Tui Snider - author & speaker

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Online Author Events for “100 Things to Do in Dallas – Fort Worth Before You Die”

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Online book promo – there will be prizes!

I’ve got a brand new travel book published via Reedy Press! It’s called 100 Things to Do in Dallas – Fort Worth Before You Die. While I’ve got a lot of in-person events scheduled to promote it, I’m doing a lot of FUN online things, too. Scroll down to find out about my upcoming Book Blog Tour through Lone Star Literary Life. Not only will it be fun, but there will are prizes to be had!

What’s it about? Click here to see a 40-second book trailer

Basically, my new book is meant to inspire people to explore North Texas. It’s chock full of inspiration for day trips, road trips, date nights, family fun, and other outings here in the DFW Metroplex.

Online Author Events:

Here’s a current list of online author events I’ve got planned for the  100 Things to Do in Dallas – Fort Worth Before You Die book release. I’ll keep adding to this as more dates are firmed up!

1. Radio Interview: Rogue Talk Radio

Monday, September 17, 8-10pm
Tui Snider on Rogue Talk Radio (click that to listen live or hear the replay!)
Call in number: If you listen to the live broadcast, please call in with questions! Dial (323) 870-3877 to be part of the show. Don’t be shy. I’d love to talk to you.

2. Book Blog Tour – with PRIZES! – via Lone Star Literary Life

I’m taking an online book tour courtesy of Lone Star Literary Life. Each day, from September 18-27, my book and I will be featured on a different blog. Each day, you can enter to win PRIZES!

Tui’s Book Blog Tour Stops September 18-27, 2018
9/18 —What’s Tui’s book about? All the Ups and Downs
9/19 —3 Quirky Travel Destinations in DFW: Books in the Garden
9/20 —Book review: StoreyBook Reviews
9/21 —Excerpt: Texas Town with Collectible Glassware: Max Knight
9/22 —Author Interview: “Our house has a turret & gargoyles.” Chapter Break Book Blog
9/23 —Book review: Books and Broomsticks
9/24 —Bonus Book review: Forgotten Winds
9/25 —Book review: Nerd Narration
9/26 —Guest post: My Ren Fair Wedding! The Page Unbound
9/27 —Book review: Reading by Moonlight

Want me to speak to your group? Just ask!(Click here for details.)

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-

Hey, you! Want to keep up with me?

BLOG POSTS: I’ve got 650+ articles here and am constantly adding more!

READ MY BOOKS: Check out my books, including Understanding Cemetery Symbols. It’s available on Amazon in paperback and ebook form.

Want a FREE Guide to Historic Cemeteries?






Sign up below to grab your FREE Cemetery Symbolism Guide:

We respect your email privacy

In-Person Author Events for Tui Snider: “100 Things to Do in Dallas – Fort Worth Before You Die”

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Fall 2018 Author Events for me and my books:

Fall of 2018 is going to be a busy time for me and my books! Here’s a current list of author events I’ve got planned for the  100 Things to Do in Dallas – Fort Worth Before You Die book release. I’ll keep adding to this. If you live in Texas, I hope to see you at one or more of these events!

What’s the new book about?

This new book is a playful bucket list meant to inspire people to explore North Texas. It’s chock full of ideas for day trips, road trips, date nights, family fun, and other outings here in the DFW Metroplex.

Use this Rafflecopter to enter the Spooky Science on Tap Giveaway!

This contest is to WIN 2 tickets to the Spooky Science on Tap Event. Scroll down this page to read more about this fun adults-only night at the museum! (What a great date night, am I right?) I will contact the contest winners by email on Thursday, Oct 11, 2018. In the meantime, you can enter this contest daily!  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Author Events: O C T O B E R  2018

Book Signing at Costco in Fort Worth
Friday, October 5, 1-3pm

Book Signing at the Full Cup Coffeehouse
Saturday, October 6, 1-3pm
Click here for details

Book Signing at Barnes & Noble
Sunday, October 7, 1-3pm
Preston Royal Shopping Center
5959 Royal Lane Suite 616 Dallas, TX 75230
Click here for details

Presentation and Book Signing
Thursday, October 11, starting at 7 p.m.- 9 p.m.
Fort Worth Livestock Exchange (click that link for more details!)
131 E. Exchange Ave.
Fort Worth, TX 76164
Free and open to the public
I’m the guest speaker at the North Fort Worth Historical Society Meeting.

