LongviewNOW! Winter 2022 Issue - Hidden Treasures

Making the Connection

When my husband and I moved to Longview in 2005, it was the simple pleasures that made us feel at home. The warmth of the people who live here helped us say goodbye to the community we were once part of and

proud to call home. It is this story we want to share with our readers. It is our hope that you will want to experience the hidden treasurers of Longview and East Texas!!

Our goal with this edition is to connect our lifestyle and introduce you to our community. We will focus on Longview’s rich culture of entrepreneurism and innovation from around the world eateries, to home design, to why businesses are flourishing in Longview. It is important to us that we help you get to know our area. Longview is a great place to live, work and play.

hello to the opportunities that await us. It is the natural warmth of being embraced into the culture of our region that shines brightly when someone asks, where’s Longview?

There is no doubt, it is our fiery spirit that led us to creating LongviewNOW! We are a strong "get things done" community. Status quo is not an acceptable term in our vocabulary. We welcome the opportunity to look towards the future and build a community that makes us

We invite you, to also call Longview home!

EDITOR KELLY HALL

Meet the People doing Amazing Work in Longview

The LongviewNOW! Podcast will give you the opportunity to meet the people who are already doing amazing work for the people of Longview. Through the Coffee Conversations with Kelly Hall, President and CEO of the Longview Chamber, you’ll hear stories about how things get done in our city, and how you can be involved in its continued growth!

WRITER KATHRYN PEDROZA

DESIGN BY FORBES AND BUTLER VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS

PHOTOGRAPHERS KATHRYN PEDROZA VIZCRE8VE

ON THE COVER 80 ACRE MARKET – AN EXPANSIVE 250 ACRE MARKET AND FAMILY FUN DESTINATION

Published by Longview Chamber of Commerce 410 N Center St. Longview, TX 75601 903-237-4000 nowlongview.com

KELLY R. HALL CCE, IOM, MSL Editor and President/CEO of the Longview Chamber of Commerce

We welcome the opportunity to look towards the future and build a community that makes us proud to call home.

VISIT THE LONGVIEW CHAMBER SITE!

PRESENTED BY:

Kelsey Creek Farm:

Teaching Regenerative Practices

Kent Ormsby, along with his family, practice and encourage clean farming techniques at Kelsey Creek Farms.

Outdoor Innovations

Entrepreneurial endeavors come in many forms and since COVID-19 the rapidly changing landscape has opened doors for those who have chosen to break out of the mold by starting non-traditional businesses to live their dreams. East Texas provides a healthy economic environment that allows prosperity to flourish and dreams to become realities. We hope you will enjoy learning about a few of our “outdoor” innovative businesses that demonstrate how work can be fun.

Kelsey Creek Farm sits at the end of a gravel road and is hidden by natural vegetation. It provides food for Kent Ormsby and his family along with showing other people how to create a natural farm. Kent works hard to eliminate the chemical inputs on their crop and leave the land as natural and regenerative as possible to help the ecosystem thrive.

Kent raises goats to make yogurt, cheese, soap, etc. Currently they are developing an orchard with figs, Asian persimmons, pears, jujubes, and other produce that will thrive in the Northeast Texas region. Their goal is to be able to produce enough to sell their fruit at markets.

“I want to show other people that they can have a very busy schedule and you don't have to have perfectly groomed environment in order to make production happen, you can be messy. ,” Kent said. “In other words, you can be messy and still have the production that you want. And that it is possible to live without external farm inputs so you can live without fertilizer. You can live without pesticides. You can live without herbicides. You can live without fungicides. You can live without those things, and in fact not only can you live without them and you can prosper, and then to help other people do the same thing. ”

Along with himself, Kent lives on the farm with his wife and two children, and they work together to create the most natural version of the environment as possible. Kent believes that creating a diverse community that benefits the plant consumers will also benefit the environment in general. So, he spends his life figuring out how to yield the biggest crop while also benefiting the environment.

Equestrian enthusiasts will want to check out Royal Point Equestrian. Formally Pink Crown Farms, Melissa Maitland moved her business onto the property and has revamped the business. They are a multifaceted horse business that does not necessarily have a specialty but offers anything within the English style.

Royal Point Equestrian offer lessons, camps, boarding, trading, sales, etc., and they are the one-stop shop for horses in ETX. Customers can either use Royal Point Equestrian horses for lessons, or board their own there.

“But we want to make it known that we're open to the public for riding lessons,” Maitland said. “We board horses, we train horses, we do sales, but I think the biggest thing Longview needs to know is that we're here. For both adults and young kids we are here to teach riding because previously it was not open for that, it was more private.”

Royal Point Equestrian offers help for all stages of riders, from beginners who have never gotten on a horse to advanced riders interested in competing, traveling, etc. They will travel across the state to several different competitions, including an IEA (Interscholastic Equestrian Association) team, one that gives opportunities for kids who do not own horses to get the show experience. They do summer camps, a Christmas camp, and have plans to offer several other camp-like opportunities. Royal Point has three trainers, Melissa Maitland (owner), Kristen Stinson and Heather Kilby who all work together to make the operation run smoothly.

“I grew up in East Texas, Longview area, and now I’m back,” Maitland said. “I’m happy to be back and we just want everyone to know that we’re here.”

