FOCUS ON THE BACKROADS: TEXAS DANCE HALLS – THE OLD COUPLAND INN AND DANCEHALL

Coupland Texas was founded in 1887 by Major Theodore Van Buren Coupland  on land that he had inherited from his uncle A.J.  Hamilton.    After the Civil War Hamilton had been appointed provisional Governor of the State of Texas  by Andrew Johnson.

Coupland, Texas is located on highway 95 between Elgin and Taylor.   Like many other towns in the area the early residences of Coupland were farmers. The building that is now the home of the Coupland Inn and Dance Hall was built in 1904 and housed the Coupland Drug Company. The Coupland Tavern was built in 1910, and has also been the home of a hardware store, newspaper,  (The Coupland World Globe News).  The bar in the Coupland Tavern was purchased and moved from an Old Tavern, the Palace Saloon, in Schlunberg, Texas.  This bar which is well over 100 years old is today the main bar at the Coupland Dance Hall and yes THOSE ARE BULLET HOLES!

In 1992, after much blood, sweat, and “a few beers”,   Barbara and Tim Worthy opened a 7,000 square foot dancehall naming it Coupland Dancehall and Tavern.  Shortly afterwards  phase two was completed when  the Worthys opened the doors to the Coupland Inn – serving some of the best bar-b-que in the area.  As the word got out about the great food and hospitality folks from all over the area began making their way to Coupland.  Well as every Texan know bar-b-que is served until “you run out of bar-b-que.   Barbara and Tim soon decided to expand their menu to include other Texas favorites including Steak and as Tim told me recently – some of the best Chicken Fried Steak you will ever eat! A visit to The Coupland Inn and Dance Hall is like stepping into a true  Texas tradition.

Many music legends, such as Jonny Rodriguez, Ray Price, Gary Stewart, Brad Paisley, Ricky Trevino and others have performed on  the large stage in the dancehall.  You also can hear some of the best local Texas musician every Friday and Saturday night.  The restaurant is open Thursday through Saturday.   The Inn has seven guest rooms available, each with its unique style and decor and includes a delicious  country breakfast. So saddle us the wagon, well the SUV, and visit this Texas Treasure!