Travel East Texas ~ Road Trip Addition

 

    One of the great American pastimes is to take a family road trip.  You never truly realize how big the United States is until you hit the open road. My daughter and I made this road trip to visit her college before dropping her off.  Our road trip took us through 21 States.  You read that correctly 21.  We travelled from Texas to Maine and back.  We took a different route there than we did on the way home, which is part of the reason we hit so many States in one trip.  

    One of our favorite stops to make on road trips are the little, small town coffee shops along the way.  Since being a previous coffee shop owner, it's always fun to see how people style their shops and what they have to offer.  For me the best way to see if the coffee is any good is to order a cappuccino.  You can determine if the espresso is roasted well, how well they can create the foam and if the drink is too hot.  Of course, we would often grab a quick bite to eat or use this stop as a mealtime, since sometimes breakfast on the road is not what you expect.

    While the miles fly by in the car, we either listen to music and sing along or we use this time to listen to a book.  All in all, on our road trip, she, and I each read seven books.  Don't worry, we had plenty of time to talk, listen to each other and bond while traveling.  For us reading is a perfect way to spend time together and then discuss what we read.  It's part of our bonding process.  Even now when one of us reads a book we think the other will like, we let each other know.  

    All that time in the car means we must take some time to get out and explore along the way.  We didn't really stop too much on the way out since we had to arrive in Castine, Maine by a certain date and time.  But we did explore a little and found some great restaurants along the way.  On the way home we took a little more time to do some sightseeing, outside of Maine.  Castine is just beautiful.  The girl is really going to enjoy her time in Maine, so long as she can make it through the winter.  The city sits right on the edge of the water and offers water sports, boating and a great community environment.  A wonderful place to visit or live.  The towns that are close by also offer great wonderful exploration, we really enjoyed Bar Harbor. 

    I have always loved the show Gilmore Girls, and so we stopped off in Washington, Connecticut to check out the city that the show's location was based around.  Even on a Sunday morning, this little area was busy.  We stopped in for a late breakfast at Marty's cafe.  Bought some books at the bookstore and then just wandered around and took some pictures that highlighted the points of interest in Washington.  The bookstore, had a section dedicated to Lauren Graham's books for readers to pick up and enjoy.  Along with a children's section and stationary.  It was a great stop and we both enjoyed the visit. 

    From there we headed down to Philly.  We figured we would stop by and see the Liberty Bell and walk around the city and enjoy some vegan Philly cheesesteaks.  Yes, vegan Philly cheesesteaks are a thing.  Made with mushrooms and vegan cheese with onions, they were delicious.  The only thing that dampened our time in Philly was the rain.  We left the umbrella in the car and had blocks upon blocks to walk before making it back to our car.  Needless to say, we were wet and so was our food.  

    All through our travels we stayed in bed and breakfast establishments.  After all, what a great way to see how other people run their businesses and pick up some pointers.  Each bed and breakfast were different.  Many are started from an old home that is remodeled into the space it is now.  At some locations we had the whole house to ourselves.  At another we were there with other guests as well.  Breakfast was different at each stop.  Two of them cooked breakfast and served it out, just like we do.  Another had a set menu that you could specify what you wanted, and another had granola.  That might sound odd but it's the truth.  The bed and breakfast we selected in Castine offered a continental breakfast, which really surprised me.  I would have thought they would have put in a little more effort into the food than they did.  Next time we will check out the other bed and breakfast option in Castine.  

    Our favorite overnight stop was just outside of Philly, at Alpenhof Bed and Breakfast.  They had such a unique house design and it was decorated in a such a way that was reminiscent of a mid-evil castle.  They have been operating as a bed and breakfast for over twenty years.  We hope to make that mark one day as well.  Their property and home were well appointed for guests to visit, find a spot to read or walk in the garden.  They even had a swimming pool for guests to enjoy.  We really enjoyed our stop here and would highly recommend if you are ever out that way to make a stop there as well. 

    Since we did not want to drive back through Tennessee, we headed further South towards Georgia.  We stopped in a little town outside of Charlotte, North Carolina called Shelby and we could not believe how similar it was to Sulphur Springs.  The bed and breakfast there is named after the streets it sits on.  The downtown was close enough to walk down to, and the square, was full of shops and dining.  A little bigger than Sulphur Springs, but still made us think of home.  We ate at a great woodfired pizza place and wandered the streets downtown before heading back to get some sleep.

