The video above is a quick tour of Hillsboro, Texas, a small town of about 8,000 people sitting right where I-35 West and I-35 East split from each other. It's roughly 60 miles south of Dallas-Fort Worth and about 30 miles north of Waco, which makes it a spot a lot of people pass through without ever really stopping. That's a mistake, because Hillsboro has a solid downtown square, some genuine history, and a few places worth pulling off the highway for — including a spot with live music.
What Is There to Do in Downtown Hillsboro, Texas?
The heart of Hillsboro is its classic Texas courthouse square, with the Hill County Courthouse surrounded by a ring of older buildings housing shops, restaurants, and furniture stores. Some of these buildings date back to the 1800s and have been carefully restored, and the area also features a number of restored Victorian homes. The courthouse itself has an interesting backstory — it was damaged in a fire in 1999, and Willie Nelson helped fund its restoration by putting on benefit concerts. That connection makes sense given that Willie was born in the nearby town of Abbott, just a short drive away. Beyond the square, Hillsboro has some Bonnie and Clyde history too. The infamous duo apparently came through town and caused a stir back in their day, which adds another layer to the place. Walking around the square, there's a good mix of things to check out, and the food is worth a stop. RNK Cafe, right near the square, served up a solid sirloin — no complaints there.
Live Music Spots in and Near Hillsboro
Hillsboro isn't a major music destination, but there is live music to be found if you know where to look. During the visit, a band was setting up for an evening show at one of the spots on the square. David Bridwell also played a gig nearby that same evening, heading out to Whitney for a set at a lakeside venue. Here are the spots worth knowing about:
- Hillsboro Truck Yard — A spot right in Hillsboro that features live bands, with acts setting up to play in the evening. Located near the downtown area.
- Lighthouse Pub (Whitney, TX) — A laid-back venue overlooking Lake Whitney, about 25 minutes from Hillsboro. David Bridwell performed here and it made for a great gig with the lake as the backdrop.
A Good Stop Between Dallas and Waco
If you're driving I-35 between Dallas-Fort Worth and Waco, Hillsboro is one of those towns that rewards a quick detour. The downtown square is walkable, the history is real, and there's enough food and character to make it more than just a gas station stop. Keep an eye on what's happening at the Hillsboro Truck Yard if you're passing through on a weekend — you might catch some live music without even planning on it. For more tours of small Texas towns and the music scenes that keep them interesting, check out the full collection of videos here on the site.