Fly Fish Texas March 8 at Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center

Learn to tie a fly, cast a fly and catch a fish all in one day during the annual Fly Fish Texas event on March 8 at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center.

Throughout the day, experienced fly-tiers will be demonstrating and teaching fly-tying in the Anglers Pavilion on a one-on-one basis. In addition, group instruction in beginning fly-tying will be offered in the Hart-Morris Conservation Center beginning at noon. Both are offered on a walk-up basis.

Beginning casting instruction will take place all day in the Conservation Center parking lot, again on a walk-up basis. Scheduled sessions will teach single- and double-hand Spey rod casting.

For a complete schedule of activities and seminars, visit www.tpwd.state.tx.us/tffc and click on the Fly Fish Texas link.

Vendors will be displaying and selling fly-fishing gear, and seminars will brief visitors on where and how to fly-fish in fresh and salt waters for a variety of species. The program will include presentations on fly-fishing the Llano River and Colorado’s backcountry canyons and high-meadow streams.

Other sessions will focus on caring for fly-fishing equipment, choosing a fly rod, fly-fishing for carp, tying flies for spring bass fishing, tying trout flies, tying flies to take advantage of fish senses and rigging for trout.

Kayaks and instruction on how to use them for fly-fishing will be available on the casting pond. Do-it-yourself fly-fishing for rainbow trout, sunfish and catfish will be available all day in TFFC’s ponds and streams. Bass and rainbow trout fishing will be available in the fly-fishing pond at the end of the Wetlands Trail.

Food service will be available onsite, or attendees may bring a picnic. TFFC’s regularly scheduled dive shows will take place in the dive theater at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and will be followed by tram tours of the hatchery.

Show hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. All Fly Fish Texas activities are free with regular paid admission to the center. For more information, please click here.

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.

Athens Christmas Parade slated for December 7

Plans are in full swing for the annual lighted Christmas Parade, Christmas Around the Square, sponsored by the City of Athens.

The annual lighted Christmas Parade will kick off at 6:30 p.m. in downtown Athens on Saturday, December 7.

Parade winners will be announced downtown at the judges’ staging area 30 minutes after the parade.  Prizes will be awarded to the first, second, and third place winners, sponsored by Republic Services and Kevin Lilly’s McDonald’s. The first place winner will receive $500, second place $300 and third place $200.

The fun doesn't end yet; stick around for the After Parade Party, sponsored by local churches, which will be bigger and better this year.  The After Parade Party will feature 17 inflatables including slides and bounce houses, booths and music in downtown Athens.

Come early for Holiday on the Square, sponsored by the Light Up Athens committee, that will take place downtown on the Courthouse Square from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and will feature a Holiday Market, arts and crafts for children, visits with Santa, and the lighting of the Christmas Tree.  Keep Athens Beautiful will have a food booth with pulled pork sandwiches, hot dogs and Frito pie, while supplies last.

Other holiday events that will take place in Athens the day of the Christmas Parade include the Cain Center’s Breakfast with Santa at 8 a.m. and there will be a special showing of the “Polar Express” at 3 p.m. at the Henderson County Library.

Bring the entire family and join us downtown for Christmas Around the Square.

For more information, please visit our website at www.AthensTX.org.

Newly constructed Veterans Memorial Wall to be dedicated November 11

The East Texas Arboretum & Botanical Society is home to the newly constructed Henderson County Veterans Memorial Wall and Plaza, that will be dedicated at 11:30 a.m. on Veterans Day.

The memorial wall honors more than 9,000 military veterans from Henderson County beginning from the Civil War to present.

The two red brick curved walls, located within an open plaza with a bronze eagle sculpture overlooking the plaza, are embedded with names of veterans engraved on granite panels.

Visitors to Athens can see the new memorial wall daily from dawn to dusk at the East Texas Arboretum, located at 1601 Patterson Road.

Christmas Park Land of Lights opens for holiday season November 10

Christmas Park Land of Lights will be opening for the holiday season on Sunday, November 10 and will remain open through January 2.

Christmas Park Land of Lights first opened in 1998 and has grown each year with visitors from all 50 states and many international visitors. Lights have been purchased from all over the United States and from other countries. All the wood cut outs and the majority of metal art were designed and constructed on the park grounds.

The drive through Christmas Park is more than a mile long with over four million lights, 2,000 wood cut outs, more than 60 scenes, 50 motion controlled lighted scenes, six tunnels, eight arches and a concession stand. Don't miss Santa Claus starting Thanksgiving night.

Due to the heavy bumper to bumper traffic on weekends, it is recommended that tour buses give prior notification in advance of arrival and it is recommended that buses visit during the week, if possible. Please note that trailers are not allowed due to steep grades.

For more information, including admission, please visit www.AthensTX.org.

Scenic Fall Foliage Driving Trail

Vibrant red foliage of the Sumac can be
seen at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries
Center in Athens, Texas.
Photo courtesy of
Larry D. Hodge, TFFC.

Each autumn in Athens, the picturesque landscape transforms to the vibrant colors of red, orange and yellow as leaves begin to turn throughout the East Texas woodlands.

The City of Athens Department of Tourism offers a scenic driving trail for visitors to take this fall season to view the fall foliage of East Texas. Henderson County has breathtaking scenic highways and byways that are identified on the easy to follow interactive map.

Athens borders the Texas Forest Trail and Texas Lakes Trail Regions. Here you will find beautiful autumn color displays of the deciduous trees including oaks, maples, sweetgums and sumacs.

The 55-mile self-guided driving trail begins and ends at the Athens Partnership Center, located at 201 W. Corsciana Street, where visitors can pick up additional information about Athens before heading out on the tour.

The scenic driving trail includes several points of interest such as the NY-TX Zipline Adventures, located atop the highest point in Henderson County; the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center, where visitors can walk the interpretive wetland trail and learn about the hatchery; next visitors can stroll through the gardens at the East Texas Arboretum & Botanical Society and view the fall foliage from the Arboretum's observation deck; Tara Vineyard and Winery is the oldest winery in Henderson County and offers a panoramic view of the rolling hills of East Texas including the stately Murchison Home, which overlooks the vineyard.

Autumn color is expected mid to late November but it is recommended to call ahead. Visit www.AthensTX.org for foliage reports and to download the interactive map.