Vacation guide 2014

Editorial

S

ince 1963, this Guide has helped millions to discover a beautiful, unique corner of America. The more you learn about our region and its history, the more exciting it becomes.

You will find that our forests, lakes, rivers, sea and wilderness are among our greatest assets.

We treasure our historical connection with cities. For your benefit we continue to seek new & intriguing places to visit. Our website, www.EastTexasGuide.com continues to grow through our many partnerships.

Mary Ramos STAFF MARY RAMOS Executive Director CAROLYN MCCASLAND Accounting AMANDA REEL Creative Director

Take a picture of the QR Code to visit us on-line!

We hope this guide brings new opportunities, new adventures and new invitations to see what this universe has in store for us.

If you have suggestions, drop us a line or send an email. We welcome your input. If you have pictures to share, send those too.

Get out there and GO‌ your adventure is waiting.

EAST TO WEST TEXAS VACATION GUIDE

Copy right 2014 ETTA 50th Annual Edition Compiled and published annually by East Texas Tourism Association P.O. Box 150065, Longview, Texas 75615 (903) 918-4993 See www.EastToWestTourism.com E-mail: MaryRamos@msn.com.

Guide distributed free nationally courtesy of advertisers at the Texas Travel Information Centers, auto clubs in Texas and in many other states, at national sports and travel shows, and by our hosts.

Advertising Inquiries: 903-918-4993 MaryRamos@msn.com

2

HERITAGE TRAIL HOSTS Athens................................22 Bonham..............................19 Clute...................................35 Corsicana............................20 Warehouse Living Art Center.......................21 Denison..............................19 DeSoto...............................21 Emory.................................41 Gladewater.............................

Shallow Creek RV Resort.......................31 Grand Saline.......................20 Greenville...........................21 Jefferson....................... 24-25 Jefferson General Store..25 Jefferson Hist. Museum.25 Knigh Light Theatre.......25 Jefferson Tourism...........25 Memories and More.......25 Old Mill Antiques..........25 Made in the Shade..........25 The Franchise.................25 White Oak Manor..........25 The Corkyard.................25 Old Mulberry Inn...........25 Kitt’s Cornbread.............25

Gucci’s Pizza...................25 T.C. Lindsey & Co..........25 Inn of Jefferson...............25 Kilgore...................................

East Texas Oil Museum..26 Kountze..............................23 Lonestar..................................

Scenic View ..................22 Longview...............................

Fernbrook RV Park........27 Greggton Antique Mall..27 Gregg. Hist. Museum.....27 Hayes RV.......................27 Pizza King......................27 Marshall................................

Roseville B&B .............29 Mercantile ....................29 Ellis Home Decor .........29 LaQuinta ......................29 Marshall Pottery ...........29 Wisteria Garden ...........29 Peace Downtown Market ..........................29 J. Weisman ...................29 Mt. Pleasant........................29 New London London Museum ..........26

Port Arthur.............................

Mus.of the Gulf Coast....35 Texas Historical Comm......18 Terrell.................................20 Texarkana...........................30 Tyler.......................................

Kiepersol Enterprise .......22 Waxahachie Waxahachie Chamber....20

Louisiana

Lake Charles.............................. 6 Shreveport Sci-Port Sci.Center............... 11 State Parks...........................12-13

DISCOVER TEXAS Back Packing: A Great Way to See Nature..................33 Great Texas Coastal Trails..................34 Great Texas Wildlife Trail.....................9 National Forests.................13 Rivers, Lakes & Sea..... 10-12 Spring & Autumn Flowers in Texas.............36

State Map..................... 12-15 State Park Directory...........37 State Travel Information ...16 Texas History: Legal......................... 14-15 Haunted ..........................47 Buried........................ 28-29 Texas Traverlers RV Guide................... 31-32

www.EastToWestTourism.com

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from Gulf to prairies to bayous, small 31 towns to the South’s largest cities.

69 Gateway cities to the region are Dallas, Houston, and Shreveport-Bossier City.

75 To the northwest is green country, great lakes, cotton fields, dairy farms, cosmopolitan pleasures, major tourist attractions. To the northeast in three states are the pineywoods, storied Caddo Lake, giant man-made lakes, 3 plantation areas, ante-bellum homes, riverboat casinos. In the east central 69

270

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166

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205

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78

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tudy the Guide, and its regions, and find host cities you like along our fine highway system. Chart circles around them on the set of maps and stay awhile and get acquainted.

Arrow State

69

MLake cA les ter

Kiam ichi

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164

Jewett

36

79

Buffalo

75

45

Buffalo Stampede

3

71

83

country, where Texas declared its independence, with a great monument where the crucial battle was fought.

Here is the largest city in the South 270 plus NASA, home of the 7astronauts, Hot 70 the library of a president, Germans Spring Czech culture; an270area ringed by270pines 8 to the north, bluebonnets to the west, 70 and sandy Gulf beaches to the south.

7 For more information, go to:

area is Red the Oak land of the El eCamino r ven 271 Hea 128 missions, Cherokee Headquarters Kiamichi Countr y battlegrounds, scenic59 piney woods 1 63 ( 7 OK Counties) 1 rose fields, vast lakes, vistas, gorgeous 63 270 1 ina 2oldestlitowns and63settlements in Texas 1 Ta h 271 Tuskahom a Mena and Louisiana.

To the southeast are Choctaw Capitol Clayton Museum & Gift shop more inland lakes,259national forests, the Big144 Thicket National Preserve, 2 a reservation of Woodland Indians, 59 144 Kiamichi Country canoeing...go south to rice fields, 271 Where Oklahoma's 278 Day Begins birding, inland harbors, Cajuns, 71 sandy beaches, deep sea fishing.

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Cassels Boykin SP

69

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53 www.EastTexasGuide.com 7

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TEXAS STATE TRAVEL INFORMATION CENTERS Where East To West Texas Guides & Fun Maps are available.

Amarillo 9700 Interstate Hwy 40, E. (806) 335-1441 Anthony 8799 S. Desert Blvd.

(915) 886-3468

Texarkana 5909 N. Park Rd. 1200 Interstate Hwy 30 (903) 794-2114 Valley 2021 W. Harrison (956) 428-4477

Austin Capitol Complex (512) 463-8586

Harlingen (956) 428-4477

Denison 6801 U.S. Highway 75/69 (903) 463-2860

Waskom 1255 I-20, East (903) 687-2547

Gainesville 4901 N. Interstate 35 (940) 665-2301

Wichita Falls 900 Central Freeway Exit C, North (940) 723-7931

Langtry U.S. Highway 90, Loop 25 (432) 291-3340 Laredo 15551 Interstate Hwy 35, N. (956) 417-4728 Orange 1708 Interstate Hwy 10, E. (409) 883-9416

8

Who To Call

• For East Texas trip routing help, call our advertisers. For updates of the Guide, check our Home Page www.EastTexasGuide.com.

For more local information, call cities in the Guide.

• For statewide travel counseling within Texas, call TxDOT Travel Information at 1-800-452-9292.

• For camping reservations, and for hunting and fishing license information, call the Texas Parks & Wildlife at (512) 389-8900.

Facts About Texas

Texas is the only state that was once a sovereign nation, The Republic of Texas. Texas had its own armed forces including a Navy, currency and representatives to the United States. And Texas reserved the right to divide itself into five separate states after its annexation in 1845 to gain more senators to represent its vast area if the need ever arose. To know Texas is to love Texas. Friendly is literally the name of our state, so called for the Tejas Indians.

Here are some facts:

Population est. 2008; 24,326,974.

Area, 267,339 square miles, of which more than 6,000 square miles is water. The capital is Austin; nickname, Lone Star State, named for the star on the flag. The state flower is the bluebonnet and the motto is friendship.

The highest point, 8,751 Ft. Guadalupe Peak. From the panhandle to the southern tip of Texas is 801 miles. And 773 miles from Sabine River to El Paso.

Our temperatures have ranged from -23F to 120F. Speed limit, up to 70 mph or as posted. We are in the Central Time Zone (DST) except far West Texas.

Minimum age for drivers, 16 with approved driver education course; 18 without. We use the information in the Guide as our data base for our Home Page on the Internet. Call our staff at 903757-4444 today to learn how you can benefit from participation in our program.

By Shelly Plante, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department

Adventure for Wildlife Enthusiasts The Great Texas Wildlife Trails are designed to make it easy for travelers to find the best wildlife-viewing sites throughout the state. They bring tourism dollars to rural communities, raise awareness about Texas wildlife and habitats, provide recreational opportunities, build public support for conservation, and provide economic incentives for landowners and communities to conserve and manage habitats for wildlife and wildlife enthusiasts.

Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail The hugely successful Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail, winds through 41 Texas counties, encompassing the entire Texas coastal region. Completed in April 2000, the Trail features 310 distinct wildlife-viewing sites. Enhancements such as board-walks, parking pullouts, kiosks, observation platforms, and landscaping to attract native wildlife have been constructed at a number of sites.

Heart of Texas and Panhandle Plains Wildlife Trails Stretching from the Panhandle down through Central Texas to the Laredo area, these two wildlife viewing driving trails were completed in January 2004. Two maps for the Heart of Texas Trail and one for the Panhandle Plains Trail were created. The new trails feature 335 sites on public and private land where people can view birds and other wildlife. We appreciate the support of communities and landowners in Central Texas and the Panhandle who have helped make these trails a reality.

The Prairies and Pineywoods Wildlife Trail Next time you travel in Texas, visit our newest wildlife viewing trails! We have two new maps featuring 251 sites on public and private lands throughout north and east Texas. Sites on these maps give additional opportunities for nature tourists to visit all of the wonderful attractions Texas has to offer.

From Wichita Falls to Dallas and Fort Worth, down to College Station and to Tyler, these are our most expansive maps yet.

