Nacogdoches, the oldest town in Texas, may be smaller than the city where last you lived but few places have as rich a history or as culturally diverse a presence. It may take a little exploring on your part to discover the riches of the city but it will be well worth your effort. In addition to the materials you received about Nacogdoches at the New Faculty Orientation, check out the following web site maintained by the Center for East Texas Studies.
A visit to the Nacogdoches Convention and Visitors Center, located in the downtown square is also worthwhile. Among the many things that can be highlighted about the area, we would like to pass on recommendations in three areas: restaurants, attractions, and a walking tour.
We asked SFA faculty for their restaurant recommendations in or within driving distance of Nacogdoches. (Keep track of your favorite spots. In a few years we will repeat the poll.) Here are some of their favorites:
Auntie Pastas; classic Italian; entrees $6-$15; 211 Old Tyler Rd.; 569-2171
Clear Springs; catfish, ribs, and steaks; entrees $7-$15; 211 Old Tyler Road; 569-0489
Cotton Patch Cafe; Southern home cooking; entrees $6-$8; 3117 North Street; 569-6926
Delacroix's Seafood; cajun cooking and fresh fish; entrees $5-$15 ; 1302 North Street; 559-1975
Flashback Cafe; burgers, wraps, sandwiches, and pasta; pool tables and open mic nights; entrees $6-9; 109 Wettermark; 462-9550
Java Jacks; coffee and sandwiches; live music occasionally; 1122 North Street; 560-3975
La Carreta; Tex-Mex; entrees $6-$12; 3000 North Street; 569-2800
Mike's Barbeque House; barbeque; entrees $4-$6; 1622 South Street; 560-1676
Roma's Italian Restaurant and Club; Italian; entrees $8-$15; 112 S. First Street, Lufkin; 409-637-7227
Yakofritz's Sandwich Shoppe; eclectic; entrees $4-$6; 205 E. Main Street; 564-3252
Nacogdoches-Area Attractions and Events
We also asked recently arrived faculty what area attractions, events, parks, festivals, or other sites they have enjoyed and would recommend to new faculty. Here are their ten most recommended attractions:
Blueberry Festival; June; downtown Nacogdoches; free admission; arts and crafts, food, fresh blueberries, musical entertainment, wine tasting
DoDat Barbeque; September; Nacogdoches Exposition Center; music, barbeque, and beer
East Texas Oil Museum; open year-round except certain holidays; on Kilgore Junior College campus in Kilgore; an entertaining and informative look at East Texas when they struck oil -- lots of oil
Hodges Gardens; open year-round except certain holidays; Many, Louisiana; adult admission $6.50; horticultural park and wildlife refuge
Lamp-Lite Theatre; a community theatre company founded in 1970; presents a full season of comedy, drama, and musical theatre performances -- six to eight productions with about six performances each. All members of the Deep East Texas community are welcome to join Lamp-Lite -- onstage, backstage, or in the audience.
Lanana Creek Trail; open year-round; along the west bank of Lanana Creek from Main Street to East Austin; originally an Indian footpath that now takes you through woods, a city park, and the university's arboretum
Davy Crockett National Forest - Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area; open year-round; on Highway 7 southwest of Nacogdoches; adult admission $3; picnic, hiking, boat rental, and camping facilities on Lake Ratcliff
Tyler Municipal Rose Garden; open year-round but best floral displays in early May and mid-October; on Highway 31 in Tyler; free admission; you'll see why Tyler is called the “Rose Capital of the Nation”
Ruby Mize Azalea Garden; open year-round; SFA campus; an oasis of beauty and quiet
Taste of Nacogdoches; June; Fredonia Inn Convention Center; adult admission $10; sample the offerings of over 30 Nacogdoches restaurants
Texas Forestry Museum; open year-round; 1905 Atkinson Drive, Lufkin; free admission; an interesting and informative glimpse into an East Texas industry