January Happenings

 

January is going to roll in with a bang this year, start the New Year off right with a little bit of adventure and fun. 

Thursday, January 5 Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce Law Enforcement banquet at the Hopkins County Civic Center.  The Chamber honors our local hero's every year with a banquet in their honor.

Friday January 6-8 - Region Four High School Rodeo at the Civic Center

Saturday, January 7-8 - Kirby Hill Roping contest at the Civic Center

Friday, January 13-15 - Martha Hayward Horse show at the Civic Center

Friday, January 27-29 - USCHA cutting show and Bowles Gun Show at the Civic Center

Cooper Lake State Park has events every weekend during the month of January for the whole family.  Be sure to check out their events page for more information.  

Let's Eat ~ Foster's Place

 

    Foster's Place located at 15244 SH-11, Pickton, TX, is a long standing local restaurant that has seen it's fair share of regular customers and those that stop in for a pint and a burger.  Foster's currently has hours, Saturday 11 a. m. - 10 p. m., Sunday 11 a. m. - 9:30 p. m., and Monday 4 p. m. - 9 p. m.  Bring the whole family or just your friends to enjoy a meal or live music, most weekends on Saturday night.  The spring and summer are get times to visit as well, with their outdoor dining options, and a great stage to see those who come out to play some tunes.

    The core menu at Foster's is made up of pizza, wings and burgers.  You can select your pizza from an option they have put together or build your own.  Same with the burgers, they have three selected options or you can build your own.  All of their beef comes from local butcher, Rail 19 and much of their produce also comes from local growers.  Foster's strives to use, people in the community to provide the freshest ingredients for their customers. 

    Along with the core menu Art has created daily specials that will be a little more creative and fun for your dining experience.  These daily specials are always changing so it makes each visit worth the time.  We had a poblano chicken mac and cheese, which was from the specials menu and it was delicious. You could taste the peppers and the cream sauce on the mac and cheese was just perfect.  

    We also enjoyed Foster's Fries as our starter, that are made from a special cut potato so diners can experience the softness of the potato with a bit of crisp on the end.  Plus the homemade Foster's seasoning on the fries makes them just perfect.  The seasoning can be purchased at Foster's or at Lander's Creek in Sulphur Springs.  You might want to pick some up to place in some stockings for this holiday season. 

    That's not all you can get from Foster's.  If you enjoy craft beer, this is the stop for you.  They regularly do a nightly beer special and they feature a wide variety of choices from around the state.  The fun does not stop there, they can customize a pack to go home with you at the end of the night mix and match the beers you tried or bring  home something new.  Either way you will no be disappointed with your choices in restaurant or at home.  

  Foster's also happens to carry a large variety of whiskey for the whiskey lover in your house.  If you want something a little stronger for your visit and have a designated driver, be sure to try something new when you stop in.  We have sent guests down there for that reason alone, and they enjoyed their entire visit.  Art and his staff are attentive and ready to help answer any questions you might have.  Art loves to visit with his guests and will probably stop by your table when  you stop in for a bite to eat.  Be sure to check their Facebook page for Holiday hours, since the big days this year are on the weekends.  After the holiday's for sure plan your next night out for lunch or dinner to Foster's, or on your next stay while at The Oaks.  

Travel East Texas ~ Pittsburg

 

    This month we stopped down in Pittsburg, Texas for a little visit and a robotics competition.  Pittsburg is best know for being the base of operations for Pilgrim's Pride chickens.  The adventure does not stop there, in September the downtown streets are taken over with the Pioneer Days event.  An open air market with food vendors and artisans from all over the state.  The City of Pittsburg, has many more exciting events scheduled throughout the year and can be found on the city website.

    For our visit I wanted to be able to find some good coffee to start our day and followed our Siri suggested stop and discovered that they might have coffee items but not really coffee to drink.  The shopkeeper at The Bleu Hen Country Market was still very helpful and friendly, and directed us to a new, open that very day, coffee stop.  So after picking up some cute Christmas ornaments we made our way to the coffee stop.

