Eat Drink SETX – Southeast Texas Restaurants and Bars – Food – Drink – Event Guide

Family Friendly Activities in Lufkin – Ellen Trout Zoo Are you looking for kid friendly activities in East Texas? Lufkin is home to one of our favorite zoos. The Ellen Trout Zoo is located in a beautiful park by the expo center / rodeo barn. Your kids adventure begins even before you get to the […]

Texas College Guide Stephen F Austin University in Nacogdoches We have a tradition of taking our children to at least one university a year. We’ve been doing it since they were young. They have run on the University of Texas football field, met with an academic advisor at Lamar (about their early enrollment program), and […]

East Texas Family Road Trip Guide – Texas Forestry Museum in Lufkin Today, one complaint travelers have is that towns and cities are starting to all look the same. That wasn’t always true. At one time, were built around one or two large industries. Today travelers want to see the things that make the area […]

Nacogdoches Restaurant Reviews  Butcher Boys – Barbecue, Burgers, History Lots of college towns are known for their restaurants. Nacogdoches, home to Stephen F. Austin University is no exception. One of our favorites is the venerable Butcher Boys. It seems like they have been there forever, and the quality of their barbecue and burgers has not […]

The Museum of East Texas Fine Art and Local History When I was living in New York City, I used to love visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Met. Did you know we have our own local Met? The Museum of East Texas in Lufkin. The popular museum has a wonderful permanent exhibit and […]

Parents Guide to Nacogdoches Skate O Rama – Timeless Fun for Kids, Adolescents, Teens, and Young Adults For parents who grew up in the 80s or 90s, there is something nostalgic about skating rinks. For many of us, places like Nacogdoches’ Skate O Rama hosted first dates, first kisses, and great times with friends. Join […]

Summer Vacation Guide to East Texas Schedule Your Stay at Roselake Ranch in Nacogdoches Are you looking to give out of state guests a taste of the Texas they see on TV and movies? B ring them to Roselake Ranch for horse rental, boarding, parties, horseback riding lessons, and horse training. Horses of all types […]

East Texas Entertainment Guide – The Pines Theater Lufkin The Lufkin community has done a great job of preserving historical institutions. One of our favorites is the Pines Theater. When you’re looking for classic movies and live music, check their schedule. Each year, they bring in a variety of live entertainment including: Concerts Dancing Musical […]

Celebrating the History of East Texas Visitor’s Guide to Millard’s Crossing Historical Village Would you like to get your child a little taste of Texas history on your visit? Nestled among the pine trees of the oldest town in Texas is this charming reconstructed historic village that enables our SETX families to imagine East Texas […]

Planning a Road Trip to East Texas? Don’t Miss Roselake Ranch in Nacogdoches Are you looking to give out of state guests a taste of the Texas they see on TV and movies? Bring them to Roselake Ranch for horse rental, boarding, parties, horseback riding lessons, and horse training. Horses of all types are available […]

Head to Galveston this Valentine’s Day Enjoy Water Romantic Views from The Gumbo Diner Galveston has long been a popular destination for  couples looking to enjoy a quick romantic getaway. For Southeast Texans, the restaurants, beach, and bright lights are a short ferry trip away. Are you making a visit this Valentine’s Day? Head to […]

Galveston Restaurant Recommendations Enjoy Texas Takes on Cajun Classics at The Gumbo Diner Start with the beignets. Ask about the specials – they can be delicious. Breakfast is served all day, and I love breakfast. The seafood at Gumbo Diner is excellent – fresh, local seafood unlike some of the chain restaurants. The Shrimp and […]

Galveston Restaurant Recommendations Enjoy Beignets and Breakfast Favorites at The Gumbo Diner Start with the beignets. Ask about the specials – they can be delicious. Breakfast is served all day, and I love breakfast. On vacation, breakfast is the perfect time to plan the day’s activities. I also like to fill up on coffee so […]

Heading to Galveston in the New Year? Enjoy Texas Takes on Cajun Classics at The Gumbo Diner It’s never to early to visit the beach. Galveston sees it’s biggest crowds in the summer, but it is a popular tourist destination year round. Plan your next visit – and don’t miss a chance to try the […]

