Piney Woods Texas and/or Shreveport LA ideas?
Sep 14th, 2006, 11:55 AM
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Piney Woods Texas and/or Shreveport LA ideas?
Any Fodorite hot tips for small towns, shops, food, other not -to-be-missed stuff, in NE Texas and Shreveport/Bossier City? Thanks in advance for suggestions.
I've found a few lovely surprises in Texarkana so far, including a fantastic bakery/coffee house (Doughnut Cafe) that makes great espresso drinks and beignets to rival NOLA'S!!!
I've found a few lovely surprises in Texarkana so far, including a fantastic bakery/coffee house (Doughnut Cafe) that makes great espresso drinks and beignets to rival NOLA'S!!!
Sep 18th, 2006, 02:59 AM
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When will you be there?
If you are in Tyler and want a good burger, go to Jucy's.
Also in Tyler - Janie's Cakes have been written up in Southern Living Magazine. The cinnamon one is my favorite. If you fall in love with them, you can have more shipped.
In July, there is a terrific hot air balloon rally in Longview. Always plan on going early as the traffic is a bear.
I've heard the steam train running between Palestine and Rusk is soon closing. Although not wildly exciting, it is a step back in time. I would recommend having two people drive in two vehicles to drop one off at the second station. Both drivers come back in one car and everyone rides the train one way.
The baked goods at the Butcher Shop (Longview) in Longview were very tempting. We went one morning for breakfast after some locals recommended it.
I think I remember reading some other things about East Texas on Chowhound.com.
Good luck... it seems that we have few posters here that venture into East Texas.
I know nothing about S/BC.
If you are in Tyler and want a good burger, go to Jucy's.
Also in Tyler - Janie's Cakes have been written up in Southern Living Magazine. The cinnamon one is my favorite. If you fall in love with them, you can have more shipped.
In July, there is a terrific hot air balloon rally in Longview. Always plan on going early as the traffic is a bear.
I've heard the steam train running between Palestine and Rusk is soon closing. Although not wildly exciting, it is a step back in time. I would recommend having two people drive in two vehicles to drop one off at the second station. Both drivers come back in one car and everyone rides the train one way.
The baked goods at the Butcher Shop (Longview) in Longview were very tempting. We went one morning for breakfast after some locals recommended it.
I think I remember reading some other things about East Texas on Chowhound.com.
Good luck... it seems that we have few posters here that venture into East Texas.
I know nothing about S/BC.
Sep 18th, 2006, 05:47 AM
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Jefferson is a cute little town that has a lot of history behind it. It's only an hour's drive from S/BC. http://www.jefferson-texas.com/
Natchitoches (say "natch-i-tish") is also a great day trip. This is where Steel Magnolias was filmed! http://www.natchitoches.net/index.php
Natchitoches (say "natch-i-tish") is also a great day trip. This is where Steel Magnolias was filmed! http://www.natchitoches.net/index.php
Sep 18th, 2006, 06:52 AM
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when R U going? If time, go to www.traveltex.com and order a travel guide. Texas is known for big, and they put out a BIG travel guide that tells things to do/see in EVERY town in the whole state. Can also call 1-800-8888-TEX to get one. It's almost 300 pages! My best friend lives in Marshall, TX (30 mi. west of Shreveport). I love Longview, great restaurants & shopping. Super Mexican restaurant in Marshall, but can't think of the name of it.
Sep 20th, 2006, 12:53 AM
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Thank you , Moldy, Christie, and Payton's GM!!! This trip will be in October, but as I'm moving part-time to Texarkana, I know there will be amny other trips and the fun of learning about a different (for me) part of the country.
Moldy, I'd been planning a trip to Tyler as my fav candles in the whole world are made three (Tyler Candles). Their scents are amazing. "Texas" is like a fragrant campfire.
So now we can try on Janie's cakes too.
We will try to make it to Longview and Marshall and Jefferson this time. Longview has good shopping and good breakfasts? <My kind of town.
Natchitoches' web site is intriguing--a geat idea for an overnighter trip from T'kana via Shreveport.
Thanks again to you. I'll do a lttle trip report after return and hope to drum up some more interest in this area!
Moldy, I'd been planning a trip to Tyler as my fav candles in the whole world are made three (Tyler Candles). Their scents are amazing. "Texas" is like a fragrant campfire.
So now we can try on Janie's cakes too.
We will try to make it to Longview and Marshall and Jefferson this time. Longview has good shopping and good breakfasts? <My kind of town.
Natchitoches' web site is intriguing--a geat idea for an overnighter trip from T'kana via Shreveport.
