From the
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
T
he East Texas Tourism Association is pleased to present this resource
manual for group tour planners. Its purpose is to introduce you to Texas, and to assist in making your tours through our region profitable. In this manual you will discover a variety of vacation fun, but more importantly, the cities which offer special features for group travel. Any questions you may have may be directed to the cities and attractions which are participating, and to us. Any information you need will be relayed to you right away. Much of the area covered may be new to you. To bring it into perspective we have included maps relating the region to the state as a whole. Distances are given. We believe the maps and other features will be especially helpful to your tour escorts, and we have published extra copies of the manual to
STAFF Mary Ramos Executive Director Shawnda Rains Director of Projects & Development
supply their needs.
A Brief
History
EAST TEXAS TOURISM ASSOCIATION was founded in 1963. A private enterprise program built around cooperative efforts of more than 60 cities in a 78-county region of East Texas, and six parishes in western Louisiana. Through ETTA, East Texas cities and attractions are tied together by Texas first travel trail - the East Texas Heritage Trail. These
Jo Irvin Account Executive Carolyn McCasland Financial Director Chris Lozano Creative Director w w w. E a s t Te x a s G u i d e . c o m
Trail hosts combine through ETTA to publish and distribute nationally the
27th Edition
annual East to West Texas Vacation Guide, East To West Texas Group Tour
P.O. Box 1592 421-A North Center St. Longview, Texas 75606 (903) 757-4444 (903) 236-7541 FAX
Manual, and The Official Fun Map. ETTA participants are committed to serve the visitor, and welcome your inquiries.
MaryRamos@etta.com
Your adventure is waiting!
Executive Director
East to West Texas Group Tour Manual Š
For group travel assistance email Client Relations – Contact@etta.com
How to use this guide
CONTENTS
Group Tour Manual
Welcome Letter......................... 3 Region Map...............................6 Texas Facts.................................7 Region I – Praries and Lakes.... 8 Addison......................................28 Cavanaugh Flight Mus...... 28 Allen............................................10 Top 10 Fun Places To Visit with Kids......................... 11 Bonham......................................12 Canton.......................................13 Mill Creek Ranch.................. 13 Corsicana...................................14 Denison.......................................15 DeSoto........................................16 Ennis............................................17 Gainesville..................................18 Greenville..............................19,20 Mesquite................................20,21 Mexia..........................................22 Mount Vernon...........................23 Paris.............................................24 Pottsboro Tanglewood Resort............... 25 Plano......................................26,27 South Fork Ranch...................... 26 Richardson............................28,29 Sherman.....................................30 Sulphur Springs......................31,32 Terrell...........................................33 Texarkana..............................34,35 Waxahachie..............................35 Major Transportation in Texas Region II – .................................37 Bastrop.......................................38 Boerne........................................39 Cleburne................................40,41
Decatur......................................42 Georgetown..............................43 Granbury...............................44,45 Granbury Resort & Conference Center............. 45 Granbury Gunslingers.......... 45 Plantation Inn........................ 45 Killeen.........................................46 Mineral Wells..............................47 Weatherford..............................48 Wichita Falls...............................49 Region III – ................................51 Carthage...............................53,54 Conroe.......................................55 Henderson..................................56 Huntsville....................................57 Longview....................................58 Holiday Inn Express............... 58 Gregg County Hist. Mus...... 58 Nacogdoches...........................59 Fredonia Hotel...................... 59 Port Arthur.............................60,61 Mus. of the Gulf Coast........61 Orange.......................................62 San Augustine............................62 The Woodlands.........................63 Other:..........................................64 Angelton....................................64 Bay City......................................64 Baytown.....................................64 Brazosport..................................64 Gonzales....................................64 Jacksonville................................54 Katy.............................................54 New London..............................56 Museum. & Tea Room...... 56 Pearland.....................................64 Roseland Plantation.................. 64 Scroggins....................................32 Deer Lake Cabins............... 32 Louisiana Best Western..............................64 Melrose Plantation.................... 64
Find your destination - by referring to the colored Region Map on pg 6- then find your section quickly by turning each page and observing the colored “Did you know? “ boxes. Each box contains handy & interesting information.
Regions 1-3 10-35 Prairies & Lakes 37-49 Hill Country to Panhandle Plains 51-64 Gulf Coast to Piney Woods Must See!
Throughout the book you will find “ Must See!” boxes. These areas are intended to help the viewer find true gems within that city. Sam Rayburn House......... 12
Wise Co. Courthouse........ 42
First Monday Trade Days.. . 13
Granbury Trolley Tours..... 45
Eisenhower Birthplace.. ..... 15
Mayborn Planetarium
Nance Farm.. .................... 16 Ennis Bluebonnet Trails.... 17 Frank Buck Zoo.. .............. 18 Don Meredith Exhibit.. ..... 23 Eiffel Tower.. .................... 24 Tanglewood Resort........... 25 Plano Hot Air Balloon Festival.......... 27
34.
Eismann Center.. .............. 29
East to West Texas
NO.1 British Flying Training School Mus... 32 Perot Theatre.. .................. 34 Bastrop Opera House........ 38 Cave Without a Name.. ..... 39
47. www.EastTexasGuide.com
Plaza Theatre.................... 40
& Space Theatre........ 46 Worlds Largest Rocking Chair........... 47 Museum of Northeast Texas.......... 48 Clark Gradens.................. 49 Jim Reeves Memorial........ 53 Southern Empress............. 55 Sam Rayburn Lake............ 62 The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion........ 63
6 Texas Region Map
East to West Texas
See the coverage area that the East To West Texas Group Tour Manual covers. A helpful map that will guide you along the way.
17.
7 Texas Facts Learn a few tidbits while traveling this great state.
8 Mileage Chart A helpful chart that measures distances between cities.
9 Wildlife and Landscapes
Learn to recognize the Prairies and Lakes Region by spotting wildlife and studying the terrain in this part of Texas.
11 10 Fun places to visit with the kids in the Prairies & Lakes area
7.
Recommendations for travelers with children of all ages.
28 Commercial Service Airports
Helpful list of numbers and addresses of nearby airports.
36 Tips For Group Travel Planners A composed list of tips and hints at a better traveling experience.
37 Wildlife and Landscapes
Observances of the nature and wildlife in the Hill Country to Panhandle Plains region.
50 Spotlight on: Tour Programming as a Career
Tips and suggestions for those in the tour business.
51 Wildlife and Landscapes
Simple facts of the Gulf Coast & Piney Woods region. This handy article is a must read for the nature lover.
52 Spotlight on: A Bit of Texas Oil History An article about the history of oil drilling in East Texas.
65-66 Need More Information?
A Service Reader Card that can be returned to request more information or win neat prizes!
67 Top 10 Favorite Picks
14.
TEXAS STATE TRAVEL INFORMATION CENTERS
Amarillo 9700 Interstate Hwy 40, E. (806) 335-1441
Laredo 15551 Interstate Hwy 35, N. (956) 417-4728
Anthony 8799 S. Desert Blvd. (915) 886-3468
Orange 1708 Interstate Hwy 10, E. (409) 883-9416
Austin Capitol Complex (512) 463-8586
Texarkana 5909 N. Park Rd. 1200 Interstate Hwy 30 (903) 794-2114
Denison 6801 U.S. Highway 75/69 (903) 463-2860 Gainesville 4901 N. Interstate 35 (940) 665-2301 Harlingen (956) 428-4477 Langtry U.S. Highway 90, Loop 25 (432) 291-3340
Valley 2021 W. Harrison (956) 428-4477 Waskom 1255 I-20, East (903) 687-2547 Wichita Falls 900 Central Freeway Exit C, North (940) 723-7931
Need More Information?
• For East Texas trip routing help, call our advertisers. For updates of the Guide, check our Home Page www.EastTexasGuide.com. For more local information, call cities in the Guide. • For statewide travel counseling within Texas, call TxDOT Travel Information at 1-800-452-9292.
• For camping reservations, and for hunting and fishing license information, call the Texas Parks & Wildlife at 512-389-8900. • For more information on historical preservations, architectural, archaeological, and cultural landmarks call the Texas Historical Commission. 512-463-6100
A review of why we love to visit star locations in Texas!
1 REGION MAP
Prairies & Lakes
People often think of Texas as a wideopen state with tumble weeds and hot deserts all around. We Texans consider this great state a whole ‘nother country all in its own... filled with beautiful green pastures and heavily wooded areas. This is exactly what you will find touring around the Prairies & Lakes area. We know you will be mesmerized at its year long beauty.
Hill Country to Panhandle Plains
Everything is bigger in Texas. That’s especially true when talking about the Hill Country to Panhandle Plains, because it’s in this travel region where you’ll find that everything is big: Big cities, big attractions and big fun!
2 3
Gulf Coast to Piney Woods The warm water of the Gulf Coast invites visitors who want to swim, fish, sail, sunbathe, build sand castles, surf or just take a relaxing stroll on the beach. But there’s so much more to this region that extends far beyond the coast. While touring this region you will most likey see the transition from the Piney Woods to the Texas Coast.
(Bluebonnet)
(Austin)
Facts About Texas Texas is the only state that was once a sovereign nation, The Republic of Texas. Texas had its own armed forces including a Navy, currency and representatives to the United States. And Texas reserved the right to divide itself into five separate states after its annexation in 1845 to gain more senators to represent its vast area if the need ever arose. To know Texas is to love Texas. Friendly is literally the name of our state, so called for the Tejas Indians.
Here are some more facts: Population est. 2008; 24,326,974. Area, 267,339 square miles, of which more than 6,000 square miles is water. The capital is Austin; nickname, Lone Star State, named for the star on the flag. The state flower is the bluebonnet and the motto is friendship. The highest point, 8,751 Ft. Guadalupe Peak. From the panhandle to the southern tip of Texas is 801 miles. And 773 miles from Sabine River to El Paso. Our temperatures have ranged from -23F to 120F. Speed limit, up to 70 mph or as posted. We are in the Central Time Zone (DST) except far West Texas. Minimum age for drivers, 16 with approved driver education course; 18 without. We use the information in the Guide as our data base for our Home Page on the Internet. Call our staff at 903-757-4444 today to learn how you can benefit from participation in our program.
Texas was the 28th state in the USA; it was admitted on December 29, 1845. State Capital - Austin Largest City - Houston Name for Residents - Texans Major Industries - petroleum and natural gas, farming (cotton, livestock), steel, banking, insurance, tourism Presidential Birthplaces Dwight David Eisenhower was born in Denison on October 14, 1890 (he was the 34th US President, serving from 1953 to 1961). Lyndon Baines Johnson was born near Johnson City on August 27, 1908 (he was the 36th US President, serving from 1963 to 1969). Main Rivers - Rio Grande, Red River, Brazos River Highest Point - Guadalupe Peak, 8,749 feet (2,667 m) above sea level Number of Counties - 254 Bordering States - Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma Bordering Country - Mexico Bordering Body of Water - Gulf of Mexico Origin of the Name Texas - The Caddo Indians of eastern Texas called their group of tribes the “Tejas,” meaning “those who are friends”. State Nickname - The Lone Star State State Motto - Friendship State Song - “Texas, Our Texas”
(Mocking Bird) (Monarch Butterfly)
Athens
9 285 98 79 355 28 196 166 305 279 149 345 445 48 180 209 170 74 192 336 162 134 307 332 326 189 308 Sherman
244 386 485 515 426 267 320 348 488 397 251 195 167 416 216 210 503 186 327 329 453 464 282 493 590 151 282 397 294 205 377 502 303 282 510 480 495 320 429 158 393 303 297 301 428 277 684 478 349 709 Oklahoma City, OK.
381 506 272 428 462 440 339 311 407 396 551 500 573 435 521 515 416 579 493 359 366 340 388 406 209 516 376 298 363 510 318 244 571 458 271 393 282 406 346 564 316 353 385 408 330 867 1136 567 443 New Orleans, LA.
266 479 400 507 324 286 245 273 483 430 337 313 385 466 333 327 495 163 365 267 445 488 258 485 445 328 246 433 221 322 413 408 305 224 419 472 410 297 279 376 219 387 150 264 342 625 962 603 Little Rock, ARK.
246 80 283 256 175 305 347 335 234 210 233 282 355 172 260 297 249 335 241 320 199 296 332 239 342 298 344 282 356 292 298 311 260 356 290 172 293 291 773 346 431 260 421 308 315 530 553 San Antonio
OUT OF EAST TEXAS AREA
All distances on this chart are computed over the normally traveled routes and are approximate.
621 583 810 823 709 719 751 779 796 775 735 647 720 692 668 662 817 700 744 781 761 840 773 807 900 663 773 772 727 637 755 855 721 493 836 734 839 754 880 711 280 755 821 735 816 415 El Paso
401 485 650 675 614 435 538 566 648 574 419 647 720 584 384 378 663 474 495 497 613 603 489 653 847 373 487 526 514 373 579 657 476 493 668 640 670 488 655 446 553 471 503 461 596 Amarillo
130 205 58 169 130 123 100 78 129 51 149 233 306 150 170 248 180 252 77 113 109 18 127 143 113 247 140 60 124 233 79 78 124 339 75 133 65 103 232 287 172 93 134 196 Woodville
33 226 192 261. 245 38 64 92 234 160 73 99 133 201 84 114 263 115 90 35 199 151 25 122 250 115 38 84 59 89 76 207 116 103 209 226 202 42 388 125 97 41 115 Tyler
134 341 261 356 280 153 95 123 329 286 188 183 166 316 204 198 344 113 215 123 294 338 105 253 301 199 93 176 71 173 156 269 167 74 275 321 271 147 130 151 70 149 Texarkana
50 180 171 197 97 83 89 106 188 130 56 108 110 147 90 123 185 261 46 36 153 109 49 334 209 169 53 43 96 193 35 167 31 106 168 180 181 .... 178 193 105 Texas State Railroad
122 308 194 98 237 112 46 74 271 221 170 184 239 285 205 199 286 297 182 80 236 145 77 278 225 200 60 114 42 174 97 241 153 133 280 263 204 118 60 230 Shreveport - Bossier City, LA.
107 266 316 338 295 99 194 222 301 268 120 64
189 368 254 358 325 172 106 134 331 281 230 244 299 345 249 259 296 357 212 140 296 205 137 288 228 260 122 200 102 234 181 301 215 193 340 323 262 178 Ruston, LA.
50 149 134 197 122 80 66 71 155 130 87 125 115 178 112 140 185 196 46 38 135 90 55 175 209 141 67 43 76 115 37 154 31 217 151 162 144 Rusk
189 257 10 170 168 242 186 143 88 134 280 251 277 169 255 304 81 424 223 179 95 97 220 135 68 349 227 118 210 309 138 30 158 305 7 123 Nederland
166 154 95 82 87 224 213 218 37 35 195 251 324 65 227 261 76 359 157 204 27 117 221 62 174 283 231 151 252 278 163 132 180 324 129 Katy
200 253 17 155 198 249 180 152 128 132 287 296 342 171 262 311 143 324 149 189 93 104 220 133 80 312 234 125 204 306 145 18 168 282 Port Arthur
102 301 295 465 337 83 130 158 332 253 162 106 65 327 140 121 347 39 148 131 297 256 121 330 395 90 104 187 116 116 167 308 144 Paris
33 180 171 215 87 61 87 102 173 118 56 108 181 147 77 123 204 261 36 60 153 119 71 191 255 169 86 74 101 68 68 196 Palestine
191 308 20 167 201 252 168 140 125 153 305 299 372 154 265 314 155 327 152 189 105 107 227 140 36 315 237 123 192 309 167 Orange
82 229 128 206 139 118 67 39 144 173 110 175 211 138 131 185 195 294 59 41 144 86 58 179 187 193 79 19 82 155 Nacogdoches
58 212 289 564 241 50 166 194 247 212 66 10 83 231 44 25 300 63 142 126 251 205 109 290 382 26 116 158 142 Mesquite
91 281 200 287 195 89 24 52 258 141 143 152 179 243 157 167 275 255 119 38 225 169 40 265 260 168 23 100 Marshall
90 220 108 186 113 123 79 51 159 126 136 171 217 121 157 186 179 209 47 60 124 69 77 149 164 212 90 Lufkin
67 254 217 230 177 68 33 50 245 181 111 126 199 130 134 136 253 146 118 27 210 153 12 243 282 145 Longview
78 218 295 351 237 76 192 213 277 232 72 16 57 241 40 36 306 77 166 152 257 231 135 292 400 Plano
209 295 48 195 206 280 224 196 126 172 318 327 315 130 293 342 129 427 260 217 133 135 258 173 Vinton, LA.
202 202 125 54 106 254 243 215 25 291 225 280 354 104 242 291 10 329 162 224 35 130 213 La Marque
59 247 210 265 270 57 44 72 223 185 108 119 158 220 140 134 253 136 101 15 203 146 Kilgore
116 196 87 152 98 180 127 99 130 65 207 215 366 134 228 230 140 268 75 127 90 Indian Reservation
170 162 85 62 96 214 203 175 20 39 185 241 314 69 207 256 49 294 127 185 Houston
62 240 169 247 157 73 27 55 205 159 110 136 175 208 131 151 234 153 84 Henderson
65 161 132 207 75 98 111 165 147 102 92 132 207 104 118 142 123 228 Crockett
97 255 307 318 284 70 186 214 276 212 109 53 83 291 187 53 300 Bonham
213 212 71 44 121 264 253 225 35 90 235 290 361 118 252 305 Galveston
78 217 294 313 187 70 191 219 216 221 71 15 88 231 44 Farmers Branch
46 168 245 269 197 61 165 193 217 181 21 34 107 187 Ennis
144 89 154 147 40 221 235 255 89 67 165 221 297 Brenham
115 277 267 376 304 108 187 225 310 277 129 73 Denison
67 202 279 303 231 60 176 204 237 202 56 Dallas
37 153 270 219 127 65 174 158 205 142 Corsicana
132 158 124 116 63 175 165 123 59 Conroe
189 182 78 78 116 173 234 206 Clear Lake
102 271 148 237 173 141 28 Center
89 267 176 254 309 113 Carthage
24 218 232 278 283 Canton
110 95 158 157 Bryan - College Station
218 175 147 Brazosport (Southern Brazoria County)
178 247 Beaumont
172 Austin
MILEAGE CHART
Praries and Lakes REGION MAP I
Wildlife & Landscapes
A C L O S E R L O O K AT T H E N AT U R E O F T E X A S Plenty of green fields and lakes give life to this part of Texas. Driving the country side you will see an abundance of wildlife from coyotes to jack rabbits and the occasional American Bison. Fishing is common and plentiful in many of the lakes of the region. Bass, catfish, perch and crappie are the most sought after fish in the area. There over 15 Texas State Parks in this region, campsites, cabins and RV’s are common in most parks. The landscape that this side of Texas offers is among the most scenic in the spring. Wildflowers litter the sides of the highways to display vibrant colors and splashes of life as you drive by. Ennis holds the title as the Bluebonnet capital of Texas; a title that is well deserved as any motorist will confirn (pg 17).
Allen
Did you know?
Allen offers a variety of indoor/ outdoor entertainment options to enjoy throughout the year. From the Historical Village to our new state-of-the-art Allen Event Center that hosts star performers, professional sporting and rodeo events and more. With over 170 delicious dining choices from tasty home-style diners or bakeries to more exotic fare, we are sure to have a restaurant to satisfy any palate or budget.
ATTRACTIONS
GROUP DINING
Allen Heritage Guild – A replica of the original Allen Train Depot of the Houston & Texas Central Railway Company and now home to a collection of historical photography. 972-740-8017 www.AllenHeritageGuild.org
SHOPPING
Allen Event Center - NEW 8,100 seat, state-of-the-art facility with top concerts, comedy tours, family ice shows and home of the Allen American’s – the 2010 CHL Southern Conference Champs. 200 East Stacy Road 972-678-4646 www.AllenEventCenter.com
Allen offers over 170 dining choices conveniently located throughout the city. With so many choices there is a restaurant to satisfy your group’s taste from American Varity to the more exotic fair and any budget too! Group seating is available at BJ’s Restaurant, Cheddars, Mimi’s Café, The Cheesecake Factory, Uncle Julio’s, PF Chang’s China Bistro, Samui Thai, The Olive Garden, Nate’s Seafood and more. For a complete listing visit our website at www.VisitAllenTexas.com
Allen Heritage Village – Home to six of Allen’s historical structures from a late frontier period home built in the 1870’s to the Allen Christian Church built in 1918. 450 East St. Mary Dr. 972-727-2772 www.AllenHeritage.org
Allen Premium Outlets - 100 Outlet Stores... Find impressive savings at Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Brooks Brothers, Coach, Gap Outlet, Guess, Neiman Marcus Last Call, Polo Ralph Lauren and more. 820 West Stacy Road 972-678-7000 www.PremiumOutlets.com
Connemara Meadow Preserve - Take a refreshing walk into the wide-open spaces of a beautiful meadow, rich in floral diversity that is reminiscent of the tallgrass Blackland Prairies of Texas. 214-351-0990 www.ConnemaraConservancy.org
Watters Creek - An oasis of more than 60 boutiques, patio eateries and national retailers with public art within a LEED certified creek-side garden setting. DFW’s top patio destination! 970 Garden Park Drive 972-747-8000 www.Watters-Creek.com
Texas Stampede – features the world’s top-ranked cowboys and cowgirls competition rodeo with concerts, western heritage festival, Rodeo-U for kids, Chili Cook-off and more. 214-520-8874 www.TexasStampede.org
The Village at Allen - the newest and biggest shopping, dining and entertainment destination in north Texas nestled within lush parks makes this a unique shopping & entrainment district. 190 East Stacy Road 972-678-4939 www.TheVillageShopping.com
A l l e n, T e x A s
w w w
.VisiTAllenTexAs.com 214.509.4671
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LODGING
Allen has over 830 guestrooms with seven hotels to choose from there with the most respected brands you will certainly find a hotel to suit your groups needs, Courtyard by Marriott, Hampton Inn & Suites, Hilton Garden Inn, Holiday Inn & Suites, Homewood Suites, LaQuinta Inn & Suites, and the Pyramids Hotel. All hotels offer free parking for guests and motor coach’s. Many of our hotels offer free breakfast and other benefits for groups. Contact the Allen Convention and Visitors Bureau to select the best property for your group’s needs.
FUN PLACES TO VISIT WITH THE KIDS IN THE PRARIES & LAKES AREA
TRANSPORTATION
COMPLIMENTARY SERVICES
Allen, Texas a convenient connecting point 20 miles north of Dallas on Highway 75, with easy access from Hwy 121 and 190 and Interstates I-635 and I-35 an is served by DFW International Airport, Dallas Love Field and Collin County Regional Airports. The Allen Convention and Visitors Bureau is here to help customize and plan your itinerary to fit your group’s needs. We offer site inspections, familiarization tours, complimentary welcome packets, meet and greet, and a gift item, for motor coaches. Complimentary services do not stop there! Area shopping centers offer additional specials for groups, group tour planners and charter bus drivers. All of the Allen hotels offer complimentary bus parking and many offer complimentary breakfast and discounted group rates. Allow us to help you plan your next trip and let us show you why people are talking about Allen, Texas “Where Small Town Feel meets Big City Style”!
SUGGESTED ITINERARY
Day 1: Begin your day with breakfast at your hotel or at one of the many local restaurants who serve breakfast. Take a self guided driving tour of Allen’s Historical Sites and Public Art. Enjoy lunch at the Village of Allen at one of the many dining options. After a relaxing lunch walk the center and linger at the Grove. Visit the Allen Americans team store at the Allen Event Center. Tonight, enjoy live music or attend an event at the Allen Event Center. Day 2: After breakfast, take as stroll thru the Texas’ Prairies at Connemara Nature Preserve if you still want to see more of the natural outdoors then head over to the Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary in McKinney. However, before you leave Allen visit Watters Creek shopping center with water views to enjoy and if you just want to stroll along creek side peek in a few boutique stores, enjoy lunch and dine tonight with live music on the green. Day 3: Visit Southfork Ranch home of the TV show Dallas or head to the countryside and tour Wales Manor Vineyard & Winery and Collin Oaks Winery then over to the eco-friendly Franconia Brewery. Visit the Croatian Village at Stonebridge Ranch for a unique European experience for lunch and stop in at the Zin-Zen Winery. Have lunch in the village or head back to Allen to dine at one of the many restaurants that you missed earlier. Refresh at the hotel before heading out for night.
