Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church
(Praha, TX)
One of the churches on the well-known Painted Churches Tour is the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Praha. Built in the Gothic style, the church was completed in 1895. It is a magnificent stone church with remarkable interior - a vaulted, wood tongue-in-groove ceiling and wooden pillars. The walls and ceiling are painted with ivies, flowers and symbols. Amazingly, none of the paintings has ever been retouched. Located 2 miles east off of Hwy 90 on FM 1295.
This is also the site of the annual Prazka Pout held every August 15th.
It is definitely a sight to see. Don't forget your camera!
Historic Praha Cemetery
The site of the well-known and attended annual Veteran's Day services the Sunday before Veteran's Day. Re-enactment of the Pearl Harbor attack with a ceremonious fly-over dropping flowers out of the plane's window to the ground below.
Railroad Tower
In historic downtown Flatonia lies the growing Rail Park, located in the middle of town, just off Hwy 90. Here, one may visit old Southern Pacific Tower No. 3. This was the last manually operated switch tower in Texas, when it was closed by Union Pacific in September 1996.
Located next to the tower is a Southern Pacific Caboose (a bay window caboose). This caboose was donated and brought to town by Union Pacific.
Adjacent to the Southern Pacific Caboose is the newest addition to the Rail Park--the old San Antonio and Aransas Pass freight depot. Future plans are to open it as a railroad museum.
There are two other railroad buildings in Flatonia. The police department is housed in the old Galveston, Harrisburg and San Antonio railway depot. The other remaining building, located at the railroad interlocker, is the San Antonio and Aransas Pass depot, later to be a part of the Rail Park.
Also located at the railroad interlocker, at the west end of town, is the Flatonia Photo Pavilion. This is open to the public 24/7. It is designed with a ramp for easy access to everyone. The photo pavilion is a very safe environment for all to view or take photographs of trains, or just to relax.
The inside of the Tower No. 3 and caboose can be seen by appointment through the Flatonia Chamber of Commerce office at FlatoniaCofC@sbcglobal.net, 361.865.3920, or by contacting Tommy Shults at www.sidetracktommy.com
Old Flatonia City Jail
The old Flatonia City Jail (AKA The Calaboose) was built in the 1890's and was originally located just east of the State Bank parking lot. The jail had no restroom facilities, so the prisoners used to make a lot of noise, which in turn, disturbed the nearby residents. In June 13, 1950, the city voted to have it moved on county property. Then in 1984, when the jail was no longer in use, it was again moved to its present location on South Main. Ideal for taking pictures.
(information submitted by Ms. Martha Tauch of Flatonia)
EA Arnim Archives & Museum
The EA Arnim Archives and Museum is located at North Main (Hwy 90) and Hwy 95. It contains many antiques, artifacts, tramp art and documents which represent the history of Flatonia and the surrounding towns and communities. In back is a livery stable filled with antique farm equipment and supplies. The museum is a non-profit organization. A small donation of $1.00 per person is appreciated.
*Although the scheduled hours are few, the museum can be seen at any time by appointment. If you are planning a trip to Flatonia and would like to visit the museum during times when it is closed contact the
Flatonia Chamber or the Museum and we can arrange a private tour.
To learn more about the museum, click here.
*Hours:
Thursday & Friday 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Saturday 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m
361.865.3455
For Tour Groups, contact the Flatonia Chamber of Commerce at 361.865.3920
Flatonia Golf Course
The striking Flatonia Golf Course was founded in 1993 by the Flatonia Golf Association. A handful of people with a dream met at the community center and formed an association that grew into a public-supported project. It was constructed with public donations, fund-raising projects and hundreds of hours of volunteer labor.
This is a nine-hole public course with majestic oak trees lining the fairways. It features four water hazards, with three of them coming into play on one hole. It is considered the prettiest and most challenging nine-hole course in the area and has had rave reviews by sports editors from newspapers in the surrounding area. Flatonia is the home course for the Flatonia Bulldogs and the Moulton Bobcats.
If you enjoy a course that calls for every club in your bag, come on by, tee it up and have a blast!
The golf course is located on the edge of town on Hwy 90 East. Call 361.865.2922 for fees and information.