ROYAL POINT EQUESTRIAN

McB’s Bee Apiary:

thePushingPositives

McB’s Bee Apiary started seven years ago with one beehive given to the McBride family as a Christmas gift. Now there are thirty hives that produce enough honey to use in the products that they sell. Heather McBride works with her husband, two sons, and stepdaughter to make the business run smoothly.

“Never in my life did I ever think that we would ever be beekeepers, but here I am,” Heather said.

The primary product that McB’s produces is obviously honey, however, Heather experiments and dabbles in making other things out of the beeswax. For example, at farmers markets you can find lotion bars, lip balm, etc. Along with just raw beeswax.

Heather is the current program director at the Longview Beekeepers Association where she schedules speakers and learns more and more from and about beekeepers in the area. She also works with them on different projects, including grafting queen bees for the Longview Arboretum. The extra projects and classes help Heather know more about bees, plants, and pollination to help McB’s be the most successful it can be(e).

Along with growing the business, Heather hopes that she can mentor people that visit their farm and help them have positive experiences with bees. She wants to show people that nine times out of ten, interactions with bees are positive.

- Heather McBride

In addition to selling their products at the Kilgore Farmers Market, they also sell online, and at Three Roots Boutique in Gladewater. They hope to expand to offer their merchandise at other markets and in more stores.

“My husband and I make these bees together,” Heather said. “We are both veterans who served in the U.S. Air Force and we are both constant learners at heart, so we just want to learn more about honeybees and pollination and be able to spread that knowledge with others.

My dream is just more on the educational side and continuing to grow and learn about bees.”

Eastman team members are committed to enhancing the quality of life in a material way Whether they are developing products and solutions for our customers or volunteering in the community, our people are the reason we can continue to innovate and make a positive difference here and around the world

Thank you, colleagues, retirees, neighbors, and area partners for helping make Eastman a great place to work and this community a great place to live

Dawnelle Priddy Bringing Work Home

Dawnelle and her husband Rick were looking for property to build their dream home for months when they found this listing that stayed on the market for months. The topography seemed difficult to work with at the time, but Dawnelle saw the land and decided to carve out a place for her home — a place that would look out to a waterfall.

“It’s going to look like a mountain home in the woods, which is totally different from what everybody is doing right now,” Priddy said. “I love the modern look, but we’re trying to keep it like a rustic modern. We’ll see but I think we pulled it off pretty good.”

Dawnelle quite literally dug a hole in her property to carve out space to put her house in, so that looking out off her porch, there would be a waterfall. She used many subcontractors to help her accomplish her dream.

Because of her background on working on other houses, Dawnelle is able to get a more in-depth idea of what she should do, or what she shouldn’t with her home. After finishing a house or project, she does a review with her clients to figure out what they wished would have been different or better, along with what they did well. Because of this, Dawnelle had lots of ideas and notes for her own house.

Each client has their own tastes and wants, Dawnelle’s job is to make sure that their house reflects them and is their dream home. Most clients come in with a general idea or plan of what they want, Dawnelle takes that and makes all the details come together.

Dawnelle had the unique experience of having the creative freedom to make her house specific to her wants and needs. For her, this included putting an office in her bedroom, having a nook kids can play in from an empty space that would have been attic space, and designated exercise room. She mentioned that she did not even look

at other plans to get ideas, she had her specific wants and it came together in a way that fit. She can also take notes about what other clients would have done differently and apply that to her plan.

client comes in with their own needs and wants and then our job

make sure we hear them and show them how it’s going so that they are not surprised,” Priddy said. “You walk through so many houses and since I was my own client in particular. I did exactly what I wanted.”

Dawnelle Priddy spends her life designing houses and other commercial buildings as a design build contractor. However, she now embraces the challenge of designing and building her dream home here in Longview.

“Every

is to

“Many people make us who we are. We are nothing without our subcontractors. So, like all these guys [subcontractors] are making it happen, my job of course is just to make sure that we have everything correct, but they are the ones who are busting their butts all day, every day to make us look good. So we are lucky that they are here.”

- Dawnelle Priddy

“[Designing my home] is going to help me be a better person for my clients because I can give resources to my clients."

- Dawnelle Priddy

During the process of building a home, Dawnelle shows her clients 3D renderings in order to give them the most realistic version of how their home will turn out. Even if something does go wrong, there is a potential to make it better than was planned.

“[Designing my home] is going to help me be a better person for my clients because I can give resources to my clients that say ‘this isn’t going to be fun,” Priddy said. “This is going to cost your patience, things aren’t going to go as planned, but I will try and make this as easy for you as I possibly can. I do Friday updates for my clients.”

Dawnelle is a woman in construction, which is unusual in the field. All of her subcontractors are men, and while she is optimistic of having women working for her in the future, she understands the reality of men dominating the industry.

“I’m a woman in construction which isn’t very typical, but I don’t want anybody to be intimidated by that,” Priddy said. “ I don’t want anybody to ever feel intimidated about who they are to stop them from doing so.”

Dawnelle walks through her house with pride as she shows people the vision of the home. Because of her involvement in every step, she knows and has a purpose for every nook and cranny of the house. It’s the culmination of her career and personal life.

Dawnelle's Advice

FOR EVERY STAGE OF A NEW BUILD

Before the Design

1. Make a budget.

2. Choose your property carefully and learn what you want long term.

3. Make a list of your needs, dreams, wants and don’t want.

4. Collect floor plan ideas and pictures of what you like.

5. Determine your design style and preferences.

Design is a Balance.

