Havana’s Guide to Mason
Sightseeing
Recommendations for sightseeing in Mason and the surrounding area.
Tours every first Saturday of the month, conditions allowing.
Email Jan Appleby at janell@ctesc.net for tour inquiries.
From seaquist.org
"The Seaquist House ... is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has a State of Texas Historical Marker, and is a major feature of the established Historic District. It is a remarkable Victorian residence that is one of the best examples of Italianate architecture in the region. Monumental in scale with 22 rooms, 15 fireplaces, a third-floor ballroom and game room, a wine cellar, and a three story water tower with shower room, it was begun in 1887 along the banks of Comanche Creek. The asymmetrical sandstone mansion was further improved by later owners who added wrap-around porches, hand cut and carved stone, stained glass and turret towers. Today it is no longer occupied, although it remains one of the major local landmarks of historic tourism in this rural ranching community."
11 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Seaquist House
405 Broad StTours every first Saturday of the month, conditions allowing.
Email Jan Appleby at janell@ctesc.net for tour inquiries.
From seaquist.org
"The Seaquist House ... is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has a State of Texas Historical Marker, and is a major feature of the established Historic District. It is a remarkable Victorian residence that is one of the best examples of Italianate architecture in the region. Monumental in scale with 22 rooms, 15 fireplaces, a third-floor ballroom and game room, a wine cellar, and a three story water tower with shower room, it was begun in 1887 along the banks of Comanche Creek. The asymmetrical sandstone mansion was further improved by later owners who added wrap-around porches, hand cut and carved stone, stained glass and turret towers. Today it is no longer occupied, although it remains one of the major local landmarks of historic tourism in this rural ranching community."
Call the Bat Cave Hotline at (325) 347-5970 and listen to the recording for cave updates, hours, and weather-related closures.
Located southwest of Mason, the Eckert James River Bat Cave is one of the largest bat nurseries in the country. Visit the cave at sunset to watch hundreds of bats swirl out of the mouth of the cave forming the "bat tornado" that goes on for about an hour.
12 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Eckert James River Bat Cave Preserve
James River RoadCall the Bat Cave Hotline at (325) 347-5970 and listen to the recording for cave updates, hours, and weather-related closures.
Located southwest of Mason, the Eckert James River Bat Cave is one of the largest bat nurseries in the country. Visit the cave at sunset to watch hundreds of bats swirl out of the mouth of the cave forming the "bat tornado" that goes on for about an hour.
Visit the site of historic Fort Mason, established in 1851 on the frontier as a safe haven for settlers against Native American raids. On the site is a reproduction of the officers' quarters with a small exhibit about the fort's history. Without the fort, there would be no Mason.
It is free to visit, and the vantage point of the fort offers sweeping views of the Texas Hill Country.
11 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Fort Mason
304 Spruce StVisit the site of historic Fort Mason, established in 1851 on the frontier as a safe haven for settlers against Native American raids. On the site is a reproduction of the officers' quarters with a small exhibit about the fort's history. Without the fort, there would be no Mason.
It is free to visit, and the vantage point of the fort offers sweeping views of the Texas Hill Country.
Built in 1894 from native rock, the county jail is a longstanding landmark on the historic square, and it continues to serve as the local jail to this day.
Mason County Jail
122 Westmoreland StBuilt in 1894 from native rock, the county jail is a longstanding landmark on the historic square, and it continues to serve as the local jail to this day.
Constructed in 1909 in the classical revival style, this is the third-generation courthouse of Mason County. It is located at the heart of the Mason Square that spans two blocks long and one block wide.
Mason County Courthouse
201 FT. McKavettConstructed in 1909 in the classical revival style, this is the third-generation courthouse of Mason County. It is located at the heart of the Mason Square that spans two blocks long and one block wide.
The author of Old Yeller, Fred Gipson, is from Mason, Texas.
There is a statue in front of the library. Great for a selfie op.
Old Yeller Statue
unnamedThe author of Old Yeller, Fred Gipson, is from Mason, Texas.
