N e w A m e r i c a n C u i s i n e

NEW AT THE TEXAS STATE RAILROAD

Things to do & see inEast Texas

(s16)

JEFFERSONMarch 18 - 19: 5th Annual Route 49 Rally & FestivalDiamond Don RV ParkRoute49Rally.com • 972-226-7295

Enjoy some great music, vendors, Car & Bike Show, Poker Run, IBCA BBQ Cook-off, Biker Games, Beer Garden, and more. A portion of the proceeds benefit Children’s Medical Center of Dallas.

April 28-May 1: 69th Annual Pilgrimage Historic Home ToursDowntown Jefferson • JeffersonPilgrimage.com • 903-665-2513

Celebrate the beauty of spring and take a trip back to the 1860s. The Pilgrimage starts with the infamous Diamond Bessie Murder Trial. Don’t miss the Historic Home Tours, and Pilgrimage Parade & Town Skirmish, the Quilt & Fiber Arts Exhibit, Twilight Garden Stroll, Craft & Heirloom Plant Sale, Civil War Re-enactment Events, and so much more...

July 4: Jefferson Salutes America: Fourth of July CelebrationOtstott Park VisitJeffersonTexas.com 903-665-3733

Join us in Jefferson for some all American family fun! Events include, Children’s Bicycle Parade & Games, Cake Auction, Band Music, Fantastic Fireworks Show, Jefferson Opera House Theatre Players Play, and the East Texas Performing Arts Play.

JACKSONVILLEJune 11: 32nd Annual Tomato FestDowntown, Commerce StreetJacksonvilleTexas.com 903-586-2217

Featuring over 200 vendors, farmers market, Got Talent Contest, Salsa Contest, Tomato Eating Contest, Tomato Peeling Contest, Chili's Street Dance and so much more! Events are free and fun for the entire family. Come join the fun in 'Tomatoville'.

MARSHALLMarch-August:Second SaturdaysDowntown Marshall visitmarshalltexas.org903-702-7777

Join us for the greatest car show from A-T: Arkansas to Texas!

Featuring hot rods, classic cars, vintage cars and more! Vendors, shopping and dining! Live outdoor concerts in the Birthplace of the Boogie Woogie. March 12, April 9, May 14, June 11, July 9, & August 13; 5 to 9 pm

NACOGDOCHESJune 11: 27th Annual Texas Blueberry FestivalDowntown Nacogdoches • TexasBlueberryFestival.com • 936-560-5533

The 27th Annual Texas Blueberry Festival is a delicious and delightful day that all can enjoy. Enjoy tasty treats, live entertainment, festival vendors and plenty of fun for the kids - and join the Nacogdoches Tricentennial celebration!

MINEOLAApril 23: A Tribute to the Million Dollar QuartetMineola Civic Center Mineola.com 903-569-6983

A musical tribute to the Million Dollar Quartet, Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash. One night only at the Mineola Civic Center 1150 N Newson Presented by Rafael Espinoza and friends.

May 13 & 14: MineolaHome & Garden ShowMineola Civic Center Mineolachamber.org • 903-569-2087

Join us for a home & garden show, business expo, and boat & RV show - all rolled into one! Meet popular TV host, Bob Mauldin, and enjoy educational programs and demonstrations, such as pet training, gardening, nutrition, cooking, fishing, travel exploration, and financial planning.

*while you're here, stop & stay awhile:

Historic Downtown Mineola Mineola Nature Preserve

mineola.com • 800-646-3652

June 18: Highway 80 Progressive Car Cruise

Mineola, Grand Saline, Gladewater & Wills PointHighway80progressivecarcruise/facebook

903-569-6983

Come cruise Historic Highway 80, start in Gladewater, cruise to Mineola and Grand Saline and finish the event in Wills Point. Enjoy food, entertainment & historic downtowns.

