Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of Summer. The Longview area certainly has lots to offer for quintessential Texas summer activities like barbecue and boating. But, if you’d like to try something different this year, we can help with that too. Here’s a list of unique summer things to do over the upcoming 3-day holiday weekend.
ENOCH’S STOMP VINEYARD & WINERY
Enoch’s Stomp sits on 90 acres of beautiful rolling hills in nearby Harleton. The property sports 12 acres of grape vines including Black Spanish, Blanc DuBois, Norton, Villard Blanc, Champanel, and Chambourcin. The winery is planning a Pigs & Pianos event on Saturday, May 25, that includes dueling pianos and a traditional luau bbq! If you’re looking for a beautiful spot with wine, relaxation, great scenery, and unique food, Enoch’s Stomp is your new favorite place.
LONESOME DOVE EXOTIC DRIVE THRU SAFARI & PETTING ZOO
Just north of Jefferson, on Highway 59, sits a beautiful piece of land that is home to more than 80 animals. Alpaca, bison and red deer graze alongside donkeys, camels and wildebeests. 65 acres of terrain insure that the animals have plenty of room to roam and the picturesque pines make for beautiful photographs as you drive through Lonesome Dove.
THOMAS FALLS OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Thomas Falls sits off of Hwy 259 North and offers ziplines, beautiful views, nature trails, towering trees, a 60-foot cliff overlook, and breathtaking sunsets. Enjoy the thrill of a zip-line adventure complete with water obstacles. The friendly staff will sooth your fears and have you feeling like a pro in no time.
TEXAS PACIFIC RAILWAY MUSEUM
22 miles from Longview sits the recently restored Texas and Pacific Railway Depot which was built in 1912. A short handicapped accessible tunnel under two sets of tracks, leads to the Amtrak waiting room and entrance to the Texas & Pacific Railway Museum. The museum is dedicated to the memory of thousands of former railway employees and the important role they played in the economic development of the State of Texas. Peruse the photos and artifacts dating from the 1870’s then stop for lunch at the neighboring Ginocchio Hotel.
GATORS & FRIENDS EXOTIC ANIMAL PETTING ZOO & ADVENTURE PARK
Gators & Friends is a one-of-a-kind adventure park located 45 minutes from Longview that has over 150 alligators! Spend the day in nature with exotic animals from around the world, zipline over a swamp filled gator habitat or speed around a curved raceway in a high-performance go-kart. You will create memories that last a lifetime.
LOS PINOS RANCH VINEYARDS
45 minutes from Longview lies a haven where you can relax, decompress, and enjoy an unhurried glass of wine. Los Pinos offers live music every weekend, a tasting room, and delicious specials like shrimp ’n’ grits or chicken carbonara. Sip a glass of Rodeo Red on the deck while you view the vines and get some fresh air.
Find more fun activities on our events calendar like Downtown Live, The Historic Longview Farmer’s Market, an art exhibit or live show.