Additional information on the Great Texas Wildlife Trails should be directed to Shelly Plante, Nature Tourism Coordinator, Texas Parks and Wildlife Dept., 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, Texas 78744, phone (512) 389-4500 or e-mail:NatureTourism@tpwd.state.tx.us Buy one or more GREAT TEXAS WILDLIFE TRAIL MAPS today and start an adventure on the wild side of Texas. You can order online at http:// tcebookstore.org/ or by calling (888) 900-2577. For the first time, all eight trail maps are available online for lastminute trips. Visit www.tpwd.state. tx.us/wildlifetrails/ for a sneak preview of what the maps have to offer.

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Rivers, Lakes & The Sea From great fishing to fun in the sun, here’s a refreshing guide to spotting some of Texas’s most sought after marina’s

F

rom salt water to fresh water lakes, Texas has it all! This section features the myriad of fresh water impoundments from Lake Fork – nationally renowned black bass lunker producer – to acclaimed “Fishing Capital of The World” at Toledo Bend – sprawling over Texas and Louisiana along 65 miles of state line that provides the south’s largest man-made fishery. And on the state line above is Caddo Lake. Just try any of our water treasures for a lifetime of memories.

Texas Lakes LAKE ATHENS – 1,520 ac., E. of Athens via TX31 & FM 2495.

LAKE B. A. STEINHAGEN – 13,700 ac.

(Dam B/Town Bluff Reservoir). Between Jasper and Woodville. Martin Dies Jr. State Park. Fish, boat, swim, camp. Facilities. See Jasper and Woodville. 817-886-1731, www.swf-wc.usace. army.mil/idex.htm

10

LAKE BOB SANDLIN – Built on Big Cypress Bayou, the lake began filling in 1977 to cover some 9,460 acres. These waters back up to the dams of two other members of this triple body of water, Lake Cypress Springs and Lake Monticello. State Park See Guide maps for location.

LAKE BONHAM – 1200 ac., ski & jet skis. Black bass, hybrid stripers, channel/blue catfish, crappie.

Camp, picnic, 9-hole/min. golf, pavilion, See Bonham, 903-583-8001. www.bonhamchamber.com CADDO LAKE – 25,400 ac. On Texas-Louisiana border. South’s largest natural lake. Wilderness, Cypress trees, Spanish moss, lily pads.

Named “man & biosphere preserve” by UNESCO. State Park, Cypress trees, Spanish moss, lily pads, alligators, birding, canoeing, water sports, fish, a photographer’s paradise. CONTACT: Greater Marshall Chamber of Commerce, 903/935-7868, www.marshalltxchamber .com and Marion County Chamber of Commerce, Jefferson TX 75657. 903/665-2672, www.jefferson-Texas.com LAKE JIM CHAPMAN/COOPER DAM – Newest East Texas Lake. State park. South of Paris.

817-886-1731, www.swf-wc.usace.army.mil/ idex.htm

LAKE CROOK – Three miles north of Paris off US 271. Fishing, camping and family activities.

Paris V&CCD, 800-PARIS TX. LAKE CYPRESS SPRINGS – Another in the set of “triplets”, Cypress Springs was impounded in 1970 in Franklin County with 3,400 acres of top fishing waters. The waters of Lake Bob Sandlin back up to the dam on Cypress Creek.

For lake services on the triplet lakes (Bob Sandlin, Cypress Springs & Monticello) call contacts in the Mt. Vernon ad.

LAKE GILMER – SH852, 4 mi. W Gilmer.

1,010 surface ac. 1,557 ac or mitigation property to develop into hiking/nature trails/bird watch stations. For info, contact Gilmer City Hall, 903843-2552, www.gilmer-tx.com GLADEWATER LAKE – US 80, 1 mi. W. of US 271. E. Lake Dr. N. 1/2 mi., Gay Ave. W. 2 mi. Swim, fish, baits, boat rentals, picnic, playground.

LAKE HAWKINS – 5 mi. NW Hawkins, N. of US 80. Wood Co. RV Park, sandy beach w/pavilion and public boat ramp.

HOUSTON COUNTY LAKE – 1,282 ac., Trophy largemouth bass to 15.2 lbs., yellow flathead catfish to 80 lbs., abundant crappie and bluegill.

Facilities. 8 mi. W. of Crockett @ FM 229 and N. CR 2140. Contact: Crockett Family Resort, Rt. 3, Box 460, Crockett, TX 75835, 936-544-8466 www.crockettresort.com.

LAKE FORK RESERVOIR – 27,690 acres about 100 miles east of Dallas near Quitman. Proof of leading producer of trophy-size bass can be seen in that the lake holds the current record of 18.18 pounds as well as having produced 15 of the top 20 bass in the state and 37 of top 50. Good Crappie & catfish facilities. YOUR HOST: Rains County Chamber of Commerce & Emory. 903-473-3913.

LAKE GEORGETOWN - For the more serious angler or water enthusiast, this 1200 acre lake offers boating, skiing, fishing, four separate camping areas, a wildlife preserve and 16 miles of hiking trails. Off Williams Drive/Andice Rd. (512) 930-5253 http://www.swf-wc.usace.army. mil/georgetown/ LAKE HOLBROOK – 653-ac. for recreation/ flood control. County campground, swim beach.

LAKE JACKSONVILLE – 1,320 acres. About four miles south of Jacksonville off US 69, also accessible from Rusk.

LAKE LIMESTONE – Favorite place for water-based activities. Cabins, campsites, public boat ramps & picnic areas. Best bass fishing.

Loc. just off SH 164 or FM 937. Open for free public use.

LAKE LIVINGSTON – 93,000 ac. lake - assorted marinas, camp-grounds/RV hook-ups, and vacation homes/rentals. Varied water sports/ activities.

Livingston-Polk County Chamber, Livingston, 936-327-4929. www.polkchamber.com LAKE MURVAUL – 3,820 ac., trophy bass lake, waterfowl hunting in winter. Camp, fish, ski, boat, swim. 12 mi. SW Carthage via FM 10. YOUR HOST: Panola County Chamber of Commerce, Carthage, 903-693-6634.

LAKE O’ THE PINES – 18,700 ac., scenic rolling forests. See Jefferson, Marshall. Facilities.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 817-886-1731. www.swf-wc.usace.army.mil/index.htm.

LAKE NACOGDOCHES – Located on Loco Bayou, 10 miles west of Nacogdoches off FM 225, this 2,200 acre lake offers a great place to catch largemouth bass, crappie and sunfish. Access the lake from FM 225 West. 888-OLDEST-TOWN or www.visitnacogdoches.org

LAKE PALESTINE – One of Texas’ prettiest vacation & retirement lakes, with water sports, fish avail. 25,560 ac.

13 mi. NW Jacksonville via US 175 W. LAKE PAT MAYSE –5,993 ac., 62 mi. shoreline. Facilities. Very popular boat & fish lake. 13 mi. N of Paris off US 271; near Arthur City & Chicota.

LAKE SAM RAYBURN – At 114,500 acres, largest lake wholly in Texas.

Fishing, hunting. Parks, camps, marinas and rec. area dot 560- mi. shoreline in the heart of the Angelina National Forest. Open water for all kinds of boating, plus huge areas of flooded timber providing prime fish habitat. 817-886-1731. www.swfwc. usace.army.mil/idex.htm LAKE TAWAKONI –Sand bass, catfish, stripers. 36,700 ac. reservoir. Clean, uncrowded, ideal for recreational water sports. Rains County CofC. 903-473-3913.

LAKE TEXOMA – 89,000 ac.-Red River between TX & OK. W/black bass/crappie/ white bass/striped bass/hybrids/catfish. Water sports.

A Lake Texoma license costing $12.00 allows fishing in both Texas and Oklahoma waters of the lake. Your Hosts: Denison Area Chamber of Commerce, 903/465-1551. www.denisontexas. com Sherman Convention & Visitors Council, Toll-free: 888/893-1188. www.shermantexas.com LAKE TOMBIGBEE LIVINGSTON – 26 ac., fish, swim, canoe/teepee rent, camp, cabins/ kitchen/ bath, grocery, laundromat, RV, AlabamaCoushatta Tribe. 936-563-1100.

LAKE WRIGHT PATMAN – (formerly Texarkana) – 20,300 ac. Corps of Eng. Facilities. Fish, hunt, watersports, camp, picnic, hike. Atlanta State Park. 12 mi. SW Texarkana off US 59. Atlanta Chamber, (903) 796-3296. Texarkana Chamber, 903-792-7191. 817-886-1731, www.swfwc.usace.army.mil /idex.htm MARTIN CREEK LAKE – 5,200 ac., black bass,

11

catfish, crappie, bluegills. 3.19 lbs. State Park. 4 mi. SW of Tatum via TX 43. Henderson CVB, 903657-2119.

LAKE MONTICELLO – Another of the “triplets”, this 2,000-acre power generating reservoir was filled in 1973 and has since gained notoriety for its big bass. Three of the top 50 in the state have been caught here.

OLD FT. PARKER LAKE – Loc. between Mexia & Groesbeck off SH 14. Camp, boat, nature observation. Playground, picnic area, pavilion, clubhouse avail. 254-562-5751.

LAKE QUITMAN – 814 ac., 4 mi. N. of Quitman FM 2966.

TOLEDO BEND RESERVOIR – Sabine County, Texas and other counties. The big one, 181,600 acres impounded on the Sabine River between Texas and Louisiana, is operated jointly by the Sabine River Authorities of each state. Nation’s 5th largest man-made lake. Top bass lake in the country. Camp, cabins, fish, guides.

A part of the Texas shoreline is within the Sabine National Forest. Excellent facilities ranging from wilderness to resort quality are abundant.

