Weekend in East Texas

[Ishi&Elvis]

Ladies and Gents,

I have lived in Texas all my life, but have never really ventured much into East Texas. I am not really sure where those of you that live there call the "border line" of your area, but I would like to spend a weekend during the spring. I do not have a certain specific location in mind, but I am thinking Longview east along 20, and from that northern line, south to Huntsville and east to the state line as an area to check out. I know that is a big area to ask about, but I honestly do not have much of a clue. Sure I can google it, but I would rather have some direct info from those of you that live in those areas. What are the "must do's, must see's, must eat"? Where to stay, and use $200 or less per night as your guideline. I truly enjoy reading about those of you that live in that part of Texas, you have a lingo and lifestyle much different than this hill country cedar chopper.
Thanks!

[Anthonysince94]

Check out caddo lake for sure.

Sent from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk

[dpg481]

Originally Posted by Anthonysince94

Check out caddo lake for sure.

Sent from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk

Caddo Lake is very cool and Jefferson has a cool shopping area downtown. There is a cornbread place people line up for that I have never eaten at, due to not wanting to stand in line, but the BBQ place next door is very good and not much of a line. Gladewater has a cool downtown for shops and antiques. The Sabine National Forest is also a beautiful place to drive through. I would suggest staying away from Tyler due to the CRAZY traffic. Canton is fun with the wife and the tacos shop out by I-20 is amazing. On Target Archery is also just west of Canton and has a cool 3D range and virtual reality indoor hunting course, if yo want to take your bow along for the ride. If you get to Lindale you will have to eat at either BBQ Love of Bodacious BBQ.

[Rwc]

I would recommend making it all the way to SH 87 and take a day to venture around Shelby, Sabine, Jasper counties. Not sure it gets more deep east Texas than San Augustine, Center, Hemphill, Jasper etc., etc. But I would be partial due to spending most of my teen years in Sabine County.

Rwc

[hogslayer78]

Originally Posted by Rwc

I would recommend making it all the way to SH 87 and take a day to venture around Shelby, Sabine, Jasper counties. Not sure it gets more deep east Texas than San Augustine, Center, Hemphill, Jasper etc., etc. But I would be partial due to spending most of my teen years in Sabine County.

Rwc

This would be my suggestion also. I hunt that area and love it! Not mention your minutes from Toledo Bend and about 25 to 30 mins from Rayburn. Nacogdoches is right there also, oldest town in Texas

[Garbuster]

Caddo

[TCR²]

Originally Posted by Rwc

I would recommend making it all the way to SH 87 and take a day to venture around Shelby, Sabine, Jasper counties. Not sure it gets more deep east Texas than San Augustine, Center, Hemphill, Jasper etc., etc. But I would be partial due to spending most of my teen years in Sabine County.

Rwc

This ^^^

While there's not much to do or see in Jasper (retirement town), we do have Sam Rayburn north of us about 12 miles. Spring time is the second best time of the year to fish Big Sam. There's a ton of RV places to stay at around the lake and some marinas have cabins you can rent at a fairly decent price. The Neches/Angelina River Dam B WMA is west of town about 15 miles. Bring a yak/canoe and spend a day or two paddling these rivers, it's well worth it.

[etbowhunter]

Jefferson usually has several events over the weekends in the spring. I would probably pick there just because you're going to be new to the area and with a weekend (assume arriving Friday afternoon and leaving out Sunday afternoon early) as your time limit, you will want a variety of things to do without having to spend much time traveling. Having said that, Nacogdoches, Gladewater, or Lindale would all be good options as well.

[Slicefixer]

Just as others have suggested.....

I'd start in Beaumont and start north up through Jasper, St.Augustine, up to Caddo and spend a day or two. Once the wandering journey is completed you'll have a pretty good feel for East Texas. The drive alone will do that, but, Caddo is like stepping back in time, a loooooooong way back.

[doright]

Plan your trip for when the dogwoods are blooming.

[duckmanep]

Caddo is a must see. Take a boat tour. I believe the state park there has cabins.

