Greetings from Winnsboro

Another beautiful weekend has come and gone here in Texas, and this one gave me my first real chance to wander through town. While Rob was happily breaking in his new tractor—though I’ll admit, from the outside it looks more like play than work—and meeting nearly every neighbor along our front border, I set out to see what Winnsboro had to offer. The cast of characters here already seems fascinating, and I can’t wait to meet them myself. Of course, like everyone we've met in this town, they are all SO NICE.

Downtown was alive with activity. Two markets were in full swing: a farmer’s market and an artists’ holiday market. December doesn’t bring much produce in Texas, so the farmer’s market was sparse, but I was delighted by the bedazzled tractor marking the spot.  Its glittering paint caught the sunlight and seemed to hum with personality, a whimsical symbol of the town’s spirit—art and agriculture side by side.

The artists’ market was bustling, full of vendors and shoppers. The Bowery, Winnsboro’s revitalized arts district, is home to The Bowery Stage, shops, restaurants, and echoes of its rowdy timber-boom past. I lingered among the street art, chatted with vendors, and admired the towering Christmas tree that now stands center stage, casting a festive glow over the district.

A block over, Main Street beckoned with antique shops and restaurants I can’t wait to explore. I did manage one stop at Promised Land Bakery, a charming local spot with cinnamon rolls were nothing short of divine—pillowy, sticky, and sweet enough to perfume the whole shop. By noon, their pies were already sold out, so next time I’ll arrive earlier to claim one.

From there, I wandered into Sinclair Market, a renovated gas station turned coffee shop and specialty store. Bright and unique, it buzzed with conversation and the hiss of steaming milk. Shelves brimmed with treats, and the polished concrete floors echoed softly underfoot. It’s the kind of place I know I’ll frequent often.

My final stop was The Milk Barn, a roadside farm store that felt like pure heaven. Run by a local couple, it offers organic raw milk, grass-fed beef, and other treasures. The cool air inside smelled faintly of fresh hay and earth, grounding me in the farm-to-table dream we’ve been chasing. Part of our reason for moving to the country is to live closer to the land, and I’m convinced that eating this way will help keep my lupus in check. While raising cattle isn’t in our plan, having a local source is exactly what we need. The proprietor was lovely, and we discovered shared interests that made the visit even more special. I left with steaks that look incredible—marbled and rich—and golden beets whose earthy sweetness will make a perfect side dish.

By the time I returned, Rob had nearly finished the gravel pad for the rig. The sound of crunching gravel under his boots and the rhythmic scrape of the tractor bucket were the soundtrack to his progress. We packed up the dogs and headed back, just in time for another Winnsboro sunset. The sky unfolded in layers of gold and peach, the air cooling as crickets began their evening chorus. We tend to leave at the same time each day, and I promise you—this view will never grow old.

What strikes me most is how Winnsboro seems to weave art and agriculture into the same fabric. From bedazzled tractors to golden beets, from painted walls to raw milk, this town celebrates creativity and sustenance side by side. As we prepare to plant our own roots here, I feel the rhythm of the land and the spirit of the arts guiding us forward.

Each sunset reminds me: this is not just the before — it’s the beginning of a life where beauty and nourishment grow together and our dreams take flight.

Next Up: Yes, it's Still Coming!

I’ve been talking for months about the flower farm that’s waiting just beyond the horizon, and it’s almost time to share that story. The land is calling, the beds are being imagined, and the blooms are closer than they seem. Neighbors, friends, and curious wanderers—you’ll want to stick around. The next chapter is about the farm itself, and how long-held dreams will begin to take root here in Winnsboro. Stay tuned…the blossoms are coming.