Wichita Falls

Was 2005. Got there on another infamous cross country. Stayed at Shepard AFB. Went to Buffalo Wild Wings at the Mall. I drank so much they had to carry me out of that place. That’s about all I remember. I do know that they have had some extremely severe weather and tornados in the past.

I was born and raised here. Like many have already said, this place is not one you want to visit “just for fun.” Although it does have a rich atmosphere for families, it is very difficult to enjoy yourself as a single young adult. The “clubs” are all unkempt and overpriced (because there is no competition). It is a very high school oriented town, as there is a longstanding and fierce rivalry between two of the town’s high schools, Wichita Falls High School and Rider High. There is a Division II university as well, but it doesn’t get much attention although the football team is one of the best in their conference.

Wichita Falls has been called the “black hole” of North Texas, as many whom have lived here and gotten away tend to come back. I am currently in college right now, not going to Midwestern State (the university in WF) and even I’ve considered going back to raise a family.

We were stationed there for 4 years. Retired early so that we could leave after just 11 months!! As a teenager I had never gotten into trouble…..until I moved to Wichita Falls. That’s the only thing there is to do there!!! I suggest anyone thinking about going there, just drive through and don’t stop until you get to San Antonio!

I was born here, that was my life

I wouldn’t recommend making a trip there unless you’re visiting someone. If you’re there, though, it’s not bad at all. I went there to visit my husband, who was doing his Air Force tech training at Sheppard. Though there’s really nothing that exciting in the town and no real attractions or nightlife, we found that there was still always something to do. I recommend McBride’s steakhouse, there’s a million of ‘em there, and it’s delicious. Other than that, the mall is flooded with loud, rambunctious teenagers so unless that’s your scene, I wouldn’t recommend going there. Overall it’s a nice, quiet, small town in Texas (with the smallest airport in the world and only one airplane going back and forth from Dallas =P).

Wichita Falls, TX on the surface is not much to look at and there doesn’t seem to be a lot to do here.

But if we go beyond ourselves and our need to be superficially entertained, there is an amazingly rich heritage and experience waiting for you in the Wichita Falls area. Granted, the North Texas area is not the Dallas/FTW Metroplex, but it does offer something the big cities cannot; a warmth and friendliness from the locals that is genuine. And don’t be at all surprised if the folks you meet have a little more culture than you expected. Wichita Falls is full of surprises!!

For those who like Art and more cultured activities:

Visit the Kemp Center for the Arts (http://www.kempcenter.org ) Downtown and then stop by Jitters on 7th street for a Latte. Or you might like to visit the Wichita Falls Vineyard and Winery (http://www.wichitafallsvineyardsandwinery.com )

For those who like to travel:

Take a day trip to some of the small towns and visit places like Gordon Lake in Iowa Park with their Bird Sanctuary, or travel to Archer City and visit the refurbrished Royal Theater ( http://www.royaltheater.org ); Archer city is also the home of Larry McMurtry and “The Last Picture Show”. Or maybe you can just take a nice summer drive to Charlie and stop by one of many Fruit Stands to taste the amazing Peaches for sale.

For those who like the outdoors:

There is a multitude of activites for those who like the fresh air, and I do mean “fresh”! We have so many great parks and bike trails…..

I guess the long and the short of it is this….On the surface, Wichita Falls may seem lame…but it’s all a matter of perspective and what you decide to make of it. Take it from someone who moved from beautiful San Diego in Southern California…….

Well, it’s a relatively safe place, so that’s cool I guess. There’s absolutely NOTHING to do. Not many festivals or nice parks, no big events. The occasional country concert but, other than that, the biggest thing in town is when WWE comes through. Major drug problems in town as well. Most people are just here because they got the misfortune of being stationed at Sheppard. Don’t get me wrong, there’s some nice things about it but, the crappy stuff far outweighs the good.

Well, I fainted from heat stroke and broke my jaw, along with five teeth…so I’ll be happy if I never see Witchita Falls again. But hey, besides the crazy emergency room doctor who tried to kill me, Im sure the rest of the town is allright!

In Wichita Falls, Texas, they have an annual even in August. 10,000 cyclists join to ride.

I rode 102 miles in 5 hours and 30 minutes. Not bad for my first time, eh? I averaged 18.8 MPH.

I’ve been cycling for 2 months at the time!

If you’re intested in riding… this is an event to get to.

I was born here. This was the biggest town around my little town growing up.