Activities

Balloon Adventures USA - (903) 758-4841. Ballooning...A chance encounter with tranquility, color and grace. Come, be amazed.

Carnegie Library - 301 W. Lafayette St. (903) 665-8911. Built in 1907, one of few such libraries still serving its original purpose.

Crazy D Nature Trail & Petting Farm - (903) 665-9090, 854 Dreesen Road U. S. Hwy. 59.

Historic Oakwood Cemetery - E. Webster and N. Main. The tomb of Diamond Bessie 1877, "The Trial of the 19th Century" .

Horseback Riding - (903) 938-8019. Visit Las Brisas Ranch and take a guided pack trip through the forests of Northeast Texas. They have trails for novice riders and more experienced riders. Real cowboy adventures await the hardy souls who saddle up with their team of lifetime Westerners. Cowboy cooking at its best served from a real chuckwagon that accompanies longer trailrides. Las Brisas also offers half day and horse drawn hay rides.

Jefferson & Cypress Bayou Railway - 400 E. Austin St. (903) 665-6400 Ride an 1870's reproduction of the "Robert E. Lee" Engine #7 along the Big Cypress Bayou. You can view a Confederate Powder Magazine along the seven-mile tour as well as the historical ruins of the Clark and Boice Sawmill and the first iron foundry in East Texas.

Living Room Theater - 112 Vale St. (903) 665-2310. Built in 1869. One -woman repertory theater. Shows each Saturday 8:00 PM year round or by appointment.

Opera House Theater Players - (903) 665-2310. Various productions and venues throughout the year.

Ruth Lester Memorial & Playhouse - 211 W. Henderson St. (903) 665-2513. Built in 1860 as a private residence about 1860, it became a Catholic convent, school, and hospital in 1869. Sold to a Jewish Congregation in 1875 and adjoining synagogue added. Both buildings restored with Victorian furnishings and memorabilia. Tours by appointment.

Rusty Rail Golf Course - (903) 665-7245. Rated in Top 25 Nine-Hole Courses in Texas by The Dallas Morning News. Pro shop, carts, gloves, balls and clubs for rent. 6 miles north of Jefferson on Hwy 59 to E. Prospect Road, 1 mile on right.



Rejuvenation

Massage/Spa Services - (903) 665-3373. Heather and Jason Long, Mobile massage and spa service offered in your room. 



Conferencing Facilities

Jeffersonian Convention Center World-class conferencing facilities that can accommodate 6 to 600 people. In house catering available, live broadcasts, big city convenience in a small town environment. 903-665-8946



Art Galleries

Local artisans display their creations. Some art techniques available in Jefferson are available nowhere else in the world.

Imhof Art Gallery - (903) 665-3779. 116 Polk Jefferson, TX 75657 Scott Imoff 

Tours
 
Several homes and tours available throughout the month. 19th century homes offer wonderful tours and a piece of Texas history like nowhere else.
 
Carriage Tours and Horseback Rides - 224 Austin St. Located across the street from the Jefferson Museum. Narrated carriage tour of historic Jefferson. Tours Thursday - Sunday other times by appointment. 

  
Carriage Tours - 124 W. Austin St. (903) 846-2165 Located in front of the Jefferson Hotel. Narrated carriage tour of historic Jefferson. Tours Friday - Sunday. 
 
Polk Street Trolley Tours - 119 E. Austin St. (903) 665-1665, 1 hour narrated tours. By appointment. 
 

Mule-Drawn Wagon Ride - 222 W. Austin St. (903) 665-1665. Narrated tour of historic district. By appointment.
 
Bayou Tours - 1001 Bayou St. (903) 665-2222. located across the Polk St. Bridge from downtown. One hour narrated tour of Texas’ largest inland port. April through October at 10:00, 12:00, 2:00 & 4:00 seven days a week. (weather permitting). March, November and the first half of December, 12:00 & 2:00. Adults - $6.50 Children - 12 and under - $4.00, including tax.
 
Benefield - Harrell House - 1890, 1009 S. Line (903) 665-3180, Queen Anne Victorian home with stained glass windows and fine architecture of details. Tours by appointment.
 

Excelsior House - 1850, located on Austin Street (903) 665-2513, 19th Century hotel numbered among its guests Ulysses S. Grant, Rutherford B. Hayes, Diamond Bessie, Jay Gould and Oscar Wilde. Tours Daily 1:00 and 2:00 PM. Adults $4.00, Children $2.00.

 
Freeman Plantation - 1850, Go West on Hwy. 49 one mile from the intersection of Hwy 49 and Hwy 59. (903) 665-2320, the graceful Greek Revival structure embodies the building style that distinguished so many Louisiana plantation homes. Giant magnolias and period furnishings complement the house, which has been cited by the Historic American Buildings Committee of the Department of the Interior. Tours by appointment.
 

