Jefferson is a city located in northeastern Texas. With a population of 1,875 people, it’s the county seat of Marion County. It’s also known for the House of the Seasons hotel and Carnahan Memorial Garden. There are a number of interesting things to do in Jefferson, from shopping and dining to sightseeing and entertainment.
Excelsior House Hotel
One of the oldest hotels in Texas, the Excelsior House Hotel has been welcoming guests since 1858. During the 19th and 20th centuries, famous guests included Ulysses S. Grant, Oscar Wilde, Rutherford B. Hayes, Lady Bird Johnson, and more. Today, the hotel is a fully restored historic property, featuring a lobby that still features the original front desk. The hotel is also a popular venue for business meetings.
The Excelsior House Hotel was built in the early 1800s by Captain William Perry, who played a major role in the development of Jefferson as an inland port. It is the oldest continuously-operating hotel west of the Mississippi River. As such, many ghost stories are attributed to the building. One such story is of the ghost known as Diamond Bessie, a specter that once haunted the hotel.
The Excelsior House Hotel is one of Jefferson’s most beautiful and historic locations. Its classic architecture and antiques make it an excellent venue for weddings, corporate events, and other gatherings. However, before visiting, visitors should be aware of rumors about the haunting of the building. Visitors should also look for a strange scent or perfume before entering the property.
The Excelsior House Hotel is located in the heart of downtown Jefferson, and is one of the best places to visit in the city. It is the oldest continuously operating hotel in the state, and has hosted some famous people. Guests at this historic hotel have included Oscar Wilde, Ulysses Grant, and Rutherford Hayes. It was also the setting of the movie The Sugarland Express, which was filmed nearby.
Guests can spend a night or two in the hotel’s rooms. Guests can also take the ghost tour, which lasts for about two hours. Visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes, and make reservations before taking the tour.
House of the Seasons
Located in Jefferson, Texas, the House of the Seasons is a historic home that features both bed and breakfast accommodations and private dining. It is an ideal location for weddings and other special events. The home was originally constructed in 1872 by Colonel Benjamin H. Epperson, a businessman, lawyer, and confidant of Sam Houston. The home is decorated in a transitional style between Victorian and Greek Revival styles, and features many original pieces of furniture. The House of the Seasons is open for tours Monday through Saturday at 11:00am. Its grounds feature formal plantings, bird baths, and Native American plants.
The house is home to an emporium and is part of a historic district. The house is located in downtown Jefferson. The building was built in the 1850s and is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is considered haunted and has been featured on many paranormal television shows. Visitors can purchase books about haunted houses from the hotel’s emporium.
Visitors can also take a ghost tour of the house. The tour lasts about an hour, and the guide will tell you the story of the home’s past owners and any true supernatural experiences that happened there. Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and wear a hat, and reservations are required.
The House of the Seasons in Jefferson is a place for history buffs and lovers of fine art. In addition to historical furnishings, the house also has original paintings. The House of the Seasons also offers exclusive tours and special events. If you are interested in staying in the house, you can even rent one of the private rooms. The Marsh Place has two bedrooms and is available for a minimum two-night rental.
Caddo Lake State Park
For those looking for a relaxing getaway, Caddo Lake State Park is among the top choices. Just a few miles east of Jefferson, this park is a favorite spot for fishing and boating enthusiasts. Visitors can also enjoy guided boat tours and canoeing. The park also offers great birding opportunities, including great yellow-crowned night herons, wood storks, and more.
The park offers both day and nighttime recreation and includes a campground area, a beach, a playground, three-lane boat ramps, and restrooms with showers. You can also picnic in the park or hike the many trails. Caddo Lake Bayou Tours are also available.
The Grove is another place of interest in Jefferson. Built in 1861, this historic house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is home to many historical artifacts and collectible items related to the area’s history. Admission is $7 for adults and is open daily from 9:30am to 4:30pm.
For a camping adventure, Caddo Lake State Park is an excellent place to begin. The park features a cypress forest on the western edge of the lake with Spanish moss and woody cones. Canoe rentals are available and riverside tent sites are also available.
Visitors will find plenty of fun activities at Caddo Lake State Park, including kayaking, fishing, and hiking. The park also features numerous picnic spots and places to eat. If you are looking for a relaxing vacation in the country, Caddo Lake State Park is the perfect destination.
Carnahan Memorial Garden
Visitors to Jefferson City will appreciate the beautiful Carnahan Memorial Garden, which sits adjacent to the Governor’s Mansion. The garden boasts a breathtaking display of flowers, lakes, and scenic paths. The garden was named after former Missouri Governor Carnahan, and it was renamed in his honor after his passing. The garden is just one of many places to visit in Jefferson City, so make sure to plan plenty of time for this wonderful attraction.
Located next to the Governor’s Mansion, the Carnahan Memorial Garden is an ideal spot for a relaxing walk. Constructed in the late 1930s, the garden contains a variety of flowers, pools, and walkways. It was renamed in honor of the state’s late governor, who was killed in a plane crash while campaigning for the U.S. Senate. Afterward, the governor’s wife, Katherine Carnahan, was appointed to complete his term. The garden is open to the public and is well-maintained. The garden features a stone overlook that provides a great view of the garden.
In addition to the Carnahan Memorial Garden, visitors can also explore Jefferson City’s Governor’s Mansion, a three-story brick mansion that was built in 1828. Its interior is an example of Renaissance Revival architecture, and tours are available. There are also several free museums and educational facilities in the area, including the Colonel Alvin R. Lubker Memorial Safety and Education Center, located in the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s headquarters.
The Capitol is another important landmark in the Jefferson City area. Located near the Jefferson Landing Historic Site, the Capitol is the state’s official seat of government. The Missouri State Museum is located within the building and provides tours to visitors free of charge.
Crawford W. Long Museum
Located in the heart of downtown Jefferson, Georgia, the Crawford W. Long Museum is a great way to learn more about Jefferson’s history. It is housed in a historic building that served as a physician’s office. Crawford Long was a physician in Jefferson and performed the first surgical procedure to use ether as an anesthetic. The museum also has a gift shop and a visitor center. Visitors can view displays of early Jefferson and enjoy the museum’s diorama. The museum is also home to many of Long’s personal items and heirlooms.
The museum’s galleries feature artworks by Lewis Gregg, a Georgia-born painter. He donated a painting of Long from the Robert W. Woodruff Library to the museum in 1961. The artist’s portrait of Long was inspired by a child’s crayon drawing of the author. The museum also features a mid-century Pendergrass General Store, where visitors can trace the evolution of goods available to small-town residents in the early 1800s.
If you are visiting Jefferson for the first time, the Crawford W. Long Museum is a great place to start. The museum is located on College Street and is open Tuesday through Friday from 10am to 5pm. It is closed on major holidays, so make sure to plan your visit accordingly.
Aside from the museum, you can also take a tour of the historic Woodbine Cemetery. During this tour, you’ll meet local characters from the Civil War through the early 20th century as they recount their stories. A group of actors in period costume will also present dramatic first-person accounts of residents of Woodbine Cemetery.
