Located in Northeastern Texas, Longview is a relatively small city with a very big heart. There are so many things to do in Longview, TX. Locals will tell you that we’ve got the perfect mix of big-city attractions and small-town charm.
Rodeos, for example, are a fixture here, as well as ballets and symphony orchestras. Longview is one of the best places to hook a largemouth bass in the country if you’re into fishing. We even make award-winning wine here, which goes well with many of our distinctive foods.
In short, Longview has it all. If you’re considering moving here or just visiting, you’re in luck! We’ve put together a list of the Best Things to Do In Longview, TX, just for you! It’s loaded with the places, attractions, and amenities we love best, and you will too! Before you embark on your trip to the Lone Star State, check out everything lovely Longview has to offer. Enjoy!
Tour One of Longview’s Local Wineries
If you’re an oenophile (i.e., wine lover), you’re in luck with Longview! We’ve got three wonderful wineries within driving distance! Not only do they produce some of the best wines in this part of the country, but they’re also gorgeous. You don’t even need to drink wine to enjoy a day trip; your eyes can simply drink in the surroundings! Our wineries include;
- Enoch’s Stomp Vineyard in Harleton
- Fairhaven Vineyards in Hawkins
- Los Pinos Ranch Vineyards in Pittsburg
- Oil Horse Brewing Company. (Okay, this one’s beer, but the beer’s good!)
Visit the Longview Museum of Fine Arts
With 400 works of (mostly) modern art and its collection, the Longview Museum of Fine Arts has plenty of visual treats. They also offer a beautiful outdoor sculpture garden along with many events year-round. And get this; on Friday, admission is free! That’s one of the best deals in the entire city!
Spend Time Outdoors at Martin Creek Lake
Located slightly southeast of Longview ears Martin Creek Lake State Park, a 286-acre park on Martin Creek Lake. This is, hands-down, one of the best parks in Texas. There are you around fishing opportunities, including fishing tournaments during the winter. You can also backpack there and enjoy miles of excellent hiking trails. Boating, swimming and water sports are available too, as well as rental cabins. On your list of “what to do in Longview, Texas,” this park should be right up at the top!
Take a Stroll on the Paul D. Boorman Trail
Hiking not your thing? No problem! The Paul D. Boorman Trail is nearly 6 miles of entirely paved trail to either walk or bicycle. Even better, it passes right through Lois Jackson Park with its playgrounds, picnic areas, and dog parks. It’s a great way to pass the time, connect with friends, or get in some fast-walking on a sunny day. Best of all, it’s free for everyone, making it one of the best things to do in Longview, TX.
Visit the Starr Family Home Historic Site
One of the most prominent Texas families in the 1800s was the Starr family. They settled a lot of Texas during that time and, in 1871, build one of our most famous homes. Today, you can take a tour of that home and see its period-specific antiques and furnishings. There are tours available also that take you throughout the historic site, which covers over 3 acres. If you’re an antique buff or a student of American history, it’s a must-see.
Skygaze at the Great Texas Balloon Race
You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t feel giddy at the site of a hot air balloon. One will make you smile, but a dozen (or more) will make you absolutely giddy. That’s what you get at the Great Texas Balloon Race, held in late July every year here in Longview. Not only will you see amazing hot air balloons but some of the best hot air balloon pilots in the nation. (They come here to compete!) One suggestion; stick around until after dark. That’s when the Balloon Glow starts, and dozens use their gas burners to light up their colorful balloons. It’s truly a spectacular sight! Make sure to take the kids, too! They have arts, crafts, food vendors, and a special play area just for them!
Check Out the Culture in Longview
Longview is a combination of small-town living and big-city amenities. Many of those amenities are culturally significant, including symphonies, ballet, and tons of music. You can catch a show, or a symphony, and never leave town. Some of the best include:
- The Longview Symphony
- Longview Ballet Theatre
- Belcher Center
- Gregg County Historical Museum
- Longview Museum of Fine Arts
Fill Your Belly With Some of Texas’ Best Food
Yes, every town and city boasts of its food scene. The difference in Longview, though, is that it’s more than boasting. The food here is delish, inspired by the wide world of culinary delights. Mexic and Tex-Mex are here, of course, and authentic Asian, Indian, and Mediterranean food. Texas Monthly named one of our BBQ joints the best in the state, too. That would be Bodacious Bar-B-Q, which opened back in 1968. We have a wide variety of food for a small town to satisfy everyone in the fam!
Take a Day Trip By Train to Mineola, TX
If you or the kids like trains (and who doesn’t), you can take a day trip to see much of the area. We recommend starting at the Colonial Revival Depot, which was fully renovated over the last few years. Buil in 1940, it has an old-world charm mixed with modern amenities. (Surprisingly, Longview has one of the busiest Amtrak stations in all of Texas.) Then off you go to Mineola. It’s got one of the most beautiful downtown areas in the entire state. Plus, they offer a farmer’s market where you can have a bite to eat before heading back. It’s a wonderful adventure and one of our most highly recommended day trips!
Brought to You By SecurCare in Longview, TX
As you can see, Longview has a lot to offer! Here at SecurCare Storage, we offer clean, safe, and affordable storage units in Longview and the surrounding areas. If you need extra space, we’ve got it! We wish you a wonderful trip to Longview! If you’ve just moved here, welcome! We know you’ll love Longview as much as we do!
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