Presentation at Ft Worth Museum of Science & History
Presentation at Spooky Science on Tap
Friday, October 12, 6-10pm
I give a presentation at 8:30 called “Haunted Hot Spots & Cemetery Symbols in Fort Worth” during this adults-only night at the Museum with spooky hands-on activities, haunted expert chats and a bewitching costume contest (no masks or weapons, please).

Presentation at Irving Public Library
Saturday, October 13, 2-3pm
I’m giving a free presentation called “”Historic Cemeteries & Bucket List Day Trips of North Texas.”
Click here for details.

Book Signing
Saturday, October 13, from 4 to 9:30 p.m.
Weatherford Fright Night (click that link for more details!)
Amphitheater at Heritage Park
378 Jack Borden Way
Weatherford, TX 76086
Open to the public – $5 admission
I will have a booth at this fun charity event!

Book Signing at Sam’s Club
Sunday, October 14, 1-3pm
(Details forthcoming)

Book Signing with fellow Reedy Press author, E.R. Bills
Wednesday, October 17, from 7 to 9 p.m.
Interabang Books(click that link for more details!)
10720 Preston Rd #1009B, Dallas, TX 75230
Open to the public (ER’s a blast! This will be fun.)

Presentation and Book Signing
Sunday, October 21, from 1 to 4 p.m.
Chandor Gardens (click that link for more details!)
711 W Lee Ave.
Weatherford, TX 76086
Open to the public. Admission is $1.00 per person
Chandor Gardens celebrates the fall season with their annual Autumn Art Walk, which features booths from local artisans, including me!

Presentation at Benbrook Public Library
Friday, October 26, 6pm
(Details forthcoming)

Book Signing
I will have a book table set up in Oakwood Cemetery on Sat, Oct 27 from noon-5 p.m., AND Sunday, Oct 28 from noon to 5 p.m.
Oakwood Cemetery (click that link for more details!)
701 Grand Ave.
Fort Worth, TX 76164
Open to the public – The cemetery tours are $10
This amazing annual event takes place at various times over the course of a weekend in late October. The North Fort Worth Historical Society has costumed reenactors who give tours through this beautiful garden cemetery.

N O V E M B E R  2018

Presentation and Book Signing
Saturday, November 3, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
History, Haunts & Legends Conference (click that link for more details!)
Jefferson Visitor Center
305 E. Austin St.
Jefferson, TX 75657
Open to the public – Daytime (speakers & vendors) $35
VIP, which is both Day and night time paranormal investigations at 6 locations is $75
An all day festival with several speakers, including me! It takes place in a very historic little town full of well-preserved old buildings. I usually go on at either 10 or 11 a.m.

Book Signing
Saturday, November 10, starting at 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
The Spooky Spot (click that link for more details!)
112 N. Houston St.
Granbury, TX 76048
Free and open to the public
This book signing takes place during Granbury’s monthly Girls Night Out event. Come by and say hi!

PAST Author Events: S E P T E M B E R  2018

Book Launch Party 
Friday, September 21, 6-9pm
AJ Vagabonds (click that link for more details!)
4643, 336 W Eighth St.
Dallas, TX 75208
(972) 982-2773
Presentation and book launch party: Free and open to the public! (There will be wine and cheese!)

Book Signing
Saturday, September 22, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Frontier Village Car Show, Arts & Music Festival (click that link for more details!)
Loy Park
Denison, Texas 75020
(903) 463-2487
Free and open to the public! (I will be taking photos for a magazine assignment, but will also have an author table set up during this event.)

Presentation and Book Signing
Saturday, September 29 – Sunday, September 30, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. both days
Granbury Paranormal Expo (click that link for more details!)
Historic Granbury Town Square
201 E. Pearl St.
Granbury, TX 76048
Free and open to the public
This is a popular (and super fun!) 2-day festival. I’m a guest speaker this year and will have a booth.

Historic Cemetery Tour in Granbury 
Saturday, September 29 – 8 p.m.
Granbury Paranormal Expo (click that link for more details!)
Explore a historic cemetery in Granbury, Texas with author, Tui Snider, as your guide to explain the meanings behind the architecture and symbols found in this fascinating burial ground. (Last year’s cemetery tour was so much fun and so many people have asked about it, that I decided to do it again!)

 

 

Want me to speak to your group? Just ask!(Click here for details.)