PALESTINEMarch 18-20, 25-27 & April 1-3: 78th Annual Dogwood Trails CelebrationCity-Wide texasdogwoodtrails.com903-723-3014

This long-time celebration takes place the last two weekends in March and first weekend in April. Enjoy the delicate beauty of the dogwood trees in Davey Dogwood Park and surrounding area. Activities are scheduled each weekend.

2016 Spring & Summer: Historic Texas State Theatre213 W. Crawford Streetthetexastheater.com • 903-922-1327

Rex's Exes: March 17- 21, 24-26The Addams Family: July 28- 31 & August 4-7

Enjoy live theatre at the Historic Texas Theatre in Palestine! This spring celebrate Texas with Texas-size laughs with REX'S EXES. Set in East Texas, you are sure to love each of these characters, and their misadventures. This summer, a creepy and kooky family comes to life in THE ADDAMS FAMILY, a musical comedy and fun for the whole family.

April 22-24: 1836 Chuckwagon RaceDiamond B. Ranch • 1836chuckwagonrace.com • 903-723-3014

The 1836 Chuckwagon Race takes place each year at Diamond B. Ranch just outside of Palestine, Texas. This unique Western event includes wagon races, barn dances, trail rides, Bronc Fann'n, live music, cowboy poetry and much more.

PALESTINEApril- October: The Pullman TableBrunch, Lunch, and DinnerReserve Your Table: ThePullmanTable.com

Menus highlighting ingredients prized by establishments embracing the farm-to-table philosophy, paired with craft beer, wine and spirits all sourced locally – giving guests a true taste of what Texas is made of.

March - October: Pineywoods Train ExcursionsTexas State Railroad Palestine Depottexasstaterr.com • 877-726-7245

The Piney Woods Excursion takes visitors on a relaxing and scenic round trip journey through the beautiful East Texas countryside. Beverages and snacks are available for purchase in the concession car.

2016: THE POLAR EXPRESS™Train RideTickets available now for Nov-Dec 2016texasstaterr.com • 877-726-7245

All Aboard! THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride. Inspired by the hit movie, this family favorite comes to life, as the Texas State Railroad rolls out of the Palestine station bound for the “North Pole!” Come early and climb aboard with your family to cozy-up and enjoy our festively-decorated vintage train cars!

PORT ARTHURThe Museum of the Gulf Coastmuseumofthegulfcoast.org 409-984-6446

April 9-June 10: Quilts of the GulfThe exhibit opens with a "Family Fun Day" on April 9. See expert quilters, knitters, & spinners showcase their work and demonstrate fiber techniques. Bring the kids for crafts & hands-on activities. Call 409-982-7000 to reserve a seat for a special presentation by quilt appraiser Marcia Kaylakie - space is limited.

June 18-August 28:Exploring the UniverseA special exhibit on loan from Johnson Space Center allows visitors to imagine life out there amongst the stars. See the technology and tools used by astronomers, explore how telescopes and satellites actually work, and get inside a real space suit. Contact the Museum for additional children’s programming.

TYLERSpring & Summer: Live Entertainmentvisittyler.com/calendar903-592-1661

Enjoy live entertainment in Tyler this spring/summer! Tyler boasts a large variety of talent. Catch a show at the historic Liberty Theater, see a world-class performance, or listen to a band at a local joint on any given night.

TEX AS FOREST TR AIL REGION

ROAD TRIPS

2016 SPRING & SUMMER EDITIONW W W . T E X A S F O R E S T T R A I L . C O M

TEXAS FOREST TRAIL REGION202 E. Pilar Street Nacogdoches, Texas 75961888/293-8708 • 936/560-3699

Follow us:flickr.com/txforesttrailtumblr.com/etxtravelertwitter.com/etxtravelerpinterest.com/txforesttrailinstagram.com/etxtravelerfacebook.com/texasforesttrail

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BEAUMONTJuly 4: Independence Day Festival

Downtown Beaumont • beaumontcvb.com • 1-800-392-4401Beaumont’s Independence Day event is held at Riverfront Park, where food vendors offer “fair-style” foods such as barbecue, boudain, pork kabobs, funnel cakes and more. The free celebration includes live musical entertainment and a dramatic fireworks display at nightfall.