1. Your home is custom so it should be about you, break the rules if it fits your needs.

2. Learn what is timeless, there are things that have been around for a long time…for good reason.

3. Understand the current trends but acknowledge there are ones that will fade away.

4. Nature is your friend, bring natural elements into your home.

5. Speak up and let the designer and contractor know what you want upfront so there are no surprises.

6. Storage, storage, and more storage.

Construction Phase.

1. Know your contractor. Do they have insurance, references, and a good list of subcontractors?

2. Get a soils report for your house pad, construction for any new building needs to start with a with a good foundation.

3. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, this helps for clear communication between you and your contractor.

4. Be patient, houses have a lot of moving parts and pieces, and you want it done right.

Hidden Treasures

Texas is known for our buried treasures, legends, and rumors! When prospecting across the East Texas we too provide several unique experiences to find the unexpected. Senses will be awakened with the natural beauty we have to offer, and surprises can be found when shopping. Even the locals know to keep an eye out for the hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. We hope you enjoy your adventures while in the area.

Visitors will enjoy navigating their way down a scenic country road to discover the beautiful plantation-style home nestled into a corner of East Texas. The expansive 250 acres provides a familyfriendly atmosphere in the iconic Piney Woods of East Texas between Longview and Gilmer.

The exquisite massive trees surround the former house of Josh and Holly Smallwood delivering beautiful views and scenery from every direction. Today, the magnificent mansion has been transformed into a market that is now open two weekends a month, FridaySunday to the public. Yes, visitors need to add the 80 Acre Market to their bucket list! It provides a unique community experience of shopping, dining, and entertainment for all ages.

The 80 Acre Market is filled with unique gifts, apparel, home furnishings, and more. Displays are filled with wares that change every two weeks with each of the market openings. Products are designed and made from the Smallwood’s manufacturing company

and from what the staff calls the Bath Barn. The Bath Barn is on the property and has three generations of family recipes for soaps, candles, etc. that are sold in the market. Treasures can also be found on the property from local businesses including Enoch Stomp, Margin Social, Crust & Crumb, as well as from artisans across East and Central Texas.

Nestled into each room of home are seasonal displays of products and goodies for purchase. The entire first floor including closets and bathrooms are filled with unique items ranging from clothes, blankets, pillows, kitchenware, candles, and soaps. After the Smallwood’s teams first year of being open they reimagined what could be. Therefore, they became even more creative by utilizing every inch of space to create a shopping experience that changes every other weekend and delights visitors of all ages!

The outdoors experience is just as important to the Smallwood’s as the shopping. The expansive yard is filled with gardens, trees, and ponds to create an atmosphere that allows the community destination to come alive! Well planned activities and special events are available

for all ages. The estate is full of life filled with laughter from a bounce house or two, giggling from a dirt mound, clapping, and singing with live music, and yes, the air is filled with appetizing aromas from a variety of food trucks. Families can be seen enjoying yard games around the property and you may even catch sight of a few people tucked into a man cave where guests can sit and enjoy watching sports.

of a swimming hole. The Market team encourages visitors to provide ideas! The 80 Acre Market team cherishes capturing dreams so they can maximize the full potential for the property.

80 Acre Market aims to create an environment that promotes family and community! Every season provides a new experience for visitors. Textiles, lighting, wall décor, clothing, food, games and more bring the

Opportunities are endless as the 80 Acre Market team looks to the future. The Smallwood's anticipate the new factory that is being built on the property to be ready in January 2023. Also being developed is a walking trail around the property for marketgoers to enjoy. The dreams continue as the team prepares to build a new garden with nursery. A fishing pond is being stocked so tournaments can be added to the menu of activities. Also on the horizon is the addition

property alive with smells, tastes, and textures. Activities throughout the year can range from events geared for men on Father's Day to a Christmas tree lighting ceremony or even an Easter Egg hunt. Visitors can stay abreast of the ever-changing calendar of events through the 80 Acre Market website or social media outlets.

“We always try to accommodate even if it’s hot or cold, we try to work around it,” Ashley Nichols said. “This is a place to go where if you just want to come and relax and let the kids run around, you can.

Families can sit here, play yard games together, eat together, listen to live music, all of it. Just being together in community is completely free. We want this to be accessible to anyone and everyone.”

Heartisans Marketplace:

Heartisans Marketplace, from just the look of it, is a great place to shop for your next gift. However, the organization is so much more, they “help women break the chains of dependency and achieve self-sufficiency."

What started as a church ministry arts and craft program now reaches women in the Longview community, provides them with job training, creates community, and helps women learn essential skills to succeed in life.

Women who go through other non-profit programs whether for addiction, homelessness, etc., then are recommended to this program where they learn job and life skills and then are put back into the community with the opportunity for a career, college education, etc. The program is structured like a school day with scheduled hours and classes. Along with the learning, the women also get to create products for the store. Whether that is food, quilts, etc.

The operation is run by over 190 volunteers and a handful of employees. In addition, 80% of the operations costs are covered by the store revenue. The store offers monogramming, embroidery,

sewing, and quilting services, along with natural health and beauty products, soup mixes, cookie mixes, candles, etc. They also offer anything that needs personalization.

“We just appreciate the support of our community and that's how they can continue to support us in those ways to serve it,” Employee Julee Rachels said. “Do you know a woman that needs our help? Then tell them to give us a call, because we are here to help the women in our community. We're excited to be able to do that, that's really what we want them to know. We're here to serve, to serve our community and that they can be a part of that. We'd love to have their help, either through volunteering or donating and helping us build our new cottages.”

