CoServ on the Road Tour 2024: Pilot Point
Whether it's a quaint small-town, a Depression-era bank robbery or an old Western, Pilot Point has been a Hollywood hotspot for nearly 60 years.
It’s fitting that the downtown square of Denton County’s oldest settlement looks like something from a studio back lot. Just walking around, you can feel the history come alive.
Most famously, the Farmers and Merchant Bank was the setting for the 1967 film Bonnie and Clyde, where Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway starred as the bank robbing duo.
Pilot Point Mayor Elisa Beasley moved to Pilot Point 15 years ago and was one of the original creators of Bonnie and Clyde Days, an annual celebration of the making of that film. She can’t imagine living anywhere else.
“Honestly, there’s an essence. It’s not a tangible thing you can put your hands on,” Elisa said. “You just know it’s a good place, it’s home and you want to be here.”
While Pilot Point boasts a rich history, the future is also bright, as the extension of the Dallas North Tollway on the east side opens a wide swathe of land for development. As is the case with many small towns in North Texas, Electric co-ops like CoServ, then known as Denton County Electric Cooperative, started bringing power to rural areas in 1937. Now, much of the land served by CoServ is ready for new residential and commercial development, a prime opportunity for the co-op.
We look forward to not only powering Pilot Point’s growth but also continuing to be an instrumental part
of the town for decades to come.
THINGS TO DO:
THE SQUARE
It’s easy to step back in time as you walk past the oldest brick building in Denton County, and make your way toward the Farmers & Merchants Bank Building, where Bonnie and Clyde was filmed, and the original Pilot Point National Bank, now called PointBank.
WESTERN SON
World famous vodka distillery where you watch the distillation process from beginning to end, fill your own bottle, seal it up and take it home. Tastings are included with the tour.
LAKE RAY ROBERTS STATE PARK
Pilot Point has great access to Lake Ray Roberts, including the Isle Du Bois park, which features camping, hiking, boating and swimming. The park also boasts the only sandy beach site anywhere on the lake.
SHARKAROSA ZOO
A self-guided zoo with informational signs, a petting zoo and educational presentations every 20 minutes in various locations.
TEXAS TULIPS
Every spring, this farm comes to life with tulips of every kind that visitors can pick and make their own bouquet.
WHERE TO EAT:
BUFF’S GRILL
Local grill specializing in hometown flare from chicken and steaks to a plethora of side dishes.
LOWBROWS BEER & WINE GARDEN
A wide selection of beer and wine offerings, and full dinner menu surrounded by a unique atmosphere.
YEARBY’S BARBECUE & WATERICE
The sole destination in the DFW area for Halal Texas-Style Barbeque!
POWERHOUSE BURGER
A family-friendly neighborhood burger joint.
PILOT POINT COFFEE HOUSE
Offering in-house roasted coffee beans for a wonderful coffee experience set in an inviting atmosphere.
WHERE TO SHOP:
NOTORIOUSLY YOURS BOUTIQUE
A fun shop where you can get everything from a custom t-shirt or dress to shoes and spirit wear for the local high schools.
PILOT POINT MARKET
A great place to pick up homemade gifts, goods and bakery items! Open April 27, May 25, June 29, and July 27.