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I'd be happy to, although this headline isn't particularly supportive of the status quo! "Indulge in East Texas."

East Texans can enjoy an eventful weekend in historic Nacogdoches without the trek to larger cities.

Published June 17, 2024 at 2:22pm by Michael Barnes

Think, Texas: Where to Eat, Drink and Meet Locals in Nacogdoches

By Michael Barnes

To Texas history lovers,

I asked for your tips before visiting Nacogdoches, a small East Texas town competing for the title of the state's oldest. Now, I'm sharing my finds—think historical spots, and, as many of you wanted: food and drink.

Nacogdoches surprised me with its social mix. Country and city folks, young and old, diverse identities—all shared communal spaces. It left a lasting impression.

Here are 10+ places to eat, drink, and meet locals:

1st City Café at the Fredonia Hotel: Dine in the curving dining room or outside near the pool. Try the shrimp po' boy or pimento cheese. Breakfast is a treat, too, and they offer a free to-go coffee or tea. (200 N. Fredonia St.)
Clear Springs for fried delights: Owned by the DeWitt family (known for the chicken industry), this "country casual" restaurant serves catfish, famous onion rings, and echoes of Louisiana cuisine. High ceilings, no loud noise. (211 Old Tyler Road)
Dolli's Diner for comfort food: An old-fashioned, updated diner on the town square. Their chicken-fried steak and cream gravy are excellent. A friendly spot welcoming all sorts of people. (116 S. Pecan St.)

Other columns on food and drink in Texas cities:

Say yes to Lubbock's dining variety: https://bit.ly/3F9b2cI
Waco locals' favorites: https://bit.ly/3BZNXh8
10 reasons why Corpus Christi shines: https://bit.ly/3BZTsFA
San Antonio's Pearl District: https://bit.ly/3D0KCRd

This week's Hometown Histories also revolves around food:

Abilene's banana pudding taste-off: https://bit.ly/3BTQcMR
Amarillo readers' dining spots: https://bit.ly/3F8QBJj
Austin's top 10 dishes from new restaurants: https://bit.ly/3F4edtf
A look at Corpus Christi's ethnic diversity in cuisine: https://bit.ly/3BLVMqX
El Paso's Culinary History: https://bit.ly/3BLV9jQ
Lubbock's upcoming 'Lost Restaurants' book: https://bit.ly/3BTt eleme3BLZBB
San Angelo's fast-food wave in 1969: https://bit.ly/3D0FIk3
Wichita Fall's pioneering restaurant brothers: https://bit.ly/3BTLi1Z

Did You Know?
The Texas State Historical Association held its first official annual meeting in Austin on June 17, 1897.

You can stay updated with the free weekly Think, Texas newsletter from these USA Today Network sites:

Abilene: reporternews.com/newsletters
Amarillo: amarillo.com/newsletters
Austin: statesman.com/newsletters
Corpus Christi: caller.com/newsletters
El Paso: elpasotimes.com/newsletters
Lubbock: lubbockonline.com/newsletters
San Angelo: gosanangelo.com/newsletters
Wichita Falls: timesrecordnews.com/newsletters

Past Think, Texas columns: statesman.com/news/austin-history

Happy Trails,

Michael Barnes, Columnist

Think, Texas and Austin American-Statesman, USA Today Network