HEARTISANS.ORG

"We help women to break the chains of dependency and achieve self-sufficiency"

Some companies buy components from other companies and just put their own label on them. That’s not us. We value the importance of roadway safety too much to rely on the workmanship of anyone but our employees. From our wheel seals, made in Longview, TX to our king pins from Millington, MI, we make the products we sell, and we make them with pride.

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That’s 200x faster than DSL. 5x faster than even the fastest cable connections. All with 99.9% uptime and unlimited data included. Even better, we made our game-changing fiber connections affordable. Because when your business thrives, so does Longview.

Interior Design For Everyone

KJ Gleason, is an interior designer, working at Edleman Designs in Longview. He calls himself an interior design therapist because he wants to help his clients create a space that feels like home, with their own voice and style.

“I help people find their voice, their vision,” KJ said. “I try to work with people to make this as much as some call a bespoke or haute décor. People tend to think that that means you have to have a lot of money and it doesn’t, what it means is you have a clarity of vision.”

Design Right Where You Are At

KJ’s advice to people in the East Texas area is “if you know your style, and hardcore know it, find a knowledgeable person here who you can talk to and who knows where to send you if it’s not available in our town.”

Most interior design inspiration is not from around Texas. It’s common for people to look at New York or Canada for interiors. Most of HGTV is filmed in Canada, and that is why shows and styles that are based more local like Magnolia, become so popular.

It’s important to note that interior design in itself is not new. With social media and just the ideas around showing off interior design, people tend to act like it’s a ‘runway show’ according to KJ.

“Timeless design is what everyone really wants. Timelessness means that you just arrived.”

KJ teaches even with a small amount of money, people can accomplish their vision with things from Walmart, Dollar General, flea markets, etc. It just starts with collecting items that go into your space. KJ started when he was 15 or 16 years old and he still has items in his house from when he started. He suggests collecting items with intention. It’s not about age or money, it’s about collecting small things and upgrading when the time is right. Improve and curate, is what KJ says.

KJ has a system for teaching people their style or showing them how to figure out their own space and what would look the best. He explains how just because it looks good in a magazine, Pinterest, etc. does not mean that it would look the best in your specific space. He uses the example of clothes, just because it looks good on one body type or model, does not mean it looks good on everyone.

Some of design is taking examples from timeless styles and adapting it to fit the time and voice of the space. Moving forward in interior design is taking traditional styles and finding new tools and ways of inventing the style and look.

“Find your voice. Respect your elders, respect tradition,” KJ said. “There’s a reason why it’s been done the same way for 200 years. We adapt a little bit to that and when we adapt to that, then we advance it.”

“In East Texas, I believe in adapting to wherever we live. You don’t have to completely conform; you don’t have to be a cowboy or an oilman to live here.”

KJ's Steps to Find Your Voice

KJ gives all his client's homework after they meet with him.

Here are the instructions:

1. Get on Pinterest. He recommends it because it’s easily accessible to most people.

2. Listen to your gut. Your immediate reaction stems from fear and from immense places of comfort.

3. On Pinterest look up inspiration. Don’t look up the names of styles, KJ recommends that you use descriptive words in the search. For example, “Small room, big windows,” “No fireplace cozy,” etc. Instead of farmhouse chic or boho, or French country, because it could be misinterpreted.

4. Looking at the pictures from the search, immediately react. Do not study the pictures.

5. After you have saved over a hundred images, you’ll see a pattern emerge within the saved pins. All of them will have something in common, or even a few things.

6. Go through the saved pictures and identify whether you like the whole design, or one element of the picture. One element does not a make a successful space.

7. Narrow down the selection to ones that the whole room is what you like. Then you will get down to ten or twenty rooms

8. Study the narrowed down pictures, then it’ll reveal your voice.

9. Look up descriptors of the list compiled, this helps find a vocabulary that describes your style and space.

10. Use the vocabulary and find designers that have similar styles, follow them, and use their examples.

Young people new to the interior design scene are trying to find a rhythm. They realize the place they come home to after work is not just a shelter from the outside world, that it should be a part of life. Homes actually serve as a form of therapy and hospital. The space in the home should reflect it. It’s why interior design is important and should be thought about at every stage of life, not just when one thinks they are ready to invest in it.

KJ’s Top Moving Tip:

When moving into a new home, KJ has some advice in order to make it feel like home faster. He says that even though it’s tempting to get rid of things and start over, doing this will make your new house feel like a hotel stay for months and years because nothing will feel like home. Therefore, take the old stuff to the new house, even if it’s temporary, so that it feels like home. Then as time goes on, new things come in and the old things slowly fade out or find a new place with a new life.

“It starts when you're young,” KJ said. “Design is good design, whether it be fashion or interior or anything like that. It’s not about revolution. We’re not rebuilding anything, we’re not starting a war, burning it down, running the old monarch out or starting a new thing. It’s about evolution. We’re going to take what we have; we’re not going to start all over. We’re going to do what we can to build on what we have.”

“If you can, learn to find your voice ahead of time so that you can walk into your space and go, wait a minute, I can’t do that in that form, but I can do it in this form. If you learn to find your voice, and then you can sing with your voice, and if you can find it naturally you will end up as someone who has a voice like Celine Dion, or Adele. Both very vastly different, but very signature.”