CONTACT Allen Texas Convention & Visitors Bureau 305 Century Parkway Allen, Texas 75013 Ph: 214-509-4671 Fax: 214-509-4672 www.VisitAllenTexas.com info@VisitAllenTexas.com
Touch the Stars - Home of the largest domed theater and planetarium in Texas, which features star, laser and large-format movies to entertain and educate audiences of all ages - Cook Center Planetarium - pg. 14
Ride a Bike - 21 park sites with combined area of 512 acres. Includes Grimes Park Baseball Complex, BMX Track, Roy Orr Trail and Windmill Hill Nature Preserve - DeSoto Parks - pg. 16
Jump in a Lake - With over 580 miles of shore line is a water sports haven. 89,000 acres of water attracts over 10 million visitors annually. Record fishing, best known for its stripers, catfish and black bass. Scenic drives around the shores of the lake. Lake Texoma - pg. 15 Let your Imagination Race - Feel the heat from the race cars as they pass you by! The thundering motors and the cheers from the crowd is sure to make this an experience they will not forget! Texas Motorplex - pg. 17 Catch a Butterfly - 40 miles of mapped bluebonnet driving trails splash color to Texas Highways. The City of Ennis presents a great opportunity to learn about our Texas flower. Bluebonnet Trails - pg. 17
Walk on the Wild Side - The city Zoo in Gainesville bears the name of famed explorer Frank Buck. The zoo offers daily close en-counters with giraffes, is easy to navigate, stroller and wheelchair accessible, and an adventure for young and old alike.. Frank Buck Zoo- pg. 18 Visit a Chocolate Factory - See a chocolate production line like the one in the famous “I Love Lucy” episode; enjoy dozens of wonderful confections. Mary of Puddin Hill Chocolate Factory - pg. 19
-
Take a Picture next to the Eiffel Tower
Famous Paris landmark stands 65 feet tall, is “Texanized” with a cowboy hat, and is a popular point of interest for visitors and sight seers. Eiffel Tower - pg. 24
Discover a Masterpiece - DMA collects, preserves, presents, and interprets works of art of the highest quality from diverse cultures and many centuries. Dallas Museum of Art - pg. 27
Be a Kid - A 212-acre park featuring awesome rides, great shows, and incredible attractions! Six Flags Over Texas - pg. 27 11
Bonham
Did you know?
Bonham, Texas was founded in 1837 by settler Bailey Inglish. The town was named after Alamo hero, James Butler Bonham. It was the home town of Charlie Christian. John Wesley Harden was born in the county, and Sam Rayburn, who was Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives from Woodrow Wilson to John Kennedy has a library and home here. Five lakes and two golf courses and a winery help to entertain you.
ATTRACTIONS
Sam Rayburn Library- Contains an exact replica of the office of the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives during the 17 years that “Mr. Sam” held that office. 800 West Sam Rayburn Drive. 903-583-2455 Sam Rayburn House- Built in 1916 the home contains original furnishings, candid photographs and personal belongings of Mr. Rayburn. 890 W State Hwy 56 Bonham 903-583-5558 Fort Inglish- The fort has three 1830’s log cabins which are furnished as a trading post, a prairie home, and an exhibit honoring Inez Inglish, great granddaughter of Bailey Inglish, the founder of Bonham. Highway 56 & Chinner 903-583-3943 Creative Art Center- Venue where artists, jewelry makers, potters, photographers, musicians and actors can show their work. 200 West 5th Street. 903-640-2196 www.creativeartscenter.us Fannin County Museum of History- Displays the history of Fannin County from its beginning to the 1950’s. Contains a fire engine, airplane, vintage clothing, fossils and much more. 1 N. Main St. 903-583-8042
LODGING
Must See!
The Sam Rayburn House Museum
Americans Best Value Inn - 1515 Old Ector 1-877-405-star www.5-starinn.com Bonham Inn - 501 Lipscomb ST 903-583-2137
www.BonhamInn.com
Economy Inn - 713 East Sam Rayburn Drive 903-583-2154 Granny Lou’s Bed & Breakfast - 317 West Sam Rayburn Drive 903-640-6295 or 903-583-7912 www.GrannyLou.com Carleton House Bed & Breakfast - 803 N. Main 1-800-382-8033 www.CarletonHouse.com
TRANSPORTATION
Airport- Jones Field Airport has a 4000ft. lighted runway. VOR and GPS approaches. Visitor’s area and restrooms.
The place Mr. Sam called home from the time his parents moved to Fannin County in 1887 until his death in 1961. The Sam Rayburn Library and Museum is a division of the Center for American History of the University of Texas at Austin and the Sam Rayburn House Museum is operated by the Texas Historical Commission.
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CONTACT Bonham Area Visitor Center
327 N. Main St. Bonham, Texas 75418 Ph. 903-583-9830 - email-info@visitbonham.com www.VisitBonham.com
Canton
Did you know?
Canton, known around the world for the famous First Monday Trade Days, is far more than just a place to visit and shop. Centrally located with seven intersecting highways, Canton has something to offer everyone. Lakes for fishing and boating, two nearby state parks, golfing, museums in the city and nearby, a library and the Canton Civic Center are just a few of its attractions.
ATTRACTIONS
First Monday Trade Days – World Famous. 7,000+ vendors: antiques, collectibles, arts, crafts, food, RVs, tents, vans. Access. Hwy. 859 & Hwy. 64. 877-462-7467 www.FirstMondayCanton.com Canton Plaza Museum - Opened in 2001, the Canton Plaza Museum incorporates a diverse collection: the Brewer Bell Collection, First Monday Museum, and the Kennedy collection of Indian artifacts and models made by Mr. Butch Boots Kennedy. It also houses various local historic items, including a 1938 fully restored fire engine as well as an impressive Civil War collection. 119 North Buffalo Canton, TX 75103. 903-567-2291 or 903-848-0675 Blackwell House - The Henry Fisher Blackwell II house, located on FM 859 (First Monday Lane) just one half mile north of Highway 64, is the oldest house in Canton. The house was built in 1886 by Mr. Blackwell and his wife, Nannie Jane Bartlett Blackwell. The house has been preserved as a museum and is available to rent for events such as weddings, receptions, etc. The Iris Garden Club of Canton maintains the beautiful gardens and lawn. For more information about museum hours or booking the museum for an event. No alcohol is allowed. 903-848-0675 or 903-567-4550
LODGING
Best Western Canton Inn - 2251 N Trade Days Blvd. 903-567-6591 www.BestWestern.com Canton Motel - 451 West Highway 243 903-567-6011 www.CantonMotelTexas.com Comfort Inn & Suites - 2406 N Trade Days Blvd 903-567-0909 www.choicehotels.com
TRANSPORTATION
Canton is located an easy hour drive east of the Dallas Metroplex on Interstate 20.
Must See!
First Monday Trade Days!
CONTACT City of Canton
P.O. Box 665 Canton, Texas 75103 1-877-GO-2-SHOP www.FirstMondayCanton.com / www.ChamberCantonTx.com
Canton Area Points of Interest Trophy Bass Fishing at nearby Lake Fork and Lake Athens Great Sand Bass and Striper Fishing at Lake Tawakoni Good Crappie Fishing at Cedar Creek Lake. Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center, Athens 2 area championship golf courses Canton is a Texas Main Street City, a National Main Street City, and a National Preserve America City. Historic Downtown District featuring unique shops, restaurants and galleries. Canton is just minutes away from Mineola, Terrell, Tyler, Lake Fork, Athens, and Wills Point.
RV sites, luxury cabins & cottages nestled in a peaceful setting on 200 acres of East Texas woodland. Ideal location for corporate retreats, weddings, receptions, reunions, business meetings & RV rallies. 2102 N. Trade Days Blvd. 903-567-6020. www.MillCreekRanchResort.com
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Corsicana
Did you know?
You’ll find plenty of room for your tour group in Corsicana. A 200-seat, 60-foot, domed planetarium, a restored vaudeville theater with seating for 550 and a 1,200 seat cinema-eatery and arcade complex are just some of the places to entertain your group here. And, with 650 hotel rooms and 50 restaurants, they’ll be well cared for at the end of the day!
GROUP DINING
Corsicana E S T.1 8 4 8
Three National Historic Districts Texas Main Street City Since 1985 Trained Step-On Guides
With a wide range of venues, banquet hall facilities, hotel rooms and restaurants, Corsicana is ready to welcome your travel group. Whether it’s heritage, arts, culinary or outdoor adventures, we’ve got you covered in Corsicana! Call the Corsicana CVB today for information about our Heritage & Entertainment Destination Package December 3–5, featuring a performance by Grammy Award Winner Ricky Scaggs at the Palace Theatre. Or, talk to us about customizing an itinerary to your group’s needs.
(877)648-7688 ~ w w w.v isitcorsicana.com
ATTRACTIONS
The town and the land that surrounds it was the site of the last review of the Confederacy, the first Texas oil boom, and one of the first brick African-American schoolhouses in Texas. Today we boast an internationally renowned bakery, the world’s largest pecan processing facility and the third largest lake in the state. So, whether your travelers are heritage hounds, foodies or outdoor sports lovers, we’ve got you covered! Collin Street Bakery - Known for the very popular DeLuxe Fruitcake, the most widely distributed cake in the world. Enjoy complimentary samples and choose from the enormous variety of fresh-baked goodies! 401 W. 7th Avenue 903.872.8111 or 800.292.7400 www.collinstreet.com Cook Center Planetarium - Home of the largest domed theater and planetarium in Texas, which features star, laser and large-format movies to entertain and educate audiences of all ages. 3100 W. Collin Street 800.988.5317 www.cookcenter.us Pearce Civil War & Western Art Museum - When you step into the Pearce Collections, you will come as close as anyone now alive to fully experiencing the two epic events of the 1800s – events which forged this country’s national identity – the American Civil War and the westward expansion that followed. 3100 W. Collin Street 903.875.7642 www.pearcecollections.us
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Enjoy the trendy cafes at Roy’s Cafe Grill & Tavern, N. Beaton: Clyde’s barbeque, E. MLK Jr. Blvd: Two Doors Down Coffee Shop, W. 6th Avenue; Mexican, Chinese, Italian restaurants and a variety of fast food estalishments.
LODGING
Hampton Inn - 623 Bryant’s Way 903-872-2238 www.CorsicanaSuites.HamptonInn.com LaQuinta Inn - 2020 Regal Drive 903-874-6292
www.LQ.com
Magnolia House - 420 West 6th Avenue 903-872-2577 www.MagnoliaHouseMansion.net Wicklow Inn - 220 North 14th Street 903-872-7311
www.WicklowInn.com
SUGGESTED ITINERARY
Day 1 -Afternoon arrival at one of Corsicana’s new interior-corridor suite hotels or at one of two historic bed & breakfasts. -Group dinner in historic downtown Corsicana -Swing orchestra performance at Temple Beth-El -Collin Street Bakery desserts and coffee after the performance Day 2 -Hot breakfast at the hotel -Heritage Tour, featuring Corsicana highlights with stops at Pioneer Village, Collin Street Bakery and the Pearce Museum -Free time in historic downtown Corsicana for shopping and lunch at leisure -Matinee performance of national touring act at the Palace Theatre or a community theater production at the Warehouse Living Arts Center -Group dinner at an historic bed & breakfast Day 3 -Hot breakfast at the hotel before check-out -Stop for take-home goodies from Collin Street Bakery and Russell Stover’s while departing town
CORSICANA QUICK FACTS
Lyman T. Davis founded Wolf Brand Chili in 1895 near the corner of Beaton Street and 5th Avenue. The rotary rig that drilled Corsicana’s first well in 1894 is on display at the Smithsonian Institute’s Museum of History and Technology. Petroleum Park, two blocks south of downtown, marks the spot of the Texas’ first commercial discovery of oil in 1894.
CONTACT Corsicana Visitor Center
301 S. Beaton Street Corsicana, Texas 75110 903-654-4850 - 877-648-2688 info@visitcorsicana.com - www.VisitCorsicana.com
Denison
Did you know?
From the quaint downtown streets and historical homes to the beautiful cliffs along Lake Texoma, this area of North Texas provides a relaxing escape for everyone. Historic downtown district has numerous art galleries and art destinations and is home to several international artists.
ATTRACTIONS
Eisenhower’s Birthplace & Museum - Mon. Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sun. 1-5 year around except for Christmas Day and New Years. Special bus parking area. Call ahead for large groups. 609 S. Lamar 903-465-8908 Grayson County Frontier Village -Consists of an old town replica from the1800;’s complete with 20 structures containing memorabilia from that period. Open Daily 1 pm-4 pm year around. Weddings & reunions must book well in advance. Special tours by appointment, week’s notice required. Loy Lake Rd. 903-463-2487 Lake Texoma - Is a water sports haven with over 580 miles of shoreline. 89,000 acres of water attracts over 10 million visitors annually. Record fishing, best known for its stripers, catfish and black bass. Scenic drives around the shores of the lake. www.LakeTexoma.com Hagerman National Wildlfe Refuge -15 miles SW of Denison. Open year-round, free. Eleven thousand acres of Lake Texoma set aside to provide food and safe resting for migrating water fowl, and to assure the survival of all plant and animals species using the area. Great for bird watching, sight seeing, nature study, photography and fishing. 903-786-2826 Downtown Walking Tour - 19 historic structures located in heart of downtown Main Street District. T.V. Munson Grape Viticulture & Enology Center - Grape vineyard and museum in honor of T. V. Munson, an honored Texan, decorated by the government of France for saving that country’s grape vineyards. Vineyard is operated by Grayson County College. 6101 Grayson Drive 903-463-8717 www.TvMunson.org Red River Railroad Museum - Located inside the Katy Depot, the museum features railroad memorabilia and static display of rail cars. 101 East Main St., Suite 145 903-463-KATY www.RedriverRailMuseum.org Perrin Air Force Base Museum - Museum dedicated to the preservation and the history of Perrin Army Airfield and Perrin Air Force Base in Grayson County. 4575 Airport Drive 903-786-8741 www.PerrinField.org
GROUP DINING
With more than 18 popular restaurants you’re sure to find one that will satisfy any taste. For a list of restaurants that can handle large groups call the Denison Chamber of Commerce.
CONTACT: Denison Chamber of Commerce
313 West Woodard Street Denison, Texas 75020 903-465-1551 www.DenisonTexas.us
Lodging
From lakeside resorts and cabins to multi-story hotels and historic bed and breakfasts, Denison, Texas offers lodging for everyone from tourist to the business executive. Whether you come for a relaxing vacation or a business trip, Denison has exceptional accommodations you can count on.
TRANSPORTATION
Airlines: DFW, 95 miles; Love Field Dallas, 70 miles; charter service available at Grayson County Airport. Bus Lines: Greyhound. Other Services: Rental Cars; Blake Utter Ford Charter Bus – Texoma Tours; Local taxi service. Sightseeing tours & Guides arranged through the Denison Convention & Visitors Bureau 903-465-1551. Historic walking and Driving Tour.
Must See!
Eisenhower’s Birthplace & Museum Located in the Heart of Denison! Eisenhower Birthplace State Historic Site showcases the home where the 34th U.S. President Dwight David “Ike” Eisenhower was born in 1890.
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DeSoto
Did you know?
DeSoto is a city with a view of downtown Dallas! Located just 15 miles south of downtown Dallas, DeSoto offers visitors easy access to the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, just minutes away via I-35 and I-20. DeSoto has exceptional sports facilities, retail shopping, and a variety of restaurants to fit every taste.
ATTRACTIONS
The Corner Theatre - Home of the critically acclaimed African American Repertory Theater (AART), 211 E. Pleasant Run, 972-572-0998 Nance Farm - 1325 Greenbrook Drive (Mantlebrook Subdivision). Built in 1851, Nance Farm was designated as a recorded Texas Historical Landmark in 1976. 972-230-9694 Metroplex BMX - America’s first covered facility built exclusively for BMX racing. 1,000 yards of hand-packed dirt. Ultimate national quality track. 972-224-6664 www.MetroplexBMX.org DeSoto Parks - 21 park sites with combined area of 512 acres. Includes Grimes Park Baseball Complex, BMX Track, Roy Orr Trail and Windmill Hill Nature Preserve. The Rose Garden Antique Mall - Variety and volume of merchandise is always changing. Exquisite variety of jewelry. 901 N. Polk St, Suite 320. 972-224-3737 www.TRGAntiqueMall.com
LODGING
Best Western Inn & Suites 1135 N I-35 East, 75115 972-224-8575 www.BestWesternTexas.com Hampton Inn & Suites - 1311 East Centre Park Boulevard, 75115 972-228-0200 www.DallasDeSotoSuites.HamptonInn.com
Must See!
Nance Farm
Historic Nance Farm, is located in the Mantlebrook Subdivision in DeSoto, Texas. Nance Farm was designated as a Recorded Texas Historical Landmark in 1976. Otway Bird Nance (1805-1874) brought his wife and ten children from Illinois in 1851 and purchased 640 acres from Peter’s Colony. The Nance patriarch built the milking barn and the home that same year. He acquired more land, and within the next several years, the Nance Farm property had doubled in size. 1325 Greenbrook Drive, DeSoto, TX 75115 Want to know more about historic Nance Farm? Contact 972-230-9694 or lstallings@ci.desoto.tx.us.
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Holiday Inn Express & Suites - 1310 East Wintergreen Road, 75115 972-224-3100 www.HolidayInnExpress.com LaQuinta Inn -641 North I-35 East, 75115 972-920-0100
www.lq.com
MCM Grande Hotel/Fundome - 1515 N Interstate 35 E, 75115 972-224-9100 www.MCMGrandeDeSoto.com Red Roof Inn - 1401 North I-35E, 75115 972-224-7100
www.Redroof.com
TownePlace Suites by Mariott - 2700 Travis Street, 75115 972-780-9300 www.Marriott.com Cowboys Stadium, Dallas and Fort Worth Zoos, The Ballpark at Arlington, Sundance Square and the Dallas Arts District, to name a few attractions, are just minutes away.
CONTACT DeSoto Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center
2010 N. Hampton Road, Suite 200 DeSoto, Texas 75115 972-224-3565 admin@desotochamber.org www.www.DeSotoChamber.org
Ennis
Did you know?
Ennis is considered the Bluebonnet City of Texas! Home to the National Polka Festival, held Memorial Day Weekend, Ennis hosts many festivals and events. Ennis attractions and activities include specialty shopping, railroad museum, live theatre, historic landmarks, drive-in theatre, and the Texas Motorplex, a premiere drag racing facility. Bardwell Lake is the place to be for camping, fishing, and more. Ennis features tours of the Czech museum by appointment, and historic driving tours. This charming city provides a wide array of food and beverages that will please any palate.
ATTRACTIONS
Ennis Railroad and Cultural Heritage Museum- This museum, housed in the former Van Noy Restaurant, circa 1915, includes a collection of train memorabilia, historic photo displays and spectacular exhibits of Ennis’ heritage. 105 NE Main Street 972-875-1901 Bardwell Lake- Bardwell Lake includes areas for boating, fishing, and more. It has picnic areas, pavilions, an equestrian trail, camp sites, boat ramps, etc. Texas Motorplex- Texas Motorplex is a premier drag racing facility that features year round drag racing and specialty events, including the Fall Nationals in September. 7500 US-287, 75119 1-800-MOTORPLEX www.texasmotorplex.com Bluebonnet Trails- an annual event sponsored by the Ennis Garden Club each April, includes 40 miles of mapped bluebonnet driving trails. Tour buses welcome. National Polka Festival- This annual Czech festival, held Memorial Day Weekend, features over 14 live polka bands, parade, arts and crafts, food, polkafest run, king and queen dance. 972-878-4748 www.nationalpolkafestival.com Galaxy Drive-in Theatre: 4 screen drive-in theatre features double features (first run movies), authentic vintage car speakers, puttputt course and more! 5301 N Interstate Highway 45 972-875-5505 www.galaxydriveintheatre.com
GROUP DINING
There is a variety of specialty restaurants in Ennis for one’s enjoyment. Ennis features many restaurants with a local flavor. From bakeries serving up fresh kolaches to ethnic eateries, this charming city provides a wide array of food and beverages that will please any palate. Ennis’ restaurants are experienced in serving tour groups and will develop menus that will accommodate large groups.
Lodging
Ennis features economical accommodations that serve the needs of visitors, business clients, or tour groups. Quality brands include Holiday Inn Express and Suites, Quality Inn, Comfort Suites, LaQuinta Inn and Suites, Baymont Inn and Suites, and Days Inn. Special group rates are available.
TRANSPORTATION
Ennis features Ennis Municipal airport that serves small aircraft. Community transit service is available upon reservation.
CONTACT Ennis Convention and Visitors Bureau 002 East Ennis Avenue Ennis, Texas 75119 972-878-4748 www.visitennis.org
Must See!
Ennis Bluebonnet Trails
Ennis was designated by the 1997 State Legislature as the home of the “Official Texas Bluebonnet Trail” and was designated the “Official Bluebonnet City of Texas”. From April 1-30, Ennis showcases over 40 miles of mapped driving Bluebonnet Trails sponsored by the Ennis Garden Club. These trails are the oldest such trails known in the state, and tens of thousands of visitors make the short trek to Ennis to view this wonderful wildflower show. The Ennis Garden Club will drive the trails to check the bloom status each week starting in April. The Club then reports to the Ennis Convention and Visitors Bureau about the latest status of the bluebonnets so that visitors can be well informed where the best flowers are on the trails at the time of their visit. Each year, the bluebonnets will appear on different trails as these are natural to the area. In Ennis, the bluebonnets typically peak around the 3rd week of April, according to the Ennis Garden Club. This can vary year to year due to weather conditions. Bring your tour groups (church, retirement, senior, etc) to Ennis to see the 40 miles of mapped bluebonnet trails. For more information on this service and for fun sample itineraries for tour groups of what to see and do in Ennis, please contact the Ennis CVB at 972-878-4748. You may take a self guided tour for no charge. Stop by the Ennis Visitor Center to get your highlighted trail map and written instructions for the best bluebonnet drive.
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Gainesville
Did you know?
The perfect gateway to Texas, Gainesville is conveniently located at the crossroads of U.S. Highway 82 and I-35 in north central Texas. We are just 6 miles from the Oklahoma border. Gainesville is a great stop for those who are taking a weekend to relax, explore antique shopping, savor the tempting Texas flavor of our many restaurants, or play at the WinStar World Casino located a stone’s throw across Red River.
ATTRACTIONS
Experience Gainesville
Take a tour of our many beautiful Victorian homes.
Where Texas Begins!
Shop and enjoy our vibrant downtown square.
Shop around town on the Gainesville Trolley!
Shopping: Downtown Square, Factory Shops, Antique stores
Make a stop at the Santa Fe Depot Museum.
Dining: More than 40 restaurants to choose from. hiStory: Victorian Home Tour, Legends & Lore Tour, Morton Museum. Remember when at the WWII Memorial.
Photos by Tony Avila
entertainment
• Butterfield Stage Playhouse • First State Bank Performing Arts Center • Depot Day Festival, 2nd Saturday in October • Spring Fling Festival, 1st Saturday in May • Victorian Stroll in December
For more inFormation: www.gogainesville.net (940) 665-2831
COME VISIT OUR NECK OF THE WOODS!
Must See!
Frank Buck Zoo/Old Courthouse
Gainesville’s downtown square boasts the completely restored Cooke County Courthouse. This functioning 1920’s architectural structure is the centerpiece of a vibrant downtown square that boasts 6 unique restaurants and a dozen stores and shops. We pride ourselves on our Texas-friendly atmosphere and one trip to Gainesville will show you just what southern hospitality really means. Our attractions are many and appeal to a wide range of people. This is horse country and we have horse tours available to the many ranches in our area in addition to a self-guided tour located in our horse country brochure. Gainesville can provide local history tours via the Gainesville trolley. This Cable Car Classics replica trolley will guide you around town in vintage style to see our Victorian neighborhoods, and we can even take you inside of some of the homes. There are many tours available for your groups, so just let us know what your group is interested in and we will customize the perfect outing. Looking to be entertained? Gainesville boasts a number of venues including the historic downtown State Theater showing classic movies every Saturday night. We can even offer private showings for your group. With something for everyone, Gainesville is sure to please! Frank Buck Zoo - The city Zoo in Gainesville is the only Zoo in the world that bears the name of famed explorer Frank Buck. The Zoo offers daily close encounters with giraffes. The Zoo is an easy to navigate, stroller and wheelchair accessible adventure for young and old alike. 1000 W California St. 940-668-4539 www.FrankBuckZoo.com Morton Museum of Cooke County - Housed in what was once Gainesville’s combination city hall, fire station and jail. The building was built in 1884 and houses a number of interesting artifacts from Cooke County history. 210 S. Dixon St. 940-668-8900 www.MortonMuseum.org
SHOPPING & DINING
Historic Downtown Gainesville - offers over thirty retail shops and eateries within walking distance of the Santa Fe Depot, Morton Museum, and Frank Buck Zoo, all with an enormous amount of historic charm.
Lodging
We have 7 fine hotels including a new La Quinta, Days Inn, Hampton Suites and Holiday Inn Express.
TRANSPORTATION
Gainesville Trolley - Vintage Trolley bus service provides free transportation to all points of interest in Gainesville such as the historic Downtown Square, Zoo, Gainesville Factory Shops, antique shops, hotels and restaurants. 940-665-2831 www.GoGainesville.net
Stop by Frank Buck Zoo and say hi to all the friends!
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CONTACT Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce 311 S. Weaver Street, Gainesville, Texas 76240 940-665-2831 www.GoGainesville.net
Greenville
Did you know?
