Welcome to East Texas Towns
Less than an hour and a half away from the DFW Metroplex is a collection of small towns, lakes, and forests that provide ample opportunities for exploring, experiencing, and enjoying the very best of country living. Take a moment and explore our East Texas collection
There are several charming small Texas towns that fill the landscape of East Texas. Each of these towns has a rich Texas history and a close-knit community. The geographic backdrop includes some of the most picturesque wooded forests, shimmering lakes, green pastures, and rolling hills. This area is often referred to as the Texas Piney Woods. The following is a brief tour of these small towns and some of the local attractions, events, shopping, and restaurants to enjoy.
Mt. Vernon
The City of Mount Vernon is located in Franklin County Texas on Interstate Highway I-30. State Highway 37 traverses the city from north to south, and U.S. Highway 67 passes through the city from east to west. The city is situated 80 miles west of
Texarkana, and 104 miles east of Dallas. Its population is about 2,500 residents as of the 2020 Federal Census.
Mount Vernon is a National Main Street City, a Certified Retirement Community, and a Keep Texas Beautiful City. Mount Vernon has all the ingredients for the perfect getaway—hotels, relaxing B&Bs, historic homes, antique shops, festivals, museums, and more, just a stroll away from a historic, alive downtown. It also features an active arts community, birding, and nature tourism.
Local attractions include:
The 1894 Cotton Belt Railroad Depot Museum is a real gem that has been carefully restored pursuant to National Register standards with original colors and decor. The central office is furnished with antiques suitable for an office at the turn of the last century, working telegraphy, and railroad exhibits. A model train exhibit showcases a stylized mid-century Mount Vernon. The large freight room houses an 1899 Studebaker-covered wagon in excellent condition. There is also a small 1880 log cabin moved onto the property, a syrup press and mill, period mule-drawn farm machinery, and a working blacksmith shop.
The Cotton Belt Depot Museum is located at 202 S Kaufman Street Mount Vernon, TX 75457. 903.537.4760
Fire Station Museum is housed in the old 1940 WPA-financed fire station, changing exhibits from the permanent collection include natural history displays of butterflies, rare and extinct bird eggs, violins, toys, seashells, antique tools, wood carvings, Indian artifacts, and an exhibit honoring hometown legend, Don Meredith.4
The Fire Station Museum is located at 111 S Kaufman Street Mount Vernon, TX 75457. 903.537.4760
Favorite local eateries include:
The Chophouse on Bankhead Steakhouse offers a true gourmet dining experience, providing prime steaks, fresh seafood, pastas, fresh vegetables, and desserts all brought in fresh from local providers when available. There is also a large selection of fine wines and a full bar. Chef Enam also creates unique weekly specials and happy hour offerings. Online ordering is available.
The Chophouse on Bankhead Steakhouse is located at 109 E Main Street Mount Vernon, TX 75457. 903.270.2600
ML Edwards Hometown Bar & Grill is located on the Plaza Square in historic downtown Mount Vernon, the general store features more than 2,500 square feet of carefully curated and locally sourced items for your home, kitchen, and more. Drop in for that special gift for someone (or treat yourself!), and grab a chilled bottle of wine or champagne on your way out.
ML Edwards General Store & Hometown Bar & Grill is located at 103 N Kaufman Street Mount Vernon, TX 75457. 903.270.2516
Milano’s Pizza offers made-from-scratch pizzas and calzones as well as appetizers, pasta dishes, sandwiches, salads, desserts, cheesy breadsticks, and a fresh buffet. Delivery is available within city limits.
Milano’s Pizza is located at 114 S Kaufman Street Mount Vernon, TX 75457. 903.537.3929
Steve-O’s Pizza & Pub features authentic Italian food made-from-scratch, including pizzas, pastas, sandwiches, and salads. This fun and family-friendly restaurant also offers a great selection of wings, and domestic and craft beers and proudly features wines from the local Red 55 Winery.