    

    Lala Pops, starts out as an ice cream shop that has just recently added coffee service.  They had a very small pastry container with a few offerings.  There was not any signage for the coffee shop portion, so I walked into the ice cream shop and was directed to the right spot.  Fortunately the buildings are connected and that makes it easier for patrons to swap between the two.  The coffee was tasty and the service was friendly, hopefully they will figure out their atmosphere and offerings quickly. To me it seemed a little scattered but that could have been first day jitters.

    For lunch it was suggested we try the Samoan based restaurant, but she could not remember the name so we just walked around downtown until we found a spot that looked good.  As luck would have it we managed to pick the recommend restaurant.  Madeline Cafe, was very delicious and reflected the Samoan tastes and feel within the restaurant as well as on the menu.  Now the menu is not dedicated to Samoan based foods, because as good business owners they realize that they are located in East Texas and need to offer food that the locals would eat who might not be adventurous.  

    I wish we had, had time to visit Los Pinos Ranch and do some wine tasting but this trip did not afford us that opportunity.  Since we have had their wine before we were sad to miss out but knew that we could come back at any point and take a visit.  Los Pinos is on the East Texas wine trail and by staying at The Oaks bed and breakfast you can easily visit the multiple wineries on the trail and use The Oaks as your home base.  Be sure to check winery websites for hours of operation so you don't arrive and not be able to do a tasting.

    We did enjoy our time in Pittsburg and we are sure to be back again soon.  Until then, we hope you can make the visit while you are in Sulphur Springs and staying at The Oaks.  Until next year, when we find new towns to visit and share our adventures with you.  

Herb Infused Cocktail ~ Rosemary Cranberry Margarita

 

Tis’ the season to be merry and drink with friends. At least if that’s your style and you enjoy the occasional adult beverage while entertaining or having dinner. For our herb infused cocktail series this month we are bring you a little bit of holiday flavor from the cranberry.

 Cranberries are an amazing fruit that makes an appearance as whole fruit mostly in the month of December. They are related to blueberries and were eaten by sailors to help prevent scurvy. I’m not sure I would eat them raw outside of a baked good or dried but I guess in a pinch to prevent illness I could choke some down.

 At least in this recipe they are cooked down to add flavor to the simple syrup. Along with fresh ginger the simple syrup is what really adds a punch to this drink. The combination of the sour with the bite of the ginger gives the cocktail a tangy yet enjoyable finish.

 

Rosemary Cranberry Margarita

 1 oz simple syrup

3/4 oz grand Marnier

1 oz tequila

Juice of two limes

 

Add everything into a shaker cup filled with ice. Shake until the cup is cold. Pour into a salt or sugar rimmed glass. Garnish with a sprig or rosemary and some of the cranberries from your simple syrup.

 

Cranberry Ginger Simple Syrup

Equal parts water and sugar

Handful of cranberries

Couple slices of ginger

 

Cook over stove top until boiling. The amounts needed are based on how many drink you are planning to make.

You can watch me make this drink, and not remember all my words at our YouTube channel.  I tried hard but failed miserably this month; I promise I practiced.   

 The great part about this cocktail is that it can be made in a large batch and served when ready. While you are planning that holiday party be sure to use a designated driver and always drink responsibly.  Have a great Holiday Season from the Oaks bed and breakfast.  

Let's Eat ~ Flip's Burgerland

 

    For this month I had to call in a favor to make sure I could be able to review Flip's Burgerland to the best of my ability and Toby totally came through for me.  As the name suggests Flip's is one of the locations downtown, located at 210 Main Street, Sulphur Springs, Texas; where you can grab a fresh cooked burger and fries. I just love the total play on words for the name of this business, IYKYK.  To be clear, burgers is not all they serve, you can have a grilled chicken sandwich as well.  