Thanks again to you. I'll do a lttle trip report after return and hope to drum up some more interest in this area!
Sep 20th, 2006, 10:04 AM
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Moldy, if you haven't yet tried them, Panache and Mulled Cider are incredible! I'm hoping Tyler Candles has some sort of outlet area at the main place,with slightly imperfect looking candles for sale.
I took a mental mini-trip earlier "googling" all the above recommendations. Janie's Cakes are pound cakes???!! Great!! Better lose a few pounds myself, prior to that trip.
I took a mental mini-trip earlier "googling" all the above recommendations. Janie's Cakes are pound cakes???!! Great!! Better lose a few pounds myself, prior to that trip.
Sep 20th, 2006, 01:57 PM
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Janie's cakes are definitely not yo' momma's pound cakes... well, at least not mine!
I highly recommend the cinnamon!
A friend of mine is a serious foodie and she shipped three home just from having a small sliver of cake!
I highly recommend the cinnamon!
A friend of mine is a serious foodie and she shipped three home just from having a small sliver of cake!
Sep 23rd, 2006, 08:04 PM
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CaliNurse -
Gosh! Where to start?!? I live in Kilgore which is between Tyler and Longview off I-20. I've been in this area all my life, so I think I might have some suggestions for you.
Tyler: Mercado's for mexican food. Jakes & Ricks on the square downtown for nightlife. Into The Wind for outdoor goodies (windsocks, flags) on loop 323 right behind the mall. Cute little shop we can spend hours in.
Lindale (just north of Tyler on 69): Lindale Candy Factory. Handmade candies at a place that's been in business for a zillion years. It's a yearly treat for us when we go over to see SantaLand near Christmas.
Mineola (further north on 69): East Texas Burger Co. at the corner of 69 / Hwy. 80. Forget Jucy's in Tyler. HERE is where the REAL burgers live. And DO NOT miss the sweet potato fries. And next door they have La Waffelleta which is a cute little bistro / antique store kinda place. Also a cool place to spend an afternoon.
Grand Saline: On Hwy. 80 back towards Dallas a bit from Mineola. Don't miss the Salt Palace. It's a house actually made from salt. Morton Salt still operates in this town making the salt that's in the blue canister in your kitchen right now. Don't worry about getting caught licking the side of the building . . . we've all done it!
Kilgore: East Texas Oil Museum and Rangerette Museum on the Kilgore College campus. We take it for granted because we're here, but both of these are worthwhile. Charlie's Snoballs on Main Street for hawaiian style shave-ice. Package Plus on Main Street for Circle E candles that will make you forget all about those Tyler Candles. The Vinery at the corner of Main and Longview St. for antique / wine shopping. Also some really cool vintage jewelry here. Expressions in the midtown shopping center for some very cool gift ideas. Bodacious BBQ on Hwy. 42 & I-20 for some hellacious ribs and sliced brisket.
Gladewater: Hwy. 80 10 miles from I-20. Antiques, antiques, antiques. Plan to spend hours here.
Longview: If you're just dying to try Jucy's there are two of them in Longview. They have a fabulous breakfast at the one on 80. The Butcher Shop (as mentioned earlier) DOES have wonderful bakery items, but it would be a travesty to go there and not have chicken-fried steak. Don't miss Dressin' Gaudy on the loop for Cute (with a capital C) outfits with every possible matching accessory under the sun. Very unique store. BJAXX on Gilmer road for CHEAP handbags and earrings. Dudley's Cajun food is good if you like spicy. Gerald's downtown on Tyler St. is a cool martini bar for nightlife.
Marshall: Right on I-20 past Marshall is a little green sign that says Marshall Pottery exit now. It exits onto a little FM road that goes right to the store. Spend a minute watching the artisans throw pots. And then look behind them and come to the realization of how many they must do in one day. Marshall Pottery has been in continuous operation for a very long time and their pottery can be found all over the world. There is a cool little restaurant in downtown Marshall across from the courthouse called Venue for nouveau cuisine. Also an oyster bar next door owned by the same folks. Marshall also has some beautiful old homes down near the courthouse so take a second to drive around and look.
Jefferson: Antiques, antiques, more antiques. Gorgeous old homes here. Also the Excelsior hotel is worth going inside and looking around. One of the most haunted places in Texas I might add. I know, I wouldn't believe it either if I hadn't experienced it firsthand. There is a museum next to the Excelsior that costs little of nothing to get into that's worth a peek. On the other end of the same street is the General Store. Somehow time just passes when we go in there.