    We had such a great adventure, driving down the road and exploring the country where we live.  No two cities are alike, and no two bed and breakfast stays are alike.  Each one brought something different to the table, with each one leaving a memory for us to look back on together.  While it might take longer to reach your destination, never underestimate the road trip.  It might be the best way to explore different parts of the country.  Grab a friend, some snacks, and a map, then hit the road.  We suggest staying at bed and breakfast to be able to get a better feel for the area in which you are visiting.  Typically, they are run and owned by locals who can point you in the right direction. Happy and safe travels.  

Let's Eat ~ Reba's

 

    Right on the Hopkins County line is Reba's, located at 1004 Hwy 154, Yantis, Texas, a little bit of homestyle cooking to feed the soul.  Tara and Steve have built their business from the ground up focusing on creating dishes from family recipes to bring people together to enjoy a good meal in a comfortable setting with quick service.  Named after her Grandmother, Reba's strives to help others. 

    The goal behind Reba's is more than just feeding the public.  Eventually they want to help disadvantaged, single parent families get back on their feet.  Reba was a women who worked up to three jobs while trying to raise a family and keep her children fed.  She did this while working in the food service industry after her husband passed away early in their marriage.  Tara took her grandmother's work ethic to heart and wants to help mother's and father's who are alone re-enter the workforce with help from other local restaurant owners and develop a ranch where the children can be cared for and tutored while also helping the parent gain workforce skills.  With a future for growth, Reba's is more than just a place to drop in for breakfast or lunch but also a place with a mission to help those who in need.

    As a former school teacher Tara witnessed first hand the impact of a broken home in the students.  Her desire to start a ranch and help these families begins with the children in mind.  The restaurant is a stepping stone to reach their ultimate goal of purchasing a ranch and impacting the lives of local families in need. 

    Reba's is open six days a week.  The dining room is open weekdays from 8 a. m. to 4 p. m. and Saturday from 7 a. m. - 2 p. m.  While their take away and bakery options are open until 7 p. m. on weekdays and 2 p. m. on Saturday.  While it might seem like a bit of a drive, Reba's offers quick service and weekly specials.  There is plenty of time to head out there and back on your lunch break. Enjoy the whole menu and specials all day.  Two breakfast specials, and four lunch specials come out each week along with their regular menu.  

    All their bakery items are made from scratch.  Which also includes special services such as wedding and birthday cakes.  Sugar cookies, breads and fried pies fill their case daily and you don't want to miss out.  At least ten fried pie options are on the menu each day, with a monthly special to tempt your taste buds.  This months special is a snickerdoodle fried pie.  The flaky, crust melts in your mouth upon first taste.  You won't want to miss this treat on your visit. 

    On your way out after enjoying breakfast or lunch, be sure to grab a pre-made dinner.  Their take and bake options are great for those busy  nights of sports and dance.  Or just because you don't feel like cooking, let Reba's do the cooking, all you have to do is heat, serve and enjoy. 

    Not only can you enjoy their cooking at their brick and mortar store, you can have them come to you for your next event.  Since Reba's started out as a food truck, they can cater at your location.  Their food truck helped to grow their inside location while remodeling.  Be sure to call and ask about catering your next function.

    No matter if you dine in, order out or pick up a take and bake be sure to tip.  The tip jar at Reba's goes to help feed people in need.  Tara pays her workers a daily wage so that the tips can be given back to the community.  No matter what you should always tip, but at Reba's its even more important and impactful.  

    We hope that you will take a trip out to Reba's to enjoy some homecooked meals for breakfast or lunch.  Tara and her staff are ready with a smile and conversation for when you stop by next.  

    

    

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 ~ Cooper

 

    Just fifteen minutes North of Sulphur Springs and The Oaks bed and breakfast lies the bedroom community of Cooper, Texas.  The best part about Cooper is the State Park.  Before you hit the park be sure to pop downtown and grab a cup of coffee or cappuccino from Vetch.  Vetch is a cute coffee shop with a little bit of a farmers market vibe going on.  They offer fresh veggies and meat from local farmers along with condiments and other items for purchase along side your caffeine option of choice. 

    There are just a few places to drop in for other shopping with in the square.  A little boutique called Rosie and Co, right off the square and an antique shop.  I would have missed Rosie's had they not set out mannequins on the sidewalk.  Rosie & Co, has lots of great options and styles that fit the season.  The Antique shop has a great selection of items that you could spend  hours browsing through to find exactly what you want.