Steve-O’s Pizza & Pub is located at 114 Houston Street Mount Vernon, TX 75457. 903.270.2515
Select shopping includes:
Briscoe’s Emporium on Lower Main’s 4,000 square foot interior was designed to appeal to customers' senses, by delighting on every level. Visually, it is a very eccentric and unexpected experience. The interior feels very urban, and the merchandise evokes a vivid sense of nostalgia, as the merchandise features curated consignment of all things mid-century modern, retro, and vintage.
Briscoe’s Emporium on Lower Main is located at 204B East Main Street Mount Vernon, TX 75457. 903.563.2987
Dirt and Diamonds Outfitters This little shop has a unique collection of Men's, Women's and Children's clothes, Household Items, and Edibles.
Dirt and Diamonds Outfitters is located at 109 Dallas St, Mount Vernon, TX 75457. 903.537.9110
Recycled Renaissance has custom-built farmhouse tables, console tables, side tables, coffee tables, and other rustic furniture pieces.
Recycled Renaissance is located at 111 Dallas Street Mount Vernon, TX 75457. 903.466.4395
Mt. Pleasant
Nestled in the heart of northeast Texas, Mount Pleasant is just a short car ride from the DFW Metroplex, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana. It is a town of 17,000 people with enough Texas hospitality to make the entire population of some of the smaller surrounding states feel right at home.
This area of the country is known for lakes, rolling hills, and pine trees. Within 30 minutes of downtown Mount Pleasant, you can be on the shores of Lakes Bob Sandlin, Cypress Springs, and Monticello. Spend the weekend on the water enjoying fishing at its finest. Camp and explore the trails in
Lake Bob Sandlin State Park.
You may also want to know that Mount Pleasant is home to
Priefert Manufacturing, which is the largest producer of ranch and rodeo equipment in the world. Mount Pleasant also proudly wears the title of “Trailer Capitol” because two of the nation’s biggest trailer manufacturers call Mount Pleasant home.
Mount Pleasant has many hotels, campgrounds, and lodging accommodations to suit every preference.
Local attractions include:
Mid America Flight Museum is a privately owned collection created in 2012 by Scott Glover of over 40 aircraft ranging from vintage WWII warbirds to some of the earliest American innovations in private civilian aviation. This collection is home to some of the most unique planes in existence, and they are all maintained and flown by expert team of mechanics and pilots. The goal of the Mid America Flight Museum is to Support the Community, Honor Veterans, Mentor the Youth, and Preserving Aviation History. Open Saturdays 10-2 pm.
Mid America Flight Museum is located at 501 Mike Hall Parkway, Mount Pleasant, Texas 75455.
Mount Pleasant Country Club is a semi-private golf course. Once rated as high as fifth by the Dallas Morning News for 9-hole courses in Texas, the course now offers the total experience, with an additional nine opening in August 2002. Uneven lies, hilly terrain, narrow fairways, loads of trees, and immaculate greens are the features this semi-private country club is known for.
Mount Pleasant Country Club is located at 1000 Country Club Dr., Mount Pleasant Texas 75455. 903.572.0751 | 903.572.1804
Bob Sandlin State Park where east meets west. Two eco regions meet here on the shore of Lake Bob Sandlin in northeast Texas. The result: massive trees, tall grasses, and a fascinating mix of plants and animals. The fishing is pretty good, too! This lakeside park offers fun on water and land. Swim, fish, paddle, and boat on the 9,000-acre lake. Or picnic, hike, camp, geocache, mountain bike, and nature watch under the trees. Visit in autumn to see spectacular fall foliage. Bring your group for a picnic by the lake at our pavilion.
