Brady 

Much has been said about life “deep in the heart of Texas,” but only Brady can claim to fulfill both the letter and the spirit of that phrase. Here in the geographical center of Texas, the stars at night are as big and bright as the song says, and there’s much to see and do in the daytime. Brady and McCulloch County have long been recognized as the home of some of the most sought-after hunting in the United States, and there’s no shortage of excitement to be had on beautiful Brady Lake. Brady also offers several lovely parks, including an aquatic complex complete with an interactive play area, volleyball and basketball courts, and a butterfly garden.

The story of Brady began when the first settlers on Brady Creek, Henry and Nancy Fulcher, donated the land for the town in the mid-1870’s. Taking its name from that creek, Brady City’s inhabitants got by on ranching, raising primarily cattle and later sheep and goats, the latter of which would become a dominant part of the local economy even to today. In 1906, the city incorporated and changed its name to Brady, the county seat of McCulloch County. The arrival of the railroads helped turn Brady into a shipping center for the area, its population peaking at nearly 7,000 in the late 1950’s. Today the city of Brady remains a small community of 5,500 residents.

Today the county courthouse in the downtown square stands as a regal reminder of Brady’s past. Completed in 1900, the building remains largely the same in look as it did a century ago. In 1967, it was named a Texas Historical Landmark. At the nearby Heart of Texas Historical Museum, inside the old county jail building, two facets of Brady and American life are represented: jail and the military. Lovers of country music will enjoy the incredibly rare outfits and other souvenirs donated or purchased from the estates of some of the biggest names in the history of the genre at the Heart of Texas Country Music Museum. The museum also hosts a country music festival each spring.

Speaking of annual events, Brady is famous for hosting the World Championship BBQ Goat Cook-Off every Labor Day. It’s an eclectic good time full of live music and dancing, healthy competition, and mouth-watering food. Brady offers a variety of locally owned restaurants to choose from that will leave you wanting more - including Cattlemans BBQ and Mac’s BBQ. Both are located on Bridge Street, Brady’s “main drag” where you’ll find lots of shopping, dining, and entertainment attractions.

Whether you’re looking for a day out on the lake, a trophy buck for your wall, or just a weekend of shopping and barbecue-eatin’, the heart of Texas is the place to find it.