Don't leave without a bottle of peach and onion hot sauce. A couple doors on down from the General Store on the corner is a tiny little hole in the wall restaurant that serves pie and something called a cornbread ham and cheese sandwich. I know how awful that sounds but it's one of the best things I've ever eaten. On that same road there's a bar called Annie Skinners that occasionally has good live entertainment. If you plan on staying overnight look up the folks at Pride House B & B. It's the oldest bed and breakfast in the state, and oddly enough owned by a nurse who travels to California to work during the week! They have one bedroom there with an attached bathroom that has a rainshower. Very cool treat.
Shreveport / Bossier City: Gambling. Whoopee! If you are the type of person who goes to Vegas then the gambling here will not interest you at all. VERY tight slots, LOTS of smoke, VERY cramped conditions. Just on the other side of the river they've built a shopping center with a Bass Pro Shop and some other shops. I hear there's a purse outlet there worth checking out, but haven't gotten there yet. If you are an outdoorsy person then don't miss the Bass Pro Shop. At the foot of the Texas street bridge there's a bar called the Blind Tiger for nightlife. By all means don't miss Superior Bar & Grill on Line Ave. Absolutely the best fajitas and margaritas in a 250 mile radius. They've been written up repeatedly in Southern Living, and you can tell by the number of people always waiting. Go early and have a world famous margarita at the bar while you wait.
Sorry this post is so long. I know as soon as I push SEND I'll think about 74 more things I should have told you. You'll hear from me again I'm sure. And thanks for the heads up on the Kauai stuff. Please feel free to post any more questions you might have about my area!
Gosh! Where to start?!? I live in Kilgore which is between Tyler and Longview off I-20. I've been in this area all my life, so I think I might have some suggestions for you.
Tyler: Mercado's for mexican food. Jakes & Ricks on the square downtown for nightlife. Into The Wind for outdoor goodies (windsocks, flags) on loop 323 right behind the mall. Cute little shop we can spend hours in.
Lindale (just north of Tyler on 69): Lindale Candy Factory. Handmade candies at a place that's been in business for a zillion years. It's a yearly treat for us when we go over to see SantaLand near Christmas.
Mineola (further north on 69): East Texas Burger Co. at the corner of 69 / Hwy. 80. Forget Jucy's in Tyler. HERE is where the REAL burgers live. And DO NOT miss the sweet potato fries. And next door they have La Waffelleta which is a cute little bistro / antique store kinda place. Also a cool place to spend an afternoon.
Grand Saline: On Hwy. 80 back towards Dallas a bit from Mineola. Don't miss the Salt Palace. It's a house actually made from salt. Morton Salt still operates in this town making the salt that's in the blue canister in your kitchen right now. Don't worry about getting caught licking the side of the building . . . we've all done it!
Kilgore: East Texas Oil Museum and Rangerette Museum on the Kilgore College campus. We take it for granted because we're here, but both of these are worthwhile. Charlie's Snoballs on Main Street for hawaiian style shave-ice. Package Plus on Main Street for Circle E candles that will make you forget all about those Tyler Candles. The Vinery at the corner of Main and Longview St. for antique / wine shopping. Also some really cool vintage jewelry here. Expressions in the midtown shopping center for some very cool gift ideas. Bodacious BBQ on Hwy. 42 & I-20 for some hellacious ribs and sliced brisket.
Gladewater: Hwy. 80 10 miles from I-20. Antiques, antiques, antiques. Plan to spend hours here.
Longview: If you're just dying to try Jucy's there are two of them in Longview. They have a fabulous breakfast at the one on 80. The Butcher Shop (as mentioned earlier) DOES have wonderful bakery items, but it would be a travesty to go there and not have chicken-fried steak. Don't miss Dressin' Gaudy on the loop for Cute (with a capital C) outfits with every possible matching accessory under the sun. Very unique store. BJAXX on Gilmer road for CHEAP handbags and earrings. Dudley's Cajun food is good if you like spicy. Gerald's downtown on Tyler St. is a cool martini bar for nightlife.
Marshall: Right on I-20 past Marshall is a little green sign that says Marshall Pottery exit now. It exits onto a little FM road that goes right to the store. Spend a minute watching the artisans throw pots. And then look behind them and come to the realization of how many they must do in one day. Marshall Pottery has been in continuous operation for a very long time and their pottery can be found all over the world. There is a cool little restaurant in downtown Marshall across from the courthouse called Venue for nouveau cuisine. Also an oyster bar next door owned by the same folks. Marshall also has some beautiful old homes down near the courthouse so take a second to drive around and look.
Jefferson: Antiques, antiques, more antiques. Gorgeous old homes here. Also the Excelsior hotel is worth going inside and looking around. One of the most haunted places in Texas I might add. I know, I wouldn't believe it either if I hadn't experienced it firsthand. There is a museum next to the Excelsior that costs little of nothing to get into that's worth a peek. On the other end of the same street is the General Store. Somehow time just passes when we go in there.