    If you happen to know, I actually do not eat meat.  When it as suggested I swing by Flip's I had to make a call to see if they could hook me up with a vegetarian option.  We worked it out and based on looks you would never know that I was not eating meat, in my opinion.  Since I didn't want to just eat fries, but they could be eaten as a meal if you only wanted some spuds. 

    I loaded my burger with grilled mushrooms and onions and everything else they top them with, including cheese.  After all what is a burger with out some sort of cheese.  Of course I also ordered French fries.  I loved how if you are dining in, your food comes out right on a piece of paper.  The fries did have a boat to help contain them, but other wise it was straight paper.  Makes clean up easier I imagine. 

    I watched them package up to go orders and he even uses the paper to hold all the fries together when sending the order out.  Great way to save on not having to wash dishes and reducing Styrofoam in the land fill. The fries and burger were hot and delicious.  You can basically take your burger and make it how you want and it will be served to you, just that way.  The mushrooms and onions were done to perfection, and added a wonderful flavor.

    Here is one of the best parts, starting Sunday after Thanksgiving they are going to be open for lunch only, Sunday - Wednesday from 11 a. m. to 3 p . m they will be open and the grill will be hot.  I'm so happy to be able to recommend another restaurant option for guests who happen to be in town on Sunday.  They will also have dinner hours Thursday - Saturday when they will be open from 11 a. m. to 8 p. m.  

    Pull up a chair and order your fresh, hot burger just the way you like it.  You won't want to miss out on Flip's Burgerland the next time you stay at the Oaks bed and breakfast while in Sulphur Springs.  

Herb Infused Cocktail ~ Rosemary Pomegranate Smash

    

    One of my all time favorite fruits is a pomegranate.  I know they are a lot of work to be able to enjoy but I truly feel like they are worth every bit of time it takes to help those seeds escape the hold of the shell.  I remember sitting on my grandparents back porch in California slowing making my way through the fresh pomegranate from the tree in their yard.  I was always too impatient to wait until all of the seeds were released to start eating, so I ate as I peeled away the membrane.  Now I take the time to put in all the work and then eat the fruits of my labor.  

    

    I could not pass up the chance to feature this wonderful fruit in my cocktail this month.  Even though we live in America and can seem to get any fruit or vegetable we want any time of the year, despite the season.  Pomegranates have stayed the course and maintained their seasonal insurgence to the grocery stores mostly in the fall.

    The great thing about this drink is how easy it is to prepare and how easily you can adjust the flavors to fit your taste buds.  If you want it to be a little more tart add a little more lemon juice and pomegranate juice.  A little more sweet, add a bit more of the rosemary simple syrup.  No matter how you choose to make this drink we think you will enjoy every sip.

Rosemary Pomegranate Smash

3/4 ounce Rosemary Simple Syrup

1/2 ounce Lemon Juice

2 ounces Pomegranate juice

2 ounces bourbon

Add everything to a shaker full of ice.  Shake everything up to mix and chill well.  Pour into a tumbler filled with ice.  Garnish with a bit of rosemary.  We also placed pomegranate joules at the bottom of the glass.  

    

    We hope that you enjoyed this simple and seasonal cocktail.   Our desire for you is to feature it at your next party and then share your enjoyment with us.  As always please drink responsibly and have a designated driver.  Cheers, from the Oaks bed and breakfast.  

November Happenings

 I can hardly believe that it is already November.  This year has flown by, and the Holiday season is officially upon us.  What are your holiday plans?  Right now we figure we will be doing some college tours and enjoying the fun that Sulphur Springs has to offer.

Starting of this weekend the Downtown Business Alliance is hosting their annual Classic Car show on the square.  Bring  your cars and family to enjoy checking out all the amazing classic rides, on Saturday, November 5, 2022.

Also on Saturday, November 5 at the ROC, there is a fundraiser for Epilepsy Awareness.  11a. m. to 4 p.m., there will be a spaghetti lunch, vendor show and a car show.