San Augustine County Chamber of Commerce, 409-275-3610, www.sanaugustinetx.com and Shelby County/Center Chamber of Commerce, 936-598-3682. www.shelbycountychamber.com LAKE WINNSBORO – 806-ac. recreational impoundment w/campsites, RV hook-ups, picnic, swim, marina, boat rent, bait, tackle. SW of Winnsboro via TX 37. (See Winnsboro Area Chamber of Commerce, 903-342-3666, www.winnsboro.com /www.winnsboroedc.com).

The Sea THE GULF OF MEXICO

Most rivers of East Texas and West Louisiana empty into the sea in the Gulf of Mexico. The two states supply many miles of beaches and salt water for many types of exciting recreation. East Texas and West Louisiana seashores offer sizeable cities such as Orange and Port Arthur at the mouths of significant rivers like the Sabine and Neches. Massive estuaries and wetlands are full of fish, birds and other wildlife that provide world-class fun and activities.

UPPER GULF COAST. The upper Texas Gulf Coast offers many opportunities for the outdoor enthusiast. Sabine Lake offers year around fishing, boating and sailing. Fed by the Neches and Sabine Rivers and connected to the Gulf, fishermen land flounder, redfish, and speckled trout in Sabine Lake.

The Sabine Jetties are 2-3 mile granite structures that serve as artificial reefs that create a habitat for an astounding variety of fish and other marine life.

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Of course offshore options in the Gulf of Mexico are always an option as well as surf fishing at Sea Rim State Park. Pleasure Island has several lighted fishing piers, public boat ramps, bait shops and RV parks as well as a marina. An additional marina is available in Sabine Pass. Boat ramps are also available in Sabine Pass and Port Neches Park. For more information on fishing the Port Arthur area, call 800-2357822 for a fishing packet. So, whether you want to a chartered fishing trip or just want to fish from a pier, we have it all year around.

Port Arthur CVB, 800-235-7822, www.portarthur texas.com. Also contact the Orange CVB at 1-800-528-4906, www.orangetexas.org.

From Orange to Freeport, anglers fishing a few miles offshore can look forward to Black Tip Shark and Tarpon mid-summer through the fall. Charters range from $200 for a half day to $500 for a full day including bait and tackle. To entertain the offshore enthusiast, public and private charters are available from nine miles to 100 miles offshore.

Fishing 25 to 40 miles offshore, anglers can catch Kingfish, Snapper, Dorado, Shark and can enjoy a good fight with a Cobia (Ling). From 40 to 80 miles out, battle the fighting Amber Jack, Grouper, Kingfish, Red Snapper, Cobia, Dorado, Sailfish, Tuna and Wahoo as well as Bull, Sand, Hammerhead and Tiger sharks. Offshore charters range from $750 to $1,350 depending on the boat size. Party boat trips are available for about $50 per person.

A Texas fishing license may not be required. For more information, contact Texas Parks & Wildlife at 512-389-4802. www.tpwd.state.tx.us/park/fishing enthusiasts can fish free of charge in Galveston off the rock groins or break-waters along the Seawall. There are also public piers at 61st Street and Seawall Boulevard and 89th Street and Seawall Boulevard, which charge a small fee.

The Brazosport area is located approximately one hour south of Houston and less than three hours from some of the greatest fishing areas on the Gulf Coast. There are dozens of boat ramps, marinas, and bait and tackle businesses in the Brazosport area, making it a boat owner’s paradise. For others, the deep Gulf is easily accessible from the dozens of charter and party boats of all sizes that make their head-quarters in Freeport and surrounding areas. Experienced captains and crews make fishing out where the “big ones” are an exciting and enjoyable event. Year round, the catches are large from offshore fishing.

CONTACT: Brazosport CVB, www.tourtexas.com/brazosport efischer@brazosport.com

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here are 21 developed recreational areas, four hiking trails, a scenic area, and off-road vehicle trails among opportunities available in the four National Forests in East Texas. Camping if offered on a first-come, firstserved basis in developed recreation areas, and a daily use fee is charged at most areas.

The 20-mile Four C Hiking Trail is located in Davy Crockett National Forest, the 140-mile long Lone Star Hiking Trail traverses Sam Houston National Forest, the Sawmill Hiking Trailis in the Angelina National Forest, and the Trail Between the Lakes winds 28 miles from Toledo Bend to near Rayburn Reservoir. The four forests area: Angelina National Forest – This large forest has 7 developed recreational

F

areas and 2 hiking trails w/misc. services. See Lufkin CVB. Davy Crockett National. Forest – Between Crockett and Lufkin, this forest provides 3 developed recreation areas, 2 hiking trails, and misc. services.

Sabine National Forest – Located along the shoreline of the Toledo Bend Reservoir, this 93,000-acre giant teeming with wildlife, & bird life, has five recreation sites, hiking trails. Call Center, San Augustine, TX. Sam Houston National Forest – 3 rec areas, 2 hiking trails misc. services, year ‘round recreation. Call Huntsville.

For further information on the four National Forests in East Texas, write National Forests & Grasslands in Texas, 415 S. First Street, Ste. 110, Lufkin TX 75901 or call 936-639-8501.

Big Thicket: Biological Crossroad

rom the confluence of the Neches River and the Angelina below Sam Rayburn Lake south to Lake Sabine near Beaumont and northwest to the Trinity River at Lake Livingston lies the Big Thicket National Preserve. Here is one of the first of the world’s scientific biosphere reserves as designated by the United Nations. It is a biological crossroads of North America, with 100,000 acres of scientifically significant forest in 12 units over seven counties. There are opportunities for wildlife viewing, walking, backpacking, birding, horseback riding, canoeing, fishing, nature observation and historical interpretation. Big Thicket is home to more than 85 tree species, nearly 1,000 flowering plant species, 26 ferns, 20 orchids, and four of North America’s five types of insect-eating plants. Located on the western edge of the Mississippi flyway, bird watching is a popular activity as nearly 300 species have been sighted. Various lengths of hiking trails, books, maps are available. For Ranger-led tours, by appointment, call 409-951-6725 at the Big Thicket National Preserve Visitor Center, located 8

miles north of Kountze on US 69. Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., closing only on Christmas and New Year’s Day. The Visitor Center has a large lobby-book sales area, exhibit room, “Discovery Room,” theater, public restrooms, and porch. Highway signs identify the “Big Thicket National Preserve Parkway” from Beaumont to Lufkin on U.S. 69. For more info contact www.nps.gov.bith/ and Hardin County Tourist Bureau, (800) 835-0343, or Beaumont Convention & Visitors Bureau, (800) 392-4401.

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History comes in all sorts of different and abundant packages in Texas. Here’s a few ways you can explore history in Texas: Just ask yourself, how do you like your history — legal, haunted or buried?

By Jo Lee Ferguson

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hey stand tall and regal throughout Texas — the county courthouses that have been witness to much of Texas’ history.

As the Texas Historical Commission explains it, the state established counties as the cornerstone of local government after Texas won its independence from Mexico.

The “golden age of courthouse construction” began in 1881. That’s when the state lawmakers allowed counties to issue debt to build new courthouses.

The Texas Historical Commission says the state is home to more than 220 historical courthouses built before 1948 that are still standing, and they all have fans in Brett Cameron and Ted Lerich, who created the website texascourthouses.com some 14 years ago. In 2007, they embarked on a three-year journey to photograph all the state’s active and retired courthouses. They were amateur photographers who wanted to practice their craft and learn about Texas history. Since then, they’ve expanded the website to include other elements of Texana.

They started with courthouses in part because of their architectural beauty.

“With that photo (of each courthouse), we want to drive people to go look at those courthouses and at the same time go and visit the

14

Ma and Pa stores and craft malls,” Cameron said. “Those are the people we met along the way. That’s what we’re trying to let people know — Texas is a great place to visit and to live.”

The courthouses are the “tip of the iceberg” in terms of what people will experience.

“It’s the architecture, it’s the history, it’s basically the looking at and imagining what has transpired there at that site, along with some of the changes that have taken place,” Lerich said.

Despite their beauty and significance in Texas history, many of the state’s courthouses had fallen into disrepair over the years. In 1999, the state initiated its Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program, which provides grants to help counties restore historical courthouses.

Waxahachie Courthouse

continued on page 22

Here’s a look at some of the restored courthouses. For more information, visit www.thc.state.tx.us: CASS COUNTY COURTHOUSE: Being restored to 1934 appearance; only continuously functioning antebellum courthouse in Texas; expected restoration completion in Spring 2012.

DALLAS COUNTY COURTHOUSE: Opened in 1892; rededicated in 2007

Johnson County Courthouse

Harrison County Courthouse

HARRISON COUNTY: Opened in 1901; rededicated June 20, 2009.

JOHNSON COUNTY COURTHOUSE: Completed in 1913; rededicated in 2007.

Dallas County Courthouse

LAMAR COUNTY: Opened in 1917; rededicated in 2005

Hillsboro Courthouse

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HC

Hill Country

The heart of Texas. with plenty of beautiful natural attractions, including forests, plains, deserts, mountains, drylands, wetlands and almost every eco system enjoyed by many.

COUNTIES:

Bandera, Blanco, Burnet, Comal, Crockett, Ed-

wards, Gillespie, Hays, Kendall, Kerr, Kimble, Kinney, Lampasas, Llano, McCulloch, Mason, Medina, Menard, Mills, Real, San Saba, Schleicher, Sutton, Travis, Uvalde, Williamson

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STP

South Texas Plains

Birding, sandy deserts, river tubing, museums galore celebrating the history of South Texas, diverse culture, great food, music, sports and industries.