Don't leave without a bottle of peach and onion hot sauce. A couple doors on down from the General Store on the corner is a tiny little hole in the wall restaurant that serves pie and something called a cornbread ham and cheese sandwich. I know how awful that sounds but it's one of the best things I've ever eaten. On that same road there's a bar called Annie Skinners that occasionally has good live entertainment. If you plan on staying overnight look up the folks at Pride House B & B. It's the oldest bed and breakfast in the state, and oddly enough owned by a nurse who travels to California to work during the week! They have one bedroom there with an attached bathroom that has a rainshower. Very cool treat.
Shreveport / Bossier City: Gambling. Whoopee! If you are the type of person who goes to Vegas then the gambling here will not interest you at all. VERY tight slots, LOTS of smoke, VERY cramped conditions. Just on the other side of the river they've built a shopping center with a Bass Pro Shop and some other shops. I hear there's a purse outlet there worth checking out, but haven't gotten there yet. If you are an outdoorsy person then don't miss the Bass Pro Shop. At the foot of the Texas street bridge there's a bar called the Blind Tiger for nightlife. By all means don't miss Superior Bar & Grill on Line Ave. Absolutely the best fajitas and margaritas in a 250 mile radius. They've been written up repeatedly in Southern Living, and you can tell by the number of people always waiting. Go early and have a world famous margarita at the bar while you wait.
Sorry this post is so long. I know as soon as I push SEND I'll think about 74 more things I should have told you. You'll hear from me again I'm sure. And thanks for the heads up on the Kauai stuff. Please feel free to post any more questions you might have about my area!
Sep 24th, 2006, 01:07 AM
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Again, a huge thanks to all who responded. That there seem to be few NE Texas Fodorites makes these answers even more special.
Since I expect to be living in Texarkana at least part time for yrs, i plan to see and taste and smell (candles!) all i've read about here!
Payton's GM, sorry, Tyler Candles doesnt make a creme brulee specifically, but if you get a chance to sniff them-i'm sure at least one will fit the bill. Or there are MauiPigFarmer's Circle E candles to try!
AMAZING details, MPF. WOW!!!
Intesting indeed about the other Cali Nurse at the B and B, as that is my plan for when i live in T'kana--to enjoy life there, and return part of the time to Bay Area to work in the hosptial. My daughter (who occasionally posts on Fodors too) will go ga-ga at all the shopping recommendations. And because of the Blue Collar Comedy fellas, i've always wanted to go to a Bass Pro Shop!!
We all need a Northeast Texas GTG in the future!! i already had the great pleasure of meeting Fodorite Happytourist in Hot Springs Village,AR--not far from this part of Texas.
Since I expect to be living in Texarkana at least part time for yrs, i plan to see and taste and smell (candles!) all i've read about here!
Payton's GM, sorry, Tyler Candles doesnt make a creme brulee specifically, but if you get a chance to sniff them-i'm sure at least one will fit the bill. Or there are MauiPigFarmer's Circle E candles to try!
AMAZING details, MPF. WOW!!!
Intesting indeed about the other Cali Nurse at the B and B, as that is my plan for when i live in T'kana--to enjoy life there, and return part of the time to Bay Area to work in the hosptial. My daughter (who occasionally posts on Fodors too) will go ga-ga at all the shopping recommendations. And because of the Blue Collar Comedy fellas, i've always wanted to go to a Bass Pro Shop!!
We all need a Northeast Texas GTG in the future!! i already had the great pleasure of meeting Fodorite Happytourist in Hot Springs Village,AR--not far from this part of Texas.
Sep 24th, 2006, 05:44 PM
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Let's absolutely plan a GTG. Sounds like great fun. I hope your October trip goes well. Like I said, if you think of any more questions just give me a heads up! Thanks for the hotwire info too, going there to look right now.
Sep 28th, 2006, 02:35 PM
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So a few more ideas for you.
In Kilgore, a cute shop called I think 207. I know its numbers, I'm just not sure what the numbers exactly are. And stop at the Cuban liquor store, it's just room after room of alcohol.
In Longview, don't forget to stop in Barron's Bookstore. The cafe is great for lunch and dinner and the bookstore has way more than just books, it has lots of cute gifts.
In Shreveport - Best gift shops, Lewis Gifts on Youree Drive, L'oasis and there are lots of cute chops off of Line avenue. If you are into shoes don't miss Imelda's shoes stores near the superior Steakhouse (owned by the same people who own Superior Grill). it's a great place to get drinks and perhaps see some celebrities who may be filming a movie in shreveport.
