Mosey on up I-35 and find a surprising amount to do and see in Pilot Point, Texas. This quaint town in Northeast Denton County is the perfect weekend destination for a couple’s getaway, girl’s trip, or family escapades.
Distinguished as a Texas Main Street City, the charming town square houses shops and restaurants, while the surrounding area is full of animals, ranches, and outdoor adventures.
What to Do
Bonnie and Clyde Days // This annual event takes place in early October, celebrating the town’s history as stomping grounds for the notorious duo. You’ll find the usual festival fare of local vendors, excellent food, outstanding performances, and a reenactment of the famous bank robbery scene from the 1978 movie filmed in Pilot Point.
Ray Roberts Lake State Park // With its eastern shore a mere two miles from Pilot Point, the Ray Roberts Lake offers a multitude of outdoor activities, and the state park is a scenic setting that is great for camping, hiking, swimming, and fishing.
Sharkarosa Wildlife Ranch // A beautiful, 126-acre ranch, the Sharkarosa Wildlife Ranch allows you to experience rare and endangered wildlife in a personal setting with self-guided tours, a petting zoo, and the opportunity for private animal encounters. The ranch is open to the public Friday thru Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Texas Tulips // A seasonal favorite, the amazing tulips that cover the rolling hills every spring make Texas Tulips the perfect reason to visit Pilot Point. In addition to being a setting for some truly Instagrammable photos, there’s also the opportunity to pick tulips, purchase bulbs for your garden at home, and a hay maze to keep the kiddos entertained!
Western Son Distillery // Perfect for an adult outing, the Western Son Distillery offers tasting tours that showcase their vodka distillation process from start to finish. Tours are on Fridays at 4:00 p.m. and Saturdays at 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., and 5:00 p.m., but you can purchase bottles of the tasty brews any day of the week.
Where to Stay
Big Barrels Family Retreat // A fun vacation rental property, this 5,000+ square foot holiday home is the perfect place to house a family gathering. With spacious accommodations, a wrap-around porch, and a pool table, you’ll feel luxuriously at home.
Fortunata Winery // With beautiful boutique villas, the Fortunata Winery hits the trifecta for Pilot Point, boasting accommodations, activities, and refreshments! Be warned, the charcuterie boards, oven-fired pizzas, and incredible wine are only for the 21+ crowd, as it is an adults-only establishment!
Four Horseman Travel Lodge // Consider a quaint, old-fashioned stay in Pilot Point at the budget-friendly Four Horseman Travel Lodge. The price is right, there’s an outdoor pool, and it keeps you close to the highway for easy travel to local spots!
Lone Star Lodge and Marina // Located on the shores of Lake Ray Roberts, the Lone Star Lodge and Marina keeps you close to the great outdoors. In addition to the boat, jet ski, and kayak rentals, the retreat boasts reasonably priced-guest rooms, including suite options, and there are rollaway beds you can add if the kiddos tag along.
Slye Ranch // A welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle, Slye Ranch is surrounded by lush greenery and is hidden in the trees close to Lake Ray Roberts. While the A-frame cabin is perfect for both family and group trips, the Copper Can accommodations are for couples only and an ideal setting to reconnect with your honey.
Where to Eat
Corner Cafe // For an old-fashioned breakfast, you can’t go wrong with the Corner Cafe. The hearty breakfast platters are filled to the brim with food to get you up and running. Both you and the kids will be thrilled with the chocolate chip pancakes on the menu!
Nick’s Italian Restaurant // Another family establishment, Nick’s Italian Restaurant uses heirloom recipes to create a menu of authentic Italian favorites in a cozy atmosphere the whole family will enjoy.
Pedro’s Tex Mex // A family-owned restaurant, Pedro’s Tex Mex is located right on the main square with an extensive menu that includes all your Tex Mex favorites.
Prairie House // With foodie hearts, the folks at Prairie House Restaurant are passionate about serving pure, natural food that is American grown. From hearty breakfast options to steak dinners, this restaurant suits you at any time of day.
For more driving destination ideas, check out Fort Worth Moms “Guide to Road Trips from Fort Worth.”
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Emily H. is a writer for Fort Worth Moms. Although born in Austin, Emily grew up on the Eastside of Fort Worth. After marrying her high school sweetheart, and following the military’s whims for a few years, the lovebirds wound up back in the Fort, with their three children in tow. Currently, Emily shares her love of books and writing with both her children and her middle school students. On the weekends, you’ll find her outside running local streets and trails, as well as being her kids’ biggest fan at whatever sport may be in season. Read more articles by Emily H. here!