[GarGuy]

Good advice so far. Might camp a night at Ratcliff Lake . If you like hiking there us a long trail from the lake all the way into Big Slough wilderness.

[Landrover]

Originally Posted by doright

Plan your trip for when the dogwoods are blooming.

U beat me too it. Like the hill country bloom but in reverse.
Bodacious BBQ definitely with Caddo Lake.....the only natural lake in the Lone Star state. It reminds me of what I grew up in SE Louisiana........half of Caddo lake is actually in Louisiana. The drive north out of Jefferson/Marshall is nice also.....which would be between I-20 and I-30 that would make a nice loop thru east Texas. I covered all of east Texas for a decade with BASF as the forestry and "right away" chemical rep. It's pretty interesting and totally different than the national impression of Texas. Probably more like Central and North Louisiana honestly. Most mid size town now have Hampton inns, Fairfield inns, holiday inns, etc. Not hard to find very decent lodging at fair rates. Thx for the reminder as I need to geaux up to Hooks, TX soon to check on my wife's family land and ours since the neighbors have decided to hunt on it....lol

Sent from my SM-N986U using Tapatalk

[lovemylegacy]

Originally Posted by Ishi&Elvis

Ladies and Gents,

I have lived in Texas all my life, but have never really ventured much into East Texas. I am not really sure where those of you that live there call the "border line" of your area, but I would like to spend a weekend during the spring. I do not have a certain specific location in mind, but I am thinking Longview east along 20, and from that northern line, south to Huntsville and east to the state line as an area to check out. I know that is a big area to ask about, but I honestly do not have much of a clue. Sure I can google it, but I would rather have some direct info from those of you that live in those areas. What are the "must do's, must see's, must eat"? Where to stay, and use $200 or less per night as your guideline. I truly enjoy reading about those of you that live in that part of Texas, you have a lingo and lifestyle much different than this hill country cedar chopper.
Thanks!

Hiway 87 is a nice drive. SETx has some really nice wineries. Wild Azalea Canyons are pretty nice to see. If you decide to ride 87, go East at Milam, cross T-Bend at the Pendleton bridge and go to Many, La and see the Hodges Gardens. If you go as far West as Huntsville, go by Ables Ammo/Sporting. March, April is a great time to go.
Ifyou do go to Huntsville, take 105 to Cleveland, 1725 to Hway150(Texas Forest Trail) to New Waverly, then 45 to Huntsville, its a pretty drive.

You didn't say if you are going on motorcycles, but if you are all those are nice rides.

Hope this helps

[Ouch]

Originally Posted by dpg481

Caddo Lake is very cool and Jefferson has a cool shopping area downtown. There is a cornbread place people line up for that I have never eaten at, due to not wanting to stand in line, but the BBQ place next door is very good and not much of a line.

Stay away from the cornbread place, but Riverport BBQ is legit.

Spend a weekend at Caddo. I know a guy that leases his house on the lake (think VRBO, but independently), it's a great place if you're interested.

[Ishi&Elvis]

Wow, lots of good suggestions. Sounds like Caddo is the place to go when the dogwoods are blooming. So when do they bloom? I am thinking a mid-March trip. No going on a motorcycle. Any boudin in those areas? Love that stuff!

[Slicefixer]

Originally Posted by Ouch

Stay away from the cornbread place, but Riverport BBQ is legit.

Spend a weekend at Caddo. I know a guy that leases his house on the lake (think VRBO, but independently), it's a great place if you're interested.

Riverport is owned by a good friend of mine.....i concur!

[dpg481]

Originally Posted by Ishi&Elvis

Wow, lots of good suggestions. Sounds like Caddo is the place to go when the dogwoods are blooming. So when do they bloom? I am thinking a mid-March trip. No going on a motorcycle. Any boudin in those areas? Love that stuff!

There is a Cajun place in Marshall that is said to have great gumbo and boudin. I normally plan my travels around the quality of BBQ I can find.

[HogHunter34]

If you do decide to pass through Tyler & BBQ is what you are after, try Stanley’s Pit BBQ near the hospitals

[Ishi&Elvis]

I am always after BBQ. Thanks for those suggestions.