Greenville is ideally located 45 minutes east of Dallas on Interstate 30, making it the perfect gateway to big city attractions or to scenic East Texas. We offer more than 1,000 hotel/motel rooms, local cafes and national restaurant chains and several live music venues. Established in 1846, our historic downtown features wineries, antiques and specialty shopping, and public gardens.
Lodging
ATTRACTIONS
Historic Downtown – Wineries, antique malls, specialty shopping, historic walking tour, live music venues and public gardens. Easy bus parking at Farmer’s Market, 2201 East Lee.
Greenville has more than 1,000 sleeping rooms at major hotels/motels, many of which offer complimentary breakfasts and which can easily accommodate free motorcoach parking. Contact the Greenville Chamber/Convention and Visitors Bureau for other benefits and information to select the best property for your group’s needs.
Audie Murphy/ American Cotton Museum - Exhibits include WWII hero and movie star Audie Murphy, local baseball great Monty Stratton, cotton industry. 600 IH 30 903-450-4502 http://www.cottonmuseum.com/ Mary of Puddin Hill Chocolate Factory – See a chocolate production line like the one in the famous “I Love Lucyâ€? episode; enjoy dozens of wonderful confections. 201 IH 30 E.. 903-455-2651 www.puddinhill.com Heritage Garden 2201 Washington, plants that thrive in this area; • The SPOT (Smart Park of Texas), demonstrates principles of Smart Growth; • Biblical Garden, 2516 Park Street, showing plants mentioned in the Bible. 903-583-0082 W.W. Harrison Library/Genealogy and Local History CollectionOne of the finest genealogy and Texas history research centers in the state. 1 Lou Finney Lane
GROUP DINING
Local eateries and national chains offer everything from homestyle burgers and barbecue to steaks, seafood, Italian and Chinese cuisine. TaMolley’s, Cracker Barrel, Shumardii’s Steakhouse, Two Senoritas, and East Rock Buffet (all on I-30) are among those equipped to handle large groups.
TRANSPORTATION
Greenville is located at the juncture of I-30, US 69, US 380, HWY 34 and HWY 224. We are about half way between Sulphur Springs and Dallas on I-30; half way between Sherman/ Denison and Mineola on US 69; and halfway between Terrell and Honey Grove on HWY 34. We are less than 25 miles from Lake Fork, Lake Tawakoni, Cooper Lake, Lake Ray Hubbard and Lake Lavon.
Complimentary Services
The Greenville Chamber/CVB staff is ready to help plan your itinerary. Visitor packets can be ready the day of your trip or in advance. An “Introduction to Greenville� complimentary DVD is also available to show your group what to expect when they arrive. ITINERARY CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE........
Dining Wineries Shopping
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Audie Murphy Museum • Chocolate Factory • Genealogy Center • Historic Downtown • Public Gardens
www.greenvillechamber.com or call the Greenville Chamber of Commerce/CVB at 903-455-1510 This advertisement funded in part with City of Greenville Hotel/Motel Tax Revenues
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Suggested Itinerary
Greenville/Mesquite
Day 1: Visitors are in for a sweet experience when they start their day with a trip to Mary of Puddin Hill Chocolate and Fruitcake Factory! Dozens of candies, pastries and other confections tempt you as you take this fascinating tour. Then get ready to be inspired as you see the Hall of Heroes at the Audie Murphy /American Cotton Museum. A new 3,700 SF wing focuses on WWII. After a hearty lunch at one of Greenville’s many restaurants, head into our Historic Downtown where lovely public gardens, antique shops, wineries, clothing and gift boutiques are all located amid state and national historic landmarks. Your afternoon may stretch into evening as live music is often offered at several venues downtown. Day 2: After a restful stay at a Greenville hotel, you can be in “Big D” in less than 45 minutes if you head west. See the Sixth Floor Museum, Dallas Museum of Art, world-class Dallas Zoo or exhibits at Dallas Fair Park. Or head east to see the Planetarium at Texas A& M- Commerce on your way to the Southwest Dairy Museum and Education Center in Sulphur Springs. Either way, Greenville is the gateway to the best of the exciting Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex and to scenic East Texas.
CONTACT
Greenville Chamber/Convention and Visitors Bureau 2713 Stonewall Street, Texas 75403 Milton Babb, Tourism Director 903-455-1510 www.GreenvilleChamber.com
Looking for
Real Texas Flavor? Find it in Mesquite!
You will love Greenville! If you’re looking for a destination with Real. Texas. Flavor., then try Mesquite. For 53 years, the worldfamous Mesquite Championship Rodeo has been thrilling visitors with the best in professional rodeo. Visitors will also find an array of cultural events, ranging from the symphony to the opry. At the Mesquite Arts Center, visitors can find a rich variety of art exhibits, and musical and theatrical performances year-round. For traditional C&W and gospel music, catch a performance at Rodeo City Music Hall. Town East Mall and The Rows of Texas offer an incredible array of dining, shopping and entertainment options. Other attractions include the Devil’s Bowl Speedway, the Florence Ranch Homestead, and the City’s downtown historic district. Enjoy Mesquite’s Real. Texas. Festival. (www.realtexasfestival.com), April 23-24, showcasing Texas’ best musical talent, including Kevin Fowler. With more than 20 hotels, you’ll find a variety of accommodations to fit every need and budget.
Convenient and easy to find, just 15 minutes east of Dallas. s 1-800-541-2355 s www.realtexasflavor.com
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Mesquite
Did you know?
If you’re looking for a group tour with Real. Texas. Flavor., then try Mesquite, the eastern gateway to the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. Since 1958, the world-famous Mesquite Championship Rodeo has offered the best in professional rodeo, in air-conditioned comfort. Enjoy outstanding music, theater at the Mesquite Arts Center, pioneer heritage at the Florence Ranch Homestead and the Opal Lawrence Historical Park, and affordable auto racing at Devil’s Bowl Speedway. Mesquite has great hotels, over 100 restaurants and superb shopping. Centrally located along I-635, between I-20 and I-30, Mesquite is just minutes from Love Field and Dallas- Fort Worth International Airport.
ATTRACTIONS
The World Famous Mesquite Championship Rodeo - exciting, professional rodeo action, every Friday and Saturday evening from June through August. Enjoy the thrill of authentic, heartstopping fun in air-conditioned comfort, along with cowboy autographs, pony rides, a petting zoo and free face-painting for children. 1818 Rodeo Drive Mesquite, Texas 75149 972-285-8777 www.MesquiteRodeo.com Resistol Arena - Year-round venue for fabulous concerts, some following a rodeo performance, and thrilling sports events. 1818 Rodeo Drive Mesquite, Texas 75149 972-285-8777 www.ResistolArena.com Florence Ranch Homestead - Experience pioneer life with a tour of this rustic ranch home. Originally built in 1871-72. 1424 Barnes Bridge Road Mesquite, TX 75150 972-216-6468 www.HistoricMesquite.org Opal Lawrence Historical Park - Built in 1876, a splendid example of Texas prairie vernacular styling. Unique example of early farm life in Mesquite. 701 E. Kearney St. Mesquite, TX 75149 972-216-6468 “The Rows of Texas” - Texas-style shopping, dining and entertainment district. Anchored by Town East Mall, a regional shopping mall with 200 specialty and department stores, district has over 50 restaurants. P.O. Box 850137 Mesquite, Texas 75185 972-216-6293 www.TheRowsOfTexas.com Rodeo City Music Hall - Branson Style entertainment every Saturday night in Historic Mesquite, featuring traditional and top 40 country and gospel music in an intimate theater setting. 214 West Davis Street Mesquite, TX 75149 972-285-9343 www.RodeoCityMusicHall.com Mesquite Arts Center - From theater to symphony and art exhibits, come experience Mesquite-flavored culture. Free outdoor jazz concerts in June! 1527 North Galloway Avenue Mesquite, TX 75149 972-216-6444 www.MesquiteArtsCenter.org Devils Bowl Speedway - Short-track racing on half-mile dirt track, from March through October. Up-close and affordable, features five different classes of race cars. 1711 Lawson Road Mesquite, TX 75181 972-222-2421 www.DevilsBowl.com
GROUP DINING
Mesquite has a vast array of dining choices, from seafood to steak and barbecue to hamburgers! Jessie’s Café Texas features mouth-watering home cooking, with melt-in-your-
CONTACT Mesquite Convention and Visitors Bureau 711 North Galloway Ave., Texas 75149 Judy Skowron, Director 800-541-2355 or 972-204-4928 Mobile: 214-926-9927 www.RealTexasFlavor.com
mouth rolls and one of the best chicken-fried steaks in town. Family-owned Martinez Mexican Restaurant has all of your Tex-Mex favorites. You’ll find everything from pizza to burgers to entrees in a casual, upscale setting at BJ’s Restaurant, located at Town East Mall. And barbecue fans shouldn’t miss Spring Creek Barbecue for a smoky treat!
Lodging
Mesquite has over 1700 sleeping rooms at 22 hotels and many offer a complimentary breakfast, along with free motorcoach parking and other benefits for groups. Contact the Mesquite Convention and Visitors Bureau to select the best property for your group’s needs.
Complimentary Services
Our friendly and professional staff will help customize and plan your itinerary to fit your group’s needs. We offer site inspections, fam tours, complimentary meet and greet, and complimentary welcome packets, with complimentary gift item, for motorcoaches. All of our hotels offer complimentary motorcoach parking and most offer a complimentary breakfast as well. Let us assist you in developing a tour celebrating the Real. Texas. Flavor. you’ll find in Mesquite.
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: Begin the day in historic Mesquite, with a docent-guided tour of the pioneer Florence Ranch Homestead and the Opal Lawrence Historical Park, with its rare painted ceilings. Enjoy lunch at one of Mesquite’s many restaurants, then shop ‘til you drop at Bass Pro Shops and Town East Mall. Freshen up at the hotel, then experience the wild west action of the world-famous Mesquite Championship Rodeo, 2009 nominee for “Rodeo of the Year,” with its new jumbo video screens and laser show. Day 2: This morning after a hearty fast-start breakfast at your Mesquite hotel, depart for a tour of “Big D!” Experience the Sixth Floor Museum, Dallas World Aquarium, Pioneer Plaza, Dallas Farmers Market and Dallas Heritage Village! If art is more your group’s fancy, tour the Dallas Museum of Art, Nasher Sculpture Center, Trammell Crow Collection, and tour Dallas’ latest two additions to its cultural arts district, its world-class Center for the Performing Arts, featuring the Wyly Theatre and Winspear Opera House. Then, enjoy lunch in the West End Entertainment District. Return to Mesquite for a quick rest before enjoying dinner at Mesquite’s Restaurant Row followed by a toe-tapping, hand-clapping, Branson-style musical performance at Rodeo City Music Hall, featuring gospel and country shows every Saturday night. Day 3: Experience the “Cowboys and Culture” of Fort Worth! Tour and stroll the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District, see a Longhorn Cattle Drive, visit the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame and view the Sterquell Wagon Collection. After lunch, experience the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame, the Amon Carter Museum, Kimbell Art Museum, or the Fort Worth Botanic Garden.
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Mexia
Did you know?
Mexia, was named for General Jose Antonio Mexia (1800-May 3, 1839). General Mexia was a great supporter of federalism and decentralizing the state. As a senator for the state of Mexico, he participated in an 1834 uprising against president Antonio Lopes de Santa Anna and again in 1839. 1912-1980 Mexia became a oil producing town, it is estimated that by the mid1980’s Mexia produced 108 million barrels. Today Mexia is the retail center of three counties and offers the best in barbecue, baseball, culture, education, history and rodeos!
ATTRACTIONS
Confederate Reunion Grounds Historic Site - This was the site of Confederate Reunions from 1889-1946. Today, attractions include historic buildings such as the 1872 Heritage House, an 1893 dance pavilion, as well as a Civil War vintage steel-barreled Val Verde cannon, two scenic footbridges, a hiking trail, fishing, and boating/ canoeing. This is a state historic site owned and operated by the Texas Historical Commission. 1738 FM 2705 - Mexia, TX 76667. 254-472-0959 www.VisitConfederateReunionGrounds.com
Lake Mexia Marina - Featuring a 1,400 acre lake, 11 campsites with water and electricity, trailer dump station, restrooms with showers, picnic area, boat ramp, boat trailer parking and concessions. We are located on the Navasota River, 7 miles west of Mexia off of U.S. 84, in central Limestone Country. 730 FM 2681 off US 84. 254-562-2387 .
Old Fort Parker State Historic Site - In 1834 Comanche’s captured 9 year old Cynthia Ann Parker. She lived with the Indians until rescued with her 2 year old daughter, Prairie Flower, in 1860. During her twenty-four years of captivity she had a son, Quanah Parker, last great Comanche Chief. The fort was restored in 1967 where visitors today can explore cabins, climb the blockhouse, and recapture the atmosphere of that fateful spring day in 1836. 866 Park Road 35, Groesbeck, TX 76642. 254-729-5253 www.oldfortparker.org
Best Western Limestone Inn & Suites - 1314 E Milam Street, 254-562-0200 www.BestWesternTexas.com
Fort Parker State Park - This historical State Park offers 25 campsites with water, electricity and restrooms with showers, 10 screened shelters, activity center, playground, group pavilion, learning center, swimming, fishing, bird watching, hiking, biking, & more. 194 Park Road 28, Mexia, TX 76667. 254-562-5751 www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/ fortparker
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Lodging
Caney Creek Lodge - 400 CR 930 Teague, TX 75860 254-739-0128 caneycreeklodge@glade.net Hamilton House Bed & Breakfast - 108 North Canton Mexia 254-562-2005 hamhouse@nctv.com Holiday Inn Express - 820 West Milam/U.S. 84 254-562-0003 www.hiexpress.com
CONTACT Mexia Area Chamber of Commerce 405 E. Milam Suite No. 2, Mexia, Texas 76667 254-562-5569 or 888-535-5476 www.MexiaChamber.com
them to Oklahoma. The Trace is truly a part of the Cherokee Trail of Tears. An East-West Indian Trade Route passes through the county and parallels present day U.S. Highway 67; this route - the Choctaw Trail. Sam Houston and Davey Crockett both traveled the Cherokee Trace as they entered Texas. The last Indian Massacre in the eastern half of the State of Texas was on April 10, 1841, just east Mount Vernon has four nearby lakes: Cypress Springs, Bob Sandlin, of Monticello Fork. A Nostalgic the town of and Mt. Vernon. Settlers from a Town 70 mileSquare, radius gathered and drove the few remaining Indians out The of theCherokee eastern half Trace of the State. six museums with free admission. Over 100 antique shops within 30 minute driving radius. runs Franklin County was first part of Red River County, one of 16 original counties in the Republic of through the eastern boundary of the county; highway of the Caddo Confederacy from Nacogdoches to Oklahoma. Texas; then in Titus. In 1875, Franklin County was carved out of Titus. Mt. Over 60 homes built before WWI are marked with attractive signs designating the original andcounty year seat. of construction. Vernon, organized in 1848,owners was named County records go back to
Mount Vernon
Did you know?
We can fill your time, give you free time; or let you take your pace. Let our groups know when you’ll visit. We’ll send more detailed brochures on our facilities and attractions, restaurant menus, information on lodging and suggestions on activities while visiting. We have meeting rooms available for your church, educational or social outings. Public facilities available for free or minimal cost. We can arrange custom tours and meeting, plan full days or overnight stays or simply work in tours during your free time.
Mt. Vernon Railroad Depot – 1894 restored Cotton Belt Depot, features model train exhibit; working telegraphy and railroading exhibits; 1898 Studebaker covered wagon; open in connection with museum or for special tours. There is also a small 1880 log cabin moved onto the property, a syrup press and mill, farm equipment collection, and a blacksmith shop. 202 S. Kaufman Street 903-537-4760 www.fcha-online.org
Meredith at the Return form to:The EastDon Texas TourismExhibit Association Museum Mail: 421 N. Center, Fire SuiteStation A, Longview, Texas 75601 Fax: (903) 236-7541 Email: graphics@etta.com
Must See!
Historical Cemeteries – 48 documented cemeteries in Franklin County. Map with locations can be found in the Old Fire Station Museum. 903-537-3931 www.mt-vernon.com/~skelly/pages/cem.php
LODGING
Deer Lake Cabins, 838 Kings Ctry Blvd., Scroggins, 903-860-3898 Super 8, 401 Interstate I30 W 903-588-2882
CONTACT Franklin County Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 554, Mount Vernon, Texas 75457 903-537-4365 www.FranklinCountyTx.com
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Fire Station Museum – Housed in 1940 WPA-finance firestation; displays of butterflies, bird eggs, Indian artifacts, Don Meredith sports memorabilia, and changing exhibits. Local museum is one of only 13 museums holding eggs of extinct Carolina Parakeet, Heath Hen & Passenger Pigeon. Open for tours. 111 S. Kaufman Street. 903-537-4760 www.fcha-online.org
Alamo Mission Museum – Showcasing pride of place, artifacts, changing exhibits. CR SE 4105, one-half mile east of Exit 147 on I-30. 1.5 miles South on CR SE 4105. 903-588-2442 www.TheAlamoMission.com
Frank 903-5 Frank 903-5 Frank 903-5 Econ
ATT
ATTRACTIONS
1883 Parchman House Museum – Victorian farmhouse has original outbuildings, a small barn, smokehouse, chicken coop, and an outhouse. There is also an 1868 log cabin on the property for visitors to study log construction. Open for tours. 701 S. Kaufman Street. 903-537-4760 or 903-537-2027 www.fcha-online.org
INF
Don Meredith, former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and Monday Night Football broadcaster, is a Mount Vernon Legend. But did you know, also hailing from Mt. Vernon is 13 year veteran AFL/NFL offensive lineman Bobby Maples? Maples played for the Houston Oilers, Pittsburgh Steelers and Denver Broncos.
Mount Vernon
is a must see no matter what the weather is.
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Paris
Did you know?
Paul Harvey once described Paris as a city “…where tomorrow fell in love with yesterday, and side by side, they lived happily ever after.” This enchanting gateway to Texas is graced by many beautiful homes and unique architecture, creating a charming back drop for a thriving economy and contemporary lifestyle. Cultural events and historic, scenic, and recreational sites continually entertain and delight residents and visitors. Major highways will lead you to “the second largest Paris in the world.” Graced with crape myrtles, art, music, community theatre, recreation, festivals, and more…Paris, Texas invites you to experience the true Texas lifestyle.
ATTRACTIONS
Eiffel Tower - This famous Paris landmark stands 65 feet tall, is “Texanized” with a cowboy hat, and is a popular point of interest for visitors and sight seers. Jefferson Rd., Paris, TX 903-739-9912 Downtown Paris - This is a must-see destination filled with shops, galleries, restaurants, and a majestic fountain marking the center. Explore the beautiful, historic, Downtown Paris, Texas. Trail de Paris - You’ll find serenity on this trail, which cuts a recreational ribbon under a beautiful canopy of trees, and serves as a pleasant place to run, walk or bike. 903-517-9778 www.TrailDeParis.org Sam Bell Maxey House - This 1868 High Victorian-Italianate residence was home to former Confederate general, and later U.S. senator, Samuel Bell Maxey. Enjoy its lovely grounds, impressive architecture, and welcoming hosts. 903-785-5716 www.VisitSamBellMaxeyHouse.com Paris Community Theatre - Provide eight productions a year encompassing comedies, dramas, mysteries, and musicals. Performances are held in the restored Plaza Theatre located on the downtown square. 903-784-0259 www.ParisTheatreOnline.com . Pat Mayse Lake - 6,000 acres offers room for sporting activities, hunting, and fishing.
GROUP DINING
Must See!
The Eiffel Tower
This Eiffel Tower, standing 65 feet tall, represents a remarkable community effort. It was constructed by the Boiler Makers Local #902 utilizing materials, plant space, and employee time donated by the Babcock & Wilcox Company. It was “Texanized” with a cowboy hat in 1998.
Corner of Jefferson Rd, Collegiate Drive, next to Love Civic Center.
1/8
We encourage you to try some of our enjoyable local restaurants. Places such as 24th Street Café, Paris Golf and Country Club, Scholls BBQ, and Crawford’s Hole in the Wall are fantastic places to host a catered meal. Also try Fish Fry, Magel’s Grill, Jaxx Burgers, Ta Molly’s, Paris Bakery, and Capizzi’s.
Lodging
Paris lends itself plentifully for all your accommodation needs. Choose from: Best Western, Blossom Country Cottage, Budget Inn, Comfort Inn & Suites, Days Inn, Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Kings Inn, La Quinta Inn & Suites, Paris Extended Stay Suites, Quality Inn Motel, Ramada, and Victorian Inn. No matter where you stay, you are sure to have a pleasurable time while in Paris.
TRANSPORTATION
Renting limos, taxis, and vans is always an option, but most exclusively is our recently acquired Trolley de Paris. Enjoy tours or even just a quick ride on the 28 passenger, 35 foot trolley that transports visitors to points of interest throughout Paris.
CONTACT Paris Visitor’s and Convention Council
8 West Plaza in Historic Downtown, Paris, Texas 75460 1-800-ParisTx or 1-800-727-4789 Visit us at www.ParisTexas.com
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Did you know?
Pottsboro/Tanglewood Resort
Tanglewood Resort on Lake Texoma will inspire attendees with its 900 acres of secluded surroundings and the feeling of being worlds away from the big city stress and distractions. Tanglewood offers over 12,000 square feet of space, nine private rooms that can accommodate groups of ten to 400, The Tower Lounge overlooking the Lake Texoma, Tranquility Spa, and Guided Striper Fishing and NEW …. renovated hotel rooms, Nautilus Fitness Center, hiking/walking trails! Relax in one of our 3 pools or hot tub. Enjoy volleyball, basketball, horseshoes, or a tennis match at one of our lighted tennis courts.
ATTRACTIONS
Lake Texoma - stretching for miles and spans two states. Explore nature with first-class experience in education, conservation, appreciation of nature and fun. Striper Fish - in over 89,000 acres of fish thriving acres of water, Lake Texoma is nothing less than an angler’s dream.
Explore ... all nature has to offer
Tranquility Spa - offers an array of personalized treatments to relax and rejuvenate your body and mind. Experience the pleasure of pure relaxation. Golf - Tanglewood’s private 18-hole 7,000-yard golf course that sports the first eco-friendly soyzia greens in the country. Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge - offers numerous eco tours and activities throughout the year to visitors. Birding and wildlife observation, photography, guided tours, hiking trails, hunting and boating.
GROUP DINING
Barnacle’s Sports Bar and Pizzeria specializes in Chicago Style pizza and a unique resort atmosphere with an indoor/outdoor fireplace and lounge seating on the patio. Our Commodore’s Room has a spectacular view of Lake Texoma with a menu to match.
Lodging
With over 240 rooms, Tanglewood Resort has the flexibility to fit any lodging needs. From standard hotel rooms to exquisitely designed tower suites guests can have the best of both worlds. Lake views are also available to watch the sunset or sailboats skim across Lake Texoma waters. Tanglewood Resort offers easy loading and unloading access, luggage assistance and step-on group welcomes. Drivers and tour operators are complimentary with 30 or more rooms.
800.833.6569
www.TanglewoodResort.com 290 Tanglewood Circle, Pottsboro, TX 75076
Must See!
Tanglewoods Tranquility Spa
Experience the tranquility of a retreat to Tanglewood, where business and pleasure...recreation and relaxation have all come together for you!
TRANSPORTATION
Tanglewood Resort is located north of Dallas/Ft. Worth and a short drive from Oklahoma with convenient access from Hwy. 75 or Hwy. 35/Hwy 82. The newly opened extension of Hwy. 289 from Dallas takes you to the Tanglewood entrance. Dallas – 1.5 hours, 82 miles - Ft. Worth – 1.75 hours, 110 miles Oklahoma City – 3 hours, 177 miles Shreveport, LA – 4 hours, 236 miles
CONTACT Tanglewood Resort and Conference Center Lake Texoma, 290 Tanglewood Circle Pottsboro, Texas 75076 800-833-6569 www.TangleWoodResort.com
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It’s all about the fun!
Why not tour Southfork Ranch, stay at Southfork Hotel and play outdoors at Lantana Resort? Forever Resorts invites you to stay and play with us in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Tour the Ewing Mansion, rest comfortably at our nearby hotel and then enjoy a day trip outing to beautiful Ray Roberts Lake where tour guests dine lake side and take in hiking and exploring or simply sit back and relax. AFFORDABLE FULL-SERVICE HOTEL MINUTES FROM SOUTHFORK RANCH and OTHER DALLAS ATTRACTIONS
East Texas Group Tour 2009 Proof �� Print As Is Southfork Ranch �� Re-run With Changes �� New Ad
SouthforkRanch.com
972.442.7800
ASK about our special Group Tour Rates for Southfork Ranch Tours and special Room Rates at Southfork Hotel. Plenty of Free Parking for tour buses-and the driver’s room is comp’d.
Travel-Forever.com/10wgt
Date _________________
Southfork Hotel
SouthforkHotel.com
972.578.8555
Lantana Resort
LantanaResortMarina.com
940.686.0261
close to everything. far from ordinary.
