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Showing posts with label East Texas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label East Texas. Show all posts

Why Should We Visit These 10 Texas Towns?



As we mentioned in a previous post, my family attends the Dallas Travel and Adventure Show. During this show, we select the places to visit during the next few months.


During our "select a travel destination" brochure game, my husband selected eight cities and I selected nine cities. There were some cities that did not make the final selection list. 

This is our "change our mind" post. We want to be convinced to visit these destinations, but we need to know why we should spend money and time to get there.

Here's the list:

Bastrop, Texas - We've heard about the Loblolly Pines, but we need something more convincing than towering pine trees to entice us to visit (when considering the current gas prices).




Beaumont/Port Arthur, Texas - Now, this one had the most AMAZING brochure, but I need more than gorgeous pictures and amazing text to entice me to drive through the piney woods to experience Beaumont/Port Arthur.


Canton, Texas - They have the Silver Star Resort and the First Monday Trade Days, but we need more! 


Deer Park, Texas - I understand the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site is important and Heritage Park provides opportunities for visitors to explore history, but how can we have a more unique experience here?


Gladewater, Texas - Daffodil Gardens are beautiful, and we can relive the oil discovery experience here, but why should people visit? 


Palestine, Texas - Champagne is served and boots are welcome, but what if I do not like champagne or have a pair of boots under my bed? We hope to explore the Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility one day, but we need an extra reason to visit Palestine.

***Actually, Palestine is closer to the top of our list.***


Paris, Texas - Yes, this town in reminiscent of its namesake across the sea, but the downtown shopping and Veterans's memorial can be found in almost any city around Texas. The Sam Bell Maxey House is a good touch, but tell us what we do not know about Paris, Texas.


Jacksonville, Texas -  If we do not play golf, own an ATV, plan to have a wedding, or like antique shopping, why should we visit? Other than counting tomatoes around town???


Waco, Texas - Yes, they have a nice suspension bridge and a neat national monument of a wooly mammoth, but we need more than that to help us to realize why Waco is worth a day trip. The Doris Miller Memorial almost does it for us, but we are on the edge of "convinced". 


Winnsboro, Texas - It seems like the lakes (Lake Winnsboro, Lake Fork, Lake Bob Sandlin, and Cypress Springs) are the only attractions that would magnetize us to the small town of Winnsboro.  



Read more about our 17 Cities to Visit in Florida, New Mexico, Louisiana, and Texas here.


Again, here's the my list for this year:

Cleburne, Texas
Corpus Christi, Texas
Henderson, Texas
Huntsville, Texas
Jefferson, Texas (Marion County, Texas)
Marshall, Texas
Mineola, Texas
Martin Creek State Park (Henderson, Texas and Tatum, Texas)
Nacogdoches, Texas

Here's my husband's list for this year:

Albuquerque, New Mexico
Granbury, Texas
Houston, Texas
Louisiana State Parks
Pensacola, Florida
Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Tyler, Texas

Which one should we visit first? What should we see while we are there?

Sincerely,

The Weekends Count Family

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Here's Our Address: Box 501; Beckville, TX 75631

We cannot wait to hear from you!

Small Town Travel Destinations - Top 10 Things to do When Visiting Small Towns


Hey ya'll!

Sometimes, people tend to overlook local our small towns and cities in the United States as their primary travel destinations or an "on the way" travel destination to their primary destination. 

I've lived in small towns almost all of my life and I love the charm, the people, and the small town dining. The green spaces in small towns are unmatched as well!

Here are "Top 10 Things to do When Visiting Small Towns"!

#1 - Explore downtown: Soak up the charm of historic buildings, unique shops, and local restaurants.

#2 - Learn local history: Visit the museum or historical society.

#3 - Get outdoors: Hike, bike, or picnic in the park.

#4 - Catch a classic film: Support the local theater.

#5 - Experience Festival fun: Immerse yourself in local culture at a festival or event.


#6 - Take In Some Stars!: Escape the light pollution and marvel at the night sky.

#7 - Buy Farm Fresh Produce: Sample local produce and support sustainable agriculture at a farm or farmers market.

#8 - Cook like a local: Take a cooking class and learn a traditional recipe.

#9 - Relax and unwind: Embrace the slower pace of life and recharge.

#10 - Have Conversations with Local Residents

Again, we love traveling to small towns and experiencing our own small town, Granbury, Texas! Need some additional suggestions? Please let me know.