Antique Shops
Shop our many antique and gift shops all in quaint historical buildings, located on North Main and South Main. On North Main, we have a "Mom & Pop" pharmacy with unique gifts, several antique shops and a very unique store with arcitectural items for restoring historic homes. Located on South Main is an antique shop featuring beautiful European furniture, a custom furniture and cabinet shop, a trophy shop with a wide variety of gift items and a liquor store. Don't forget to go one street over to 6th Street and visit the wonderful shop located in a historic building made of stone. The building itself is a site to see. All Flatonia's merchants are very proud of their stores, the historic buildings they are located in and their town. They all offer a variety of styles and periods as well as gift items.
Flatonia Livestock Commission
If you are in the mood to see a live cattle auction, head on over to the Flatonia Livestock Commission. (AKA "The Sale Barn" in these parts.) The auction barn was built in 1948. Earl Needham owned and operated the sale. He also had a silent partner, Arthur Beken from Weimar. The sale day was, and still is, every Monday. The sale barn was built to run about 650 head of cattle. On the first sale day, Mr. Needham had around 1,650 head of cattle!
Most of the material used to build the sale barn came from old Camp Swift in Bastrop. Other material was bought from local lumber yards. Needham averaged about 1,300 head of cattle weekly. He also ran about 900 head of hogs per week.
The auction barn changed hands several times over the years. On Jan. 1, 1981, Dan Beck and Ronnie Beck bought the auction barn from the Brisco brothers. Although Ronnie Beck always kept his half of the business, partners changed several times. In January of 1993 Ronnie Beck bought out the current partner, Suresh Patel. Ronnie Beck is now the present and sole owner of the Flatonia Livestock Commission Co.,
The Flatonia Livestock Commission has a live cattle auction every Monday (with the exception of holidays). Come on in and listen to the silver-tongued auctioneer and watch the ranchers bid on cattle and livestock.
The Sale Barn is located at 1500 Hwy 90 E, just on the edge of town.
361.865.3538
Bed and Breakfast Inns
We have several Bed and Breakfast inns and cottages in country settings, or stay in a beautiful, recently renovated 10-room historic hotel, located one block from the downtown area.
Entertainment & Fun
Brenda's
1143 E. Old Hwy 90; Flatonia
361.865.3391
Whether you're in the mood for some great food or live entertainment, Brenda's is the place to be. Brenda's has a great indoor dining atmosphere with delicious food. For a more casual experience meet us in Brenda's Backyard under majestic live oak trees. On weekends, we feature live music and more. Visit our website or call us for more information.
Cistern Country Store & Bar
12604 N. State Hwy 95; Cistern
361.865.3655
The Cistern Country Store & Bar is mostly known as a country bar and fun party place for all ages. we have a variety of karaoke and dance music on Fridays and Saturdays, or upon request...children's karaoke until 9:30pm. the store section has deli meats and cheeses, snacks, ice, groceries, BBQ and cold cut sandwiches and C.J.'s BBQ by the plate or pound on scheduled Saturdays.
Cistern Schoolhouse
7447 FM 2237; Cistern
361.865.1500
Cistern Schoolhouse is an old schoolhouse which has been converted to a Country Bar. We served iced beer, wine, set-ups and sodas. There are two pool tables, shuffleboard, darts, dominoes, horseshoes, washers and a stage for live music or DJ's. There is space available inside or for small private parties or meetings. For larger groups, we have a covered area outdoors.
The Borden Country Store
2284 Highway 90 West; Borden
979.263.4250
Visit the Borden Country Store and the adjacent Red Barn. the owners, Gerrit & Marie Cramer would be delighted to give you a tour and tell of its history. The Borden Country Store offers alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and Borden milk products. You can also enjoy several Dutch treats, snacks and other finger food. Have a Borden Burger in the Saloon or on the deck while you enjoy the country atmosphere.
Live music will be featured on select weekends. For more information, call or email us.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
2008 Calendar of Events
March 1 - 31
Parade of Quilts
Visit the downtown shops to view a wide variety of contemporary and heirloom quilts. The quilts are displayed in the shop windows and inside the shops.