Head on out to Mama's Place for Texafied Jamfest.  This musical festival is going to be great.  November 3-5, 2022.  You won't want to miss this show any day they are open.

Community Players present their show The Diaries of Adam and Eve at the Main Street Theater.  Shows on the 4th and 5th at 7 p. m. 

The High School will be presenting Clue on November 12 & 17th at 7 p. m. and November 13th & 18th at 2 p. m. 

Have your family portrait taken by the talented photographers supporting Redeeming Zoe.  An organization that is trying to bring awareness to human trafficking in the Philippines. 

UPRA - November 17-19 at the Civic Center.  Watch those cowboys and cowgirls do their thing and enjoy the show.  

The Mother's Culture Club is hosting their annual Turkey Trot Thanksgiving day.  Thursday, November 24, 2022.  This is a great event for the whole family.   

Let's Eat ~ Sweet Rice

 

    We just love to have food other then Tex-Mex or American dining, when we found out that a new chain, Sweet Rice, was coming to town we could hardly wait to try out some new flavors.  Sweet Rice has a menu with a good mix of Thai and Loa foods, plus some traditional "Americanized Asian" dishes for those who are not quite ready to venture out beyond the known and try something new.  Sweet Rice is located at 300 B. Connally St and is currently open 7 days a week.  Monday - Saturday 11 a. m. - 9 p. m. and Sunday from 12 p. m. - 4 p. m.  You can even call ahead for take out.

    Since it was just two of us, we ordered an appetizer to help fluff up our picture count, which is still small.  Their lettuce wraps had a vegetarian option, which we selected.  So instead of chicken they use tofu.  I was pretty excited about this and was disappointed when the kitchen read the ticket wrong and we were brought out chicken lettuce wraps.  I made my husband eat it all by himself, but once the server came back around, he told her of the mistake and surprisingly they boxed up the correct dish for us to take home.  The flavor was on point for the lettuce wraps, with the exception of having a small cuts of lettuce to wrap the yummy goodness in, he was overall pleased with the dish. 

    For our main course, I ordered Tom Yum with noodles, since I was really wanting some soup and figured the extra carbs would be a perfect addition.  He ordered Pad Kee Mao, with vegetables and no meat.  His dish came out perfect, he loved every bit of it and finished it all.  He was hungry!  My soup had great flavor, it was just lacking the noodles when it arrived.  They did bring me noodles after the fact, so it worked out in the end.  

    I'm not quite sure what happened with our order but we will still go back, since the options for Asian food in town are slim and you have to work with what you have access to in town.  Our server was pleasant and made sure the kitchen knew of their mistake for us.  We did eat inside since it was raining.  The inside seating is compact but makes for a good option.  When the weather is poor, the outside is a challenge but probably the best place to sit in the restaurant.  The patio outside is lovely and provides good people watching. 

    Despite our experience this time we will be back.  Sweet Rice made sure to correct the mistakes that were made and hopefully those mistakes won't happen again in the future.  Plus from my friends who have gone, their experience has been great, with no problems.  Visit them and help to make them successful so more dining options will make their way to Sulphur Springs, for everyone to choose from.  

Travel East Texas ~ Gilmer

 

    As you take the back roads on your journey through East Texas, while traveling East and little South of Sulphur Springs, you will eventually run into the town of Gilmer, Texas.  Gilmer is best known for it's annual celebration The East Texas Yamboree. 

    We did not hit up Gilmer during their celebration but rather as they were getting ready for the big event.  The Yamboree happens to fall on the same weekend as the Hopkins County Stew Festival, so the choices guests have to make for which amazing event they are going to attend is a tough one.  Their festival is a week long celebration with events every day following up to the big event on Saturday.  Be sure to check out the website to find the items you want to participate in. 

