Come for the adventure, stay for the friendliness and fun.
Just southeast of Dallas, a little over an hour’s drive, is the small town of Athens, TX. Although it’s not far enough into East Texas to be considered part of the Piney Woods Region, we like to think so. Athens, TX, offers excellent hospitality, friendly smiles, and great attractions for the whole family. Here are the top things to do in Athens, TX, for anyone traveling there.
The town has a rich heritage in black-eyed peas—so much so that it’s known as the “Black-Eyed Pea Capital of the World.” However, you may want to order a hamburger with those peas! Athens is known for the hamburger! The world’s first hamburger was made in a small cafe in historic downtown Athens by a man known as Fletcher Davis or Uncle Dave in the late 1880s. It was later introduced at the 1904 World Fair in St. Louis, and the rest is history.
With all this fun, this small town in East Texas (population of 13,709 in 2024), according to Athens Daily News, is also a Certified Texas Community for retirees …but that’s another story.
Top Things To Do In Athens, TX
No matter the time of year, Athens is your East Texas town, where you can see beautiful spring flowers in April and May and fabulous fall foliage in late November at the East Texas Arboretum.
When I last visited, I asked a shop owner what she thought of the town. Her grin was from ear to ear. I love talking to locals when visiting small towns like this one because they will tell you where to get the best food, shopping, and lodging.
Update: I visited Athens on November 21, 2024, to update my photos here. Although not much has changed, a few stores are no longer there, and the town square is now full of businesses rather than shops, which was a little disappointing to me. I did see Barbara’s Corner and a superb restaurant, but the rest were mostly law offices and similar establishments. Athens Brewing Co. is still there.
East Texas Arboretum And Botanical Society
The Arboretum has several native and non-native plants, many thriving flower gardens, a rugged walking trail, and a children’s garden. The best time to visit is in April and May when spring flowers bloom. If you enjoy the warm colors of autumn, consider staying in November. They also host holidays at the East Texas Arboretum, featuring walk-through lights on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays in December (closed on Christmas Day). $20-$40 a carload.
The East Texas Arboretum and Botanical Society is well worth spending the day relaxing, exploring, and taking in the outdoor scenery. Pets are welcome. Admission is $3-$5.
Land of Lights – Christmas Park Athens
If you happen to be in Athens, TX, for the holidays, Land of Lights is a drive-thru park with over 4 million lights over a mile long. It includes 60 scenes, 50 motion-controlled lighted scenes, and six lit-up tunnels. Dates: November through January, from 6:00 to 10:00 pm. Location: Loop 7 and Patterson Road. Ticket event.
Athens Brewing Co. On The Square
Athens Brewing Co. is open all week except Tuesdays. It handcrafts all its beers and serves an extensive menu of bar food, desserts, and kids’ meals.
Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center
The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center is a significant attraction that draws many visitors to Athens. However, it’s closed for renovations until Spring 2025. Don’t miss it then!
Athens Farmers Market
Head to the farmers market if you’re in the area on a Saturday between May and October from 9 am to 12 pm. The market offers seasonal produce from local farmers, baked goods, and handcrafted artisanal items.
They also have their Hometown Holiday Market in November at the Cain Center. Keep up with the latest news at Athens Farmers Market on Facebook.
3 P’s In A Vine
3 P’s in a Vine is on 12 acres, just six or so minutes south of downtown Athens. The winery is situated in a log house, offering a comfortable atmosphere both indoors by the fireplace and outdoors, overlooking the vineyards. They offer wine tastings, wine by the glass, or wine by the bottle. The winery is open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Check the website for hours.
Athens Scuba Park
Who would have thought Athens, TX, was a destination for scuba diving and snorkeling? Check out Athens Scuba Park if desired—reservations required.
Tara Winery
Tara Vineyard & Winery is 9 miles west of town on Highway 175, heading to Cedar Creek. It offers lunch both inside and on the patio, and features a comprehensive wine list. The owners also own The Tara Inn on the property and Athens Brewing Co. on the square in Athens.
Tara Inn
Nestled among the vineyards, Tara Inn is housed in the historic Murchison home. It was constructed in the 1880s ′s and was relocated from downtown Athens to its current home on the vineyard. It is now open for overnight guests!
Lake Athens Marina & RV Park
Lake Athens is your fishing destination for largemouth bass, white bass, crappie, and sunfish. It is best known for its largemouth bass, which weigh 3 to 8 pounds. That’s supper right there! At Lake Athens Marina & RV Park, you can spend the day, a weekend, or a whole week in the comfort of your RV or cabin on the water. You can fish all day, then do it again the next day.
Cedar Creek Lake
Another lake near town is Cedar Creek Lake, the fifth largest in Texas. It’s perfect for camping, boating, marinas, fishing, water sports, picnics, and swimming. The lake is located off State Highway 31, approximately 25 minutes by car, depending on the part of the lake you wish to visit. The lake features a picturesque golf course, Pinnacle Golf Club, and numerous beautiful homes overlooking the water. I should know. We had a family weekend home on the lake for 50 years until my mom sold it three years ago.
Purtis Creek State Park
A dominant bass fishing lake, Purtis Creek State Park backs up to the lake. However, there are many other activities to enjoy here, such as camping, hiking, boating, and more. It’s only 15 miles from Athens—$5 Entrance fee.
First Monday Trade Days – Canton, TX
First Monday Trade Days is a huge outdoor market (with some areas indoors) located about a 25-minute drive from Athens. The market is held Thursday through Sunday, preceding the first Monday of each month. The place is so big that it will take more than one day to see everything.
New York Texas Zipline Adventures
Whenever I get to mention the New York Texas Zipline Adventures, I do. It’s about a 20-minute drive east on Highway 175 in the small town of LaRue. We’ve been there twice, and both times, everyone has been so friendly. The first time we were there, my grandson and I zipped the six-line course. I told him when we go back, we’ll do the nine-line course… and we did. It is so worth zipping the other three lines. Be prepared to walk up steep rocky hills to each zip line. It’s challenging but doable.
Coffee & Sweets in Athens, Texas
Good food and the people who serve it make Athens a great place to have a meal. From hamburgers and peas, of course, to Mexican food, coffee, and sweets—you’ll find a variety of cuisine in this adorable small town.
Callaway’s Coffee & Bistro
Callaway’s Coffee & Bistro is one of Athens’ hometown coffee shops that serve up delicious hamburgers with huge crinkle fries on the side. I was told by a local that they had won the best burger contest for three years (or possibly more) in a row.
Treehouse Cupcakes and Frozen Treats
Treehouse Cupcakes and Frozen Treats is a great place for a sweet snack and coffee.
The Cherry Laurel
How does lunch with a salad and soup of the day sound to you? Or a loaded baked potato or grilled chicken wrap? The Cherry Laurel is a great place for lunch, and they also serve scrumptious desserts from their bakery.
If you ever get stuck on where to eat for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, just ask a local.
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