Fabulous shopping, incredible dining and an extraordinary variety of family fun adventures. Plan to visit Plano.
convention & visitors bureau
26
800-81-PLANO
planocvb.com
Plano
Did you know?
Brick-paved streets welcome you to Historic Downtown Plano where you’ll experience great restaurants and over 40 unique shops, including antiques, crafts, art, quilts, and tea rooms. Named in 1994 as one of 10 national All-America Cities. Plano is located on Interstate 75 north of Dallas. Plano has more than 70 shopping centers throughtout the city offering everything you can think of and over 4,000 affordable hotel rooms and over 700 restaurants to fit every taste and budget. Plano, close to everything; far from ordinary.
ATTRACTIONS
The Heritage Farmstead Museum - a working Victorian farm home and museum, takes you back to the 1890’s and life on the Blackland Prairie. 1900 West 15th Street 75075 972-881-0140 www.HeritageFarmstead.org Interurban Railway Station Museum - showing the history of the electric railway that linked Dallas with Denison, on the Oklahoma border, around the turn of the century. 901 East 15th Street Plano 75074 972-941-7146 . Southfork Ranch - is a well known favorite as home of the world-famous Ewing’s of the “Dallas” television series. Southfork features the “Dallas” Museum, western clothing store, gift shop, restaurant, and of course, tours of the Ewing mansion. Southfork has recently unveiled a new chuck wagon dinner program that gives guests the opportunity to experience an Old West style dinner in the heart of the world’s most famous ranch. 3700 Hogge Drive 75002 972-442-7800 www.SouthforkRanch.com
SHOPPING
The Shops at Willow Bend the newest shopping facility in the Dallas Metroplex. 972-202-7110 www.ShopWillowBend.com Collin Creek Mall 811 North Central Expressway Plano, Texas 75075 972-422-1070 www.CollinCreekMall.com Historic Downtown Plano 214-674-3225
www.VisitDownTownPlano.com
The Shops at Legacy galleries abound at this open air shopping district where you’ll find smart boutiques and home decorating shops, as well as a variety of restaurants and much, much more. 7200 Bishop Road 214-473-9700 www.ShopsAtLegacy.com Galleria 13350 Dallas Parkway Dallas, TX 75240 972-702-7100 www.GalleriaDallas.com
OTHER NEARBY PLACES OF INTEREST
Sixth Floor Museum 411 Elm Street Dallas, TX 75202 214-747-6660 www.jfk.org West End Marketplace 214-748-4801
CONTACT Plano Convention and Visitor’s Bureau PO BOX 860358, Plano, Texas 75086 972-941-5843, TOLL FREE 1-800-81-PLANO www.PlanoCVB.com
SEE IT…as thousands of smiling faces are awestruck by the vision of hot air balloons filling the sky with aKaleidoscope of colors and shapes. www.PlanoBalloonFest.org
Must See!
Plano Hot Air Balloon Festival
Dallas Museum of Art - 1717 North Harwood Dallas, TX 75201 214-922-1803 www.dm-art.org Six Flags - 2201 Road to Six Flags, Arlington, TX 76010 817-640-8900 www.SixFlags.com
TRANSPORTATION
Airlines: Plano is serviced by Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, home base for American Airlines and a primary hub for Delta Airlines and close to Love Field, home of Southwest Airlines. These two airports provide Plano with over 2,000 flights a day. Bus Lines: Gray Lines and Greyhound Ground Transportation: Rental cars, taxis and shuttles. Plano is easily accessed by a well-planned highway system traveling north/south and east/west, as well as by commuter rail. These are also several transportation companies that will assist you with your ground transportation.
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Airports
Austin-Bergstrom Airport Barbara Jordan Terminal 3600 Presidential Blvd. Austin, Texas 78719 512-530-6356. Beaumont/Port Arthur 48757 Parker Drive Beaumont, Texas 77705 409-722-0251
College Station Easterwood Flier 1 McKenzie Terminal Blvd., Suite 112, College Station, Texas 77845 979-845-8511
The Cavanaugh Flight Museum Magnificent collection with over 35 historical warbirds. Aviation giftshop and art gallery. Warbird rides, party rental with group discounts available. 972-380-8800 www.CavanaughFlightMuseum.com
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Corpus Christi International Department of Aviation 1000 International Drive Corpus Christi, Texas 78406 361-289-0171 ext. 1210 Dallas/Fort Worth International Street Address DFW International Airport 3200 East Airfield Drive DFW Airport, TX 75261 972-973-8888 Houston George Bush Intercontinental 2800 North Terminal Road Houston, Texas 77032 281-230-3100
Houston William P. Hobby 7800 Airport Boulevard Houston, Texas 77061 713-640-3000 Longview East Texas Regional Airport 269 Terminal Circle Longview, TX. 75603 903-643-3031 Texarkana Regional 201 Airport Dr Texarkana, AR 71854 870-774-2171 Tyler Pounds Regional Airport 700 Skyway Blvd. Tyler, TX 75704 903-531-2343 Waco Primary Waco Regional City of Waco 7909 Karl May Drive Waco, TX 76708 254-750-8657 Wichita Falls Primary Sheppard Municipal Airport 4000 Armstrong Drive 940-855-3621
Richardson
Did you know?
Spanning 28 square miles and nestled 15 miles north of downtown Dallas, Richardson has found its place as a sophisticated suburb featuring award-winning family festivals, 300 area restaurants, nationally-ranked championship golf courses, 30 beautiful parks, more than 40 miles of hike and bike trails, and the Charles W. Eisemann Center for Performing Arts. Known nationally as the Telecom Corridor® Area and home to more than 500 high-tech and telecommunications companies, Richardson has the benefit of being able to offer one-on-one, small-town customer service and warm Texas hospitality, while still offering the advantages, appeal and entertainment of the D/FW Metroplex.
ATTRACTIONS
Owens Spring Creek Park - Experience farming, feeding animals and viewing 100 year old+ artifacts. We have plenty of parking spaces for buses and picnic lunches welcome. Reservations are required so we may prepare for your arrival. $5.00 per person (children under two years of age FREE) 1401 East Lookout Drive, Richardson, Texas 75082 972-235-0192 or 972-235-0191 www.BobEvans.com Cottonwood Art Festival - a bi-annual, award-winning festival featuring limited edition art. The festival is held on the first weekends of May and October. 972-235-5000 www.cottonwoodartfestival.com Wildflower! - Arts & Music Festival is an award-winning, family festival showcasing local, regional and national entertainment. Wildflower! is held on the third weekend in May. 972-744-4100 www.wildflowerfestival.com Family Fourth Celebration - is a traditional annual patriotic salute festival in Breckinridge Park. This free event is open to the entire community. Huffhines Art Trails festival - showcases over 200 artists and craftsmen in Huffhines Park. The event is held on the fourth Saturday in October. Owens Spring Creek Farm and Museum - Take a step back in time in the Owens Foods museum, where you can view items more than 100 years old. Beautiful farm, rolling green hills, horses, and petting farm. 1401 E. Lookout Drive 972-235-0192 www.OwensInc.com Miss Belle’s Place - A two-story Victorian farmhouse, circa 1887, depicting life at the turn of the century. First private school operated by Miss Belle in 1902. It is one of the oldest remaining structures of early Richardson. 1401 E. Lookout Drive 972-235-0192
GROUP DINING
Diners in the Richardson area will find a variety of choices from American cuisine to international delicacies. Most of Richardson’s restaurants are local independents or Texasbased chains. You can get your fill of barbecue, burgers, steak or fine ethnic dining featuring Brazilian, Chinese, Indian, Italian, Japanese, Mediterranean, Persian or Vietnamese cuisine. Whatever your taste, you will find it here!
Lodging
Richardson has 14 hotel/motels offering a total of 2,300 rooms and 203,000 square-feet of total event and meeting space. The hotels are all conveniently located along US 75 (Central Expressway) bisecting the city and are in close proximity to each other. The versatility of Richardson’s hotel and meeting spaces and variety of locations makes it an ideal place for planning events.
TRANSPORTATION
A ride on the Dallas Area Rapid Transit system (DART), which runs through the heart of the city, allows visitors to view the sights or step outside the city to visit many surrounding points of interest such as museums, shopping malls, and sporting arenas. Plus, Richardson is serviced by two major airports; Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Love Field.
COMPLIMENTARY SERVICES
Our dedicated staff will assist you with all your arrangements so you can experience Richardson’s attractions, event venues, hotels and meeting spaces. To ensure your meeting or event is a great success, we can provide guest activities, information resources, preevent planning services, registration assistance, and transportation arrangements.
Must See! The Eisemann Center
The Eisemann Center - A City of Richardson facility, serving the entertainment and special events needs of both the cultural and business clients. Covering the North Texas region, the Eisemann Center should be on your list for presenting, performing or attending events of all types. 972-744-4650 www.EisemannCenter.com
CONTACT Richardson Convention & Visitors Bureau 411 W. Arapaho Road Richardson, Texas 75080 Phone: 972-744-4034 Fax: 972-744-5834 www.RichardsonTexas.org
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Sherman
Did you know?
Big-city sophistication and a country state of mind: Sherman’s unique combination of urban amenities and leisurely pace of life make it an ideal destination. It’s just one hour north of downtown Dallas, which makes it close enough to get here, yet far enough to get away, spend the night, and enjoy the good life Lone-Star style! The cultural arts thrive here, including our symphony and theater performances. That’s complemented by excellent outdoor sports, recreation, events and venues, including Lake Texoma and Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge. You’ll find classic, Southern tradition mixed with progressive attractions and entertainment. Sherman Symphony Orchestra & Community Series – Performances Sept.-May; Only orchestra between Dallas and Oklahoma City. Series features internationally known groups. 903-813-2251 www.CommunitySeries.com www.ShermanSymphony.com
GROUP DINING
From familiar, favorite chain restaurants to a number of local diners, you find a taste you love in Sherman. For group dining recommendations, contact the Tourism Department.
SHOPPING
Midway Mall- 4800 Texoma Parkway. 903-892-1188
www.Simon.com
Town Center- Big-box retail, movie theater, and restaurantsUS 75 Northwest of Hwy. 82. Antique Shops- including Touch of Class Antique Mall, 118 W. Lamar, Shopsof South Travis, and many more are located throughout Sherman. Downtown Square- including Bella Fontana Spa and specialty shops.
Lodging
ATTRACTIONS
Red River Historical Museum - Open Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.; Closed Sunday-Monday. Tour time: 45 min. Permanent, quarterly and special exhibits. 301 South Walnut, 75090 903-893-7623 Sherman Jazz Museum – Open Saturdays, 1-5 p.m., in former Mason Lodge built in 1924. Memorabilia features the fantastic collection of the Maynard Ferguson estate. 201 East Lamar, 75090 www.ShermanJazzMuseum.com Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge - Lies on the Big Mineral Arm of Lake Texoma. Hiking, birding, fishing, recreation, guided tours, and free programs. 903-786-2826 www.FriendsOfHagerman.com Kelly Square - A multi-level experience in historically restored building. Features boutiques, antiques, and two restaurants. 115 South Travis Street, 903-868-1771 www.KellySquareSherman.com Lake Texoma -90,000 acres of water draws over 10,000,000 visitors annually. All types of water sports, camping, hunting and finest striper, crappie, and black bass fishing in the country.
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Comfort Suites - 2900 N. US Hwy 75, 903-893-0499 Crossroads Inn - 2424 Texoma Pkwy, 903-893-0184 Days Inn - 3605 Hwy 75 S., 903-868-0555 Economy Inn - 1530 Texoma Pkwy, 903-893-7666 Executive Inn - 2105 Texoma Pkwy, 903-892-2161 Hampton Inn - 2904 Michelle Drive, 903-893-9333 Holiday Inn Express - 2905 Michelle Drive, 903-892-3300 LaQuinta Inn - 2912 N. US Highway 75, 903-893-1556 Super 8 - 111 E. FM 1417, 903-868-9325 Travelers Inn - 401 S. Sam Rayburn Frwy., 903-893-6581
TRANSPORTATION
Airlines: DFW Airport-90 miles; Dallas/Love Field Airport-65 miles; North Texas Regional Airport-10 miles (charter service available) Bus Lines: Greyhound - 903-892-3131 Taxi: Sherman Taxicab - 903-892-1544 Public Transportation: TAPS - 903-868-2695 Rental Cars: Enterprise Rent-A-Car - 903-870-0041 Charter Tours: Texoma Tours - 903-465-8450
CONTACT: Sherman Department of Tourism P.O. Box 2312 Sherman, Texas 75091 903-957-0310 – 888-893-1188 info@shermantx.org www.ShermanTx.org
Sulphur Springs
Did you know?
Located on Interstate 30, Sulphur Springs is 70 miles east of Dallas, 100 miles west of Texarkana, 65 miles north of Tyler, and
40 miles south of Paris. The restored downtown area and other parts of the city offer a variety of shopping, museums, parks, and dining plus a historic county courthouse available for scheduled tours Monday through Friday. The Southwest Dairy Museum is a family favorite and there’s a Main Street Farmers’ Market every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. from late April through October. Sulphur Springs is also near Cooper Lake and Lake Fork, where bass and crappie fishing is world-class. Life is Good... Come and See!
ATTRACTIONS
Heritage Park & Historical Museum - 19th and early 20th century blacksmith shop, log school house, chapel, country store, restored fire engine and extensive fossil collection. Host the Indian Summer Festival and Dutch Oven Cooking Contest in October. 416 N. Jackson Street 903-885-2387 www.HopkinsCountyMuseum.org Southwest Dairy Museum – Historical tours, hands-on exhibits, and dairy treats for visitors at the museum’s old-fashioned soda fountain, The Creamery. 1210 W. Houston 903-439-6455 www.southwestdairyfarmers.com/museum.sstg St. Clair Music Box Collection - Ranges from the antique, unique, and once owned by movie stars and soldiers. 611 N. Davis 903-885-4926 www.VisitSulphurSpringsTX.org Heritage Park Folk Festival – The days of Texas pioneers come to life when restored log cabins, a grist mill and other primitive buildings from the 1800s serve as an authentic backdrop for this annual “Step Into the Past.” 416 N Jackson Street 903-885-2387 www.hopkinscountymuseum.org Independence Festival - Traditional celebration includes veterans’ march, giant fireworks display, and music by the North East Texas Symphony Orchestra the Saturday before July 4. On the Square. 888-300-6623 www.VisitSulphurSpringsTX.org Hopkins County Dairy Festival & Ice Cream Freeze-Off - Hot air balloons, parade, carnival, street dance, dairy-related events and the World Champion Ice Cream Freeze-Off. Starts second weekend in June. 903-885-6515 www.VisitSulphurSpringsTX.org Hopkins County Fall Festival and Stew Contest - Parade, trades day, gospel music, carnival, arts and crafts, world champion stew contest, and more. Starts second weekend in September. 903-885-6515 www.SulphurSprings-Tx.com Christmas Comes to Town - Tree lighting, snow slide, snow tiger exhibit, Lions Club Christmas Light Parade, Christmas in the Park, and Choral Society’s concert. First weekend in December. 888-300-6623 www.VisitSulphurSpringsTX.org
CONTACT: Sulphur Springs Department of Tourism 1220 Cessna Drive, Texas 75482 Phone: (888) 300-6623 tourism@SulphurSpringsTX.org www.VisitSulphurSpringsTX.org
Group dining
Sulphur Springs has a variety of restaurants, fitting just about any taste, all over the city: a winery/bistro, barbecue, catfish, chicken, Chinese, pizza, sandwiches and burgers, steaks, TexMex, and several old-style family dining places. Many of these places also prepare food to go and several will cater events. Contact the Sulphur Springs Department of Tourism and we will be glad to help with arrangements.
Lodging
Sulphur Springs is served by five national hotel chains – three of them less than three years old – as well as local hotels eager to work with groups. Many offer free breakfast and other amenities with their rooms to help get your day off to a good start, and to wind it down comfortably during the evening.
Transportation
To reach the city from out of the region, fly into DFW airport, 85 miles to the west, or Love Field, 70 miles to the west, or Tyler, 65 miles to the south; each has rental cars available. From Dallas, take I-30 east directly to Sulphur Springs. The city also has a lighted general aviation airport, Sulphur Springs Municipal.
Complimentary services
The Sulphur Springs Department of Tourism is available to help tour groups with, tour guides, hotel accommodations, information packets, customized tours, and any other needs that come up.
Suggested itinerary
* Spend a night at a local accommodation with welcome reception and enjoy complimentary breakfast. * Learn about the early life of a dairy farm family by touring the 10,000-square-foot, farm-style building of the Southwest Dairy Museum’s hands-on exhibits, and don’t forget a mid-morning dairy treat at the museum’s old-fashioned soda fountain, or hold a group meeting in the conference room of the five-story silo. * Make a quick stop at the Sulphur Springs Public Library to scope out the delightful St. Clair Music Box Collection. * Have lunch in one of the many fine restaurants downtown or throughout Sulphur Springs. * Walk off the meal shopping at the VF Factory Outlet Mall, perusing the antique stores downtown, or with a tour of the Romanesque Revival-style granite and sandstone Hopkins County Courthouse, which was designated as a Texas Historic Landmark in 1975 and added to the National Register in 1977. * Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the Heritage Park & Historical Museum’s- 19th and early 20th century blacksmith shop, log school house, chapel, and county store and relaxing on the grounds. * Eat dinner in one of the many fine restaurants downtown or throughout Sulphur Springs. * Take in some weekend music or, in season, a theatrical production or a touring show. * Enjoy another restful evening in the hotel room before moving on.
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Sulphur Springs
Deer Lake Cabins is a family-owned property with 8 fully furnished cabins (1, 2, and 3 bedroom) nestled on over 800 secluded acres at the Double S Ranch located off FM 115, adjacent to Lake Cypress Springs, just outside of Mt. Vernon, Texas. Two stocked, spring-fed fishing ponds provide the perfect setting for relaxation and reflection or an excellent outlet for cooling off in the hot summer months, while 12 miles of nature trails allow guests to get up close and personal with the native wildlife and to witness some of the most breathtaking scenery in the area.
Must See!
No.1 British Flying Training School Museum
Relive History...
903-860-3898
www.deerlakecabins.com HORSEBACK RIDES • FISHING • NATURE TRAILS • WILDLIFE
Terrell Municipal Airport Open Wednesday, Friday & Saturday 10am - 4pm. Other times by appointment. 119 Silent Wings Blvd
972-524-1714 Admission is FREE! 32
Terrell
Did you know?
Terrell originated as one of the “depot towns” built as the Texas and Pacific Railroad Company began the construction of a new transcontinental railroad going from Longview in Eastern Texas to California. Today Terrell is considered “The City of Tomorrow With the Charm of Yesterday.”
ATTRACTIONS
The Terrell Heritage Museum -located in the Carnegie Library building, was founded by and is a major project of the Terrell Heritage Society. Hours of operation, Sat. & Sun., 1-4, tours available, other days by appointment. The museum collects, preserves and displays artifacts and memorabilia pertaining to the history and the cultural heritage of the City of Terrell, the area and its people. 207 N. Frances 972-524-6082 www.TerrellHeritageMuseum.org No. 1 British Flying Training School Museum -commemorates the joint effort between the citizens of Texas, the British and the American governments in training more than 2,200 British and American pilots in Terrell during World War II. Museum hours are Wed., Fri., Sat. 10AM-4PM. 972-524-1714 www.BFTSMuseum.org Historic R.A. Terrell Homeplace -This home was one of the first dwellings erected in Terrell. Today, it remains as one of the twenty surviving Round Houses in the entire nation and was listed by the Dallas Centennial as a place to visit of interest while you are in Terrell. 972-524-3341 Rocking L Guest Ranch - The Rocking L Guest Ranch provides an authentic western town atmosphere on 75 private acres for company events, receptions, family reunions, private parties or personal getaways. 240 VZ CR 3837, Wills Point, TX 75169 903-560-0246 www.RockingLRanch.com
A city rich in history Special Group Tours through the historic district, museums, outlet stores, ranches and manufacturing facilities can be arranged by contacting the
Terrell Chamber of Commerce Convention & Visitors Bureau
1-877-TERRELL
Group dining
With many popular restaurants you’re sure to find one that will satisfy any taste. For a list of restaurants that can handle large groups call the Terrell Chamber of Commerce, Convention & Visitors Bureau.
SHOPPING
Historic Downtown Shopping, Antique Malls, Russell Stover Candies Outlet, Tanger Outlet Center. Tanger Outlet Center - Every day is sale day at more than 40 stores. 301 Tanger Drive Terrell, TX 75160. Hours: Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m.. - 9 p.m., Sunday, noon - 6 p.m. 972-524-6034 www.TangerOutlet.com
Visitors are invited to travel back in time on a Historical Tour of Terrell. The tour is conducted by “Miss Emily Terrell” and “Col. E.H.R. Green”, guides from the Terrell Heritage Society. Dressed in period costume, they lead visitors on an extended shuttle bus tour of sites in the Historical District. The Heritage Museum and some of the city’s beautiful old homes and vintage buildings are suggested stops for the customized tour. These special tours, by reservation only, are tailored to fit the interests of each tour group (minimum 10 people). The Terrell Heritage Society also hosts an annual Christmas tour on the first Saturday in December. A “Christmas Victorian Tea” and stops at two historic homes are included.
LODGING
More than 350 guest rooms in nine motels welcome visitors for a comfortable stay in the city. Contact the Terrell Chamber of Commerce, Convention & Visitors Bureau.
CONTACT Terrell Chamber of Commerce Convention & Visitors Bureau
Contact the Terrell Heritage Society at 972-524-6082 for tour information
1314 W. Moore Avenue Terrell, Texas 75160 1-877-TERRELL www.TerrellTexas.com
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Texarkana
Did you know?
A visit to Texarkana reveals a host of historic treasures, ten annual festivals, concerts, parks, golf courses, entertainment from performing arts, stock car races, hockey, art exhibits, shopping, antiques, lakes, great outdoors and sports, wonderful restaurants and a heaping of “Southern Hospitality’. You’ll see why – in Texarkana – life is so large it takes two states!
ATTRACTIONS
State Line Post Office - The border between Texas and Arkansas runs along the yellow center line of State Line Avenue in Texarkana. The city’s Federal Building/Courthouse/Post Office was built in the middle of this street, supposedly the only building in the U.S. that straddles a state line. 500 Wood St., Texarkana, AR Scott Joplin Mural - Experience the color Scott Joplin Mural depicting scenes from Joplin’s life. 300 Third Street The Ace of Clubs House - This 1885 Italianate Victorian home is a National Register property and a Recorded Texas Historical Landmark. Built in the shape of a club, with three octagonal wings and a rectangular wing, this house is considered one of the most unique in the country. It has been featured in several publications and broadcasts including HGTV’s “Christmas Castles” and “Bob Villa’s Guide to Historic Homes.” Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Please call for information on group tours and rates. 420 Pine Street, Texarkana, TX 75501 903-793-4831
LODGING
For a complete list of Hotels go to: www.texarkana.org
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Must See! Perot Theatre
When built as the Saenger Theatre in 1924, it was the jewel of the New Orleans chain. Becoming a venue for movies in 1931 as a Paramount, it “shined”, declined, then closed in 1977. When the City of Texarkana restored it, with funding assistance from natives Ross Perot and his sister Bette, the facility was returned to it’s original Neo-Italian Renaissance opulence with gold leaf, ornate relief moldings, crystal chandeliers and royal blue decor at a cost of $2.4 million. Through 84 years of existence, this theatre has hosted the best of the best. 903-792-4992 artsinfo@trach.org
CONTACT Texarkana Chamber of Commerce 819 State Line Ave. P.O. Box 1468 Texarkana, Texas 75504 903-792-7191 Phone 903-793-4304 Fax www.Texarkana.org
Waxahachie
Did you know?
Waxahachie is a community that takes great pride in its rich heritage, which is evident by the historically preserved buildings and homes throughout the city. Though modern, progressive, and thriving, the city’s pulse resonates with the history of Texas. Strolling through Historic Downtown anchored by the state’s “Most Photographed Courthouse,” you can still see remnants of the Shawnee Trail that once served as the major thoroughfare in the state’s early development. Come and discover for yourself what makes Waxahachie “Picture Perfect.” At the end of the day, don’t be surprised if you find yourself wanting to be part of the picture.
ATTRACTIONS
Chautauqua Auditorium - is located in Getzendaner Park, is one of the few octagonal auditoriums in America. The Chautauqua is open during special events and during the Gingerbread Trail. www.WaxahachieChautauqua.org Ellis County Courthouse - built in 1895, is listed in the top 100 most photographed structures in the state of Texas, featuring Richard Romanesque architectural style. Open MondayFriday, 8 am - 5 pm. 972-825-5000 www.Waxahachie.com Getzendaner Memorial Park - is a peaceful setting for your next family picnic or to use an escape to nature after a hectic business meeting. The Chautauqua Auditorium is also part of the grounds. Located 2 blocks south of Business 287 (W. Main Street) and Grand Avenue. Lake Waxahachie - is located 2 miles south of Waxahachie off FM 887. Bring your family, boat and jet skis. Excellent source of fishing for crappie, white bass, largemouth bass and channel catfish. The Texas Theater - Built in 1895, is one of Waxahachie’s original theaters. Located in the Historic Downtown Districtat 110 W. Main. 972-937-1993 www.TexasMusicTheater.com The Waxahachie Creek Hike and Bike Trail - winds its way through the southern part of Waxahachie following the twisting and turning creek. The trail, which is four miles long, starts at Getzendaner Park, crosses Rogers Street downtown and ends at Lions Park. Along the way you will see the Chautauqua Auditorium, historic Waxahachie City Cemetery, restored train depots and the natural beauty of the Blackland Prairie.
