Texas' Oldest Town Offers Endless Outdoor Activities, Antique Shops, And A Historic Downtown

The Wild West was a time for the unruly to run rampant through the cobbled and dusty streets of the South and West. While times have certainly changed throughout the United States, one small town remains stuck in time. Founded in 1779 by Don Antonio Gil Y'Barbo, Nacogdoches remains to this day the oldest town in Texas, and while you wouldn't expect a small town to be filled with activities for tourists, Nacogdoches is the exception. 

Come for the charm but stay for the nature, as Nacogdoches has been designated the "Garden Capital of Texas," due to its sizeable azalea garden, creeks, and trails. The streets are lined with beautiful, old brick buildings, housing an abundance of shops to satisfy any shopaholics dreams. Feeling thirsty? Drop by one of the local watering holes for a craft beer or delicious bite while listening to live music. With a plethora of endless shopping, antiques, and outdoor activities, this is one of the many charming towns you'll never believe are in the U.S., and should be added to any history lover's bucket list.

Karle Wilson Baker, a local poet who spent many years in Nacogdoches, described the small historic town as one with "a soul, a spirit, an atmosphere" (via Stephen F. Austin State University). With the overwhelming amount of history, activities, and nature packed into Texas' oldest town, it is easy to see where her description comes from. 

For outdoor aficionados, Nacogdoches offers several trailheads and parks for hiking, biking, and walking, including Banita Creek Park and Lake Nacogdoches. You can also take a beautiful stroll through an impressionistic-style 8-acre azalea garden called the Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden. Shopaholics can peruse the aisles of numerous antique shops — including one in an old Victorian home (The Fortney House), clothing stores, and local vendors selling homemade goods. This Texas city is also a must-visit destination for history buffs, as visitors can find museums (including the Fire Museum and Stone Fort Museum), a self-guided walking tour of the town, a reconstructed historic village just outside the town, and even a tour of a historical Native American site called Caddo Mounds.

While Nacogdoches is beautiful all year round, visitors should try planning a trip around a few of its most popular events. Nacogdoches' largest event, The Texas Blueberry Festival, falls every June, offering its patrons a chance to enjoy a craft fair, blueberry-inspired treats, live music, and more. For a perfect view of the azaleas in all their glory, stop by this beautiful historic town from mid-March to mid-April, or keep an eye on the Nacogdoches website for up-to-date information.

An interesting fact about this historical town is that throughout its history, control over Nacogdoches has changed nine different times, from the Spanish to the French, to multiple rebellions, and eventually, as part of the United States. This contrasts with the rest of Texas, which has only had six different flags flown during its history. Every year in December, the citizens of Nacogdoches have a festival to commemorate these nine flags and to ring in the holiday season. There is a much-awaited parade, food, caroling, and more. No matter if you are looking to explore the outdoors, stroll through a beautiful garden, learn about Texas' history, or shop 'til you drop, Texas' oldest town of Nacogdoches has you covered.