Culinary Excursions in Rural Upper East Side of Texas Provide Flavorful Experiences
By P.A. Geddie
Those who live in rural Upper East Side of Texas know they are rich for having easy access to the freshest, most delicious foods available from a vast amount of nearby farms that surround each community. There’s a huge difference in taste and nutrition from produce that comes from local sources instead of warehouse storage and 18-wheeler trucks hauling them across the country. Locals know that well, and it is a motivating factor in traveling for culinary tourists.
Experiencing the serenity of authentic rural life and the dynamic relationships among people, food, and nature makes for a fun and meaningful getaway in the Upper East Side of Texas.
Below are several active communities where visitors enjoy culinary getaways. Lodging choices include unique AirBnBs, boutique hotels, lakeside cabins, farm stays, tiny home parks, and RV and camping sites.
An itinerary might include arriving on a Friday with a stroll through town and dinner at a nice eatery. With easy access to local ingredients, visitors can assume restaurants — including food trucks — utilize those sources. Menus often make note of it, and it’s always a good idea to ask.
Some communities will have live music and other entertainment for those looking for after-dinner activities. Plan ahead to find your interests by perusing each of their visitor websites.
On Saturday, grabbing a coffee and breakfast from a coffee shop, bakery, or food truck, or enjoying at your lodging site in a leisurely fashion is where you’ll find some of the locals. Others are having a big farmers breakfast before heading to the morning markets or brunch afterwards to get a taste of local flavor.
Don’t wait too long to get to the market as the best inventory doesn’t last long. All the markets noted here are on Saturday mornings (closing at noon or 1 p.m.) except for the one in Sulphur Springs which is in the evening (6-9 p.m.) so plan your day accordingly.
Strolling through a farmers market is one of the easiest ways to get to know the locals, blend in with the community, and eat close to the source. Some of the farmers markets offer far more than fresh produce — they may include local crafts, businesses, and gourmet and artisanal foods, wineries, and live music and other entertainment.
Be sure to bring coolers to stash your finds for the trip home. If you’re staying in an AirBnB or other lodging where you can cook, you might consider preparing a nice meal there as well. Some of the markets have everything you need to prepare a full delicious meal.
Saturdays are also good days to seek out pick-your-own berries experiences, visit wineries and breweries, and shop at boutiques for locally-made goat soaps, fiber art, or have other locally-produced items throughout the week like meats, breads, sauces, jams, and pickled veggies.
Planning a trip around food and wine-based events taking place throughout the year in the region or other festivals is a good way to pack in some extra activities. Several communities have agriculture-related attractions and other fun things to do.
Some of the communities have slim pickings for Sunday activities, but most offer at least somewhere to have brunch or a great place to have a picnic before heading home.
GREENVILLE
Greenville has a rich agricultural history, especially in cotton. The Audie Murphy American Cotton Museum exhibits the days of a bygone era when cotton was a part of everyday life in Hunt County. Greenville was home to the world’s largest inland cotton compress, which set a world record both in 1911 and 1912. In just one 10-hour workday it could compress 2,073 bales of cotton. The engine of the compress is on display at the museum among other memorabilia and educational materials.
One of the colorful murals in the Greenville Art Walk is “High Cotton” by artist Pamela Edwards on Washington Street near the intersection of Stonewall. The hard-edge abstraction celebrates the rich geologic history of Greenville. At top, wavy bands of blue indicate the many millions of years this area was underwater. White and bright yellow-green hues respectively represent salt and sulfur deposits that are abundant in local soil. Below, a multicolor rectilinear motif pays homage to Native inhabitants who cultivated the land. And the color transition from vibrant blue to deep red-brown symbolizes water seeping into enriched earth. In contrast to the colorful geometric layers above, colorless cotton whimsically emerges from black land soil.
Greenville’s Market Square is located at 2203 Lee Street at Bois d’ Arc Street in their downtown district. The farmers’ market is open from 9 a.m. to noon through November 1 with locally grown produce, artisanal goods, and homemade products. Go to their website for a list of vendors.
Music at the Market takes place on Friday nights at 8 p.m. in June and July with a free concert. Guests are invited to bring lawn chairs, grab a bite from local vendors and enjoy featured performances under the big Texas sky. Check their calendar for specific dates and entertainers.
For wine lovers, a visit to Landon Winery in downtown Greenville is a treat. Established in 2005, Landon Winery has built a reputation of producing award-winning wines that are distinctive and delicious. Greenville is home base for Landon Winery with other locations in Coppell, Denison, Grapevine, McKinney, and Wylie. Got to www.landonwinery.com for details.
