Athens Travel Guide

 
by msbrandysue
 
  •   Athens
    by msbrandysue
  •   Athens
    by msbrandysue
  •   Athens
    by msbrandysue
  •   Things to Do
    by msbrandysue
  •   Things to Do
    by msbrandysue
 

Explore Athens

Things to Do  

Walk Downtown

Walk Downtown, Athens

 msbrandysue Says:  Downtown Athens is fun to walk along to people-watch and do a bit of shopping. It's also the setting for many of the more special events in Athens: Black Eyed Pea Festival, Fiddler Festival, etc. They have some shops you can go into and some eateries. I just like how... 

Tara Vineyard and Winery

Tara Vineyard and Winery, Athens

 msbrandysue Says:  After eating (our mistake) we headed to the Tara Vineyard. Unfortunately, we were really full and had already had a LARGE margarita. That Saturday night the Winery was putting on a concert and charging about $10 for it. When we got there we waited in the Winery to do some... 

Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center

Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center, Athens

 msbrandysue Says:  I heard of the Fishery from the Visitors Center brochure. My aunt and I went on a hot, sunny day. When we walked up the tram was in the front of the building and asked if we wanted to go get on as it was the last go-around for the day. We told the friendly park rangers that... 

Visitor's Center

Visitor's Center, Athens

 msbrandysue Says:  While walking around the square in downtown we stopped in the Visitors Center. What a welcoming place! The woman manning the desk was so friendly and helpful. She let me take all of the flyers I would like while striking up a conversation with me and my aunt. Make sure to... 

1913 Henderson County Courthouse

1913 Henderson County Courthouse, Athens

 msbrandysue Says:  In Downtown Athens the local court house makes up the center stage. Inside are the fully functioning local courts and pictures of the town lawyers and judges. Outside, on the grounds, are the fiddler statue, honoring the artform. It also has plenty of benches to enjoy those... 

East Texas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens

East Texas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, Athens

 msbrandysue Says:  I requested the Athens Visitors guide online and it mentioned about three-five main things to do. One of them was the East Texas Arboretum. So my aunt and I had a "stay-cation" and explored Athens one weekend.The Arboretum is very beautiful and a nature lovers dream. It is... 

Visit the Lake

Visit the Lake, Athens

 msbrandysue Says:  My favorite things to do at the lake:1) Watch the sunset2) Rent a boat3) Rent a jet-ski4) Feed the ducks5) Read a book on the pierThere is not a whole hell of a lot to do in East Texas except treasure the simple life and relax. Lake Athens is a great place to do this (as... 

Fiddlers Statue

Fiddlers Statue, Athens

 keeweechic Says:  This cute bronze character was sculptured by Albert Stewart and was erected for the Sesquicentennial Project 1839-1986. The statue is in dedication to the Athens Fiddlers Association. This style of music once brought courage to the starving troops at Valley Forge and was... 

East Texas Arboretum

East Texas Arboretum, Athens

 keeweechic Says:  The East Texas Arboretum spread over 100 acres incorporating marsh and swampland to pastureland plus an 80 foot high elevation. They are still developing areas and broadening the garden into what will become one of the most lovely sites in East Texas. 

Hotels  

Super 8 Athens

 63 Opinions

Restaurants  

The Jalepeno Tree: Good Mexican Food

The Jalepeno Tree: Good Mexican Food, Athens

 msbrandysue Says:  So, I think there's a curse on small, East Texas independent restaurants. I mean, even some of the fast food joints can't always make it. That being said, I've eaten at many a Mexican restaurants in Athens, Texas and I think The Jalepeno Tree is here to stay. Not only... 

McAlister's Deli: Reliable Deli

McAlister's Deli: Reliable Deli, Athens

 msbrandysue Says:  McAlister's Deli is a chain that spans many states but I'm always surprised what Athens has, being a smaller city in East Texas. I love going to McAlister's because it's easy, laid back, and tasty. When you walk into the restaurant you go place your order at the counter.... 

Transportation  

Exploring Athens

Exploring Athens, Athens

 msbrandysue Says:  Well, to get to Athens you're going to have to have a car anyway, because any other route would be extremely costly. And when you get here, you need a car to get around.Although the center of Athens is quite large compared to the surrounding areas, most of the roads are one... 

Shopping  

Wagon Wheel Antique Mall: Antique Shopping

Wagon Wheel Antique Mall: Antique Shopping, Athens

 msbrandysue Says:  My aunt and I had both gotten a flyer to the Wagon Wheel. Outside there was a garage sale or two taking place. I got some childrens books for a pretty good price. When we went inside it was not a garage sale feel. They have this establishment set up in a small booths. Each... 

On the Square Antiques

On the Square Antiques, Athens

 keeweechic Says:  On of several antique stores on the courthouse square to wander through. This area is known as Athens Alley. Don’t bother visiting on Sunday, Monday or Tuesday because this store is only open Wed – Saturday, 10.00am – 5.00pm. 

Local Customs  

The Fiddlin' Spirit

The Fiddlin' Spirit, Athens

 msbrandysue Says:  Athens is home to the Old Fiddler's Contest that I've unfortunately never been able to attend. However, they honor this art form in the square, by the old courthouse. There stands a bronze sculpture of an old fiddler. Fiddlin' is no joke in this city. If you are in the area... 

Home of the Hamburger

Home of the Hamburger, Athens

 keeweechic Says:  There have been many stories on who invented the Hamburger but it seems that Athens lays claim to the first ground beef being put between slices of bread, garnished with ground mustard, mixed with mayonnaise, a big slice of Bermuda onion and sliced cucumber pickles. After a... 

Off The Beaten Path  

Palestine

Palestine, Athens

 keeweechic Says:  Palestine is around 34 miles to the south of Athens. The town has an abundance of historical building and homes, over 1800 in all and second only to Galveston. Davey Dogwood Park is alive with colour in Spring with the flowering of the Dogwoods. The old downtown area (Old... 

Corsicana

Corsicana, Athens

 keeweechic Says:  Corsicana is about 37 miles west of Athens on Hwy 31. Corsicana was known to have the first oil discovery west of the Mississippi. In 1897 a local company built the state’s first oil refinery. This company was called Magnolia Oil which is better known today as Mobil. The... 

Sports & Outdoors  

Free Family Fishing

Free Family Fishing, Athens

 msbrandysue Says:  Texas Freshwater Fisheries has a free fishing pond as one of their attractions. Now, before you call me a liar, there is an admission price to the Fishery. Regular admission is $5.50 for adults, $4.50 for seniors 65 and older, and $3.50 for children ages 4 through 12. The... 

Calling all Water People

Calling all Water People, Athens

 msbrandysue Says:  Athens, though small, has a great water area and, great fishing. Many people here are retired and you'll find many boats. Many early fisherman here. There's also rental places for boats, jetskis, etc. Check the website out.....much more information than I could let you... 

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Map of Athens