Spring Break Fun in Athens

Conveniently located within a few hours drive from most major cities in Texas, Athens offers the perfect place to get away and spend quality time with your family without breaking your pocketbook.

Athens is known for its natural beauty with lush, rolling hills, expansive ranches and nearby lakes, including Lake Athens. The outdoors is the major draw for Athens with opportunities for fishing, golfing, bird watching, biking, boating and water skiing.

The City of Athens Department of Tourism offers a few suggestions on how families can spend time together in Athens this Spring Break.

Day 1

Henderson County
Historical Museum

Get in touch with your cultural side. Spend time downtown while in Athens and stop by the Henderson County Historical Museum to learn more about the history of Athens and Henderson County. Exhibits on the first floor continue to emulate a turn-of-the-century dry goods store while the second floor is a re-creation of an early law office, parlor, bedroom, bath, kitchen, and schoolroom. Take a step back in time and experience life the way it was at the turn-of-the-century.

Next, visit the art galleries in downtown Athens, located one block east of the museum and go shopping in quaint boutiques and antique stores. Stroll through downtown and stop for lunch at one of Athens' downtown restaurants.

Did you know that Athens is home of the original hamburger? Athens native "Uncle" Fletcher Davis introduced this wonderful new sandwich at the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis. A historical marker on the downtown square pays tribute to the originator of this all-time favorite American food. In honor of Athens' hamburger history, enjoy an old-fashioned hamburger while in town.

Day 2

Texas Freshwater
Fisheries Center

Take the family to the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center for a day of fun. The 1.2 acre lake is stocked with plentiful numbers of catfish and sunfish year-round and rainbow trout are stocked from December through March. The friendly TFFC staff will provide a brief orientation to fishing and choice of bait. The staff will also untangle a fishing line and replace lost hooks or bobbers or any other equipment problems, leaving visitors free to concentrate on fishing.

In addition to fishing, the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center offers 300,000 gallons of aquariums with native Texas fish, a daily dive show, an alligator exhibit, tram tours, and the interpretive wetland trail where kids can go turtle-spotting, see bees at work and walk off stream. Join the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center, the second Saturday of the month, for a Bird and Nature Walk and expect to see 25 or more different species on the outing. These outings are perfect for both beginning and advanced birdwatchers.

Day 3
Head out to New York, Texas for an adventure at NY-TX Zipline Adventures, the "Best Adventure Tour in Texas." Located 15 minutes east of Athens, NY-TX Zipline Adventures is atop the highest point in Henderson County. The zipline offers guests a panoramic view of the beautiful rolling hills and trees of East Texas and they have the longest zipline in Texas at over 900 feet. NY-TX Zipline offers six lines and nine lines for a thrilling zipline experience.

Day 4

East Texas Arboretum

Discover one hundred acres of wooded beauty, trees, flowers, and wildlife at the East Texas Arboretum and Botanical Society. Stroll through winding, spring-fed streams connected by a 115-foot suspension bridge. Experience life in early Henderson County at the historic Wofford House museum, built in 1850. Visit the newly constructed Henderson County Veterans Memorial Wall and Plaza honoring more than 9,000 military veterans from Henderson County beginning from the Civil War to present.

In March, it's still a little too cold to swim outdoors but visitors can still swim in Athens at the Cain Center. Guests staying overnight in Athens hotels are offered complimentary access to the fitness center and indoor junior Olympic swimming pool, simply by showing their hotel room key to the front desk attendant. The kids will enjoy jumping off the diving board and parents can relax nearby in the hot tub, dry sauna and steam room.

The Cain Center sits nestled in the heart of the beautiful 85-acre Cain Park, surrounded by beautiful oaks and pines. Cain Park is a great place to walk or jog, or even ride a bike. There is a playground, fishing pond, and tennis courts for guests recreational enjoyment.

The Henderson County Clint W. Murchison Memorial Library will have a Movie Marathon during Spring Break, March 10-14. The free movies begin each day at 2 p.m.

For more information about Athens including hotel accommodations, coupons and upcoming events, visit www.AthensTX.org or call 1-888-294-2847 to request a free visitor's guide.

Best Of the Upper East Side of Texas winners announced

Now in its tenth year, County Line Magazine features a Best of the Upper East Side of Texas to uncover the best in the region. Several popular places in Athens made the 2013 Best Of list:

Best Catfish - Lake Athens Marina

Located on beautiful Lake Athens, the Marina restaurant serves up "some mighty good hand-battered catfish with all the trimmings." Let's not forget their homemade desserts such as cherry, apple, coconut and chocolate pies or their famous Italian cream cake that is available by the slice or by the whole cake. Located at 5401 Marina Dr., 903-677-8774.

Athens Farmer's Market

Best Produce - Athens Farmer's Market
Open every Saturday May through October, the Athens Farmer's Market offers everything from baked
goods and produce to local artisans handcrafted items. "Visitors will find chemical-free peaches, gourmet heirloom vegetables and melons, squash, onions, watermelons, cantaloupe, tomatoes, fresh bread, cheeses and more. The Athens Farmer's Market is open from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. during market season in the city parking lot at the corner of N. Palestine and Larkin streets.

Best Sandwich - Railway Cafe, runner up
Chef Justin Boswell offers a variety of items to please the most discerning tastes. In additional to traditional items, the menu at Railway Cafe includes sandwiches such as grilled portobello on sourdough with roasted bell pepper, grilled onions, herb pesto and provolone or try the pan seared daily fish on open face sourdough with remoulade and red onion jam. Located in downtown Athens at 210 N. Palestine St., 903-264-7245.

Best Winery - Tara Vineyard & Winery, runner up

Tara Vineyard & Winery

Tara Vineyard & Winery is the oldest winery in Henderson County, established in 2004. Upon entering the grounds, visitors immediately notice the stately Murchison home, constructed in the 1880's. Tara's unique selection of premium wines are available for tastings. Tara's tasting room and wine shop is open daily during regular hours or take a guided tour of the winery, offered at 2:30 p.m. each Saturday. Located at 8603 CR 3914, 903-675-7023.

Best Nature Walk - East Texas Arboretum, runner up

East Texas Arboretum

One hundred acres of wooded beauty, trees, flowers, and wildlife await your discovery at the East Texas Arboretum. The forest appears to come alive as you meander along two miles of woodland trails. Make your way along winding, spring-fed streams connected by a 115-foot suspension bridge. Stroll through gardens and experience life in early Henderson County at the historic Wofford House museum, built in 1850. The East Texas Arboretum is also home to the newly constructed Henderson County Veterans Memorial Wall and Plaza. Located at 1601 Patterson Rd., 903-675-5630.

For more information about Athens, including the places mentioned above, please visit our website at www.AthensTX.org.