5 Things to Do in Nacogdoches, Texas

Originally a Caddo Indian settlement and later established as a mission town, Nacogdoches was deemed a pueblo in 1779 when governed by prominent Spanish trader Antonio Gil Y'Barbo whose stone house has been recreated as the Stone Fort Museum on the campus of the local Stephen F. Austin State University. Looking at the past as a launching pad to the future, guests of the Garden Capital of Texas can explore this charming town by strolling along quaint shops that line the red brick roadways of Main Street, participating in activities such as biking along one of two creek-side trails, or enjoying a cool breeze from the front porch of a bed and breakfast.

1. Downtown Main Street

Bolstered by a mission of preservation, the Main Street district consists of The Cole Art Center at The Old Opera House where the Marx Brothers are said to have gotten their comedic start, Glass Castles which offers stained-glass classes as well as beautiful Henry Bergeson Kaleidoscopes, The Bosslight bookstore, House of Traditions gift shop, and more.

2. Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden

This eight-acre garden is a highlight of the Nacogdoches Azalea Trail when over 7,000 azaleas bloom into a kaleidoscope of color each year in spring.

3. Sterne-Hoya House Museum

Believed to be the oldest frame house of major historical significance still standing on its original site in Nacogdoches, The Sterne-Hoya House Museum is furnished with period antiques and has one of the earliest wine cellars in Texas.

4. Naca Valley Vineyard

Southern hospitality, rustic design, and vintage touches provide ambience at this charming family-owned winery which houses a tasting room, winemaking facility, and winery lab nestled among the piney woods.

5. Zip Nac

Zippers can fly through the air amidst the trees on a ziplining canopy tour which consists of five lines and a sky-bridge as well as hands-on instruction about control techniques such as steering and braking.

See additional information below or visit:

Nacogdoches Convention & Visitors Bureau