Antique car at Winnsboro's antique car show and parade photo by 4t studios
You are visiting Winnsboro. Whether it be your first time or your millionth time, you are always looking for fun free things to do while you are here. Here are the top 8 things you can do for free while you visit our beautiful little town.
1. Visit the Depot Museum
The Depot Museum has all kinds of Winnsboro Historical info and fun artifacts. It was initially built in 1878 and rebuilt after a fire destroyed it in 1908. Although the Depot is no longer a stopping point for trains anymore. At one time, it was a bustling place to be seen. In the early 1900's it had daily rounds and stops for three separate passenger trains. On Sundays, the "thing to do" while you were in town was to eat lunch and watch trains. Winnsboro was also a stop for trains picking up cotton and produce. The museum now has public restrooms on one end and the museum on the other. Get a glimpse into the history of Winnsboro through this little museum. It is a must-see for history buffs.
The Depot is open on Fridays from 1–4 pm and Saturdays from 10-4
Although it is free, they accept donations
Private tours are available.
(903) 347-2634
2. The Farmers Market
Every season from April through October, Winnsboro's Farmers Market is up and running with its delightful vendors selling everything from Farm-fresh veggies and grass-fed beef to homemade soaps and crafts. The Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 8 am - 12 pm during the season. Don't forget to get a picture with the Blinged out tractor while you are there! There is no entry fee.
3. Window Shopping
Window shopping is always free, but I cannot promise it will be cheap. We have an array of stores with wonderful products for sale. The best places to Window shop are on Main Street and Market Street. On Main Street, you have the antique shop Beauweevils. There are booths of antiques, arts and crafts, and unique finds. The shop is beautifully set up and easy to maneuver. While you are there, be sure to say hi to Weevils, the store cat.
Another antique shop is finders keepers across Main street from Beuweevils. They also have quite a large store filled with unique treasures. There is one booth I particularly love that sells costume jewelry. There is everything from glassware to musical instruments at this shop. You could spend hours looking at all the cool stuff between the two shops.
Three shops on Main street are boutiques.
Betsy's Boutique has a wide variety of clothing in several styles and a good selection of sizes from XS to plus. They also sell jewelry and accessories.
Ani Oakley is right next door with a good supply of clothes and shoes. The jewelry is unique.
And across the Street is Clara Ida Francis. They have everything from Housewares to bath body supplies. They also carry designer reading glasses, clothes, and fancy fudge if you are hungry. In the back of the store, they have a high-end consignment area with both modern and classic clothing and accessories. The shop is well set up and easy to maneuver through.
Edison Exchange is a shop specializing in estate jewelry on the same street. They were formerly located in Oaklea Masion and have recently relocated to Main street. Some of their jewelry and accessories are extremely rare and hard to find.
As we head to Market Street, we walk down Elm, and there is an amazing little store called Elm Street Apothecary. She sells herbs and essential oils, homemade teas, and lots more. Almost anything you need for natural healing and relaxation can be found here. The store smells fantastic as well.
Also on Elm Street is 5C Custom creations, and although they are known for their custom signs and furniture, it's a great place to window shop, with all kinds of interesting gifts ready to be bought on the spot.
Finally, on Market Street are The Bowery Boutique and Merle Norman Cosmetics. They are located together in the same building. The Boutique offers exceptional clothing, gifts, and accessories, and Merle norman has a wide variety of makeup and skin care.
These stores make a great day of fun window shopping with friends!
4. Winnsboro Center for The Arts
Winnsboro Center for the Arts is the place to be for art and music. There is almost always an art exhibit to see all year round. Many exhibits feature artists from not only Winnsboro but the surrounding areas as well. These exhibits are free, although they do accept donations.
5. Swimming, Fishing, or Camping
There are several lakes surrounding Winnsboro for swimming, fishing, and camping. Some of the parks are free, and some require a small fee, especially for overnight camping. Swimming and fishing are free for the most part.
Lake fork is by far the most popular and well-known lake, and it is a man-made reservoir used to feed the Dallas metroplex drinking water. It has been fully stocked with Bass, catfish, and brim.
Lake Winnsboro is a smaller lake that is usually very quiet, and it has a sandy beach for swimming and a carp barge for fishing.
Lake cypress has several parks with beaches and places for fishing.
Lake Bob Sandlin is a State park, so there is a nominal fee for entry, but they have swimming
, fishing, and camping with restrooms and other activities as well.
6. Play Some Hockey
Winnsboro may be small, but we do have a hockey rink. The rink is available to different age groups at different times for practice and lessons, and the rink is also available to rent for private parties at a fee. The general practice and lessons are free, with donations accepted.
7. Autumn Trails
Every year during the month of October, Winnsboro has its annual Autumn Trails Festival. Each weekend is filled with fun and free activities. The most popular are The trail ride parade and the antique car parade and show; there are also trade days, arts & Crafts, and a rodeo during the month.
8. Art & Wine Festival
finally, we have a newer festival for Winnsboro. Winnsboro Center for the Arts sponsors the Art & Wine Festival. There are vendors galore at this festival with samples of wines, cheeses, and more. Many of the vendors are artists from all over the world and locally who are amazing. It's worth coming to see the art and sample the wine. Entry to the festival is free.
During your stay at Oaklea Mansion, you will never be bored. There are many things to do here, including the eight freebies I just listed. Winnsboro is an amazing town with amazing people. Have fun during your stay!
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