Jay Gould Private Rail Car - 1861, 210 W. Austin St. (903) 665-2513, The "Atalanta" has luxurious interior with four staterooms, lounge, dining room, kitchen butler's pantry and bathroom. Ironically, the car is within a stone's throw of the Excelsior Hotel, in whose register Gould wrote "The end of Jefferson". Tours from the Excelsior House, 9:00, 12:00, 2:30 and 4:30. $1.00 Adults, Children 50 cents.
 

House of the Seasons - 1872, 409 S. Alley (903) 665-1218, Built during Jefferson's heyday. A fine example of Greek Revival and Victorian architecture with Italianate characteristics. Has original furnishings and art. Tours 2 p.m. Daily and by appointment. 
 

Jefferson Historic Ghost Walk Saturdays evenings, or by appointment. Go on an eerie walk through the historic district of Jefferson and visit known haunted sights, and hear the stories of their hauntings.
 
Scarlet O'Hardy Home - 408 Taylor St. (903) 665-1939. Adults $6.00, Children 12 and under $1.00.

The Grove
 
 
Lake & Bayou Tours, Rentals & Guides

Caddo Lake tours take you through a natural Texas lake, beautiful and full of East Texas nature aboard an authentic paddlewheel steamboat. Weather permitting. Cypress Bayou tours, one-hour history/nature tours of Big Cypress Bayou and the Turning Basin.

Turning Basin Bayou Tours -"Come experience the history of the bayou in Jefferson, Texas on a Turning Basin Riverboat Tour. Guaranteed to enlighten and entertain you.".

Nature Tourism - Birding with Tom Walker

Canoe Rentals - (903) 665-8475. Welcome to Mike Weber's Canoe Rental located in the Cypress Valley. Canoe rentals or guided tours available. 

Caddo Lake Tours - (903) 789-3384, Takes you to Big Lake area plus the swamps and backwaters. Narrated tours 1.5 to 2 hours. Call for appointment.
 
Caddo Lake Steamboat Co. - 1-888-325-5459 (toll free), Ride a genuine re-creation of an 1800’s steamboat. The Graceful Ghost glides silently through Caddo Lakes most scenic areas. Quiet, relaxing, romantic. All covered seating. Call for schedule. 
 

Canoeing Caddo Lake - (903) 789-3495. Discover the backwaters of the only natural lake in Texas, Caddo Lake.
 

Canoeing the Cypress Bayous - (903) 665-8475 $25 per day. Explore the Big Cypress, Black Cypress or Little Cypress Bayou..
 

Caddo Guide Service 903-789-3268, 168 Mossy Brake Uncertain, TX 75661 Billy Carter Fishing Guide/ Boat Tours. 

Marina & Caddo Lake Tours - (903) 789-3295 Shady Glade Marina Cypress Drive on Caddo Lake Uncertain, TX 

Mystique Tours on Lake Caddo - 903-679-3690 David Applebaum U.S.C.G.A. Captain.

Point N Rise 903-935-6878 A quality hunting adventure. Hunting Preserve.
 

Museums

Texas treasures and artifacts. Matchless and exclusive items for view in several museums. Museums offering one of a kind themes, (Texas National bank notes, Gone with the Wind collections and more).

Gone With The Wind Museum - 408 Taylor St. (903) 665-1939. Open Thursday-Saturday 10 AM - 5 PM. Sunday-Wednesday by appointment. Adults $3.00, Children 12 and under $1.00.
 

Jefferson Historical Society & Museum - 1890, 223 Austin Street (903) 665-2775, Four floors of articles, documents and antiques from bygone era mementos of pioneer days, early steamboat commerce, ante-bellum society. Paintings and sculpture from D. D. Feldman collection. Old Federal Building, Lafayette and Vale Streets. Open daily. Admission $3.00.



Parks

Caddo Lake State Park - 480 acres beside Caddo Lake; an area once occupied by Caddo Indians, a tribe quite advanced in civilization. Camping areas, trailer sites, cabins, fishing, swimming, boating, hiking, nature trails and interpretive center. West of town on F.M. 2198 on Caddo Lake. Admission. 

Lions Park - Jefferson St. & Line St.; Picnic in the gazebo or picnic tables. There's also a playground area with slides, monkey bars, swings and more.

Otstott Park - Downtown Jefferson, great place for a picnic in the gazebo.
 

Thomas Jefferson Park - Austin St., between Polk & Vale Street

After Dark

Auntie Skinner's Riverboat Club: 107 W. Austin - Food, Nightclub & Private Bar. 

Alligator Tours - (903) 789-3384, Takes you to Big Lake area plus the swamps and backwaters. Narrated tours 1.5 to 2 hours. Call for appointment.

Music City USA 124 E. Austin - Music Show.


Real Estate

Jefferson Realty & Caddo Realty - We are here to assist you with information on property available for purchase in Jefferson and the Cypress Valley, as well as support and service before and after a purchase. Click through the site and see our current listings, or read about Jefferson. We can serve as a buyers agent with regard to property listed with other real estate brokers. We are always ready to help in any way we can. Feel free to contact us. (877) 665-8946.



