Must see sights in Flatonia

The 9-hole course at the Flatonia Golf Course facility features 3,056 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 36. Designed by Lonnie Garbade, the Flatonia golf course opened in 1993. Richard Schacherl manages the course as the General Manager.

The fairways are narrow and the greens are elevated. Unlike many of the older rural, 9-hole courses in the state, Flatonia’s course is a little longer (over 3,000 yards) and the holes tend to play more like the big-city courses. Number five is the longest par four at 413 yards, and is listed as the number one handicap. Hole seven is fun to play, a 114-yard par three that requires a carry over water to reach the green.

Flatonia Golf Course is located at 1245 East US Highway 90.

The two-story Olle Hotel, located in Flatonia’s National Historic District, was built between 1896 and 1901 by a local physician, G. W. Allen, Sr. In the hotel’s early days, her rooms were mostly filled with the many drummers, or travelling salesman, who crossed the countryside by rail.

Today the current owner, Kathryn Geesaman, still greets business travelers in addition to happy vacationers, tourists and those seeking a respite from busy city life.

After enjoying a restful night that only a quiet, small Texas town like Flatonia can provide, guests can take a short stroll to enjoy a hot breakfast at Darlin’s Diner downtown. Vouchers (good for $12) are provided for each guest staying at Olle Hotel, so they can order up whatever suits their fancy.

Olle Hotel boasts 11 rooms and 13 bathrooms. There are also three houses available on-site for families or those desiring more privacy. One of the houses is pet friendly for those traveling with their four-legged family members. And while the structure itself may be historic, guests won’t miss out on modern conveniences like wi-fi and satellite TV.

Call Olle Hotel at 361-772-0310 to book a room or visit the hotel online at www.ollehotel.com.

Above, locals and visitors alike are welcome to scramble to Flatonia Golf Course, a municipal course that welcomes everyone to a fun round of golf. Photo by Lori Olivarez-Ligues.

Step into the E. A. Arnim Archives and Museum in Flatonia and into the past. Housed in two large downtown buildings, the museum’s exhibits illustrate the settlement, early history and continuing development of the town of Flatonia and the surrounding rural area. Historical photographs of citizens at work and play, letters, documents and local advertising memorabilia throughout the exhibits add extra layers of detail to the story of Flatonia, its people and its culture.

E. A. Arnim Archives and Museum is located at 101 East North Main Street in downtown Flatonia.

The Lyric Theater allows patrons to step off the street and back in time with classic movies and old-fashioned favorites. Originally known as the Foster Building when it was built in 1879, the name changed The Happy Hour Theatre in 1913 and later to The Lyric Theatre in 1930.

The Lyric Theater, Lyric Ice Cream Parlor and Big Time Pizza are located in downtown Flatonia on East South Main Street and online at lyrictheatre.com.

Building on her experience of running a mobile food truck during her freshman year in College Station, Taylor Laney was quick to jump in on a permanent location when the old Darling Emporium building came up for sale. She opened Darlin’s Diner in that location in September 2021, a popular foodie destination for both locals and travelers alike.

“The biscuits and gravy are my favorite,” shared Laney. “Many come in for the eggs benedict, but I love the homemade gravy we make every day with bacon juice, like I like to call it. At lunch, I like the cheese-bacon-avocado-ranch burger. It’s the most ordered item on the menu.”

Darlin’s Diner is open every day for breakfast and lunch, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and features a variety of homestyle classics that will fill any rumbling tummy that walks in the door.

Darlin’s Diner is located at 114 East South Main in downtown Flatonia and online at www.darlinsdiner.com.

The Market in Flatonia excels in combining friendly faces, fresh produce, fine meats and fabulous selection to create the perfect local grocery. The Market 2 has the largest stock of beer, wine and liquor within 50 miles. Owners Randy and Cyndi Johnson invite everyone to pop in and experience their stores that are as unique as Flatonia itself.

The Market is located at 116 West North Main and can be reached at 361-8659244. The Market 2 is located at 120 West North Main. They are online at www. flatoniamarket.com and www.themarket2.com.

The history of the railroads in Flatonia lives at the Central Texas Rail History Center. The Center houses many historical artifacts, model train displays and photographs from when ‘rail was king’ in Flatonia.

The Central Texas Rail History Center is located at 104 East South Main Street and open every Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.–noon and 1–3 p.m. Group and special tours are welcomed.