Embark on the Neches River Rendezvous

The season’s centerpiece is the Neches River Rendezvous, an annual affair that beckons adventurers to paddle through the heart of the Piney Woods. This tranquil sojourn along the Neches River is a celebration of Lufkin’s pristine ecosystems and the simple joy of connecting with nature. With each stroke of the paddle, the waterway unfurls its treasures, from hidden coves to sun-dappled banks teeming with East Texas wildlife. If you want more information or would like to give it a paddle, visit Angelina Neches River Authorities at www.anra.org

A Symphony of Flavors

As the landscape reawakens, so does Lufkin’s local gastronomy. Spring heralds the arrival of vibrant farmer’s markets where the earth’s bounty is a palette for the senses. Here, culinary artisans transform fresh, local ingredients into masterpieces of flavor. The town’s eateries and breweries, like the charming downtown bistros and the rustic Rusty Axe & South First Grill , offer menus infused with the zest of the season.

Cultural Blossoms

Lufkin’s rich cultural fabric comes alive in the springtime. The town’s galleries and studios throw open their doors, inviting art enthusiasts to explore the local creativity that thrives under Lufkin’s canopy. The sounds of music festivals and live performances resonate through the streets, where the traditions of East Texas are celebrated and shared.

Family Escapades

Families find a special welcome in Lufkin, where the Ellen Trout Zoo and expansive city parks offer endless opportunities for discovery and play. Special events cater to the curious minds of young explorers, while interactive exhibits at the Naranjo Museum of Natural History offer a journey through time.

Spring Fest

SpringFest in Lufkin is the epitome of springtime joy, where the community and visitors alike come together to celebrate the season’s vibrant rebirth. Wander among stalls of local artisans and indulge in the region’s freshest flavors, while live music fills the air. It’s a place where kids laugh in bounce houses, and all can revel in the beauty of East Texas’s Piney Woods. Join us for a day of fun, food, and festivity at Lufkin’s SpringFest – where every moment is a memory in the making.

Adventure in the Heart of Lufkin

Lufkin’s essence is captured in the moments of connection—between people, nature, and history. It’s in the thrill of the river, the taste of a new dish, the applause at SpringFest, and the quiet reflection that can be formed from the “Locked With Love” tree. Adventure is not just an activity; it’s the heartbeat of Lufkin in spring.

So, come to Lufkin where “Adventure is Here” is not just a tagline—it’s a lived experience. It’s the laughter of children as they dance under the spring sun, the shared glances of couples strolling down blooming pathways, and the camaraderie of friends toasting to new discoveries. This spring, let Lufkin be your canvas for adventure, painting memories that will last a lifetime.

Plan your trip at VisitLufkin.com

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Uptown Columbus (what locals call “downtown”) is the heart of the city. Positioned along the Chattahoochee River, Uptown is a great stop on the 15-mile RiverWalk and home to a collection of some of the newest, hippest hotels; a local restaurant scene that rivals that of much larger cities; Market Days on Broadway, which is a Saturday-morning street market with more than 200 vendors selling art items, local produce, baked goods, and countless cool local finds; a free concert series where you can bring your chair and unwind to the sounds of a wide variety of musical entertainment; local boutique shopping; exciting public art and sculpture displays; and much more!

Columbus offers epic outdoor adventure steps away from the ultra-cool Uptown. Adventure seekers can enjoy 2.5 miles of whitewater rafting and kayaking on the longest natural urban whitewater course in the world! For those who want a milder adventure, you can also tube and paddle board on the river. Another one-of-a-kind attraction is the zip line that sends you from Columbus over the Chattahoochee River to Alabama – and back! Those who enjoy even more leisurely pursuits can stroll or bike along the RiverWalk, which winds past historical monuments and sites like the National Civil War Naval Museum and the experiential National Infantry Museum.

Columbus is an epicenter for cultural experiences. Founded in 1953, The Columbus Museum is the second-largest museum in the southeast and is being reimagined and fashioned as the region’s cultural gathering place with newly designed galleries and gardens. The Columbus Collective Museums is home to the famous Lunch Box Museum (with the world’s largest collection of vintage lunchboxes) plus six more dazzling museums that showcase the area’s local industrial heritage and culture. The Coca-Cola Space Science Center features simulators, film screenings, and observation events appropriate for all ages. The Ma Rainey Home & Museum is a historical Columbus landmark honoring the legendary “Mother of Blues,” Ma Rainey. And The Bo Bartlett Center is an 18,500-square-foot interactive gallery in the Uptown campus of Columbus State University.

From ballet to Broadway, Columbus offers inspired performances and show-stopping events. RiverCenter for the Performing Arts is home to the Columbus Symphony Orchestra hosting Broadway shows as well as world-renowned performers and popular entertainers such as Yo-Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman, The Moscow Boys Choir, and David Copperfield. The Springer Opera House is Georgia’s State Theater, the region’s premier professional theater, and annually produces over a dozen shows with talent from Los Angeles to New York.

Come and enjoy the vibrant artsy energy, the rich local history, epic outdoor adventures, and a thriving food scene (not to mention incredible photo opportunities for Insta!). It’s no wonder Columbus was named “Georgia’s Cool Cat City” by Forbes and one of the Best Trips of the Year by Explore Georgia. Couples, singles, and families alike will find what they need to plan an authentic, one-of-a-kind getaway by heading to VisitColumbusGA.com.

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A train, plane or car ride can easily transport you to Cambridge, which is located on the opposite bank of the Charles River from Boston and approximately six miles from Boston Logan Airport. Once here, get ready to experience Cambridge’s eclectic energy, world-class museums, historic sites, diverse restaurants, small boutiques plus an incredible live music scene all within our quaint neighborhoods and famous “Squares.” Cover all that with a blanket of snow from Mother Nature (if you’re lucky!), and Cambridge becomes an even more magical and curious destination to explore.

