As a recent transplant to East Texas, I enjoy exploring all of my new home’s incredible offerings.
I love being a tourist in my own town, or this case, a neighboring town. In that spirit, I recently paid a visit to Mineola, Texas, (population 4,686) just north of Tyler at the junction of highways 69 and 80.
Pulling into town, I can’t help but notice the train depot and tracks flanked by a charming white gazebo on my left. The Texas Eagle still comes through twice a day on its way to Chicago.
I’m headed to my first stop of the day, the Mineola Historical Museum, where I’ll delve into 4,200 square feet of exhibit space detailing the people and events that have shaped the town.
Displays feature some of the more famous citizens, such as multiple Grammy-award winner Kasey Musgraves and the infamous. Bonnie and Clyde reportedly robbed a shoe repair store and even had a meal or two at one local restaurant!
After signing the guest book, I head to Mineola’s historic downtown for a little retail therapy.
Merchants offer a warm welcome to visitors with nicely decorated sidewalks enticing shoppers into their stores. Red bricks accentuate this downtown’s side streets that have earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. Murals and public art pieces are sprinkled throughout alleyways and along storefronts, adding pops of color and visual appeal.
It’s easy to pass the time wandering through the many shops. Antique lovers can pick and hunt through treasures on display in numerous spots, but antiques aren’t the only story here. There are plenty of boutiques, specialty shops, even resale merchandise. Finding unique items you didn’t realize you need is an irresistible way to spend a morning or day.
It’s close to lunchtime, and all of this shopping has worked up my appetite.
Passing a handwritten sandwich board sign announcing homemade fried pies, I make a mental note and step back in time at the East Texas Burger Company.
Waitresses happily chat with one another, and customers slowly sip ice tea in this wood-paneled diner where everybody seems to know everybody. Consulting the menu board, I place my order at the counter, proudly proclaiming the establishment as the oldest eatery in Mineola.
Brown paper napkins cover the walls, suspended by thumbtacks. They flap in the breeze each time the doors open. My server, Tammy, explains, “People write their stories on those napkins. Sometimes they leave messages. Then we put them up.” I pass the time reading them until my burger arrives. The cheeseburger is fresh, hot, and delicious, and the spicy fries have just the right amount of heat.
Tammy whizzes past, “Did you save room for dessert?” Shaking my head, I settle up and cross the street to the Mineola Mercantile.
I haven’t forgotten about the fried pies.
Entering, I follow my nose to the back of the store where two women are laughing and rolling dough.
“We just had a huge order,” explains Sandy without taking a break from her task. The pie case is only half full, and they’re working hard to replenish it. “Are these the best fried pies in Mineola?” I inquire. Sandy looks up from her task grinning from ear to ear, “They’re the best fried pies in East Texas.”
She’s not wrong. I haven’t eaten every fried pie in East Texas, but when I bite into this delicious pastry, it’s like I’ve never eaten pie before. A three-generation family recipe produces a thin, flaky crust with just the right amount of creamy fruit filling. If you can get one that’s still warm, you won’t regret it.
It’s time to burn off some of these calories with a quick walk at the Mineola Nature Preserve.
The reserve is the largest city park per resident in the United States and offers thousands of acres to explore on foot, bike, or canoe.
There’s plenty to see and do here, you could easily spend a couple of hours, but I noticed a sign for Grand Oaks Winery when I arrived—I decide to make the short mile and a half detour to check it out. A long, dirt drive winds through pine stands until giving way into a vineyard sitting atop a slight hill.
This small winery offers several reds and a couple of whites, all available for tasting. Two red wines, the Estate Reserve Tempranillo and the Estate Reserve Mourvèdre are grown, produced, and aged entirely onsite. Plenty of seating is available in the tasting room, but patrons are encouraged to sit on the wrap-around porch or even amongst the vines when the weather is nice.
My last stop for the day is the historic Select Theatre opened in 1920 by Martha Hooks.
For 93 years, the theatre has been operating in downtown Mineola. Still showing first-run movies, the Select is also home to live theatre productions and musical performances. Lovingly restored, a movie or live performance here is not to be missed.
Stifling a yawn as I leave the show, I can’t resist a slice of cheesecake from Bryan’s. As the saying goes, there’s always room for dessert. In this case, the second dessert. Made in East Texas, Bryan’s offers a more traditional New York-style cheesecake in addition to loads of gourmet options. White chocolate blueberry or salted-caramel apple, anyone?
Happy, stuffed, and satisfied, it’s time to say good-night.
What a fabulous day, and there’s still more to see, do, and discover. If you’re looking for a great way to spend a day or even a weekend, consider meandering around Mineola.
As always, thanks for reading!
XOXO
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