Archive for the ‘East Texas’ Category

Archers Descend on Paris, Texas

Monday, January 23rd, 2012
Summer lilys

The Paris, Texas Eiffel Tower. It simply has to be seen.

Under different circumstances, it would be troubling to hear that men and women armed with bows and arrows were headed to Paris, Texas. In reality, it’s fun.

As it has for the past couple of years, Paris, Texas will once again host the annual Delta Southwest Shoot Out on March 23-25, 2012. Archers are encouraged to make their lodging plans soon; we hope archers will consider staying in Paris, Texas Bed and Breakfasts.

Archer or not, Paris, Texas is worth a visit. Main Street is hopping these days, with quirky shops, tasty eateries, and interesting art galleries. The architecture is historic and attractive, and it’s a pleasure to stroll down the street, window shopping or shopping for real.

Then there’s the Eiffel Tower. You can spend thousands of dollars to fly to France and see the “real” thing, or you can spend considerably less, drive to Paris, Texas, and see the next best thing. We may be biased, but we like ours; the cowboy hat is a nice touch.

Tournament information is available at Archery Shooters Association.

Fall Colors in East Texas

Tuesday, October 4th, 2011
Backlit sweet gum leaf, yellow orange and red

Look for colorful fall foliage on Sweet Gum Trees in East Texas.

It isn’t necessary to travel to New England to find glorious fall colors. Leaves on Sweet Gums become orange. Maple leaves turn a brilliant shade of red and Oak leaves turn a delicate yellow. These colors stand out against the dark evergreen pines that stand among them. The effect is startling, beautiful.

In short, autumn is an excellent time to vacation in East Texas Bed and Breakfasts.

Fall is a glorious time to travel through East Texas, hopping from one East Texas Bed and Breakfast to the next. Travel by automobile or by bike along Highway 14 from Tyler to Winnsboro. The rolling hills are great fun on a bicycle. Or take Highway 16 from Lindale to Winona, then on to Highway 271.

There is plenty to do along the way in addition to admiring the pretty foliage. Peruse antique stores in Gladewater, visit the Prayer Tower in Pittsburg, and stop by the Lindale Candy Company to satisfy your sweet tooth. You may want to rent a boat and explore Lake Palestine, in order to admire the reflections of colorful trees.

It’s still hot in Texas these days, but cooler weather is coming. Plan to be comfortably ensconced in an East Texas Bed and Breakfast when it arrives.

Photo Credit: East Texas Tourism

Sunday, July 31st, 2011
Key Limmmmmmmme

Delicious Key Lime Pie ....

One of the best ways to keep cool on a hot summer Texas day is to duck into a restaurant and enjoy a nice, long meal. If you happen to be staying in a Tyler Texas Bed and Breakfast, you’re in luck, for there is some tasty food close at hand.

Fat Catz Louisiana Kitchen boasts, as they say, the Best Cajun Food West of Louisiana. Start with the Cajun Crab Cakes served over sauteed crawfish with pico de gallo. Move on to Blackened Catfish with dirty rice, then cool your palate with a slice of Key Lime Pie.

It’s best to go to Stanley’s Famous Pit Bar-B-Que with a hearty appetite. Try the Brother-in-law sandwich, bursting with grilled hot link, cheese, and chopped beef. Or go for the Big Swimmer, with pan seared tilapia, cheddar cheese, guacamole, lettuce, and tomato. They also serve full slab plates of Baby Back Ribs, tacos, and meat by the pound.

If you prefer lighter fare or amazing baked goods, head to Chez Bazan, a French Bakery and Cafe. They offer crepes, a variety of quiche, soups, and salads. Save room for dessert.

Best of all, break your fast at your Tyler Texas Bed and Breakfast.

Golf in East Texas

Monday, May 23rd, 2011

There are excellent golf courses in Northeast Texas, less than two hours from the heart of Dallas. When the need to walk the green hits, throw your clubs in the car and head to an East Texas Bed and Breakfast. Read on to learn more about two favorite East Texas Golf Courses.

Lake Fork Golf Course is an 18 hole semi-private course designed by Williams and Gill. It is close to both Tyler Texas Bed and Breakfasts and Quitman TX Bed and Breakfasts. Fairways are relatively short and challenging, greens are a fairly large. Some of what makes the Lake Fork challenging is also what makes it beautiful: thousands of trees including native oak, persimmon, pecan and magnolia; and 15 water hazards. The course sits on the West Banks of the Lake Fork Reservoir, which is called the Bass Capital of Texas; you may want to bring your fishing poles, too. See Lake Fork Golf Course for additional information.

