Things to Do in Texarkana
Out and About in Texarkana, TX
It’s easy to get caught up in our day-to-day lives and forget about the world around us. So, think about putting down that phone, stick your head outside, and whether you’re a visitor or a local, act like a tourist and take advantage of these great things to do in Texarkana, TX.
Be One with Nature
If you find yourself in this part of the world, you’ll recognize that you’re in the middle of some beautiful country. But you don’t have to head out of town to get your fill of nature. Bringle Lake, adjacent to the Texas A&M campus, offers great recreational activities. Hike the Bringle Lake Trail, fish from one of the two piers, play some volleyball, or watch the kids scramble around the covered playground. This is a close diversion with easy parking. You may also want to try Spring Lake Park, with more walking trails, athletic fields, and a splash pad for the kids.
Enjoy the Architecture
Texarkana is home to some great architectural landmarks. The inviting historic district is downtown, and you can wander through at your leisure. One place to not miss is the Texarkana United States Post Office and Courthouse. Built in the early 20th Century and on the National Register of Historic Places, it’s an imposing edifice, and worth a visit. You’ll find lots of other great examples of commercial architecture downtown - some of which are museums or other public spaces.
Get Some Culture
Texarkana is home to several museums and cultural attractions, and the Texarkana Museums System, offers a discount program for four of the most popular museums in town. Take the kids to Discovery Place Interactive Museum or explore the local past at the Museum of Regional History, which also serves as the Texarkana Arts and Historic District Visitors Center. If you haven’t yet had your fill of architecture, you’ll love the Ace of Clubs House and the P. J. Ahern Home.
For theater buffs, catch a show at the restored Perot Theater, and if you’re into cars, don’t miss the Four States Auto Museum. Most of these attractions are close to each other and are within walking distance.
Time to Eat
After you’ve had your fill of nature, architecture, and culture, it’s time to eat. And eat you will, as Texarkana is home to some great food. If you’re a barbecue fan, you have to experience the competition level “Q” at Naaman’s Championship Barbecue. Locals have been flocking to this place for more than a decade, and can’t get enough of the ribs, and of course, Texas-style brisket - always sliced, and as they say, they “ain’t choppin’ nuttin’!”
If barbecue isn’t your thing, don’t despair. Perhaps you’re more into the craft beer and pub scene, in which case you’ll find your new home-away-from home at Redbone Magic Brewing. Great local craft beer, elevated pizza, and pub food (not too elevated) and live music make this place a perennial favorite.
So, get out there, and have some fun.
As a parting thought, for those of you who were hoping to visit the location where The Bandit picked up Big Enos Burdette’s Coors, you’re out of luck - the scene, like most of Smokey and the Bandit, was filmed in Georgia.