    The dining options are very few, just the coffee shop and Tejano's Tex-Mex.  Tejano's was a popular stop for all the locals who happend to be downtown.  But make sure they remember you are there, otherwise you have to ask to be served.  I was suprised to see that they had a guacmole enchilada with a spinach enchilada option on the lunch menu.  It's always nice to be able to order food and not have to make changes to fit your needs.  I will say downtown Cooper does have a super cute, walking book "tour" to read while wandering around the square.  A children's book has been placed around the square on little podiums and made to be protected from the weather.  It's a cute way to keep readers engaged and provide a creative way to exercise while reading. 

    Cooper Lake State Park is the perfect spot to spend the day.  Pack a pinic lunch and hit the trails.  The State Park has great hiking trails and shore line for all your outdoor needs.  Plus the park is always hosting events that are fun for the whole family.  Be sure to check out their website for more information on activities and adventures you can have while staying with us at The Oaks bed and breakfast, while exploring the outdoors.  Grab a fishing pole, binoculars and lunch and spend the day exploring Cooper Lake State Park.  

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.  

Travel East Texas ~ Quitman

 

    Just past Lake Fork going South on 154 from Sulphur Springs, is a little town called Quitman, Texas.  This little town is the county seat for Wood County and boasts a quant downtown area.  Downtown Quitman wraps around the Court house on three sides with restaurants and shops.  The fourth side houses an office building for People's Electric Coop.  

    Our favorite place to visit while downtown Quitman, is Speakeasy Coffee House at 103 N. Main Street.  They boast a standard coffee menu, and have some specialty drinks labeled after famous individuals from the 20's.  They offer some delicious looking bakery items and grab and go dining options if you are unable to stay for a while.  The shop is set up with multiple seating areas, that match the name with an adorable upstairs area, where you can host a small event.  I really love the upstairs feel at Speakeasy and imagine guests dressed to match the décor.

    Downtown Quitman also has a few places to dine, if you are looking for breakfast or lunch.  Wing Dingers and Jan's Restaurant and Grill, are two such places to drop in for a good meal.  Wing Dingers, located at 107 N. Main Street, has the perfect menu for game days. Wings, burgers, pizza and all your fried favorites.  While Jan's, located at 101 W. Lipscomb, offers a full breakfast and lunch menu for all your dining needs.  They features a typical home style cooked menu with burgers, salads and chicken fried steak. 

    We choose to eat Mexican food at Peraltas located at 607 S. Main Street.  Peraltas offers the standard Tex-Mex flavors, that Texans have come to love and expect.  The restaurant is located in an old house, that they have converted into a restaurant.  You never know who you might be dining with because you can't see all the seating spaces.  Which I suppose, could be half the fun.  The mushroom quesadilla was flavorful and filling.  While my dining partner had a full plate mixed with a variety of options, none of which stood out but all tasted as expected.  

    The city park, James Stephen Hogg, in Quitman is well outfitted for people of all ages to stop by and visit.  This 27-acre park houses a botanical garden and three historic homes, one of which is a museum that tells more about the history of Quitman and the Hogg family.  

    The downtown square boasts a few shop to check out and holds events on various weekends.  Coffee and cars seems to be a regular monthly event on the square, so drive up your classic, stay at The Oaks bed and breakfast and then show off your old time beauty.  Quitman is a quick visit from Sulphur Springs, and the coffee is worth the stop.

Travel East Texas ~ Commerce, Texas

 

    Commerce, Texas is probably best known for being the home of Texas A & M at Commerce University's campus.  That is not all Commerce has to offer a visitor.  While there are great adventures that await visitors on campus, such as rock wall climbing or high adventure ropes course be sure to meander downtown to explore the shops and dining options that the city has to offer.

sometimes you run into friends. 

    Start your visit at Mugs, with a great cup of coffee.   They happen to serve coffee from the same roaster we get our coffee, so it it 100% approved by The Oaks.  Addison Coffee roasters does such an amazing job with their coffee, that we are always happy to see it served locally.  Mugs has a great atmosphere in their shop, if you are wanting to meet up with friends, get some work done, or just hang out.  Their location and tasty beverages will sure to keep you company.  They even have  a cute, fresh cut flower bouquet area set up for people wanting to freshen up their homes with flowers.

    As you make your way around the shops, be sure to check out The Shop. This adorably curated shop, has over twenty different vendors selling their goods in one place.  You can be sure to find a gift for everyone on your list, from here.  The owner of the space also has her items on display and for sale as well, which makes The Shop a perfect stop for exploring new items for your house or a gift.  

