Check Out the View at Love’s Lookout

Mineola Holds Sesquicentennial Spring Fling

Mineola’s Sesquicentennial Spring Fling offers several events at the Mineola Nature Preserve, Downtown, Mineola Country Club, and the Mineola Civic Center, May 16 to 20. The events celebrate the 150th anniversary with races, a parade, contests, music, food, shopping, a hot air balloon show, a car show, and more.

Just four miles north of Jacksonville is Love’s Lookout with a great view of the Upper East Side of Texas. It is a rest stop for travelers and a delightful destination all of its own.

Visitors go for picnics, to take photographs, and to soak up the scenic surroundings. At an elevation of 720 feet above sea level and rising 240 feet above the surrounding terrain, the vaulted ridge affords a panoramic view of the eastern horizon as far out as 30 miles on a clear day.

A structure on the site that is 5,500 square-feet includes a dynamic central breezeway, framing the view that entices visitors to the expansive rear terrace.

Gardens surrounding the facilities are equally impressive. Vibrantly-hued shrubbery punctuates the bedding areas, partnered with perennials poised to entice a plethora of butterflies and bees.

A historical marker reveals the origin of the Lookout’s name. Though people might assume it comes from being a “make out” hilltop for lovers, Wesley Love is its namesake. A popular recreation spot for people in the area since the mid-1800s, the site has seen a peach farm, an amphitheater, a concession stand, and an Olympic-sized swimming pool come and go.

Amenities today include bathroom facilities, an information center, vending machines, and tables and benches to relax and enjoy the view.

For more information on Love’s Lookout and other sites to see in Jacksonville, go to www.explorejacksonvilletx.org..

An outdoor long table dinner called Savor on the Bricks on North Johnson Street is hosted by the chamber of commerce Tuesday, May 16. During the weekend is the third installment of Music in May at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, May 18, featuring the Purple Hulls.

Festivities on May 20 begin at 8 a.m. at the Mineola Nature Preserve with the Spring Fling 5K/10K/Kid’s 1K. The races are followed by a downtown Sesquicentennial Parade at 11 a.m.

Live music, food trucks, shopping, a beer garden, a sesquicentennial beard contest, a fashion through the decades contest, and other surprises happen throughout the afternoon.

Visitors can also see the first annual Jorgie’s Car and Bike Show at the Mineola Country Club and watch the Mineola Civic Center for the Sesquicentennial Hot Air Balloon Glow that evening.

Click HERE for more information or call (903) 569-6183.