    Besides the Yamboree, Gilmer is the county seat for Upsur County, and boasts a large downtown, square.  This is where we focused our adventure in Gilmer.  We walked along the square, had cheesecake bites at Dana's Cheesecake and window shopped the local stores.

    Many of the stores were featuring previous dresses of the young ladies who participated in the Yamboree pageant.  These dresses are beautiful to look at, not sure if I would want to wear all that beading.  

    There are a few restaurants located in Downtown Gilmer, for guests to dine at, and of course many places for people to shop and browse throughout different stores.  One of our favorite stops, was the Brickstreet Art Gallery.  A mix use space, that houses offices for local businesses that utilizes the hallway for displaying art.  A great use of space and a wonderful way to bring customers in to see who else is in the building.

    

    Downtown even features an Upshur County museum, that takes visitors back in time when the county and city were first established.  At one point the museum building housed the Post Office and has since been refurbished into the county museum.  

    There is plenty to keep you busy for the day, in Gilmer on your next visit to The Oaks bed and breakfast.  We hope you have a few good ideas of where to explore next.  

Herb Infused Cocktail ~ Pumpkin Old Fashion

 

    With all the crazy behind the big, orange squash, the pumpkin.  I figured we would jump on that band wagon and flavor up our drink this month with a little bit of pumpkin spice.  The Pumpkin Old Fashion is a little change up to a traditional Old Fashion but fits well with the season. 

    The addition of orange and pumpkin syrup help to enrich the flavor of the bourbon selection.  I probably should have chosen a bourbon that has a few more citrus notes, but since I sent the Husband to retrieve the bourbon, beggars can't be choosers.  

    I also chose to use a pre-made syrup for this drink to reduce the amount of sweetness, so more of the citrus flavor would pull through the end notes.  But to add a bit more sugar to the drink, a homemade syrup is easy and flavorful.  

    Here is how we put together the Pumpkin Old Fashion.

    Pumpkin Old Fashion

1/2 Ounce Pumpkin syrup

2 dashes of orange bitters

1 orange slice

2 ounces Bourbon

Splash of Club Soda (optional)

Garnish with cinnamon stick and orange slice

    Add the orange slice, bitters and pumpkin syrup to the bottom of an old fashion glass.  Muddle the orange and syrup together.  Once done, add in the ice and top with the bourbon.  If you want, we want, add a bit of club soda to finish off your drink.  Use the cinnamon stick to stir the flavors together. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and orange slice.  

    We let our drink sit a little while before finally consuming it and the flavors really melded together really well.  I think that muddling the orange a little more and adding a part of the cinnamon stick to the bottom would help to bring the flavors together faster.

    As always please drink responsibly and use a designated driver.  Until next month, enjoy your latest Herb Infused Cocktail from the Oaks bed and breakfast.  Cheers!

October Happenings

 

    October kicks fall into full gear here in Sulphur Springs.  There are so many great activities for the whole family to participate in that you won't want to miss out.  When you book your stay at The Oaks Bed and Breakfast, we can  help point you in the right direction for all the fun. 

       The fun starts with the Cattleman's Ribeye Round up on the Square, and the Dutch Oven Cookoff at Heritage Park.  These two food centric events are sure to please your entire appetite.  Tickets are required for the Ribeye Round up but anyone can attend the Dutch Over cook off.  

    Friday night at Main Street Theatre Enola Gay and Leah Conner take the stage for an evening of conversation.  Sit down and take a step back in history and explore the future just a little with these two amazing Hopkins County residents.

    The following weekend is Main Street Uncorked on the Square, in Sulphur Springs.  Winery's, vendors and musician's come from all over the state of Texas to participate in this event.  Buy your tickets now for a great time and wonderful wine.  

    Join the Texoma Gospel Music Association at the Roc for some gospel music of Friday and Saturday, October 7-8.  Over 40 musicians will be in town to praise and worship with visitors from all over.  The entrance is free so stop by and listen for a few minutes or stay for a couple of hours.  