   

 Need something a little sweet along your journey be sure to stop in the sweet shop, Too Good Treats.  They offer gourmet popcorn, candy, ice cream and more.  This might be the perfect place to hit up after you eat lunch at Laredos.  A little bit of Tex-Mex then on to dessert.  

    As you continue your way around downtown, walking off lunch and dessert there are several cute antique shops to check out and see what hidden gems you can discover.  You never know if the perfect item is waiting for you in the next shop you visit.

    For a little bit of night life entertainment there are a couple of options for you to try.  Our favorite now, is Cork and Brew.  Craft beer options, or a wide variety of wine to choose from.  They offer small bites to eat and even have a giant pretzel that is worth the visit.  Don't forget about bingo.  Come play a few games will enjoying your favorite beverage.  

    If you want a little more variety in your drinks be sure to check out either The Spot or Little Bit Country.  Both have a night life to offer any visitor you just have to decide what you are looking to do and how you want to be entertained. 

    If you are looking for more family entertainment, you can always check out The Northeast Texas Children's museum.  The children's museum is hours of fun geared towards children age 3-8 years of age.  Their admission is reasonably priced and fun for kids to learn and explore.  

    Commerce is a great place to visit and discover, with family and friends, there is something to do there for everyone.  So if you are in town for Parents weekend, checking out your Alma mater or just visiting for the day.  Be sure to explore a little more and find your new favorite activity in Commerce.  

Travel East Texas ~ Paris

 

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    About forty minutes north of Sulphur Springs, is the city of Paris, Texas.  We made the journey north to check out their downtown and of course visit the "Texas Eifel Tower."  We made a few stops around the downtown area to check out what shops to venture into and what kind of food offerings they have for visitors.  

    Downtown Paris has a good variety of shops to choose from when visiting.  Antique shops, Olive Paris, an Art and Wine shop, along with a grouping of boutiques.  The length of your stay can depend upon how much you want to explore and what you are looking for in your treasure hunt.  The antique shops we stopped into are delineated into vendor booths, so an assortment of items can be found, if you have the time to look and browse for that special item.  

    Olive Paris, is a great stop to consider to find artesian olive oils and balsamic vinegars.  You can taste before you buy so you are able to find exactly what you want and for what dish you want to cook up.  They also have a range of items for the bar b que master in your family.  With Father's Day rapidly approaching a great gift can be found here.

    Tresors de Paris, is a unique stop, with art, wine, craft beer and of course bar b que items in store.  Their creativity in combining multiple different ways to attract a customer helps to bring in men and women alike who walk away with a package.

   
    We caught  Paris Bakery in the middle of transition from breakfast to lunch.  Prepared lunch sandwiches went into the bakery case as we were leaving after enjoying a cinnamon roll.  No coffee today but I'm sure their coffee would be worth the trip, I noticed a familiar coffee vendor, Addison Roasters, on one of the air pods for drip coffee.  

    We dropped into 107 to see what their menu looked like for a possible consideration for lunch.  While entirely indoors, they have brought the outside in, by creating a space more like an open patio, with clear roofing to give you that feeling of being outside while still remaining cool in the Texas heat.  Their menu had a lot of great options, for everyone, so bring your group and pull up a chair.  

    We did end up eat at Jaxx Gourmet Burgers, I know what you are thinking, why would you make that choice?  They had a portobello mushroom salad on the menu, no change or questions necessary for me to order, and my companion found a choice for himself, that he loved how they cooked, even if the portion was a little on the lite side.  They are obvisouly known for their burgers, stop in if that's the way you want to go.  We loved how they "framed" the t-shirts on the wall, with t-shirt frames, it added a quirky touch to the décor that guests will not soon forget.  

    The central part of the square is a green space, with a fountain in the middle, where people can meet to enjoy a visit, listen to concerts, or check out the farmers market.  The community theater is also downtown on the corner, and open for the season.  Be sure to check out their schedule to see what is coming up next.

    A trip to Paris, would not be complete without a visit to the "Texas Eifel Tower."  The tower is topped with a red cowboy hat and is located by the Veterans Memorial and Love Civic Center.  Be sure to make the stop, not only for the tower but to see and experience the memorial.  The Veterans Memorial is unique tribute to those who have served from Lamar County.  

    Until next time I hope you can find your way to Paris, and find a new treasure or two to bring home.  If nothing else, enjoy some good food and exploration with friends and family.