The City of Coleman is a thriving and vibrant community in the heartland of Texas. Coleman is 52 miles southeast of Abilene on Hwy 84 and 52 miles north of Brady on Hwy 283, making it an easy trip from west or central Texas, as well as more metropolitan areas. Make Coleman your weekend destination and take advantage of all the town has to offer, including a charming shopping district, natural resources, annual events and outdoor recreation.
Once you’ve seen Coleman’s welcoming hospitality, you might even consider living here, where the economy and job opportunities are diversified and the positive business climate is bringing new ventures. “We are excited about the energy and new investment that is happening in Coleman. Our partnerships and cooperative projects are making a difference,” said Kim Little, Executive Director of the Coleman Economic Development Corporation and Coleman Community Coalition. April 15-16, Coleman will host the Spring Show of Petticoats on the Prairie Vintage Market (POTP). POTP, based in Colorado City, is one of the largest providers of vintage merchandise in the country, the ladies take their show on the road a couple of times a year.
“Vintage” runs the gamut from antiques, furniture, architectural pieces, jewelry and clothing, to handmade and repurposed items. There will be junk, too - but this is not a typical flea market. POTP is a 2-day juried show and 80 vendors have been carefully screened and selected to showcase only the best products. Booths are carefully designed with boutique-style displays guaranteed to provide a unique shopping experience. Thousands of collectors, dealers and the general public flock to POTP events, where they can find almost any type of collectible item - all under one “roof”.
The Coleman Spring Show of POTP will be held at the Bill Franklin Center/Goree Expo Center, just south of downtown Coleman. The two-day event begins Friday, April 15th with an Early-shopping Brunch from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon, then doors open to the public from 12:00 noon - 6:00 p.m. On Saturday, April 16th, POTP is open from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. This is a huge event, so be sure to allow lots of time to browse. There will be plenty of parking available on-site. As an added attraction, Sisters on the Fly will accompany POTP to Coleman. This amazing women’s outfit will bring their very cute vintage trailers (think “I Love Lucy”) for the enjoyment of visitors to the show. No doubt they’ll also spend some time taking advantage of abundant fishing in the area. See lots of pictures, descriptions, vendors, merchandise and other information on the Petticoats on the Prairie/Facebook page and at www.sistersonthefly.com.
Anytime you visit Coleman, you’ll want to spend time in the four-block business district on both sides of Commercial Avenue. You can easily walk from shop to shop, browsing through each unique store, where there’s truly something for everyone on your gift list. These are shops chock-full of merchandise, tastefully and artistically displayed to rival any city boutique. Mid-century modern is a hot decorating and fashion trend now and Bonneville, with its striking turquoise front door and interiors has the best of this look, offering classic furniture pieces, other household items, clothing and accessories. It’s a must-see for anyone who collects or decorates in this eclectic style. Grammer’s department store offers fine wearing apparel, kitchen items, books and lots more.
A Wing and a Prayer is “where sparkle and rust mingle” as they turn junk into treasure. Petal Patch, a flower shop which also sells candles, candy and accessories, has been in business for 30 years. You’ll find the unexpected, old and new, funky and fabulous, at Uncommon Goods. Rounding out retail outlets on this side of the street are Earle Smith jewelry store, Merle Norman makeup boutique and Alley Cats Salon and Owl Drug, a pharmacy with an old-fashioned soda fountain, grill and gift shop. Across the street, find all types of sewing paraphernalia, craft supplies and kits at Coleman Craft and Gift Store. AmayesN Designs is a clothing store which also offers custom graphic designs.
Jamison Mercantile rents individual vendors’ stalls with a broad range of merchandise, so there’s always something new and interesting. Check out their painting and calligraphy classes, too. While you’re enjoying your shopping outing, there are several places to have coffee, a light lunch, snacks or dinner along the way. You could start your morning or have a mid-day pick-me-up with a visit to Centro Coffee-Raven’s Brew, which offers hot and cold espresso drinks, pie, biscotti, cookies and muffins. For lunch or dinner, try Rancho Pizzeria, an upscale dining restaurant serving wood-fired pizza, wine and beer, with selections from Texas breweries and vineyards. Elsewhere in town, there’s an extensive variety of eateries, including steakhouses, American, Mexican, fried chicken, Chinese and several fast food stops.
You’ll want to visit Coleman for a weekend or longer and Rancho Loma B&B, Best Western and Budget Inn all provide comfortable lodging facilities. Coleman was founded in 1876 on Hord’s Creek, an area of grassy plains which was ideal for farming and ranching, and agriculture still makes up a hefty part of the economy. But Coleman is also rich in other natural resources, affording coal, oil and gas production and varied manufacturing industries. A strong labor force, excellent municipal airport and transportation services and the support of the CEDC and CCC make this a county of growth and opportunity.
The frontier heritage of Coleman County, which is named for Robert M. Coleman, aide-de-camp to General Sam Houston, is preserved at several historical sites, including Camp Colorado, the area’s earliest outpost. And Coleman County is unparalled in outdoor recreation. Native wildlife, including turkey, deer, ducks, dove and quail flourish here, providing a hunters’ paradise and photography, painting, hiking and birdwatching are enjoyed by all nature-lovers. The clean, clear waters of six major lakes - Lake Coleman, Ivie Reservoir, Lake Scarborough, Memory Lake, Lake Santa Anna and Hord’s Creek - attract anglers from beginners to seasoned sport fishermen. The mild climate gives visitors an opportunity to take advantage of Coleman’s Country Club, featuring a swimming pool and 9-hole golf course, which is open to visitors on a fee basis.
Coleman offers a wide variety of other events to attract visitors year-round. Always a big tourist draw and crowd-pleaser, the 79th Annual PCRA-sanctioned pro-rodeo will be held June 9-11 at the Coleman Rodeo Grounds. Little George Havens’ Cowboy Camp Meeting is in June, followed by the LGH Hispanic Cowboy Camp Meeting in July, both located on Hwy 84 between Coleman and Santa Anna. Patriotism is on display during the July 4th Celebration in the Park and young cowboys and cowgirls will show off their skills at the Coleman Junior Rodeo, August 5-6. Wildlife Dove Fest on September 3 is held at the beautiful Bill Franklin Center and the annual Fiesta de la Paloma and Dove Cook-off is scheduled for October 1. Keeping up their “spirits”, Coleman celebrates the Prickly Pear Wine and Food Festival on October 22, along with a 5K Run that same day, sponsored by Rancho Centra, LLC.
The Hunter’s Barbecue will be November 4 and Coleman’s many Christmas activities and events begin with a Christmas Parade on December 1 and continue through December 25. Whatever the season, there’s always an event to attend in Coleman. For a daytrip, weekend or vacation, the community waits to welcome you with an adventure and their own brand of Texas pride and hospitality! Coleman: “Stop-Shop-Wine-Dine”! Because events and dates can be subject to change, when traveling long distances, it’s always advisable to call and confirm ahead of time. For more information about Coleman or any of its events, contact Kim Little, Exec Director of CEDC and CCC or the Coleman Chamber of Commerce, Agriculture and Tourist Bureau. Contact either at: 325-625-2163, 218 S Commercial Ave, Coleman, TX 76834. Websites: www.colemanedc.com or www.colemantexas.org. Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
