The small towns and cultural districts in the Upper East Side of Texas get a little bit livelier as the weather begins to warm and people look for creative ways to get out and enjoy themselves. Residents and visitors alike gather in small cafes and elegant dining rooms, on downtown squares and food truck courts, and enjoy the area’s attractions and special events, including nature’s magnificent showing of wild flowers and scenic views along the backroads and in beautiful gardens.
Here are just a few ideas for fun ways to make good memories this spring of 2025.
Wildflowers, Lake Fork Dam. Photo by Lisa Hilbers
Wildflower season in the Upper East Side of Texas typically lasts from March through May, with some special surprises like azaleas and other spring flowers popping up usually mid March through mid-April. Along many of the highways and backroads of the region, visitors enjoy fields of beautiful flowers and nature at its best. It’s always best to call organizers to confirm how Mother Nature is behaving at any given time. The thousands of daffodils at Mrs. Lee’s Daffodil Garden near Gladewater may stick around until mid-March. Check out the Azalea & Spring Flower Trail in Tyler March 21 through April 6 and more azaleas in Nacogdoches. The dogwoods may blossom about the same time — keep up with the latest from the official Dogwood Trails Capital of Texas in Palestine. Enjoy the Ennis Bluebonnet Trails April 1-30. The Wildflower Trails of Texas in and around Avinger, Hughes Springs, and Linden is April 25-26.
Greenville
Greenville has several options for arts and entertainment, restaurants, an award-winning winery, shopping, and attractions. Check out the beautiful murals and other outdoor art in a self-guided Downtown Art Walk. There’s also a Downtown Historic Walking Tour mapped out for visitors with stunning architecture and historic information and places.
The Audie Murphy American Cotton Museum pays tribute to its namesake World War II hero and Hollywood movie star as well as Greenville and Hunt County’s colorful history. Exhibits include The Hall of Heroes, Cotton Production, Hunt County Gallery, Ende-Gillard House, and the Hunt County War Memorial. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday at 600 Interstate 30 East. Guided tours are available for groups of 10 or more by appointment. A picnic area is on the grounds.
Special events this spring include LitCon from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March 15 at the Fletcher Warren Civic Center, 5501 US-69S. The event celebrates literature and pop culture including comics, manga, anime, games, and good old-fashioned books. Costumes are welcomed, but not required. The Hunt County Fair and Livestock Show is April 18-27. The Hunt County Festival of the Arts is May 10.
Get details on these events and others on www.TravelGreenvilleTX.com.
Longview
Spring in the View includes shopping, the arts and cultural district, good restaurants, and outdoor fun in parks and at the lovely Longview Arboretum. The Longview Museum of Fine Arts has ongoing art exhibitions and a music series and and visitors enjoy the murals and sculptures throughout the Arts!Longview Cultural District.
Some enjoy taking a day trip train through East Texas from Longview to Mineola and back. Others go for adventures with mini golf, bowling, indoor golfing, escape rooms, laser tag, arcades, and go carts.
St. Patty’s Block Party is from 4-9 p.m. March 15 with food trucks, games, live music, and green beer at Oil Horse Brewing Co.
ArtWalk Longview takes place on April 3. It is a free, self-guided tour of downtown business venues exhibiting and selling art. Guests enjoy the museums, restaurants, food trucks, street musicians, and many talented artists.
Dalton Days is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 5 at the Gregg County Historical Museum. Inspired by the true story of a bank robbery in Longview in 1894, this annual event features Wild West shows, blacksmith demonstrations, children’s activities, live music, concessions, and the famous Dalton Gang bank robbery reenactment.
Downtown Live is back from 5 to 8 p.m. every Friday night in April and May with free live music, drinks, and food trucks on and around Heritage Plaza.
Get a feel for fun in Longview with this VIDEO and go to wwwVisitLongviewTexas.com for itineraries and details to plan a day or overnight trip.
McKinney
McKinney’s lovely downtown and surrounding area offers something for everyone for a day trip or overnight stay. Strolling around the downtown square, guests find unique shopping, good eats, arts, and more. Activities in and around town include live music, comedies, magic, and other entertainment, St Patrick’s Day fun, garden shows, farmers’ market,
See Bugs LIVE at the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary that March 15 and runs through June 29. Visitors explore larger-than-life animatronic insects and arachnids, strategically positioned along the nature trails of the Heard.
The McKinney Asian Festival takes place on April 5 at Dr Glenn Mitchell Park. Guests explore the rich tapestry of Asian culture with authentic street food, dance, music, lion and dragon performances, shopping, and children’s activities.
The annual Arts in Bloom Festival is from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. April 11-13 in historic downtown McKinney. Featuring more than 120 juried artists and renowned Texas wineries. Downtown McKinney.
Empty Bowls McKinney is from 6-8 p.m. April 24 at the McKinney Performing Arts Center. Enjoy samples of gourmet soups prepared by local restaurant chefs and choose from hundreds of event bowls made by local artists. Proceeds go to local charities that provide food to those in need.
Check out www.visitmckinney.com for details on places to stay, restaurants, and more things to do.
Palestine
The quaint town of Palestine, Texas, is in full bloom each spring as they celebrate the beautiful dogwood season. This year’s Dogwood Trails Celebration takes place March 21 through April 6. Visitors enjoy the delicate beauty of the dogwood trees in Davey Dogwood Park and the surrounding area. Activities are scheduled each weekend to including special excursion train rides at the Texas State Railroad, the Farm & Flower Market, and a play at the historic Texas Theatre. Fairy Garden Trails take place from dawn to dusk March 22 to April 30 in Davey Dogwood Park. The park has five and a half miles of driving trails and those who walk onto the trails find hidden fairy gardens.
