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.  

Travel East Texas ~ Mt. Vernon

   

  Just fifteen minutes East of Sulphur Springs is Mt. Vernon, Texas.  A little spot away from the big city life, where you can stop into downtown and find a few good places to eat and cute places to shop for just the right item on your list.  The city is working hard to renovate their downtown to bring life back to the city, with local shops and eateries.  We found a few that you  might want to stop by while visiting Sulphur Springs.  

    The Chop House if a wonderful stop for dinner while visiting the area.  The hours of operation are from 5-10 p.m. each night except for Sunday.  You can make a reservation on the website, if you are traveling with a large group or small group.  We highly recommend making a reservation, especially on the weekend so that you can dine when you want to.  They have a good selection in their bar for mixed drinks and wine.  

    Plan to stop by during lunch, be sure to check out the other dinning options such as 5B Burger Co, Sweet Home Texas, or Steve-O's Pizza.  Each location offers a little different taste depending on what you are looking for to dine on.  

    Before or after you eat be sure to check out the shops along the square.  There is a little bit of something for everyone.  One boutique ranges from baby gifts, to men's clothing.  There is another cute shop that features women's clothing but where you can also order flowers for any special occasion.

    Mount Vernon is the county seat for Franklin County and happens to house the court house on the square as well.  Along with the library and a couple of museums that are just off of the square.  Be sure to check out the websites for the museums, to verify hours of operation.  Covid has played a difficult part in limiting operating hours at some of these local establishments.

    One of the city's highlights is the Mt. Vernon Food and Wine festival that will be held on Saturday, April 2, 2022.  This festival features amazing Texas wines and food from all over the state.  Food, music and wine, who could ask for more.  Be sure to check out this great East Texas event.

    Grab your bike and come out to support the Rotary Club of Mt. Vernon in their annual Tour de Cypress Bike Ride.   This ride can be taken in any number of lengths, as determined by your fitness level.  Bring the whole family out to have fun and get a little sun and exercise on Saturday, April 16, you can register by clicking this link.  

    To top off your Mt. Vernon adventure don't forget to check out the Johnson Photo Print Studio.  For $12.95 per person you can enter their wonderfully curated studio and take all the selfie photos you want with your friends, family and the people you meet.  This is a great way to be social in a fun environment and make some lasting memories.  Be sure to check out the Main Street Alliance web page for more information on what is happening in the downtown Mt. Vernon area.  There is so much exciting stuff going on, that you might not want to miss out.  

October Happenings

     We are closing in on the first day of Fall and that means things are starting to heat up here in Sulphur Springs, Texas.  Our city and county have a lot of great activities for visitors happening in the month of October and into November.  

    There is something for everyone this coming month.  Be sure to check out the list below to see what might peak your interest.  Then book, stay and play while you are in Sulphur Springs.

    September 25: Corvette Club Car Show - Corvette's from all years will be on hand to view and discuss for this annual event.  Stop by Celebration Plaza to see these amazing machines, up close and in person.  Want to show off your Corvette, the entry fee is $20. 

    October 2: NETBIO Ribeye Round up - cook teams will fill up Celebration Plaza in downtown Sulphur Springs to bring you their best version of the Ribeye.  Come eat, drink and have fun with these cooks as each one brings their "A-game" to the grill.  Tickets are $25 per person. Dinner starts at 6pm and the band takes the stage at 8pm. 

    October 9: Main Street Uncorked - Nine different Texas Vineyards will be present for tastings at this fantastic Wine crawl.  Tickets in advance will be $10, and $15 the day of the event.  Each winery will have bottles and full glasses for sale at their booths.  The fun starts at 1pm - 7 pm.  Don't forget that their will be live music throughout the day.  

    

    October 16: Fall festival parade - the annual Fall Festival will be kicked off with a parade through downtown on Saturday, October 16.  You don't want to miss out on all the floats and fun for this event.  

    October 23: Hopkins County Stew Festival - is probably one of the most anticipated events in Hopkins County.  Stew comes come in from all over the county to try their hand at the best stew of the event.  For just $6 you can have access to over 150 stew pots and find your favorite.  You can even purchase a quart size container for $10 to take some home from later.  How many bowls of stew do you think you can eat? 

    October 30: Halloween Fun! -  there will be trick or treat adventures at multiple locations.  As well as Dead Walking on the Square, sponsored by VR Social.  Come enjoy some festive fun in costume.

    November 4-7: The Wall That Heals - will be located on the Sulphur Springs High School track for visitors to come and experience.  This amazing opportunity to behold this replica only has a few more stops this year.  You do not want to miss out on the chance to experience this memorial.  

    November 6: Downtown Business Alliance Classic Car show - come and see all the classic cars from around Texas and surrounding states.  Celebration Plaza will be filled with classics from every manufacture.  This is a great family event, and fun for all ages. 

    

    As you can see there is a lot going on in Sulphur Springs, Texas in the coming weeks.  There is something for everyone.  Be sure to pick your favorites and come join the fun.  We can't wait to see you!

Norman Rockwell 4th of July Celebration

     When you think of the 4th of July, what comes to mind first?  Fireworks, cook outs and fantastic American fun, celebrating the day that America singed their independence.  The Annual Symphony and Fireworks celebration on the square in Sulphur Springs, is one of those fantastic American adventures that brings people together to celebrate one specific event.  A full orchestra takes the stage to play classical pieces before the fireworks show.

    Never has a more "Norman Rockwell" event taken place in small town America than the Symphony and fireworks.  Just imagine a full orchestra playing beautiful classical music, then a fireworks show right downtown, backdropped by the quintessential county court house.  

    Make your plans today to join us at The Oaks and then the square for a great All-American 4th of July celebration.  

    We hope to see you then.

Allison 

Travel to Sulphur Springs! The Celebration city.

     I don't know about you but I know I could use a quick getaway to recharge my batteries.  With States opening up and easing restrictions on travel, now is the perfect time to hit the road and explore those cities close to you.  

    Sulphur Springs, Texas is the perfect city to start with.  Just an hour and half North East of Dallas/Fort Worth, of off Interstate 30, it is a must see attraction that you should add to your travel itinerary.  We are ready to help you have a great visit, and explore the city and surrounding area.

    After checking in to The Oaks head downtown to explore and shop.  Downtown Sulphur Springs, has so many great places to shop and eat, there is something there for everyone.  Check out the boutiques on Main street to find your next outfit for a night on the town.  Make your own soap at Buff City Soap or explore, Landers Creek to discover your favorite attire for hunting or a day on the lake.  

    Don't forget to check out the glass bathrooms and the Veterans Memorial. Pull up a chair and watch the people who come to enjoy this little gem in the country.  Or participate in a game of chess on one of the large chess boards located next to the glass bathrooms.  Enjoy this green space with a picnic lunch or explore the many restaurant options available to you.  

   Wood fired pizza from Arturo's, Steaks from Red Neck Bar and Grill or drop in for a late lunch at Haystacks.  Our little town has a variety of flavors and restaurants to choose from right downtown.  

    Then you can head on over for a night cap at Phinesse Farms or the Backstory Brewery.  If that is not your style then have dessert at the Magic Scoop.  

    There are many options to choose from when visiting Sulphur Springs, ask us to help point you in the right direction or explore on your own.  Either way, this little weekend or weekday getaway will not disappoint.  

    Thanks again for choosing to stay with us at The Oaks Bed and Breakfast.