While in Greenville, enjoy entertainment and the arts at every turn. The downtown area has a dynamic public art program that includes galleries, sculptures, interactive installations, and many big, beautiful murals created by local and visiting artists. Special events this summer include the Hunt County Festival of the Arts on May 10, Barnstormer Fly-In on May 17, and Dueling Pianos Show on June 26. The historic Texan Theater features movies on a regular basis and free live music on Wednesdays.
Go to www.TravelGreenvilleTX.com for lists of places to eat, play, and stay.
LONGVIEW
The Historic Longview Farmers’ Market takes place at the intersection of Cotton and High Streets. A nearby historic marker tells the story of Kelly Plow Company which made plows and other implements, tools, and machines used in agriculture. The marker notes that Kelly Plow Works is reported to be the second oldest chartered industry in Texas and was the only full-line plow factory in the Southwest, with its beginning in 1843.
Another marker close by is one titled “King Cotton.” It states that at one time, nearly all the cotton crops in Texas were grown in East Texas and played a major role in the local economy.
Visitors can learn more about the agriculture and other history of the area at the Gregg County Historical Museum.
The thriving Historic Longview Farmers Market is a project of a group called Preservation Longview. Market days include vendors selling mushrooms spinach, honey, breads, cookies, pasteurized meats, Indian and Mediterranean foods, and much more. They feature live music, artist demonstrations, and home and gift items including flower bouquets, pottery, jewelry, and apothecary items.
Outdoor adventurers enjoy exploring local trails, parks, lakes, and golf courses and thrill-seeking off-road, zip lining, hot air balloon rides, and skydiving.
The Arts!Longview Cultural District resonates with those who love the arts, history, and culture in a walkable area of downtown Longview. A fine arts museum with exhibits throughout the year, a children’s theater, sculpture garden, two parks, historic train depot, historical museum, and library are all within a few blocks. The district is home to the Longview Symphony and a kids’ hands-on discovery center.
The cultural district also stretches south to LeTourneau University, which features the Glaske Sculpture, the R.G. LeTourneau Museum, and the Belcher Center with a stage filled throughout the year with concerts, variety shows, speakers, ballet, and symphonies.
Beautiful murals by local artists keep the creative vibe present throughout the district and often serve as backdrops to special events.
Fine art is complemented by fine food, craft beer, and artisan coffee. Special events take place throughout the year, including regular art walks and festivals, and frequent live acoustic music and concerts. Visitors find an arboretum and nature trails nearby and much more to explore in Longview.
The Visit Longview Gift Shop has locally crafted items including candles and room spray.
Enoch’s Stomp is just about 30 minutes from Longview providing destination cuisine and wines.
The Downtown Longview Wine Swirl takes place from 4-8 p.m. on May 17. Enjoy local flavors from Texas wineries, listen to live music from the Jazz Connection, and shop from local artists and vendors. General admission ticket gives you access to the event area, a wine swirl tote bag (while supplies last), and the opportunity to purchase individual samples, glasses, or bottles from a variety of wineries.
Other featured events this summer in Longview include Downtown Live Concert Series every Friday in May, ArtWalk on June 5, the Great Texas Balloon Race on June 9-15, and Fireworks and Freedom Celebration on July 4.
Find many more events, a list of lodging options, attractions, and more on www.VisitLongviewTX.com.
PALESTINE
A Texan Top Travel Destination, Palestine flourishes throughout the year with eye- catching blooms, historic architecture, and plenty of local flavor. Home to the Texas State Railroad, visitors enjoy nostalgic excursions through scenic woods and continue their explorations in an authentic community filled with friendly small-town hospitality.
The Shelton Gin in Old Town Palestine, originally a bustling cotton gin for the town since the 1840s, it also served as a trading post and grist mill over the years. Today, it is a venue for live music. It sits next to the popular Pint and Barrel Drafthouse serving craft beer, wine, and good pub food. Across the street is Oxbow Bakery, winning nationwide raves for their pies. Also in Old Town is a coffee and juice bar next to Wells Creek Crossing, a unique shopping experience.
Including Old Town, Palestine’s downtown district is forty-four blocks, also encompassing the Courthouse Square. Architecture fans enjoy seeing the Beaux arts-styled Anderson County courthouse with a double-spiral staircase and a stained-glass montage in the dome. More than one hundred other popular sites are on a self-guided tour and include cast iron entry sills, ornate arch accents, elaborate cornices, Corinthian columns, Italian tile floors, Victorian Gothic, and Spanish Colonial Revival features.
