Must-see attractions in East Texas

Explore the museum-like visitors center before heading to the gift shop and ice-cream parlor (scoop $1). Oddly there are no weekend hours. Production…

The wine industry is literally growing in east Texas; several vineyards lie within an hour's drive of Jefferson. Locals favor Enoch's Stomp for its…

Walk the mile-long vineyard trail, have a taste or take a tour (confirm schedule in advance); located 15 miles southeast of downtown. The winery produces…

As depressing as it is fascinating, the Texas Prison Museum doesn’t sugarcoat its exhibits, such as ‘Old Sparky,’ the electric chair once used to dispatch…

Named after Houston's founders, Allen's Landing marks the spot on Buffalo Bayou where Houston's settlement began. So far the original wharf has been…

When 7000 plants bloom each spring at this botanical garden it's an explosion of colors and an azalea extravaganza. There are three different mapped…

Use your phone to follow a free tour around the 10 historic structures that have been moved to this park. Among them is the Yates House (1870), home to a…

This refuge, 13 miles north of downtown Tyler, is home to over 50 big cats that have been rescued from non-zoo captivity across the country. Tour the…

Along the Texas–Louisiana border, Sabine National Forest lines the west bank of Toledo Bend Reservoir, where you’ll find recreational, boating and camping…

Duck into Belle's Alley, between Alamo and Commerce Sts, on your downtown wanderings. There tiny Toubin Park has illustrated signs that show the story of…

The Sterne-Hoya House, built in 1830, is a good example of a refined town house of the era, and was the site of Sam Houston's baptism (sites visited by…

Created in 1995 by abstract artist Cy Twombly (1928–2011), in conjunction with architect Renzo Piano, this annex of the Menil Collection contains some of…

You have to book ahead for a free walking tour offered by the visitor center. If you plan to explore the campus on your own, stop here first to pick up a…

This central, historic hotel was built in the 1850s by a riverboat captain. Famous guests have included US presidents Ulysses S Grant and Rutherford B…

The Grove, a private home built in 1861, had reports of hauntings way back in 1882. Take an hour-long tour with owner and author Michael Whittington, who…

Originally a mazelike junk-art tribute to one man's favorite citrus fruit, this wonderfully cluttered site is now home to all manner of folk art…

Tour a slightly ragtag collection of 12 old buildings dating from 1820 to 1905, including a schoolhouse and a variety of log cabins. Weekends, hands-on…

The three-story, 1888 brick courthouse contains interesting exhibits on early life in east Texas and the original Caddo Indian tribe. There's interesting…

Is it a house or is it a sculpture? More than 50,000 aluminum cans cover the beer can house as siding, edging, even wind chimes. Taking a guided or self…

The contemporary architecture of the Asia Center building, complete with infinity pool and hourly misty fog, is as impressive as its changing exhibits…