The Horse’s Mouth Bookstore and Coffee Shop in Buffalo claims to be the only full-service book and coffee shop between Shreveport and Austin, and between Dallas and Houston. I can’t substantiate their claim, but I can vouch for the fact that they make a good espresso drink and have an eclectic collection of new and used books.
Opened about four years ago in the old section of town, it’s an oasis in a wasteland of convenience-store coffee pots. Dickie and Linda Jones purchased the business a year ago.
The couple had kinfolk who helped settle this part of Leon County, and decided to retire to the old homestead. A former human resources executive for a Houston corporation, Dickie wasn’t ready to sit in a rocking chair when they arrived in the country.
When the coffee shop was in danger of closing, they decided to take it over. The Horse’s Mouth is more than a business; it’s a community center for the village of 1,800. The local liars club meets there to talk about the weather, and kids come in after school to use the free wi-fi.
The Horse’s Mouth Bookstore and Coffee Shop is on U.S. 79, 1.4 miles east of I-45 in Buffalo. Stop in for a good cup of coffee, a snack, and friendly conversation. More details at www.thehorsesmouth.net or 903/322-2180.
1,103th in a series. Collect them all. Day Trips, Vol. 2, a book of “Day Trips,” is available for $8.95, plus $3.05 for shipping, handling, and tax. Mail to: Day Trips, PO Box 33284, South Austin, TX 78704.
This article appears in September 21 • 2012.
