The 10 Best Things to Do in Athens, United States

March 26, 2018 Veronika Gaddis

Athens is a city in Henderson County, Texas, in the United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 12,710. It is the county seat of Henderson County. The city has called itself the "Black-Eyed Pea Capital of the World." Athens was selected as one of the first "Certified Retirement Communities" in Texas. It was named after Athens, Alabama, by one of the early residents who came from there.
Restaurants in Athens

1. Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center

Fm2495, Just off State Highway 31, Athens, TX +1 903-676-2277
Excellent
75%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 115 reviews

Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center

Reviewed By busymomof4boys - Midlothian, Texas

This is a hidden gem for East Texas. Very well laid out for visitors, landscaping enhances the beauty. The large outdoor fish tanks are unavailable for underwater viewing because of the clouding green algae. Several signs are posted at each tank that the filtration system is not working properly and under renovation, which was extremely disappointing. The highlight of the center is viewing the different species of freshwater fish in their natural environment, and we missed out on that. If the fish weren't waiting up at the glass, you didn't see anything. We arrived too late for the dive show and the tram tour. My 14 year old son brought his fishing rod (must have hook with no barbs) to use at the pond, but they do provide rods and bait to anyone wanting to fish. He caught one small catfish and released it. We did see one man that caught ten catfish, and you pay for every 5 that you decide to keep. Overall, we enjoyed our time there and would like return again to see the tank displays when the water is clear.

2. The Retreat Massage & Day Spa

225 S Prairieville St, Athens, TX 75751-2541 +1 903-677-4211
Excellent
99%
Good
1%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 73 reviews

The Retreat Massage & Day Spa

At The Retreat, each staff member is an independent contractor working toward the same goals; to do what they love and love what they do, to offer unsurpassed quality service and give adequate quantity time to each client, to go beyond the call of duty to pamper each client, to keep our services affordably priced and maintain a peacefully quiet and serene atmosphere.

Reviewed By debora_anthony - Eustace, Texas

I was in severe pain in my head. And received wonderful treatment. The place is very pleasing to the eye. The treat was outstanding. And good communication as well. It would make a wonderful time to take to utitilize them whether. It was one time or more.

3. East Texas Arboretum & Botanical Society

1601 Patterson Rd, Athens, TX 75751-5300 +1 903-675-5630
Excellent
46%
Good
44%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 29 reviews

East Texas Arboretum & Botanical Society

One hundred acres of wooded beauty, trees, flowers, and wildlife await your discovery at the East Texas Arboretum. The forest appears to come alive as you meander along two miles of woodland trails. Camouflaged frogs, insects, and even deer often scurry away as you pass. Make your way along winding, spring-fed streams connected by a 115-foot suspension bridge. Experience life in early Henderson County at the historic Wofford House Museum. Built in 1850, the home was relocated to the Arboretum several years ago. It now stands as a reminder of early pioneer days complete with period furnishings, memorabilia, and a seasonal garden. The Arboretum is available to host reunions, meetings, retreats, weddings, receptions, and picnics. Just imagine how beautiful a bride is when framed in the arbors of spring! Come join us for a walk in the park!

Reviewed By Lisa B - Texas

East Texas Arboretum is well worth the stop if you are passing through Athens! Close to the highway, our family was glad we took the time to stop and visit this garden.

The Arboretum has done an excellent job of setting up garden rooms or garden vistas that are beautiful to behold in person and great for taking photographs!

Huge trees, roses, various types of flowers, water fountains and pond, garden art, historical buildings, military memorial and several bridges.

We did the short walking trail by the garden vistas and historical buildings. We also walked the short jogging trail which had the largest tiered water fountain I have ever seen. Lovely!

Due to a lack of time, we didn't walk the hiking trail, but we hope to in the future as we really wanted to see the white suspension bridge.

There was a military memorial in the distance which looked nice, but it was roped off when we were there.

A lovely Arboretum well worth a visit!

4. 3 P's in a Vine Winery and Vineyard

955 Douglas Rd, Athens, TX 75751-6534 +1 903-677-9463
Excellent
94%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
6%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 16 reviews

3 P's in a Vine Winery and Vineyard

Reviewed By Sandra P - Garland, Texas

My husband and I have been here a few times and each time was absolutely delightful. Brett and Rae are wonderful hosts; the wines are very good; the atmosphere makes for an enjoyable time. Whether meeting up with friends for the afternoon or a date night, you can't go wrong with a visit to 3 P's!