Shopping adventurers find antiques, clothing, jewelry, an old-fashioned shoe shop, art, flowers, and unique home decor and gifts.
Restaurants in Palestine range from sandwich shops to casual fine dining.
The Palestine Farmers’ Market is centrally located and produce is available most of the year. It recently underwent some big renovations. Agriculture and arts have joined together as the Dogwood Arts Council began holding its annual art show in the market pavilions this year.
The market is enjoyed by residents and visitors alike who connect and ask questions about growing crops while local farmers sell their wares, and crafters develop new businesses. Everything sold at the market is grown within 100 miles of Palestine, and the weekends during the market season are often packed with live music and other activities, food trucks, and opportunities for community involvement.
Residents and visitors to Palestine can attend the farmers market every Saturday through December 6 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 813 W. Spring Street. It is also open on the first Sunday each month from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. At 10:30 a.m. May 3 at the market is the Palestine Horsey Derby where children participate in a stick horse face for fun and prizes in celebration of Kentucky Derby Day.
The first Saturday of every month the businesses present Saturdays on Main with shopping and dining specials, plus the Palestine Trade Days. There’s a crawfish boil also on May 3.
A concert by Whiskey Myers and Blackberry Smoke takes place on May 10 at the Anderson County Youth Livestock Pavilion. Alice in Wonderland is presented at the Texas Theatre on July 18-27.
Queen St Grille in the Historic Redlands Hotel is a great place to get Sunday brunch before wrapping up a weekend in Palestine.
Attractions in Palestine include “One of the Coolest Hardware Stores on the Planet,” the Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility, Tahwahkaro Distilling Company, Texas Jailhouse, the Railroad Heritage Center, the Curious Museum, Howard House Museum, and Reagan Park.
Plenty of lodging is available to suit all tastes, from standard hotels, campgrounds, and RV parks, to an upscale downtown facility, and numerous vacation rentals. Go to www.VisitPalestine.com to plan a visit.
PARIS
The second largest Paris in the world has had a farmers market since the early 1900s. It was originally located on the downtown square. In 1926, a local philanthropist wanted to celebrate the accomplishments of the citizens in rebuilding the town after a severe fire so his family gave a beautiful gift of an Italianate marble fountain, which remains at the heart of the downtown. This displaced the farmers market, so the city officials dedicated the 400 block of First Street South West as the Market Square where it has been located ever since.
The Paris Farmers & Artisan Market offers a variety of items including specialty breads, locally roasted coffee, fresh produce, fresh eggs, goat cheese, pottery, firewood, and Texas wine.
The market is open from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays from May through October.
Other things to do while in Paris include visiting the “Texanized” sixty-five-foot Eiffel Tower replica, topped off by a red cowboy hat with a ten-foot brim and four-foot crown. It is a great photo opportunity, as are several creative downtown murals and “ghost signs” from the past.
Taking a walk or bicycle ride along the Trail de Paris is a favorite activity. It is part of the 130 mile Northeast Texas Trail running through 19 towns and seven counties. The trail goes through a 90-acre wooded area in Paris and beyond with sites featuring unique bridges, creeks, rippling water, huge sugarberry and other varieties of trees, crape myrtles, honeysuckle, fireflies, underpass art, wildflowers, and pastoral scenes.
Walkers on the trail enjoy picking up a meal from a local restaurant or buying picnic ingredients from the local farmers’ market and finding a perfect spot to enjoy the day.
There is no shortage of good dining opportunities in Paris, both downtown and on the loop that circles the city. Texan Parisian dining offers outdoor patio and indoor seating with a variety of culinary choices, including comfort foods like chicken-fried steak and bread pudding, plus steaks, gourmet tamales, street corn, Italian gelato, buffalo wings, and waffles on a stick. An artisan bakery sells European-style breads and pastries. Many locations offer craft beer and wine. Paris has an eclectic list of eateries including a French-themed wine bar and creperie. As well as a popular cigar and whiskey lounge.
In addition to the market, events in Paris this summer include a crawfish cook-off on May 3, a quilt show on May 9, the Paris Kite Fest on May 10, Tour de Paris Bicycle Rally on July 19, and Hatch Chili Fest on August 30. Mark your calendars for the Paris Texas Wine Fest that happens annually each April.