COUNTIES: Atascosa, Austin, Bastrop, Bee, Bexar, Brooks, Caldwell, Colorado, DeWitt, Dimmit, Duval, Fayette, Frio, Goliad, Gonzales, Guadalupe, Hidalgo, Jim Hogg, Jim Wells, Karnes, La Salle, Lavaca, Live Oak, McMullen, Maverick, Starr, Webb, Wilson, Zapata, Zavala

PanHandle Plains

PHP

The Panhandle Plains make up the largest region of Texas and, as you might expect, comprises a wide variety of outdoor activities; from riding, trails surrounded by beautiful rock formations at Palo Duro State Park to rolling prairies at Lake Arrowhead State Park.

COUNTIES:

Andrews, Archer, Armstrong, Bailey, Baylor,

Borden, Briscoe, Brown, Callahan, Carson, Castro, Childress, Clay, Cochran, Coke, Coleman, Collingsworth, Concho, Cottle, Crosby, Dallam, Dawson, Deaf, Dickens, Donley, Eastland, Fisher, Floyd, Foard, Gaines, Garza, Glasscock, Gray, Hale, Hall, Hansford, Hardeman, Hartley, Haskell, Hemphill, Hockley, Howard, Hutchinson, Irion, Jack, Jones, Kent, King, Lamb, Lipscomb, Lubbock, Lynn, Martin, Mitchell, Moore, Motley, Nolan, Ochiltree, Oldham, Palo, Parmer, Potter, Randall, Reagan, Robertson, Runnels, Scurry, Shackelford, Sherman, Stephens, Sterling,

P&L

Experience cosmopolitan pleasures, world-class shopping and entertain ment, major tourist attractions, thoroughbred racing, museums to aviation, historic downtown squares and parks, Cowboys, Mavericks, and Rangers.

COUNTIES: Anderson, Bell, Bosque, Brazos, Burleson, Collin, Comanche, Cooke, Coryell, Dallas, Delta, Denton, Ellis, Erath, Falls, Fannin, Franklin, Freestone, Grayson, Grimes, Hamilton, Henderson, Hill, Hood, Hopkins, Hunt, Johnson, Kaufman, Lamar, Lee, Leon, Limestone, McLennan, Madison, Milam, Montague, Navarro, Parker, Rains, Red River, Robertson, Rockwall, Somervell, Tarrant, Van Zandt, Washington, Wise

GC

COUNTIES:

Home of Woodland Indians, giant lakes, mission sites along the El Camino Real, National Forests, a forestry museum, state’s largest Sassafras tree, Big Thicket National Preserve, scenic drives, Cherokee battlegrounds, unique courthouses, ghost towns.

COUNTIES:

Aransas, Brazoria, Calhoun, Cameron, Cham-

bers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Jackson, Jefferson, Kenedy, Kleberg, Matagorda, Nueces, Orange, Refugio, San Patrici, Victoria, Waller, Wharton, Willacy

Wheeler, Wichita, Wilbarger, Yoakum, Young

PW

Texas Gulf Coast

This is Sam Houston Country, with a great monument where a critical battle for Texas independence was fought, with Battleship Texas berthed nearby. Here is the largest city in the South, NASA, the home of the Astronauts, a historic island with 32 miles of beaches, a historical ranch, world-class sports, and the king of all rodeos.

Stonewall, Swisher, Taylor, Terry, Throckmorton, Tom Green,

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Prairies & Lakes

BBC

Big Bend Country

A region of extremes. The desert is dry and hot in the day and cold at night. Plants and animals are adapted for the desert. The mountains provide cold weather in the winter, where on occasion it even snows..

COUNTIES:

Brewster, Crane, Culberson, Ector, El Paso,

Hudspeth, Jeff Davis, Loving, Midland, Pecos, Presidio, Reeves, Terrell, Upton, Val Verde, Ward, Winkler

Angelina, Bowie, Camp, Cass, Cherokee,

Gregg, Hardin, Harrison, Houston, Jasper, Liberty, Marion, Montgomery, Morris, Nacogdoches, Newton, Panola, Polk, Rusk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Shelby, Smith, Titus, Trinity, Tyler, Upshur, Walker, Wood

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18

Prairies & Lakes

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WN HO

ME

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Prairies & Lakes

Experience down home hospitality that can only be found in Waxahachie. You’ll find numerous unique dining and shopping opportunities, including antiques, specialty shops and boutiques.

Enjoy the legendary Ellis County Courthouse, along with great events year-round.

waxahachiecvb.com

|

469-309-4040

www.TerrellTexas.com 20

Prairies & Lakes

Dining Wineries Shopping

Audie Murphy Museum • Chocolate Factory • Historic Downtown For more information or to book your best lodging deal...

www.greenvillechamber.com

Call us at 903-455-1510 /This ad funded in part with Greenville Hotel/Motel Tax Revenues 21

continued from page 15

Texas History: Haunted

By Jo Lee Ferguson

G

o ahead. Scoff. You’ll be in good company. Jodi Breckenridge, owner of The Historic Jefferson Ghost Walk, doesn’t believe in ghosts. Her ghost tour has made her more open-minded on the topic, though she’ll concede only that there are things that happen without logical explanation.

For her, the Ghost Walk is all about history.

“Like I tell everybody, if you think back even a long way, (telling ghost stories) is an oral tradition. People pass stories down over the years,” she said. “To me it’s not a ghost story unless you know why it’s a ghost story.

I think that anywhere there’s a lot of history you’re bound to have these kinds of stories.”

Here’s a look at some of the ghost stories you’ll find in the area. (Sources — Breckenridge, “Ghosts of East Texas” and “Southern Fried Spirits,” Henderson Chamber of Commerce) continued on page 28

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Jefferson • Excelsior House Hotel, (903) 665-2513, www. theexcelsiorhouse.com, a radio that has gone off and on by itself, a chair that rocks by itself, unexplained scents • The Jefferson Hotel, (903) 665-2631, www. historicjeffersonhotel.com, cold spots, unexplained footsteps and other noises, a shadowy figured in the corner of a room, unexplained cologne smell • The Claiborne House, (903) 665-8800, www. claibornehousebnb.com, a bed that was always messed up explained when photo captures a ghostly figure sitting on the bed; Commerce • Texas A&M University at Commerce, Performing Arts Center, reportedly haunted by former theater department chairman Henderson • Henderson Civic Theater, (903) 657-2968, www. hendersoncivictheater.com, ghost dubbed “Daphne” has been seen and heard • The Howard-Dickinson House, (903) 657-5528, ghost story centers around a supposed shooting death in which one brother killed another, lights on when they shouldn’t be, sightings of a woman in oldfashioned clothing.

Jacksonville • Monument at Killough Massacre, Texas Historical Landmark/W.P.A. obelisk marking site where 18 people were killed or kidnapped by Cherokee Indians in post-Texas Revolution raid.

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THE CORKYARD

WWW.JEFFERSONCORKYARD.COM

SPECIALIZING IN FINE WINE & CRAFT BEER 122 E. Austin Thur-Sun 12am-12pm 903-665-8500

The Steamboat Inn

114 N. Marshall St. Jefferson,Tx 75657 903-926-7741 www.steamboatinntx.com

Memories & More llc Restaurant and Piano Bar

Featuring: Fresh Oysters Seafood Steaks & More

121 W. Austin Jefferson, TX

903-665-8203

Open Thursday-Saturday 11:00am - Close

MemoriesandmoreRestaurant.com

An Array of Artisan & Vintage Goods

Home Decor ✴ Collectibles Vintage Inspired Fashions ✴ Accessories Aladdin Parts ✴ Lamp Repair ✴Custom Made Lampshades 212 E. AUSTIN ✴ JEFFERSON, TX ✴ 903-665-8699 ADJACENT TO OLD MILL ANTIQUES Open Daily 10am-5pm ✴ www.madeintheshadetexas.com

The Franchise

White Oak Manor

A Historic Bed & Breakfast in Jefferson, TX

Cajun Restaurant & Sports Bar • • • • •

Projection flat screens with ALL SPORTS Reservations Private Parties Available Karaokee on Thursday nights Entertainment Friday & Saturday nights

www.diamondbfranchise.com • Like us on

Free WiFi ∙ Flat Screen TVs ∙ Private Bathrooms ∙ Fireplaces ∙ Air Conditioning ∙ Ceiling Fans ∙ 3 Upstairs Bathrooms ∙ Full Breakfast

124 E Austin St. Jefferson, TX ∙ 903-665-9200

www.bedandbreakfastjeffersontx.com ∙ 903-665-8185

Visitors Center

Kitt’s Kornbread Sandwich & Pie Bar

305 E. Austin 903.665.3733

Formerly Jefferson’s House of Pies

M-F 11:30am-3:30pm • Sat 11:30am-5:30pm • Sun 12pm-3:00pm

125 N. Polk Street • Jefferson, Tx 903-665-0505 www.kittskornbread.com

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Texas Shakespeare Festival

• • • •

Rangerette Showcase/Museum

The World’s Richest Acre

Events

Rangerette Revels • April Texas Shakespeare Festival • June/July Baseball, Balloons & Root Beer • July East Texas Oilmen’s Chili Cook-Off • November

• • • •

East Texas Pipe Organ Festival • November Snow Hill Festival • November Christmas Under the Stars • November/December Rangerette Christmas Extravaganza • December

Kilgore Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau 813 N. Kilgore St. • Kilgore, Texas 75662 903-984-5022 • Fax 903-984-4975

www.VisitKilgore.com

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East Texas Oil Museum

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texas history:buried continued from page 22

exas’ cemeteries tell stories all their own, about Ttragedies, where families lived and died, their triumphs and and the loves they found and lost.

“Cemeteries are irreplaceable cultural resources,” said Anne Shelton, cemetery preservation coordinator for the Texas Historical Commission. “These landscapes provide the living with an opportunity to contemplate history, and their personal relationship to the past.”

