A solo road trip to Jefferson, Texas, might be what you need!
Jefferson, TX, is part of the National Register of Historic Places with some of the best historic buildings, museums, historic bed & breakfast inns, a charming downtown with antique shops and boutiques to visit. It’s considered one of the best weekend getaways for couples, families, and traveling solos in the piney woods of East Texas. It also has many outdoor adventures for outdoor enthusiasts.
Whether you’re interested in history, experiences, or shopping, Jefferson has something unique to offer everyone who visits. Here’s my solo road trip to Jefferson, Texas.
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My Solo Road Trip To Jefferson, Texas Went Like This
I spent two nights and three days in Jefferson, and I wanted to find fun things to do outside. Though it rained the entire time I was there, I did manage to get in two outdoor adventures I went there to do. But first, let me tell you where I stayed. I loved it, and the breakfast alone is worth booking your stay here!
For many years, Jefferson was one of the best places, if not the best town to visit just to stay in a bed & breakfast. Back then, it was literally someone’s home. But just so you know, B&B’s are still around, and I saw plenty. But, there are also plenty of cabin rentals and RV Parks nearby as well.
After searching high and low for a quaint B&B, I chose to stay at the White Oak Manor Bed and Breakfast. And was I glad! Their breakfast both mornings was top-notch. Keep scrolling to see a photo of one of my delicious breakfasts.
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Breakfast At White Oak Manor B&B In Jefferson, TX
The above photo is my first breakfast at the White Oak Manor B&B. It’s a German pancake topped with blueberries drizzled in butter and syrup. I’ve never had a pancake made this way – it was delicious! And as of late, I’m doing intermittent fasting and skipping breakfast, but I wasn’t about to skip this one! The next morning’s breakfast was a stuffed croissant with bacon, cheese, and egg. YUM!
Best Things To Do In Jefferson, TX
Below are popular attractions to do indoors and outdoors in the small town of Jefferson, TX. You may need more than a weekend to see it all!
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Caddo Lake National Wildlife Refuge
So, I lost a day of activities because of the rain. The rain came out of nowhere and didn’t stop all day. Everything I had planned that morning and into the day got canceled. Instead of just sitting around, a couple I met at the B&B asked if I wanted to tour the Caddo Lake National Wildlife Refuge with them in their car. I took them up on it, and through the rain, we managed to enjoy the scenery and the deer we saw, and we also spotted a few birds native to the refuge. There’s an actual marked Auto Tour Route you can take in your vehicle.
Caddo Lake Bayou Tours
Caddo Lake State Park – an East Texas treasure, is the only natural lake in Texas (our boat tour guide says) and home to the world’s most significant Bald Cypress Forest. with Spanish moss hanging from the trees. There’s something spooky about 400-year-old Cypress trees. I felt like I was in a scary movie as we were strolling through the swamp right next to a haunted house. Maybe I stretched that a little, but there have been quite a few movies filmed at Caddo Lake, including The Legends of Boggy Creek and the TV show, True Bloods. Rick, the owner of Caddo Lake Bayou Tours, told us some people saw Bigfoot there. This is a must-see tour when planning a trip to Jefferson, Texas. In the second photo, look between the Cypress trees to see the Blue Heron.
Take a Guided Shuttle Bus
Enjoy a 1-hour narrated scenic tour in a covered shuttle from a local. You’ll get a look at some of Jefferson’s most adorned historic homes, bed and breakfast homes, historical structures, as well as the downtown shopping area while learning about the history of Jefferson. >>>> tourjefferson.com.
Tool Around Town In A Golf Cart
Grab a map and brochures at the Visitor Center and tool around town at your leisure. Ask the Visiting Center what the phone number is to rent the cart, or you might spot a cart with the phone number on it. Be sure to stop by the Jefferson General Store for a nostalgic souvenir, and then get a photo of the iconic blue truck parked out front of the store.
Historic Jefferson Railway
Here is an 8-mile narrated train ride through the scenic Big Cypress Bayou. This excursion is great for the whole family. Visit the Historic Jefferson Railway for more information. It’s only opened on Saturdays, so I missed this one.
Rent a Kayak or Canoe
There are several places in town where you can rent kayaks and canoes. Made In The Shade is one place. Their’s is $25/per person and comes with life jackets, oars, plastic phone cases, and an ice chest full of water—all for $25 a person for 2 hours.
Ghost Tours, Haunted Houses, Historical Cemetery
The Historic Jefferson Ghost Walk Tour is a 1.5 hours historic haunted walk tour at night through dark alleyways and courtyards, all the while listening to vivid accounts of historical tragedies, murder, and ghostly encounters. It’s the most requested tour in town if you’re so inclined to do so. After your walking tour, scope out one of the haunted houses in town. I hear there are a few! And, while you’re at it, visit the historic Oakwood Cemetery.
Carriage Tours
Check out Lone Star Carriage Company for a carriage ride through town.
The Beautiful Jefferson Carnegie Library
The Jefferson Carnegie Library, built in 1907, is part of the Texas Historical Foundation and still stands today as the public library of Jefferson, Texas.
Stay At The Excelsior House Hotel
The Excelsior is the oldest hotel that operates today with no interruptions in Texas. Across the street is Jay Gould’s railroad car that’s worth a peek or two.
Karma Farms Horseback Riding
I love horseback riding. I always seek out the nearest place to ride where ever I go. There’s something about being on a horse out in nature that I can’t explain. But if you love it too, then you know. I found Karma Farms on Facebook, which is a short drive from Jefferson in Marshall. They offer trail riding on Colonial Horses by reservations only, and it was indeed an unforgettable horse ride. Karma Farms received excellent reviews on TripAdvisor and in several newspapers. Seriously, it was the best solo road trip I’ve been on this year!
This is one solo trip that I’ll never forget. East Texas is so beautiful, and I didn’t realize how much history is in Jefferson. When taking a road trip to Jefferson, Texas, be sure to look these places up for a fun and memorable experience.
Pro Tip: Be sure to plan your road trip ahead of time, and check for special events that may be going on.
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