The video above is a quick travel guide to Mineral Wells, Texas, a small town just west of the Dallas-Fort Worth area that has a lot more going on than you might expect. David Bridwell rolled into town for a gig and ended up exploring the historic downtown strip, sampling the famous local water, and grabbing breakfast at a classic diner before playing his show. If you're thinking about making the drive out to Mineral Wells, this is a solid overview of what to check out while you're there.
The Baker Hotel and Crazy Water
The first thing you'll notice when you pull into Mineral Wells is the Baker Hotel. It towers over everything else in town and has been standing there since 1929. It was once a luxurious resort destination where people came specifically for the local mineral water and spa treatments. Over the decades, the building fell into serious disrepair and picked up a reputation for being haunted. But there's a major restoration effort underway to turn it back into a full-service resort with a spa and all the amenities. When that project wraps up, it's going to change the whole feel of the town.
The mineral water itself is a big part of the town's identity. Mineral Wells got its name from the natural wells in the area, and back in the early 1900s, people believed the alkaline, mineral-rich water had all kinds of health benefits. That tradition lives on through Crazy Water, which is bottled locally and sold in four different mineral concentrations. You can sample it around town and decide for yourself whether it lives up to the hype. At the very least, it's a fun piece of local history worth trying.
What Are Some Good Places to Eat and Hear Live Music in Mineral Wells, Texas?
Mineral Wells has a few spots worth stopping at, whether you're coming through for food or looking for a place with live music on the schedule:
- Happy Days Diner — A 1950s-style diner with period decor, serving classic American breakfast food like eggs, hash browns, and all the diner staples you'd want. The food is genuinely good and the atmosphere fits the town's throwback character.
- Taqueria La Australa — A Mexican restaurant that books live music acts. David Bridwell played a gig here to a solid crowd enjoying food and music together. It's the kind of casual spot where the music and the meal go hand in hand.
Mineral Wells isn't exactly a major live music hub, but spots like Taqueria La Australa bring in performers and give the town some real energy on the weekends. With the Baker Hotel restoration moving forward and the downtown area already walkable and interesting, this is a town that's worth keeping an eye on — especially if you're in the DFW area and want a day trip that feels like a different world.