First Monday Trade Days In Canton, Texas
by Sam Adams
Throughout the USA there are many flea markets and monthly trade days, but just like the old saying goes “Everything’s Bigger in Texas” and each month Canton, Texas proves that to the world. Canton is located in the northern part of East Texas in Van Zandt county and is home to about 5100 people, but one weekend every month this peaceful, friendly little East Texas town transforms into the biggest open air trade days event in the world.
This monthly gathering, known as First Monday Trade Days, takes place on the first weekend of each month. This event will bring approximately 300,000 shoppers and more than 7,000 vendors into this little East Texas town. Located about 45 minutes east of Dallas it’s easy to see why so many people love to make the trip every month to Canton and take advantage of some of the great deals on new and used furniture, household items, arts and crafts, handmade jewelry, collectibles of all type, small animals, and much more. Vendors travel from all over the country to sale their wares at what is widely believed to be the largest flea market in the world.
It all started over 150 years ago when the circuit judge would stop in Canton on the first Monday of each month. Being the only day that the judge would hold court, people would travel from all parts of the area to take care of their business, watch court proceedings, and maybe even catch a hanging. For many this was the only time they could see friends and family, find out what was going on in the news, and purchase the goods and supplies they needed. Many people would bring livestock, crops, handmade crafts, and produce to sell or trade. As the territory grew so did the number of people coming to Canton to peddle their products. Over the years people started to organize the event and plan for visitors to come into town, and a tradition had begun. By 1965, First Monday (as it had come to be known) had grown larger than the town square could handle and it was at that time that the City of Canton decided to purchased six acres just north of the courthouse.
Today the First Monday Trade Days is made up of several different complexes all tied together to make up one massive flea market. The area is so large that there is a free shuttle bus service that will take you from one part of the flea market to another. One of the more popular complex is the “Old Mill Marketplace”. Consisting of two areas, The Villages and The Pavilions combine for more than 1200 vendor spaces, this is a market that you must visit when in Canton Texas. Right next to the Old Mill Marketplace is an area many call “The Best Kept Secret In East Texas” also known as The Mountain. As the name would imply this hillside village is locate on the highest part of First Monday Trade Days and is the only area open after dark. The Mountain is home to some of the higher end shops and restaurants. You will find many hand-crafted items including handmade string instruments like guitars, banjos, dulcimers, and more. You can find vintage clothing as well as high quality antique furniture. After a long day of shopping The Mountain can be your home away from home with its many Bed and Breakfasts. When it comes to eating, this area has some of the finest sit down dining you could want in a uniquely romantic atmosphere overlooking the small East Texas town of Canton.
So, make the time to get away and experience this uniquely wonderful atmosphere and take advantage of the outstanding bargains you will find. If you are planning to stay at one of the many bed and breakfast locations on The Mountain it is recommended that you call ahead and make your reservations far in advance. And of course, if you have something to sale, then the First Monday Trade Days is a great place to set up shop one weekend a month in any of the vendor spaces available. Whatever your reason for visiting Canton, Texas one thing is for sure you will go home with a smile on your face and an experience you will share with friends and family for many years to come.
For more information about places to visit in East Texas goto www.EastTexasLive.com
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Friday, January 4, 2008
East Texas Piney Woods
East Texas Piney Woods
by Sam Adams
If you told someone you were going to visit Texas they would probably picture an image of a wide open range with some cactus and tumbleweeds. The reality is that Texas is a very diverse state with several distinct regions that offer its visitors an opportunity to experience a broad array of cultures, climates, terrains, and lifestyles all within the boundaries of The Lone Star State. Today I want to talk about the East Texas Piney Woods region. This part of Texas does not have tumbleweeds and although there are some cactus it is not the type that you will see in the movies. East Texas is an area filled with history, old town charm, and a long forgotten lifestyle.
This region of Texas is called the Piney Woods for good reason. It is home to thousands of acres pine trees that are planted and harvested by the paper and lumber companies. This industry is a major source of revenue and employs, directly or indirectly, a large percentage of the working people around East Texas. But pines are not the only trees grow in this region. This area is also an excellent source for hardwoods like the magnolia, oak, ash, elm, and cypress just to name a few. With four national forests, five state forest, and many large privately owned wooded ranches any outdoor enthusiasts will surely find East Texas a great place to explore.
If you enjoy camping, fishing, and hunting then you need look no further. East Texas has some of the most beautiful settings in which to park your RV and watch the sunset. If fishing is more your style, this region is home to several world class lakes and reservoirs full of largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish. There are many top quality impoundments in the area like Lake Fork, Toledo Bend, Lake Livingston, and Caddo Lake just to name a few. Then there is Lake Sam Rayburn, just north of Jasper, one of the top fishing lakes in the country and a frequent stop for many professional fishing tournaments. Lake Sam Rayburn draws annually some of top ranked professional and amateur fishermen, and women, from around the country to its water every year to try and find that elusive record bass. Rayburn, Toledo Bend, and Caddo Lake all offer excellent crappie fishing too, but if it is catfish you want then you should head to Lake Livingston in Polk County. Catfish are so abundant that the daily bag limit on this lake is higher than on any other lake in Texas. Each fall deer hunter from all over the US make their way to East Texas for their shot at a trophy buck. The thick underbrush, heavy timber, and wide spread availability of forage is a perfect recipe for big trophy buck.
