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

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.

Let's Eat ~ Plain and Fancy

     

    This week we dined at Plain and Fancy, located at 120 Main Street, right on the square in Sulphur Springs.  Plain and Fancy has been a Sulphur Springs tradition for over twenty-five years.  With sit down, call in and delivery options available to customers, there is no excuse for missing breakfast or lunch from Plain and Fancy.

    Plain and Fancy is open six days a week from 7:30 a. m. - 4 p. m. Monday thru Friday and Saturday from 10 a. m. - 4 p. m.  Their menu is simple and satisfying for each visit.  With a variety of sandwiches and salads to select from.  Today I enjoyed a tuna salad sandwich, with chips and a pickle.  

    Other guests enjoyed an egg salad, salad or a salad medley plate.  I even took lunch to one of my kids and ordered from the kid menu.  We were both surprised that the turkey roll up did not have a tortilla, and that it was just turkey and cheese.  His lunch did come with, chips, drink, pickle and the infamous "Sparkle Cookie." The kids meal is a good value for the price.

    I have always loved how they will display student art throughout the year from the various schools in the district.  I feel that is a great way to give back to the community and celebrate those young artists with their art on display at a local restaurant.  

    Plain and Fancy will also be more than happy to cater your event.  Be sure to reach out if you need food for your group. Sandi will help you curate a menu that all your guests are apt to enjoy.  Check out Plain and Fancy the next you are staying at the Oaks while in Sulphur Springs.  

Herb Infused Cocktail ~ Honey Rosemary Bourbon

 

    Welcome to this months addition of our herb infused cocktail series.  I'm so excited about this drink, because one of our previous guests are partners in the distillery, Still Austin, that makes the Bourbon we are featuring.  I have been waiting for the weather to cool down, which it has but not nearly enough for true fall feelings, to share this drink.  Needless to say I could not wait any longer.  

    The honey rosemary syrup is so simple and delicious to make for this drink, I want to find other ways to use it in the kitchen.  I think we might be baking up something special using this syrup.  The rosemary really pops in the honey, while the honey ads just the right amount of sweetness to this drink.  

    Of course if you like your drinks a little sweeter just add a little bit more of the honey syrup.  Not to much, otherwise the sweetness will become over powering.  Our goal is to meld all the flavors into one.

    Rosemary is such a strong flavor on its own, that the honey and the bourbon help to mellow it to just the right amount.  The garnish of a rosemary spring and an orange peel bring out the look of this simple cocktail, just in time for fall weather and sipping around the camp fire.

Honey Rosemary Syrup

1/2 cup Honey

1/2 cup Water

2-3 springs rosemary

All all the ingredients into a small pot and cook until boiling.  Let set for about 10 minutes to cool.  Then add to your drink.

Honey Rosemary Bourbon

2 1/4 ounces of Bourbon 

4 tsp. of honey rosemary syrup

2-3 shakes of bitters

Pour everything into a shaker filled with ice.  Shake until the outside of the shaker is very cold.  Add to your tumbler that is filled with ice.  Garnish with a sprig of rosemary and orange peel.

    Be sure to check out our YouTube channel for an easy to follow and quick video on how we made this drink.  As always please enjoy your drink responsibly and use a designated driver.  Until next time, Cheers from the Oaks Bed and Breakfast. 

September Happenings

     Fall is quickly approaching and there is going to be so many amazing opportunities to visit Sulphur Springs and participate in something new and fun.  We hope that you will take advantage of our space to grab a great nights sleep and then hope into town and experience Sulphur Springs.

    September 2-3 - G5 Cattle sale at the Civic Center. 

    September 3 - Celebration Market on the square

    September 9-11 - Texas Ponies of America 

    September 9-18 - Main Street Theater presents Melodies of Broadway

    September 10 - Republican Party will be hosting a rally at the civic center

    September 11 - various fire departments, gyms and volunteer departments will be celebrating a remembrance of the day.

    September 16 -18 - Region 4 Rodeo at the Civic Center

    September 17 - Gun Show at the Civic Center

    September 23-24 - Lone Star Heritage Quilt Guild will host their 21st annual show at First Baptist Church's ROC 9 a. m. - 5 p. m.

    September 23 - 25 - Bar G Cowgirl Roundup at the Civic Center

    September 24 - The Sulphur Springs Corvette Club will host their annual Show and Shine on the square 10 a. m. - 2 p. m.

    September 30 - October 2 - Region 4 Rodeo at the Civic Center

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.  

Let's Eat ~ Stefanos

 

    When you think of East Texas you do not think of food other than maybe barbeque or Tex-Mex.  In rural East Texas that pretty much goes without saying, but somewhat hidden in Emory, Texas is a little Greek Restaurant called Stefanos.  

    We love to explore and find little hole in the wall places to eat, and Stefanos fills that desire, easily. They offer a good amount of Greek food, to help expand the palate in East Texas.  We have been a few times and each time we have not been disappointed.  

    Since we wanted to explore their menu a little more we ordered a few items we might not have otherwise.  To start we began with their dip sampler, two types of humus, tzatziki and a white bean dip.  I'm a huge fan of humus as it is and their choices were delicious.  The white bean dip had to be my favorite though.  The flavor combination and texture were perfect.  The tzatziki was the only option that I felt was lacking flavor, and maybe it just needed to be paired with a dish as the condiment instead of a dip in its self.

    Their limited special that day, was a Greek Creamy Tomato Tortellini and Lobster Bisque.  The soup had good flavor, but seemed to be lacking a thickness that I associate with a bisque.  Other than that the soup was tasty, even on these hot Texas, summer days.  I loved how it had tortellini in the soup and bits of lobster.

    For our main course, we combined Greek food with East Texas and had a basket of Greek French Fries.  An inventive way to get those East Texas people try something new with something that they are already familiar with.  Feta cheese and lamb top the fries with little explosions of Greek flavor.

    We also had a grilled veggie pita.  The veggies were cooked perfect, just soft enough to be done, with a little bit of crispness in each bite.  They made me want to recreate these at home.  I'll let you know how that works out later.

    Of course you cannot forget about dessert.  We went by way of tradition and had baklava but made with pistachios.  Definitely a dish made to share, the sweetness is always so much when eating baklava but worth it in the end.  

    We really enjoyed our meal at Stefanos, and hope that you too will head down to Emory to explore a bit of homemade Greek food in East Texas.  Be sure to check their Facebook page for  hours of operation, right now they are only open Thursday and Friday 11 a.m. - 9p .m. and Saturday 12 p.m. - 9 p.m.   They also list their daily specials there, so it's a good resource to see what might be new that you would enjoy.