Galveston Restaurant Recommendations Enjoy Texas Takes on Cajun Classics at The Gumbo Diner There are lots of reasons families are looking for alternatives to Christmas at home. For many Texans, Galveston has become a popular holiday destination. The island absolutely transforms when the crowds of summer are gone. If you’re looking for a traditional Christmas […]

Thanksgiving on Galveston Island Enjoy a Turkey Dinner and Cajun Classics at The Gumbo Diner Many families are enjoying untraditional Thanksgiving and Christmas vacations. A few times now, our family has spent Thanksgiving on Galveston. With the summer crowds gone, winter is an ideal time to visit your favorite Galveston restaurants. The Gumbo Diner is […]

Lufkin Family Activities The Naranjo Museum of Natural History You probably already know this…. Kids love dinosaurs! When I was a kid, we had to drive all the way to Houston or Dallas to see dinosaur exhibits. Now, you can see first class dinosaur exhibits right here in East Texas. The Naranjo Museum in Lufkin […]

Galveston Fall Restaurant Recommendations Enjoy Texas Takes on Cajun Classics and Breakfast Favorites at The Gumbo Diner Start with the beignets. Ask about the specials – they can be delicious. Breakfast is served all day, and I love breakfast. The seafood at Gumbo Diner is excellent – fresh, local seafood unlike some of the chain […]

Galveston Restaurant Reviews Enjoy Texas Takes on Cajun Classics at The Gumbo Diner Start with the beignets. Ask the friendly staff about their specials – they can be delicious. Some days are comfort food like meatloaf. Others are fresh seafood like soft shelled crab. Breakfast is served all day, and I love breakfast. The seafood […]

Nacogdoches Restaurant Guide Enjoy Breakfast and Comfort Food at Dolli’s Diner Do you love breakfast? How about classic style diners? In Nacogdoches, visit Dolli’s Diner. The size of their expansive menu will bring to mind true Manhattan style diners, but their version has a lot of comfort food with an emphasis on fresh local ingredients. […]

Southeast Texas Road Trips Introduce Your Child to Stephen F. Austin University this Summer We have a tradition of taking our children to at least one university a year. We’ve been doing it since they were young. They have run on the University of Texas football field, met with an academic advisor at Lamar (about […]

Lufkin Activity Guide for Families Ellen Trout Zoo Is your family planning a trip to Lufkin? Are you looking for kid friendly activities? Lufkin is home to one of our favorite zoos. The Ellen Trout Zoo is located in a beautiful park by the expo center / rodeo barn. Your kids adventure begins even before […]

Southeast Texas Road Trips Education Meets Excitement at the Elissa Families in search of Southeast Texas summer fun have long looked to Galveston. The short drive from anywhere in Southeast Texas and ample options for family friendly entertainment combine with the instinctual lure of the sea when temperatures rise to make a tempting package. Southeast Texas […]

Nacogdoches Restaurant Reviews Guide to Auntie Pasta’s Are you looking for a GREAT restaurant in Nacogdoches this weekend. Our Eat Drink SETX “Can’t Miss” pick is Auntie Pasta’s. The Italian restaurant is housed in a giant old warehouse next to the train tracks bordering downtown. Appetizers, salads, and entrees are all of the highest quality. […]

Southeast Texas Road Trip Guide  Galveston is a short ferry ride away for family fun! Over 200,000 immigrants came to the US through the Port of Galveston, once the Ellis Island of the West. For many Southeast Texas families (and families across Texas), Galveston is where our American journey began. Despite all of the emotion […]

Southeast Texas Road Trip – Visit Galveston’s Pier 21 When you’re planning your next Southeast Texas family road trip, consider a short drive to Galveston’s Pier 21. Pier 21 is home to three great films: The Great Storm documents the 1900 hurricane that forever left it’s mark on Galveston. The Pirate Island of Jean Lafitte tells the […]