Home to over twenty hotels and the largest number of hotel rooms outside of Downtown Boston, Cambridge is ready to welcome you for a weekend, a week….or longer! If you’re planning a family vacation, Royal Sonesta Cambridge Boston is sure to be a favorite for all ages. The riverside hotel boasts one of the largest indoor pools around and is an eight minute walk from the Museum of Science. For those seeking a romantic getaway, The Charles Hotel and Kimpton Marlowe offer cozy bed and breakfast packages for two. Whatever winter getaway you envision, there is a Cambridge hotel for you!

Colder temperatures and a little snow won’t stop Cambridge; there are plenty of winter activities to enjoy. A few special experiences you will not want to miss are the Taste of Chocolate Weekend, Cambridge Crossing’s annual Aprés Cambridge event, the chance to dine riverside in a heated Igloo at the Royal Sonesta’s ArtBar, or the opportunity to show off your moves at the Canal District Kendall ice skating rink, open daily thru mid-March.

Kendal Canal Ice Skating Rink in Cambridge

Whether you’re shopping for yourself or searching for the perfect Valentine’s Day present, use the Cambridge Business Diversity Directory to find that unique gift that you’ve been looking for, while supporting small and minority-owned businesses throughout Cambridge!

Cambridge is also the birthplace of higher education in America, home to both Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), located just 2 miles apart. Both universities house renowned museum collections that are open to the public and make for a memorable winter afternoon activity.

Foodie? You’re in luck. Cambridge is famous for its eclectic mix of restaurants, with many featuring winter-inspired or seasonal dishes. Cambridge will spoil you with choices, from fresh and arty to elegant including fan favorites like Puritan & Company, Harvest, Alden & Harlow, Oleana, and Giulia. And if you have a sweet tooth, Toscanini’s ice cream is a hot spot that the New York Times once called “the best ice cream in the world” featuring hundreds of flavors that rotate throughout the year — well worth the risk of a mild brain freeze.

While some destinations hibernate as colder temperatures creep in, Cambridge, MA comes alive with indoor and outdoor events and activities for everyone. Make Cambridge your winter destination this year!

Visit CambridgeUSA.org

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JUBAN’S

For more than 40 years, Juban’s Restaurant has cultivated a reputation as one of Baton Rouge’s first (and most popular) fine dining establishments. Many celebratory dinners and events take place in this beautifully enhanced establishment, among the stunning decor and reimagined menu. The kitchen is led by Chef Chris Motto, a local culinary innovator and former competitor on Gordon Ramsay’s reality show, Hell’s Kitchen. Motto has worked to create a new Juban’s menu that reflects its classic-meets-contemporary vibe. For a classic South Louisiana experience with friends and family, join Juban’s for Jazz Brunch on the weekends.

THE CHIMES

With an upbeat, family-friendly atmosphere, visit The Chimes near the LSU campus for traditional Southern cuisine, Cajun/Creole dishes, and everyone’s gastropub favorites like po-boys, hamburgers, and more. From appetizers to desserts, every dish is an all-star — enjoyed in the bustling dining room or the rooftop patio. Pair your dish with a Louisiana libation from the full bar with 239 different spirits, 20+ different wines, 80 draft beers, and 126 beers on the bottle list. After your meal, take a stroll onto campus where you can meet the legendary Mike the Tiger.

Tsunami Sushi at the Shaw Center

TSUNAMI SUSHI AT THE SHAW CENTER

Experience the ultimate sushi dining experience located on the Shaw Center for the Arts rooftop in Downtown Baton Rouge. Get an unparalleled panoramic view of the city while dining on the outdoor terrace and toasting sake to the sunset over the river. Tsunami’s menu has maintained its buzzy status since day one; with Eastern flare, Southern roots, and fresh seafood. Enjoy a full sushi menu as well as a popular grill menu — including the must-have sea bass or sumo ribeye. Tsunami is the perfect setting for milestone celebrations and date night.

THE MAIN LOBBY

Unwind after a long day with late-night bites and plucky jazz. The Main Lobby offers plenty of space to relax with your cocktail in hand and enjoy the company of your closest friends or romantic interest. Sink into the comfy lounge seating or get some fresh air on the rooftop bar. It’s a Downtown staple with French influence, Spanish Town flair, and laidback upscale lounge vibes.

LOUISIANA ART & SCIENCE MUSEUM

Though its silhouette is a familiar part of the downtown skyline, the Louisiana Art & Science Museum is a hidden gem of downtown Baton Rouge. Its facade is that of a historic railway station originally built in 1925. Inside of that iconic brick building, on the mighty Mississippi River itself, this hub of activity and creativity features constantly rotating exhibits and experiences. Planetarium shows, kids activities and fine art exhibits make this an exciting trip for people of all ages.

THE BLUEBONNET SWAMP

Witness real Louisiana iconography up-close at Bluebonnet Swamp; smack-dab in the middle of the city. Part of BREC’s park system, the Bluebonnet Swamp has more than a mile of boardwalks and pathways weaving between the trunks of cypress and magnolia trees. This nature preserve is brimming with natural wildlife, and the property also boasts an award-winning live-animal exhibit inside the nature center. You wouldn’t expect such a green, serene space just a stone’s throw away from the Mall of Louisiana, but it’s there that this beautiful property lies just waiting to be explored.

Even the highest quality recommendations are just the beginning in Baton Rouge. Exploration is infinite here; with an entire universe of restaurants, activities, landmarks, recreation destinations, history, and so much more. Until you’re able to get down here and experience them for yourself, head over to visitbatonrouge.com/thingstodo and find even more stops to add to your Baton Rouge bucket list.

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