Here are some examples of the historical cemeteries in and near our partner cities. Be careful not to trespass on private property when visiting cemeteries, to follow all posted notifications and regulations and, Shelton said, to be respectful, of the dead, their descendants and property owners.

For more information about these and other historical cemeteries, visit the “Atlas” at www.thc.state. tx.us: •BRAZORIA COUNTY/ANGLETON Munson Cemetery — cemetery established by Henry William Munson, member of Stephen F. Austin’s colony •FANNIN COUNTY/BONHAM Moore’s Chapel Cemetery — Graves of pioneer settlers and Civil War to World War II veterans •VAN ZANDT COUNTY/CANTON Hillcrest Cemetery — oldest cemetery in Canton, Van Zandt County pioneers, veterans of Civil War through World War II •HILL COUNTY/ HILLSBORO Hillsboro City Cemetery — Established 1855 •JOHNSON COUNTY/CLEBURNE Watts Chapel Methodist Church and Cemetery — Established by family of Nathaniel Franklin Watts, who later became Johnson County commissioner •GRAYSON COUNTY/DENISON Coffman Cemetery — Earliest grave 1867, graves include J. K. Miller, who owned land on which Denison was founded •UPSHUR/GILMER Rosewood Cemetery — Established by family who wanted to be close to young son who died, grave markers include granite stones, Woodmen of World monuments, monument to veteran lost at sea in World War II •RUSK COUNTY/HENDERSON Pleasant Hill Cemetery — Includes graves of 112 victims of 1937 New London school explosion

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By Jo Lee Ferguson

•PANOLA COUNTY/CARTHAGE Holland Quarters Cemetery — African-American cemetery on land given to slaves by Spearman Holland after Civil War, veterans from World War I to Vietnam •GREGG COUNTY/LONGVIEW Greenwood Cemetery — Burials include veteran of War of 1812, 37 known Confederate veterans, graves of three people killed during the 1894 Dalton Gang robbery of the First National Bank of Longview, “Father of Longview” O.H. Methvin, city, county and state leaders

•NACOGDOCHES COUNTY Oak Grove Cemetery — Graves of such significant Texans as Thomas Jefferson Rusk, judge, statesman and Sam Houston’s secretary of war; Charles Stanfield Taylor John S. Roberts and William Clark , Jr., who with Rusk signed the Texas Declaration of Independence; former slaves •CASS COUNTY/LINDEN Whittaker Memorial Cemetery — African-American cemetery located on former plantation, with graves of slaves, Freemen and their descendants; including possible mass burial of victims of malaria, smallpox and tuberculosis outbreaks •LAMAR COUNTY/PARIS Old Cemetery of Paris — Located on land once owned by Paris founder George Washington Wright; burials of early community leaders, granite marker to members of the 9th Texas Infantry, Confederate States of America, who died in 1862 measles outbreak •KAUFMAN COUNTY/ TERRELL The old Pioneer Cemetery: Graves of many Terrell founders •OAKWOOD CEMETERY Numerous Confederate soldiers who died in the Civil War, separate portion for Jewish Beth-el Cemetery, notable Texan burials include judges, former governor •CHEROKEE COUNTY/JACKSONVILLE Earl’s Chapel Cemetery — Veterans from Texas Revolution, Civil War, World Wars I and II, area pioneers, victims of the 1918 influenza epidemic.

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May 29–31: Everything Texas Fest & Rodeo Jun 21: Smokey Eyed BBQ Jul 12–13: Quake on Town Lake Oct 1–31: Fright-tober Nov 14–15: Deck the Halls Dec 5–7: Christmas on the Square

Roseville Bed & Breakfast

Serving Brunch, Lunch & Dinner By Reservations cookbooks available

6843 W. Hwy 80 Marshall, Tx 903-935-5000 “A Texas Bed & Breakfast with a taste of Louisiana”

www.rosevillebedandbreakfast.com

Wisteria Garden

Bed and Breakfast

Hosts John & Mary Lynn Vassar

Wood-Boone Home Built 1884 215 East Rusk Marshall, TX 75670 903-938-7611 john@wisteriagarden.com www.wisteriagarden.com

guccis

Peace Downtown Deli Blue Bell Ice cream • Gifts Imported Cheese/Meats Fresh Bread • Panini’s & Grilled Cheese • Deli

•Dine in or Take out• Angela Hudson & Kelsie Hudson Owners Mon: 6:00am - 8:00pm Tue - Thu: 6:00am - 7:00pm Fri - Sat: 6:00am - 8:00pm

208 N. Washington Ave. Marshall, TX 75670 903-938-5555

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The East To West Texas

Texas Travelers RV Guide!

By Jo Lee Ferguson

So you have your first RV, or maybe you

rented one for vacation. Here are things you need to consider before you hit the road, from Brian Schaeffer, executive director of the Texas Association of Campground Owners. * Check out all the systems before you head out: 1. If it has an engine, drive it a little, move it around, make sure it seems to be working right.

2. Check the other systems as well, such as the gas tanks that power the stove and refrigerator; make sure the tanks are properly secured.

3. Make sure your fresh water holding tanks are full.

4. Check your waste tanks to be sure they’re empty; check on the dump station situation where you’re headed. * Plan what you’ll need for your trip so you can get it all organized before you go. * Research where you’re going and book your reservations in advance. RV camping has become popular, so don’t assume you’ll be able to find a place with openings when you arrive at your destination city.

View campground ratings at websites such as www.woodalls.com, www.trailerlifedirectory.com, www.rvparkreviews.com and www.guestrated.com.

These are not your father’s RV parks.

The recreational vehicle world has changed in the past 30 years, and along with it, the campgrounds that cater to RV travelers. RVs are bigger, with popouts that make an 8-footwide RV 15-feet wide when it’s parked. Microwaves, televisions, computers and washers and dryers were added to the units, and the parks must meet higher expectations from demanding travelers who look for planned activities, stores, nice bathrooms, laundry rooms, wireless Internet, recreation halls and game rooms.

The campground industry has responded, said Brian Schaeffer, executive director of the Texas Association of Campground Owners. They’ve changed to meet the demands of vacationing families, snowbirds seeking refuge in Texas’ mild winters and over-the-road workers who move to an area temporarily, but long enough to need a place to call home.

Camping’s roots can be traced back to state parks, he said. At some point, though, the idea of sleeping on the ground in tents and sleeping bags loses its allure when compared to the amenities offered by a recreational vehicle and modernday campgrounds.

“I think at the most basic level, certain things haven’t changed, that is to say, a lot of folks get involved in camping because it’s just good clean family fun. It’s a terrific value. It’s an opportunity to be together,” Schaeffer said.

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Piney Woods ANGLETON On the Bayou RV Park 25710 FM 2004, Angleton (979) 922-8600, www.onthebayourv.com Angleton RV Park 799 County Road 44, Angleton (979) 215-6187, www.angletonrv.com CANTON Canton I-20 RV Park 24481 IH-20 , Wills Point (903) 873-8561, www.cantoni20rvpark.com Mill Creek Ranch RV and Cottage Resort 2102 N. Trade Days Blvd., Canton (903) 567-6020, www.millcreekranchresort.com Best Western Canton Inn and RV Park 2251 N Trade Days Blvd., Canton (903) 567-6591 Canton RV Park 1503 N. Trade Days Blvd., Canton (409) 656-4250 CONROE Woodland Lakes RV Resort 17110 Firehouse Road, Conroe (936) 273-6666, www.woodlandlakesrvresort.com Thousand Trails Lake Conroe 11720 Old Montgomery Road, Willis (936) 856-7888, www.thousandtrails.com Lake Conroe Park and RV 36 McCaleb Road, Montgomery (936) 494-5730 Castaways RV Park & Resort 12922 Longstreet Road, Willis (936) 856-2949, www.castawaysrvpark.com GILMER Watts RV Park 2212 Chinaberry Road, Gilmer (903) 734-3380, www.wattsrvpark.com HENDERSON Big Buck Country RV Park 8579 FM 2658 N., Tatum 903-836-4150, www.bigbuckcountryrvparkllc.com H&H RV Park 3805 Highway 79 South, Henderson (903) 836-2006, www.hnhrvpark.com

For more listings and trip ideas please visit www.EastToWestTourism.com 32

CARTHAGE Carthage RV Campgrounds 1294 NE Loop, Carthage (903) 693-6640 River Ridge RV Park/Campgrounds 529 Private Road 831, Teneha (903) 693-4441, www.riverridgetx.com LONGVIEW Fernbrook RV Park 2073 Farm Road 2011, Longview (903) 643-8888, www.fernbrookrvpark.com Hitchin’ Post RV Park 1674 FM 450 South, Hallsville (903) 668-3572, www.hitchingpostrvpark.com NACOGDOCHES Forest Country RV Park 5001 U.S. Highway 59 N., Nacogdoches (936) 559-1645, www.forestcountryrvpark.com Paradise Lake RV Park 100 Lake Park Drive, Nacogdoches (888) 564-2011, www.paradiselakervpark.com LINDEN Linden RV Park 500 Centerhill Road, Linden (903) 756-5591 Country Pines Campgrounds 5935 U.S. Highway 59 N., Marshall 800-848-7087, www.countrypinesrv.com TYLER #1 RV Park of Tyler 12421 State Highway 31 W., Tyler (903) 597-6966, www.NumberOneRVPark.com Five Star RV Park 10929 Lavender Road, Tyler (903) 593-6815, www.fivestarRVpark.com Whispering Pines Cabin and RV Resort 5583 FM 16 E., Tyler (903) 858-2405, www.whisperingpinesrvresort. com KE Bushman’s Camp 51152 US Hwy 69 N., Bullard (903) 894-8221, kiepersol.com Texas Rose RV Park 14102 Country 431, Tyler (903) 882-4485 JACKSONVILLE Shady Pines RV Park and Campground 220 County Road 4208, Jacksonville (903) 586-0059, www.shadypinesrvparkandcampground.com

Hill Country

Backpacking A Great Way to See Nature

T

here are so many people who are interested in protecting the planet from severe climate change and other environmental threats. However, many people spend little to no time actually enjoying the great outdoors.

