts to art, wine and food festivals to beautifully curated museums. Take a look at Cleburne’s community events calendar, where there is always something exciting happening.
Besides the incredible people, history and community events, Cleburne is full of amazing antique markets, boutique shops and phenomenal restaurants as well. To start playing your unique vacation in Cleburne, here’s a list of some of the top places to shop and eat local in the city.
Where to Shop Local
When you’re not sure where to start your Cleburne shopping spree, start at Vintage Love Antiques. With easy parking and a huge selection on a variety of items, this market is where you’ll find antique lamps, wooden dressers and adorable farmhouse chic wall decorations, vintage bags and more. As one of the antique markets in town and sitting right on South Main Street, you can’t miss shopping here.
Now that you’re in your antique shopping groove, Cleburne has more antique shops to set your sights. You’ll want to also visit Red Horse Antique Mall, a long-time Cleburne Times-Review Reader's Choice Award antique shop; Bus Depot Antiques & Market Place has a great selection of eclectic goods at this former bus depot; and Heritage Home Vintage Inspired Living has an exceptional collection of farmhouse chic décor and furniture.
Continue your shopping spree at J Rae's Boutique, one of the most popular clothing boutiques by Cleburne’s most fashionable ladies. You’ll find everything at J Rae’s, from the perfect maxi dress to a pair of Silver Jeans to a new pair of sandals or booties to wear during your Cleburne adventures. By shopping at J Rae’s not only will you find some of the cutest threads in town but you’ll also be supporting a local small-town business.
Speaking of great local shopping, try leaving Christi's empty-handed—it’s nearly impossible to not find something for your wardrobe in this beautifully stocked boutique. From the softest T-shirts to beautifully beaded earrings and necklaces, all with prices that won’t break the bank, Christi’s is a can’t-miss shop in Cleburne.
Last, but certainly not least, visit Jeans, Jewels & Jesus Boutique to find the perfect statement piece to complete your new look. From leopard and fringe purses and shoes to camouflage hats and dresses, not only is the selection worth checking out but the girls who run the store are some of the most helpful—and stylish—ladies in town.
One of Cleburne’s local businesses, Breck & Co. is a floral boutique and mercantile worth visiting. The florists hand design and custom-make all their bouquets, so pick up a gift for a local friend or design your own plant arrangement to take with you to remember your time here. The shop only uses locally grown flowers that are in season to help reduce their carbon footprint, so supporting Breck & Co. means supporting a more sustainable Cleburne. And, there’s more than just flowers here. Pick up an all-natural soy and coconut wax candle and check out the all-natural, plant-based skin, bath and beauty products that are in stock.
Where to Eat Local
Locals love the Garden of Eating Bistro for the ambiance and service, which means you will too. With a gourmet menu that includes delicious, vegetable-filled garden sandwiches and sides such as Oma’s German potato salad and kettle chips, it’s not just the décor and friendly faces that have made this place such a popular spot in town.
You can’t come to Texas without experiencing an authentic Texas steak, and Fly by Night Cattle Co. Steakhouse is the place to enjoy one. Located off the Chisholm Trail Parkway off the CR 1125 exit, Fly by Night is also the perfect place for a special occasion or just a big night out with family or friends. The old barn house ambience— and the tenderloin that’s cooked to perfection—is what makes this place a Cleburne staple.
When it comes to a spot that always has something going on—from open mic nights to paint nights and cornhole tournaments—Loaf’n Dog is more than your typical hot dog joint. Beyond great events, such as open mic nights every Monday, karaoke every Thursday, live music from local artists every Friday (and sometimes on Saturday), the restaurant serves a unique selection of gourmet hot dogs and frito pies as well as a great selection of beer and wine.
You can’t forget about the best place to find something sweet in Cleburne. Local bakery Mom’s Kitchen is the place to enjoy everything from cinnamon rolls to brownies to cakes of every flavor imaginable: German chocolate, lemon basil, carrot, red velvet and more. You name it and chances are it has it. And wait until you see how beautiful its tiered cakes are. Mom’s Kitchen is located right on East Chambers Street, so pop in for your sweet-tooth fix or during lunch—its chicken salad sandwiches are phenomenal.
So, now that you know about Cleburne’s top places to shop and eat local in this Texas town, start planning your vacation to your new favorite American destination.