Bob Sandlin State Park is located at 341 State Park Road 2117, Pittsburg, TX 75686. 903.572.5531 | 512.389.8900 (reservations)
Favorite local eateries include:
Laura’s Cheesecake, where “Food is our love language.” They yearn to make every bite an expression of their love for their customers and community. From their signature cheesecakes to their cafe lunch, homemade cookies, and family meals to-go. Lunch is served Monday - Saturday 11 am to 2:30 pm. Each day they offer soups, salads, and sandwiches as well as daily specials. From 2:30 pm to 6 pm they are open for desserts, baked goods, grab n' go cooler items, and a friendly atmosphere to just sit and share your love with friends or family.
Each of Laura's sinfully delicious cheesecakes is baked from scratch, using the finest select cream cheese, farm-fresh eggs, pure cane sugar, and sour cream. Visitors are amazed that the cheesecakes are so carefully prepared, baked, sliced, and packed by hand. A small devoted staff ensures the highest quality and standards.
Laura’s Cheesecake is located at 109 N Madison Ave., Mount Pleasant Texas, 75455. 903.577.8177
Nardello’s Pizza Tavern is a locally-owned restaurant on the historic square in downtown Mount Pleasant, open seven days a week serving an original and inspired menu of our wood-fired hand-stretched pizza, addictively good salads, and shareable appetizers.
Dine on a covered patio overlooking the square, or the modern and warm ambiance of their lovingly restored 1930s building, the former Rogers Sisters Hardware Store. Their renovation of the space began in 2016, and the timeless design features original exposed brick walls, a hand-painted mural paying tribute to the building's past, and an inviting bar serving refreshing craft beers, delicious wines, and signature cocktails.
Nardello’s Pizza Tavern is located at 103 North Madison Ave., Mount Pleasant, Texas 75455. 903.380.6200
MAAK focuses on bringing patrons the quality food they love at a price they can afford. What started out as a love for sushi has quickly grown into a fan base of people that can’t get enough of the fun, casual atmosphere and amazing adventures in Asian fusion. From sushi to burgers to tacos and more! Amazing Asian fusion and inspired cuisines from around the world. So whether you are in the mood for a burger or a sushi roll, you've come to the right place!
MAAK is located at 113 W. 3rd Street, Mount Pleasant, Texas 75455. 903.658.8345
Jo’s Coffee Shop was started in the spring of 2015 by a community of people desiring to see Mount Pleasant united and transformed. They operate as a non-profit which means all of their sales go towards funding or purpose and mission. Jo’s coffees and teas are paired with some of the best flavors you will ever find. All of their syrups are created, tested, and produced in-house by Jo’s staff. Flavors range from salted caramel, and bourbon vanilla, to monthly seasonals, and a variety of sugar-free options.
Jo’s has lots of other yummy treats and food for you to pick from. They serve breakfast burritos, muffins, and pastries, as well as sandwiches heated on their panini press for lunch.
Jo’s Coffee Shop is located at 102 N Jefferson Ave Mount Pleasant, Texas 75455. 903.577.0567
JoJack’s Smokehouse was founded by local restaurateur, Richard Witherspoon, and Award Winning Chef Brandon Rodriguez and is an authentic BBQ Restaurant that proudly serves the Mount Pleasant area and beyond. Their mission is to bring people together for a one-of-a-kind experience through world-class flavors, and Southern hospitality, served up in a family-friendly atmosphere.
JoJack’s Smokehouse is located at 2310 N. Jefferson Ave, Mount Pleasant, Texas 75455 903.717.8301
Select shopping includes:
Sweet Shop USA is celebrating over 50 years of handmade chocolates, was founded in Fort Worth in 1972 and is a family-owned chocolate manufacturer dedicated to preserving the craft of American handmade chocolates. Located in Mount Pleasant, Texas, the 80,000-square-foot factory makes Sweet Shop USA the largest handmade chocolate manufacturer in the country.
Sweet Shop USA has received national recognition for creating over 100 varieties of handmade pieces including various truffles, Famous Brags®, Nuts and Chewies, and our signature Fudge Love®. All natural handmade products are distributed to approximately 7000 retailers nationwide, including gourmet, gift, coffee, floral, and specialty retailers as well as major department stores.
