The East Texas Weekend Preview — This year has been one for the books!

We had an absolute blast traveling to all corners of East Texas, discovering all sorts of fun places to experience.

Below is a list of our favorite spots we visited and highlighted this the year.

Tap each link provided to watch our spotlight of each location!

*Check back throughout the month as we announce all ten of our favorite trips!

#10 - Dory’s Garden & Boutique (Tyler, TX)

From the moment we pulled up, we knew this was no ordinary neighborhood garden. Upon entering the main gate you suddenly forget that you are in the heart of a city. Rather, a green wonderland, filled with blossoming flowers. We had an absolute blast taking in all of the scenery. But the real attraction we came to see was a glimpse of local celebrity, Joan the chicken. This affectionate little bird loved to be cuddled and carefully carried around the garden. With plenty of flora to take home and artistic classes available, Dory’s Garden is truly a hidden treasure in Tyler.

#9 - Darrell Wolcott’s Castle (Jefferson)

While heading towards the city of Jefferson with a full schedule to places to visit, I quickly passed a most unusual building. I remember saying out loud, “was that a castle?!” After busting a U-turn, I parked and began filming this impressive structure. A man was mowing outside and invited me in to meet the owner, Darrell Wolcott. Not only was this castle a nod to his passion for European-style architecture, but is actual home to his nonprofit organization, Center for the Study of Ancient Wales. The walls are filled with books on Welsh genealogy and family crests. This was one of the coolest, spontaneous visits of the year.

#8 - Freelancers Cafe (Athens)

Coffee robot. Delicious pizza. Wall-to-wall video games. Let’s just say I spent a lot of time personally enjoying this destination. This East Texas gaming café is truly one-of-a-kind. With some serious passion revolutionary tech, the team here is bringing digital entertainment for the region to a whole new level. Even watching this giant robotic arm make me an iced latte was a blast! That and trying out the racecar simulator, the energy was definitely high! Whether its entertaining the kiddos, knocking out some online work or just casual dinner plans, this spot has it all!

#7 - SFA Gardens (Nacogdoches)

As I research all of the fun things to do around East Texas, I am always on the hunt for superb nature trials in the region. This year I found out about all six of the incredible green spaces that surround Stephen F. Austin University, known as the SFA Gardens. Starting from the Gayla Mize Garden all the way to Hinds Park, I hike each beautifully curated garden that they had to offer. From the towering pines of the Mast Arboretum to the bright colored flowers of the Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden, this was the most notable nature walk of the year for me. (And my wife who I brought a few months after.) I totally underestimated it and quickly got entranced by the wonder of the gardens, walking just about every pathway offered here. I will be sure to bring better shoes next time as my feet were aching. (But a joyful ache.)

#6 - Eagle’s Nest Mini Golf (Winnsboro)

Growing up in East Texas, mini-golf was one of the most popular attractions to enjoy on the weekend. However, in recent years it seems like many putting greens have gone out of business in the area. (R.I.P. Tyler Putt-Putt.) But to my excitement, this year I found out about Eagle’s Nest! A new, American pop-cultured themed course in Winnsboro. I made the trip and experienced all 19 greens. Though I am a mini-golf fan, what made this course even more special was the addition of various mini-games you can try at many of the holes. Like the Monopoly Board Game themed hole, where you roll dice that determine where you start. There are plenty of putting greens that similar twists that allow you to take your time and enjoy the moment with family and friends.

#5 - Red Axe Nation (Gun Barrel City)

This destination was such a surprising find. I was in the Gun Barrel area, filming lots of places, and just happen pass by their sign that said, “coming soon!” I quickly hopped onto Facebook to find out just how soon. A couple of weeks, in fact! So, I came right back shortly after and got to experience all the joys of this spot. I was grateful as the team let me try out all the attractions. The axe throwing was incredibly fun, although I was not very good at it. The splatter room was an absolute blast! (Sorry for the paint on the ceiling...) But my favorite thing to do here was the rage room. I had always wanted to try that out and bust up some bottles and plates with a bat.

#4 - The Naranjo Museum of Natural History (Lufkin)

As a huge history nerd, I tend to geek out at any historically-focused destinations that I visit around East Texas. And this spot really got me stoked! Dinosaurs. Moon rocks. Ancient roman coinage. Pottery from the New Testament era. WOW! I remember filming so much footage here. Not so much that it would go in our final video of the museum, but more so because I was just a fan of all of the cool exhibits. If you want to check out ancient artifacts that you can’t find anywhere in the region, this the museum for you!

#3 - Old Stagecoach Road (Marshall)

With my dad growing up in Marshall, I remember always hearing stories of this mysterious road. So, with years of wondering I decided to traverse it myself! I remember it was a wet, January afternoon with a slight fog rolling in. (What a perfectly spooky setting.) Taking The East Texas Weekend car around this windy, muddy road was an absolute blast, with the massively tall pines looking down upon us. It was hands down the most memorable drive of the year. Was it haunted? I didn’t see anything that would say so. But the historical value and fascinating stories from locals make it just as enjoyable.

#2 - Wolf Creek Lake Waterfall (Palestine)

This destination came out of nowhere! I had just published our article of the Nichols Green Park waterfall in Jacksonville, TX. We were getting a flood of comments of folks sharing all of their memories and experiences of this cool feature. As I was reading through them, there were a couple of people that stated, “Have you seen the waterfall in Palestine?” I was instantly shocked by the family photos they shared of this incredible natural feature. Literally the next day I packed our car and made my way down to Wolf Creek Lake, just West of Palestine. After walking across the dam and encountering a couple of river otters, I had made it. I stood atop a 20ft cliff that instantly dropped into a massive pool of water. Since it was such a dry summer, there wasn’t a whole lot of water dropping down, but the views and environment was like nothing I had experienced in East Texas. It was a true oasis within the piney woods. I can’t wait to revisit after a good storm.

#1 - Aperitivo Café and Gelato (Nacogdoches)

Coming in at my personal favorite destination from the entire year is this one-of-a-kind Italian café in the heart of downtown Nac. Wherever my travels take me, I’m always on search for high-quality coffee. And wow, did I find it here at Aperitivo. With a perfect iced latte in hand, I started to browse the extensive gelato bar. They hooked up me with three incredibly authentic flavors, falling in love with the amarena cherry & cream. The laid back atmosphere and super friendly staff made this spot truly special. It was amazing how they have cultivated a perfect mixture of superb quality dining and a chill, family-friendly environment. I felt so at home here that I even went back, “off-the-clock”, to hangout at for a bit at their community vendor market that was filled with all sorts of local talent. This East Texas treasure is quickly getting a lot of love by locals and we are so thankful we got to experience it at their beginnings. We are so excited to see this café become a Nac favorite for years to come.

Thanks to all the wonderful folks we have met along the way, inviting us into their businesses and spaces to capture just how special they really are!

We can’t wait for all that awaits in 2026!

LOOKING FOR MORE FUN?

Things to Do - Special places to visit and activities to do around East Texas.

Live Music - Each month we show you where all the East Texas concerts are.

Food + Drink - Try some of these wonderful places to eat!

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