Backpacking trips are a surefire way to immerse yourself in nature and get different perspectives on the great planet where we live. The deeper you get into the wilderness, the more you can feel isolated and unaffected by the hustle and bustle of civilization and the daily grind.

Hiking and backpacking trips can be as relaxing or intense as you desire.

They can also be daytrips or overnight excursions. They offer plenty of time for personal reflection, the opportunity to push your physical limits and, of course, give you the chance to explore locations on foot that generally remain untouched by other modes of transportation.

Ready for your own backpacking trip?

Here’s what you need to get started!

Figure out where you are going and the type of weather, terrain and other conditions you might experience. It is a good idea to talk to someone who has hiked the particular area you’ll be visiting. He or she can offer advice on how to pack.

Remember, when backpacking you will have to carry everything you need. So it pays to minimize what you’re packing to ensure that it is light. Water could be your heaviest item, including any gear, such as tents, if you’re planning an overnight trip.

Dried food and prepackaged nonperishable items are generally lightweight and can provide you with the nourishment you need for a day. Be kind to the environment and always carry out what you carry in.

It also is a wise idea to pack a first-aid kit and other safety equipment, such as moleskin or bandages to prevent blisters, sun protection, sunglasses, and a change of clothes.

If you need inspiration for a trip, contact the visitors’ bureau for your state or another area and ask about trip ideas.

Some sporting goods stores could have brochures and set you up with a hiking group.

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Gulf Coast

T

GREAT

he Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail runs from the Louisiana border all the way to Mexico. It stretches over 500 miles along the coast and comprises more than three hundred separate sites. The trail’s sites are organized into loops, which can be conveniently accessed by car. In the upper Gulf Coast, which is in East Texas, there are these loops:

Big Thicket Loop. This includes Wild Azalea canyons, Boykin Springs and Bouton Lake and Sawmill Trails, Champion Woodland Trail, Turkey Creek and Village Creek State Park. Among the long leaf pines and the bald cypresses you can see the rare Red-cockaded Woodpecker.

Sabine Loop. Dominated by the Sabine River, the Sabine Loop separates Texas and Louisiana. More than 200 bird species found here, winter here on the coastal plain. Sites include Pleasure Island, Sabine Pass, Texas Point National Wildlife Refuge, Sea Rim State Park, Texas Ornithological Society Sabine Woods, and McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge. Trinity Loop, the northern part out by Bush Intercontinental Airport, is your best bet for a good variety of birding and a chance to experience the Woodlands of East Texas. Also in Houston is the botanical garden at Mercer Arboretum, the environmental education center at Sheldon State Park, and the Jesse Jones Nature Center.

San Jacinto Loop. Around by the San Jacinto Monument, three sites offer some of the last existing tidal marshland habitat in the region, reclaimed wetland, and a wetlands education center.

Katy Prairie Loop. Lies immediately west of Houston between the Brazos River and the forests to the north. It was once and endless grassland that echoed with cooing of Attwaters’s Prairie Chickens, migrating birds, buffalo, and the cries of Comanche Indians. These include grasslands, moisture retaining wetlands that provide flood pro34

Texas Coastal Trail

tection as well as water for both agriculture and the millions of migratory waterfowl that visit annually: and riparian woodlands that follow the channels of creeks such as buffalo bayou that traverse the prairie.

The Galveston Loop. With 32 miles of beach and countless acres of mudflats and tidal sloughs, birding, especially water birding, is good in Galveston throughout the year. In 1837, John James Audubon visited Galveston Bay, later writing glowing about the region’s numerous water birds.

Ever since, birders and naturalists have been thrilled by the sight of shorebird-packed mudflats, tidal channels jammed with ibis and Roseate Spoonbills and sand flats covered with nesting terns and Black Skimmers.

The larger waders are ever present and except for a few weeks during June and easily July, shorebirds are abundant. During winter, check the seawall’s endless gulf vista for shorebirds, gulls and terns.

The Brazoria Loop. contains nine far-flung sites in Brazoria and Fort Bend Counties. Some of the locations such as the Nature center trail at Brazosport College are small and warrant a quick peek first thing in the morning, or perhaps during a lunch break. Others such as Lake Jackson Wilderness Park and the adjacent Gulf Coast Bird Observatory property are good for a couple of hours and Brazos bend is good for an entire day, especially if you are a photographer, and/or pay attention to reptiles amphibians, butterflies, and other life forms present there.

The Common thread running through nearly all of these sites is the presence of Brazos River bottomland hardwood forests.

Gulf Coast

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Texas Flora

T

Spring & Autumn Flowers in Texas

here is an old song, “Have you ever been to Texas in the Spring?” The sheer beauty of this season, as it wipes away the dull browns and grays of winter, inspires treks to spring flower trails in city and country.

In Texas it means wildflowers carpeting the sides of the roads. The Indian paintbrush, crimson clover, and pink and white phlox are dominant. There are whole fields of buttercups. The State flower, the blue bonnet, is particularly beautiful as it carpets roadsides and fields in the black land prairies. In yards, flowering quince, redbuds and forsythia are early bloomers. The pear, peach and plum blooms are particular favorites. The azalea and dogwood burst into color in March, inspiring special events.

In the forests, there’s joy in the sight of the blooming of the wildplum, the dogwood, the wild azalea.

To see the majesty of autumn this year, go to the hills and valleys of one of America’s newly discovered fall foliage destinations - Texas. There, forty counties are covered with an abundance of hardwood and

these forests annually put on a coat of many colors as autumn leaves turn to hues of crimson, gold and orange.

The phenomenon of blazing colors occurs from late October until Thanksgiving, usually reaching its peak about the second week of November. It features the turning of the leaves of the hickory, native red and sugar maple, sweet and blackgums, white and red oaks, dogwood, sassafras, and the staghorn sumac. Contrasted with the pine greenery, the foliage makes a spectacular display.

East Texas Tourism Association reports on the spring and fall displays through its website... www.EastToWestTourism.com Since 1968, “foliagespotters” have reported weekly on the color as it changes, beginning in late October, as it marches south from the Red River. The reports alert photographers to the best times to bring their cameras. It weekly presents events and attractions, routes and itineraries, current conditions and digital photos, and eye witness foliage reports.

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6300 Seawall • Galveston • TX • victoriancondo.com www.facebook.com/galvestonvictorian • 888. 598.4295

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State Parks Directory For more information about all Texas State Parks: 1-800-792-1112 For Reservations: 1-512-389-8900 • www.tpwd.state.tx.us ALTO - Caddoan Mounds - 936-858-3218

MINERAL WELLS - Lake Mineral Wells - 940-328-1171

ANDERSON - Fanthorpe Inn - 936-873-2633

MT. PLEASANT - Lake Bob Sandlin - 903-572-5531

ATLANTA - Atlanta State Park - 903-796-6476

PILOT POINT Ray Roberts Lake (Isle Du Bois) - 940-686-2148 (Johnson Branch) VALLEY VIEW - 940-637-2294

BASTROP - Bastrop State Park - 512-321-2101

CEDAR HILL - 972-291-3900

PLANO - Arbor Hills Nature Preserve - 972-941-7250 PORT ARTHUR - *Sea Rim/**Sabine Pass Battleground - 409-971-2559 / 409-971-2451

CLEBURN - Cleurn State Park - 817-645-4215

QUITMAN - Governer Hogg Shrine - 903-763-4045

DAINGERFIELD - 903-645-2921

RICHMOND - Brazos Bend State Park - 979-553-5101

DENISON - Eisenhower - 903-465-1956

RUSK - Jim Hogg State Park - 903-683-4850

EUSTACE - Purtis Creek - 903-425-2332 Lake Tawakoni - 903-560-7123

RUSK/ PALESTINE - Texas State Railroad -903-683-2561 ,

BONHAM - Bonham State Park - 903-583-5022

SAN FELIPE - Stephen F. Austin - 979-885-3613

FAIRFIELD - Fairfield Lake - 903-389-4514

SMITHVILLE - Buescher State Park - 512-237-2241

GALVESTON - Galveston Island - 409-737-1222 HENDERSON - Martin Creek State Park - 903-836-4616

SOMERVILLE - Lake Somerville (Birch Creek) - 979-535-7763 (Nails Creek) - LEDBETTER - 979-289-2392

HOUSTON - San Jacinto Battleground - 281-479-2431 Battleship Texas - 281-479-2431

SULPHUR SPRINGS - Cooper Lake - 903-945-5256

HUNTSVILLE - 936-295-5644

TATUM - Martin Creek Lake - 903-836-4336

JASPER - Martin Dies, Jr., - 409-384-5231

TYLER - Tyler State Park - 903-597-5338

KARNACK - Caddo Lake - 903-679-3351

WASHINGTON - Washington-on-the-Brazos - 936-878-2214

LIVINGSTON - Lake Livingston - 936-365-2201

WECHES - Mission Tejas - 936-687-2394

LUMBERTON - Village Creek - 409-755-7322

WEST COLUMBIA - Varner Hogg - 979-345-4656

MEXIA - Confederate Reunion Grounds Park - 254-562-5751 Fort Parker State Park - 254-562-5751 Old Fort Parker State History Park - 254-562-5569

WHITNEY - Lake Whitney - 254-694-3793

: Lake Livingston State Park, in Polk County, one mile southwest of Livingston, contains 635.5 acres along Lake Livingston a 84,800-acre reservoir. It was acquired by warranty deed and from private landowners in 1971 and opened to the public in 1977.