When in the VieW be sure to enjoy the local food scene. dining options proVide culinary treats across the community from international eateries to homestyle cooking.

it’ll do deli

716 W. MARSHALL AVE.

A local lunch favorite, the deli serves up classic sandwiches that we cannot get enough of. One such local establishment, It’ll Do Deli, is a perennial favorite and regulars attest that it’ll do more than just “do." You’ll find every sandwich imaginable on the menu at this family-run diner that offers up that hometown Americana feel. If you’re looking to branch out from your typical deli fair, we give the March Madness sandwich a try. Taking two halves of avocado and stuffing them with either chicken or tuna salad and a sprinkling of spices, It’ll Do Deli serves up something truly delicious.

papacita’s

305 W. LOOP 281

Papacita’s a Longview landmark since the 80s is known for providing the perfect space for graduation parties, reunions, holiday gatherings, and all sorts of events. The open wood mesquite pit gives their signature fajita’s a distinctive and authentic flavor — something that’s hard to find elsewhere in Longview. An absolute local favorite is the world-famous seasoned chips and salsa that grace every table and are gobbled up just as fast. The original 1981 menu serves as the basis for what is still served today.

pizza king

1100 E. MARSHALL AVE. & 3302 N. 4TH ST.

“A smile in every bite” is more than a motto but a lifestyle for this family-owned business. The original owners opened Pizza King in 1965 and worked tirelessly until they earned their fame with the Best Pizza in East Texas. In 2021 the Springer brothers purchased Pizza King and still use the same secret recipe! Today, there are two locations. The newest location offers carry out or taken-bake, and is conveniently located near Walmart at the Loop and 4th. The original location provides indoor seating, carry outs and/or take-n-bakes.

cace's kitchen

104 N. GREEN ST.

Cajun cuisine rules supreme here and you’ll find deep French roots intertwined with local culture. Flavorful crawfish etouffee and gumbo are just a few hallmarks of Cajun fare. In Longview, The Cace Kitchen is now in its 73rd year of cooking authentic Cace creole dishes. Recently, they have been innovating the way that they do business. Regulars can now find their favorite New Orleans-style dishes such as Creole Shrimp Gumbo, Crawfish Etouffe, Crab-Stuffed Shrimp, and Cace’s Famous Garlic Croutons topped with Sharp Cheddar Cheese Spread — now in a convenient grab-and-go format. Now locals can get any of these dishes and more to experience the hearty and heart-warming aspects of Creole cuisine.

scotties b istro

1188 E. HAWKINS PKWY. SUITE #100

Seeking an upscale menu with a variety of cuisine options? This Parisian Bistro features inventive dishes with the perfect presentation. Scotties Bistro is recognized as the weekend brunch hot spot with both indoor and outdoor dining! You’ll find that Scotties carries on the French tradition of closing the restaurant between the hours of 3 and 5 in order to prepare for the dinner service.

tuscan pig

401 S. HIGH ST.

At the Tuscan Pig, you will find authentic Italian fare from Rodolfo Stefano, an Italian restauranteur originally from the Province of Caserta, just north of Naples. The eclectic dishes of the Tuscan Pig are inspired by Rodolfo’s childhood surrounded by his mother’s carefully simmered sauces. These influences are present in the Tuscan Pig’s handmade lasagnas, made from scratch ragù, alfredo, pink sauce, vegetarian marinara and pesto sauce. The gnocchi pesto topped with Tuscan-style pork is a particular favorite of regulars.

silVer grizzly

100 W. TYLER ST.

Within Silver Grizzly Espresso, a beloved espresso bar, are craft coffee roasters and professionally trained Baristas who strive to provide espresso that’s backed with precision and passion. With wooden booths, greenery, and an airy atmosphere, a homey feeling can be found in this sizable coffee shop. In addition to coffee, Silver Grizzly also offers a selection of teas, pastries and cookies that are sure to satisfy. Local ales and craft beers are also available for your sampling.

oil horse taproom

101 W. TYLER ST.

Cozy down at the local beer brewery, Oil Horse Taproom. Chill vibes await at this craft brewery where knowledgeable staff are keen to educate about their handcrafted beers and offer tastings of their most popular wares. Live music and board games round out the experience at the Oil Horse. Grab your friends and make a night of it at this local hangout.

café b arron’s

405 W. LOOP 281

Café vibes? Then you’re looking for Café Barron’s. For nearly 40 years, Barron’s has been a staple for the perfect for brunch dates or a special night out on the town. Walking up to Café Barron’s you’re welcomed by murals painted with vibrant colors, transporting you to cafés of the past. With a high-end feel without the high prices, the ambiance inside speaks to the classy way this café is managed.

tomboni’s b istro

1811A JUDSON RD.

