Hico, Texas, is an intriguing town with a colorful backstory. Said by locals to be the longtime hideout of Billy the Kid, today this 1,400-person community on the Bosque River is an ideal weekend visit from Dallas, Fort Worth, or Austin.
Founded in 1883 along the Texas Central Railroad, Hico’s early economy centered on cotton and cattle before it became a commercial hub. Like many Texas towns, it has a photo-worthy Victorian-era main street lined with limestone, brickwork, and fading murals. In recent years, the town has experienced a small but noticeable resurgence. New murals brighten the streets, longtime storefronts have been revived, and many historic buildings have been restored with original floors, tall ceilings, and a thoughtful mix of old and new.
For its size, Hico has a surprising amount to explore.
What To Do
Experience the Lore
Local legend claims that Billy the Kid did not die in 1881, but instead lived out his final years quietly in Hico under the name Brushy Bill Roberts. Whether or not the story is true, the town has embraced the myth. Billy the Kid nods appear throughout Main Street, and the Billy the Kid Museum shares research, memorabilia, Western firearms, and vintage uniforms that help tell the story of both the outlaw and the town.
Refine Your Wardrobe
More than 45 boutiques fill Hico’s walkable streets, which makes it a day-trip destination for fashion lovers. Highlights include the Hico Mercantile in a renovated 1890s opera house, Punchy Vaquera, The Lace Cactus which ships hundreds of orders daily from the local post office, and Green Canoe Outfitters, a men’s shop stocked with all-weather clothing and outdoor gear.
Getty Images/Christine Kohler
Run Along the River
Hico City Park offers more than a mile of paved hike-and-bike trails along the peaceful north bank of the Bosque River. It is a perfect spot for a morning workout, an afternoon with family, or a quiet moment by the water.
Catch Some Live Music
HiCo Hall is located in the late 1800s Hico Cotton Seed Oil Mill and sits on more than four acres along the river. The venue hosts weddings, concerts, receptions, and community events for up to 300 guests, with dedicated bride and groom suites. Every Sunday from 3 to 5 p.m., locals and visitors gather for Slow Ride Sundays, a free live music series.
Browse Home Goods and Gifts
For home decor and gift shopping, stop into Blue Star Trading, Hill Country Dwellings, and Sugar Moon Market. Shoppers will find Hico-made candles, rustic antiques, artwork, jewelry, books, and more.
Try Some Homemade Treats
Hico Popcorn Works, a family-run business, serves small-batch popcorn in flavors like kettle corn, salted caramel, and cinnamon. Wiseman House Chocolates, founded by chocolatier Kevin Wenzel, operates both a chocolate factory and a storefront in town. The shop, located in a 1908 Victorian cottage just outside downtown, has handmade truffles, chocolate bars, and peanut brittle.
Courtesy BarbaCelli’s Pizza Joint
BarbaCelli’s Pizza Joint.
Where To Eat
Dig Into Upscale Comfort Food
Even during the week, Hico’s restaurants feel lively. Two local favorites, BarbaCelli’s Pizza Joint and OmaLeen’s, both run by chefs Austin and Shannon Odom, offer very different dining experiences but share a deep connection to family and tradition.
BarbaCelli’s is a brick-oven restaurant known for its pizzas and sandwiches, with a menu that draws on recipes and wisdom passed down from the owners’ grandmothers. OmaLeen’s blends Old West character with Southern hospitality, using local ingredients and serving guests in a dining room anchored by a hand-carved Brunswick bar. The bar once stood in Dodge City, Kansas, and later at the Gene Autry Museum, which adds an extra layer of nostalgic charm.
Courtesy OmaLeen’s
OmaLeen’s.
A Classic Steakhouse
The Chop House at the Midland Hotel is a true Texas steakhouse with French Creole influence. Menu highlights include the Croque Monsieur, Chop House burger, filet mignon, and house-made cavatelli pasta.
Where To Stay
A Step Back in Time
The 14-room Midland Hotel occupies an 1896 building. Each room features unique details that nod to the late 19th century, making it feel like a small step back in time.
Courtesy The Henry
The Henry hotel.
For the Boutique-Hotel Lover
For a more eclectic stay, book one of the themed rooms at The Henry. The six-room boutique hotel includes the Disco Cowboy room with disco ball fixtures, a curved headboard, and a sign that reads, “This Ain’t the Ritz.” The Miss Kitty room features a four-poster bed and a feathered chandelier.
Read the original article on Southern Living