There is a statue in front of the library. Great for a selfie op.
Activities
If you are a golfer, Comanche Creek Golf Course is located in the city park grounds just off Highway 87. The course is a tidy 9-hole layout that is well maintained and frequented by locals.
Call (325) 347-5798 for tee times or questions. Normally a tee time isn't necessary.
Comanche Creek Golf Course
566 Fairground RdIf you are a golfer, Comanche Creek Golf Course is located in the city park grounds just off Highway 87. The course is a tidy 9-hole layout that is well maintained and frequented by locals.
Call (325) 347-5798 for tee times or questions. Normally a tee time isn't necessary.
The Odeon Theater built in 1928 is the oldest continually operating movie theater in West Texas. It is now owned and operated by a non-profit called the Odeon Preservation Association.
Visit theodeontheater.com for more details.
CASH ONLY!! Showtimes are Friday (7:30 PM)-Monday (7:00 PM). Tickets are $4.00. Typical moviegoing snacks are available for purchase.
The theater, serving as a movie theater and performing arts center, also presents live entertainment as scheduled and free classic films on Wednesdays.
14 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Odeon Theatre
122 Moody StThe Odeon Theater built in 1928 is the oldest continually operating movie theater in West Texas. It is now owned and operated by a non-profit called the Odeon Preservation Association.
Visit theodeontheater.com for more details.
CASH ONLY!! Showtimes are Friday (7:30 PM)-Monday (7:00 PM). Tickets are $4.00. Typical moviegoing snacks are available for purchase.
The theater, serving as a movie theater and performing arts center, also presents live entertainment as scheduled and free classic films on Wednesdays.
Open Thursday - Saturday, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Mason history from prehistoric times to today
Call (325) 347-0507 for details.
Mason Square Museum
130 FT. McKavettOpen Thursday - Saturday, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Mason history from prehistoric times to today
Call (325) 347-0507 for details.
Open Thursday - Saturday, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Closed December - February
Call (325) 347-5151/1207/6583 to arrange a tour.
6 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Mason County Museum
505 Moody StOpen Thursday - Saturday, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Closed December - February
Call (325) 347-5151/1207/6583 to arrange a tour.
The city pool is open during the summer months, typically June to August.
Call the city office with question (325) 347-6449 or visit masontxcoc.com for details.
Mason City Pool
530 Post Hill StreetThe city pool is open during the summer months, typically June to August.
Call the city office with question (325) 347-6449 or visit masontxcoc.com for details.
Shop for crystals, essential oils, and handmade jewelry charged with intention. There’s also a spa with various services.
Restored Rocks
708 San Antonio StShop for crystals, essential oils, and handmade jewelry charged with intention. There’s also a spa with various services.
Food scene
Santos is a family favorite in our house. Open Wednesday at lunch through Saturday supper, enjoy "fresh-mex" cuisine, a change of pace from typical "tex-mex" fare.
The queso is a MUST! You can order takeout or dine in. When the wine bar is open, you can bring drinks over from the wine bar, or go sit at the wine bar, and Santos will bring your food order over.
Freddie and Deb Silerio own the place, and they are normally working. Tell them we said hello!
7 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Santos Taqueria
205 San Antonio StSantos is a family favorite in our house. Open Wednesday at lunch through Saturday supper, enjoy "fresh-mex" cuisine, a change of pace from typical "tex-mex" fare.
The queso is a MUST! You can order takeout or dine in. When the wine bar is open, you can bring drinks over from the wine bar, or go sit at the wine bar, and Santos will bring your food order over.
Freddie and Deb Silerio own the place, and they are normally working. Tell them we said hello!
Sandstone Cellars wine bar is another family fave.
In the summer, the sangria or a frosty winerita really hits the spot.
Order a charcuterie board, or ask that your food from Santos be brought to the wine bar and walk over.
Say hi to Michel (the bartender) or Scott and Manny, the owners. Friends of the Family!
