What Makes Texarkana Twice as Nice
Sponsored content courtesy of Travel Texas
You might think Texarkana is just a border town with a clever name, but you shouldn't sleep on this two-sided Texas town. Situated on the state line between Texas and Arkansas and sharing real estate in both states, Texarkana has two of everything: two governments, two mayors, two police departments, two fire departments — you get the point! The state line even splits the post office right down the middle. While these things make life for locals a little more interesting, there's even more in store for visitors, making Texarkana the Texas town you didn't know you needed to visit.
As you meander through town, be sure to stop in at one of the many galleries and museums. Many of them even have free admission! For auto buffs, there's no better spot to kick the tires (visually, that is) than Four States Auto Museum. While on the smaller side, this motor-centric museum has a big reputation for putting on some stunning displays. Though the features regularly rotate to showcase different cars, the museum always houses around 15 immaculate restorations of classic automobiles. Each vehicle has a sign detailing its history and specs, but the staff is more than happy to take a ride through history with you if there’s anything you'd like to know.
Cars not your thing? There's plenty more history to be found around Texarkana. Visit the Museum of Regional History — the town's first and oldest museum — to learn all about the important history of Texarkana and what makes it and the greater Forest Region so important to the overall history of Texas. Or visit one of the many historic houses and buildings that tell the rich history of Texarkana. Each is a true treasure to be discovered, but if your kind of history isn't found in a museum, how about a Haunted Texarkana Ghost Walk? A local guide who knows all the creepiest corners will fill you in on the town's coldest murderers, darkest deviants and other ghoulish tales.
Texarkana has a little something for everyone. Even the kids! There's no better spot in town to beat the heat than at Holiday Springs Water Park. And let's be honest, Texas summers are nothing to joke about! Take a relaxing ride on the lazy river, visit the kiddie pool and splash pads or try your hand at one of the many colorful waterslides.
When it comes time to grab a bite, Texarkana isn't short on spots to eat, with plenty of variety to suit any taste. Housed in a historic early 1900s building, Hopkins Icehouse is a local staple and go-to spot to grab a gourmet burger or refreshing salad. Might we suggest starting with a zesty cheese dip known as Hopkins Queso?
After lunch, spend your afternoon relaxing at one of Texarkana's pristine parks. Walk the trails, fish the lakes, birdwatch from a canoe or simply sit down for a picture-perfect picnic. While each of the parks has plenty of outdoor offerings, Spring Lake Park is a standout spot to do it all. Its sprawling 145 acres include an 18-hole disc golf course, a spring-fed lake with fishing piers, playgrounds and a splash pad that kids will go crazy for.
As the evening winds down, you may find yourself nestling into your seat at the beautiful and oh-so-opulent Perot Theatre. Whether your favorite band or comedian is in town, or you simply want to experience the world-class Texarkana Symphony Orchestra, any reason to visit Perot Theatre is a good one. Originally built in 1924, the theatre eventually found itself in disrepair. In 1977, the city purchased the property and invested $2.4 million dollars into its restoration, $800,000 of which was donated by local legends H. Ross Perot and his sister Bette in memory of their parents. Today, it's a must-see spectacle and a true testament to Texarkana culture.
Don't leave town before getting your signature Texarkana photo taken. The city's courthouse and post office building are positioned on top of the state line, making for a unique photo op beneath the "You Are Here" sign. In fact, the building has been called the second-most photographed post office in the United States. It even has two zip code! While most photos are snapped outside of the building, visitors love to venture inside and experience true Texarkana history. Another prime spot to snap a pic is in front of the vibrant Scott Joplin mural, a gorgeous dedication to the local legend known as the King of Ragtime.