Branded Collections include Sweet Shop USA label, Mrs. Weinstein’s Gourmet Toffee, and Price’s Fine Chocolates. Price’s Fine Chocolates was founded in Kansas City, Missouri in 1919 and was known for their most popular creation: Annaclair’s®.
Sweet Shop USA is located at 1316 Industrial Rd., Mount Pleasant, Texas 75455. 888.957.9338
Diamond T Outfitters officially came to life with its own image in the western world. They are family owned and operated; the epitome of a Mom and Pop store located inside the original 1920s era post office, turned Public library, turned Diamond T Outfitters. They have created the perfect mix of western and mainstream clothing. Featuring classic western and work wear along with the hottest trends in the western and fashion world. Holding true to small-town values and promises, they deliver an enjoyable shopping experience.
Diamond T Outfitters is located at 213 N. Madison Ave, Mount Pleasant Texas 75455. 903.577.8190
Pittsburg
Located in the piney and hardwood forests of Northeast Texas, Pittsburg is a great place to live, work, start a new business, or for a weekend getaway vacation. If you love the outdoors, Pittsburg is close to two state parks and five large lakes with an abundance of water sports - boating, fishing and skiing. Or if you prefer historic buildings and homes, antique shopping, and museums, Pittsburg has these things and more. Pittsburg takes you back to slower paced, gentler times when everyone was friendly and helpful.
Local attractions include:
Witness Park and Prayer Tower The triangle-shaped Witness Park, completed in the early 1990s, can be found at Lafayette and Jefferson streets, but don't expect to see swings and merry-go-rounds on the premises. Rather, the grounds are intended to serve as a place of reverence and reflection. In the center of the property stands a 75-foot-tall Prayer Tower, which features a small chapel that never closes. There are no locks on the doors, allowing visitors to come and go as they please, day or night. The chapel is outfitted with a long kneeling bench, oversized Bible and visitor sign-in book that contains hundreds of signatures from people who stopped in for a moment of serenity. Four Paccard bells from France chime and play hymns on the hour. But it's the walls that seem to take the breath away — each is paneled with massive stained glass depicting the life of Jesus Christ. There are more surprises outside. On one side of the tower, there is a swimming pool-size gurgling fountain, which represents living water. A life-size bronze statue of Jesus washing the feet of the disciple Peter sits on the opposite. The setting is enjoying a growing popularity in recent years as a destination for small weddings, bridal photos, prom pictures and family reunion snapshots.
Northeast Texas Rural Heritage Museum You can literally take a walk through time in actual structures where much of that history began. The City of Pittsburg acquired the Depot from the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1988 to save it from demolition and to convert it into a top-notch museum. Local volunteers worked tirelessly to create a place where you and your family can learn more about Northeast Texas history and culture. Since then, they have worked diligently to provide an enriching experience for visitors. The Depot houses a fascinating array of antiques and artifacts, including an archeology exhibit featuring everything from the Caddo Indians to a 1909 Studebaker Surrey and the Ezekiel Airship.
Favorite local eateries include:
Pittsburg Hot Links Restaurant In 2019, Pittsburg, Texas was officially named the HOT LINK CAPITAL OF TEXAS. We like to think we have helped our little corner of the world flourish.
Even though times have changed, diets have changed, people have changed, Pittsburg Hot Links remain the same. They are just as greasy and just as delicious as always. Being described as East Texas Caviar, East Texas Hot Links, Comfort Food and just down right Delicious, one thing is for certain- if you ever try them you will begin to crave them... even if you don't quite like them at first. They will grow on you.
Candies Crossties This is the place to get a good burger, a large Chicken Fried Steak, or some excellent Tacos. Located off Quitman Street next to the train tracks, Candies Crossties is a great place to gather and enjoy good food and friendly service
Madeline’s Cafe Located on Quitman Street, Madeline’s Cafe is a delightful little sandwich place. They have a full menu of Sandwiches, Soups, Salads and Pastas. You can either dine in or take out.
