NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Vacations can get so expensive, but if you don't have to pay for airfare or fill up a big tank of gas for a long trip, you can save some money.
Staycations can be a lot of fun!
Sometimes we don't even know the local treasures found down the backroads of East Texas. Plus, you're helping infuse dollars into out local communities. It's a win - win!
What's more East Texas than the oldest town in Texas? That's where you'll find the Fredonia Hotel that's been an East Texas jewel since 1955. The Nacogdoches staple is also surrounded by activities and hot spots to make your trip one to remember.
When you walk through the doors at the Fredonia Hotel, it's almost like you're transported to another place in time -- think the glamorous Golden Age of Hollywood hiding out right here in the piney woods of East Texas.
"It feels very big city, like in such a small Nacogdoches town," said Leah Brasier, hotel guest, "So it's fun to come here and feel like you're maybe in Houston or Chicago, San Francisco, but you're right here in the deep East Texas"
Brasier and her husband have lived in Nacogdoches for almost three decades and when they can't get away for a long vacay, The Fredonia is their spot.
“We will usually go to like the Nine Flags bar and have a little pre-cocktail and treat ourselves to the Republic Steakhouse and then we'll have breakfast on the patio, brunch for Saturday and Sunday morning," Brasier said. "It's wonderful."
They've seen the hotel through ownership changes and renovations, and love the retro feel.
“We are a historic property and so with that came a huge responsibility to take great care and concern with the restoration that everything was done as it was back in 1955, so the same type of materials, the same type of glass, the wood, everything had to be replicated just just exactly like it was," said John McLaren, Fredonia Hotel, general manager.
The mid-century modern boutique hotel re-opened in 2017 after being closed for a few years. McLaren says the historic hotel started out as a labor of love for the community back in the 50s.
“The people of Nacogdoches actually got together and they sold stock to raise money to build this facility," McLaren said.
And it's the same commitment from the new owners today.
“Barbara and Richard Dewitt decided that this was something they were going to do and give back to the community,” said McLaren. “The Dewitts felt very passionate about, they wanted this to be restored and be here for for like for generations to come."
During your staycation in Nacogdoches, you can check out the charming downtown with plenty of places to eat and drink.
"Every day we have people come in here and they're wanting to know about the oldest town in Texas,” said Ashley Morgan, Executive Director, Visit Nacogdoches. “They want to know about our brick streets and our historic buildings and then they just happen to fall in love with all of the shopping and dining while they're here."
Ashley Morgan with Visit Nacogdoches says there's something for everyone in the family. There's Su Su's popcorn with candy and old fashioned sodas or places for live music and spirits like the Fredonia Brewery, Cottage Wine Bar and Red House Winery. But, if you're a history buff, you'll want to pick up a brochure from the visitor's center on Main Street and set off on their walking tour of 15 historic sites in Texas' oldest town.
"We have the Durst Taylor House and this is on North Street not far from the visitor center and it's the oldest structure in Nacogdoches. We also have the Stern Hoya Museum and Library and this is a little bit further down Main Street towards Lanana Creek Trail where Sam Houston was actually baptized in that house. We've also got the Old University Building which is pictured here in the mural behind me," explained Morgan.
Of course, that's not all to see and do and see in Nacogdoches. There's Banita Creek Hall where country music is always on tap, Camp Tonkawa Springs, a cool natural spring fed pond, and it's home to Stephen F. Austin State University where's there's sports, arts and an arboretum, which you've got to have in the Garden Capital of Texas!
"We're in the Ruby Mize Azalea Garden,” said Kelly Augustine, president and CEO of the Nacogdoches Chamber of Commerce. “This particular garden is special. Texas is big. We're known for big things in Texas. Well, this garden is the largest in our state and a lot of people come here. You can imagine just being in this kind of setting. We're right in the middle of town, but it's so peaceful and beautiful with the natural resources that we have here. It's a photo op waiting to happen."
Augustine, says it won't cost you a thing to enjoy the colorful flowers, towering trees and artistic sculptures throughout the garden. Nor will the miles and miles of walking trails along Lanana Creek.
“This garden is just one of the spots on a walking trail that we have," Augustine said. "So, that trail goes all the way from downtown. You could have, you know, maybe a nice big breakfast downtown restaurant and get on the trail and walk all the way to the North Loop and just see all kinds of new things."
After you're done exploring, maybe you can get your hands on a copy of Hotel Fredonia or grab Creek to Creek and relax by the pool and dive into some Texas history.
Your weekend could turn into a weeklong staycation with all the quaint restaurants, boutiques and historic sites there are to see and the outdoor activities on top of that. The chamber and Visit Nacogdoches are a wealth of free information.