[sailor]

I like Caddo................
But, I'm kinda partial to Toledo Bend area...........

[White Falcon]

Holly Lake Ranch, Look it up. Holiday Inn has rental cabins and duplex's, ETC. Holly Lake has some rentals also. East of Mineola, West of Longview, North of 20, and 80.

[Snowflake Killa]

Don't forget about beautiful lake Houston. Minutes from Porter where the elite TBHs live

Sent from my SM-N986U using Tapatalk

[sierracharlie338]

Originally Posted by Snowflake Killa

Don't forget about beautiful lake Houston. Minutes from Porter where the elite TBHs live

Sent from my SM-N986U using Tapatalk

Lol!


Sierracharlie out....

[Preacher Man]

I always enjoy the drive north out of Woodville on Hwy 69, catching Recreation Road 255 to the east. 255 takes you through the Angelina National Forest and across the Sam Rayburn **** which is pretty. Then you can hit Hwy 96 and turn north and go to San Augustine. San Augustine has a nice little downtown window shopping area. There's also some historical landmarks there that might be worth checking out.

If you want to divert slightly from that path, I hear the space shuttle Columbia museum in Hemphill is worth seeing.

Then you could turn north and go up Through Carthage and Marshall on your way to Caddo.

[hogslayer78]

Originally Posted by Snowflake Killa

Don't forget about beautiful lake Houston. Minutes from Porter where the elite TBHs live

Sent from my SM-N986U using Tapatalk

Come on now Pat, we can't all live in Shepherd 😜

[asu-indian]

Make sure you go bass fishing. East Texas has a ton of incredible lakes. Caddo is a MUST see. Our lodge on Lake Fork was designated by Sports Afield Magazine as one of the "Top Foishing Lodges in North America". However, its $995 per night.

[Drycreek3189]

Originally Posted by dpg481

Caddo Lake is very cool and Jefferson has a cool shopping area downtown. There is a cornbread place people line up for that I have never eaten at, due to not wanting to stand in line, but the BBQ place next door is very good and not much of a line. Gladewater has a cool downtown for shops and antiques. The Sabine National Forest is also a beautiful place to drive through. I would suggest staying away from Tyler due to the CRAZY traffic. Canton is fun with the wife and the tacos shop out by I-20 is amazing. On Target Archery is also just west of Canton and has a cool 3D range and virtual reality indoor hunting course, if yo want to take your bow along for the ride. If you get to Lindale you will have to eat at either BBQ Love of Bodacious BBQ.

X2

[Rotney]

Palestine, take the train ride

If you make it to San Augustine, Mary Kay’s Diner on 96 is good groceries.

You can stay in Center for about $80 a night at the holiday inn express so you will have access to Nacogdoches, San Augustine, Carthage, and you’re 65 miles to bossier city.

[UncertainHunter]

Everyone has made good suggestions and to answer your questions on the borderline; you will know you are in East Texas once you are on the other side of the Pine Curtain. Caddo and Big Thicket are must visits if you’re going to East Texas for the nature. If you are looking for history and culture you would be hard pressed to beat Nacogdoches, Marshall, or Jefferson. My advice is two trips since you only have a weekend. One trip for NE Texas focusing on Marshall/Jefferson/Caddo. Watch out for bigfoot when you are in Uncertain. If you go to Caddo from Marshall find stagecoach road off 43. It’s right outside of Marshall and will take you almost to Jefferson. It’s narrow and the road can get rough after some weather unless you have a 4x4 but definitely worth the drive if you have a vehicle that can handle it. The other trip I would base out of Nac and then go down south to Big Thicket in a day and see SE Texas. As far as food I would say in the NE area I would recommend Stillwater Inn for a special occasion in Jefferson but I’m kinda low brow and always end up at Auntie Skinners because the booze is cheap and strong with a decent burger. Big Pines used to be the place to eat at Caddo but it’s not what it was before the fire. If you want to eat on the lake I would go with RiverBend. If you are going cheap route the Lighthouse in Karnack has GREAT burger. It might look a little rough one the outside but everyone is nice. This is probably good advice for a lot of East Texas in general if you have never been.

