Growing up, East Texas was where my family headed for holidays, summers, and family time. The quaint cities offer a nice change of pace from the bustle of Dallas and Houston. East Texas is where I learned how to drive, where I almost drowned time and again on our jet ski, and where my family has repeatedly collected a lifetime of laughs and other memories. I’m excited for you to see some of my adventures while there.
Athens, Texas
Athens Old Fiddler Reunion
Each year, on a Friday night and Saturday at the end of May, Athens holds a Fiddler’s Contest and Reunion event. Fiddler’s from across the greater Texas area come and play for a great crowd of people in their own lawn chairs. There’s also lots of carnival food or, my favorite, street tacos!
One of the most charming parts of the festival is watching old men match up together under a huge tree and jam out on their guitars and fiddles while the wives are out of earshot playing bridge. It just screams old town Texas to me. This pet-friendly event is fun for the whole family, especially when the weather is nice! Bring your chair, cooler, cash, book, cards; fun awaits!
Check out there Facebook Page for updated information about the upcoming year.
Malakoff, Texas
Bookish
211 S Terry St, Malakoff, TX 75148
Independent bookstores are community heroes in my eyes! But nothing beats an independent bookstore in a SMALL town. Bookish is a TREASURE! They have new and used books, coffees, a free bookshelf, community meeting areas, and comfy seating to try a good book out. They even let Ellie come explore with me!
Ochoa’s Mexican Restaurant
515 W Royall Blvd, Malakoff, TX 75148
You won’t find many fine dining options or well-known chain sit-down restaurants in Malakoff. Though its neighbor Athens offers more restaurants, you can find some dining options here. One of my family’s staples is Ochoa’s Mexican Restaurant. We always order frozen margaritas & swirls (frozen lime margarita mixed with sangria).
The food is average TexMex food (enchiladas, tacos, and such). The salsa and chips are often warm and crunchy with a good amount of spice. The food isn’t very flavorful but is doused in cheese which is always appreciated. Though it’s busy on weekend nights, there’s not normally a long wait so you can get in and out very easily.
Paris, Texas
Burgerland
1301 N Main St, Paris, TX 75460
As we were exploring, we asked some locals where they would suggest getting some lunch with some outdoor seating. They recommended Burgerland. I was a little weary because of the appearance but the staff was great, the food was great, and they even had a doggie patty cooked with no spices or oils!
We were traveling during the pandemic, so indoor dining was closed, but is now currently open.
Eiffel Tower
2025 S Collegiate Dr, Paris, TX 75460
Texas has multiple international symbols that they’ve adapted with their own spin. The iconic 70-foot Eiffel Tower replica was built in 1993, but the giant shiny red hat wasn’t added until 1998. Though I haven’t seen it yet, seeing it during the night can be exciting too as it has LED lights that are programmed for holidays and can be rented for gender reveals. It’s free to visit and a great photo opportunity!
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