Travel to Charming & Lovely Athens, Texas
Athens is a city which has got the charm of a small southern town while retaining qualities of a larger city. It is situated close to cities like Dallas and Tyler, which are just a short drive away. Athens is a beautiful city to live in and for tourists to visit.
If you want to experience the lovely warmth and cosiness of a small city which also has, at the same time, facilities like a larger metro city then Athens can be the perfect place for you. Athens has got a variety of family friendly destinations for tourists to try out. Some examples include Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center, Henderson County Regional Fair Park Complex, and others. Your family is sure to enjoy and feel thrilled with all that Athens has to offer.
Who and Why Should Visit Athens
Anyone who want an ideal retreat from the hustle and bustle of hectic big city life should consider visiting Athens, even if for a couple of days to experience the charms of small city life. It is a good tourist destination for people to visit with their families and kids, specially if you love nature.
The town has lot of interesting history and culture. It is known statewide as the Home of the Hamburger because it was here that a resident named Fletch Davis introduced the meat sandwich in 1904 at Louis World Fair. Today Athens hosts a lot of big annual events like the Uncle Fletch Hamburger Festival. Athens is also famously known as the “Black-Eyed Pea Capitol of the World”, and it is a certified Texas Retirement Community.
Places to Visit in Athens, Texas
There are many popular tourist attractions in Athens, Texas. Here we will explore some of them.
1. Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (TFFC)
Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens is an interactive museum where you can do fishing, tour hatchery or check out exhibits. TFFC is one among 5 state fish hatcheries.
It is a place where families can come and enjoy fishing together. They can spend time outside, they can see the dive show and also check out the narrated tour of hatchery. 300,000 gallons of aquaria and other exhibits allow people to study and explore native Texas fish in natural surroundings and environment.
If you want to fish then you can get all the equipment you need free of cost. You don’t need even need a fishing license or any previous experience.
COVID-19 UPDATE:
Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center is now partially open. The facility has enhanced safety measures that comply with CDC guidelines and Governor Abbott’s executive orders
2. East Texas Arboretum & Botanical Society
Tourists can enjoy 100 acres of natural wooded beauty with trees, flowers and wildlife. You may stumble across camouflaged frogs, insects, and even deer scrambling by. Walk along the winding, spring-fed streams connected by a 115-foot suspension bridge.
Experience life in early Henderson County at the historic Wofford House Museum. Built in 1850, the home was relocated to the arboretum several years ago
The arboretum has beautiful gardens, shaded picnic spots, kids play area and a historic home. The trails include over two miles of semi-rugged terrain. The arboretum also contains hundreds of flower and plant species, many of which are native to North East Texas.
3. Athens Scuba Park
This is a world-class dive park which attracts thousands of scuba divers from around the world. Get ready for the ultimate scuba diving experience here with an all-inclusive dive facility along with classes, services and more. There are over 35 sunken wrecks and 11 diving docks around the lake which you can explore. You can even join classes and learn from some of the best certified instructors in the field. You can find all kinds of gears for diving whether you are a novice or expert you can find the gear that is suitable for you.
Other Tourist Attractions of Athens, Texas
Cain Park and Cain Center – 85 acre natural area includes jogging trail, tennis courts, fishing pond, picnic areas and golf course
Lake Tyler – you can enjoy swimming, skiing, boating and fishing
Lufkin Texas – here you will find Ellen Trout zoo, Cotton Square Heritage Park, Texas Forestry Museum
Canton – check out Texas Horse Park, Splash Kingdom Water Park and other fun places here