Garden Valley Golf Club is a lovely course designed by John Sanford, located about 20 miles northwest of Tyler Texas Bed and Breakfasts. This course has been named “The Augusta National of Texas”, a moniker that is not given lightly. It is a beautiful place with rolling greens, towering pine trees, and colorful dogwoods and azaleas. The Dogwood Course is as challenging to play as it is lovely to look at – and that’s saying something. In the mood for a blind shot to the green? Try the par-5 fifth hole. Like to hit over the water? The par-4 third hole awaits. Is it thrilling for you to look for your ball in a clump of azaleas? The par-3 fourth hole is for you. You get the picture. See Garden Valley Golf Club for additional information.

No matter what happens on the fairway, you’ll be pampered at your inn of choice. Start each day with a sumptuous breakfast (you’ll burn calories every time you hit the ball). Conclude each day with a glass of something refreshing on the porch.

East Texas is Blooming

Monday, March 14th, 2011

East Texas is blooming. This is a wonderful time of year to visit East Texas, for a spontaneous weekend getaway or a more lengthy vacation.Three unique spots alone are worth the trip: Mrs. Lee’s Daffodil Garden in Gladewater, the Tyler Azalea Trail, and the Nacogdoches Azalea Trail.

Visit East Texas to see azaleas in bloom.

Midway between Tyler TX Bed and Breakfasts and Jefferson Texas Bed and Breakfast Inns is Mrs. Lee’s Daffodil Garden, a floral paradise open each spring when the daffodils are in bloom. The daffodils are spread out over more than 800-acres: under trees, surrounding a log cabin, and along the edges of the lake, pond, and waterfall. (more…)

East Texas Antiques

Wednesday, January 12th, 2011

There are hundreds of wonderful antique shops tucked in the small towns of East Texas, each bearing treasures. Dedicated antiquers should plan an East Texas Bed and Breakfast vacation with the goal of scouring every antique store in this corner of the state. Read on for a list of some “not to be missed” East Texas Antique stores, but remember, this is only the start. (more…)

Big Cypress Bayou

Saturday, October 16th, 2010

Big Cypress Bayou is part of one of the largest Cypress forests in the world. It’s a remarkable place on the edge of Jefferson, Texas – verdant and still.

Once a booming center of East Texas commerce, Jefferson is now a quiet town that specializes in relaxation. Porch-sitting is an art form here, as is strolling through the lovely, historic, downtown. Guests of Jefferson Texas bed and breakfasts enjoy leaving the car parked and exploring town on foot – easy to do in Jefferson’s compact historic downtown.

Tour boats have replaced the stern-wheelers full of goods that once navigated the Big Cypress. Turning Basin Riverboat tours lead passengers from the heart of Jefferson out into the Big Cypress Bayou. Along the way, the captain spins tales about the bayou and the fascinating people who have been drawn to it over the years. It’s always an informative and entertaining trip, and a great addition to a stay at a bed and breakfast Jefferson TX.

Davy Crockett National Forest

Tuesday, August 10th, 2010

Davy Crockett National Forest, originally uploaded by balistica.

Looking for a cool, wooded place? How about the Davy Crockett National Forest? Tall stands of pine and hardwood, cool streams and clear lakes greet visitors. The National Forest is less than 20 miles east of Crockett, and makes a delightful stop for folks touring Texas bed and breakfasts.

The Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area is within the boundaries of the park. Swimming, fishing and hiking are all popular activities around the lake, as is boating. You may even stumble upon a concert at the lovely outdoor amphitheater.

Four C National Recreation Trail starts at the lake and meanders 20 miles through boggy sloughs, diverse forests, and up to the stunning scenic overlook at Neches Bluff. This is a foot path only, as part of it traverses the Big Slough Wilderness Area. Horses are permitted on the Piney Creek Horse Trail, which runs for 50 miles through the park.

Ask the innkeepers of your East Texas bed and breakfast where to pick up picnic supplies, and stretch your legs at the Davy Crockett National Forest. It is lovely in the summer.

Blue Morning on Lake Quitman

Friday, May 28th, 2010

Blue Morning, originally uploaded by kaityv.

Quitman Texas is a charming town in East Texas best known for its annual Dogwood Festival and the fact (more…)

Spring in Huntsville

Saturday, March 20th, 2010

Huntsville Texas is hopping this spring. You’ll want to reserve space in a Huntsville TX bed and breakfast soon, in order to be guaranteed lodging during several great upcoming events.

The 23rd Annual General Sam Houston Folk Festival takes place April 30 – May 2, 2010. (more…)