Welcome to Mason County
A peaceful town where you can feel right at home
In Mason County, take a break from the daily grind and enjoy a laid-back, slow-paced lifestyle. The neighborhood has traditionally been recognized as a pleasant location to live, with welcoming inhabitants. Mason, Texas is a community on Comanche Creek that is heavily reliant on agriculture. For over 150 years, the neighborhood has thrived economically and culturally with the most recent success being wine grape growers moving into the area. Mason people are proud of their German background and are happy to greet visitors with Texan friendliness.
The Germanic style impacted the architecture of the Texas Hill Country region, stressing timber framing, stone building, and efficiency. Instead of big single-glass pane windows or picture windows, Hill Country architecture uses smaller front windows with gridded light divisions. Smaller windows provide greater light and temperature management, and they may be deliberately positioned in the design to frame Hill Country vistas like works of art. Additionally, stone exteriors are common in Hill Country homes, which give longevity and blend in with the surrounding nature. Stack stone accents are commonly used indoors on the fireplace, interior walls, and even the kitchen island.
What to Love
- Authentic Southern living
- Delicious eateries and cafes
- Home to Texas Topaz
- Historic home architecture
Local Lifestyle
Mason is renowned as the "Gem of the Hill Country" because it is the only spot in Texas where Texas Topaz can be found in the wild. However, if you come for a day excursion, you'll discover that the entire town is alive with culture, history, wonderful people, and delicious food. Many renowned people have lived in the region throughout the years. The majority of these people were statesmen, authors, artists, and craftspeople, with Gene Zesch and Bill Worrell standing out. Vineyards have recently sprouted in Mason County as well.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Mason County offers a diverse culinary experience steeped in Southern cooking with German and Mexican influences. Willow Creek Cafe is a great place to go for some country cooking on the square. Their handcrafted yeast buns and pie are a must-try. Come to Santos Taqueria if you enjoy true hand prepared Mexican food. This restaurant's chef prepares delectable enchiladas, tacos, and soups. The friendly staff welcomes visitors all year long and has been featured in the Texas Monthly Magazine.
Country Collectibles, just off the square, is a great place to go if you like shiny items rather than old structures. Because it was all harvested on local farms and ranches, this is the ideal spot in Texas to look through or buy Texas Topaz.
Things to Do
Wander through quaint boutiques before visiting the Mason Square Museum, which is rich with exhibits and information dating from prehistoric periods to the present day. You'll learn about Fort Mason, and the HooDoo War, as well as see the world's biggest Topaz, found in Mason County. You'll also learn about the local art scene and how Mason native Fred Gipson wrote the famous "Old Yeller."
Don't miss the Odeon Theater as the day grows darker and you have time for a longer day excursion. This vintage movie theater has been in operation since 1928, making it West Texas' oldest continuously operational cinema.
Schools
Mason County is home to numerous amazing schools with the Mason Tennis team being the "most winningest" team in Texas with over 100+ State Championships. Top educational opportunities include:
- Mason High School, 9-12, highly-rated high school with gifted program
- Mason Junior High School, 5-8, highly-rated public school with gifted program
- Mason Elementary School, PK-4, highly-rated elementary school with gifted program