LODGING
The city of Waxahachie is home to hotels for the business executive traveler as well as year-round vacation get-away comfort suites for families. There’s comfortable lodging in town to fit every traveler’s requirements and pocketbook! Waxahachie truly offers guests a wide variety of nationally-branded facilities within the city. Visitors find Waxahachie convenient for conventions, business meetings, vacations and shopping excursions from any direction. With such a wide choice of accommodations — from the hotels to budget-minded motels, from friendly comfort suites to a Texas bed and breakfast — there’s a restful place to please any traveler within the city.
Group dining
The down home feeling of Waxahachie is no more evident anywhere than in our restaurants that welcome you with warmth and style. Whether it is breakfast, lunch, dinner or a shoppingspree snack, dining in Waxahachie is sure to satisfy. A variety of family friendly restaurants line the streets of Waxahachie.
TRANSPORTATION
The historic downtown area in Waxahachie is fairly compact. It’s a couple miles wide by a couple miles long, and it is possible to get around on foot to see what you need to see. Get ready to do some walking, however. There’s a ton to see! Foot. Car. Taxi. Tour.
CONTACT Waxahachie Convention & Visitors Bureau
102 YMCA Drive * Waxahachie, Texas 75165 972-937-2390 Fax 972-938-9827 www.WaxahachieChamber.com
Texas Theatre circa 1915 & today.
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East to West
Texas
GROUP TOUR MANUAL
Tips for
Group Travel Planners
You have chosen to become a Group Travel Planner now what
do you do! You know for any business to succeed it must become profitable, defined simply as the difference between revenues and expenses. There are three ways to make a profit: increase sales, reduce cost and control expenses.
Controlling Expenses! 1.
What are the costs? Include every detail. (snacks, gratuity or any other expense).
2.
Reduce your postage cost. Although there is still a group of retired travelers that do not have email, most do. Consider a newsletter by email and mail a copy to those on your list that do not have email. Ask someone else to help you pay for the postage. Perhaps the church, senior center or school group you are working with will absorb the cost.
3.
Plan your own trip and charter the bus.
4.
Increase the price of your trip to cover cost. Include the cost of snacks, the drivers tip, prizes and postage.
5.
Include trip insurance and make sure your cancellation policy is on all your trip literature. Work with your bus company on the trip insurance.
d. Did they perceive it as a good value and you gave them more than expected?
6.
Compare prices. Hotels and restaurants want your business. When pricing your trips, use the higher rate.
e.
7.
Keep good records. Make copies of all the checks you receive before you deposit them. During the trip hang onto all of your receipts in a large envelope or file folder.
8.
Maintain a good list of passengers for future trips.
Here are a few tips that may help you as you plan your next trip: 1.
Hang onto your present customers. a.
Did you follow through with all of their expectations on previous trips?
b. Did they have a good time? Did you treat them well? c.
2.
Did you follow up with them after the trip?
Was the bus & accommodations clean and comfortable?
Attract new customers. If you don’t have a budget for the
typical media (radio, tv, newspaper, trade magazines) consider speaking at local organizations. Get references from your satisfied customers and ask for referrals. Use your personal relationships with relatives, neighbors, friends and groups you belong to. Have business cards printed and have them available. Print a one page flyer explaining what you do and make it easy to get in touch with you. (phone, fax, email, mail)
3.
Have a sale or offer discounts. This could be as simple as
4.
Offer something unique on your trip. Make sure you get
5.
Once they have booked a trip, send them a receipt,
an early bird % off if paid by a certain date. People love bargains. Some tour and bus companies offer discounts for seniors, reduced prices for booking early or give out coupons on the bus. to know each of your passengers. Offer snacks, beverages (water is best) and prizes, lend them cup holders and furnish colorful nametags. Consider a “get acquainted” game on the bus.
itinerary, baggage tags and a welcome letter about three weeks before the trip.
For more great tips and ideas
www.EastTexasGuide.com
Other helpful hints: 1. Get a computer and set up an email account. More and more people are relying on access to computers and email. You can also set up a good bookkeeping system that will save hours on tax preparation and income/expense reports. 2. Learn how to set up group mailing lists and how to send and receive messages and attachments. Your local community college offers beginners classes at a very nominal fee. 3. Consider creating a Web page. Include information on all your trips and make it easy for them to correspond with you. 4. At the end of the trip, pass out a survey. Find out what they liked and disliked about the trip. Use this information to improve your next trip.
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Hill Country to Panhandle Plains REGION MAP II
Wildlife & Landscapes
A C L O S E R L O O K AT T H E N AT U R E O F T E X A S Texas, a country of its own. North central Texas includes portions of several Ecological Regions and a wide diversity of habitat types, plant communities, and wildlife species, both game and nongame. Consequently, the quality and quantity of wildlife and habitat resources vary. Current and past land uses continue to influence wildlife populations found in this vast region of Texas. North central Texas is covered in fresh rivers and lakes, thus making this portion of Texas lush with green foliage. Making your trip south you will notice that Texas begins to feel more rugged and vastly open. Common fowl here are quail, turkey, and even roadrunners. Lizards and other reptiles are also noticeable.
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37
Bastrop
Did you know?
Bastrop’s historical roots run deep. The number of buildings listed in the National Register of Historic Places recently earned Bastrop the title “Most Historic Small Town in Texas.” Nestled on the banks of the Colorado River, the historic district is filled with a variety of shops and restaurants. The historic ambiance of downtown is complemented by nearby neighborhoods containing over 130 historical sites. Visit beautiful Bastrop - you’ll discover for yourself why we’re known as the “Heart of the Lost Pines”.
BASTROP “Welcome to the Most Historic Small Town in Texas” “Reflections of Yesterday Images of Tomorrow”
Group DINING
“Where the Present Meets the Past”
“Something for Everyone”
927 Main St 512-303-0558 www.bastropchamber.com info@bastropchamber.com
IDEAL TEXAS LOCATION:
22 miles East of Austin/Bergstrom International Airport on Hwy 71
SPECIAL EVENTS: Yesterfest last Saturday in April Patriotic Festival 1st Saturday in July Homecoming 1st Weekend in August Trail of Lights Thanksgiving to January 1 Veterans Day/Classic Car Show 2nd Saturday in Nov. Holiday Events 2nd Saturday in December
ATTRACTIONS
Bastrop was selected as one of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations for 2010, placing Bastrop in the small group of only six Texas cities to receive the designation. Attractions include two museums and the historic Bastrop Opera House. After a self-guided walking tour of over 130 historic homes and buildings, you can also enjoy a stroll down the Colorado Riverwalk. The historic district offers a delightful selection of shops filled with interesting gifts, crafts, books, clothing, and antiques. Adding to the charm, a variety of restaurants provide visitors with delicious food and a comfortable, friendly atmosphere. Bastrop Opera House - When you visit the Bastrop Opera House, you are visiting a piece of downtown Bastrop history and Texas history. The Bastrop Opera House offers family entertainment year round. 711 Spring Street Bastrop Texas, 78602 512-321-6283 www.BastropOperaHouse.com Bastrop County Historical Museum - The Bastrop County Historical Society was organized in 1952 by the Ladies Reading Circle, a group founded in the 1890’s and still in existence today. The Society has sponsored
38
recent preservation projects at Fairview Cemetery and Kerr Community Center, and operates the Bastrop “Old Town Visitor Center.” 702 Main Street, 78602 512-303-0057 www.visitbastrop.org Central Texas Museum of Automotive History - Anyone who is interested in the history of our country and its people will have a natural fascination with the automobile, not only for its mechanical development, but also for the men and women who had the forsight and ingenuity to begin its development. 2502 HWY 304 Smithville, Tx 78957 512-237-2635 www.ctmah.org Maxine’s: Mainstay on Main Street - Texas Monthly rates Maxine’s one of The 40 Best Small-Town Cafes in Texas. A Southern classic with a Maxine’s twist! Since 1997, folks have enjoyed the homestyle country cooking at Maxine’s on Main Street in historic downtown Bastrop. Enjoy our delicious griddle cakes, legendary burgers and award-winning chili... not to mention our great coffee. 905 Main St. Bastrop, TX. 512-303-0919 www.MaxinesOnMain.com Roadhouse - According to Texas Monthly, Home to one of the best burgers in Texas. Voted Best Hamburgers in Bastrop County 6 years in a row. 2804 State Highway 21 E Bastrop, TX 78602. 512-321-1803 www.RoadhouseBastrop.com
Lodging Comfort Inn 512-321-3303
Days Inn 512-321-1157
Budget Inn 512-321-6200
Loblolly Pines Village 512-321-2499
Bastrop Inn 512-321-3949
Comfort Suites 512-321-3377
Super 8 512-321-6000
Tropicana Motel 512-321-2526
Must See!
Best Western Bastrop Pines Inn 512-321-0900 Holiday Inn Express & Suites of Bastrop 512-321-1900
Bastrop Opera House
CONTACT Bastrop Chamber of Commerce 927 Main St., Bastrop, Texas 78602 512-303-0558 info@bastropchamber.com www.BastropChamber.com
Boerne
Did you know?
Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country, and only minutes from San Antonio, Boerne offers small town charm in a picturesque setting. Shopping in Boerne takes you on a journey through quaint historic buildings filled with unique treasures. Along the way you’ll find scrumptious delights at an eclectic collection of restaurants, cafes, coffee shops and bakeries. Artistic activity is plentiful in Boerne. Boerne is where friendly people and beautiful places warm your heart and enliven your spirit!
ATTRACTIONS
Enchanted Springs Ranch - A Wild West town surrounded by 86 aces of rugged beauty, an animal park and a movie set with real cowboys and cowgirls! 242 Hwy 46 West Boerne, TX 78006 800-640-5917 www.EnchantedSpringsRanch.com Cave Without A Name - Some say it’s the most beautiful cave in Texas! Stalactites, Stalagmites, delicate Soda Straws, Cave Drapery, magnificent Flowstones, Rimstone Dams and more! 830-537-4212 www.CaveWithoutAName.com Cascade Caverns - The cavern is a cool, living cavern with millions of glistening drops of pure water reluctantly falling on spectacular rock formations, a comfortable 68 degrees year round. Texas’ only cavern with a 100 foot waterfall! 830-755-8080 www.CascadeCaverns.com Cibolo Nature Center - 100 acres of Hill Country Trails & protected Wilderness. Four distinct ecosystems including a marshland, grassland, woodlands and riverbottom. www.Cibolo.org
Group DINING
Boerne has many choices for your groups dining experience. Accommodations are available at local restaurants and hotels from 30 to 300, and there are a wide array of unique event facilities that offer catering and entertainment.
Lodging
Ye Kendall Inn - An Historic Inn downtown Boerne, restaurant on site 36 rooms. 128 West Blanco Road 830-249-2138 www.YeKendallInn.com Hampton Inn & Suites - Beautiful lobby, resort style pool, free breakfast, 78 rooms. 34935 I-10 W 830-816-8800 www.LodgeWithUs.com Fairfield Inn & Suites - New hotel, minutes from Boerne, free breakfast, 78 rooms. 6 Cascade Caverns Road 830-368-4167 www.Marriott.com La Quinta Inn & Suites - 1 mile from downtown Boerne, free breakfast, 67 rooms. 36756 Johns Road 830-249-1212 6062.lq.com Holiday Inn Express - in town, free breakfast, 62 rooms. 35000 Ih 10 W. 1-830-249-6800 www.HolidayInnExpress.com Americas Best Value Inn - in town, newly refurbished, free breakfast, 81 rooms. Exit # 540 35150 I-10 West, Highway 46. 830-249-9791 www.aviboerne.com
CONTACT
Boerne Convention & Visitors Bureau 1407 South Main Street, Boerne, Texas 78006 888-842-8080 toll free. www.VisitBoerne.org
Transportation
Taxi and shuttle service available. We welcome tour groups of all sizes. We can help you plan your trip by offering sample itineraries and event recommendations. We also offer site visits for your convenience. For more information or to schedule a tour please call our office at 888-842-8080.
Must See!
Cave Without a Name
The tour takes approximately 60 minutes, and includes six beautiful formation rooms. Tours depart throughout the day. Children under 6 are always free with a paid adult! The year-round temperature is 66º so the Texas heat is no problem! Pictures and video recorders are welcome so bring your cameras!
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Must See!
Plaza Theatre
Shows 52 weeks a year!
111 S. Main St. Cleburne, TX 76033 817-202-0600 www.Plaza-Theatre.com
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Cleburne
Did you know?
Located 40 minutes south of Ft. Worth and one hour from Dallas, Cleburne has something for everyone. From the Santa Fe Railroad and the Chisholm Trail for history buffs to live theater, scenic lake view golf course, antique shops, great restaurants and accommodations for every budget, it is a delightful get-a-way from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. So come on down to Cleburne and start making memories…. Texas Style!
ATTRACTIONS
Chisholm Trail Outdoor Museum -brings to life that by gone area with historical buildings and a life-size silhouette of a cattle drive. 817-648-1486 www.jcchisholmtrail.com Steam Engine 3417 - located in Hulen Park, revives the history of the one hundred years the Santa Fe Railroad was a major employer in Cleburne. Historic Homes of Cleburne -Take a driving tour through the historic homes of Cleburne and relive a gracious and simpler time in our history. The Johnson County Courthouse -is a beautiful example of early 20th century architecture and houses the Johnson County Historical Museum. 204 S Buffalo Ave, Cleburne, TX 76033 817-556-6300 www.JohnsonCountyTtx.org Layland Museum of History -Was built in 1905 and is one of only 13 Carnegie Library buildings still in existence in Texas. 201 N. Caddo St. Cleburne, TX, 76033 817-645-0940 Cleburne Historic Outdoor Mural -216’ ft. long in downtown Cleburne depicts the history of Johnson County from the earliest Spanish explorers to the present day energy boom. Plaza Theater -Enjoy live entertainment. Running 52 weeks a year you will be delighted with their professional performances. Carnegie Players also perform at the city performing arts center seasonally. 111 S. Main St. Cleburne, TX 76033 817-202-0600 www.Plaza-Theatre.com
GROUP DINING
A variety of restaurants are available to serve groups quickly and efficiently no matter what the menu choice throughout the city. Outside catering at local attractions can also be arranged, making your tour a special and even more memorable event. Contact the Cleburne Chamber C.V.B. and we will be glad to assist you with arrangements.
LODGING
TRANSPORTATION To reach Cleburne you can fly into DFW airport, 50 miles east or Love Field, 65 miles east. Both have rental cars available. Amtrak services Cleburne from across the nation. Driving from Ft. Worth take I-35W south to Burleson exit (Hwy 174) and we are 12 miles south. From Dallas take I-35E to Hwy 67 and go south approximately 50 miles.
Complimentary Services The Cleburne Chamber C.V.B. is available to help tour groups with special needs, tour guides, hotel accommodations, restaurant reservations, information packets, customized tours or any other needs that come up.
Suggested Itinerary *Spend night at local accommodation with welcome reception and enjoy complimentary breakfast *Tour Chisholm Trail Outdoor Museum and learn history of Cleburne’s involvement in the historic cattle drives along the trail and other interesting facts. *Tour Layland Museum of History, the only Texas museum solely dedicated to the study of home and family from North-Central Texas region. * Take a walking tour of the downtown antique and other specialty shops to find that perfect item to take home and take pictures of the 216’ Chisholm Historic Outdoor Mural. *Have lunch in one of many fine restaurants downtown or located throughout Cleburne. * Take a driving tour through the historic district of Cleburne and see many restored 19th and early 20th century homes that represent a simpler time. * Visit the Cleburne Memorial Cemetery and see the area dedicated to the Confederate soldiers who fell in battle during the Civil War from Johnson County.
Almost every major limited service hotel chain is represented in Cleburne, as well as historic accommodations, independent properties and B&B’s. All are eager to work with your group to insure you have a pleasant stay. Many offer free breakfast with their rooms as well as other amenities that will leave you feeling refreshed and ready for your next day of adventure.
*Relax in Hulen Park and see Steam Engine 3417 that played a part in the growth of the west and was serviced by the Santa Fe Railroad, along with many others, in Cleburne for over a hundred years.
CONTACT Cleburne Chamber of Commerce Convention & Visitors Bureau
*Take in a play at the Plaza Theater, a theater-in-the-round in downtown Cleburne who productions will rival any in the DFW area.
1511 W Henderson, Cleburne, Texas 76033 Phone: (817) 645-2455, Fax: (817) 641-3069 cwatson@cleburnechamber.com www.CleburneChamber.com
* Enjoy another evening in your hotel before moving on.
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Decatur
Did you know?
The first known inhabitants of Wise County were probably Wichita Indians. When the Coronado expedition came through the area of present Decatur in 1540, there were several Indian villages between the Trinity and Red rivers. The history of white settlement in Wise County began with Sam Woody who moved to Deep Creek in 1854, and his original log cabin remains as a historic site today and can be seen at the Wise County Heritage Museum.
ATTRACTIONS
Historic Downtown Decatur - Wise County Courthouse – 1896. Historic downtown, main street district, antiques & retail shopping and dining. 940-627-6158 www.DecaturMainStreet.com Wise County Heritage Museum. Featuring lost Battalion Room. Hours 10a-3p Monday – Saturday. 1602 S. Trinity Street 940-627-5586 www.WiseHistory.com LBJ National Grasslands – Hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, horseback riding, wildlife viewing & more. Just north of Decatur – open year round. 940-627-5475 www.fs.fed.us/r8/texas Wise County Courthouse – Built in 1896, James Riley Gordon. Romanesque Revival, pink granite courthouse, open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Tours by appt. 940-627-6158 or 940-627-5743 www.co.wise.tx.us • Location- 25 minutes from Ft. Worth & Alliance, 45 min DFW International Airport; • Retail Center For Three Counties • Surrounded by beautiful Texas nature • Friendly people, great food, a wonderful experience waiting to happen.
www.DecaturMainStreet.com
Must See!
Wise County Courthouse
It is constructed primarily of pink granite from the Llano quarries in Burnet Texas, boasting Vermont marble floors, original woodwork and beautiful iron staircases on the interior.
Decatur Civic Center – 2010 W. U.S. 380 Decatur, Tx 76234 940-627-2369 www.DecaturCivicCenter.com
Group DINING
Sweetie Pie’s Ribeyes 940-626-4555 Feel at home with some homestyle cooking. On Decaturs Historic Square. 102 W.Main www.SweetiepiesRibeyes.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Peppermill Diner 940-627-5600 Northside of the square. 112 West Walnut Street, Decatur, TX - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Visitor Center 940-627-6158 in the historic post office can accomadate groups of up to 50 people.
LODGING
Abbercromby Penthouse Suites - Located in Historic Downtown Decatur. 103-a West A Main Decatur, TX 76234 940-321-3673 www.4romanticweddings.com North Side Marina & Resort - On Beautiful Lake Bridgeport Texas 180 Private Road 1735 Chico Texas, 76431 940-644-5475 www.NorthsideMarina.net Comfort Inn - 1709 Hwy. 287 South Decatur, TX 76234 940-627-6919 www.ComfortInn.com Best Western - 1801 S. Hwy 287 Decatur, TX 76234 940-627-5982 www.BestWestern.com Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites - 1051 N. Hwy 287 Decatur, TX 76234 940-627-0776 www.HiExpress.com
CONTACT Decatur Main Street
106 South Trinity, Decatur, Texas 76234 940-627-6158 or 866-513-3551 www.DecaturMainStreet.com
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Did you know?
Georgetown
In addition to being well known as having one of the best preserved and active historic downtowns in Texas, Georgetown is considered to be one of the best go to cities in the nation due to its fairly warm climate year round, close proximity to both the countryside and Austin.
ATTRACTIONS
Palace Theatre - In the historic downtown district. Year-round season of live theater productions including musicals, comedies, and dramas. Former movie house. 512-869-7469 www.GeorgetownPalace.com Inner Space Cavern - A living cave for over 80,000 years with formations that continue to develop and take shape. Spectacular displays of “Soda Straws” and beautiful “Ivory Falls” formations. 1 mile south of downtown Georgetown. 512-931-CAVE http://myinnerspacecavern.com Williamson County Courthouse - Award-winning newly restored 1910 Courthouse. Guided tours are available every Friday and Saturday at 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. If possible, please schedule tours two weeks in advance. 716 S. Austin Avenue. 512-943-1670 www.WilliamsonMuseum.org Williamson Museum - The museum provides free educational programming, exhibits and events to the public including the Up the Chisholm Trail cattle drive and chuck wagon cook-off each September. 716 South Austin Avenue. 512-943-1670 www.WilliamsonMuseum.org Historic Downtown - Boasts some of the finest Victorian architecture in the state of Texas. Unique shopping and delicious dining. For guided tours, please call the Georgetown Convention and Visitors Bureau. 800-436-8696 http://visit.georgetown.org/historic-downtown/ Lake Georgetown - For the more serious angler or water enthusiast, this 1200 acre lake offers boating, skiing, fishing, four separate camping areas, a wildlife preserve and 16 miles of hiking trails. Off Williams Drive/Andice Rd. 512-930-5253 www.swf-wc.usace.army.mil/Georgetown/ Georgetown Winery - Award-winning wines. Make your own personal batch of wine. Large selection of wine gifts. 715 South Main Street. 512-869-8600 www.GeorgetownWinery.com
LODGING
Georgetown features economical accommodations that serve the needs of visitors, business clients, or tour groups. Quality brands include Comfort Suites, Quality Inn, LaQuinta Inn and Suites, and Georgetown Inn. Special group rates are available.
CONTACT Georgetown Convention & Visitors Bureau 101 W. 7th St., Georgetown, Texas 78626 800-436-8696 email: cvb@georgetown.org visit.georgetown.org
When planning your tour, don’t forget: Up the Chisholm Trail Cattle Drive & Chuckwagon Cook-off Every September. Join us as we celebrate Georgetown’s location on the historic Chisholm Trail. Watch chuckwagon teams compete and see an authentic longhorn cattle drive in San Gabriel Park. Including live cowboy music, a western art show, western demonstrators, chuckwagons, a kids’ chuckwagon cook-off, historical trail drive re-enactors, and a ranch rodeo! For more information visit www.upthechisholmtrail.org Christmas Stroll - Featuring our Bethlehem Village Held yearly every December It’s a Wonderful Life in downtown Georgetown the first Saturday in December. Enjoy live entertainment, sample tempting treats, and browse more than 165 arts and crafts booths! Our walk-through Bethlehem Village will take you back to a time long before colored lights, reindeer, or Santa Claus. Experience this village as it really was. Come to Bethlehem and see for yourself the magic and wonder of the first Christmas. Red Poppy Festival Yearly celebration every April The Red Poppy Festival marks the coming of spring and the arrival of Georgetown’s colorful springtime visitor, the Red Poppy Flower. Join us for over 100 unique hand craft vendors, a fabulous free children’s area, a car show, parade, outstanding live music and a Saturday night concert and street dance! For more information visit www.redpoppyfestival.com
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Granbury
Did you know?
Something’s Always Happening in Granbury! One hour from DFW International Airport, Getaway to a charming Victorian downtown, Branson-style entertainment at Granbury Live, or the 1886 Granbury Opera House. Relax in cozy bed & breakfast inns and hotels. Festivals, golf, water sports, fine dining, wineries, artisans, museums and historical sites complete the experience. Tarleton’s Dora Lee Langdon Cultural and Educational Center - A stroke of poetry, a strain of jazz, a streak of luscious green. Stretch out for an afternoon of delight. Art and education brings new balance to life at the Langdon Center. 308 East Pearl St. Granbury, TX 76048 817-279-1164 www.LangdonCenter.edu
Group DINING
Granbury restaurants provide a variety of options from wellestablished family-owned, group-friendly restaurants to well-known chain restaurants. Many restaurants on or near the Square provide entertainment on weekends. Alcohol service, patio seating, and restaurants specializing Texas cuisine are also available
lodging
Granbury accommodations are ready for groups. Five new hotels with well-know, well-respected flags, each with indoor corridors await your groups; and Granbury’s new minimum standards ordinance for all hotels, motels bed and breakfast inns have all other hotel in great shape too. Granbury City Council passed a minimum standards ordinance in 2009, which requires every room in the city to have new carpet, new furniture, new mattresses, new counter tops, working plumbing fixtures, heating and cooling systems must be up-to-date. Hotels are group-friendly and secure motorcoach parking is available at all hotels.