It is located near the ghost town of Swartwout, a steamboat landing on the Trinity River in the 1830s and 1850s, and the meeting place of Polk County’s first commissioners court before voters selected Livingston as county seat.

For more information please visit www.EastTexasGuide.com

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Louisiana State Parks Lake Claiborne State Park 225 State Park Rd. Homer, LA 71040 318-927-2976, 888-677-2524 On the shores of a 6,400-acre lake. Features fishing, swimming beach, picnicking, overnight camping, cabins, trails, playground and pavilions.

Lake D’Arbonne State Park 3628 Evergreen Rd. Farmerville, LA 71241 318-368-2086, 888-677-5200 This site features cabins, lodges, group camp, tennis courts, camping, picnicking & fishing w/ a boat launch & fishing pier on a man-made lake.

Lake Fausse Pointe State Park 5400 Levee Rd. St. Martinville, LA 70582 337-229-6173, 888-677-7200 Fishing, nature trails, campsites, cabins, picnic tables, pavilions, boat and canoe rentals, conference center. Adjacent to one of the great natural wonders of the North America.

Louisiana North Coalition Northern 29 Louisiana Parishes Shreveport, LA 71101 318-393-3274 Louisiana State Arboretum State Preservation Area 1300 Sudie Lawton Ln. Ville Platte, LA 70586 337-363-6289, 888-677-6100 Located within Chicot State Park. The only State Park’s preservation area. Plants marked throughout the six miles of trails. New Visitor Center, Caroline Dormon Lodge.

North Toledo Bend State Park 2907 N. Toledo Park Rd. Zwolle, LA 71488 318-645-4715, 888-677-6400 Features excellent fishing & water sports, camping, cabins, group camp, swimming pool, pic-nicking, playground, trails, boat launch & meeting room.

Palmetto Island State Park 19501 Pleasant Rd. Abbeville, LA 70510 Poverty Point Reservoir State Park 1500 Poverty Point Pkwy.

Delhi, LA 71232 318-878-7536, 800-474-0392 Poverty Point Reservoir State Park offers year round fishing for largemouth bass, black crappie, blue gill and channel catfish. Two boat launches, a 48-boat slip marina, fishing.

Sam Houston Jones State Park 107 Sutherland Rd. Lake Charles, LA 70611 337-855-2665, 888-677-7264 Originally named for the Texas folk hero who traveled extensively in the western reaches of Louisiana, Sam Houston Jones was given its current name in honor of the state’s 37th governor.

South Toledo Bend State Park 120 Bald Eagle Rd. Anacoco, LA 71403 337-286-9075, 888-398-4770 On the southern end of Toledo Bend Reservoir.

Well-known to water sports enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy nature programs in the scenically situated visitor center.

St. Bernard State Park 501 St. Bernard Pkwy.

Braithwaite, LA 70040 504-682-2101, 888-677-7823 St. Bernard State Park is the ideal spot for visitors who are seeking a family atmosphere and natural experience, as well as for campers who don’t want to or cannot stray far.

Tickfaw State Park 27225 Patterson Rd. Springfield, LA 70462 225-294-5020, 888-981-2020 Eco-park on Tickfaw River offers a nature center with boardwalks, trails, pavilions, picnicking, canoe launch, environmental programs and children’s playground.

www.LaStateParks.com

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State Parks – Louisiana Atchafalaya National Heritage Area Administrative Offices Baton Rouge, LA 70802 225-219-0768 Enjoy outdoor experiences in a culturally-rich region sometimes referred to as the “Other Glades.” A diverse ecosystem, coastlines, swamps, rivers and marshes provide a beautiful backdrop.

Bayou Segnette State Park 7777 Westbank Expwy.

Westwego, LA 70094 504-736-7140, 888-677-2296 Features wave pool, picnicking, 100 campsites, large boat launch, 20 cabins, group camp and meeting rooms. Enjoy both woodlands and marsh areas.

Bogue Chitto State Park 17049 State Park Blvd.

Franklinton, LA 70438 Chemin-a-Haut State Park 14656 State Park Rd. Bastrop, LA 71220 318-283-0812, 888-677-2436 Freshwater fishing, cabins, group camp, playground, swimming pool, picnicking, trails and a meeting room.

Chicot State Park 3469 Chicot Park Rd. Ville Platte, LA 70586 337-363-2503, 888-677-2442 State park facility containing day-use activities and overnight accommodations. Rolling woodlands with 2,000 acre lake. Camping, cabins, lodges, group camp, meeting rooms, picnicking.

Fontainebleau State Park 62883 Hwy. 1089 Mandeville, LA 70448 985-624-4443, 888-677-3668 The 2,800-acre park is located on the shore of Lake Pontchartrain. The park’s nature trail is a favorite of nature lovers. Interpretive signs along the trail will help you identify.

Grand Isle State Park Admiral Craik Drive, off LA Highway 1 Grand Isle, LA 70388 985-787-2559, 888-787-2559 Hodges Gardens State Park 1000 Hodges Loop Florien, LA 71429 318-586-3523, 800-354-3523 Directly across from Emerald Hills Golf Resort is the front gate beyond which lies the famous Hodges Gardens State Park. Over 700 acres of wild and cultivated beauty.

Jimmie Davis State Park 1209 State Park Rd. Chatham, LA 71226 318-249-2595, 888-677-2263 Woodlands surrounding 5,000-acre reservoir offer cabins, lodges, group camp, camping, picnicking, fishing w/ 2 boat launches & pier, beach & swimming.

Lake Bruin State Park 201 State Park Rd. St. Joseph, LA 71366 318-766-3530, 888-677-2784 Features magnificent cypress growth along the shore of a 3,500-acre lake. Picnicking, swimming beach, fishing piers, boat launch, campsites, playground.

Cypremort Point State Park 306 Beach Ln. Cypremort Point, LA 70538 337-867-4510, 888-867-4510 Located on Vermilion Bay. Man-made beach, great spot for sailing, swimming and fishing. Bird and wildlife viewing opportunities possible. Picnic tables, BBQ pits, pavilions and fishing.

Cypremort Point State Park 306 Beach Lane New Iberia, LA 70560 888-867-4510 6 cabins fully equiped with essentials, including private porch, fish cleaning area and boat slips. Beach, swimming, BBQ pits, picnic tables, pavilions and fishing pier.

Fairview-Riverside State Park 119 Fairview Dr. Madisonville, LA 70447 985-845-3318, 888-677-3247 Scattered throughout the park beneath a canopy of huge oak trees are picnic tables, a group pavilion, playground, and comfort stations.

Visit www.EastToWestTourism.com for more ideas.

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Twenty Tips for

Great Family Fun

Louisiana offers tons of fun for families.

By LouisianaTravel.com Staff

Passion: GREAT OUTDOORS

St. Bernard State Park Reintroduce yourself to Mother Nature as you hike, picnic or camp in this 350-acre park along the Mississippi River. www.crt.state.la.us/parks/istbernrd.aspx St. Francisville Find inspiration, just like naturalist John James Audubon did, among these rolling hills. Biking, kayaking, birding and hiking opportunities are plentiful. www.stfrancisville.us Rip Van Winkle Gardens, New Iberia Stroll through lush gardens and beneath ancient live oaks, where legend says pirate Jean Lafitte buried treasure. www.ripvanwinklegardens.com Alligator Park, Natchitoches Get to know the gators—go ahead, it’s safe—at Bayou Pierre Alligator Park. Feeling brave? Help with a feeding. www.alligatorpark.net Poverty Point, Pioneer Tour one of North America’s largest prehistoric earth works, dating back to around 1750 B.C., and learn about the state’s innovative early inhabitants. www.nps.gov/popo

Passion: RICH HISTORY

The Cabildo, New Orleans Explore the state’s varied history in this 18th-century building, which was the site of the Louisiana Purchase transfer in 1803. lsm.crt.state.la.us/cabex.htm USS KIDD, Baton Rouge Walk the decks of the “Pirate of the Pacific” and discover what life was like aboard a World War II destroyer. www.usskidd.com Laurel Valley Plantation, Thibodaux Sweeten your trip with a stop at this sprawling 19th-century sugar plantation. Dozens of original structures still dot the complex. www.visitlafourche.com/attractions.php Cane River National Heritage Area, Natchitoches Cruise by car alongside the Cane River Lake and view classic Creole architecture and national and state historic sites. www.caneriverheritage.org Chennault Aviation and Military Museum, Monroe Learn the story of General Claire Lee Chennault, World War II military aviation hero and leader of the famed “Flying Tigers.” www.sos.louisiana.gov/camm

Passion: MUSIC

Bayou Jam, Slidell Kick up your heels and sing along during these free live music concerts at Heritage Park, held spring and fall. www.slidell.la.us Live After Five, Baton Rouge Enjoy the sounds of the capital’s free live music event on spring and fall Fridays. Bands play a variety, from funk to country. www.liveafterfiveonline.com Savoy Music Center, Eunice Join in a jam session with the Savoy family, known for playing Cajun music and making fine accordions, on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon. www.savoymusiccenter.com Delta Music Museum, Ferriday Travel to the Louisiana Delta, whose fertile soil influenced Southern music and produced noted artists Jerry Lee Lewis and Mickey Gilley. www. sos.louisiana.gov/tabid/238/Default.aspx Shreveport Municipal Memorial Auditorium, Shreveport See where Elvis shook it up before he was king.

