10 Places To Visit in Historic Hico, Texas
Historic Hico, Texas is full of one-of-a-kind places and people. From small town boutiques to the charming tree lined downtown, Hico is full of places to sit and have a great meal, share a drink with a friend, spend an afternoon shopping, or relax in a beautifully restored hotel. So kick off your boots and stay a while …
1. Oma Leen’s
Housed in a beautifully designed space with character and charm in downtown Hico, Texas, Oma Leen’s is perfecting the art of hospitality with chef created food, hand crafted cocktails, and those warm, buttery biscuits that have people talking. Oma Leen’s is the type of place that just makes you feel good, from the friendly staff, to the bartenders behind the Brunswick Bar, and the buzz coming from the open kitchen, Oma Leen’s is a true Texas experience.
2. The Midland Hotel & Chop House
The Midland Hotel & Chop House is known for delicious scratch made food, and a revolving menu of hand crafted cocktails, all set in a beautifully restored downtown building. Stay in one of the Hotel’s comfortable and stylish rooms while you explore all the sights and sounds of small town Hico.
3. Hico Mercantile
Hico Mercantile is a collection of shops inside a historic 1890’s Opera House in Historic Hico, Texas. Browse their curated selection of clothing, art, home decor, jewelry, and gifts. Spanning two stories, there is sure to be something for everyone at Hico Mercantile.
4. Hico Retrospective Museum
The Hico Retrospective Museum showcases the local history of Hico through vintage photographs, antique maps, historical furniture, and artifacts—including the town’s original post office desk. The museum is set in a quiet, hidden-gem loft space that overlooks the building’s historic architecture, with the downstairs Blue Star Trading offering Texas art, handmade jewelry, and unique gifts.
5. Wiseman House Chocolates
Wiseman House Chocolates is a gourmet hand made chocolate shop in a renovated 1903 Queen Anne cottage in Historic Hico, Texas. Since 1996, Kevin and LaDonne Wenzel have been making travelers and locals happy with their truffles,
Wiseman House creates all of their small batch chocolate in their dedicated chocolate studio that occupies a century-old building in downtown Hico. The workshop uses organic, fair-trade, premium, gluten-free ingredients—including chocolate from Belgium and Venezuela—and local cream.
6. Two Clay Birds
Step into Two Clay Birds in Hico and slow things down with good food, homemade baked goods, and a little taste of the farm. This family-run bakery, country market, and farmhouse-style eatery is all about bringing people together around fresh, thoughtfully prepared food. From bread baked right in-house to fresh garden produce, homemade treats, and ingredients sourced from local farmers, there’s something special about the way Two Clay Birds does things.
Stop in for a delicious farm-to-table lunch, fresh-baked bread, homemade cinnamon rolls, or one of their famous empanadas, then take a look around the country market for local goods, pantry favorites, and other unique finds.
7. Ted’s Kitchen
Looking for a great burger and a sweet treat in downtown Hico? Stop by Ted’s Kitchen for delicious smash burgers, classic hot dogs, and handmade ice cream served up with plenty of small-town charm. Their burgers are smashed fresh for that crispy, flavorful edge, making them the perfect choice for a casual lunch or dinner while exploring downtown Hico.
8. 2nd Street Social
2nd Street Social is more than just a place to grab a bite—it’s a nonprofit community café in the heart of Hico where good food, good drinks, and good people come together. Stop in for breakfast or lunch, enjoy a specialty coffee or fresh smoothie, or build your own plate from the salad bar. Whether you’re starting your morning with a cup of coffee or meeting up with friends for lunch, 2nd Street Social offers a relaxed, welcoming place to hang out.
And there’s plenty to do after you eat! Challenge your friends to a game of pool, let the kids enjoy the arcade, or simply settle in and enjoy the atmosphere. As a nonprofit community café, 2nd Street Social is all about creating a place where people can gather, connect, and feel at home. It’s a great stop for locals and visitors alike—and a fun way to experience the community spirit that makes Hico special.
9. Green Canoe Outfitters
Green Canoe Outfitters is the kind of place that makes you want to stick around for a while. This men’s shop in Hico brings together outdoor goods, gear, and apparel with a laid-back atmosphere that feels right at home in a Texas small town. Whether you’re looking for something for your next outdoor adventure or just browsing for a good find, there’s plenty to check out.
But Green Canoe Outfitters is more than a shop—it’s a place to hang out. Grab a cold beer on tap or in a can, head out to the outdoor patio, and settle in around one of the fire pits. With live music, a relaxed atmosphere, and plenty of room to kick back with friends, it’s an easy place to spend an afternoon or evening.
10. Punchy Vaquera
Looking for something a little different to add to your wardrobe? Punchy Vaquera is a women’s boutique in downtown Hico offering a fun, stylish collection of clothing, jewelry, and accessories. With a distinctive Western-inspired spirit and plenty of personality, it’s a great place to find something that feels uniquely you.