TRANSPORTATION
ATTRACTIONS
Granbury Live - Professionally cast, costumed, and choreographed Nostalgia Concerts for the whole family. 110 North Crockett St. Granbury, TX 76048 817-573-0303 or 800-989-8240 www.GranburyLive.com Granbury Opera House - Built in 1866, the Opera House was restored and opened its doors to professional live theater in 1975. The Opera House features musicals, plays, and melodramas year round. 133 East Pearl St. Granbury, TX 76048 817-573-9191 or 800-547-4697 www.GranburyOperaHouse.net Brazos Drive-In Theater - Authentic 1950s drive-in. 1800 West Pearl St. Granbury, TX 76048 817-573-1311 www.TheBrazos.com The Windmill Farm - 43 windmills on 26 acres in a country setting. 6625 Colony Rd. Tolar, TX 76476 254-835-4168 or 817-279-2217 www.WindMillFarm.com Veteran’s Museum - Artifacts from every war that America has been involved in since the Spanish American War. 601 N. Thorp Springs Granbury, TX 76048 817-578-3288 www.UsVeteransMuseum.com
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The Granbury Trolley system transports visitors (Friday-Sunday) from all Granbury hotels and B&Bs to the Granbury Square for dining, shopping and both live theater productions. Convenient motorcoach parking is available on the street behind the south side of the Square. Historical Trolley tours are available with reservations.
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1 Late afternoon arrival into Granbury, check into a new or updated hotel, or a cozy bed and breakfast inn. Enjoy dinner at one of Granbury’s many restaurants. . . most of the restaurants on the Square are themed. After diner, transfer to Granbury Live, famous for producing 50s, 60s, 70s, country and patriotic themed concerts. After the show, you may still have time to participate in a Granbury Ghost and Legends Tour on the Historic Square. Return to the hotel for a good night’s sleep. Day 2 After breakfast in the hotel, take a trolley tour, which will include historical information about the Square, voted by readers of Texas Highway Magazine as the “Best Square in Texas,” the Hood Country Courthouse, the Yeats-Duke House, Granbury’s Electric Plant, the Granbury Railroad Depot, and the Granbury Cemetery, burial site of Jesse James, Davey Crockett descendants, and General Granbury. Complete your Granbury exploration with a tour of Lake Granbury with Texas Water Sports. After all that excitement, dine in one of Granbury’s excellent restaurants. Walk off lunch as you stroll through the many shops and galleries located on the Square. If you have children with you during the warmer months, a visit to Granbury City Beach is a don’t-miss. Relax on the Granbury Boardwalk and pier, visit the U.S. Veteran’s Museum, or sample some of the wine produced in Granbury at D’Vine Wine or Barking Rocks Winery. Tonight’s dinner can include barbecue/Cajun cuisine, dinner in a 50s style diner, a meal that will remind you of dinners that your grandmother used to make, served family style, Mexican food and upscale dinners at several restaurants on the Square. Experience Broadway style productions at the Historic 1886 Granbury Opera House. Return to your hotel. As you drift off to sleep, you’ll cherish the many memories that you’ve lived the past 30 hours, with a promise that your next trip to Granbury will be soon . . . and longer!
Get Away to Granbury
Granbury Resort Conference Center A rare jewel awaits corporate and association meeting planners, convention delegates and reunion attendees alongside tranquil Lake Granbury.
www.granburytx.com - 877/936-1201
y Gunslingers Historic Granbur estern Reenactors W
While the Historic Granbury Gunslingers are primarily a group of men and women, ages 18 years and older, who want to keep the American History from 18601885 alive, they are available to hire, as a group or individually.
hggunslingers@aol.com www.historicgranburygunslingers.com
CONTACT Granbury Convention & Visitors Bureau 621 E. Pearl Street, Granbury, Texas 76048 Phone: 877-936-1201 Email: cmcilvain@granburytx.com Web: www.GranburyTx.com Contact: Charlie McIlvain, CTP
Must See!
Trolley Tours of Granbury
Founded in 1863, Granbury started as a square and log cabin court house. Many of the buildings on the square are now registered historic landmarks, including the Granbury Opera House, which still hosts Broadway productions.
Granbury and Hood County are rich in Texas history. David (Davy) Crockett’s wife, Elizabeth, settled in Hood County following the Texas Revolution against Mexico. Crockett, as well as other Alamo participants, received land grants. The Crockett family received land in what is now Hood County. Elizabeth Crockett is buried in Acton State Historic Site, the smallest state park in Texas. A large statue of Elizabeth Crockett marks her grave site. Several of Crockett’s descendants still reside in Hood County. Jesse James is reported to be buried in the City of Granbury Cemetery. Contrary to the popular legend about James, it is believed by many, including many of his adult grandchildren, that James changed his name and lived to old age in Granbury.
Quiet & serene surroundings Fifty-three immaculate rooms, including four spacious suites are available for business
or pleasure trips to Granbury. 2.4 acres with ample parking for buses, vans, trucks, or boat trailers.
PLANTATION INN
O
n
L
a k e
G
r a n b u r y
800-422-2402 - www.PlantationInnGranbury.com
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Killeen
Did you know?
Meet! Play! Eat! Stay! Visit Killeen, one of the fastest growing cities in Texas, and proud neighbor of Fort Hood, the largest military installation in the free world! Located west off IH-35 on SH 190, this diverse community is home to over 150 restaurants which feature the unique flavors of the more than 40 different cultures living here. With over 35 hotel choices, there’s a place to stay that fits any budget. The Killeen Civic and Conference Center, and the Killeen-Fort Hood Regional Airport allow you to meet, and arrive in style. Killeen has something for everyone! Come and see why we’re proud to be Where Freedom Grows!
ATTRACTIONS
Killeen Civic and Conference Center - Beautiful event space for 20 to 2,000! Additional space available on site at the Exposition Hall or Rodeo grounds. 254-501-3888 www.VisitKilleen.com Stonetree Golf Club -18-hole championship course state-of the art practice facilities, grill and pro shop. 1600 Stonetree Drive. 254-501-6570 www.GolfKilleen.com Mayborn Planetarium and Space Theater - Large Format Films, Laser Light Shows and Sky Shows for all ages! Located on the Campus of Central Texas College. 254-526-1800 www.StarsAtNight.org Vive Les Arts Theatre - Killeen’s Community Theatre with comedies, dramas and musicals for all ages. 3401 South W.S. Young Drive. 254-526-9090 www.vlatheatre.com Fort Hood - The largest military installation in the free world! Home to the 1st Cavalry and 3rd ACR Museums, historical sites and more. Visitors passes are required. 254-288-2865 www.Hood.army.mil Texas Thunder Speedway - Stock car races, funny cars and demolition derby! May-September. 3408 West Stan Schlueter Loop. 254-628-2888 www.TexasThunder.com
Must See!
Mayborn Planetarium & Space Theater GROUP DINING
From fine dining to fast food, Killeen has it all. Tempt the taste buds with Hawaiian, Korean, Thai, Greek, Italian or Mexican! There are over 40 unique cultures here, and it shows in the food!
LODGING
Killeen offers a wide variety of accommodations. The city is home to 40 hotels, which boast more than 1800 rooms and 600 suites, featuring all the amenities your group needs for a great stay.
TRANSPORTATION
Killeen is located within a three hour drive from 80% of the State of Texas. Catch a direct flight at the Greater Killeen-Fort Hood Regional Airport (GRK) through American Eagle (DFW), Continental (HOU) and Delta (ATL).
CONTACT
The Planetarium is available by reservation for groups from 50-180. Groups from 20-50 can reserve seats at one of our weekend public planetarium shows or during one of our scheduled weekday school shows.
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Killeen Convention & Visitors Bureau 3601 South W.S. Young Drive Killeen, Texas 76541 254-501-3888 email: info@killeen-cvb.com www.VisitKilleen.com
Mineral Wells
Did you know?
Mineral Wells dates to 1881 and is rich in history and natural beauty. Visitors enjoy an array of unique architecture, historic sites, and natural attractions. Founded on “healing” mineral waters, the community boomed in the early 20th century as a destination resort town with spa treatments and drinking pavilions galore. The town also has a prominent military history, with Camp Wolters constructed in 1925. Camp Wolters became Fort Wolters, training site for most Vietnam War helicopter pilots.
ATTRACTIONS
Lake Mineral Wells State Park - features excellent interpretive programs, rock climbing, camping, fishing, and boating, plus access to a 22-mile state trailway. 940-328-1171 www.tpwd.state.tx.us. Clark Gardens Botanical Garden - a masterfully landscaped, 35 acre colorful oasis filled with Texas native and native adaptable plants. Group tours available. 940-682-4856 www.clarkgardens.com. Famous Mineral Water Company - Taste and see what made Mineral Wells famous at the town’s only active drinking pavilion. 940-325-8870 www.famouswater.com. Old Jail Museum - 8-building complex in Palo Pinto gives visitors a feel for local history and life on the frontier. 940-769-2503 Mineral Wells Fossil Park - Visitors may hunt for fossils from the Pennsylvanian period. Site is remote and rustic. 940-325-2557 www.mineralwellsfossilpark.com. Other unique Mineral Wells sites - Half-scale replica Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall and Gardens, Washing Machine Museum, World’s Largest Rocking Chair, Welcome Sign. 940-325-2557.
GROUP DINING
Restaurants offering a variety of cuisine can host your group or deliver to your favorite local attraction. Full catering, dine-in, or box lunch. Examples include light lunches, BBQ, Mexican, Italian, world-famous hamburgers and chicken fried steak, and more. We love groups! Call the Chamber at 940-325-2557 for complete listing.
Lodging
From RV resorts to rustic haciendas, bed and breakfasts, and nationally recognized brands, Mineral Wells and Palo Pinto County accommodate groups with ease. Resort: The Cliffs Resort. Hotels/Motels: America’s Best Value Inn, Best Western Club House Inn & Suites, Comfort Suites, Days Inn & Suites, Economy Inn, Executive Inn, Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Budget Host Inn, Ramada Limited, Longhorn Inn of Gordon, Hideaway Inn, County Seat Motel. Bed and Breakfast: Double J Hacienda & Art Ranch, The Lodge on Lake Palo Pinto, Silk Stocking Row. Other: PK Lodge, Back Acre RV Park, Coffee Creek RV Resort & Cabins, Eagle’s Nest RV Park, Four Crossings Guest House,
CONTACT: Mineral Wells Area Chamber of Commerce P. O. Box 1408, Mineral Wells, Texas 76068 1-800-252-MWTX (6989) or 940-325-2557 email: info@mineralwellstx.com www.MineralWellsTx.com
Hideaway Cabins, Rock Creek Camp, Sky Camp, The Golden Cove, The Retreat at Clark Gardens.
TRANSPORTATION
Most local attractions accommodate large buses. Arrange for tour guides with the Chamber. Those in need of locally based group transportation may arrange for the service in advance through Public Transit Service at (940) 328-1391. Car rental available at municipal airport if arranged in advance. Call 940-325-2557 with questions.
Must See! Worlds Largest Rocking Chair For help planning your group tour, contact the Mineral Wells Area Chamber of Commerce. You may also visit our website for additional information. Also on Facebook and Twitter.
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Weatherford
Did you know?
From wherever you are, Weatherford is worth the trip! An historic town that’s just 20 minutes west of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, but it’s like stepping back years in time. Whether you come for an afternoon, a day or two, it’s easy to see why Weatherford has become a draw for history buffs, western lifestyle enthusiasts and those with a pioneer spirit.
ATTRACTIONS
Chandor Gardens - Chandor Gardens captures both the ornate design of ancient Chinese architecture and the elegance of a formal English garden. The 3.5-acre estate leads its visitors on a meandering path of beauty and wonderment. From the 30 foot man-made waterfall, to the various soothing fountains, the gardens have something new and exciting to offer at every turn. 711 West Lee Ave. Weatherford, TX 76086 817-613-1700 www.ci.weatherford.tx.us Museum of The Americas - Located in historic downtown Weatherford, the Museum features the rich heritage and living traditions of indigenous peoples from Native America, Mexico, and Latin America. The Museum offers hundreds of artifacts, masks, ceramics, costumes, toys and more, of interest to people of all ages. 216 Fort Worth Highway Weatherford, TX 76086 817-341-8668 www.MuseumOfTheAmericas.com Historic Driving Tour - Take a driving tour to see Weatherford’s bounty of Historic Homes. See the home where Broadway star Mary Martin was born, where her son Larry Hagman, who played J.R. Ewing on the TV show “Dallas,” grew up, and where former U.S. Speaker of the House Jim Wright spent his boyhood days. Visit Greenwood Cemetery, where famed cattle drover Oliver Loving is buried. After being attacked by Indians in New Mexico in 1867, Loving’s dying wish to his friend, Charles Goodnight, was to be buried in his home, Parker County. Goodnight brought the body back 600 miles by wagon for burial. If this story sounds familiar, it should. It is the inspiration behind Texas author Larry McMurtry’s novel, Lonesome Dove. 817-596-3801 www.Weatherford-Chamber.com
Must See! Clark Gardens
GROUP DINING Weatherford Downtown Cafe
817-594-8717
101 West Church Street Weatherford, TX 76086 www.weatherfordcafe.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Fire Oak Grill 817-598-0400
Clark Gardens Botanical Park welcomes visitors all year long. The breathtaking 35 acre oasis awakens the senses, stirs the spirit and relaxes the mind. Wheelchair accessible pathways wind through lavish ribbons of color and fragrance. Waterfalls sparkle in the sunlight splashing down to ponds and lakes where black and white swans, along with other waterfowl, glide in the shimmering waters. 567 Maddux Road Weatherford, Texas 76088 940-682-4856
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www.ClarkGardens.org
114 Austin Avenue Weatherford, TX 76086 www.fireoakgrill.com
CONTACT: Weatherford Chamber of Commerce 401 Fort Worth Highway Weatherford, Texas 76086 817-596-3801 or 888-594-3801 www.Weatherford-Chamber.com
Wichita Falls
Did you know?
Wichita Falls is nestled in the Northeast corner of the Panhandle Plains region and is conveniently located between two major metropolitan areas. Wichita Falls is linked to major cities in the region by Interstate 44, US Highways 82, 281, 277, 287 and Texas State Route 79. It is a family-oriented city and is the population hub of North Texas. From art and live theatre to festivals and events, Wichita Falls is a city full of year-round activity.
ATTRACTIONS Wichita Theatre Performing Arts Center – this designated historic landmark first opened in 1908 and has recently undergone a $300,000 renovation; featuring live on-stage entertainment for the entire family. 925 Indiana Avenue 800-275-2889 www.wichitatheatre.com Wichita Falls Vineyards & Winery – nestled between the waters of the Wichita River and Buffalo Creek, this winery offers a quaint tasting room and unique gift shop. 3399 Peterson Road South 940-855-2093 www.wichitafallsvineyardsandwinery.com
Wichita Falls...
Blue Skies, Golden Opportunities
Kemp Center for the Arts – originally built as a library, this art center features an ever-changing assortment of art exhibits in several galleries. 1300 Lamar Street 940-767-2787 www.kempcenter.org The Mane Event – located throughout the City, more than 40 amazing life-size horses have been artistically painted by local and regional artists. www.themaneevent.org Kell House Museum – one of the most historically and architecturally significant buildings in the City, tours of this local, state and national landmark provide a fascinating history of this area’s early settlement. 900 Bluff Street 940-723-2712
www.WichitaFalls.org 940.716.5500 800.799.6732
GROUP DINING
Must See!
Wichita Falls has many tour friendly dining options ranging from fast food to family-style dining to our famous local flavor! For a complete listing visit www.wichitafalls.org
Museum of North Texas History
The Museum of North Texas History
Lodging
Wichita Falls offers over 2,200 hotel/motel rooms as well as several RV parks. From large convention hotels to smaller hotel properties, our city welcomes group travel. The Wichita Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau will be happy to assist your group in making lodging accommodations for your stay here.
TRANSPORTATION
Wichita Falls is served by American Eagle; local taxi service; chartered bus service; rental of vintage modernized trolleys available for tours.
Past Preserving our . for the Future..
CONTACT Wichita Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau 1000 Fifth Street Wichita, Texas 76301 Ginger Berry Tourism Sales Manager 940-716-5552 or 800-799-6732 www.WichitaFalls.org
720 Indiana Wichita Falls, TX 940.322.7628
www.month-ntx.org
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East to West
Texas
GROUP TOUR MANUAL
spotlight on...
Tour Programming as a Career
At some time in our career, it’s necessary that we sit down and decide what is the purpose of the trips we offer and then think further as to what is our role in bringing these travel opportunities to our participants. Are we doing this as a lifetime career? As recreation? For personal fulfillment?
Purpose of our trips Let’s ask ourselves: (1) Is our travel program to educate our travelers? (2) Is it to provide fun and enjoyment to those who might otherwise stay at home? (3) Is it perhaps to enlarge our participants’ horizons and provide them with a more global outlook? (4) or is it to provide a social opportunity for our travelers to meet new people and perhaps form new but ongoing friendships? (5) Is it to make money for our sponsoring organization – perhaps ourselves also? (6) Could it be to obtain publicity for our organization so as to build its stature? (7) Is it to attract new membership to our traveling club organization?
Many motivations All of the above can be viewed as legitimate reasons for our trips. But we then need to delve further and ask ourselves “Why am I here?” Am I here involved in this as a career, as a business? Am I here as a goodwill gesture to bring enjoyment, fulfillment and opportunity to others? Am I here because I love being involved in the world of travel – meeting people from other places and stretching my world knowledge? Am I here simply for the “free trips” that I manage to take and I just put up with all the work and headaches as a means to an end – travel for myself? Am I here because I actually work for a travel agency or tour operator and only do group tours as a part of my daily job? I would guess that for many of us a combination of some of the above motivations may strike a chord rather than just one of them. I have come to realize that, as an educator myself, I enjoy spoon-feeding ongoing learning
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through travel. But I have also learned that on tour one cannot continually be teaching; your travelers want activity and fun and friendship woven throughout the day.
Learn About Yourself I’ve learned a lot about myself. I’ve learned that I enjoy designing the itinerary; the creative process is what turns me on. I do not necessarily enjoy escorting tours designed by others. I’ve learned that I can easily design and
direct our travel programs accordingly for success. Marty is founder and chair of the travel industry training program at Berkeley City College in Berkeley, Calif., where she teaches all aspects of group travel. You can reach her by email at josemarty@ yahoo.com. For information on her latest book, How to Plan, Operate, and Lead Successful Group Trips, click on Premier Tourism Marketing’s educational website, groupuniversity.com.
Many factors, from “free trips” to learning about the world, motivate tour planners. Some are in the business to bring enjoyment to others. book tours to certain areas of the world that I know well but that for other areas I am not as well qualified and need to put my travelers on a travel product such as a cruise or tour from some company that excels in that area.
Lusting For Travel I’ve learned that I’d love to be able to have a successful career in travel, but that financially it can be a rough road to riches and very few “make it” as a financially-fulfilling life enterprise. I see many involved in management travel programs as a second career; these are the individuals who, upon retirement, and with a basic retirement income, can then turn their energies to what they really lust for – a life in travel. I’ve also seen those who have found a way to continue their present non-travel career but augment it with the occasional tour or tours during the year. Each of us will have our own motivations and we need to be clear about them. We also need to access our individual strengths and weaknesses. We can then make the choices necessary and
Reprinted with permission from Leisure Group Travel & (Ms) Marty Sarbey de Souto, CTC.
Piney Woods to Gulf Coast REGION MAP III
Wildlife & Landscapes
A C L O S E R L O O K AT T H E N AT U R E O F T E X A S You will never be bored in Texas. Home to some of the best beaches in America, the Texas Gulf Coast region draws millions of visitors to this Texas playground. Stretching some 350 miles from South Padre Island & the Rio Grande Valley, all the way to Beaumont & the Louisiana border, this region is renowned for its wildlife & natural beauty, as well as the home of America’s space program. Discover the Beaches of the Texas Gulf Coast Region. Common wildlife in the area include muskrats, mink, river otter, bottlenose dolphin, alligator, roseate spoonbill, gulls and pelicans. Shore fish that you may see in the area include spotted sea trout, red drum, southern flounder, striped mullet and blue crab.
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East to West
Texas
GROUP TOUR MANUAL
spotlight on...
A bit of Texas Oil History Two months later, oil fever had begun to mount with a production test by Bateman Oil Company on the Crim family farm, south of Kilgore. On Sunday morning, Dec. 27, while Mrs. Crim was attending church, the Lou Della Crim well blew in, flowing at 22,000 barrels a day.
The easy-going rural life of East Texas changed drastically with the discovery of oil in 1930 and 1931 – years of hardship, scorn, luck and wealth which brought people, ideas, institutions and national attention to East Texas.. . In 1929, a 70-year-old wildcatter, Columbus Marion “Dad” Joiner, unsuccessfully drilled two dry holes south of Kilgore. Then in May, Joiner spudded a third hole on the Daisy Bradford farm in Rusk County. It was not until Oct. 3, 1930 that a production test was done, resulting in a gusher – the discovery well, Daisy Bradford. No.3.
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The well was only nine miles from Daisy Bradford No. 3, yet no one was aware that the two wells were part of what was then a geological phenomenon – an incredible deposit of oil in the Woodbine formation had “pinched out” as it tilted upward against the Sabine Uplift creating the massive East Texas Oil Field. The initial “oil boom” was completed Jan. 26, 1931 when the J.K. Lathrop lease in Gregg County came in at 3,587 feet, producing 18,000 barrels daily. The Lathrop well was situated on land assembled by B.A. Skipper of Longview and taken over by the Arkansas Fuel Oil Company.. . Production of East Texas’ newest commodity increased rapidly from seven wells every other week, to seven wells daily, to more than 100 wells put into production each day. The first oil discovered sold for $1.10 a barrel, but prices plummeted to 15 cents as supply flooded the market and drilling activity spread to Upshur, Smith and Cherokee counties.. .
Production swelled to more than 1,000,000 barrels daily and in August 1931, National Guardsmen were ordered into the area to keep peace between roughnecks, lease hounds, oil speculators and camp followers. These actions finally culminated in legislative action – a market-demand law, confiscation law, truck-tender law, the refinery control and felony bill, and the Connolly Hot Oil Act of 1935, which restored order and stability. The East Texas Oil Field has produced more than 4.5 billion barrels of oil. Some of that gave the Allies the petroleumreserve stability needed to win World War II. The resulting wealth produced new towns, new ways of living and a livelihood for thousands of East Texas citizens. And the wells are still pumping. East Texas Oil Museum
Hwy 259 at Ross Street (on the Kilgore College campus) Kilgore, Tx 75662 903- 983-8295 phone 903-983-8600 fax www.EastTexasOilMuseum.com
Carthage
Did you know?
Carthage offers all the convenience of the big city without the hassles. Carthage is also the birthplace of . Tex Ritter and Jim Reeves, both members of the Country Music Hall of Fame, and Linda Davis, bright new country music star.
Welcome to carthage! A friendly welcome awaits you in Carthage, located adjacent to the Louisiana border, in the lush pines of deep East Texas. Birthplace of Tex Ritter and Jim Reeves, both members of the Country Music Hall of Fame, and Linda Davis, bright new country music star. Site of the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame. The people of Carthage are proud of this heritage. Because of its proximity to Shreveport, Louisiana, Dallas, and Houston, Carthage offers all the convenience of the big city without the hassles.
ATTRACTIONS
Jim Reeves Memorial - Gravesite Hwy. 79, 3 miles east of Carthage. Open year round. Texas Country Music Hall of Fame and Tex Ritter Museum - 300 W. Panola St.Open year round. M-S, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Special tours by appointment. Admission: $5.00 Adult, $3.00 Children. Tour Buses Welcome. 310 W. Panola, 75633 903-694-9561 www.CarthageTexas.com/halloffame Country Music Hayride - Every Sat. night downtown. Panola County Heritage Museum - Downtown south side of square featuring history of area. Open M-F 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free parking. Special showing to groups by appointment. Admission: Adults $2.00 - Children $1.00. Call – TOUR BUSES WELCOME. 903-693-8689 Texas Tea Room - Located inside Heritage Hall Museum. Offers great food and a wonderful atmosphere. Open M-F 11 a.m.1:30 p.m., (Lunch). (Gourmet coffee, tea, desserts.) Caters to groups & special events. 100 Sabine Street, 75633 903-693-8689 1891 Panola County Jail - A National Historic Shrine is the home of the Leila Belle LaGrone Family History Center (Genealogical Library) and museum. The museum housed on the second floor includes law enforcement and volunteer fire fighting history and memorabilia as well as a salute to the people of Panola County who have fought in the American wars. Hours: Tues. & Wed. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sun. 1-5 p.m. Special tours by appointment. No charge. 211 N. Shelby St., 75633 903-693-3388
GROUP DINING
Jalapeno Tree Mexican Restaurant 903-694-2219 Fine Mexican Cuisine with a Tex-Mex Taste. 510 West Panola Street, Carthage, TX 75633 www.JalapenoTree.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Daddy Sam’s BBQ & Catfish 903-693-7400 111 N Maple St, Carthage, TX 75633 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Brac’s Steakhouse 903-693-5412 1315 W Panola St., Carthage, TX 75633
LODGING
Baymont Inn & Suites - Newly renovated, free Deluxe Breakfast, micro/fridge in all rooms. 2313 SE Loop, Carthage 75633. 903-694-9075 Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Free Hot Deluxe Breakfast, microfridge in all rooms, wireless & hardwire hi-speed internet access, business center, pool, spa, whirlpool suites. 2295 SE Loop, Carthage, TX 75633. 903-693-8585 Carthage RV Campground– N. East Loop 59. Full hook-ups, 24 hour laundry room, swimming pool, club house, hot showers, dump stations. 903-693-5543.
