Deep in the Heart of Texas

One of my four college roommates hailed from Texas, so I knew I would be visiting the cowboy state for many years in the future. But I didn't realize which roommate I would be going to visit! Laura moved to Texas last year after a sojourn in California, and we were anxious to pack up our boots to see her new town! Ironically, we missed seeing Sally who had been in her home state only a few weeks before our trip.

Welcome to Nacogdoches, "The Oldest Town in Texas"!

Needed the picture to help me spell the name correctly!

Our trip was not just a vacation, but also an educational experience (at least that's how I sold it to Jason). Downtown was our first stop!

We learned about the important historical and cultural significance of the town at the Visitors' Center.

Fact: The flags of nine countries have flown over Nacogdoches.
Fun Fact: Nine Flags is also the name of a bar in town!

Fact: The Lumberjacks are the mascot of Stephen F. Austin University.
Fun Fact: Real lumberjacks aren't nearly as sexy as their cartoon counterparts.

Fact: You can be jailed for not wearing cowboy boots.

Fun Fact: Just kidding, although Laura believes locals view her as uppity when she wears make-up to Walmart.

Fact: Downtown Nacogdoches is full of historic buildings and quaint charm.

Fun Fact: It is also full of cute boutiques and yummy restaurants!

Fun Fact: Good food and drinks can be found at the home of our hosts, too!

The Meat Man

"Hot, sweaty wood!"

Drinks and a Dramatic Reading for our entertainment

Laura and Zach were lured to Nacogdoches by a teaching position at Stephen F. Austin University. We continued our educational experience with a tour of the theatre department.

We didn't want to limit ourselves to only a "city" experience. Lucky for us, farm life can be found right behind Staples!

We even met the mayor!

Onward for more learning! Mallard's Crossing is a somewhat inaccurate historical village that boasts a very hyper tour guide and lots of hands-on activities. I thought we had inadvertently stumbled onto a  theatre performance.

Beckers models the latest fashion

Practicing my homemaker skills

Doing the laundry

A new friend!

We even made it to church

After all our educational experiences, the photography portion of the trip fizzled even though there was more fun to be had! We traveled to Tyler the next day to visit Sally's parents, who thoughtfully provided lunch, early birthday cake, and a relaxing afternoon at the pool. A visit to the world-famous Marshalls of Tyler provided decorating inspiration for ideas to execute upon returning home.

Juan Valjean or Jean Valdez?

Java Jacks and Ron, Long walks and Vitamix Smoothies, Yoga Class and Orange is the New Black, Armadillos and the Name Game, Watching the neighbors and Touching lives, Hitting the town and Fessin' up, Lots of Giggling and Talking = fun, fun, fun!

Roomies, I'd throw my pie for you!