Jellystone Park . Tyler ( Courtesy photo )
By Jennifer Browning
With gas prices breaking record highs , your summer plans may have already been impacted . However , just because travels may not take you as far , doesn ’ t mean you can ’ t have fun and adventure within an hour of Athens this summer .
By no means is this an exhaustive list of options , but hopefully it will spark a little creativity on what is available in East Texas to enjoy .
There were many ways this list could be broken down-by type of activity , group of people enjoying it , or location , so feel free to mix and match and maybe even plan a little something different for yourself and your family this year .
Summertime is the chance for families to break away from the normal day-to-day routines with a vacation and spend quality time together and there are many spots to choose from nearby .
• Palestine : Lake Palestine Resort : Enjoy camping , boating , fishing , RV , marina , suites / cabins / rooms , general store , and the lake grill . www . lakepalestine . com / rentals-cabins
• Flint : Villages Resort at Lake Palestine : A Holiday Inn resort with an indoor / outdoor water park , horseback riding , beaches , multiple pools , mini golf , kids activities , and boating . www . holidayinnclub . com / explore-resorts / villages-resort
• Palestine : Curious Museum : Hands on museum promoting creative and innovative thinking skills and based on the Exploratorium in San Francisco , CA . www . thecuriousmuseum . org
• Rusk : Rusk KOA Holiday : Situated at one of the highest points in Cherokee County , there are great views from your RV , tent , or cabin located on the grounds with a saltwater pool , pedal bikes , and a playground . www . koa . com / campgrounds / rusk
• Rusk / Palestine : Texas State Railroad Palestine : Ride the rails with the wind in your hair or a glass dome
over top . Private car available for booking . www . texasstaterailroad . net
• Rusk / Jacksonville : Cherokee Trace Drive-Thru Safari : Features over 25 exotic species from around the world in an open range environment all from the comfort of your car . www . cherokeetrace . com
• Canton : Canton KOA and the Silver Spur Resort Canton : Cabins , specialty lodging , and RV sites sit on this 34 acre property with two ponds , pedal boats , foosball pit , restaurant , and escape room . www . koa . com / campgrounds / canton-tx
• Tyler : Jellystone Park at Whispering Pines : one stop shop for cabins , camping , RV , water zone , pools , mini golf , jumping pillow , art , karaoke , kids activities , and more . www . jellystonetyler . com
Disciples Crossing , Athens ( Photo by Jennifer Browning
Photo by Jennifer Browning Berry pickin ’
Greater Athens Magazine | June 2022 | 11