TRANSPORTATION
Airlines: Gregg Co. Airport - American Eagle, ASA, 28 miles. Bus Lines: Trailways; Kerrville. Other Ground Services: Rental Cars; Motorcoach Washes; Diesel Fuel; Dump Stations; RV Park.
Must See! Jim Reeves Memorial
“Gentleman” Jim Reeves, famous for his velvet voice, died in a plane crash on July 31, 1964. A life-sized sculpture of the famous singer marks his grave on a one-acre, tree-covered plot of ground three miles east of Carthage on U.S. Highway 79. Thousands of visitors from every state and many foreign countries have visited the site. In 1967, his favorite dog Cheyenne was buried inside the concrete circle surrounding the grave of his former master just a few feet to one side and to the rear, in just about the same position Cheyenne would have assumed in following his master.
CONTACT Panola County Chamber of Commerce 300 W. Panola, Carthage, Texas 75633 Ph: 903-693-6634. FAX: 903-693-8578 www.CarthageTexas.com
53
�� Print As Is �� Re-run With Changes �� New Ad
Discover Panola County EXPERIENCE Our Country Music Heritage at The Tex Ritter Museum. Texas Country Music Hall of Fame • Jim Reeves Memorial
RELIVE Panola County History at the...“Old Jail” Museum, featuring The Leila B. LaGrone Family History Center and Genealogical Library • Panola County Heritage Museum and Texas Tea Room. DISCOVER The southern hospitality, Panola
County charm and convenience at...The Unique Specialty shops, major retail centers and antique stores • A variety of Fine Restaurants.
ENJOY The Country Music Hayride featuring country and gospel music every Saturday night for the entire family. • The Texas Country Music Hall of Fame Awards Show each year in August. • The “Christmas in Carthage” parade and lighting display • Fishing, Skiing, Swimming, Camping and Pleasure Boating at Beautiful Lake Murvaul, Lake of the Big Bass or Martin Creek State Park • Attending the Panola County Cattlemen’s Association PRCA Sanctioned Rodeo
79N to I-20E
I-20 West to
DALLAS
“Texas Tea Room” Inside Museum
Historic 1891 Panola County Jail Museum and Veterans Memorial
Jim Reeves Memorial
Panola County Heritage Museum
US59 South to HOUSTON
PANOLA COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 300 West Panola • Carthage, TX 75633 • 903/693-6634 • FAX 903/693-8578 www.carthagetexas.com • email: chamber@carthagetexas.com
City of Katy
Carthage
A friendly welcome awaits you in Carthage, located adjacent to the Louisiana border, in the lush pines of deep East Texas. Founded in 1848, Carthage now has a population of more than 7,000. Birthplace of Tex Ritter and Jim Reeves, both members of the Country Music Hall of Fame, and Linda Davis, bright new country music star. Site of the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame. The people of Carthage are proud of this heritage. The county with its sandy loam green grass covered rolling hills is 200 to 500 feet above Gulf Level. Carthage has a pleasant mean annual temperature of 66 degrees. The average annual rainfall is 43.87 inches. Poultry, timber, oil, gas, clay, and lignite are the principle natural resources in the county. Many of the interstate gas pipelines originate in Carthage. Because of its proximity to Shreveport, Louisiana, Dallas, and Houston, Carthage offers all the convenience of the big city without the hassles. The special feeling of hometown hospitality is everywhere. Carthage is a Texas and a National Main Street City. Contact Charles Thomas, Manager, (903) 693-4345. INFORMATION CONTACT: Panola County Chamber of Commerce, 300 W. Panola, Carthage, TX 75633. Ph (903) 693-6634. FAX: (903) 693-8578 AIDS AVAILABLE: Brochures; Film; Slides TRANSPORTATION: Airlines: Gregg Co. Airport - American Eagle, ASA, 28 miles. Bus Lines: Trailways; Kerrville. Other Ground Services: Rental Cars; Motorcoach Washes; Diesel Fuel; Dump Stations. RV Park. ATTRACTIONS: JIM REEVES MEMORIAL, gravesite Hwy. 79, 3 miles east of Carthage. Open year round. TEXAS TEA ROOM, located inside Heritage Hall Museum offers great food
Return form to: East Texas Tourism Association Mail: 421 N. Center, Suite A, Longview, Texas 75601 Fax: (903) 236-7541 • Email: graphics@etta.com
and dining in a wonderful atmosphere. Open M-F 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., (Lunch). (Gourmet coffee, tea, desserts.) Caters to groups & special events. TEXAS COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME AND TEX RITTER MUSEUM, 300 W. Panola St. Open year round. M-S, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Special tours by appointment. Admission: $5.00 Adult, $3.00 Children. TOUR BUSES WELCOME. COUNTRY MUSIC HAYRIDE every Sat. night downtown. PANOLA COUNTY HERITAGE MUSEUM, Downtown south side of square featuring history of area. Open M-F 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free parking. Special showing to groups by appointment. Admission: Adults $2.00 - Children $1.00. Call (903) 693-8689. – TOUR BUSES WELCOME. 1891 PANOLA COUNTY JAIL, a National Historic Shrine is the home of the Leila Belle LaGrone Family History Center (Genealogical Library) and museum. The museum housed on the second floor includes law enforcement and volunteer fire fighting history and memorabilia as well as a salute to the people of Panola County who have fought in the American wars. Hours: Tues. & Wed. 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Sun. 1-5 p.m. Special tours by appointment. No charge. Call (903) 693 3398. LODGING/DINING: BEST WESTERN INN OF CARTHAGE-1240 S.E. Loop 59. (903) 694-2809. WESTERN TWELVE OAKS MOTEL - 1248 E. Loop Hwy. 59. Meeting and ban quet facilities, restaurant-RV hook-ups available. (903) 693-7828. HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS – 21 S HWY 59 at FM 699. Meeting & banquet facilities. (903) 694 9075. CARTHAGE RV CAMPGROUND – N. East Loop 59. Full hook-ups, 24 hour laundry room, swimming pool, club house, hot showers, dump stations. (903) 693-5543. EMERGENCY INFORMATION: Police: 911, Hospital: East Medical Center of Carthage, (903) 693-3841.
54
Conroe
Did you know?
Culturally unique, Conroe is a blend of nature, history and entertainment that you and your family are sure to enjoy. Nestled in the quiet, lush piney woods, Conroe will quickly become your favorite vacation spot with its small town appeal amid big city attractions. We invite you to experience for yourself why Conroe is called the “Urban Jewel in the Piney Woods”.
ATTRACTIONS
CONROE, TX
La Torretta Lake Resort & Spa - La Torretta Lake Resort on beautiful Lake Conroe is the ultimate European style, lakeside retreat, right here in Texas. Luxurious yet family friendly, this fourstar resort strikes the perfect balance between international finery and relaxed ease. 600 La Torretta Blvd. Montgomery, TX,. 936-488-4800 Sunset Harbor Resort - Sunset Harbor Resort is known as the cruise ship on land with its sprawling waterfront location, breathtaking views, multiple amenities, great food, drinking and entertainment venues, pools, Jacuzzi’s, and a pampering spa. 7041 Kingston Cove Lane Willis, TX. 936-890-1226 Burkeshire Plantation - Designed to give you a once-in-alifetime fairy tale experience. Accommodates 150 people inside, 300 outside. 915 N. Frazier St. Conroe, TX 77301. 936-441-0949 www.BurkeshirePlantation.com
Urban Jewel in the Piney Woods
We are riverboats, bird watchers everything in between!
&
Belle Rose Maison - Nestled amidst 7 lush acres is a private estate with two unique venues created exclusively for special events. La Maison has many quaint architectural features that make it perfect for intimate events up to 75 guests, and is a photographer’s dream. Accommodates up to 380 guests. 15833 Old Conroe Rd. Conroe, TX. 936-321-8899 www.BelleRoseMaison.com Just For Fun – This watercraft rental is located at beautiful Walden Marina on Lake Conroe and offers a variety of watercraft with emphasis on customer service and affordability. Our fleet of rental craft includes Waverunners, ski boats and pontoon boats. 12050 Melville Drive, Montgomery, TX. 936-448-1600 www.jff.net
GROUP DINING
150+ dining choices from American and Oriental to Seafood and Tex-Mex. Contact the Conroe Convention & Visitors Bureau for a list of restaurants that can meet your dining needs.. www.conroecvb.net
SHOPPING
One of the most unique aspects of Conroe is the large number of name brand, specialty and outlet stores. Visit Conroe’s countless family-owned shops and downtown art galleries.
Conroe’s a delightful blend of outdoor recreation, history, and nature, nestled in the beautiful Piney Woods of East Texas. Come to see us, bring this ad and get a FREE Visitors Gift for your tour. Call us and we’ll tell you more.
Order or download a Visitors Guide today.
1-877-4-CONROE
www.conroecvb.net
ETXGTG7-10
as well as historic accommodations, independent properties and B&B’s. All are eager to work with your group to insure. you have a pleasant stay. Many offer free breakfast with their rooms as well as other amenities that will leave you feeling refreshed and ready for your next day of adventure.
TRANSPORTATION
Conroe is located 40 miles north of Houston, Texas. On I-45 at State Hwy 105. Taxi, limo and car rentals are available.
Must See! Southern Empress
Lodging 13 hotels, 2 bed and breakfast and 11 RV Parks and. Campgrounds. Total hotel rooms are 1,015. Almost every. major limited service hotel chain is represented in Conroe,.
CONTACT Conroe Convention & Visitors Bureau 505 West Davis St., Conroe, Texas 77301 936-522-3500 or 877-4-CONROE www.ConroeCVB.net
The Southern Empress will accommodate 112 for a dinner or luncheon cruise. 55
Henderson
Did you know?
Henderson is named after the first Governor of the State, James Pickney Henderson. Come shop in our National Register Downtown Square. Henderson is know for the most picturesque downtown in East Texas, . and is Texas Main Street City and a 2010 National Main Street City. Visit the Texas Historical Markers within the city and the buildings listed on the National Register.
ATTRACTIONS
Depot Museum Complex - Visit the 9 buildings, saw mill, cotton gin, oil derrick and the famous Arnold Outhouse, with a Texas State Historical Marker. 514 North High 903-657-4303 www.DepotMuseum.com Jordan’s Plant Farm - A must stop for all shoppers. Jordan’s famous garden center has seasonal plants plus rooms filled with gifts and fascinating displays. 7523 State HWY. 42 South 800-635-1147 www.JordansPlantfarm.com Howard Dickinson House - Built in 1855. First brick home in Henderson. Operated by the Rusk County Heritage Association. Tours by appointment. 501 South Main 903-657-5528 Monte Verdi Plantation - Minutes from Henderson built in 1856. Tours by appt. 11992 CR 4233 Cushing,Tx. 75760 903-863-2633 www.MonteVerdiPlantation.com National Register Downtown District - Designated 1995. Restored buildings, many designated as a National Register building.
GROUP DINING
East Texas Vacation Guide 2010
Captain’s Fish House 903-657-7077 Date ______ Best place to eat seafood in Henderson. 214 US Highway 79 N, �� Print As Is - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - MoJoe’s 903-392-8200 �� Re-run With Changes Date ________ Soups & sandwiches & the freshest coffe in town Ad Print As Is �� New �� 106 West Main www.gomojoes.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - �� Re-run With Changes Golden Corral 903-657-4656 Array of buffet meals �� New Ad Listings under MUSEUMS U.S. 79 www.GoldenCorral.com Henderson’s new 20,000 sq. ft. Civic Center NEW214 LONDON - –- London - - - -Museum - - - –- Covers - - - 1937 - - London - - - -School - - Explosi opened in February 2010. Meeting space which killed over 300 students & teachers. A 32-ft cenotaph containing Patch 903-657-1414 the name large and small which includes a beautiful is in Cotton Listings under MUSEUMS the center of Hwy. 42, 11 mi. S. Kilgore. Mus. 9-4 (M-F); 10-3 (Sat). Tearoo Country Style Eating. boardroom for special meetings. NEW LONDON – London Museum – Covers 1937 London, London School F). Guided Tours avail. Miles Toler. P.O. Box 477, New 75682.Explosion 903-895 420 U.S.killed 79 www.CottonPatch.com which over 300 students & teachers. A 32-ft cenotaph containing the names o 903-895-4602. londonmuseum@hotmail.com www.nlse.org is in the center of Hwy. 42, 11 mi. S. Kilgore. Mus. 9-4 (M-F); 10-3 (Sat). Tearoom 1 Ideal for wedding and special events. F). Guided Tours avail. Miles Toler. P.O. Box 477, New London, 75682. 903-895-46 LODGING The center is located overlooking scenic Date _________________ 903-895-4602. Baymont Inn londonmuseum@hotmail.com & Suites – 410 Hwy 79 S. www.nlse.org Lake Forest Park on Hwy. 64 W. The park �� Print As Is 877-229-6668 or 903-657-7900 has a fishing pier, children’s playground �� Re-run With Changes and picnic tables. �� New Ad Best Western Inn – 1500 Hwy 259 S. 800-528-1234 or 903-657-9561 Listings under MUSEUMS
East Texas Vacation Guide 2010
East Texas Vacation Guide 2010
LONDON MUSEUM NEW LONDON – London Museum – Covers 1937 London School Explosion disaster & TEA ROOM LONDON MUSEUM which killed over 300 students & teachers. A 32-ft cenotaph containing the names of victims Comfort Inn – 905 Hwy. 79 N. is in the center of Hwy. 42, 11 mi. S. Kilgore. Mus. 9-4 (M-F); 10-3 (Sat). Tearoom 11-2 (M& TEA ROOM F). Guided Tours avail. Miles Toler. P.O. Box 477, New London, 75682. 903-895-4602. FAX 877-655-8789 or 903-657-8789
Open year round 9-4 M-F Open year round 9-4 M-F 10-3 Sat. MarchOpen 1-September year round30 9-4 M-F 10-3Sat. Sat. March 1-Sept 30 30 (Last Tour Begins atMarch 3:00 PM) 10-3 1-September (Last TourM-F Begins atat3:00 PM) Tea Room 11–2 (Last tour begins 3:00PM) Tea Room 11–2 M-F (open by appointment anytime) TeabyRoom 11-2anytime) M-F appointment Monument(open in the center of LONDON MUSEUM Monument in the center of (open by appointment anytime) highway is a Memorial to those & TEA ROOM highway is a Memorial to those Monument in the center thetheir highway is a Memorial whoof lost lives in the who lost their lives in the to those London School Explosion in 1937. in 1937. round lives 9-4 M-F in the London School Explosion whoOpen lostyear their London School Explosion in 1937.
903-895-4602. londonmuseum@hotmail.com www.nlse.org
10-3 Sat. March 1-September 30 (Last Tour Begins at 3:00 PM) 10690 Main St.• NewTexas London, Texas 10690 Main St.• New London, 75682 Tea Room 11–2 M-F (open by appointment anytime) 903-895-4602 903-895-4602 Monument in the center of www.nlse.org www.nlse.org highway is a Memorial to those londonmuseum@hotmail.com who lost their lives in the londonmuseum@hotmail.com London School Explosion in 1937.
www.newlondonschool.org
56 10690 Main St.• New London, Texas 75682 903-895-4602 www.nlse.org londonmuseum@hotmail.com
75682
Holiday Inn Express – 300 Kilgore Dr. 800-Holiday or 903-657-5250
CONTACT City of Henderson Tourism Department 1005 SH 64 W, Henderson, Texas 75652. Toll Free 1-866-650-5529 Ext. 224 email: tourism@hendersontx.us website: www.VisitHendersonTx.com
Huntsville
Did you know?
Huntsville, where you will find the tallest statue of an American Hero, Sam Houston “A Tribute to Courage” stands 77’ tall amid a majestic and serene place. Huntsville is a place to bring the whole family where you can enjoy the Sam Houston Memorial Museum, The Texas Prison Museum and the HEARTS Veterans Museum. Enjoy the beauty of outdoors at Huntsville State Park, strolling our historic downtown square while antique shopping, golfing at Raven Nest and a walking tour within the cultural district. Come, stay and play...where a warm welcome awaits!
ATTRACTIONS
The Sam Houston Memorial Museum which is dedicated to preserving the memory of Sam Houston and his times located on Sam Houston’s original homestead on Sam Houston State University Campus. 1402 19th St 936-294-1832 www.shsu.edu The Texas Prison Museum directed by Jim Willett, author of “Warden: Texas Prison Life and Death from the Inside Out” and former Warden of the Walls Unit is home to the Texas Electric Chair, Old Sparky, and many other interesting displays from the 150 plus years of our state’s prison history. 491 SH 75 North. www.txprisonmuseum.org The HEARTS Veterans Museum honors all military groups in all Wars of Conflicts and is staffed with war veterans sharing their own experiences. 463 Hwy 75N 936-295-595 www.HeartsMuseum.com Historic Downtown Square with antique shopping and unique shops and eateries. Huntsville State Park where you can enjoy camping, picnicking, nature center, boating, fishing and hiking. Park Road 40 936-295-5644 www.tpwd.state.tx.us Cultural District by the Texas Commission on the Arts. The cultural district includes art galleries, historic homes, theater performances and cultural events.
GROUP DINING
Several Group dining locations are available in Huntsville that can accommodate small groups of 10-30 people and larger groups of 50-100 people. Please contact the Convention & Visitors Bureau when scheduling your trip to Huntsville, we will be delighted to help you arrange your dining experience in Huntsville. 800-289-0389.
LODGING
American Best Value 936-295-9151 Baker Motel 936-295-3761 Best Western 936-295-9000 Comfort Suites 936-436-9600
Days Inn 936-438-8400 Econo Lodge 936-295-6401 Gateway Inn 936-295-7595 Holiday Inn Express 936-295-4300
La Quinta Inn 936-295-6454 Motel 6 936-291-6927 Super 8 936-730-8888 The Whistler BNB University Hotel 936-295-2834
CONTACT City of Huntsville, Tourism Department Sam Houston Statue Visitor Center & Gift Shop 7600 Hwy 75 South Huntsville, Texas 77340 936-291-9726 or 800-289-0389 www.HuntsvilleTexas.com
Texas History
Samuel Houston (March 2, 1793 – July 26, 1863) was a 19th century American statesman, politician, and soldier. Born in Timber Ridge, just north of Lexington in Rockbridge County, Virginia, in the Shenandoah Valley, Houston was a key figure in the history of Texas, including periods as the first and third President of the Republic of Texas, Senator for Texas after it joined the United States, and finally as governor. He refused, because of his unionist convictions, to swear loyalty to the Confederacy when Texas seceded from the Union, bringing his governorship to an end. To avoid bloodshed, he refused an offer of an army to put down the rebellion, and instead retired to Huntsville, Texas, where he died before the end of the Civil War.
Visit the largest free-standing statue of an American figure. 7600 Hwy 75 South, Huntsville, TX 936-294-1832
57
Longview
Did you know?
Longview is considered the hub of East Texas for outdoor recreation, attractions and shopping. Longview is famous for its fabulous festivals, fine dining and historic downtown.
GROUP DINING
Johnny Caces, Seafood & Steakhouse 800-491-6653 New Orleans-style Creole in a warm atmosphere. 1501 E. Marshall Ave wwwJohnnyCaces.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Pizza King 903-753-0912 Original recipe pizza in East Texas. 1100 East Marshall www.PizzaKingLongview.com NEW SHOPS. NEW RESTAURANTS. NEW EXPERIENCES.
Culture
Jud S c u g e J. T ltur . Sm eG ard ith en
SHOPPING
Downtown shopping begins at Longview’s landmark clock tower on Tyler street. Longview features antique shops, boutiques, crafter malls, trendy cafes, coffee shops and much more. Ellis Pottery - on US Hwy 259 for that unique dÊcor for your home or business. From selection to price, you’ll find shopping a real pleasure in Longview! 903-663-9111 www.EllisPottery.com
LODGING
Longview Museum of Fine Arts
903.753.3281 www.VisitLongviewTexas.com . #ENTER 3TREET s ,ONGVIEW 4EXAS
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites, Complimentary Hot Express Breakfast Bar and High-Speed Internet. Exercise Facility, Outdoor Pool, Indoor Corridor. 900S. Access Rd, 75602. 903-247-3000. www.hiexpress.com/longviewtx.
TRANSPORTATION
o u n ty G re g g C e u m s u M l a H is to ri c
Amtrak, Amtrak’s Longview station is on the east side of downtown, 1/2 block north of the intersection of Cotton St. and Mobberly Ave. 903-758-0902 www.TexasEagle.com
ATTRACTIONS
Longview Museum of Fine Arts - originated in 1958 and exhibits 6 shows per year, including works from artists from Texas and the Southwest, as well as international artists. 215 E. Tyler Street Longview, TX 75606. Downtown Longview. 903-753-8103 www.lmfa.org
East Texas Regional Airport, is located 8 miles outside of Longview. 269 Terminal Circle, Longview, TX 75603. 903-758-0902 www.Flyggg.com 2010 marks the 100th Anniversary of the Everett Building, which houses the Gregg County Historical Museum. Visit us this year as we celebrate with new exhibits featuring the past 100 years in Gregg County.
The Gregg County Historical Museum - is housed in the Historic Everett Building, also in downtown Longview. Many exhibits illustrate the development of Gregg County and colorful history of the area. 214 North Fredonia Longview, TX 75606 903-753-5840 www.GreggHistorical.org
Hours
10:00 - 4:00 Tuesday through Friday 12:00 - 4:00 Saturday Closed major holidays
Heritage Plaza - on the corner of Methvin and Green Streets in downtown Longview, is a key landmark in the history of Longview and Gregg County. 903-753-3281 www.VisitLongviewTexas.com HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS Hotel & Suites-Longview South
214 North Fredonia Street Longview, Texas 75601
9www.gregghistorical.org 03.753.5840
• Complimentary Hot Breakfast Bar • High-Speed Internet • Exercise Facility • Outdoor Pool • STAY SMART
South– 900S. Access Rd, 75602. 903-247-3000. www.hiexpress.com/longviewtx
58
Admission
$2.00 for adults $1.00 for senior citizens and students No charge for museum members
2010 marks the 100th Anniversary of the Everett Building, which houses the Gregg County Historical Museum. Visit us this year as we celebrate with new exhibits featuring the past 100 years in Gregg County.
CONTACT Longview Convention and Visitors Bureau 410 N. Center Street Longview, Texas 75601 Hours 903-753-3281 10:00 - 4:00 Tuesday through Friday 12:00 - 4:00www.VisitLongviewTexas.com Saturday Closed major holidays
Admission
$2.00 for adults $1.00 for senior citizens and students No charge for museum members
Nacogdoches
Did you know?
Get away to beautiful Nacogdoches. From antiquing to nature walks, Nacogdoches has something to offer everyone. We invite you to stroll the red brick streets of historic downtown and experience the hospitality and charm of the Oldest Town in Texas, hike miles of historic trails that once served as trade routes for Native Americans or break for tea in a Victorian mansion. Nacogdoches is filled with photo opportunities and so many reasons to come back to see us again.
ATTRACTIONS
Stone Fort Museum - The campus of Stephen F. Austin State University is home to a fort that never served as a fort. Stone Fort Museum was a trading post, private home, church, jail and saloon. It was built three times - torn down by men and rebuilt by women. Stephen F. Austin State University 936-468-2408 Durst Taylor House and Gardens - Durst-Taylor Historic House and Gardens is an 1830s wood-frame house interpreted to the 1840 to 1860 time period when the Blackburn family lived there. The grounds include a blacksmith shop, smokehouse and historic gardens. Open Tuesday - Saturday from 10 am - 4 pm. 304 North Street. 936-560-4443 Historic Town Center - The Nacogdoches Visitors’ Center, operated by the Nacogdoches CVB, is located in the heart of historic downtown. Here you will find some wonderful information about the history and legends of Texas’ oldest town. 200 E. Main Street 936-564-7351 www.VisitNacogdoches.org Millard’s Crossing Historic Village - Nestled among the pine trees of the oldest town in Texas is this charming reconstructed historic village that enables visitors to imagine East Texas as it was in the 19th century. Heritage tours are available for large and small groups of all ages. 6020 North Street 936-564-6631 Nacogdoches Fire Museum - The Fire Museum was built in 1996 in the former fire department shop on South Fredonia Street at the back of the Central Fire Station. The museum contains Nacogdoches’ first fire engine and a number of pictures and other fire department memorabilia. 214 E. Pillar Street 936-559-2541
GROUP DINING
Nacogdoches has many tour friendly dining options ranging from fast food to family-style dining to our famous local flavor! For a complete listing visit www.VisitNacogdoches.org
SHOPPING
1-888-OLDEST-TOWN www.VisitNacogdoches.org LODGING Almost every major limited service hotel chain is represented in Nacogdoches, as well as historic accommodations, independent properties and B&B’s. All are eager to work with your group to insure you have a pleasant stay. Many offer free breakfast with their rooms as well as other amenities that will leave you feeling refreshed and ready for your next day of adventure.
