FRITCH - Located near the Canadian River and what would become Lake Meredith, Fritch had a later start than many towns in the Texas Panhandle.
"We're just an old railroad town that's trying to turn into a tourist town," said Renee Laney, director of the Lake Meredith Aquatic and Wildlife Museum.
According to the Texas State Historical Association's Handbook of Texas Online, the town is named for Rock Island Railroad vice president H.C. Fritch of Chicago, who arranged for purchase of the right of way in 1924.
When the rail line was opened in 1933, Fritch established a depot at the town site. In 1940, the town had a population of 75.
By the time Sanford Dam - which created Lake Meredith - was completed in 1965, the town's population had reached 2,800. Lake Meredith has since served as a source of potable water, though water levels have shrunk in recent years.
"There's still plenty to do out at Lake Meredith," said Paul Eubank, chief of resource management at the lake.
Lake Meredith National Recreation Area was established on the lands surrounding the lake. The area allows for boating, camping, fishing, hiking and even hunting.
"The only fee that we charge is a boat fee," Eubank said.
Amarillo resident Tommy Willis braved strong winds for a day on the lake recently.
He said the lake's lower level means boaters should be wary of new shallow areas, but otherwise recreation opportunities are still good.
"It's the biggest lake we have in the Panhandle, it's the closest and it's good for (water) skiing," Willis said.
Fishing has also been better in the last few years for Willis and his buddies, he said.
Adjoining the recreation area is Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument.
"Alibates Flint Quarries is the gem in the Texas Panhandle that not too many people know about," Eubank said.
According to literature provided by the National Park Service, the site was used by native peoples for at least 12,000 years until about 1870.
"It's really kind of where modern man started," Eubank said.
Alibates flint was used to make arrowheads and other tools for hunting.
The remains of two Antelope Creek Culture villages can be found with monument, as well as an area of petroglyphs, or rock carvings.
Visits to Alibates Flint Quarries are available by reservation only during the off-season and tours of the village ruins and petroglyphs are offered only during Texas Archeology Month.
"We'll do our best to accommodate you when you want the tour," Eubank said.
The NPS service will have regular hours at Alibates' new book store and office during the season, which typically lasts from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Not all of Fritch's draw is outside of its city limits.
The Lake Meredith Aquatic and Wildlife Museum offers a glimpse at the area's history and its natural wildlife.
"We don't have anything that's not indigenous to the area," Laney said.
The museum also houses two aquariums that are currently the home to carp, crappie, channel catfish, flathead catfish, largemouth bass, sand bass and walleye, all caught in Lake Meredith.
"When this museum was first built, it was the only museum between Dallas and Denver with a large aquarium," Laney said.
The museum opened its doors in 1976 and now sees about 15,000 visitors a year. Plans are in the works to expand the museum to accommodate a playa lake exhibit that toured 18 museums in five states during three years.
"We couldn't be more excited to have it," Laney said.
Groceries are available in Fritch or at the Marina at Lake Meredith for those wanting to cook out, and there are a number of restaurants about town for those looking to treat themselves.
Michael Sharber, previously of Amarillo, took over the Ol' Hickory Smokehouse in September and is gearing up for a busy summer season.
"They tell me it gets bumpin' in the summer time," he said.
Pizza Plus, Chris's Kitchen and several other joints in Fritch provide a variety of fare. There are also several unique shops in the town.
Three Falls Cove Bed and Breakfast is another way to explore the Fritch area and get away from city life. The bed and breakfast is located on a spring-fed pond north of Lake Meredith.
The folks in Fritch are always happy to welcome out-of-towners.
"It's a nice quiet town," Sharber said.
Lake Meredith National Recreation Area, headquarters open 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mon.-Fri. (seven days per week from Memorial Day to Labor Day), park open 24 hours year round. (806) 857-3151 or www.nps.gov/lamr
Alibates Flint Quarries National Monument, tours by reservation only until in season, bookstore open 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day. (806) 857-3151 or www.nps.gov/alfl
Lake Meredith Aquatic and Wildlife Museum, 101 N. Roby, open noon-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat. Free admission, donations accepted. (806) 857-2458
Marina at Lake Meredith, south end of Sanford Yake Road, office open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, in season 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Mon.-Fri. and 8 a.m.-midinight Fri.-Sat. (806) 865-3391 or www.marinaatlakemeredith.com
Three Falls Cove Bed and Breakfast, on Farm-to-Market Road 3395 about 3 miles northwest of Fritch. (806) 878-2366 or www.threefallscove.com