Oh Lewis gifts also has a great cafe to get paninis for lunch. Near there is a new shopping area that has shops like White House/ Black Market and chico's, in that area is Fairfield grocery which is a great place to eat and to pick up prepared stuff to take home to cook.
And dont' forget to visit Norton Art Gallery in Shreveport especially when the azaleas are in bloom.
In Kilgore, a cute shop called I think 207. I know its numbers, I'm just not sure what the numbers exactly are. And stop at the Cuban liquor store, it's just room after room of alcohol.
In Longview, don't forget to stop in Barron's Bookstore. The cafe is great for lunch and dinner and the bookstore has way more than just books, it has lots of cute gifts.
In Shreveport - Best gift shops, Lewis Gifts on Youree Drive, L'oasis and there are lots of cute chops off of Line avenue. If you are into shoes don't miss Imelda's shoes stores near the superior Steakhouse (owned by the same people who own Superior Grill). it's a great place to get drinks and perhaps see some celebrities who may be filming a movie in shreveport.
Oh Lewis gifts also has a great cafe to get paninis for lunch. Near there is a new shopping area that has shops like White House/ Black Market and chico's, in that area is Fairfield grocery which is a great place to eat and to pick up prepared stuff to take home to cook.
And dont' forget to visit Norton Art Gallery in Shreveport especially when the azaleas are in bloom.
Sep 28th, 2006, 03:11 PM
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CaliNurse, did I understand correctly that you will be living in that area part-time now? If so, get your reservations in now for your Christmas trip to Natchitoches. You won't want to miss that while living even part time in the area! ;-)
Sep 28th, 2006, 10:20 PM
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What a great surprise to find more information!! Thank you Williamscb, for the tips on food, shops (YES!!) and more on Shreveport. How did you all know I have a thing for unique gift shops?
BayouGal!! Hey, welcome back from your trip! Thanks for the tip on Christmas in Natchitoches, which thanks to Christie's post above, I at least know how to pronounce!
Unfortunately I have to work before and on Christmas this year. But you're right--i will be in the area, a week periodically througout hte coming yr to start, then more and more frequently as the months and yrs progress. So there will defintely be other Christmasses to anticipate that trip to Natchitoches! My dtr may be there at Christmas and I'll pass on your recommendation.
BTW,I'm reading and loving James Michener's "Texas" in which there's an entire long (as are all of Michener's) chapter about NE Texas.
Thanks again to all. The NE Texas travel file is growing thicker, and contains your helpful advice.
BayouGal!! Hey, welcome back from your trip! Thanks for the tip on Christmas in Natchitoches, which thanks to Christie's post above, I at least know how to pronounce!
Unfortunately I have to work before and on Christmas this year. But you're right--i will be in the area, a week periodically througout hte coming yr to start, then more and more frequently as the months and yrs progress. So there will defintely be other Christmasses to anticipate that trip to Natchitoches! My dtr may be there at Christmas and I'll pass on your recommendation.
BTW,I'm reading and loving James Michener's "Texas" in which there's an entire long (as are all of Michener's) chapter about NE Texas.
Thanks again to all. The NE Texas travel file is growing thicker, and contains your helpful advice.
Oct 17th, 2006, 11:52 AM
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Melh, great timing for your reply--was just searching for this thread as I leave tomorrow for a week in the area.
Haven't yet been to Longview, but ( non-travel related) can recommend insurance agent and mortgage lender who helped tremendously during recent home purchase transactions . Seriously, feel free to email me at [email protected] if any questions.
Paytons GM, if you see this, those Circle E candles makes your creme brulee scent .
Thanks again to all who sent ideas!!!
Haven't yet been to Longview, but ( non-travel related) can recommend insurance agent and mortgage lender who helped tremendously during recent home purchase transactions . Seriously, feel free to email me at [email protected] if any questions.
Paytons GM, if you see this, those Circle E candles makes your creme brulee scent .
Thanks again to all who sent ideas!!!
Oct 17th, 2006, 07:28 PM
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CaliNurse,
Thanks for the tip on the creme brulee candles... I have already looked up & bookmarked Circle E Candles, as I can see great Christmas gifts, as well as CB candles for myself. Thanks to MauiPigFarmer for turning us in that direction. I love this website and travel talk!!
Thanks for the tip on the creme brulee candles... I have already looked up & bookmarked Circle E Candles, as I can see great Christmas gifts, as well as CB candles for myself. Thanks to MauiPigFarmer for turning us in that direction. I love this website and travel talk!!
