April Happenings

 

    The first quarter is done and now we are full into Spring, with April starting off with a bang.  When April starts that means things are staring to heat up in Sulphur Springs with outside events and activities.  We can't wait to share them all with you.  When  you stay with us at The Oaks Bed and Breakfast, we can lead you to the fun adventures that await.  

March 30 - April 2 - First Monday Trade Days in Canton.  Find your new favorite thing at the largest flea market in Texas.  From plants, home décor and fashion, you never know what you will find that you must bring home.

April 1 - Northeast Texas Dragons football starts their league play at Gerald Prim Stadium at 7 p. m. and will have three games there over the course of three weeks.  Be sure to grab your tickets to watch some Spring football action.

April 7 - Hopkins County Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf tournament - step out on the links and enjoy a great day of golf at the Sulphur Springs Country Club

April 14 - 16 - UPRA Spring Rodeo will be at the Hopkins County Civic center.  Come out and watch some great cowboys and cowgirls ride and compete in all things rodeo

April 15 -16 - Community Players presents: "The Untold Story of Rose Red" 7 p. m. at the Main Street Theater. This show will also have another chance to see it on April 21 -23

April 15 - MADD test drive fundraiser at 11 a. m. at Jay Hodge Chevrolet

April 16 - Ham Scramble 3 p. m. come and play the largest game of musical chairs in Hopkins County.  Everyone wins a prize so you don't want to miss out. 

April 20 - two musical events are taking place, Jazz on the Square at 7 p. m. with the High School Jazz band and The Singing Men of East Texas.  Either way you can find  your favorite, with one of these musical events.

April 22 - Earth Day - has several events going on and you won't want to miss any of them. 

    9 a. m. - Spring Market on Main

    10 a. m. - Pollinator garden planting at 420 West Park Street

    11 a. m. - Earth Day celebration kicks off with events on Celebration Plaza

    6 p. m. - Lights of Life Gala

    7 p. m. - Deep Routes Coffee Concert Series kicks off

April 29 - Claws for a Cause will be held downtown on the Square.  Come out and eat all the crawfish you can enjoy and socialize with your new friends and neighbors.

Let's Eat ~ Deep Routes

 

    We want to “inspire our community to stay connected,” is the mission statement of Deep Routes coffee where we went this month to visit with owner Kendra Wallace and of course have a great cappuccino.  Deep Routes is located at 215 Shannon Road East, in the old dry cleaner building.  Their hours are from 7 a. m.  to 6 p. m. and is open six days a week, closed on Sunday. 

Deep Routes is a great space that is more than just a coffee shop.  One side is coffee and conversation while the other side, Shop the Springs, is a local vendor market. Not only can you find and enjoy a great coffee you can find gifts and items for your home.

               Deep Routes has the standard offering for coffee options from a local Texas roaster out of Arlington.  Along with coffee, patrons can pick up Laura’s Cheesecakes, that are made in Mount Pleasant.  Kolache’s made in Royce City as well as breakfast burritos made by Slaughter’s BBQ.  Their goal is to involve the community on multiple levels from supporting small businesses to building community relationships within their coffee home.

               Their pastry options have revolved a little but they always have something tasty to pick up and enjoy with your coffee.  The Kolache’s are amazing and so is the cheese cake.  For a quick breakfast options you can’t hardly beat a Slaughter’s brisket taco and a fantastic cup of coffee.  Head on through their drive thru on your way to work and you won’t be disappointed. 

               They have multiple cozy spots to sit, have conversation or read a book.  There are tables for coffee shop meetings, as well as just a simple workspace for those who live the coffee shop vibe.  Deep Routes is a great place to meet up and “have meaningful conversations,” with those around you in your community or meet someone new.

               Not only will they be serving up great coffee Deep Routes is also hosting concerts this April and book singings by local authors.  Tune into their Facebook page for the most up to date information about what and who will be playing at their spot. 

               We are so excited to see Deep Routes and Shop the Springs come to Sulphur Springs.  We love to support local businesses, and their model is perfect for doing so in one spot.  No matter if you are on your way to work, headed out of town or just want to sit and chat Deep Routes is the perfect place to make that happen.  We hope to see you there the next time you are at The Oaks bed and breakfast.

Travel East Texas ~ New Boston

 

    In my recent travels I made my way before a soccer game to New Boston. It’s always nice when the stars align and I can visit a place on the way to a kids game. New Boston is the current county seat and at one point each of the three “Boston” named cities held that title. Old Boston, Boston and New Boston.

    New Boston use to have the railroad running right through the middle of the town and the current museum building. The Museum also houses the Chamber of Commerce office. While the Chamber office was not open when I visited the lady who ran the museum was very helpful and directed me to talk with the person in charge of the Entertainment District.