If healthy food and a good mood are your goal, then Tomboni’s Bistro is the way to go. Housed in a quaint powder blue building, tucked away off Judson Road, this hidden gem offers healthy faire with a seasonal focus. This delicious alternative is the perfect place for lunch or dinner in a relaxing atmosphere. Guests can enjoy Outside Live Thursday – Saturday, April – November. Outside Live provides a venue for families and friends to enjoy live music.

roma’s italian kitchen

102 E. TYLER ST.

A warm and hearty welcome within a cozy and inviting atmosphere comes to mind when you think of an authentic Italian restaurant. Stepping into Roma’s Italian Kitchen, accompanied by a live pianist, you’ll feel that you’ve found the authentic Italian experience. Here, everyone knows your name, and close relationships grow between staff and regulars. Our recommendation? Grab an authentic margherita pizza, or simply get too full of warm freshly baked bread dipped in deliciously seasoned oil.

judd’s doWntoWn

117 E. TYLER ST.

New to the scene and creating buzz is Judd’s Downtown restaurant. Located in the heart of Downtown in a newly renovated and transformed space, Judd’s serves up beautifully plated dishes in an inviting atmosphere. Innovative and traditional cocktails can be found on the menu and can be paired with stellar charcuterie trays. For dessert, order the beautifully caramelized crème brûlée or the enchanting peach cobbler, just like grandma used to make!

JUDDSDOWNTOWN.COM

TOMBONISBISTRO.COM

lizzy’s diner

1301 JUDSON RD.

Home cooking at its best is what Lizzy’s is known for. Foodies know breakfast is served all day every day and lunch specials can range from Salisbury steak to meatloaf to chicken fried chicken. The diner is also known for their homemade soups and desserts! If families can’t get together between 7am - 2pm, takeout is always a great option. You will want to call ahead to make sure you can pick up your favorite craving.

fisherman’s market restaurant & oyster b ar

116 F JOHNSTON ST.

A local favorite serving shrimp, oysters, and fresh seafood since 1973. This family-friendly market is one of the best kept secrets in East Texas. Fisherman’s Market is known for only serving U.S. farm-raised catfish, Gulf shrimp, Gulf oysters, Gulf red snapper, Atlantic salmon, and much more! Enjoy the comfortable casual dining or call ahead for takeout.

lil thai house

212 N. FREDONIA ST.

For authentic Thai cuisine, Lil thai house is the place to go. They are known for taking their time and paying attention to detail to provide the best experience possible. This family-owned business will not compromise on quality and promises that all recipes are made with fresh ingredients. Foodies will have the choice of their level of heat and can even request additional peppers on the side. The owners remind guests, please don’t expect speed or instant cuisine. Allow time for the cook to deliver sensational tastes.

Orthopedic

With Nature

AT THE LONGVIEW ARBORETUM

Spring buds are just around the corner, and the Longview Arboretum continues its growth as destination for natural wonder and events alike.

Gardens Galore

The Longview Arboretum contains lush natural beauty and soon there will be even more to enjoy. The addition of three more gardens is perfect for children, curious-minded individuals, and those seeking a relaxing atmosphere.

The Sensory Garden

Engage your senses with the newest sensory garden. Explore this garden through sight, taste, touch, smell, and hearing through this interactive and educational space. This garden is made possible through a partnership with the Christus Community Impact Fund and Christus Good Shepherd Health System.

The Children’s Garden

Coming Soon! This recently cleared space will house an interactive playscape for children to expand their imagination. Be sure to stay up-to-date regarding this adventure filled garden’s development.

The Japanese Garden

If you seek a relaxing space within the hustle and bustle of Longview, stop by the Japanese Garden at the Arboretum. Meditate or practice yoga at this wonderful slice of serenity made possible by Komatsu Mining.

Do you have a love of gardening? Want to help your community by nurturing its parks? Become a Garden volunteer at the Longview Arboretum!

Contact the Longview Arboretum at info@longviewarboretum.org or call at 903-212-2181.

LONGVIEWARBORETUM.ORG

Pulse The

Longview Arboretum and Nature Center

Activities and Events are embedded into the Longview culture. There is barely a weekend that doesn't provide concerts or events to go to. Be sure and check out the many happenings at VisitLongviewTexas.com.

Have you visited the 26 acres devoted to specimen plantings of trees, shrubs, and flowers? This unique ecosystem is nestled in the heart of Longview. Yes, the Longview Arboretum and Nature Center will stimulate the senses while providing opportunities to learn and engage!

Families can experience numerous events and activities scheduled throughout the year. Start planning now for your personalized Plant and Flower Tour for only $7.00 per person, $5.00 senior rate. If visitors would like to bring a group please schedule at least 7 days in advance for group tours (10 or more). And follow the Arboretum to learn more about the 2023 Summer Science program.

LongviewArboretum.org

Arboretum Spring Concert Series – 2023 Roots in the Gardens Performances are held at the Water’s Edge in the nature garden on Thursday evenings. Be sure and bring a picnic basket, lawn chairs and maybe event a blanket for those cool spring evenings. Doors open at 5PM with music beginning at 6PM. Admission is $10, $5 for children 7-12, and children under 7 are free!

3/30 – Galaxy – A three-piece band established in 1979 playing pure classic rock.

4/6 – The Usual Suspects – This 5-member band plays a great mix of blues, classic rock, and a little country from the 70s, 80s and 90s.

4/13 – Flashbacks – An 8-piece show band playing the 50s and 60s with horns, keyboard, and drums.

4/20 – Probable Cause Band – A 5-piece band playing rock, blues and so much more!

4/27 – Tuxedo Cats – A 4-piece band that plays a little of everything –new to old, rock to country, jazz to ballads, blues to Motown.

Cinco De Mayo – Join us May 5th from 5pm to 9pm to celebrate Mexican culture, music, food, and fun!

The Purple Hulls delight the crowd with their energetic acoustic driven music at Roots in the Gardens, a biannual concert series presented by the Longview Arboretum.