Open Noon-8 PM Wednesday through Saturday
13 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Sandstone Cellars Wine Bar
211 San Antonio StSandstone Cellars wine bar is another family fave.
In the summer, the sangria or a frosty winerita really hits the spot.
Order a charcuterie board, or ask that your food from Santos be brought to the wine bar and walk over.
Say hi to Michel (the bartender) or Scott and Manny, the owners. Friends of the Family!
Open Noon-8 PM Wednesday through Saturday
If you are wanting a hearty meal with German roots, Square Plate is the place for you. Take advantage of their daily special or go for the brat/pepperwurst plate or the schnitzel. If I'm alone, I normally grab a small table by the window and watch the traffic go by around the Square.
Their pecan pie is to die for!
Open for lunch Monday-Saturday, 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM
11 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Square Plate Deli
212 FT. McKavettIf you are wanting a hearty meal with German roots, Square Plate is the place for you. Take advantage of their daily special or go for the brat/pepperwurst plate or the schnitzel. If I'm alone, I normally grab a small table by the window and watch the traffic go by around the Square.
Their pecan pie is to die for!
Open for lunch Monday-Saturday, 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM
It's hard to find gourmet coffee in most small towns, but thankfully, La Copa Joe is in Mason. Locally owned and operated, it is a drive-thru joint located across from Coopers BBQ and Lowe’s grocery store off off 87S They have great teas and smoothies in addition to delicious coffee. It's worth swinging by.
La Copa Joe
It's hard to find gourmet coffee in most small towns, but thankfully, La Copa Joe is in Mason. Locally owned and operated, it is a drive-thru joint located across from Coopers BBQ and Lowe’s grocery store off off 87S They have great teas and smoothies in addition to delicious coffee. It's worth swinging by.
Nacho's Cafe is the go-to place for Tex-Mex style food. Ask for white sauce (jalapeño ranch) in addition to their classic salsa. If you want something really spicy, ask for the green sauce.
Their ranch is homemade and delicious as well.
Say hi to Nacho and Lisa if they are around.
7 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Nacho's Cafe
804 FT. McKavettNacho's Cafe is the go-to place for Tex-Mex style food. Ask for white sauce (jalapeño ranch) in addition to their classic salsa. If you want something really spicy, ask for the green sauce.
Their ranch is homemade and delicious as well.
Say hi to Nacho and Lisa if they are around.
Lea Lou has a 21+ club in addition to a regular restaurant serving up pizza and salads. Steak night is Friday night. You choose the cut and temperature of your steak, it's cooked to order, and then you choose from a range of all-you-can-eat sides.
13 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Lea Lou Co Op
114 San Antonio StLea Lou has a 21+ club in addition to a regular restaurant serving up pizza and salads. Steak night is Friday night. You choose the cut and temperature of your steak, it's cooked to order, and then you choose from a range of all-you-can-eat sides.
Willow Creek is a long time staple of the Mason Square.
It is the best place for a classic chicken fried steak. Their French fries and rolls are my favorite, and you get a trip to the salad bar included with most meals. Try the buttermilk pie if you have a sweet tooth. It is homemade in-house, and it is delicious with an after-dinner cup of coffee.
They also have a 21+ club in the back.
18 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Willow Creek Cafe & Club
106 FT. McKavettWillow Creek is a long time staple of the Mason Square.
It is the best place for a classic chicken fried steak. Their French fries and rolls are my favorite, and you get a trip to the salad bar included with most meals. Try the buttermilk pie if you have a sweet tooth. It is homemade in-house, and it is delicious with an after-dinner cup of coffee.
They also have a 21+ club in the back.
This place is good for baked goods and a quick bite. Casseroles, sandwiches, and salads.
The 3:20 Bistro
246 FT. McKavettThis place is good for baked goods and a quick bite. Casseroles, sandwiches, and salads.
Parr Vineyards
106 Austin StLocal winemaker’s tasting room with small bites.
Shopping
The Thing Is Boutique
244 FT. McKavettThis boutique has unique handmade items with an eclectic style.
Nell's Vintage & Antiques
112 S Liveoak StCool finds both old and new.