By P.A. Geddie
Summer in Sulphur Springs, Texas, comes with its own cooling system — a splash pad conveniently located downtown on Celebration Plaza.
Keeping cool in and around the splash pad in downtown Sulphur Springs is a favorite place to spend some time for locals and visitors alike. Photo by Cindy Roller
With a backdrop of the award-winning Romanesque Revival courthouse, the lively plaza —or Town Square Park — is the heart of the community. Visitors wander about the inviting, park-like grounds, play giant checkers and chess games, enjoy the laughter of kids dancing with water, experience the inspiring veterans memorial, and line up to use the amusing see-through bathrooms. It is not unusual for tour bus drivers to go 50 miles off their route for a rest stop in Sulphur Springs just for that experience.
Celebration Plaza in downtown Sulphur Springs is set up to provide fun activities for visitors including oversized checkers and chess games. The mirrored see-through bathrooms are a must try for something completely different to spice things up. Inviting benches and other seating areas are throughout the park. Visitors enjoy getting a close up view of the courthouse and the phenomenal veterans memorial area as well as statues and other artwork. Photo by Bill Ayers
Waffle Chicken Kabobs are a favorite treat at Haystacks in downtown Sulphur Springs. Photo by Lisa Tang
Shopping enthusiasts enjoy a variety of stores within walking distance of Celebration Plaza. Treasures found include books, jewelry, unusual rocks, gourmet kitchen tools, home decor, clothing, flowers, antiques, and hand-embroidered linens.
Several other parks in Sulphur Springs are also well worth experiencing.
A local favorite, Redneck Bar & Grill offers indoor and outdoor seating. In contrast to its name, the ambience leans more toward classy, with cozy tables and dim lighting. Grilled steaks, shrimp and fish are on the menu, but the favorite by far seems to be the steak. Photo by Bill Ayers
The entire Celebration Dining District captivates visitors. American and inter-national flavors and beverages are all in a short walking distance. Guests find culinary adventures in upscale restaurants with cozy tables, Texas barbecue joints, hometown country cafes, and plenty of outdoor seating.
Several restaurants offer a front row seat to the plaza with outdoor dining. Photo by Lisa Tang
A variety of cuisine choices include steaks, shrimp, and fish, German bratwurst fresh off the grill, pizza direct from a wood-fired oven, gourmet sandwiches and burgers, stuffed baked potatoes, and a wide selection of craft beer and wine. For an afternoon snack, some enjoy a salty treat from an old-fashioned popcorn machine and others get ice cream in a homemade waffle cone from an authentic general store. Ice cream is also a treat during milk production tours and exhibits at the Southwest Dairy Museum and Education Center.
Plain & Fancy Sandwich Shoppe offers sandwiches, wraps, desserts, and more in a prime location with a view out full-length windows of the Hopkins County Courthouse and Celebration Plaza. Photo by Lisa Tang
Those looking for overnight lodging have many choices from a variety of hotels to warm-and-cozy bed and breakfasts.
For more information on visiting Sulphur Springs, go to visitsulphurspringstx.org or call (903) 885-5614.