SETX Road Trip Guide Combine family fun and history in Galveston, a short ferry ride away. When looking for an educational Southeast Texas family activity on your next trip to Galveston, the film “The Great Storm” is a wonderful option. Actually, all of the films at the Pier 21 Theater are appropriate for Southeast Texas […]

Southeast Texas Entertainment Guide – Crystal Beach The Stingaree Restaurant Offers Waterfront Dining and Live Music When the weather gets warm, Southeast Texas families are pulled to Crystal Beach. After swimming, flying kites, and fishing, you will work up an appetite. The Stingaree Restaurant and Marina offers burgers and seafood baskets in their casual downstairs […]

Galveston Restaurant Reviews – The Gumbo Diner Comfort Food, Fresh Galveston Seafood, and Breakfast on the Seawall Galveston is a popular getaway destination for many Southeast Texas families. You’ve probably already been to the chain restaurants and are looking for some new options. Today, we’re sharing one of our favorites. The Gumbo Diner has a […]

KOA Brookeland has Fishing Cabins on Sam Rayburn We’re a fishing family, so we enjoyed catching big bass on Lake Sam Rayburn (you can launch your boat at Mill Creek State Park or catch big bass right from the bank), fishing for big catfish below the dam, and we had a close encounter with a […]

Guide to Nacogdoches Hotels and Bed and Breakfasts The Fredonia Hotel and Restaurants Are you looking for a unique lodging experience for your visit to Nacogdoches. Whether you are in town to visit SFA, the Blueberry Festival, or to experience the charms of the oldest town in Texas, schedule your stay with The Fredonia Hotel. […]

Southeast Texas Road Trip Ideas A Day Trip to Galveston Combine family fun and history in Galveston, a short ferry ride away. When looking for an educational Southeast Texas family activity on your next trip to Galveston, the film “The Great Storm” is a wonderful option. Actually, all of the films at the Pier 21 […]

East Texas Summer Vacation Guide KOA Brookeland Offers Family Fun on Sam Rayburn This Spring Break, make special memories with your family. In East Texas, Spring Break is the perfect time to get back to nature. Summer isn’t here yet and the cold of winter is in the rear view mirror. When heading to the […]

Nacogdoches Visitor’s Guide The Hampton Inn and Suites Offers Family Friendly Lodging There are lots of options depending on your preferences and budget. Our family particularly enjoys the Hampton Inn and Suites Nacogdoches. The hotel always feels fresh and clean. It seems like it is brand new or close. Rooms are comfortable and ideally setup […]

East Texas Valentine’s Day Ideas Rent a Romantic Cabin on Sam Rayburn with KOA Brookeland Valentine’s Day is approaching quickly. This year, give your Valentine the gift of quality time. Leave the kids with grandma and getaway for the weekend. Enjoy a cozy (or spacious – you choose!) cabin at the lake. KOA Brookeland has […]

Are You Looking for a Romantic Valentine’s Day Getaway? Reserve a Cabin on Sam Rayburn with KOA Brookeland Valentine’s is just around the corner. Are you looking for a special way to celebrate? Skip the candy and flowers and plan a romantic getaway. How about a cozy rental cabin at Lake Sam Rayburn for the […]

Spend Christmas at the Lake Plan a Holiday Getway to Lake Sam Rayburn It has been a long year. We are exhausted! You too? Plan a holiday getaway to recharge your batteries. How about a cabin by the lake? KOA Brookeland has you covered. They also have RV hook ups and camping sites. Explore the […]

Planning a Family Reunion at Lake Sam Rayburn this Thanksgiving? KOA Brookeland Offers Activities and Amenities Are you planning a family reunion? How about a weekend at the lake? KOA Brookeland is a great venue for families looking to get together on Sam Rayburn. First, they have a perfect place for everyone to stay. Choose […]

Christmas Getaway Destinations KOA Brookeland on Lake Sam Rayburn A few years ago, my wife and I realized a lot of the gifts and presents we gave the kids went unused. We decided to invest in memories rather than material objects and started taking holiday vacations. When we started talking about it with people, we […]