Many other icons graced this stage during “Louisiana Hayride” performances. www.municipalauditorium.homestead.com

Passion: ART & CULTURE

Abita Mystery House, Abita Springs Mingle among the odd, intriguing and plain bizarre (We mean you, Darrell the dogigator!) at this attraction by folk artist John Preble. www.ucmmuseum.com River Road African American Museum, Donaldsonville Discover the many contributions by AfricanAmericans along the Mississippi River to the region’s cuisine, music, art and agriculture. www.africanamericanmuseum.org Paul and Lulu Hilliard University Art Museum, Lafayette View works from the 18th through 21st centuries in a modern setting that contrasts with the adjacent plantation home built by A. Hays Town. museum.louisiana.edu Alexandria Museum of Art, Alexandria Appreciate the arts as you take in topnotch traveling exhibitions and tour the state’s largest collection of North Louisiana folk art. www.themuseum.org Shreveport-Bossier Film Trail Head to Hollywood—Hollywood South, that is—with this self-guided tour to where some of the industry’s biggest stars filmed. www.shreveport-bossierfilm.com REPRINTED FROM THE OFFICIAL TOURISM SITE OF LOUISIANA

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Share your thoughts and pictures visit www.facebook.com/EastTexasTourism 6

Weekend Getaways

Canoers discover the relaxation and scenery from one of many waterways located in Louisiana

Canoeing in Allen Parish One of Louisiana’s most enjoyable Scenic Waterways is located in Mittie, LA. The Ouiska Chitto is known far and wide for its canoeing pleasures. Your senses come to life on the Ouiska Chitto in springtime.

Smells of pine, fresh water, and wild flowers, mixed with the sounds of the creek and local bird songs will have you relaxing to the max. If you are into primitive camping, the Ouiska Chitto is for you.

Sleeping beneath the starlit sky, enjoying the sounds of nature’s night life, and eating a campfire meal makes for a guaranteed good old time camping on the Ouiska Chitto.

Allen Parish Tourist Commission P.O. Box 1280, Oberlin, Louisiana 70655 Toll Free (888) 639-4868 Telephone (337) 639-4868 Adagria Haddock, director@allenparish.com

Visit Historic Homes in Lake Charles The historic Charpentier District is one of the finest collections of Victorian architecture in the state and can be found downtown Lake Charles. With its nearly 20 blocks of antique Victorian-era homes dating from

the late 1800s to the early 1900s, the structures reflect unique Lake Charles-style architecture. Those with an appreciation for history will also enjoy visiting some of the historical area cemeteries and museums.

Southwest LA/Lake Charles Convention & Visitors Bureau, 1205 N. Lakeshore Drive, Lake Charles, LA 70601, phone: (337) 436-9588, 1-800-456-SWLA www.visitlakecharles.org

Shopping @ Follette Pottery Store Louisiana’s most exciting venue for fine American crafts by more than 100 nationally known artists.

Since 1980, Follette Pottery, one of the South’s largest art studios, has been creating pottery to make your life a celebration.

Whether it’s glass, metal, jewelry, pottery, wood or mixed-media, you will find the most unique shopping experience from Dallas to Atlanta. 1991 Pea Ridge Road, Dubach LA 71235.

(318) 513-9121 Ruston Lincoln Convention and Visitors Bureau, 2111 North Trenton Street, Ruston, LA 71273, 318-255-2031, 1-800-392-9032 www.rustonlincoln.com

Share your favorite Louisiana spots by visiting www.facebook.com/EasttoWestTexasTourism

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Only in Louisiana

BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo

D

iscover the animal kingdom at BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo, including elephants, giraffes, rhinos and alligators. Visitors can enjoy the new Flamingo Cove and Giants of the Islands, featuring the Zoo’s Chilean flamingos and Galapagos and Aldabra tortoises, as well as the Safari Playground, the Otter Pond, our exhibit featuring a replicated fishing cabin with underwater viewing of the otters, L’aquarium de Louisiane, Parrot Paradise and KidsZoo. Admission: Adults and Teens: $6; Seniors: $5; Children 2-12: $3; 1 & under: FREE Hours: Monday - Friday: Admissions open 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Grounds close at 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday: Admissions open 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Grounds close at 5 p.m. www.brzoo.org.

Fishing in Sabine Parish Toledo Bend is the home of the largest man-made lake in the Southern United States (186,000 acres) and some of the best fishing in Louisiana (and the country for that matter). If you’re a sportsman looking for a trophy fish or simply trying to plan a fun family getaway, look no further, Toledo Bend has it all.

Located in Sabine Parish, Toledo Bend offers world-class bass as well as endless array of water sports and activities, but most all Toledo Bend means fun for the entire family.

Toledo Bend Lake Country, Sabine Parish 1601 Texas Hwy, Many, LA 71449 318-256-5880 - 1-800-358-7802. www.toledobendlakecountry.com.

Kid Fun @ Sci-Port: Louisiana’s Science Center Sci-Port is a 92,000 square-foot science and entertainment center in ShreveportBossier, featuring over 290 science, space science, technology and math exhibits; daily changing programs, an IMAX Dome Theatre, open-access, interactive, laser Space Dome Planetarium, gift shop and cafe. Sci-Port is located on the downtown Shreveport Riverfront.

Open September through February – Tuesday – Friday 10a-5p, Saturday 10a-6p & Sunday noon -6p Open March through August – MondaySaturday 10a – 6p & Sunday noon -6p www.sciport.org.

Join us in Ruston experience ruston.com

1.800.392.9032 4

Louisiana Welcome Centers Allen Parish Tourist Commission Welcome Center 8904 Hwy. 165 Oberlin, LA 70655 337-639-4868, 888-639-4868 Atchafalaya Welcome Center 1908 Atchafalaya River Hwy. Breaux Bridge, LA 70517 337-228-1094 Capitol Park Welcome Center 702 N. River Rd. Baton Rouge, LA 70802 225-219-1200, 800-444-8626 Grand Ecore Visitor Center U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 106 Tauzin Island Rd. Natchitoches, LA 71457 318-354-8770 Greenwood, I-20 Eastbound Welcome Center 9945 I-20 W. Greenwood, LA 71033 318-938-5613 I-49 Alexandria Welcome Center 7050 Hwy. 1 N. Boyce, LA 71409 318-767-6000 Family friendly welcome center located off I-49.

J. Bennett Johnston Waterway Regional Visitor Center 700 Clyde Fant Pkwy.

Shreveport, LA 71101 318-677-2673

Kentwood, LA 70444 985-229-8338 I-20 Westbound Welcome Center 836 I-20 W. Tallulah, LA 71282 318-574-5674 New Orleans Welcome Center 529 St. Ann St. New Orleans, LA 70116 504-568-5661 Pearl River Welcome Center 61441 I-59 S. Pearl River, LA 70452 985-646-6450 Slidell, I-10 Westbound Welcome Center 41300 Crawford Landing Rd. Slidell, LA 70461 985-646-6451 State Capitol Welcome Center 900 N. 3rd St. Baton Rouge, LA 70802 225-342-7317 U.S. 61 St. Francisville Welcome Center 14869 U.S. Hwy. 61 St. Francisville, LA 70775 225-635-6962 Vidalia Welcome Center 112 Front St. Vidalia, LA 71373 318-336-7008 Vinton, I-10 Eastbound Welcome Center 6212 W. I-10 Vinton, LA 70668 337-589-7774

Kentwood, I-55 Welcome Center 77479 I-55 S.

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L

ouisiana became the 18th state in the union on April 30, 1812. Its motto is “Union, Justice and Confidence.” It has several nicknames including The Pelican State, The Sportsman’s Paradise, The Creole State & The Sugar State. Louisiana was named in honor of Louis XIV of France.

Louisiana is divided into 64 parishes (the equivalent of counties in most other states).

Its capital is Baton Rouge and largest city is New Orleans. Louisiana is the only state in the U.S. with political subdivisions termed parishes, which are local governments equivalent to counties. The largest parish by population is East Baton Rouge Parish, and the largest by land area is Cameron Parish. The population in the 2010 census was 4,533,372.

The state flower is the magnolia grandiflora and Louisiana Iris. The state bird is the Pelican and there are two official state songs, “Give me Louisiana” and “You Are My Sunshine.” The state tree is the Cypress. The state colors are gold, white and blue.

There are two professional sports teams in Louisiana including the New Orleans Saints (football) and the New Orleans Hornets (Men’s Basketball).

Famous people from Louisiana include: Louis Armstrong (1900 - 1971), jazz musician and entertainer.

Sieur de Jean Baptiste le Moyne Bienville (1680 - 1768), explorer, governor of Louisiana colony, founder of New Orleans, and referred to as the “Father of Louisiana.”

Fats Domino, musician.

Bryant Gumbel, TV newscaster.

John James Audubon (1785 - 1851), naturalist and artist, some of whose paintings for Birds of America were done in Louisiana.

Truman Capote (1924 - 1984), writer, noted for evocative prose style.

Interesting Louisiana Tid-Bits: Mardi Gras is a celebration that is known worldwide. It is an ancient custom that originated in southern Europe. It celebrates food and fun just before the 40 days of Lent: a Catholic time of prayer and sacrifice. This custom was brought to Louisiana by the French.

Louisiana marshes supply most of the nation’s muskrat fur as well as that of opossum, raccoon, mink, and otter, and large numbers of game birds.

Planters initially produced indigo and tobacco, but these crops were replaced by cotton in north Louisiana and sugar cane in the more tropical southern Louisiana. Today, Louisiana is among the top ten states in the production of sugar cane (2nd), sweet potatoes (2nd), rice (3rd), cotton (5th) and pecans (5th).

Louisiana has the greatest concentration of crude oil refineries, natural gas processing plants and petrochemical production facilities in the Western Hemisphere.

Louisiana is the nation’s largest handler of grain for export to world markets. More than 40 percent of the U.S. grain exports move through Louisiana ports.

Because of its many bays and sounds, Louisiana has the longest coastline (15,000 miles) of any state and 41 percent of the nation’s wetlands.

Louisiana operates a system of 22 state parks, 17 state historic sites and one state preservation area. Louisiana is also home of the High Delta Safari Park close to Shreveport and Monroe.

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