If you find yourself traveling down 146 in East Texas, you’re going to go right through Polk County – home of Livingston, Texas. This classic, small Texas town was once a stop for weary travelers going up and down Highway 59 (I-69) and once the highway moved, travelers forgot all about this little town.
Well, the people of Livingston want to tell you to put them back on the map! Downtown Livingston is growing by leaps and bounds through the efforts of many local small business owners and entrepreneurs. So make Livingston, Texas a destination this summer! Here’s a little of what you can find there.
Petalz By Annie
About a month ago, I was on my way home from visiting my in-laws and I saw the prettiest floral mural on the side of a building in Livingston, Texas. It was gorgeous and I knew at that point I needed to go in there and see what they offered. I’m so glad I did. After researching online a bit, I found that the place with the pretty mural was called Petalz by Annie. It is a an adorable boutique that has a florist component, a cute little shop for home goods, and a tea and coffee bar. From the moment you step inside the store, it feels like home. Everything is beautifully designed, it smells great, and there’s even really comfortable seating just waiting for you to have a seat and spend a few hours chatting with friends.
While I was there, I got to talk with Annie, the owner of Petalz by Annie, and she couldn’t have been nicer. We got to talk about how the store came to be and what her hopes were for the patrons who came in. Another interesting thing is that she is passionate about revitalizing Livingston and bringing some life back into the town – especially in the historic downtown area. And she’s doing just that. She’s even bought the movie theater next door and is going to revamp it into its former glory.
The great thing is that other companies are following suit. There’s a business that just moved in across the street from her and then there’s also the Ruby Cattle Company Market which is close by as well. Annie and the other ladies there are some of the most genuine women you’ll ever meet. So go order a coffee and tell them I sent you.
Ruby Cattle Company
Walking into the Ruby Cattle Company Market you will get a sense of Texas pride. On one wall there are meats from the cattle from the Ruby Cattle Company ranch and on the other wall there are all sorts of soaps, honey, T-shirts, barbecue rubs; all sorts of things anything you can think of that are all Texas made and grown. The market has a great selection of cuts of beef and they even have some prepared foods like shepherds pie (yum!), lasagna, and sides so if you were looking for a one stop shop for that dinner table tonight, this is the place to go. While I was there I also got to head outside of town to their farm.
The farm is about 20 minutes east of Livingston and it is situated on 1200 acres next to the Native American reservation. It’s a beautiful piece of land with somewhere between 600 to 800 heads of cattle. I had the opportunity to go and meet with Joe, the fourth generation cattle rancher, and he was such a joy to talk to. You could see the passion and the love that he had for working his land, taking care of his cattle, providing for his employees, and for putting a good piece of meat on the table for not just himself but for the public in general.
They have specialty tours twice a year at the farm where you can see the farm in action, eat some barbecue sandwiches, drink a Texas beer, and listen to a live band play. You need to be on one of these tours – you won’t regret it!
Lake Livingston State Park
Whatever your outdoor pleasure – whether it be camping, hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, boating, or water skiing – Lake Livingston State Park has it all available for you. Be sure to reserve your dates ahead of time for both day passes and overnight camping!
C & M Blueberry Farm
Starting Memorial Day weekend each year, head on over to the blueberry farm! This pick your own farm has acres of blueberry bushes just ready for you to grab right off the bushes.
Livingston Trade Days
Trade Days is held in Pedigo Park, which is conveniently located just 2/10 mile off the Highway 59 corridor, in the center of Livingston, Texas, one hour north of Houston Intercontinental Airport and one hour south of Lufkin. Livingston Trade Days is set up in Livingston’s scenic Pedigo Park. Shoppers peruse through two covered pavilions and open-air lots that are host to a wide variety of food, arts and crafts, collectible and antique vendors.
This great environment welcomes families, day-trippers and outdoor enthusiasts who come to enjoy a few hours at the park. Their goal is to bring a treasure or two home. Courtesy rest areas are located throughout the grounds for shoppers’ convenience. There is no admission or parking charge. With hundreds of vendors and an eclectic selection of wares, there’s something for everyone!
Tempe Creek Vineyard and Farms
Down a dirt road by a creek, you’ll find pastures with longhorns and donkeys, a vineyard, and a wine tasting room. Tempe Creek Vineyard is owned by Jennifer Cook and Michael Santana, Houston natives who wanted to escape the city life for a more quiet, wholesome place to unwind. For just $12.50, you can sample all of their available wines and feed the livestock grazing in the nearby field. You can also check out their website for weekend events, concerts, and activities hosted at the vineyard.
Double Creek Farm
If you find yourself in the Livingston area in the fall, be sure to head to Double Creek Farm. They have a pumpkin patch and Christmas tree farm that you and your kids will love. They’re only open Friday-Sundays, so be sure to stop by the farm for some fall/winter fun!
As you can see, Livingston, Texas has a lot to offer people of all different backgrounds and interests! Be sure to check it out this summer for your next Texas road trip!
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