Sincerely,

Weekends Count Magazine & The Weekends Count Family

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Have something for us to review? - Here's Our Address: Box 501; Beckville, TX 75631


Make Your Weekends Count in These 17 Cities in Florida, New Mexico, Louisiana, and Texas!


Every year, my family attends the Dallas Travel and Adventure Show. It is one of the highlights of the beginning of the year for us. We pick up dozens and dozens of brochures to help up figure out which destinations to explore and which ones to avoid. 





So we made up a game to lay all of the brochures out on the couches in our living room to determine which ones to visit and write about this year. My husband selected eight cities and I selected nine cities. Now, we are ready to get to work!


Here's the my list for this year:

Cleburne, Texas
Corpus Christi, Texas
Henderson, Texas
Huntsville, Texas
Jefferson, Texas (Marion County, Texas)
Marshall, Texas
Mineola, Texas
Martin Creek State Park (Henderson, Texas and Tatum, Texas)
Nacogdoches, Texas


Here's my husband's list for this year:

Albuquerque, New Mexico
Granbury, Texas
Houston, Texas
Louisiana State Parks
Pensacola, Florida
Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Tyler, Texas



Which one should we visit first? What should we see while we are there?

Sincerely,

The Weekends Count Family

Follow Us!
Instagram/Twitter - @WeekendsCount

Send us an Email! We are PR friendly! - weekendscount@gmail.com

Here's Our Address: Box 501; Beckville, TX 75631

We cannot wait to hear from you!

The World of Wonders Museum in Longview, Texas is a MUST DO Activity in East Texas!


Recently, we celebrated our daughter's birthday at the World of Wonders in Longview, Texas. This was an incredible experience for our family, because it truly entertained my daughter for hours. As a 5th generation East Texan, I remember when an indoor play center existed in one of the shopping centers and it had a water ride, a ball pit, cars to ride, and a party space. This discovery center definitely exceeded my expectations!

The experience made our daughter's birthday complete, even if it just consisted on mom, dad, and daughter. We did not invite the entire family this time, because we did not know what to expect. However, I definitely wish that we would have invited her cousins to enjoy the discover experience with her!

The World of Wonders is DO NOT MISS experience for anyone living or visiting East Texas. It definitely incorporated elements of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics throughout the center.

Here's a video about her adventure in the World of Wonders in Longview, Texas. Enjoy!


"I liked playing with the items in the store and picking up the coal balls with the equipment. I also enjoyed milking the cows while sitting on a stool and seeing the hens lay the eggs. I really liked the stage and dressing up."

When asked by this discovery place is better than the other discover places that she visited in the past,  she stated, "I liked this one because it was just for kids and it is fun. It had fun stuff in it like toys."

The Weekends Count kid was also amazed about the playhouse in the center of the Longview World of Wonders. "It was fun going down the yellow slide," she stated, "there were two ways to get in the house and there is a hidden chalkboard under the slide."

If you are interested in visiting MORE places in East Texas, check out this blog post:


The locations featured include:








Remember to subscribe to our YouTube Channel!

Sincerely,

The @WeekendsCount Family!

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About Weekends Count - Weekends Count is a Millennial Family Travel, Fun, Food and Activities blog based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area in Texas. We review hotels, travel and household items, and millennial family experiences!

Authors - Jennifer and Tony Edwards

Here's a link to our press kit/media kit - http://www.weekendscount.com/p/our-media-kit.html

Mailing Address: 1030 East Highway 377 Suite 110; Box #145; Granbury TX 76048
Phone Number - 817-382-8475

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Visit the Starr Family Home in Marshall, Texas!

Looking for a fun, family activity in East Texas? Then head over to Marshall, Texas to visit the Starr Family Home! This is a Texas Historic Site!  We visited the property during its annual Victorian Fair.  

The property includes one large home, several smaller homes, and a schoolhouse.  Multiple generations of the Starr Family lived on the property.  At the time, the property was considered to be in a very rural area, but has now been surrounded by development in the city.




Outside the different buildings, you and your family will find markers describing the buildings and the people who lived there.



On this day there were also arts and crafts stations where kids could make toys common during the time when the property was occupied like dolls made of straw.



There were performers dressed in historic clothes playing dulcimers and other instruments at the Victorian Fair.



Because the property is now maintained by the Texas Historic Commission, the buildings are preserved to look like they would have when they were occupied.





