Take a trip down memory lane to historical Pittsburg, TX.
Pittsburg (without the “h”), Texas, is a lively small town in the Piney Woods of Northeast Texas, known for its charming historic downtown, historical ties, and its Pittsburg Hot Links. Let’s dive into these top attractions in Pittsburg, TX.
Located approximately two hours from Dallas on Interstate 30. After getting through the traffic in Dallas, over Lake Ray Hubbard through Rowlett and Rockwall, you’re among the Texas Forest of the piney woods. Besides Lake Bob Sandlin, there are plenty of activities to keep families busy and happy, especially if you’re a history buff.
While there, Los Pinos Ranch Vineyard hosted me in their adorable cottage on the property of their vineyard and treated me to a meal and wine. All opinions are my own.
Top Attractions In Pittsburg, TX, You Must See
If you didn’t know (I didn’t until I met the owner of Los Pinos Ranch), Pittsburg is home to many historical attractions and well-known names, including Pilgrim’s Pride, Carroll Shelby, and Cavender’s Boots. Let’s count them.
- Home to the first Cavender’s Boot Store
- Known as the “Hot Link Capital of Texas”
- Home to Bo Pilgrim of Pilgrims Pride
- The Farmsted
- Los Pinos Ranch Vineyard
- Hometown of Homer Carroll Jones
- 1902 Ezekiel Airship
- Carroll Shelby Cobra Mustang GT 350
- A 72-foot Prayer Tower with three bells
- Efurd Orchard
- Lake Bob Sandlin
The Top Attractions In Pittsburg, TX
While exploring small towns for my upcoming book, I don’t usually come across a small town with as many historical landmarks. Pittsburg, TX, beats all by far, and the drive out that way is just as grand! Let’s explore.
1. Cavender’s Boot Store
This is the original Cavender’s Boot store in Pittsburg, TX.
James and Patricia Cavender founded Cavender’s Boot City in 1965, starting with three styles of boots in the small East Texas town of Pittsburg. Now, it is entering its 60th year, and has over 100 stores across 15 states.
2. Pittsburg Hot Links – World Famous
Hot links are a delicacy dating back to the late 1800s when Mr. Charles Hasselback, of German descent, brought his hot Link recipe to the county. Pittsburg, TX, is now known as the “Official Hot Links Capital of Texas.” My first thought was “hot dogs,” but no, these are tiny hot links that can be eaten in two bites. Have you tried them?
I was warned that the hot links weren’t that good and are greasy. Well, I had a sample, and unfortunately, it didn’t appease me, nor did the establishment. It was hot and sticky in there. Maybe the a/c was out that day.
Buy, hey, if you’re coming into town to try the hot links, by all means, do. After all, it’s what the city is known for. Ask for a sample. They also offer hamburgers and other menu items.
3. Bo Pilgrim of Pilgrim’s Pride
Mr. Lonnie Alfred “Bo” Pilgrim, co-founder of Pilgrim’s Pride, was born in 1928 in a small town near Pittsburg. He was a very generous man and a devout Southern Baptist, devoting his life at a very young age to serving the Lord and giving to others.
In 1946, Bo’s brother and a partner bought a feed store, and later, Bo became a part of it. This was the beginning of Pilgrim’s Pride. Here’s a story about Bo Pilgrim on TSHA.
See a statue of Bo Pilgrim in the local museum downtown.
4. The Farmstead
See the oldest home in Camp County. It has been reconstructed using the original foundation material.
Address: 204 W Marshall St, Pittsburg, TX 75686
5. Los Pinos Ranch Vineyard
Los Pinos Ranch Vineyard is highly regarded in the area for its exceptional wines, produced from grapes grown on the premises, as well as the restaurant. It’s so pretty out there, and a beautiful place to roam and bring the whole family, even your dog! They offer indoor and outdoor seating, serving steaks, small plates, and delicious desserts at their restaurant, along with live music on weekends. Pets are allowed on the patio.
They are also known for their great pizzas. I can attest to the Pig & Fig Pizza – it was terrific, but my favorite is their homemade carrot cake. If you like sweets, don’t pass up this cake – it’s shareable.
5b. Los Pinos Ranch Vineyard Cottage
For a romantic stay, opt to stay in this quaint cottage overlooking the vineyard. Steps away from the restaurant and tasting room.
6. Homer Carroll Jones
Pittsburg, TX, is home to Homer Jones (1941–2023), an American football player for the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns. According to Wikipedia, he was known for his considerable size and speed, and is credited with having invented the “spike” touchdown celebration. Jones died at the age of 82 and is buried in Pittsburg.
7. 1902 Ezekiel Airship
Burrell Cannon (1848-1922), a Baptist minister and inventor, invented the Ezekiel Airship, inspired by the biblical Book of Ezekiel. The airship took flight only briefly. This occurred one year before the Wright Brothers made their first historical flight.
The original airship was destroyed.
The airship replica can be seen in the local museum downtown. There is also a 25-minute video on the invention of the airship and its subsequent travels (not in the air).
8. Carroll Shelby
Shelby was born in Leesburg, Texas, six miles west of Pittsburg. He was a world-renowned American automotive designer and race car driver. Best known for his involvement with the AC Cobra and Mustang. He did a lot for the town of Pittsburg.
His last car (above), along with his helmet and clothing, can be seen in the local museum downtown. The absence of a rope around the car puzzles me.
9. Witness Park and Prayer Tower
Address: 110 Fulton St, Pittsburg, TX 75686
The outside is as tranquil as the inside. Anyone can sit inside or outside for whatever reason, such as prayer, meditation, or conversation. I felt a sense of surrealness when I visited the tower. Listening to the bells at noon gave me a great feeling as well.
10. Efurd Orchard
Address: 4004 Highway 271 South, Pittsburg, TX 75686
Camp County is one of the top peach-producing areas in the state of Texas. Efurd Orchards is open from mid-May to mid-October, offering peaches, berries, melons, fresh vegetables, jams, and more, plus the best ice cream no matter the flavor you order!
11. Lake Bob Sandlin
Camping and boating on Lake Bob Sandlin are popular activities for locals and Dallas residents alike. The weather is nice, it’s in a great location in the piney woods, the lake is beautiful, and people are friendly.
Lake Bob Sandlin is a 9,400-acre lake and it’s four miles west of Pittsburg, Texas. Check out Barefoot Bay Marina & Resort.
Check out all the attractions in Pittsburg on your next visit!
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