Texas State Railroad opens its 2025 season on March 7 with regular journeys through the picturesque East Texas landscape on the enchanting Piney Woods Train Excursion. For more details and to check the full schedule, visit www.texasstaterailroad.net.
The Dogwood Arts Council is hosting a VIP Art Event on March 21. The evening celebrates art, community, and culture takes place at the Farmers Market Pavilion. A carefully curated selection of artwork from talented local and regional artists is showcased in an elegant and inviting atmosphere. Guests indulge in delicious appetizers and drinks from local restaurants and distributors while enjoying music and interactive fundraising activities. Casual networking and opportunities to engage with artists is encouraged. On Saturday, March 22, the Dogwood Arts Council hosts a free art show at Farmers Market Pavilion.
The 1836 is April 11-13 with wagon races, rodeos, trail rides, live music, and more. For a complete schedule of events, visit www.The1836.com.
Go to www.VisitPalestine.com for a full list of spring adventures.
Rockwall
Rockwall’s charming downtown has shopping, dining, and entertainment options throughout the year. A map of Downtown Rockwall shows almost 200 businesses with apparel, beauty and wellness products and services, home furnishings, gifts, and numerous restaurants.
The Harbors just down the road another delightful destination next to Lake Ray Hubbard. Sailing cruises begin in May.
Upcoming events include Spring Fling on March 27 with downtown merchants offering shopping specials and fun. The San Jacinto Plaza Music series and Farmers’ Market starts in May.
Sulphur Springs
The award-winning Romanesque Revival courthouse in downtown Sulphur Springs is the showpiece and inspiration for the lively Celebration Plaza at the heart of the community. Visitors wander about the inviting, park-like grounds, play giant checkers and chess games, enjoy the laughter of children, experience the inspiring veterans memorial, and line up to use the amusing see-through bathrooms. After a chilly winter, spring around Celebration Plaza finds residents and visitors alike enjoying themselves on the plaza and in the shops and restaurants that surround it.
Several other parks in Sulphur Springs are inviting and popular attractions include the Heritage Park & Museum, the Music Box Museum located in the Sulphur Springs Public Library, and the Southwest Dairy Museum and Education Center.
Special events this spring included the Carden International Circus on March 4 at the Hopkins County Civic Center with animal rides, face painting, inflatables, and circus stars. Spring Market on Main takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 12 and Claws for a Cause Crawfish Boil is April 26.
Go to www.VisitSulphurSpringsTX.org to learn more.
Terrell
Terrell has a couple of big events happening this spring. On March 29 is Happy Days in Terrell America that gives visitors a “step back in time” with live music, a car show, special sales reflective of decades past, and giveaways. The event promises a day of nostalgia, fun, and community spirit as locals and visitors come together to celebrate Terrell’s charm and history.
The highlight of the event is the Happy Days Car Show, featuring an impressive lineup of classic cars that line the streets, offering a display of automotive history. Car enthusiasts and families alike have the chance to admire beautifully restored vehicles while enjoying the lively atmosphere of downtown Terrell.
In addition to the car show, downtown merchants and restaurants are rolling out special promotions and discounts throughout the day including unique gifts, stylish apparel, and dining.
Then on April 24-27 the annual Terrell Jubilee returns with a weekend of fun activities at Ben Gill Park. This four-day festival includes a mix of live entertainment, attractions, carnival rides, food, and family-friendly fun. Highlights include a 5K run and fun walk, pig races, a car show, tug of war tournament, and new this year is the Flippenout Extreme Trampoline Show with high-energy aerial stunts.
Admission to the Terrell Jubilee is free, with carnival ride tickets available for purchase on-site.
For more information, event schedules, or vendor details, visit www.TerrellJubilee.com.
For more information on events and more things to do in Terrell, go to www.DiscoverTerrell.com
Scarborough Renaissance Festival is April 5 through May 26 in Waxahachie. Since 1980, this Renaissance themed festival set in a re-created 16th Century English village celebrates the visit of King Henry VIII, his Royal Court and other dignitaries. Entertainment includes full combat armored jousts, Birds of Prey exhibitions, the Mermaid Lagoon and unique, interactive Renaissance entertainment on 20+ stages. There is also a 100+ member performing company that brings Scarborough to life through their portrayals of the royal court, dignitaries, villagers and peasants alike. One-of-a-kind handmade crafts are found in 200 village shoppes. Find artist demonstrations, food, and pubs with wine and beer.
Other notable events this spring include Avalon Faire on weekends April 12-27 near Kilgore; East Texas Gusher Days on April 18-19 in Gladewater; Derrick Days on April 23-26 in Corsicana; and Texas Hot Links Festival on April 26 in Pittsburg.
San Augustine Heritage Festival takes place April 11-12 celebrating the rich history of the town that began in 1836. Activities include street vendors, sidewalk sales, pancake breakfast, arts and crafts, food trucks, car show, children’s activities, petting zoo, art show, quilt show, live entertainment, and local tours. Attractions include the renovated 1919 jail with the Law Enforcement Museum and the historic Stripling Building with an indoor water well. For more information call (935) 201-4307 and go to www.visitsanaugustinetx.org. Pictured are Sherry Lockley, Evelyn and Ken Miller celebrating San Augustine’s rich history at a past Heritage Festival.