The Victorian Fair also featured a photo station inspired by that period of history.  Our daughter really enjoyed that station!





Outside the schoolhouse, there were historic games and a person making balloon animals.



Texas Parks and Wildlife brought some animal furs and bones for kids to observe and identify so students could learn about science and history.



While the Victorian Fair is an annual event, the home is available for tours throughout the year.  The kitchen was actually on the side of the home next to the servant quarters.  The stove actually works and was used to make lunch for the staff.  As an African American family, we appreciate the Texas Historical Commission for preserving the servant quarters to honor their contributions to the home and also to help our daughter the opportunities she has today.



The Starr Family Home is actually three stories and includes a huge and extravagant mother in law suite that has been preserved.



We highly encourage you to visit Marshall, Texas and tour the Starr Family Home.

What are your favorite historic places to visit?

Let us know in the comments!

Have a great week and plan for the weekend!

Sincerely,

The @WeekendsCount Family!

This post contains affiliate links to help you build your shopping list and travel list for your family. We provide easy links for you to click to make your busy lifestyle easier! 


About Weekends Count - Weekends Count is a Millennial Family Travel, Fun, Food and Activities blog based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area in Texas. We review hotels, travel and household items, and millennial family experiences!

Authors - Jennifer and Tony Edwards

Here's a link to our press kit/media kit - http://www.weekendscount.com/p/our-media-kit.html

Contact Information:
1030 East Highway 377 Suite 110
Box #145
Granbury TX 76048
817-382-8475
Send us an Email! We are PR friendly! - weekendscount@gmail.com

Our Social Media Channels:
Check Us Out on YouTube! - http://www.youtube.com/weekendscount/
Become a Fan of Facebook! - http://www.facebook.com/weekendscount/
Follow Us on Twitter! - http://www.twitter.com/weekendscount/
Look for Us on Instagram! - http://www.instagram.com/weekendscount/
Discover the Weekends Count Blog! - http://www.weekendscount.com

Remember to Purchase or Download Our Family Travel Book on Amazon! - Family Travel Hacks and Tips for Any Budget!

The Best East Texas Locations for Families: 12 Hour Travel


East Texas is truly a hidden gem in East Texas. It is definitely off of the beaten path, but it needs to be on your radar! If you are looking for a great weekend trip away, with a reasonable ($75-$90 hotel room) East Texas is your best destination in Texas.

If you do not have children, take a scenic drive through the Piney Woods to East Texas to the casinos in East Texas on Interstate 20 and stop in Terrell, Tyler, Longview, or Kilgore along the way. These are your Piney Woods destinations. There is great fishing available and even zip lines through the very tall Piney Woods of East Texas.


1 - Longview World of Wonders Museum


2 - East Texas Oil Museum


3 - Longview Public Library


4 - Tyler Public Library



5 - Caldwell Zoo (Tyler, Texas)



6 - Ellen Trout Zoo (Lufkin, Texas)



7 - Discovery Science Place (Tyler, Texas)


If you have children, check out these "Seven TOP Destinations for Families Visiting East Texas". I visited many of these places in East Texas when I was a child and I absolutely love them. Lately, I started spending my time with my daughter at my favorite East Texas locations as well!

Have a great week and plan for the weekend! Please let me know if you have any questions about East Texas!

Sincerely,

The @WeekendsCount Family!


About Weekends Count - Weekends Count is a Millennial Family Travel, Fun, Food and Activities blog based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area in Texas. We review hotels, travel and household items, and millennial family experiences!

Authors - Jennifer and Tony Edwards

Here's a link to our press kit/media kit - http://www.weekendscount.com/p/our-media-kit.html

Contact Information:
1030 East Highway 377 Suite 110
Box #145
Granbury TX 76048
817-382-8475
Send us an Email! We are PR friendly! - weekendscount@gmail.com

Our Social Media Channels:
Check Us Out on YouTube! - http://www.youtube.com/weekendscount/
Become a Fan of Facebook! - http://www.facebook.com/weekendscount/
Follow Us on Twitter! - http://www.twitter.com/weekendscount/
Look for Us on Instagram! - http://www.instagram.com/weekendscount/
Discover the Weekends Count Blog! - http://www.weekendscount.com

Remember to Purchase or Download Our Family Travel Book on Amazon! - Family Travel Hacks and Tips for Any Budget!