If you enjoy reading and seeing history and historic sites then East Texas has a lot to offer. Visit Nacogdoches, “The Oldest Town In Texas”, originally established as a Spanish fort in the mid 1700s and in 1832 it is widely believed that the first shots fired in the Texas Revolution were fired right here in Nacogdoches Texas. Still a thriving community and home to Stephen F. Austin State University. Just a little further up the road in Kilgore where you will find the “World’s Richest Acre”. Actually about 1.2 acres, once stood the largest concentration of oil derricks during the oil boom days. And nearby Tyler Texas is home to the Tyler Municipal Rose Garden, the nation’s largest municipal rose garden. This is a must see in the spring.
The Christmas season is another exciting time to visit East Texas. Many of the historic homes throughout the area take on a very traditional holiday spirit. With thousands of lights and old fashion decorations these home will remind you of a lifestyle from a past era. Many of the small towns throughout East Texas decorate their town squares in celebration of the holiday season and transform themselves into holiday wonderlands offering tours of the historic homes decorated for the holidays and many still offer traditional Christmas parades.
This is just a small sampling of everything available throughout East Texas. When you are planning your next vacation be sure and explore what East Texas has to offer. The culture, scenery, history, lifestyle, and the food are all worth the trip to the Piney Woods of East Texas.
For more information about East Texas visit www.easttexaslive.com .
by Sam Adams
If you told someone you were going to visit Texas they would probably picture an image of a wide open range with some cactus and tumbleweeds. The reality is that Texas is a very diverse state with several distinct regions that offer its visitors an opportunity to experience a broad array of cultures, climates, terrains, and lifestyles all within the boundaries of The Lone Star State. Today I want to talk about the East Texas Piney Woods region. This part of Texas does not have tumbleweeds and although there are some cactus it is not the type that you will see in the movies. East Texas is an area filled with history, old town charm, and a long forgotten lifestyle.
This region of Texas is called the Piney Woods for good reason. It is home to thousands of acres pine trees that are planted and harvested by the paper and lumber companies. This industry is a major source of revenue and employs, directly or indirectly, a large percentage of the working people around East Texas. But pines are not the only trees grow in this region. This area is also an excellent source for hardwoods like the magnolia, oak, ash, elm, and cypress just to name a few. With four national forests, five state forest, and many large privately owned wooded ranches any outdoor enthusiasts will surely find East Texas a great place to explore.
If you enjoy camping, fishing, and hunting then you need look no further. East Texas has some of the most beautiful settings in which to park your RV and watch the sunset. If fishing is more your style, this region is home to several world class lakes and reservoirs full of largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish. There are many top quality impoundments in the area like Lake Fork, Toledo Bend, Lake Livingston, and Caddo Lake just to name a few. Then there is Lake Sam Rayburn, just north of Jasper, one of the top fishing lakes in the country and a frequent stop for many professional fishing tournaments. Lake Sam Rayburn draws annually some of top ranked professional and amateur fishermen, and women, from around the country to its water every year to try and find that elusive record bass. Rayburn, Toledo Bend, and Caddo Lake all offer excellent crappie fishing too, but if it is catfish you want then you should head to Lake Livingston in Polk County. Catfish are so abundant that the daily bag limit on this lake is higher than on any other lake in Texas. Each fall deer hunter from all over the US make their way to East Texas for their shot at a trophy buck. The thick underbrush, heavy timber, and wide spread availability of forage is a perfect recipe for big trophy buck.
If you enjoy reading and seeing history and historic sites then East Texas has a lot to offer. Visit Nacogdoches, “The Oldest Town In Texas”, originally established as a Spanish fort in the mid 1700s and in 1832 it is widely believed that the first shots fired in the Texas Revolution were fired right here in Nacogdoches Texas. Still a thriving community and home to Stephen F. Austin State University. Just a little further up the road in Kilgore where you will find the “World’s Richest Acre”. Actually about 1.2 acres, once stood the largest concentration of oil derricks during the oil boom days. And nearby Tyler Texas is home to the Tyler Municipal Rose Garden, the nation’s largest municipal rose garden. This is a must see in the spring.
The Christmas season is another exciting time to visit East Texas. Many of the historic homes throughout the area take on a very traditional holiday spirit. With thousands of lights and old fashion decorations these home will remind you of a lifestyle from a past era. Many of the small towns throughout East Texas decorate their town squares in celebration of the holiday season and transform themselves into holiday wonderlands offering tours of the historic homes decorated for the holidays and many still offer traditional Christmas parades.
This is just a small sampling of everything available throughout East Texas. When you are planning your next vacation be sure and explore what East Texas has to offer. The culture, scenery, history, lifestyle, and the food are all worth the trip to the Piney Woods of East Texas.
For more information about East Texas visit www.easttexaslive.com .
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