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.

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 ~ 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.