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Beyond the Barn: Southwest Type Conference, Round II

Wednesday, February 28, 2018

Lifestyle Sales and Shows

The Southwest Type Conference (SWTC) kicks off the month of March in Belton, Texas. For Midwesterners, Belton serves as a summer-like oasis amid winter weather. With a little Southern sunshine and a lot of Southern cooking, SWTC is always a favorite of folks on the show circuit. Last year, we gave you five great stops that took you beyond the barn in Belton. You can see those here. This year, we’re giving you five more places worth venturing to, if you’re itching to explore outside of the Bell County Expo Center.

Miller’s Smokehouse: This downtown favorite will give you that smoky, Southern barbecue that you’ve been craving. But, don’t forget to leave room for dessert. “Mama Miller’s” baked goods section boasts cobblers, pies, banana pudding, cookies and other homemade delights. Miller’s also puts you in a great spot to start exploring the historic downtown.

Temple Railroad and Heritage Museum: If you took our advice to visit the Bell County Museum last year, then you will love the Temple Railroad and Heritage Museum in the neighboring town. Voted the best place to visit in Temple, Texas, by TripAdvisor.com, this stop will let you take an Instagram worthy shot of you and your friends exploring an old steam engine. All aboard!

The Gin at Nolan Creek: This stop combines good food and Texas heritage. The Gin at Nolan Creek inhabits an old cotton mill that stands near the very first stage coach stops in the Belton area. Originally built in the 1920s, every room in the old gin has been transformed into the food and entertainment complex that it is today. The main dining room was once the machinery area, and the bar used to serve as the press foundation. You’ll wait to be seated on the original scales, which still work.

The Little Bohemian Bakery:  If you and your crew can’t decide whether you want to spring for something sweet or savory, head to the Little Bohemian Bakery. This gem doesn’t have its own website but has rave reviews for its kolaches. What the heck is a kolache? Well, it’s a puff pastry filled with fruit and sometimes even sausage perfected by the Czech immigrants that settled in Texas.

Magnolia Market at the Silos: With Chip and Joanna Gaines hanging up their DIY TV show Fixer Upper, we thought it would be a good time to remind you that their store is just a hop, skip and a jump from Belton – 44.1 miles to be exact. In less than an hour, you can make it from the Bell County Expo Center to this farmhouse heaven. Holy shiplap!

We hope you have a great time in Belton and enjoy making memories with your friends and family both in and beyond the barn.