July 16: Jazz+Blues Fest

Jefferson Theatre • beaumontcvb.com • 409-838-3435

Don’t miss this annual indoor/outdoor jazz and blues music festival in Downtown Beaumont! This annual event brings an unbeatable line-up of live music, food, and fun for the entire family.

March 24 - April 3: YMBL South Texas

State FairFord Park Event Center

beaumontcvb.com409-832-9991

For 73 years, fair-goers enjoy the excitement of a championship rodeo, livestock show, thrilling rides and games on the Midway. Live music of all sorts and food favorites like funnel cakes and barbecued deliciousness are served up on a stick!

CADDO MOUNDS - ALTOApril 9: Caddo Culture DayCaddo Mounds State Historic Sitethc.state.tx.us • 936-858-3218

Experience Caddo Indian culture April 9th, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Activities include: Caddo music and dance, talks, guided hikes, children's activities, exhibits by Caddo artists, bake sale, silent auction, and more. Enjoy Indian tacos! Free event; donations appreciated.

CENTERMarch 19: Shelby County Grill FestWindham Civic Center • shelbycountychamber.com • 936-598-3682

Center, Texas hosts cook teams from across the state . Competing in brisket, chicken and pork spareribs. Cash prizes for top cookers in each category. Spectator tasting, live entertainment and game contest. Sanctioned by the Lone Star Barbecue Society

CLARKSVILLEMay 21: 4th Annual Langford Lake BBQ Cook-OffLangford Lake Camping Groundsredrivercoc.com • 903-427-2645

Non-sanctioned event with two categories: Brisket and Pork Ribs. Prize money in both categories. Rules and Registration forms: redrivercoc.com. FOR THE PUBLIC: Serving starts 5 PM, $10 a plate including drink. Live music.

CONROEMarch 16-19: ModAero #nextgen Aviation FestivalLone Star Convention & Expo Center • modaero.net • 877-426-6763

Aircraft. Music. Careers. Community. MODAERO NextGen Aviation Festival was created by a group of Aviation Industry veterans with the goal of stimulating positive growth in the Pilot Population and Aviation Community. Great for enthusiasts and families.

March 18-20:Dust Bowl MotelCrighton Theatre dustbowlmotel.org 877-426-6763

Centered on the struggles & heartbreak of one woman’s journey to find happiness, “Dust Bowl Motel,” a new play by Scott McCarley and Jim Roth, combines acting and storytelling with live, homegrown, Texas music to capture a unique theatre experience.

April 22-24: Concours d'Elegance of TexasLa Torretta Lake Resort & Spa • concoursoftexas.org • 877-426-6763

Known as “The Family Concours”, this event will highlight featured marques including Jaguar, Bentley, Lincoln, Bonneville speed cars as well as rare wood-bodied cars, The Woodies, all displayed on the greens of La Torretta Lake Resort and Spa. Auction-Saturday, Concours-Sunday.

DIBOLLSpring-Fall 2016: Imagining Texas:

A Historical Journey with MapsThe History Center • TheHistoryCenterOnline.com

936-829-3543

Come enjoy a free and exciting exhibit featuring dozens of historical maps from the collections of The History Center, the Library of Congress, the British Library and others.

HUNTSVILLEApril 1-9: 38th Walker County Fair, Rodeo & Barbeque CookoffWalker County Fair Groundswalkercountyfair.com 936-291-8763

Enjoy a barbeque cook-off, Pro Rodeo events, livestock exhibits, a carnival, contests, dances and more at the 38th Annual Fair & Rodeo.