    New Boston is trying to drive more visitors to their downtown area and the pavilion they have for hosting various events throughout the year. Their largest event is Pioneer days in August. A city Mayor at one point wanted it to be to “Hottest Festival” in Texas which boasts a street dance, rodeo, and something different every day for a week. They have a Country singer, Josh Ward, planed to headline the event on August 11-22, 2023. This festival is bound to be fun they will feature a carnival as well, food trucks, concert every night featuring multiple genres of music such as rhythm and blues, local talent and an Eagles Tribute band. It sounds like this will be an event you won’t want to miss.

    Boston entertainment district goals are to have an event every month. So far they have 10 festivals scheduled including an April 8th Easter Egg-Stravaganza. A July 4 fireworks show with a BBQ cook off and live music, actually scheduled for the 4th of July.

    The best places to eat in town are Maria’s, and the Boston General Store. I didn’t have time to stop at Maria’s and the General Store was closed by the time I made it down there. Instead I found a coffee shop to visit for a pick me up before soccer.

    If you happen to be staying at The Oaks bed and breakfast, explore East Texas with us and stop by New Boston.  Plan your visit and be sure to check out their festival dates and see if you can join in the fun. The shops downtown are few but growing. We look forward to hearing about your New Boston adventure.

Herb Infused Cocktail ~ Irish Maid

 

    To help with the St. Patrick's Day celebrations we are sharing a cocktail recipe from our friends at Teeling Irish Whiskey.  If you remember we visited their distillery while in Ireland last year and really enjoyed the tour and tasting at the end of the tour.  We wanted to bring back their whiskey in our cocktail this month to help celebrate the day.  

    Teeling's shared this recipe for the Irish Maid from a local bar named the Dead Rabbit, and creator Jack McGarry. We added in the addition mint, since it is an herb infused cocktail.  I thought about dill but felt that would not be the best flavor combination with the St. Germain.  We love St. Germain, and would use it almost every cocktail if we could but alas we much change it up.  The elderberry liquor is just so pleasant to drink or mix.  

    Irish Maid

2 ounces Teeling Small Back Irish Whiskey

3/4 ounces Lemon Juice

3/4 ounce Simple Syrup

1/2 ounce St. Germain

2 Cucumber Slices

4-5 Mint leaves

    Muddle the cucumber and mint leaves in the bottom of a shaker cup.  Add all the remaining ingredients.  Shake and strain into a glass over ice.  Garnish with a cucumber slice and mint. Enjoy!

    This drink is simple to make and fantastic to enjoy.  Each of my taste testers wanted another glass, to enjoy. Make this drink for your friends and they might never leave.  Be sure to check out our video on YouTube and let us know what you think.   

    We hope you enjoy this drink, since it is quick and refreshing.  This is a single served option, adjust for larger batches for more drinks.  As always please drink responsibly, have a designated driver.  We hope you enjoy the Irish Maid this St. Patrick's Day. Slainte!

Travel East Texas ~ Clarksville

Clarksville, Texas is the “Gateway to Texas,” and saw travelers such as Sam Houston, Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie, cross into Texas via Red River County.  As the Red River County seat, it boasts a county boarder that reaches the Red River and the Oklahoma border. Instead of having their court house on the square it’s a block North. A beautiful, building, built out of sandstone, it anchors the street along. With other government offices such as the post office.

The chamber of commerce office was unfortunately closed when I stopped by so I navigated the city on my own. A cute little shop called C & T distributing on the square was a great find. They have an eclectic mix of items and are transitioning from clothing to gift items. As a coffee lover I picked up some tasty coffee to serve guests at The Oaks.

There were two restaurants on the square sprinkled in with real estate agent offices and another boutique. The central square part of the square is occupied by a green space that the city uses for special events, such as May Days and Christmas on Main.

Around the outside there are plaques that are meant to help you get moving while learning a bit about the wildlife you can find in the area. A QR code allows smartphone users to download the information for easy access.  I felt like this program was part of the NorthEast Texas Trail Coalition.  

Clarksville also boasts a fair grounds with multiple buildings for activities. A horse area, show barn, permanent structures for vendors during the county fair.

One of the most beautiful parts of Clarksville is the country club.  A nine hole course and a 100 acre lake, set up for a golfers day on the links or they are ready to host a special event. Be sure to bring your clubs during your stay and make the trip to the Clarksville Country Club for an afternoon of play.

The Red River Historical society has preserved and purchased the homes of “famous” residents to help preserve the history of the area for years to come. One such house is the Colonel Charles DeMorse.  Built by the acclaimed "father of journalism" who passed away while living in Clarksville. Another home is the Lennox house. Both maintained for visitors to drive by and take a look at. They should probably make some “real estate” signs to better denote the locations but otherwise the one is easy to find just off of downtown.

When you plan your next trip to Clarksville pack the golf clubs and bring your walking shoes. Be sure to check out the Chambers website for more dates on local events.