Dining

Fine dining or relaxed specialized cuisine. Many restaurants to choose from.

Auntie Skinner's Riverboat Club: 107 W. Austin - Hamburgers, Chicken Fried Steak and more, Nightclub & Private Bar. 

The Bakery: 210 W. Austin - Restaurant

Bayou Landing: 300 Cypress Drive in Uncertain, TX - Restaurant 

Big Cypress Coffee House: 123 W. Austin - Cappuccino, Espresso, Iced Coffee, Gourmet Coffee by the pound and more.

Big Pines Lodge: Pine Island Rd. in Uncertain, TX - Catfish and More 

Big Fish Cafe: 124 E. Austin St.

House of the Seasons: Alley St. - For an unforgettable evening, a private dining room is available for couples. The French parlor is used for this occasion and upon request the dinner is accompanied with champagne or other fine wines. Reservations required. (903) 665-1218 
 

House of Pies 121 E. Austin St. 

 
Jefferson Old Fashion Hamburger Store: 101 Market St. - Hamburgers, Catfish and More 

Ole Tyme Meat Market: 221 N. Polk St. - Meat Market, Deli, Grill. 

Riverport B-B-Q: 201 N. Polk St. - Barbecue, Ribs, Pork Chops, Hamburgers and more.

Lafayette Street Sandwich Shoppe: 112 W. Lafayette - Soup & Sandwich Shoppe
 

Lamache's Italian Restaurant: 124 W. Austin - Italian Restaurant 
 

Licea's: 102 Polk St. - Locals favorite. Great Mexican Food!

Stillwater Inn Restaurant: 203 E. Broadway - Located in a 1890's Victorian house, the chef-owned restaurant has been the setting for fine dining since 1984. Menu selections include grilled seafood and steak, veal specials and roasted rack of lamb, all prepared to order. To compliment your meal, an extensive wine list and cocktails are offered.. Reservations suggested. (903) 665-8415

And More...



Shops

Antique Stores, Art Galleries, Clothing Stores, Specialty Shops, Unique Gift Shops, and more. Shop, without the mall traffic or crowd, find items nowhere else available.

Amazing Grace: 121 N. Polk St. - Gifts

Beauty and the Book: Book Store / Salon

Blessing: 119 Polk St. - Christian Gifts, Books & Collectibles
 

City Drug: 109 W. Lafayette St. - Gifts

Der Baskit Kase Village: 215 Polk St. - Music Store

Flowers and Things: 114 W. Lafayette St. - Flower/Gift Shop
 

Fred's Books on the Bayou: 222 1/2 Austin St. - Books and Collectables
 

Gold Leaf Antique Mall: 207 N. Polk St. - Antiques
 
Good Pickin's: 220 N. Polk St. - Antiques
 

Home Sweet Home Collectibles: 202 N. Walnut St. - Gifts

Haley's Antiques: 409 N. Polk St. - Antiques 

Heavenly Reflections Photography Studio - (903) 665-2500,203 E. Dixon Sam and Valerie Ayer

Jefferson Images: 108 E. Lafayette St. - Gifts

Jefferson General Store and Old Fashion Soda Fountain: 113 E. Austin St. - General Merchandise

Liz-Beth's Antiques: 216 Austin St. - Antiques
 

Miller Photography - (903) 665-8200, Vale St. Robert & Lori Miller 
 

Myers Antique Company: 129 N. Walnut St. - Fine  Antiques 

Nuts & More: 108 West Lafayette St. - Gifts

Oak Tree Antiques: 120 W. Lafayette St. - Antiques/Collectibles

Old Mill Antiques: 210 East Austin St. - Antiques

River City Mercantile: 111 Austin St. Antiques

Shoppe 'Round the Corner: 114 N. Walnut St. - Gifts 
 

Southern Heritage Emporium: 120 Vale St. - Antiques

Sweet Memories: 202 St. John St. - Antiques & Gifts

The Fudge Store: 123 Walnut St. - Antiques/Collectibles/Fudge

Texas Treasures: 214 N. Polk St. - Gifts

Tootie's Carved Candles and Christmas Store: 115 E. Austin St. - Gifts

Trading Post: 116 W. Lafayette - Buy - Sell - Trade

Two's Company: 125 N Polk St. - Gifts

Victorian Quilts & Gifts: 211 N. Polk St. - Gifts

Wall to Wall Treasures: 124 W. Lafayette St. - Antiques, Collectables and Crafts

Walnut Street Market: 121 S Walnut St. Antiques / Architecturals

Wearhouse T-Shirt: 112 W. Lafayette St. - T-Shirts, Caps, Jackets
 

Yesteryear Nick Nacks: Corner of Polk and Austin St. - Gifts/Lace/Collectables

Your Favorite Gift Shop: 320 N. Polk St. - Gifts

And More...