[Monark]

I grew up in SE Texas and still hunt in Tyler County. I can't recommend spending any vaction time or money anywhere south of 190 from Livingston to Jasper. The Meth heads will steal you blind if given the chance. The northern places others mentioned here will probably be better if you are just dead set on seeing East Texas.

[curtintex]

The Pickett House Restaurant in Woodville. You are welcome.

[hogslayer78]

Originally Posted by curtintex

The Pickett House Restaurant in Woodville. You are welcome.

I second the Pickett house! I forgot about that place. Some of the best home cooking you ever had

[lovemylegacy]

Cedar Tree Lodge in Jasper

[TxTyler]

Originally Posted by Monark

I grew up in SE Texas and still hunt in Tyler County. I can't recommend spending any vaction time or money anywhere south of 190 from Livingston to Jasper. The Meth heads will steal you blind if given the chance. The northern places others mentioned here will probably be better if you are just dead set on seeing East Texas.

True that on the meth heads. About 5 years back I got a call from the Woodville car impound. Turns out a tweaker broke in to our barn, stole my Honda Rancher and found himself in a high speed chase (impound guys words not mine) on my 4 wheeler with 2 police cars in tow. He bailed on the side of the road and elluded them on foot. My 4 wheeler was towed. Ended up spending $500 to get my 4 wheeler back. Smh...

Sent from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk

[TxTyler]

Originally Posted by hogslayer78

I second the Pickett house! I forgot about that place. Some of the best home cooking you ever had

Third for the Pickett House. I've had a few geat memories with family there.

Sent from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk

[Tom]

be very careful.

[Jaker]

Check out artesian lakes if you’re looking for a place to stay around Cleveland.

[captainsling]

Really surprised to not see Nacogdoches recommendations. Lots of Texas History. Cool little town too.

[TCR²]

Originally Posted by curtintex

the pickett house restaurant in woodville. You are welcome.

yes!

Originally Posted by lovemylegacy

cedar tree lodge in jasper

no!

[Bayouboy]

Pizza Hut in Diboll.
Whataburger in Corrigan.
Joy Juice outside Shepherd.

[tps7742]

.

[Big Lee]

No value add here, but..... People lining up for cornbread? I've ate a lot of cornbread in my life. But none of it would have me waiting in line for it.

[hogslayer78]

Originally Posted by Bayouboy

Pizza Hut in Diboll.
Whataburger in Corrigan.
Joy Juice outside Shepherd.

Don't leave out McClains if he needs to stop for any groceries lol!

That whataburger in Corrigan is great! Stop there every trip to lease

[Ishi&Elvis]

I am thinking Nacogdoches might be the landing point, and branch out from there. I think you are right in that it will have to be more than a weekend to catch all the stuff you guys say are the "must see", but time is limited till the summer. Thanks for all of the suggestions, I am making a list and mapping it all out. Much obliged!

[doug]

Originally Posted by curtintex

The Pickett House Restaurant in Woodville. You are welcome.

Definately!

[GarGuy]

Originally Posted by Ishi&Elvis

I am thinking Nacogdoches might be the landing point, and branch out from there. I think you are right in that it will have to be more than a weekend to catch all the stuff you guys say are the "must see", but time is limited till the summer. Thanks for all of the suggestions, I am making a list and mapping it all out. Much obliged!

West and south west of nacogdoches 8s dine of the prettiest country in Texas. DCNF, ratcliff lake, Big Slough wilderness

[lovemylegacy]

Originally Posted by TCR²

yes!



no!

Well, whats wrong with the Cedar Tree Lodge?

I have eaten there and its good or was.

[Bayouboy]

Originally Posted by hogslayer78

Don't leave out McClains if he needs to stop for any groceries lol!

That whataburger in Corrigan is great! Stop there every trip to lease

Lol! I almost added McClains. Wasn’t sure he would be dressed appropriately