M is for Mineral Wells

My ABC journey would begin with Mineral Wells, a town of about 15,000 an hour west of Fort Worth.

My first stop was Clark Gardens which is technically in Weatherford, but just barely. The gardens and trails here are gorgeous. It was such a wonderful way to start the day. In addition to the gardens, if you are lucky, you’ll spot peacocks, and blue herons. They must have been hiding the day I was there. The gardens also have a model train exhibit starting Labor Day weekend. Clark Gardens is a part of the Reciprocal Garden Network so if you are a member of your hometowns botanical garden, you may have free admission.

Downtown Mineral Wells has been experiencing a rebirth over the last few years and it makes for a great weekend getaway. The main street is full of boutiques and restaurants and Mineral Wells is home to a couple of really cool institutions.

Famous Mineral Water Company

Founded in the late 1800s, Mineral Wells soon capitalized on its mineral waters. After realizing the funny tasting water wasn’t dangerous but potentially healing, the mineral water business soon boomed. I brought a few varieties back home with me. You can learn the full story here.

Baker Hotel

As the mineral water business grew, Mineral Wells became a destination for those seeking the water’s healing properties. The Baker Hotel & Spa opened in 1929 and was a true resort, especially for the famous. The hotel saw serious decline in the second half of the twentieth century though and it has been closed for decades, despite being placed on the National Historic Registry. Good new though! The hotel has been undergoing renovations for the last several years and will be reopening in 2028. I cannot wait to return to Mineral Wells to visit the Baker! You can follow the progress here.

visited September 2022