March 1
Saturday
Flatonia Market Day and Chili Cook-off
Market - we have a wide variety of vendors with items such as exotic plants, jewelry, hand-crafted wood products, home decor, cooking products, hand-made soaps and oils, and much more!
If you are a vendor, join us for our Market. Click here for an application.
Do you make the best Chili around? Then enter our Chili Cook-off!
April 5
Saturday
Flatonia Crawfest
Enjoy All-You-Can-Eat Crawfish w/Drinks
Live music by the Telstars, Dancing & Fun
All included in one $30 ticket Price
For tickets, call the Flatonia Chamber at 361.865.3920
Coming from out of town? Click for Lodging within our membership.
April 5
Saturday
Flatonia Railroad Pavilion Party #6
10am-10pm
Located at the Flatonia Rail Park on Hwy 90, just a little west of downton Flatonia. This is where the north/south and east/west tracks meet. Enjoy photographing trains as they go by and sharing rail stories and photos with the other fans. Meal optional. To reserve a meal or for more information, email Tommy Shults or call Tommy at 979.743.5366.
Date TBD
Saturday
Flatonia Golf Course's
Fandango
Enjoy a prime rib dinner, open bar, entertainment, silent auction, door prizes and more! This is an annual fund-raiser for the Flatonia Golf Course.
For more information, contact Donn Beatty at 361.865.9148
April 26-27
Saturday-Sunday
American Cancer Society
Relay for Life
Southern Fayette County
Join in a relay for Southern Fayette County (Flatonia and Schulenburg) to celebrate survivorship and honor those who we have lost to cancer. The Relay was established to raise money for cancer research. For more information visit the American Cancer Society website.
May 3
(note: Date changed)
Saturday
Flatonia Market, 2nd Annual Chalk Walk
& Pet Parade
Come visit us for our Market with vendors selling various items. If you are a vendor, click here for a Market application. Enter our Chalk Walk, a chalk art competiion for children and adults. For Chalk Walk rules and times, click here. Awards for each age group will be given with a cash award for Best In Show.
Bring your favorite pet out for the Pet Parade.
Judging will be on 5 categories:
Smallest, Biggest, Funniest-Dressed, Cutest & Ugliest
Click here for and entry form.
June 1
Sunday
Sacred Heart Spring Festival
Continuous live music, country store, live auction, horseshoe tournaments, games & fun for the entire family. Food--eat-in or take-out.
August 15
Friday
Prazska Pout
Praha TX
Annual homecoming with food, bands, souvenirs, auction, country store, games and more. Always on August 15.
August 24
Sunday
Sts. Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church Picnic
Cistern TX
Food, auction, games, music, country store and more
September 13
Saturday
Flatonia Market Day
Visit our Market and buy hand-crafted items, jewelry, plants, housewares, wood products, home decore and more.
If you are a vendor and would like a Market space, click here for an application.
October 4
Saturday
St. Mark's Medical Center's 2008 Monte Carlo Nite
La Grange
KC Hall in La Grange--Social, 6pm; Dinner; 7pm; Gaming, 8:30pm. Proceeds benefit equipment needs for St. Mark's.
October 5
Sunday
Sacred Heart Fall Festival
Continuous live music, country store, live auction, horseshoe tournaments, games and fun for the entire family. Food $6.50, eat-in or take-out.
October 24-26
Friday-Sunday
Czhilispiel XXXVI
Three day festival with continuous live entertainment, food, carnival, IBCA BBQ Cook-off, CASI Czhili Cook-off, arts and crafts, car show, adult/children contests, parade, family fun and much more!!!
November 9
Sunday
Veteran's Day Service
In the Historic Praha Cemetary-reenactment of the Pearl Harbor attack with a ceremonious fly-over dropping flowers out of the plane's window to the ground below.
December 6
Saturday
Christmas in Flatonia & Candlelight Homes Tour
Christmas Market, Cookie Walk, Santa, Carriage Rides, Lighted Homes Tour and more!
~~~~~~~~~~
Above dates and events subject to change.
Keep checking back with us for updates and new listings!!!
For more information, contact the Flatonia Chamber of Commerce
361.865.3920
FlatoniaCofC@sbcglobal.net
