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.