Athens, often referred to as “The Home of the
Hamburger”, is the county seat of Henderson County.
It is located 75 miles southeast of Dallas, 189 miles
north of Houston, 26 miles from Canton, and 36 miles
west from Tyler. It is a wonderful small town filled
with kind, helpful citizens. It also boasts beautiful
Lake Athens. Athens is also not far from Cedar Creek
Lake, Lake Palestine, and Richland-Chambers Lake. It
contains several amenities, some of which include:
East
Texas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
The
Arboretum is a gorgeous 100 acre tract that boasts
rolling hills, meadows, dense woods, and spring fed
streams and marshes. Many enjoy the serene walking
and jogging trails, and footbridges that overlook
wetlands and wildlife indigenous to the region.
Texas
Freshwater Fisheries Center
The
Fisheries Center is an amusing 30,000 gallon aquarium
and hatchery complex, and home of the famous
ShareLumker Program. Visitors can explore the secret
habitat of a Hill Country Stream, marvel at this
underwater world, and see an American alligator. You
are invited to try your hand at the casting ponds.
Who knows? You may catch a rainbow trout or channel
catfish. Don’t leave without seeing the Angler Hall
of Fame and Game Warden Memorial.
Old
Fiddler’s Reunion
After
60+ years, there’s still a lot of “fiddlin” going on
in Athens. It is held annually on the last Friday of
May. Known throughout the nation, The Athens Old
Fiddler’s Reunion is one of the oldest in the country
that has run continuously. That day the is a lot if
pickin’ and fiddlin’ all around the downtown square.
Later that evening, a professional country/western
band plays for the street dance. Festivities include
concession stands, novelty stands, and a carnival.
Henderson
County Fair Park Complex
As
one of the finest rodeo arenas in East Texas Weekly
events are held at this 4500 seat coliseum. Events
include local and National Finals, Rodeo’s, US Team
Roping, Cutting Horse Finals, NBHA Barrel Racing, and
several high profile horse shows including the
American Quarter Horse Association, Texas Paint Horse
and Palomino Shows, and the Heritage Classic Morgan
Show. Every springs brings the Henderson County PRCA
Stampede Rodeo.
Henderson County YMCA
The
YMCA has served Athens and surrounding area for over
20 years. It has brought family oriented activities
centered around sports, exercise, and recreation.
Programs are offered in different areas for all age
groups. For the older adults, there is low impact
form of exercise preventing any wear and tear on the
joints. For adults, there is softball, volleyball,
and basketball. For the youth, activities can range
from swim lessons to indoor soccer.
Athens Scuba Park
Just
blocks from the center of Athens there is an 8 acre,
azure blue lake that is the Athens Scuba Park. It
boasts a training center and dive shop, underwater
wrecks, several docks, barbecue pits, picnic tables,
both basketball and volleyball court, and shower
facilities. Athens Scuba Park offers classes in
underwater hunting, wreck diving, and night diving.
Athens Country Club
Members of the Athens Country club enjoy many
benefits. There is a beautiful 18 hole golf
course with a pro shop. Nice tennis courts
located near the swimming pool. You will love
the food from the restaurant within the main
clubhouse. Accommodations for large parties can
be arranged.
East Texas Medical Center
ETMC
Athens is a 117 bed healthcare complex specially
designed to meet the needs of the patient and family.
Situated on a four acre lake, the peaceful environment
is brought indoors through the 32 foot atrium, which
runs the width of the hospital. Specialized services
include labor and delivery rooms, Level l nursery,
kidney stone lithotripsy, laparoscopic and laser
assisted procedures, 8 bed medical and surgical ICU,
12 bed intermediate care unit, and physical,
occupational, and speech therapy. The emergency
department has been surveyed and designated a Level
lll trauma center by the Texas Department of Health.
Trinity Valley Community College
TVCC
opened its doors in 1946. The college now serves more
than 6,000 students at four campuses in Athens,
Palestine, Terrell, and Kaufman. TVCC offers a
range of academic and occupational education programs
for students who want to complete two years and
transfer to university or those who need one or two
years of training to begin a career in a trade, such
as cosmetology, horticulture, or ranch management.
Internet courses are also available.
Lodging:
Best Western Inn on the Hill
2050 Hwy 31 East
(903) 675-9214
Oak Meadow Farm Bed & Breakfast
2781 FM 2495
(903) 675-3407
Lake Athens Marina and RV Park
5401 FM 2495
(903) 677-7490
Spanish Trace Inn
716 E. Tyler
(903) 675-5173
