Florence Texas Area

By Author: Curtis Reddehase
Total Articles: 15
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Florence, Texas is a small town located 30+ miles northwest of Austin on Farm Road 195, west of 35 in Williamson County, in the Austin-Round Rock metro area. The closest cities are Georgetown (13 miles), Andice, Briggs, Liberty Hill, Ding Dong, Jarrell & Salado. The military town of Killeen is approx. 13 miles away in Bell County. A 340 square mile installation (217,337 acres), Fort Hood is the only post in the United States capable of stationing and training two Armored Divisions. Fort Hood is "The Army's Premier Installation to train and deploy heavy forces." Many military people choose Florence as a town near Killeen yet on the way to Austin. Settled in the early 1850s, it was originally known as Brooksville. It became known as Florence by 1857, when the first post office was established. Many turn of the century old homes and downtown buildings survive and provide much architectural interest. The estimated population, in 2003, was 1,110. Water is provided by Chisholm Trail Special Utility District located at 851 FM 970 Florence, Texas 76527. The Florence Independent School District has ratings of recognized ...
... and acceptable. Florence ISD is sought after because it is small and therefore provides some opportunities perhaps not seen in large districts. Stone quarries abound in the area yielding great products at great prices. The architectural stone specialists at Continental Cut Stone on County Road 219 in Florence cut stone from Leuders, Texas into many architectural home components.

Transportation: The new 1 30 Toll Road begins just off 195 east of Florence. Currently, 1 30 extends all the way to the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. The new 1 30 Toll Road is slated to go all the way to Seguin, Texas. The Killeen-Fort Hood Regional Airport is located in Killeen, Texas, adjacent to Fort Hood, and offers direct, non-stop air access to Dallas / Fort Worth, Houston and Atlanta airports.

Restaurants: The old Andice General Store on FM 970 (6500 FM 970), east of 183 and south of Florence is a fun place for burgers, baskets & sandwiches. Quaint looking with its old wood plank floors it is also a gas station and convenience store (254) 793-3971. Andice General Store has a great collection of hard to find glass bottled soft drinks- blue cream soda, Big Red, several root beers, etc. Of note too is the Andice Post Office, which looks like a lil' old house (it is). There is a seasonal Farmer's Market across from the Andice General Store.

On 195 just east of Florence, between IH 35 & Florence (12061 State Highway 195) is D Boone's Country Store. D Boone's offers great down home eating- pot roast, fried okra, hand-breaded livers & gizzards (254) 793-2110. In town on 195 are Mano's Mexican Food (103 N Patterson Ave., aka 195) (254) 793-3870 and the newly remodeled El Charrito Mexican Restaurant (100 E Bennet St) 254-793-3127. Charrito faces the Post Office on Bennet but it also is really on 195 or N. Patterson.

The Rattlesnake Inn at 6060 Hwy 195 is Williamson County's oldest Honky Tonk. Its inception was the day after Prohibition was lifted in 1933. (254) 793-9439

The Vineyard at Florence is a New Planned Development In Florence. It will feature a winery, estate homesites, rental casitas, a spa, farmer's market, equestrian center, a polo field and much more. The Covered Riding Arena has been built. Paid self care or paid full board will be available at the central stable but homeowners are welcome to build their own. The tasting villa, Villa Firenze, is being built and includes a tasting room, a wine club/Reserve Room, a Hearth Room, a Gourmet Kitchen, a Cafe and Spa. In addition, they are building the pool and amenity center, riding and walking trails, and our roads. Two custom homes being built right now. All of the building should be complete by August '08 and the road system should be finished much sooner. Planted last spring, the 30 acre (13,000 vine) vineyard is established. There will be white grapes this year and reds in ‘09. A new home for sale in The Vineyard at Florence is currently listed for $1,119,500. for a 4 bedroom, 4.5 bath, 3 car garage new home with 4,329 square feet on 2.34 acres. in this highly restricted equestrian community.

Parrie Haynes is a nearby 4,525-acre Texas Parks and Wildlife ranch one hour north of Austin, and 13 miles south of Killeen. The miles and miles of equestrian trails make it a great place to ride. Sixteen camp sites have 30-amp electrical and water hookup sites and include a double set of pens. The clubhouse has a commercial kitchen, tables with seating for 50 people, an indoor meeting room and covered patio. The Cowboy Cabin has a bunk bed, small kitchen, refrigerator, AC and horse pens. I have ridden there many times and LOVE it!! Just go through Florence heading west on 195, cross the Lampasas River, then turn left on FM 2670 at the blue "Parrie Haynes Youth Ranch" sign. Go 3.7 miles and take right on Maxdale Road; the main entrance is the first left onto Gann Branch Rd. Fun to say you passed through Ding Dong, a VERY small town in Texas on the Lampasas River on 195 eight miles south of Killeen in southwestern Bell County between Florence & Killeen.