Athens is one of Texas’ small southern towns with a rich heritage in black-eyed peas, fiddle playing, and hamburgers! It’s been said that the first hamburger was made in a small downtown cafe in Athens in the late 1880s and later introduced at the 1904 World Fair, and the rest is history. Come celebrate the unique culture and heritage of Athens.
TEXAS FRESHWATER FISHERIES CENTER
The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center is a big deal and brings lots of visitors to Athens. I’ve been told the Fishery alone is worth the drive to Athens. It has an education center that shows underwater wildlife and a hatchery, laboratory, and aquarium, and it’s also a great place for bird watching and taking nature walks. The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center is located on the north shore of Lake Athens. Grab the grandkids and expect a good time doing all of the above.
5550 FM2495, Athens
(903) 676-2277
www.tpwd.texas.gov
NEW YORK TEXAS ZIPLINE ADVENTURES
Leave Your Fears Behind
Experience the thrill of a lifetime at New York, Texas ZipLine Adventures. Choose between the 6 ZipLine Tour or their newest 9 ZipLine Challenge Tour with the longest 1500 ft. line and 2 cable sky bridges leading to a 40 ft. zip tower. Your zipline adventure will take you from tree top to tree top with 30-mile views from each platform and high above the rocky hillside of one of the highest elevations in East Texas.
7290 Country Road 4328, Larue
(903) 681.3791
www.goziptexas.com
TARA VINEYARD & WINERY
Peaceful, quiet, luxurious, historic, wine country experience. Tara Winery offers a unique vineyard and winery resort-style experience. Discover Tara and the myths surrounding the secrets of the vines. Tara Vineyard & Winery, the oldest winery in Henderson County, is owned and operated by the Pierce family. Nestled in among the vineyard is the Tara Inn housed in the historic Murchison home, constructed in the 1880s and relocated from downtown Athens and open for overnight guests.
FUN & CASUAL BITES AT TARA WINERY
Featuring freshly prepared dishes, Texas beef, locally sourced vegetables, and fun share plates to enjoy. Fun, casual, and simple, share plates and entrees to enjoy with amazing Tara wines.
TARA INN
The Inn overlooks acres of vibrant vineyards. This turn-of-the-century house consists of four large guest rooms, a special spa bathroom with a large Jacuzzi tub, a huge wrap-around porch, and terraces surrounding the entire second story. Whether looking for a quiet place to sit and read or a room to hang out with family and friends, you’ll find the perfect spot to relax at this spacious house.
8603 Country Road 3914, Athens
(903) 675-7023
www.tarawinery.com
EAST TEXAS ARBORETUM GARDENS & TRAILS
The East Texas Arboretum is home to beautiful formal gardens, covered pavilions, shaded picnic areas, a children’s play garden area, and a historic home — but that’s not all. There are over two miles of rugged nature trails to embark on and a paved, partially landscaped 1/3-mile handicap-accessible trail. We recommend that you wear comfortable, sturdy footwear on your arboretum garden and trail walk. If you bring along a container of liquid refreshments, please dispose of the container properly. Binoculars are a nice aid to get an up-close look at the many birds and animals that live at the Arboretum. Experience life in early Henderson County at the historic Wofford House Museum. Built-in 1850, the home was relocated to the arboretum several years ago. It now stands as a reminder of early pioneer days complete with period furnishings, memorabilia, and a seasonal garden.
DISCOVERY BARN
“Sant” Miller Barn was built around 1890 by an Athens attorney, Edwin Payne “Sant” Miller. The barn, originally located on their family farm in Athens, was used for milking cows on one side and served as a corn crib on the other. The products of this barn were used for the family’s needs as well as for trading or selling.
1601 Patterson Road, Athens
(903) 675-5630
www.easttexasarboretum.org
3 P’S IN A VINE
Nestled on the outskirts of Athens Texas, 3 P’s in a Vine sits on 12 acres of land. They pride themselves on outstanding wines, great customer service, and a wine experience catered to the customer. The winery is a log house structure that provides a very comfortable atmosphere, whether you want indoor seating by the fireplace or outdoor seating overlooking the vineyards. 3 P’s has the friendliest staff that will offer you wine tastings, wine by the glass, or wine by the bottle. Currently, they offer 8 different varieties of wines — 4 white wines and 4 red wines. Their wine portfolio is sure to have some, if not all of our wines, that will make your palate crave more. 3 P’s wine covers the consumer’s palate all the way from sweet to dry.
955 Douglas Road, Athens
(903) 677-9463
www.3psinavine.com
FARMERS MARKET
Another local favorite. If you’re in the area between May and October, put this local farmers market on your must-see and must-do list on a Saturday. The market offers seasonal produce from local farmers as well as baked goods and handcrafted artisanal items.
Saturdays from 8:00 am to Noon
212 N Palestine St, Athens