EAST TEXAS SYMPHONIC BAND

Music is in the air! East Texas musicians come together to provide a robust concert series every year. The band is made up of approximately 65 volunteers consisting of adults, high school, and college students. Tickets are $10, students and children always free. Check out what is on tap for the Winter & Spring Season Schedule: February 6 – 7:30pm – LeTourneau University Belcher Center

April 3 – 7:30pm - LeTourneau University Belcher Center

May 22 – 7:00pm – Teague Park Amphitheater –FREE Admission

Contact: info@etsymphonicband.org or 903-738-9442 ETSymphonicBand.org

Longview Museum of Fine Arts – Exhibits and Music

LMFA is known as the destination that fosters beauty, creativity, and the arts. Over 1,000 works of art including paintings, woodcuts, photographs, sculpture, lithographs, serigraphs, collages, and works on paper can be found on display. Each year, the museum brings in culturally and historically significant works from the 19th century to the present and curates exhibitions featuring Texas-based artists to internationally established artists. Currently, LMFA has the following exhibits on display:

History on Canvas: Buffalo Soldiers Revisited

On display November 11 – April 15, 2023

Towards a 21st Century Abstraction

Letourneau University Belcher Center

Audiences delight when taking advantage of the numerous live events when visiting Longview’s beautiful performing arts center. Attendees can experience meet and greets with favorite artists, backstage tours, and more! What’s on tap for this Winter and Spring?

Feb. 10 – Jim Breuer Live and Let Laugh Mar. 4 – Justin Willman Magic for Humans

Mar. 17 – Celtic Angels Ireland

April 29 – Longview Symphony presents Star Wars Through the Years BelcherCenter.com/live

On display October 15, 2022 – February 11, 2023

To inspire future artists the museum hosts the annual Student Invitational. Plus, they provide numerous activities such as art classes and workshops for all ages each summer. Summer classes return June 5 – July 28, 2023.

Concerts

LMFA also welcomes extraordinarily talented musicians throughout the year. Purchase tickets at LMFA.org or at the door. Doors open at 6:30pm and shows start at 7:00pm.

The Arcadian Wild – Saturday, February 11, 2023

Christie Lenée – Friday, March 10, 2023

For more information, visit LMFA.org

Parade of Homes

Thinking about a new home or considering a little remodel? Then you will want to check out the great ideas can be found at the East Texas Builders Association Parade of Homes May 5 & 6 and May 12 & 13. Two weekends of fun and exploration can turn your dreams into reality when touring these beautiful designed and custom built homes. Plus, it provides the perfect opportunity to visit with local builders and see the latest home trends.

Arts!Longview

If you are looking for some real East Texas culture, Longview is the place to be! Activities are scheduled throughout the year which will delight every member of your party. From museums and live theatre to craft beer and artisan coffee, to art festivals and live music, the Arts!Longview Cultural District has it all.

Downtown ArtWalk – Families and friends always enjoy this FREE, self-guided tour hosted quarterly in downtown Longview. Over 100 artisans, food trucks, and street musicians fill the district which strengthens our sense of community and place. ArtwalkLongview.com

LONGVIEW MALL

April

2nd – Longview Craw Fest

The Longview Craw Fest features The Crawfish Cartel and Double HH Crawfish duking it out for the “People’s Choice Award for Best Crawfish.” This year’s event will benefit Kingdom Care and The New Diana Alumni Baseball Association. Enjoy live music from the Blaine Hart Band, a meet and greet with Turtle Man, a cornhole tournament with Marshall Cornhole Crew, axe throwing with Lumberjacks, bucket truck rides, bounce houses, and children's games.

Belcher Center Performance

Artwalk Longview artist demonstrating her work.

LMFA Opening reception for History On Canvas: Buffalo Soldiers Revisited exhibit.

Main Street Longview

Main street Longview is committed to continuing the revitalization of the downtown area with their community partners. Volunteers work alongside City staff to create opportunities that welcome visitors downtown by helping attract businesses, produce events, and provide training. Longview’s Main Street’s represents the broad diversity that makes our community unique.

"The Balloon Race Capital of Texas" by the 83rd Texas Legislature.

Competitive balloon flights are scheduled for the mornings of Friday through Sunday over Longview. Launch and landing sites change each day as they are always determined by wind and the weather.

Longview PRCA Rodeo

Bring the kids and family to enjoy our PRCA Rodeo on April 21-22, 2023. For the 32nd year in a row an amazing show has been planned. The rodeo is tons of fun for all ages. Kids can enjoy Mutton Bustin’! That’s right this crowd thriller is just for the kiddos! Typically, this classic competition is designed for the little ones to ride like bull riders but on sheep. Or perhaps Chicks N Chaps is more your style. Enjoy seeing women rope, ride, and more! These ladies spend the day having fun while raising money for cancer. Don’t worry, this two-day Rodeo provides it all!

Downtown Live – Spring Concert Schedule

Fridays this spring at 5pm on Heritage Plaza. Free Admission!

4/07 – Dagnabbit

4/14 – Teazur

4/21 – Matt Coats

4/28 – Low D

5/12 – Lee Mathis and the Brutally Handsome

5/19 – Mason Dawson

5/26 – Covie

Wine Swirl - April 22, 2023 – Visitors will want to come out and learn more about complexities of wine. Did you know a wine’s taste is created through our nose and not our mouth?

Longview Tours – We'll Show You All The Best Places!

