Credit: Photos by Gerald E. McLeod

The Chicken Farm Art Center in San Angelo showcases the work of artists and artisans from a variety of disciplines. The compound also houses an eclectic inn and a world-class restaurant.

In 1971, a group of hippie artists took over the old poultry farm on the edge of town. The barns were divided into artist studios and galleries. Over the years artists have come and gone, but the center now hosts more than 15 studios featuring pottery, photography, stone carvings, paintings, clothing, and much more.

The relatively new Inn at the Art Center gets a five-star rating on TripAdvisor. The four rooms are unique without being laden with frills and doilies. Guests don’t have to sacrifice comfort for the chance to stay in a memorable guest house that isn’t afraid to show its creative side.

The creativity of the center extends to the kitchen of the wonderful Silo House Restaurant. This is a very popular place for professionals at lunch. The prix fixe dinners on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings are a hot reservation for patrons wanting a special night out.

The Chicken Farm Art Center is at 2505 Martin Luther King Dr. on the north side of San Angelo and is open Tuesday through Saturday. The first Saturday of each month, the artists and local musicians gather on the patio for craft demonstrations and a relaxed concert. Check out the list of special events at www.chickenfarmartcenter.com.


1,274th 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 40312, South Austin, TX 78704.

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Gerald E. McLeod joined the Chronicle staff in November 1980 as a graphic designer. In April 1991 he began writing the “Day Trips” column. Besides the weekly travel column, he contributed “101 Swimming Holes,” “Guide to Central Texas Barbecue,” and “Guide to the Texas Hill Country.” His first 200 columns have been published in Day Trips Vol. I and Day Trips Vol. II.