texasforesttrail – ETX Traveler

Shady Glade Resort

Uncertain of where you want to go this weekend for a family getaway? Why not follow your intuition and go to Uncertain, Texas. It is located in northeast Harrison County right next to Caddo Lake. The small township, with a population of 94, is where you go to get away and truly unwind and relax … Read more

Queen St. Grille

As temperatures warm and we crawl out of our isolation, it time to get out and explore our beautiful state. Spring is a magical time in East Texas and there is no better time for a road trip. Soon the azaleas, dogwoods and wildflowers will be in full bloom across our Texas Forest Trail region. … Read more

JT2 Restaurant

When trekking through Smith County and looking for something more than a chain restaurant, try JT2 Gourmet Burgers & Ranch Market in Lindale, Texas. It’s a local family owned restaurant that is the extension of the J&J Ranch. Owner Jayson Taylor controls the supply chain of beef, so you are getting true “Farm to Table” … Read more

Ginocchio Restaurant

On most day trips, restaurants are a waypoint or stopover, but some can be a destination. The Ginocchio Restaurant is definitely a destination. It is an opportunity to explore a unique dining experience that will satisfy all of the senses. The food will delight your palette, while the restored building will transport you back into … Read more

Fugler’s Grocery Market & Deli

Home Of The Bubba Burger When trekking across northeastern Harrison County, an ‘off the beaten path’ dining experience can be found at Fugler’s Grocery Market and Deli. Don’t let the outside appearance distract you. The full parking lot is an indication that something special awaits you inside. This is the place that locals and savvy … Read more

Texarkana: More Than Just A State Line

We have been wanting to visit Texarkana for a while now, if only because I thought our daughter would get a kick out of standing in Texas and Arkansas at the same time on State Line Avenue. Little did I know, Texarkana has so much more to offer than 11 miles of divided state lines. … Read more

Nacogdoches: Something For Everyone

It’s no secret I have an affinity for East Texas towns. It’s why I do what I do! While I can’t claim a favorite, Nacogdoches has definitely captured my heart in so many ways. Maybe it’s the quaint downtown or their well known love and support for local music. Maybe it’s the college student influence … Read more

Starr Family Home

We have visited the Starr Family Home multiple times over the holidays to partake in crafts and story-time. We were so impressed by the beautiful grounds, informative staff and the history behind one of Marshall’s most prominent families. Site Manager, Barbara Judkins, graciously spent time with us answering our questions and introducing us to the … Read more

The Great Runaway

I have deep roots in Texas, thanks to the five generations (on both sides of my family) that came before me. My earliest ancestors came from Kentucky to Texas by covered wagon in 1830. Composed of father, mother, an 11-year-old son, and three younger girls, they probably traveled with extended family, all looking forward to … Read more

My Great Grandfather

My great grandfather, Jefferson Yarbrough was shot and subsequently killed while defending a woman from her abusive husband in Jasper Tx, in 1918. But he didn’t go down without a fight. After being shot he pulled his Colt’s .45 and fired at his fleeing killer striking the fleeing man in the right elbow. The arm … Read more