Fall is one of the best times of the year to visit Longview. Located deep within the Piney Woods of East Texas, the natural beauty of Longview becomes even more spectacular in autumn. Come enjoy the view this fall with cooler temperatures, beautiful fall foliage, and family-fun-packed fall events.
Get Artsy in the Arts!Longview Cultural District
Head downtown for a latte at Silver Grizzly Espresso and an afternoon of museum hopping as you visit Longview Museum of Fine Arts, World of Wonders, and the Gregg County Historical Museum. Have lunch at Cace’s Kitchen, one of the oldest family owned and operated restaurants in Texas or try the Crawfish Mac & Cheese at Judd’s Downtown or Lobster Ravioli at Roma’s Italian Kitchen. Continue your evening with a free Friday night outdoor concert at Downtown LIVE, or a live performance at Theatre Longview or ArtsView Children’s Theatre. Top the evening off with ice cream from Wild Honey Creamery or a Texas wine at Greenside Beverage Co. or craft beer at Oil Horse Beverage Company.
Roll Some Pumpkins
The Longview Great Pumpkin Roll will be held in conjunction with two other Downtown events: Ollie’s Skate Shop Downtown Take Over and the monthly Longview Cruisers Downtown Cruise Night. Saturday, October 7, 2023 from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. Anyone can participate kids, adults, locals, visitors. Just show up on the day of the event. Cost is $2 per roll, pumpkins are not included. Bring your own pumpkin or buy at the event (limited supply available). A grand prize of $500 will be awarded to the longest roll. Smaller prizes will be awarded for runners-up. Register in person on day of event.
Stroll Through the Arboretum
Breath in the fresh East Texas air as you stroll amongst the impressive pine trees at the Longview Arboretum and Nature Center. Nestled just a stone’s throw away from historic downtown, this verdant oasis is the ideal place to soak up the sun and unwind. Follow the tranquil trails past old growth loblolly pines, dense woods, and open lawns throughout the arboretum’s lush 26 acres. Relax and refresh your spirit as you meander over gentle hills and observe the birds, butterflies, and other wildlife that call the gardens home. As the only master-planned, multi-use garden in the area, the Longview Arboretum and Nature Center is definitely worth a visit.
Ride a Train
It’s not every day you get to ride on a train, but you can check this off your bucket list in Longview. In fact, it’s one of the best ways to explore the Piney Woods. Longview is home to the fifth busiest Amtrak station in Texas, and its Colonial Revival red brick depot the perfect starting point to discovering the region. For a fun day trip, head West from Longview’s depot and you’ll pass through Gladewater and Big Sandy on the way to Mineola, home to one of the prettiest downtown’s in East Texas. Browse local shops, check out the farmers market and historic theater, and get a drink or bite to eat before hopping back aboard the eastbound train returning that afternoon, just in time for an evening stroll through downtown Longview.
Treat Yourself to Award-Winning Barbecue
Are you even in Texas if you don’t eat barbecue? While smoked brisket, ribs, and sausage are traditional favorites, you can sink your teeth into some surprising off-menu eats at Bodacious BBQ. We’re talking burnt end boudin, smoked taters, Central Texas Sausage, and whatever else the pit master feel like cooking up. It’s not unusual for all these delicacies to be sold out within three hours, so get here early and come hungry. As one of the best barbecue joints in Texas, Bodacious BBQ should be on every foodie’s barbecue bucket list.
Stomp Some Grapes
As the old saying goes, sometimes you have to get your feet dirty. In this case, it’s by squashing grapes that’ll one day be turned into delicious wine. That’s exactly what you can do at Enoch’s Stomp Winery & Vineyards during its annual harvest festivals, like the Red Grape Stomp. Can’t make it for the grape stomping? Nestled on 90 acres of rolling, sun-kissed hills lined with rows of lush grapevines, Enoch’s Stomp is a must visit through the year. Situated just 30 minutes northeast of Longview, it offers the full winery experience, from tastings and tours to winemaking classes, live music, and a gourmet restaurant.