5. Tara Vineyard & Winery

8603 Cr 3914, Athens, TX 75752-4015 +1 903-675-7023
Excellent
52%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
4%
Terrible
10%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 66 reviews

Tara Vineyard & Winery

Reviewed By James L - Flint, Texas

Wine quality far better than expected . Tasting overpriced. Dinner average to good, Sea Bass above average, Steel head Dry. Appetizers excellent. Service very attentive and knowledgeable. Good description and interpretation of their Wines . Purchased a number of selections. Don't go for entertainment.....?

6. Land of Lights athens texas

1500 NW Loop 7, Athens, TX
Excellent
67%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
8%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 23 reviews

Land of Lights athens texas

Reviewed By WildHaireHiking - Tyler, Texas

Went to see the lights and it was so beautiful. The are many scenes and it just reminded me of my childhood. My teenagers also enjoyed it. It can get a little crowded, but it's worth the wait!

7. Athens Brewing Co.

101 E Tyler St, Athens, TX 75751-2547 +1 903-952-7493
Excellent
41%
Good
51%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 12 reviews

Athens Brewing Co.

A craft brewery right in the heart of downtown Athens! Built in a historic building right on the square, we've got around 8 beers on tap at any given time, with new brews and seasonals spicing up the selection! Live music on our breezy outdoor patio every Friday & Saturday night, and trivia on Thursday nights. We have a restaurant with delicious eats and specials. We are kid and family friendly, and there is a selection of games and puzzles upstairs for everyone to enjoy. Got a dog? Bring the pooch! We love our well-behaved and leashed guests! For the most up to date info, or to find out which bands are playing during the week, visit our Facebook page.

Reviewed By Katie C

This brewery is on the athens square in a really cool old building. The beer selection is good, and the beers are good! We had the apricot beer and the f bomb. We also ate a couple of appetizers that were good too.
I really hope this place is successful. But I saw a few things that might make it not. It's clear the owners don't have a good attention to detail. inside and the kitchen were spotless. But, outside the patio is a mess, tables not wiped down, cushions on the ground, pile of junk in the back, tall weeds, junk under the stair case, etc. This is your business take pride in it and clean it up!!!

8. Athens Scuba Park

500 N Murchison St, Athens, TX 75751-2102
Excellent
46%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
17%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 29 reviews

Athens Scuba Park

Reviewed By M H - Tomball

This dive lake is built where an old brick factory was and so the bottom of the lake, which is filled by a fresh spring, is a very fine clay silt. If you get within inches of the bottom the white silt billows up and the entire lake is soon in white-out conditions. We had to try three times to find a white airplane that was sunk in the lake and actually found it by running into it. The white airplane was not visible in the white water.

The dive shop was fine and the people were nice but the entry docks were in need of repair.

9. Lake Athens

5401 Marina Dr., Athens, TX 75751 +1 903-677-7490
Excellent
59%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 12 reviews

Lake Athens

Approximately five miles east of Athens, the 1,799 acre lake offers a variety of water sport activities for outdoor enthusiasts. While catfish, crappie, white bass and sunfish are found in Lake Athens, it is best known for largemouth bass. Lake Athens Marina provides the only public access to the lake as well as fishing supplies, pier fishing, restaurant, picnic area, an RV park and restrooms. Open daily at 7 a.m.

Reviewed By Tessme - Lumberton, TX

Beautiful country and wonderful lake. I want to live there! Lake wasn't as clear as I had expected. Because its spring fed, I had expected it to be very clear. Wonderful area.

10. Flossie's

401 S Prairieville St, Athens, TX 75751-2745 +1 903-675-2210
Excellent
0%
Good
100%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 3 reviews

Flossie's

Flossie's is an eclectic collection of today, yesterday and tomorrow's home accents, antiques, art, garden decor, stained glass, jewelry and handmade items. We offer booth space for lease to local vendors looking to increase their income or promote their products. We also have an estate or goods liquidation service. Owned, operated and managed by Di Ann Allen, Flossie's offers a personal, fresh, approach to shopping, collection enthusiast, and the art of resale.

Reviewed By JLGlenn

In Athens for the day and decided to do a little shopping. It is a small 6 room house chock full of antiques, household items, jewelry, dishes, paintings, metal decorations, embroidered linens, stain glass items etc. Something for everyone! The owner said she also encourages you to call ahead and bring your girlfriends for an afternoon of tea on the back porch. And I picked up a few things while I was there.

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.