MaY 13-15.: General Sam Houston Folk FestivalSam Houston Memorial Museum Huntsvilletexas.com 936-294-1832

Celebrate the life & times of General Sam Houston: festival includes life skill demonstrations, authentic century dress, entertainment and children’s activities.

GLADEWATER

April 15-16: 31st East Texas Gusher DaysAntique District Gusher-days.com 903-845-5501

Come celebrate the nostalgia of the Oil Boom Days in Gladewater with a Heritage Parade, Chili Cook Off, Car Show, Hip Hop Amusements, Arts & Crafts, Live Musical Entertainment and much, much, more.

June 8-11: 79th annualGladewater Round-Up Rodeo Gladewater Rodeo Arena gladewaterrodeo.com • 903-845-5501

Since 1937 Gladewater has featured one of the best known, nationally sanctioned PRCA Rodeos in America. 4 days of old-west style, bronco-bustin’ rodeo.

auGust 13: 6th Annual Gladewater MaIn Street Art StrollDowntown Gladewater • gladewatermainstreet.com 903-845-5753

Join us at the 6th Annual Gladewater Main Street Art Stroll. Featuring photography, paintings, sculpture, drawings, and live entertainment and demonstrations in the Antique District.

WELCOME TO EAST TEXASThe place where Texas begins!The Texas Forest Trail Region is a 35-county area of East Texas where legendary trails and towns pre-dating the Lone Star State are nestled among towering pines and refreshing lakes, proving that our history and culture come naturally.

Bird, hike, kayak, or camp in our national forests, state parks, and abundant rivers. Explore Texas history from the pre-historic Caddo Indians, to the Texas Revolution, to the boom of oil, railroad, and timber industries at our museums and historic sites. Luxurious bed and breakfasts, historic downtown shops, friendly folks, and restaurants serving uniquely-Texas cuisine await to welcome you to the right side of Texas.

For maps & more information about what to see and do while you’re in the area visit our web site: TexasForestTrail.com.

