Make Athens, Texas Your Spring Break Destination

The City of Athens Department of Tourism offers suggestions for affordable, family friendly activities during Spring Break.

(PRWEB) January 29, 2013

http://www.athenstx.org/index.php Spring Break is almost here, so why not bring the family to Athens, Texas for an affordable, family friendly getaway?

Conveniently located within a few hours drive from most major cities in Texas, Athens offers the perfect place to get away and spend quality time with family without breaking the pocketbook.

Nestled among the rolling hills and piney wood forests of East Texas, Athens is a mix of landscapes and known for its natural beauty. The outdoors is the major draw for Athens with opportunities for fishing, biking, bird watching, boating, and water skiing.

The City of Athens Department of Tourism offers a few suggestions on how families can spend time together in Athens this Spring Break.

Day 1

Get in touch with your cultural side! Spend time downtown while in Athens and stop by the Henderson County Historical Museum to learn more about the history of Athens and Henderson County. Exhibits on the first floor continue to emulate a turn-of-the-century dry goods store while the second floor is a re-creation of an early law office, parlor, bedroom, bath, kitchen, and schoolroom. Take a step back in time and experience life the way it was at the turn-of-the-century.

Next, visit the art galleries in downtown Athens. The newest gallery in Athens is Gallery 211, located one block east of the museum. Whether browsing for fine art, sculptures or paintings, Gallery 211 features regional art in a wide variety of media and genres.

Take a break and enjoy lunch at one of Athens' downtown restaurants. Did you know that Athens is home of the original hamburger? Athens native "Uncle" Fletcher Davis introduced this wonderful new sandwich at the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis. A historical marker on the downtown square pays tribute to the originator of this all-time favorite American food. In honor of Athens' hamburger history, enjoy an old-fashioned hamburger while in town.

After lunch, stroll through downtown and visit some of the local boutiques.

Day 2

Take the family to the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center for a day of fun. The 1.2 acre lake is stocked with plentiful numbers of catfish and sunfish year-round and rainbow trout are stocked from December through March. The friendly TFFC staff will provide a brief orientation to fishing and choice of bait. The staff will also untangle a fishing line and replace lost hooks or bobbers or any other equipment problems, leaving visitors free to concentrate on fishing.

In addition to fishing, the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center offers 300,000 gallons of aquaria with native Texas fish, a daily dive show, an alligator exhibit, tram tours, and the interpretive wetland trail where kids can go turtle-spotting, see bees at work and walk off stream.

Day 3

Up for an adventure? Head on out to NY-TX Zipline Adventures, the "Best Adventure Tour in Texas." Located 15 miles east of Athens in New York, Texas, NY-TX Zipline Adventures is atop the highest point in Henderson County at Shultz Mountain. The zipline offer guests a panoramic view of the beautiful rolling hills and trees of East Texas and they have the longest zipline in Texas at over 900 feet! NY-TX Zipline offers 6 lines and 9 lines for a thrilling zipline experience.

Day 4

Discover one hundred acres of wooded beauty, trees, flowers, and wildlife at the East Texas Arboretum and Botanical Society. Stroll 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 East Texas Arboretum is open daily from daylight to dusk.

In March, it's still a little too cold to swim outdoors but visitors can still swim in Athens at the Cain Center! Guests staying overnight in Athens hotels are offered complimentary access to the fitness center and indoor junior Olympic swimming pool, simply by showing their hotel room key to the front desk attendant. The kids will enjoy jumping off the diving boards and parents can relax nearby in the hot tub, dry sauna, and steam room.

The Cain Center sits nestled in the heart of the beautiful 85-acre Cain Park, surrounded by beautiful oaks and pines. Cain Park is a great place to walk or jog, or even ride a bike. There is a playground, fishing pond, and tennis courts for guests recreational enjoyment.

For more information about Athens, visit http://www.AthensTX.org or call 1-888-294-2847 to request a free visitor's guide.

For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/prweb2013/1/prweb10358661.htm