A free concert series, 903 Sunsets, takes place every Thursday in June with Aaron Watson, Wayne Toups, Deana Carter, and Even It Up performing at the downtown fountain. A beer garden and food trucks are onsite and guests are encouraged to visit shops and restaurants and bring chairs to the grounds to enjoy the music.
Other things to do in Paris include visits to the Red River Valley Veterans Memorial, Lamar County Historical Museum, the Sam Bell Maxey House State Historic Site, and the Valley of the Caddo Museum & Cultural Center. Several parks and lakes adorn the Paris landscape. Lake Gibbons is a refuge for geese. Lake Crook is perfect for fishing, boating, and picnics. Pat Mayse Lake is used for recreation and is the entrance for the Barber Hills Bike Trail.
Go to www.VisitParisTexas.com to learn more.
ROCKWALL
An inviting combination of small-town charm and lakeside fun, Rockwall boasts a quaint but thriving historic downtown and a hopping waterfront district along the shores of Lake Ray Hubbard.
The Rockwall Farmers Market takes place from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday from May through September on the downtown square. The market has grown to more than 45 vendors each season. It is a popular destinations to purchase fresh produce and specialty foods such as grass-fed meats, fresh baked artisan pastries, seafood, honey, jams, pasta, and tamales to name just a few. They also feature local talent that provides live music at each of the markets and they are pet friendly.
It is easy to find a variety of tasty cuisine in and around Rockwall, including home-style food, wood-fired pizza, street tacos, fresh seafood, upscale burgers, juicy steaks, local wines, and craft brews.
VineCrafters vineyard and winery is open 4-8 p.m. every Saturday with fine Texas wines and ales and special events including wine and food pairings.
Two downtown venues are well known for their locally-sourced offerings. The Book Club Cafe, 107 E. Kaufman Street on the north side of the square, uses local eggs from Vital Farms, milk from Mill King, beef from Chisholm Trail, chicken from Windy Meadows, jam from JJ&B Jams, honey from Sabine Creek, tea from Sterling Tea. Their sausage is made using their exclusive recipe from a local butcher. They also roast all of their coffee on site and bake all of their breads from their own 10-year-old sourdough starter. They scratch make on site all of their pastries, biscuits, gravies, and sauces as well as all of the syrups they use for their coffees.
The Book Club Cafe sells their jam, honey, and teas, plus coffee by the pound.
The Downing Bottles & Bites located on the San Jacinto Plaza downtown, offers locally grown produce on their seasonal menu. Their beef comes from Ranch Hand Beef and mushrooms from Millbrook Mushrooms. They offer local beers as well, including, but not limited to: Manhattan Project, Montucky Cold Snack, Bishop Cidery, Rahr & Sons, Hop and Sting, and Union Bear Brewing.
A village in its own right, The Harbor Rockwall is a favorite destination for those who enjoy parking the car and spending a day or a weekend on an adventure against the backdrop of beautiful Lake Ray Hubbard.
In a “feast for the senses,” guests enjoy live music in venues, seasonal concerts by the lake, exquisite water fountains and landscaping, and incredible sunset views.
Shoppers find quaint boutiques and gift shops and top off the day with world-class lake-view dining, offering award-winning barbecue, craft beer, local wines, seafood, burgers, El Salvadorian-Tex-Mex fusion, Cajun, and authentic Italian pizza.
A full-service hotel is on site and a movie theater shows recently released films. Sailboat and party barge tours from the lighthouse pier are available throughout the year.
Downtown Rockwall is home to numerous shops and boutiques. A collection of small mom-and-pop shops and niche stores along a convenient few blocks offers visitors high-end clothing and locally themed knick-knacks.
Happening downtown May through September is an evening concert series. The San Jacinto Plaza Music Series features talented musicians from 7-9:30 p.m. every Friday and Saturday. Get the full summer lineup on their website.
A Concert by the Lake series takes place from 7-9 p.m. every Thursday May through July. Other events in Rockwall this summer include Founders Day on May 17 featuring Josh Turner.
Overnight stays in Rockwall are popular getaways for visitors and they find an
extensive selection of variously priced, award-winning hotel experiences and numerous vacation rentals. Check out details for downtown Rockwall and more on www.VisitRockwall.com.
SULPHUR SPRINGS
Sulphur Springs Celebration Market is a bit different than most of the markets in the region. First of all, it’s in the evening. Their focus to eat local is front and center with producers selling honey, yard plants, fruits and vegetables. Other vendors present baked goods, outdoor and indoor decor, handmade body care, and original art. The markets are from 6 to 10 p.m. starting May 17 and go this year through September 20.
