Category Archives: Texas

A Scenic Drive Along Hwy 180

Nothing beats a drive out into the middle of nowhere and the middle of nowhere can definitely be found in Texas. These photos were taken off Highway 180 between Weatherford and Strawn, Texas.

Highway 180, Texas, Texas Drive

Palo Pinto Courthouse. This town is tiny but the courthouse area has so much character. Brings you back in time…

Highway 180, Texas, Texas Drive, Palo Pinto

Back on the road… there’s a whole lot of nothing. I love it!

Highway 180, Texas, Texas Drive

Have you ever traveled this route? It makes for a perfect weekend drive!

In the area:
The Baker Hotel – Mineral Wells
Crazy Water – Mineral Wells

Today I’m linking up with Communal Global, Photography Essentials and Create With Joy for {Wordless Wednesday}.

Crazy Water

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Mineral Wells, Texas, Texas Day Trip, Health, Mineral Water

What brought everyone to Mineral Wells? It’s what they call crazy water!

In 1880, Mr. and Mrs. James Lynch drilled a well on their property in Mineral Wells. The water tasted funny but it was harmless, it was actually beneficial. Their ailments slowly started to decrease. It’s also said to have helped alleviate an old woman’s dementia (crazies). Thus we have “crazy water”.

In 1881, another well is drilled with the same water presiding and a growing number of people arriving, ready to buy a glass of this healing water. By 1900, Mineral Wells has visitors traveling from all over the world coming to drink and bathe in the mineral water springs. By 1913, Mineral Wells had over 21 different mineral water companies. Multiple bath houses, wells, sanitariums and numerous hotels. Mineral Wells, Texas, Texas Day Trip, Health, Mineral Water The mineral water holds many different natural minerals including zinc, magnesium, calcium, manganese, and silica to name a few. No mineral can be added to mineral water. With the minerals being in the drinking water, it allows the minerals to be absorbed into the body easier. Allowing folks to stay hydrated and recover faster. (If Mike Modano loves mineral water, it must be great!)

Throughout the years, mineral water is proclaimed to have many health benefits. Although business and the number of open wells has decreased (only two wells are currently open), mineral water can still be found today at one of the original pavilions – Mr. Dismuke’s Famous Pavilion.

Mineral Wells, Texas, Texas Day Trip, Health, Mineral Water

Step on inside, to hear a bit of history, see products and photographs from the prosperous days when mineral water was first introduced and sample some of the mineral water for yourself.

Mineral Wells, Texas, Texas Day Trip, Health, Mineral Water

In case you’re curious, the water tastes a little thicker than normal water and silky. There’s definitely a different taste but it’s not bad. There’s also different levels of the mineral water with hold various mineral contents (and taste).

Mineral Wells, Texas, Texas Day Trip, Health, Mineral Water

Have you ever had or heard of the crazy water?

Crazy Water
209 N. W. 6th Street
Mineral Wells, Texas 76067
Tel: (940) 325-8870

Texas Day Trip to the Baker Hotel

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Mineral Wells, Texas, Hotel, Haunted, Historic Landmark

Mineral Wells, Texas is known for their mineral water or “crazy water”. In this small town just west of Fort Worth, business was booming. People were traveling from near and far hoping to get their hands on this water that claimed to heal them of their ailments. After money was raised in a community effort, ground breaking began for what would be known as the Baker Hotel in 1926.

The hotel was magnificent, so they say. It did hold the first swimming pool at a hotel in Texas after all. Once completed in 1929, the structure would be 14 stories high, 450 guest rooms, two ballrooms, a bowling alley, gymnasium and of course the pool. Cost: $1.2 million (in 1929). The lights and fans were all controlled by the room key, ice water circulated to all of the guest rooms, valet laundry was available. The hotel prospered, visited by celebrities (Lucille Ball) and Presidents alike (Lyndon B. Johnson).

Mineral Wells, Texas, Hotel, Haunted, Historic Landmark

Over the years, the hotel changed owners (and investors) and slowly declined in business. At one time, the Baker hotel housed infantry soldiers when Fort Wolters opened nearby. In 1979, the hotel closed doors for the last time and has since been sitting vacant and the victim of vandalism.

Mineral Wells, Texas, Hotel, Haunted, Historic Landmark

If you research news the hotel, you will see there are plans of a renovation although I’m sure it was cost a unimaginable sum. You will also find photos from within the building. There’s also been numerous ghost hunters who have visited this hotel. Keep in mind, many people who were sick with disease and dying came to this hotel in hopes of a cure – some never left.

Today, if driving through Mineral Wells, it’s hard to miss this monster of a building. It towers above all. You can stop, walk around the building and take photos however it’s marked no trespassing. The pool sits next to the hotel, lifeguard stand is still there, waiting for new visitors.

Mineral Wells, Texas, Hotel, Haunted, Historic Landmark

Have you ever visited or driven by the Baker Hotel? Do you know of any stories?