Discover the Hidden Gems of Texarkana
Texarkana, a city straddling the Texas-Arkansas border, is often overlooked by travelers. However, this city has a rich history, vibrant culture, and exciting attractions waiting to be explored. While many visitors might be drawn to the city's gaming scene, there's more to Texarkana than just casinos. In this article, we'll delve into the top 5 ways to experience the real Texarkana, beyond the games.
Explore the City's Rich History
Texarkana's unique location has played a significant role in shaping its history. The city's strategic position on the Texas-Arkansas border made it a crucial hub for trade, commerce, and transportation. Visitors can delve into the city's past by exploring the following attractions:
- The Texarkana Museums System: This collection of museums showcases the city's history, from its founding to the present day.
- The Ace of Clubs House: This historic house, built in 1885, features an unusual ace-of-clubs shape and offers a glimpse into the lives of Texarkana's early residents.
- The Museum of Regional History: This museum highlights the region's history, with exhibits on topics such as the railroad, agriculture, and the Civil War.
Immerse Yourself in the Local Art Scene
Texarkana is home to a thriving arts community, with numerous galleries, studios, and performance venues. Art enthusiasts can explore the following attractions:
- The Texarkana Regional Arts Center: This center features a diverse collection of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and installations.
- The Perot Theatre: This historic theater hosts a variety of performances, including concerts, plays, and musicals.
- The Downtown Texarkana Art Walk: This self-guided tour takes visitors through the city's vibrant arts district, showcasing local galleries, studios, and street art.
Get Outdoors and Enjoy Nature
Texarkana is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. Visitors can explore the following attractions:
- The Texarkana National Wildlife Refuge: This refuge is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including alligators, birds, and fish.
- The Lake Texarkana Trail: This 12-mile trail takes hikers and bikers through a scenic route along the lake's shoreline.
- The Bobby Ferguson Park: This park features walking trails, picnic areas, and a disc golf course, making it an ideal spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
Indulge in Local Cuisine
Texarkana's culinary scene is a fusion of Southern, Tex-Mex, and traditional American flavors. Visitors can sample the following local specialties:
- Barbecue: Texarkana is famous for its slow-cooked meats, and visitors can try some of the best barbecue joints in the city.
- Southern comfort food: From fried chicken to chicken and waffles, Texarkana's restaurants serve up classic Southern comfort food.
- Tex-Mex: The city's proximity to the Texas-Mexico border means that Texarkana has a vibrant Tex-Mex scene, with plenty of options for tacos, burritos, and more.
Attend a Festival or Event
Texarkana hosts a range of festivals and events throughout the year, celebrating everything from music and art to food and culture. Visitors can check out the following events:
- The Texarkana Blues Festival: This annual festival celebrates the city's rich blues heritage, with performances by local and national musicians.
- The Four States Fair: This fair takes place in September and features live music, food vendors, and a range of activities for all ages.
- The Texarkana Holiday Parade: This festive parade takes place in December and features floats, marching bands, and of course, Santa Claus.
Discover the Unique Shopping Scene
Texarkana's shopping scene is a treasure trove of unique boutiques, antique stores, and specialty shops. Visitors can explore the following attractions:
- The Texarkana Antique Mall: This massive antique mall features over 20,000 square feet of vintage treasures.
- The Downtown Texarkana Shopping District: This historic district is home to a range of independent boutiques, selling everything from clothing and jewelry to home decor and gifts.
- The Texarkana Farmers' Market: This weekly market takes place every Saturday and features local produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts.
By exploring these 5 ways to experience Texarkana beyond the games, visitors can discover a city that's rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you're a history buff, art enthusiast, or outdoor adventurer, Texarkana has something for everyone.
Get Ready to Explore Texarkana
We hope this article has inspired you to visit Texarkana and experience all that the city has to offer. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or just looking for a quick getaway, Texarkana is the perfect destination for anyone looking to explore a new and exciting place. So why not start planning your trip today?
What are the top attractions in Texarkana?
+Texarkana's top attractions include the Texarkana Museums System, the Ace of Clubs House, and the Museum of Regional History.
What is the best way to get around Texarkana?
+The best way to get around Texarkana is by car, as the city is spread out and public transportation is limited. However, there are also taxi services and ride-sharing options available.
What are the best restaurants in Texarkana?
+Texarkana is famous for its barbecue, and some of the top-rated barbecue joints include Big Jake's BBQ and Texarkana BBQ. For Southern comfort food, try the Texarkana Cafe or the Southern Kitchen.