    After you have had your fill of wine and Gospel music head on over the Civic Center for the Annual St. James Church Auction.  An $8 ticket gets you in the door and dinner, then explore all the amazing items up for auction that you won't want to leave behind.  They have a live and silent auction, to bid from.  This is a great event, supporting one of the local churches in the Sulphur Springs community.

    Jump on over to Backstory Brewery for a family fun event and OU Texas watch party.  Fun and games for the whole family.  NorthEast Texas Gellyball will be out there along with vendors and other food options.  Join the fun October 8th from 11-8.

    Join the Community Players at Main Street Theatre starting on Friday, October 14-23 for their presentation of The Last 5 Years.  Be sure to check out their website for show times and tickets.

    Fall Festival fun kicks off on Saturday, October 15 with the traditional Fall Festival Parade, hosted by Chads Media.  You can participate in more ways than one.  Join the parade fun with your own, fall float, or grab a side of the sidewalk with friends and family to enjoy the march through town.  The parade starts at 10 a. m. at Buford Park and finishes up at Brookshires.

    The annual Help-A-Child Benefit is happening this year on Saturday, October 15 at the Civic Center.  This great event raises funds for children throughout our county.  With a cook off, cattle show, auction and so much more, you know you are bound to have a great time. 

    As you drive around town, be sure to look for your favorite hay bale construction.  Many businesses around town have decorated hay bales in celebration of our communities continuing tradition of work in agriculture.  The creativity and design of these structures is pretty amazing to see.  Be sure to tell us which one is your favorite.

    This years 53rd Annual Hopkins County Stew is set to heat up and be dished out on Saturday, October 22 at Buford Park in Sulphur Springs.  You do not want to miss this amazing event.  There will be a vendor fair close to the stew sites and one at the local high school.  Along with an art show and contests for people of all ages and categories to enter.  Be sure to order your tickets ahead of time, so you don't miss out on this great opportunity to enjoy one of Hopkins Counties best events.

    For the first time The Black Oak is hosting an adult only Halloween Party. The Monster Bash is going to be a great time, with cocktails and food from Fulgham's food truck.  Come let loose, in costume for a great date night out, with your significate other or a group of friends.  

    Just a little North of Sulphur Springs, is Cooper Lake State park.  They have a whole host of activities to do in the fall for everyone in your house.  Be sure to check out their next event and plan to make a day of it at this great resource for family fun.  We are looking forward to seeing you this October season at The Oaks. 

Octobers Top 10 Festivals for Texas

     October in Texas can be a wonderful time of the year.  The temperature is starting to decrease, so those outside activities are no longer blistering.  People want to get out and explore the areas around the State.  Here are our top ten festivals you won’t want to miss out on.  We also found some of the best places to stay that are not corporate hotel chains, but rather a bed and breakfast experience.  

1.     The State Fair of Texas – September 30 – October 23

 

The State Fair of Texas is an almost month-long extravaganza of food, animals, rides and so much more.  All fair goers can experience the best fried foods in Texas at this event and explore new, amazing food combinations that will leave no one hungry.  Don’t forget about the Red River Shootout between The University of Texas and Oklahoma University, on October 8^th, at Cotton Bowl Stadium. There is so much to do and see at the State Fair that you will want to plan for more than one day. For bed and breakfast lodging check out The Gaston.

 

Image from the State Fair of Texas website

2.      The Texas Renaissance Festival – October 8 – November 27 (weekends only)

The Texas Ren fest is a long-standing Texas tradition that is open every weekend starting on October 8^th for food, entertainment, and so much more.  Step back in time to experience the Middle Ages with Knights, Kings, Queens and jesters.  Explore the fair grounds and eat the food of the realm, while you take in a show or just watch the people.  The Texas Ren fest is bound to have something for the whole family to enjoy.  Come as you are or dress in a period costume or fit the weekend theme. Look for accommodations at a local campground or Log Cabin B n B, Hodge Podge Lodge, or Maple Creek bed and breakfast. 