Select shopping includes:
Efurd Orchards Conveniently located at 4004 US-271 Pittsburg, TX 75686. Efurd’s famous peaches are in season from mid-May to September. Their pumpkins are available in the fall and they close after pumpkin season is over. Step back in time and taste premium-quality, fresh produce the way it was meant to be enjoyed. Enjoy true Southern hospitality from the dedicated staff at Efurd Orchards today. What started out as a simple family business in a little dirt-floor shed has quickly grown to a national operation with customers all over the country. This place has all types of produce, canned jams, sauces, and pickles. They also offer a variety of homemade soft serve Ice Cream flavors to enjoy while shopping. Owners, Greg and Amy Efurd, are dedicated to quality and provide patrons with the freshest fruits and vegetables you have ever tasted at prices you will not believe. This place is with the trip
Winnsboro
Winnsboro Texas is a historic town where the tall pines meet, majestic oaks and beautiful lakes to create an amazing palate of spring and fall colors. Winnsboro Texas is a designated cultural arts district and Main Street Town offering art, music, literature, with annual events, award winning restaurants, and shops in a welcoming community. In 2018 Winnsboro was inducted into the Hall of Fame for the Best Downtown in the Upper East Side of Texas County Line Magazine competition.
Local attractions include:
Winnsboro, TX, home of the annual Autumn Trails Festival when people have come to Winnsboro the past 64 years to enjoy food, fun, and family focused events every weekend in October. Some of these include; Antique, Car Parade, Arts & Crafts, Trade Days Swap Meet, Classic Car Show, Baking Contest, Chilli Cook Off, Model A Club BBQ, Model A Tour, Miss Autumn Trails Pageant, Pet Contest, Jeeptober In Boro, Beard Contest, Barrel Race & Mule Rodeo, Trail Riders Welcome Parade, 42 Tourney, Trail Ride, and Livestock and Dairy Show.
Winnsboro boasts a population of 3300 and may be a small town but Winnsboro is big on the Arts. Winnsboro Center for Arts is a multi-disciplinary arts center, it serves communities throughout Northeast Texas. Its mission is to engage people in the arts through educational programming, cultural experiences and entertainment. Throughout the year Winnsboro Center of Arts hosts Classes and Workshops, Art Exhibits, Art and Wine Festivals and The Bowery Stage and Theater where well known artists perform concerts and plays. There is always something to do and see at the Winnsboro Center for Arts. Check out their upcoming schedule of events.
Every Saturday morning April through October from 8 am to 12 noon The Winnsboro Farmers Market is the place to be. The market features local farm produce, foods, and baked items. Additionally, there are local crafts, goods and services being sold from the new recently completed marketplace location. The Winnsboro Farmers Market was started in 2008 and has been growing in popularity since. In 2020 was voted 2nd out of 186 in Texas and 15th out of 8600 Nationally as the Most Essential Farmers Market by American Farmland Trust.
If you plan to visit Winnsboro to take in a show at the Bowery Stage and shop at the Winnsboro Farmers Market, there are plenty of nice AirBNBs in the area or treat yourself to one of Winnsboro’s Bed and Breakfasts. The Clark House Bed & Breakfast is set on an acre of the original four acres of property formerly known as the Oaklea Mansion and Manor House.
The Clark House was built in similar style and decor as the Oaklea Mansion, capturing the opulent romance of another era in Winnsboro, only a 90-minute drive from Dallas. The Clark House was originally built in 2001, and is filled with rich character and true Old World charm. The Clark House offers an extraordinary, restful and luxurious retreat from busy schedules.
The Clark House on Cedar Street and the upcoming Clark House on Main Street set on over two acres of beautiful East Texas landscape with beautiful ponds, fountains, and flowers. Inside the Clark House are 6 rooms filled with antiques, heirlooms and rare collections.