mar --------------------------------------------------------------- 16-19 CONROE, TX: ModAero #nextgen Aviation Festival • modaero.net 18-19 JEFFERSON, TX: 5th Annual Route 49 Rally & Festival • Route49Rally.com 18-20 CONROE, TX: Dust Bowl Motel dustbowlmotel.org 18-20 PALESTINE, TX: 78th Annual Dogwood Trails Celebration• texasdogwoodtrails.com 19 CENTER, TX: Shelby County Grill Fest • shelbycountychamber.com 24-31 BEAUMONT, TX: YMBL South Texas State Fair • beaumontcvb.com 25-27 PALESTINE, TX: 78th Annual Dogwood Trails Celebration• texasdogwoodtrails.com 25-31 TYLER, TX: Azalea & Spring Flower Trail • visittyler.com/azaleatrailapr ---------------------------------------------------------------- 1-3 BEAUMONT, TX: YMBL South Texas State Fair• beaumontcvb.com 1-3 PALESTINE, TX: 78th Annual Dogwood Trails Celebration• texasdogwoodtrails.com 1-9 HUNTSVILLE, TX: 38th Walker County Rodeo & BBQ Cookoff • walkercountyfair.com 1-10 TYLER, TX: Azalea & Spring Flower Trail • visittyler.com/azaleatrail 9 ALTO, TX: Caddo Culture Day • thc.state.tx.us 9 PORT ARTHUR, TX: Museum Family Fun Day • museumofthegulfcoast.org 9-30 PORT ARTHUR, TX: Quilts of the Gulf Coast • museumofthegulfcoast.org 15-16 GLADEWATER, TX: 31st Annual East Texas Gusher Days • gusher-days.com 22-24 CONROE, TX: Concours d'Elegance of Texas • concoursoftexas.org 22-24 PALESTINE, TX: 1836 Chuckwagon Race •1836chuckwagonrace.com 23 MINEOLA, TX: A Tribute to the Million Dollar Quartet • Mineola.com 28-30 JEFFERSON, TX: 69th Annual Pilgrimage • JeffersonPilgrimage.comMay ---------------------------------------------------------------- 1 JEFFERSON, TX: 69th Annual Pilgrimage • JeffersonPilgrimage.com 1-31 PORT ARTHUR, TX: Quilts of the Gulf Coast • museumofthegulfcoast.org 3-5 HUNTSVILLE, TX: Sam Houston Folk Festival • Huntsvilletexas.com 8-31 CENTER, TX: The Lily Farm • lilyfarm.com 13-14 MINEOLA, TX: Mineola Home and Garden Show • Mineolachamber.org 21 CLARKSVILLE, TX: 4th Annual Langford Lake BBQ Cook-Off • redrivercoc.comJun ---------------------------------------------------------------- 1-10 PORT ARTHUR, TX: Quilts of the Gulf Coast • museumofthegulfcoast.org 1-19 CENTER, TX: The Lily Farm • lilyfarm.com 18-30 PORT ARTHUR, TX: Exploring the Universe • museumofthegulfcoast.org 8-11 GLADEWATER, TX: Annual Gladewater Round-Up Rodeo • gladewaterrodeo.com 11 JACKSONVILLE, TX: 32nd Annual Tomato Fest • JacksonvilleTexas.com 11 NACOGDOCHES, TX: Annual Texas Blueberry Festival •TexasBlueberryFestival.com 15-19 CLARKSVILLE, TX: Gateway to Texas Get*A*Way Bicycle Tour • Redrivercoc.com 18 MINEOLA, TX: HWY 80 Progressive Car Cruise • Highway80progressivecarcruise/Facebook 18-30 PORT ARTHUR, TX: Exploring the Universe • museumofthegulfcoast.orgJul ---------------------------------------------------------------- 1-31 PORT ARTHUR, TX: Exploring the Universe • museumofthegulfcoast.org 4 BEAUMONT, TX: Independence Day Festival • beaumontcvb.com 4 JEFFERSON, TX: Salutes America / 4th of July Celebration • VisitJeffersonTexas.com 6-9 CENTER, TX: WHAT-A-Melon Festival • shelbycountychamber.com 16 BEAUMONT, TX: Jazz+Blues Fest • beaumontcvb.comAug ---------------------------------------------------------------- 1-28 PORT ARTHUR, TX: Exploring the Universe • museumofthegulfcoast.org 13 GLADEWATER, TX: Gladewater Main Street Art Stroll • gladewatermainstreet.com Oct ---------------------------------------------------------------- 1 BEAUMONT, TX: Fire Prevention & Family Safety Festival • fmotassn.org 1 CLARKSVILLE, TX: Red River Co. Historical Society Fall Bazaar & Duck Race • redrivercoc.com 1-31 TYLER, TX: Tyler Rose Season • visittyler.com/roseseason 6-8 CENTER, TX: 40th Annual East Texas Poultry Festival • shelbycountychamber.com 7-9 CLARKSVILLE, TX: Gateway to Texas Tandem Cycle Ride • redrivercoc.com 7-9 JEFFERSON, TX: Burn Benefit--Continue the Ride • bikersforburnsurvivors.org

*Ongoing Events ------------------------------------------------- Spring-Summer MARSHALL, TX: Second Saturdays • visitmarshalltexas.orgSpring-Summer TYLER, TX: Live Entertainment • visittyler.com/calendarSpring-Fall DIBOLL, TX: The History Center Exhibits • TheHistoryCenterOnline.com Spring-Fall PALESTINE, TX: Historic Texas State Theatre • thetexastheater.comSpring-Fall PALESTINE, TX: The Pullman Table • texasstaterr.comSpring-Fall PALESTINE, TX: Piney Woods Train Excursions • texasstaterr.comHoliday PALESTINE, TX: The Polar Express Train Ride TM • Texas StateRR.com

*check websites for additional information.