If you find yourself with a free afternoon one of these days-which all college students know is an uncommon occurrence-take advantage of it by planning a trip to Buffalo Gap, (and no, not the road). The Buffalo Gap Historic Village, most recognized for the famous Perini Ranch Steakhouse, is becoming a popular area for Abilene college students to visit – and for good reason.
The town, located only 20 minutes south of Abilene, offers a small-town, country experience and a welcoming atmosphere available only in Texas. By simply parking your car and wandering up and down Main street, you will encounter friendly faces and charming, unique shops that are exclusive to this quaint village. If you want a day away from Abilene, follow this Buffalo Gap to-do list for a relaxing and enjoyable excursion.
Ernest Cheek, vendor from Euless, awaits customers at his booth, where he sells his own hand crafted birdhouses. KELSI WILLIAMSON Staff Photographer
Begin the day by visiting the Buffalo Gap Flea Market. Every third Saturday of the month, the flea market shuts down the main street in the Old Settlers’ Reunion Grounds, and local vendors set up their tables and sell everything from homemade honey to used books to painted ceramic roosters.
Among delightfully unorganized piles of goods, you may find an unexpected treasure or gift offered only by these pleasant market vendors. Half of the fun is meandering through rows of booths, striking up a conversation with the merchants and perhaps munching on some freshly roasted almonds or a funnel cake.
For lunch, visit Lola’s Mexican Food Cafe. The restaurant is as much an experience as it is a good place to eat. When you walk in, any expectations of a “sit-down” restaurant go out the window, and you have almost as much a part in serving as Lola does.
Colorful, Mexican-themed decor welcomes visitors to Lola's Mexican Food Cafe in Buffalo Gap. KELSI WILLIAMSON Staff Photographer
Once past the endearing, homey dining room, walk back to the kitchen and tell Lola what you would like to eat. The theme is do-it-yourself, including making coffee if you want some and picking your green enchiladas (Lola’s specialty) up off the grill when they are finished.
The reward for your participation is a delicious meal, complete with Lola’s own Indian Fry Bread, an enjoyable conversation with Lola and possibly her daugher, and a new friend who remembers every person’s name that walks in and out of her door. The locals will dine with you, and if you’re lucky, so will Buffalo Gap native Colt McCoy, who makes a point to visit the restaurant whenever he is in town.
After lunch, wander on over to the antique shop next door, where various decorative items and an abundance of crafty jewelry and other creations await you. Continue your tour of the village by stopping in at George Holland’s pottery gallery, where he and his wife create, display and sell their horsehair Raku pottery pieces.
For those of you who think you have exhausted your entertainment options in Abilene, try a day in Buffalo Gap. You don’t have to travel far to feel like you have stepped into another world of art and culture, complete with genuinely happy people that are only too willing to share the joy of this pleasant little town.