3.      Screams – September 30 – October 29 (weekends and nights only)

 

Screams is a great time to explore the ultimate Halloween experience.  If you like to live on the wild side and don’t mind having the life scared out of you, this is the place to do it.  Food and drinks are available for when you are not exploring the haunted houses or watching a show.   For your bed and breakfast stay, check out English Merchants Inn, Chaska House bed and breakfast, or Winding Ridge bed and breakfast.

Image from the Screams website

 

4.      Dallas Arboretum – September 17 – October 31

Autumn at the Arboretum is a beautiful sight to experience.  The Arboretum transforms into a fall paradise with pumpkin and gourd displays all based around this year’s theme “A Fall Fairy Tale.”  Bring the whole family to experience this transformation and explore some popular fairy tales as they come alive with fall colors.

Image from the Dallas Arboretum website

5.      Floydad Punkin’ Days – October 8 -9

 

Come experience the Pumpkin Capital of Texas in style at their annual Punkin’ Days festival.  Held the second weekend of October there is fun for the whole family.  With pie eating contests, costume contests and so much more.  Don’t forget about the pumpkins. Be sure to check out Hotel Matador, Slanton Harvey House, or the Woodrow House for local accommodation for the festival.    

Logo from the Floydada Chamber of Commerce

    

Hopkins County Stew festival – October 22

 

The annual Hopkins County Stew festival brings together over 175 cooks to Buford Park in Sulphur Springs, to see who can cook up the best pot of Hopkins County stew.  The cooks are up at 3 am starting their pots so you can enjoy some stew when they open for serving at 10 am.  This is one of the best priced food festivals in the State of Texas, $7 gets you a bowl and an unlimited amount of stew.  Eat until you can’t eat any more or until the stew pots run dry. Check out The Oak Bed and Breakfast or the Oaklea Mansion for accommodations.

Photo from the Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce

 

7.      Cuero Turekyfest – October 7 – 9

 

The Cuero Turkeyfest will be celebrating its fiftieth anniversary this year, and it’s bound to be a big one.  The weekend will be full of family fun activities, turkey races, concerts and food contests.  Join in this celebration of America’s Thanksgiving Dinner bird. For your bed and breakfast accommodations check out Broadway House Bed and Breakfast

Logo from the Turekyfest Website

 

8.      Chappell Hill Scarecrow Festival – October 8 -9

 

Never underestimate the importance of a scarecrow to keep your crops safe. Chappell Hill has never taken them for granted and has even gone so far as to celebrate the Scarecrow with it’s own festival.  With food, exhibits, vendors and entertainment you can be sure that the whole family will enjoy this event.  Local accommodations can be found at Ant Street Inn,  Main Street House, and Ross Carroll Bennett House bed and breakfast. 

Photo from the Chappell Hill Scarecrow 

 

9.      Día de los Muertos – October 29 – 20

 

The day of the Dead is celebrated every year in San Antonio, Texas and has been touted at one of the best festivals by National Geographic.  This historical celebration of remembrance can experienced by everyone.  The Dia de los Muertos is filled with artisans, experiences and of course food and music.  Choose to stay at one of these local bed and breakfast locations; Arbor House, one of three Nobel Inns locations, or the Brackenridge House bed and breakfast. 

Logo from Dia de los Muertos website

 

10 Red Stegall Cowboy Gathering – October 28 – 30

a.      The Red Stegall Cowboy Gathering actually starts in Jacksboro, TX with a wagon train that leaves out a week before the festival in Fort Worth.  It arrives at the Stockyards and that’s when the local fun begins.  Show off your cowboy skills, or just enjoy watching those who have done it before.  There is fun for everyone in this classic Texas event.  Check out the Rosen House Inn or The Virginia May for your overnight accommodations.

Logo from the Red Stegall Cowboy Website