The Discover Longview Tour is a great way for customer-facing employees to learn about restaurants and attractions in our community. Organized by Visit Longview, the tour is great for hotel employees, restaurant workers, or anyone wanting to learn more about our lovely town. Join us on the next tour so you'll be prepared to answer, "What's fun to do in Longview?" For more information email info@VisitLongviewTexas.com or call 903-753-3281.

Great Texas Balloon Race

U.S. National Hot Air Balloon Championship returns to Longview June 12-18, 2023 to join with the annual Great Texas Balloon Race competition June 16-18 — a world class event attracting the very best competitive pilots from across the United States and the world.

Considered by many of the pilots that compete to be the best-run event on the circuit, the Great Texas Balloon Race earned Longview the official designation as "The Balloon Capital of Texas" by the Governor of Texas in 1985. In 2013 Gregg County was proclaimed

Lee Mathis and the Brutally Handsome performing at Downtown Live.

GTBR.NET

The Balloon Glow, a crowd-pleasing highlight of the Great Texas Balloon Race every year, where race participants gather for a spectacular show of dozens of glowing balloon canopies and great live music.

Proud to be part of the Longview community, serving the needs of the global mining market.

Education

GUIDE

Longview ISD

8,621 PK, K-12 Total Enrollment

High School Total Enrollment: 2,141

AP® Participation Rate: 53%

15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

98% Graduation Rate

Minority Enrollment: 79%

Economically Disadvantaged: 56%

1 of 3 High Schools In Longview

Advanced Placement® Coursework and Exams

Pine Tree ISD

4,500 PK, K-12 Total Enrollment

High School Total Enrollment: 1,266

AP® Participation Rate: 30%

14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

98% Graduation Rate

Minority Enrollment: 63%

Economically Disadvantaged: 51%

Oak Forest Montessori School

8 Wks - K

This school ls modeled after what Dr. Maria Montessori called "the prepared environment," an environment which possesses order and logic.

Accredited by Cognia

Spring Hill ISD

2,019 PK, K-12 Total Enrollment

High School Total Enrollment: 525

AP® Participation Rate: 42%

14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

98.2% Graduation Rate

Proficient in Reading and Math: 54%

Minority Enrollment: 30%

Economically Disadvantaged: 28%

Advanced Placement® Coursework and Exams

The Only High school in Spring Hill ISD

UT Tyler University Academy

265 1-12 Total Enrollment

1:20 K-5 Student-Teacher Ratio

1:25 6-12 Student-Teacher Ratio

100% Graduation Rate

Attend a 4-Year College After Graduation: 80%

Accredited by TEA (Texas Education Agency) / We are a University Public Charter School

Christian Heritage Classical School

259 PK, K-12 Total Enrollment

6:1 Student-Teach Ratio

100% Graduation Rate

Attend a 4-Year College after Graduation: 87%

Offers Athletics and Fine Arts

Accredited by Cognia

St. Mary's Catholic School

PK, 3-12

Fully accredited by the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops Education Department, Southern Association of Colleges, and Cognia

Longview Christian School

349 K-12 Enrollment

10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

100% Graduation Rate

Attend 4-Year College After Graduation: 85%

Offers Athletics and Fine Arts

Accredited by ACSI - Association of Christian Schools International

Trinity School of Texas

293 PK-12 Total Enrollment

9:1 Student-Teacher Ratio

100% Graduation Rate

Attend a 4-Year College after Graduation: 87%

Accredited by Cognia, Southwestern Association of Episcopal Schools

PUBLIC SCHOOL

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PUBLIC SCHOOL

PUBLIC SCHOOL PRIVATE SCHOOL

PRIVATE SCHOOL

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Healthcare

Longview’s medical corridor is a major part of the local economy and is often a reason people choose to relocate to the city. If you work in the healthcare field, need a specific type of treatment or are simply assured by the thought of having state of the art facilities and personnel at your service, you appreciate this aspect of Longview. The city’s medical facilities provide some of the most advanced healthcare services east of I-35. Two fully equipped and modern hospitals, CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Medical Center and Longview Regional Medical Center, offer care from a staff of doctors and healthcare specialists who have received national attention for their medical achievements.

There are also dozens of medical clinics with a variety of specialties. Hundreds of physicians offer quality care in every major medical specialty. A complete range of medical services, surgical services, and emergency care are available in the heart of the city.

Longview Regional Medical Center was awarded the America’s 50 Best Hospitals for Vascular Surgery Award™ (2020, 2019, 2018).

LRMC is a 230-bed facility, with 180 physicians and healthcare professionals. They are known for being quality-driven, and nationally recognized for chest pain and stroke care. LRMC is dedicated to great patient service, with multi-specialty clinical expertise.

CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Medical Center (CGSMC) is proud to announce that it is among the first health care organizations in the country to earn ClearHealth Quality Institute™ (CHQI) accreditation for telemedicine. CGSMC in Longview is a notfor-profit, full service, acute care, 425-bed regional referral center. As one of the region’s top Level III Trauma Centers and home to the region’s first Level III NICU, it serves a vital role in the health of all the residents it serves. CGSMC Longview is also:

A Certified Primary Stroke Center with 24-hour neurosurgery coverage

Longview’s only Center for Robotics and Minimally Invasive Surgery

Breast Center of Excellence

An Accredited Chest Pain Center with 24/7 Cardiac Cath Lab availability