If you are looking for a special bike location, we have just the spot for you, Turkey, Texas. Turkey is a small, rural Texas city with a distinctive history. Bob Wills, a country singer story, lives here. He was born in Groesbeck, Texas, but his family moved to Turkey and established a Ranch just west of town. The city has a population of roughly 317 people and is fifteen times the size of the annual three-day Bob Wills Festival held on April the final weekend of April. The event includes an array of players, a festival, food, suppliers, and a car present.
Some people believe that the Panhandle region is nothing more than level, teeming with cotton fields and cow pastures. You just need to understand which roads to take in order to understand that. For example, getting your image out and look for Farm- to- Business Road 1919 and Farm- to- Market Road 267 out of Seymour, Texas. These two streets exemplify cotton areas, cattle meadows, and rolling hills. Move through rolling hills and past picture-perfect farms on Ranch Road 1440, Farm- to- Market Road 94, and Farm- to- Market Road 656 off of Texas Highway 62 only north of Paducah.
When in Turkey, the may- sees are the Welcoming Plaza, 1928 Phillips 66 Gas Station, Bob Wills Museum, and Bob Wills Memorial. You’re likely going to want some meal after visiting the websites. The choices in Turkey are limited but include the Turkey Creek Winery, Tona’s Mexican Kitchen, Tony’s Ice Cream Shop, and the Hotel Turkey.
Hotel Turkey is available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Friday nights is ribeye day. You can watch them make your ribeye on an empty pan and have it served with shrimp, animal chest, and all of the leftovers. Since its 1927 opening, the resort, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has been in use ever since. It has a vintage-style atmosphere and transports you to a time-old film like John Wayne. George W. Bush remained there while he was Texas ‘ government.
Hotel Turkey is a popular spot for live entertainment. Bands and soloists from all over the United States travel to the resort, and the hotel’s administration receives tips and generosity. In the two nights we stayed there, we saw Forrest McCurren, Robert Cline Jr., Rhett Uhland, and Landin Tally, all done artists. All put on a fantastic performance for a sold-out audience. For a full schedule of who will remain playing, check out the resort site.
Ride 25 miles east of Turkey to Caprock Canyon State Park while in the region. One of the highlights of the Texas area program is this. Opened in 1982, the garden contains 300 completely- range buffalo donated by the descendants of Charles Goodnight. The Caprock Canyons State Park elk cattle is now the standard State Bison Herd, according to the Texas Legislature.
As we entered the park, a huge bison herd was lying along the roadside. Drive so close to the bull and feel as though you can reach out and touch them is a terrifying experience. Make the halt at the Visitor’s Center for a restroom break, knowledge, and souvenirs. The trip to the park’s finish is about five miles long. You will go a river, a number of camping areas, and some of the most breathtaking scenery you have ever seen. Just be cautious of all the bull dung that comes your way. There are several roads through the area if you like to hike. Scooters can be rented for$ 5 in the area. The park’s entire collection will be used to support its preservation.
Return to the Bison Café in Quitaque for lunch ( pronounced “kitty-qway” locally ). In 2015, Governor Greg Abbott proclaimed the town the Bison Capital of Texas. Every year, there is a BisonFest to raise funds for the elk herd at Caprock Canyons. The Bison Café‘s selection is varied and includes good ol ‘ Americana meal. We recommend the sandwiches.
From Quitaque, drive east on Texas Highway 86 to Farm- to- Business 256. Get a left on Farm- to- Market Road 256 and stay on riding. You might assume that this is just a trip through the cattle pastures before instantly you will arrive at the William E. Schott rest area. William is credited with breaking through the Caprock challenge by constructing the first carriage road to Silverton, where he aided in the formation of Briscoe County in 1892. You’ll be surprised at how quickly the scenery changes if you enter the rest area.
Continue on FM 256 for some more sluggish and twisty turns down the Caprock to Texas Highway 70 after you’ve admired the sights from the rest area. Following TX Hwy 70 up to Turkey by turning right. Prevent on the bridge over the Little Red River along the way to admire the scenery.
A last word of advice: if you decide to drive the less traveled atmosphere of the Texas Panhandle, be on the call for birds, street joggers, deer, and the occasional wandering cattle.