The pedestrian-friendly district and revitalized downtown offer a unique ambiance with special events and numerous activities taking place adjacent to the market each week.
The award-winning Romanesque Revival courthouse is the showpiece and inspiration for the lively Celebration Plaza at the heart of the community. Visitors wander about the inviting, park-like grounds, play giant checkers and chess games, enjoy the laughter of kids dancing with water, experience the inspiring veterans memorial, and line up to use the amusing see-through bathrooms.
American and international flavors and beverages are all in a short walking distance. Guests find culinary adventures in upscale restaurants with cozy tables, Texas barbecue joints, hometown country cafes, and on pleasant outdoor patios.
A variety of cuisine choices include steaks, shrimp, and fish, German bratwurst fresh off the grill, pizza direct from a wood-fired oven, gourmet sandwiches and burgers, stuffed baked potatoes, and a wide selection of craft beer and wine. For an afternoon snack, some enjoy a salty treat from an old-fashioned popcorn machine and others get ice cream in a homemade waffle cone from an authentic general store. Ice cream is also a treat during milk production tours and exhibits at the Southwest Dairy Museum and Education Center.
Shopping enthusiasts enjoy a variety of stores within walking distance of Celebration Plaza. Treasures found include books, jewelry, unusual rocks, gourmet kitchen tools, home decor, clothing, flowers, antiques, and hand-embroidered linens.
Special events going on in addition to the markets this summer include Heritage Park Brunch & Style Show on May 3; the Hopkins County Freedom Ball on May 17; Hopkins County Dairy Festival June 6-14 with a carnival and parade, Hot Air Balloon Rally & Glow and Ice Cream Freeze Of; and Independence Day Celebration on July 4 (no market).
Those looking for overnight lodging have many choices from a variety of hotels to warm-and-cozy bed and breakfasts. Go to www.VisitSulphurSpringsTX.org for details.
WINNSBORO
Nestled among lakes and forest-filled country backroads, Winnsboro’s focus on the arts and history garners it a seat at the table with much larger towns as an official Texas Cultural District. With a very active art center anchoring the community, guests find creativity at every turn.
Live music, community theater performances, poetry readings, artist demonstrations, and art exhibits, take place regularly. Throughout the year, special events fill the downtown streets.
Creativity also thrives in the good culinary experiences in Winnsboro. Restaurants and food trucks offer a variety of gourmet, traditional, and multicultural dishes. Local chefs take advantage of their easy connection to neighboring farmers, and even the upscale neighborhood corner store in a renovated gas station offers local and organic food. A microbrewery is just across the street from town’s thriving farmers’ market.
A mosaic-laden 1948 Farmall C tractor greets visitors to the Winnsboro Farmers’ Market pavilions on Carnegie Street next to the railroad tracks. Created by artist Barbara Dybala of Hidden Mosaic Studio as a gift to the city by a local citizen, it sets the tone for the town’s deeply rooted blending of art and agriculture.
Meet farmers, ranchers, gardeners, and crafters at the Winnsboro Farmers’ Market from 8 a.m. to noon every Saturday morning through October. Find a list of vendors on the market website.
The Saturday market is a time when urban and rural lives come together to exchange food, music, recipes, news, and ideas. Shoppers hungry for authentic and local food find it here.
Across the railroad tracks from the market, the Bowery Pedestrian Plaza connects several restaurants, retail shops, art galleries, a food truck court, coffee shop, bakery, and a thriving art center in historic downtown Winnsboro.
It is where people gather to visit on benches and outdoor patios and enjoy special events throughout the year. Main Street runs parallel to the Plaza and offers more culinary experiences and retail shops with antiques, home decor, clothing, and gift items. A long-standing day spa invites weary travelers in for a bit of pampering and relaxation.
Built in 1908, the Winnsboro Depot Center at the corner of Main and Broadway Streets reminds guests of the town’s rich railroad history. Fully restored, it houses offices and meeting rooms for area organizations and the Winnsboro Historical Museum. As the railroad made its way to Winnsboro in the late 1800s, it became a shipping center for timber and agricultural commodities.
The Winnsboro Center for the Arts has a full schedule of events happening every week. Other popular activities in Winnsboro include the American Pop Culture-themed Eagle’s Nest Mini Golf and the Winnsboro Murals Walking Tour.
A 30-minute side trip to Efurd Orchards and Los Pinos Vineyards & Winery is great addition to a Winnsboro getaway itinerary.
Get all the details for more Winnsboro fun on www.VisitWinnsboroTX.com including overnight lodging.