You may want to bring along an extra suitcase! One of the most unique aspects of Nacogdoches is the large number of locally-owned specialty and antique stores you’ll find here. Visit Nacogdoches’ countless family-owned shops and restaurants; places that still do business the old-fashioned way. Stop into a 100-year-old hardware store that still sells nails by the pound; the only professional stained glass studio in East Texas; and an old-style barber shop like your dad used to visit. There’s no other place in Texas like it!
CONTACT Nacogdoches Convention & Visitors Bureau 200 E. Main St. Nacogdoches, Texas 75961 888-OLDEST-TOWN www.VisitNacogdoches.org
· The oldest town in Texas knows a little something about Southern hospitality. Located in the heart of downtown
Nacogdoches, the historic Hotel Fredonia is a wonderful place to relax during your visit to the city’s many museums, celebrated trails, colorful gardens and brick street shopping.
· Hotel Fredonia’s certified Texas Friendly staff accommodates groups large and small with 112 guest rooms, area partnerships for overflow rooms, in-house culinary services, and a convention center with over 13,500 square feet of event space.
· Our thoughtful and attentive team of hospitality professionals are waiting to exceed your group’s expectations.
1-800-594-5323 · Nacogdoches, TX
www.HotelFredonia.com
59
Port Arthur
Did you know?
Located on the upper Texas Gulf Coast, just off I-10 and near the Louisiana border, Port Arthur is often called the “Cajun Capitol of Texas”. Zest for life comes naturally to the people. However, this isn’t the only thing that comes naturally. Attractions such as 90,000 acre Sabine Lake, Sea Rim State Park, Pleasure Island and miles of marshes and wetlands teeming with alligators and other wildlife are just some of our natural resources.
ATTRACTIONS
Pompeiian Villa - Built by the barbed wire king, Isaac Ellwood,
Pompeiian Villa is an authentic replica of a Pompeiian home, circa 74 AD. This 10 room cottage was built around a traditional Roman peristyle. 1953 Lakeshore Drive, 77642 409-983-5977 Museum of the Gulf Coast - The museum boasts the largest mu-
ral in the area – a 125 foot painting highlighting significant events in the evolution of the region; a replica of Janis Joplin’s Porsche; the original light from the Sabine Pass lighthouse; and rare decorative artifacts from around the world. 700 Procter St. 77640 409-982-7000 www.museumofthegulfcoast.org Gator Country Adventure Park & Restaurant - Help feed live gators while learning all about their habitat. See feisty alligator snapping turtles, over 130 gators and “Big Al” the 13-foot 1,100 pound alligator. Buu Mon Buddist Temple - Beautiful Temple building with a fourtier pagoda tower that symbolizes tenets in the Buddist faith. Garden tours include the lotus and bamboo gardens, also showcasing bonsai trees. 2701 Procter St. 409-982-9319 www.buumon.org
GROUP DINING
Larry’s French Market 409-962-3381 Authentic foods, décor and native caricatures liven up this must see restaurant. At Larry’s there are live bands, Cajun cooking and Cajun dancing. 3701 Atlantic Hwy www.LarrysFrenchMarket.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - The Schooner Restaurant 409-724-5000 The Schooner is a family owned 70 year old restaurant that features fresh seafood. 1507 Hwy 365
LODGING
Holiday Inn Park Central - 2929 Jimmy Johnson Blvd. Port Arthur TX 77642 409-724-5000 www.HolidayInn.com Holiday Inn Express & Suites - 3115 Central Mall Dr. Port Arthur, TX 77642 1-800-448-2296 www.HolidayInnExpress.com Ramada Inn - 3801 Hwy 73 Port Arthur, TX 77642 409-962-9858 www.Ramada.com
Museum of the Gulf Coast • Faith Trail Historical Homes • Pleasure Island Sabine Pass Battleground and Historical Park Texas Artists Museum, Festivals and more...
The Port Arthur Convention & Visitors Bureau 3401 Cultural Center Drive, Port Arthur, TX 77642 Phone: 800.235.7822 • Fax: 409.985.5584 Email: cnoble@portarthurtexas.com • Website: www.visitportarthurtx.com 60
Suggested Itinerary
Suggested Itinerary for Day One
• 5:00 p.m. Arrive Port Arthur hotel to check-in and rest up Welcome Reception; Negotiate with hotel • 6:30 p.m. Receive your step-on guide. Depart for dinner and alligator scenario and dinner The scenario: Elli Gatoreaux and Alli Gator came to Port Arthur for a foot stomping, toe-tapping good time! When they met it was love at first sight. Elli and Alli wanted to get married in a genuine Cajun ceremony. They located a Cajun band and restaurant where they could get hitched. After dinner and the wedding, the happy alligators lead the Cajun wedding march, then the tour members lead the anniversary march. The tour group will also learn to “Cajun two step” at this unusual Fais-do-do (party) This all usually happens at Larry’s French Market; Live bands and Cajun dancing on Wed., Fri. and Sat. Sit down and enjoy your dinner and then learn how the “Cajuns do it”! Authentic foods, décor and native caricatures liven up this must see restaurant. • 8:30 p.m. Return to hotel to rest and catch up
Suggested Itinerary for Day Two
Breakfast at hotel; Negotiate with hotel
play artifacts from that era. • 5:00 p.m. Return to the hotel to rest and catch up • 6:15 p.m. Depart for dinner at Rose Hill Manor • 6:30 p.m. Rose Hill Manor; Enjoy a home cooked dinner in a lovely historical home. This home, dating back to 1906, was built by one of the early mayors of the city of Port Arthur.
Suggested Itinerary Day Three
Breakfast at the hotel: Negotiate with hotel • 8:30 a.m. Receive Your step-on guide Depart for Shangri La in Orange • 9:00 a.m. Shangri La Botanical Gardens & Nature Center; Nestled within 252 acres in the heart of Southeast Texas, Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center is the newest addition to Green travel. A serene oasis for retreat and renewal, activities include birding and even a swamp boat ride. • 11:45 a.m. Depart for lunch in Orange • 12:00 Noon Lunch at Old Orange Café • 1:15 p.m. Depart for Gator Country • 1:45 p.m. Gator Country Adventure Park & Restaurant; You’ll never find another place like it! Have a hands-on experience by helping feed live gators while learning all about their habitat. See feisty alligator snapping turtles, over 130 gators and “Big Al” the 13-foot 1,100 pound alligator.
• 8:30 a.m. Receive your step-on guide Depart for more adventure and fun • 9:00 a.m. Buu Mon Buddist Temple and Lotus Garden; The • 4:30 p.m. Depart for the hotel to rest and catch up temple is a beautiful building with a four-tier pagoda tower • 5:00 p.m. Arrive at the hotel that symbolizes tenets in the Buddist faith. Garden tours include • 6:00 p.m. Depart for dinner at the Schooner Restaurant • 6:15 p.m. The Schooner Restaurant; The Schooner is a family the lotus and bamboo gardens also showcasing bonsai trees. owned 70 year old restaurant that features fresh seafood. • 10:15 a.m. Depart for Pompeiian Villa • 10:30 a.m. Pompeiian Villa; The grandiose home is an au- • 8:00 p.m. Depart for the hotel thentic replica of a Pompeiian home of 79 A.D. and has feaPrint As IsItinerary for Day Four tures including rooms built around a traditional Roman peri- ��Suggested Breakfast at the hotel: Negotiate with hotel style and three sided courtyard. Changes �� Re-run With • 11:30 a.m. Lunch: TBD �� New Ad • 8:00 a.m. Depart for the balance of your tour. • 12:45 p.m. Depart for the Museum of the Gulf Coast • 1:15 p.m. Museum of the Gulf Coast; The Museum of the Gulf Coast takes an eclectic look at Southeast Texas history through the ages. The museum boasts the largest mural in the area – a 125 foot painting highlighting significant events in the evolution of the region; a replica of Janis Joplin’s Porsche; the original light from the Sabine Pass lighthouse; and rare decorative artifacts from around the world.
East Texas Vacation Guide 2010
Museum Of The Gulf Coast
• 3:00 p.m. Depart for Spindletop/Gladys City • 3:30 p.m. Spindletop/Gladys City Boomtown; A reconstruction of the oil boom town that appeared almost overnight after the Lucas gusher blew-in on January 10, 1901. The clapboard buildings grouped around a plank sidewalk square dis-
CONTACT Port Arthur Convention & Visitors Bureau 3401 Cultural Center Dr., Port Arthur Texas 77642 Phone: 800-235-7822 - Fax: 409-985-5584 email: cnoble@portarthurtexas.com website: www.visitportarthurtx.com
An amazing Museum telling the story of the Gulf Coast Region Exhibits include:
History • Natural History • Popular Culture Decorative Arts • Sports and Music Halls of Fame Notable People include:
Janis Joplin • The Big Bopper • Jimmy Johnson • Babe Didrikson and others Open 9-5 Mon. thru Sat. • 1-5 Sun. • Closed Major Holidays Only. Adults–$4.00 • Seniors–$3.00 • Children: (4-18)–$2.00 Children 3 & under–FREE • Students w/ID $3.00
Group Tours - $2.00 Per Person • School Tours - FREE
700 Procter, Port Arthur, Texas 77640 • (409) 982-7000
www.museumofthegulfcoast.org 61
San Augustine
Did you know?
Early settlers came into San Augustine County on the Old San Antonio Road, also known as “El Camino Real de los Tejas”, now a designated National Historic Trail. San Augustine is located equal distances between Toledo Bend and Sam Rayburn Reservoirs and boasts unspoiled waterways for fishing and recreation. As an added bonus, our deep East Texas woods are a bird watcher’s paradise! San Augustine is a great place to visit – and a tempting place to stay.
ATTRACTIONS
Return to the Republic of Texas. El Camino Real.
Where history meets the present...
Cullen House - 1839 house presented to Ezekiel Cullen Chapter of daughters of the Republic of Texas in 1953 by Hugh Roy Cullen, grandson of Ezekiel Cullen. House Paintings by S. Seymour Thomas, a native of San Augustine. 205 South Congress Street San Augustine, TX 75972 936-275-5110 First United Methodist Church - Built in 1838 featuring stained glass and a hitching post for your horse and buggy. 205 South Liberty Street San Augustine, TX 75972 936-275-2246 Pinto Cookie Factory - Pinto Pony Cookie Factory is located 1/2 block north of the Courthouse Square in beautiful, downtown San Augustine, Texas. All of our delicious cookies are packaged in uniquely styled boxes or tins that reflect the treasures and history of our area. The pride we take in our products (from cookies to packaging) is evident in all of our collections. 114 N Harrison St., San Augustine, TX 75972 877-688-0202 www.PintoPony.com
936-275-3610
www.SanAugustineTx.com
Must See!
Sam Rayburn Lake
Mission Dolores Visitor Center - Mission Nuestra Senora de los Dolores de los Ais was first established in 1717 along Ayish Bayou, approximately one-quarter league west of the present site. The Mission is listed in the National Register of Historic Places at the national level of significance and is a designated State Archeological Landmark. Admission to the Visitor Center is free, but donations are appreciated. 701 South Broadway. 936-275-3815 www.MissionRv.SanAugustineTx.com
GROUP DINING
Several group dining locations are available in San Augustine that can accommodate small groups of 10-30 people and larger groups of 50-100 people. Please contact the COC when scheduling your trip to San Augustine, we will be delighted to help you arrange your dining experience. 936-275-3610
LODGING
Mission Dolores RV Park - The RV park is 17 acres with 32 level and paved full hook-up sites, sparkling clean restroom and shower facilities, picnic areas, and group pavilions. Walking trails lead from the park to the Mission Visitor Center. 936-275-3815 www.missionrv.sanaugustinetx.com
Sam Rayburn Lake Sam Rayburn Lake is a very popular fishing and boating lake located in East Texas about halfway between Beaumont and Longview, about 70 miles from each city. Texas Parks and Wildlife rates the fishing excellent year-round for largemouth bass, crappie and catfish on Sam Ray-burn Lake. White bass is limited but offers fairly good fishing in the spring. The hybrid striped bass is also a popular fish on Sam Rayburn Lake.
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San Augustine offers many hotel/motel rooms as well as several RV parks and campsites. The San Augustine County Chamber of Commerce will be happy to assist your group in making lodging accommodations for your stay.
CONTACT
San Augustine County COC
611 West Columbia, San Augustine, Texas 75972 936-275-3610 www.SanAugustineTx.com
The Woodlands
Did you know?
Located just 30 minutes north of downtown Houston and nestled within 28,000 acres of a nature preserve, The Woodlands, better known as a “Downtown in the Forest,” boasts a vibrant town center, one of the world’s largest outdoor concert amphitheaters and The Woodlands Waterway™ featuring a 1.4-mile landscaped lighted walkway dotted with parks, attractions, shops and restaurants. Visitors to The Woodlands enjoy world-class shopping, CVB01-10-00 water taxi service, kayaking and more than 180 miles of hike-and-bike trails. East Texas Group Tour Manual.qxp:Layout 1
ATTRACTIONS
More than five million square feet of shopping, hospitality, dining and entertainment, fun nightlife, concerts under the stars and plenty of things to do all year The Fountains at Waterway Square™ - where a 120-foot water wall performs a nightly choreographed water display surrounded by restaurants and nightlife. 31 Waterway Square Place 281-363-2447 www.TheWoodlandscvb.com
Get to know The Woodlands For events and meetings of any size, it’s time to get to know The Woodlands.
The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion - a 17,000-seat amphitheater which showcases over 60 world-class concerts a year, including a free summer concert series. 2005 Lake Robbins Drive 281-363-3300 www.WoodlandsCenter.org
You’ll find our hotels, meeting and event spaces, nightlife and entertainment venues provide just the right combination of productivity and pleasure.
Riva Row Boat House - where groups of all sizes can rent kayaks to enjoy on The Woodlands Waterway® 2101 Riva Row 281-210-3965 www.TheWoodlandsTownship-Tx.gov
170,000 Square Feet of Meeting & Event Space More than 1,500 Guestrooms In Upscale, Resort and Select-Service Properties
The Ice Rink™ - at The Woodlands Town Center, the largest seasonal outdoor ice rink in the Southwest. Open Thanksgiving through mid-January. 281-363-2447 www.TheWoodlandsIceRink.com
The Woodlands Waterway Marriott & Convention Center
Just North Of Houston
Award-Winning Restaurants Complimentary Trolley Service Throughout The Woodlands Town Center
The Woodlands Resort & Conference Center
GROUP DINING
Several restaurants in The Woodlands offer elegant wine rooms, private dining rooms and Chef’s Tables for groups of all sizes. Enjoy the private dining room at Jasper’s in Market Street, the Chef’s Table at The Woodlands Resort and many others in The Woodlands.
LODGING
The Woodlands is home to more than 1,500 guestrooms housed in 11 select service, limited service, resort, upscale and boutique properties. The area offers more than more than 130,000 square feet of meeting and event space, including 60,000 square feet of IACC-certified meeting space at The Woodlands Resort & Conference Center and 70,000 square feet at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center.
Where Productivity Meets Pleasure www.MeetingsInTheWoodlands.com
The Fountains at Waterway Square
Must See! The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
TRANSPORTATION
Accessible transportation options in The Woodlands include airconditioned water taxi service on The Woodlands Waterway and free trolley service throughout The Woodlands Town Center.
CONTACT
The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau 10001 Woodloch Forest Drive Suite 600, The Woodlands, Texas 77380 General Manager – Casey Snyder casey.snyder@thewoodlandscvb.com 281-363-2447
Surrounded by lush forests, The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion is an outdoor amphitheater that provides the Greater Houston region with an array of performing arts and contemporary entertainment in a setting of unparalleled beauty. The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion 2005 Lake Robbins Drive The Woodlands, Texas 77380 Phone: 281-363-3300 Fax: 281-364-3011 info@woodlandscenter.org
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Print As Is Re-run With Changes New Ad
Visit Gonzales Texas!
MELROSE PLANTATION, 3533 Highway #119, Melrose, LA (16 miles south of Natchitoches); (318) 379-0055. Melrose, a National Historic Landmark, is one of the unique plantations of the old South, its career measured, not by years, but by generations. Eight carefully restored structures compose the Melrose complex. Melrose is one of the attractions on the annual Tour of Historic Homes, the second weekend of October; and each year, on the Toll Free Reservations Arts and Crafts Festival is held. second weekend of June, the Melrose 80 Historic structures •1-800-528-1234 Step-on guidesforavailable OpenOver Tues.-Sun. 12:00-4:00 p.m. Closed Monday except large groups by 1-888-672-1095 appointment only. Hotel Direct Toll Free
www.GonzalesTexas.com 1-877-738-4800
Located on Casino Property
ATTRACTIONS 12102 Hwy. 165 NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARKS
Kinder, LA I n n a t C o u s h a t t a bwcgm@amliberty.com MELROSE PLANTATION A A National National Historic Historic Landmark Landmark
3533 Hwy. #119, Melrose, LA (16 (16 miles miles south south of of Natchitoches) Natchitoches)
(318) 379-0055 • (800) 259-1714 One of the unique plantations of the Old South. Hotel1-877-738-4800 Direct Toll Free
Toll Free Reservations 1-800-528-1234
Located on Casino Property 12102 Hwy. 165 Kinder, LA Inn at Coushatta bwcgm@amliberty.com
Toll Free Reservations 1-800-528-1234
Hotel Direct Toll Free 1-877-738-4800
Located on Casino Property 12102 Hwy. 165 Kinder, LA I n n a t C o u s h a t t a bwcgm@amliberty.com
• We offer the BIGGEST ROOMS! • Free Best Start Breakfast Bar • FREE In-Room Coffee • Free High Speed Internet • Swimming Pool • FREE Cable & Showtime • Handicap Accessible Rooms • FREE 24 Hr. Casino Shuttle • Atrium Lobby • Elevator • Non-Smoking Rooms Available • Choice of King or Double Queen Beds • Suites Available (@ additional charge)
• We offer the BIGGEST ROOMS! • Free Best Start Breakfast Bar • FREE In-Room Coffee • Free High Speed Internet • Swimming Pool • FREE Cable & Showtime • Handicap Accessible Rooms • FREE 24 Hr. Casino Shuttle • Atrium Lobby • Elevator • Non-Smoking Rooms Available • Choice of King or Double Queen Beds • Suites Available (@ additional charge)
Next to Coushatta Casino Res ort on Hwy , 165 N.
NextN to Casino 5 N . N. w y , 1 6165 n HHwy, R e s o r t oon C a s i n o Resort to C o u s h a t ta e x tCoushatta
• We offer the BIGGEST ROOMS! • Free Best Start Breakfast Bar • FREE In-Room Coffee • Free High Speed Internet • Swimming Pool • FREE Cable & Showtime • Handicap Accessible Rooms • FREE 24 Hr. Casino Shuttle • Atrium Lobby • Elevator • Non-Smoking Rooms Available • Choice of King or Double Queen Beds • Suites Available (@ additional charge)
N e x t to C o u s h a t ta C a s i n o Re s o r t o n Hw y , 1 6 5 N.
Perfectly Located! Uniquely Connected!
www.VisitPearlandTexas.us
Brazosport On the Texas Gulf Coast.
www.VisitBrazosport.com • 888-477-2505
Return form to: East Texas Tourism Association Mail: 421 N. Center, Suite A, Longview, Texas 75601
Fax: (903) 236-7541 Email: graphics@etta.com
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Need more tour information? Complete and return for products & service.
Return Address: 421 North Center St. Suite A. Longview, Texas 75601 Phone: 903-757-4444 - Fax: 903-236-7541 - Email: contact@etta.com www.EastTexasGuide.com Cavanaugh Flight Museum - Addison Allen Angelton Bastrop Bay City Baytown Roseland Plantation - Ben Wheeler Brazosport Boerne Bonham Canton Mill Creek Ranch Carthage Cleburne Conroe Corsicana Decatur Denison DeSoto Ennis Gainesville Georgetown Gonzales
Granbury Granbury Resort Conf. Center Plantation Inn Greenville Henderson Huntsville Jacksonville Katy Killeen Longview Holiday Inn Express Mesquite Mineral Wells Mexia Mount Vernon Nacogdoches Fredonia Hotel Orange Paris Pearland Plano South Fork Ranch Tanglewood Resort - Pottsboro
Port Arthur Museum of the Gulf Coast London Museum & Tea Room New London Richardson San Augustine Deer Lake Cabins - Scroggins Sherman Sulphur Springs Terrell Texarkana Waxahachie Weatherford Wichita Falls The Woodlands Other: Louisiana Best Western - Kinder Melrose Plantation - Melrose
Please print all information to insure correct response
NAME: ___________________________________________________ ORGANIZATION: _________________________________________ ADDRESS: _______________________________________________ CITY: ____________________________________________________ STATE, ZIP:_______________________________________________ PHONE:__________________________DATE:__________________ EMAIL: __________________________________________________ Please continue my free subscription to the: ETWT Group Tour Manual ETWT Vacation Guide Official Fun Map
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USE YOUR READER SERVICE CARD TO OBTAIN MORE INFORMATION ON THE PRODUCTS AND SERVICES IN THIS ISSUE. 1. Check the items on your reader service card for which you would like more information. 2. Print or type your name in the box at the left. 3. Detach card from magazine and mail or fax. 4. Your name and address will be given to the advertisers you have selected and they will send information on what they have advertised or will contact you by phone. 5. If you are interested in participating in a FAM tour, please fill out the form and return.
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Complete the form on the reverse side Select from our list of advertisers for more information
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East Texas Tourism Association 421 North Center St. Suite A. Longview, Texas 75601
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Hotel Fredonia Tex Ritter Museum
Museum of the Gulf Coast Plano Balloon Fest & The Great Texas Balloon Race - Longview
top10 favorites
Plano Balloon Fest & The Great Texas Balloon Race - Longview Inner Space Cavern
Why we love it: SEE IT… as thousands of smiling faces are awestruck by the vision of hot air balloons filling the sky with a Kaleidoscope of colors and shapes.
Eiffel Tower of Paris
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Why we love it: It’s an opportunity Eiffel Tower
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Hotel Fredonia Henderson Civic Center
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Granbury Live
Plaza Theatre Company
Gulf Coast displays a wide range of exhibits which interpret the heritage of the Gulf Coast including history, natural history, fine and decorative art and popular culture. The Janis Joplin exhibit is a must see.
unsurpassed Family Entertainment Destination! In just over three years Plaza Theatre Company has shocked the critics by proving that live family entertainment can work in Johnson County.
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Why we love it: Hidden for 10,000 years, Inner Space Cavern is one of the best preserved caves in Texas and one of the few places where remains of prehistoric animals were unearthed.
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Why we love it: It’s Cleburne’s
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Inner Space Cavern of Georgetown Gregg County Historical Museum
Why we love it: On April 22, 1993, Paul and Mary Beth Vinyard opened the first Babe’s in Roanoke, Texas. Since then they have spread through the DFW area. Meals are made fresh and taste great with a side southern hospitality that only Babe’s can deliver.
Museum of Gulf Coast
Why we love it: The Museum of the Babes of Granbury
Why we love it: The newly constructed Henderson Civic Center is located conveniently on Texas Highway 64 in Lake Forest Park. Surrounded by beautifully wooded landscape and a small lake, the civic center is a 19,000 square foot multi-use facility.
Babes of Granbury
Why we love it: Built in 1955, Hotel
Fredonia harkens the spirit of times gone by and rekindles the spirit of the era in which it was built. Gather round the Baby Grand and enjoy the ambiance of the good ole days. At Hotel Fredonia the staff will make you feel at home.
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Civic Center of Henderson
Tex Ritter Museum
to re-live great moments in country music history. Fans have come from every state as well as numerous foreign countries including England, Scotland, Ireland, and Denmark to name a few!
Why we love it: You don’t have to travel far to visit the Eiffel Tower! The tall, structure identifies its location with an unmistakable “You Are Here,” making city-limit signs virtually unnecessary.
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Gregg County Historical Museum p.43
Why we love it: Exhibits illustrate the development of the city and area in Longview. Many remnants of times past can be found. Inlcuding fossils, arrowheads, caddo pottery, vintage clothing and much more.
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WHY
Bring your Boots The People The Fun The Architecture The Food The Beauty...
For more information on Texas amd Western Louisiana’s premier FAM Tour program, please contact:
P.O. Box 1592 Longview, Texas 75606 800-766-3349 Toll Free 903-757-4444 www.EastTexasGuide.com
Take picture of QR Code to visit us on-line!