Favorite local eateries include:
You will never be hungry in Winnsboro. Winnsboro has one of the most trendy and truly enjoyable collections of local eateries of any small town in texas. The following are just a small sampling of some of the really cool restaurants to try for yourself.
If you want to experience something very tasty and different, don’t miss Liefie Li Vine, Mix traditional African, Eastern, and European flavors, recipes and cultures together, cook for a couple of hundred years and you have the exotic dish that is modern South Africa. Now add fine South African Hospitality to complete the experience! Where else can you find the warmth, vibrancy and multicultural influences of modern South Africa in a small Historical Town setting? Liefie Li Vine is a true representation of something that is genuinely unique. It's entertaining, delicious and delightful…Don’t miss the Vinegar Happi Platter, Prime Rib, Chicken Bunny Chow this author’s favorite. Check the hours of operation as Liefie Li Vine is only open for Lunch and Dinner, Thursday through Saturday 11 am - 9 pm
Haven's Cafe is a Texas Twist on a dining classic. This wonderful little breakfast and lunch gem has a full and tasty menu loaded with classic favorites like Biscuits & Gravy, Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes, Omelettes, Quiche, Burgers, BLT, Meatloaf, Chicken Fried Steak. Their Bread Pudding is to die for! Opened in 2020 by Derrick and Amilia Hamilton, Haven's brings 5 star quality dining to Winnsboro. Both Derrick and Amelia have years in the restaurant business with Derrick learning to cook under several well know chefs across the country. Their experience, great tasting food and friendly service is a winner! The author loved the Avocado BLT and the Bread Pudding. Haven's is closed Wednesday and Sunday and open every other day from 7 am to 2 pm
The Barrel House Bar & Grill is a lively and fun eatery with great food, drinks and plenty of room for large groups. The restaurant is just outside the main street area in a renovated old warehouse. The menu is incredible with all the american grill favorites like chicken fried steak (it's massive), Honey Bourbon Glazed Chicken (My Wife’s favorite) and Burgers, Salads and Flatbreads. The Bar features specialty drinks, Martin’s, Liqueurs, Cognac, Domestic Beers, and Craft Premium Beers on Tap and In Bottles. The Barrel House also features live entertainment from local artists and bands. You will love this place and the owner’s and staff who make things fun, tasty and enjoyable.
The Taco Dive is a neat little place with a patio where you can enjoy a variety of Mexican dishes, tacos, margarita’s while listening to live music from the restaurant or the Bowery.
Select shopping includes:
Winnsboro’s Downtown area also has some of the best places to explore and shop. Whether you are looking for Antiques or Boutiques, you will not be disappointed. Here are some of our favorite places.
Finders Keepers Antiques is a main street antiques mall with a wide collection of antiques and gift items. From Vintage Clothing, Tableware, Tools and Jewelry to Furniture, Signs and Reclaimed Windows and Door. You will love exploring this thoughtfully merchandised, and friendly store. They even have locally produced artwork, crafts and even some specialty foods. Make sure not to hurry as there are treasures lurking in every nook and cranny of this store.
Beauweevils is another one of Winnsboro’s gems. No telling what you will find in this truly unique antique store. Merchandise changes daily and there is something here for everyone.
Clara Ida Frances, Inc. is an upscale boutique that is beautifully merchandised with Bath and Body, Home, Women’s and Men’s Clothing and Accessories, Jewelry, Gifts, Kitchen and Dining Accessories, and more. This is a local favorite.
On your way into or out of Winnsboro, don’t forget to visit Sinclair Market. Sinclair Market is not your average Grab-and-Go Market. Housed in a restored filling station, the market has a full complement of, Specialty Gourmet Goods & Gifts with Fresh Made In-House Food Selections daily. Some of the items include Grocery, Sundry, Pre-Packaged Sandwiches, Salads, Deli Meats and Cheeses, and Beverages including Coffee, Tea, Wine, Beer and more. Sinclair Market is the definition of delicious! They opened in 2021 with the mission to bring delicious food and unique brands to East Texas.
