Vernon, Texas: The Most Sizzlin’ Little Town in Texas

Photo © Courtesy of City of Vernon

Vernon, Texas: The Most Sizzlin’ Little Town in Texas

Commonly referred to as Bacon City, USA, Vernon, Texas, has built a name for itself in the culinary world. With an annual bacon festival lining its streets every October, the region is perfect for foodies looking to explore a one-of-a-kind small town with deep roots in culture and food.

Located in Wilbarger County in north-central Texas, Vernon is a vibrant city along the banks of the Pease River with rich history and a unique charm. With history dating back to the late 1850s, Vernon is renowned for its cowboy culture and, as the home of Wright Brand Bacon, has become the go-to spot for culinary delights.

This year marks the third annual Bacon City, USA Festival, which will take place on Saturday, October 19, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. in downtown Vernon. The sizzling festival celebrates all things bacon with exciting challenges like a bacon eating contest and cooking challenges that award a cash prize to the best bacon dish—judges will award $4,000 to the Best Bacon Dish and $1,000 to the runner-up.

Food truck vendors will be taking on the Wright Brand Bacon Food Truck Challenge, which encourages each food truck to have a Wright Brand bacon item featured on their menu, along with their regular menu throughout the entire event.Tired from all the eating? Shop through vendors featuring bacon-themed products, downtown businesses selling special bacon snacks, and enjoy sizzling entertainment for kids. At the Wright Pavilion, there will also be live music throughout the day by regional bands.

After a long day of indulging in the delicious meat, the festival will conclude with a concert on the Bacon Strip Stage, located at the end of the 500-foot bacon strip painted on the street, headlined by Josh Abbott Band and featuring performances from a collection of other beloved country artists.

The fun doesn’t stop there—throughout the year, Vernon is alive with festivals, including the Santa Rosa Roundup Parade and Rodeo in the third week of May, Summer’s Last Blast in the second week of August, an exciting festival for classic car collectors, Vernon Burnin’ Bike Ride in the third week of August, the Cowboy Mounted Shooting in October, and Christmas on the Western Trail Lighted Christmas Parade on the second Saturday in December. The region is full of excitement and fun to be explored for locals, out-of-town visitors, and families alike.

If you’re planning a trip in a month without one of the many festivals, worry not; there is still much fun to be explored in the small town. The Wilbarger Historical Museum is dedicated to preserving the history of Wilbarger County by featuring historic buildings, Vernon musicians, collectibles from the past, and so much more. Similarly, the Red River Valley Museum is home to three permanent exhibits: The Berry Gallery, The Bond Big Game Gallery, and The Waggoner Gallery which explore history and science, wildlife, and ranch memorabilia, respectively.

With a stop in the town, you’ll be captivated by the small-town Southern charm, and never want to leave. Luckily, the region has so much to offer; you’ll discover something new with every visit.

Plan your visit at visitvernontx.com