I was craving a place that I could go get some work done during the day, learn from the local culture, and see the stars at night. Jefferson was the perfect place for all three. Here is how I’d recommend one spend a weekend in Jefferson, Texas.
When I was invited to go on a trip to visit Jefferson, Texas, my first question was, “Where?”. A little bit of googling and Pinteresting told me that I was in for such a treat. The City of Jefferson and Visit Jefferson had plenty of ideas for me as well. However, I found that there were so many options for things to do that it would hard to decide what to do, and in what order.
To make it easy on you, below is an abbreviated guide to how I would recommend that you spend a weekend in Jefferson, Texas.
When planning your trip, be sure to call ahead to each activity that you’d like to do to ensure that they are open when you plan to visit. Every business in town is locally owned and operated, and it’s not unusual for stores to be closed during the week or around mealtime hours.
Leave Dallas after work on a Friday, arrive in Jefferson by 7:30 PM.
7:30 PM – Check in to the Black Swan Bed and Breakfast, chat with owners Darrell and Christi. I recommend inquiring with them about a bottle of wine for after dinner.
8 PM – Walk down Austin street to dinner at veteran-owned McGarity’s Saloon. Be sure to try the Nutella Creme Brulee for dessert!
9:30 PM – Consider stopping by the Franchise for a nightcap, or heading back to Black Swan for a bath in the claw-foot tub. Be sure to look up and notice the stars on your way back to the Bed and Breakfast – they’re so bright!
Enjoy your rest!
8 AM – Get up and either enjoy a coffee on the veranda, a stroll through town, or simply get ready for your day.
9 AM – Darrell and Christi serve a phenomenal breakfast at 9. Allow yourself an hour to relax, indulge in conversation, and enjoy the beautiful home.
10 AM – Drive to 200 Bayou Street for a Bayou Boat Tour. Call the captain at 903-665-2222 days beforehand to reserve your spot, and to make sure that he’s operating a tour that day. Tours are one hour, and I promise that you’ll laugh!
11:30 AM – Park back at the Black Swan, and plan to walk the rest of the weekend. Walk to the Historic Museum and Train Museum at 223 West Austin Street.
12:30-2:30 PM – Wander through the local shops until you arrive at the Austin Street Bistro at 117 Austin Street for lunch. I recommend making a stop in the General Store, the Willow Tree, and the Old Store (it has fudge!).
2:30 PM – A trip to Jefferson isn’t complete without visiting the Excelsior House Hotel and hearing about all the famous people who have stayed there. Be sure to ask to visit the Jay Gould Car.
3:30 PM – Walk next door to the Black Swan to relax. Perhaps wander down to Enoch’s Stomp for a glass of local wine or a coffee.
6:30 PM – Have dinner at Stillwater Inn. Eat early, because you have a unique tour coming up!
8 PM – Meet at the corner of North Vale and Austin street for a walking ghost tour. Visit their website here to reserve a spot.
9:30 PM – Head back to Black Swan to relax.
Enjoy your rest, and perhaps a bath! Darrell and Christi leave out snacks in the dining room, so help yourself!
9 AM – Breakfast anywhere in the house – Darrell and Christi are wonderfully accommodating!
10:30 AM – Your carriage awaits! Walk down the block to 222 West Austin Street to take a carriage tour of the town and see a few spots that weren’t as easy to get to by foot.
12 PM – I recommend a stop by the House of Seasons or The Grove before you leave town – or both if you have the time!
2:30 PM – I suggest a stop back at Enoch’s for a cup of coffee before getting back on the road.
If you come to realize that any of these museums are closed during your time in Jefferson, you may also want to explore:
- Gone With the Wind Museum
- Museum of Measurement and Time
- Get out of town and visit Enoch’s Winery
Looking for a reason to visit Jefferson? Check out these cool events!
- Christmas Express Train – December 7th, 14th, 20th, 21st, 27th, 28th
- Jefferson Candlelight Tour of Homes – December 5-7, 12-14
- Thomas Jeffersons Birthday Jubilee – April 18th, 2020
- Mardi Gras – February 21-23
Jefferson is a town full of kind people who are so proud to show off their slice of paradise. I went there on a blogging trip and was able to get work done in my downtime, but could see myself taking some girlfriends there for the weekend, or going on a little weekend baecation.
Have you ever been to Jefferson? Where else do you recommend for a weekend getaway?