My book hit #1 on Amazon:

***Scroll down to see my fall author events! :)***

My newest travel book is out now!

I’ve got a brand new travel book as of September 15, 2018 via Reedy Press! It’s the second edition for 100 Things to Do in Dallas – Fort Worth Before You Die. The book has hit several bestseller lists on Amazon as you can see in the graphic above!

Road trip inspiration:

This new book is meant to inspire people to explore North Texas. It’s chock full of inspiration for day trips, road trips, date nights, family fun, and other outings here in the DFW Metroplex.

The book is actually a second edition in a “100 Things to do” travel series by Reedy Press. Reedy Press specializes in “local interest” books, and they found me through this website. Since my travel writing motto is, “Even home is a travel destination,” it seems like a perfect fit!

What’s it about? Check out my 40-second book trailer:

Check out my 40-second book trailer below. If you have a YouTube account, could you please give it a like?

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-

Hey, you! Want to keep up with me?

BLOG POSTS: I’ve got 650+ articles here and am constantly adding more!

READ MY BOOKS: Check out my books, including Understanding Cemetery Symbols. It’s available on Amazon in paperback and ebook form.

Want a FREE Guide to Historic Cemeteries?






Sign up below to grab your FREE Cemetery Symbolism Guide:

We respect your email privacy

Author Events for Tui Snider: “100 Things to Do in Dallas – Fort Worth Before You Die” #100Things #dfw @reedypress

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My book hit #1 on Amazon:

***Scroll down to see my fall author events! :)***

My newest travel book comes out soon!

I’ve got a brand new travel book coming out September 15, 2018 via Reedy Press! It’s called 100 Things to Do in Dallas – Fort Worth Before You Die. The book is available for pre-order, but guess what? It’s already hitting bestseller lists on Amazon as you can see in the graphic above!

Road trip inspiration:

This new book is meant to inspire people to explore North Texas. It’s chock full of inspiration for day trips, road trips, date nights, family fun, and other outings here in the DFW Metroplex.

The book is actually a second edition in a “100 Things to do” travel series by Reedy Press. Reedy Press specializes in “local interest” books, and they found me through this website. Since my travel writing motto is, “Even home is a travel destination,” it seems like a perfect fit!

What’s it about? Check out my 40-second book trailer:

Check out my 40-second book trailer below. If you have a YouTube account, could you please give it a like?

Fall 2018 Author Events for me and my books:

Fall of 2018 is going to be a busy time for me and my books! Here’s a current list of author events I’ve got planned for the  100 Things to Do in Dallas – Fort Worth Before You Die book release. I’ll keep adding to this. If you live in Texas, I hope to see you at one or more of these events!

S E P T E M B E R  2018

Online: Featured Author Interview
I have the honor of being the featured author over on CJ Peterson’s blog this month. To read the feature, follow this link: Featured Author – Tui Snider

Presentation and Book Launch Party
Friday, September 21, 6-9pm
AJ Vagabonds (click that link for more details!)
4643, 336 W Eighth St.
Dallas, TX 75208
(972) 982-2773
Presentation and book launch party: Free and open to the public!

Book Signing
Saturday, September 22, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Frontier Village Car Show, Arts & Music Festival (click that link for more details!)
Loy Park
Denison, Texas 75020
(903) 463-2487
Free and open to the public! (I will be taking photos for a magazine assignment, but will also have an author table set up during this event.)

Presentation and Book Signing
Saturday, September 29 – Sunday, September 30, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. both days
Granbury Paranormal Expo (click that link for more details!)
Historic Granbury Town Square
201 E. Pearl St.
Granbury, TX 76048
Free and open to the public
This is a popular (and super fun!) 2-day festival. I’m a guest speaker this year and will have a booth.

O C T O B E R  2018

Presentation and Book Signing
Thursday, October 11, starting at 7 p.m.- 9 p.m.
Fort Worth Livestock Exchange (click that link for more details!)
131 E. Exchange Ave.
Fort Worth, TX 76164
Free and open to the public
I’m the guest speaker at the North Fort Worth Historical Society Meeting.

Book Signing
Saturday, October 13, from 5 to 9:30 p.m.
Weatherford Fright Night (click that link for more details!)
Amphitheater at Heritage Park
378 Jack Borden Way
Weatherford, TX 76086
Open to the public – $5 admission
I will have a booth there

Book Signing with fellow Reedy Press author, E.R. Bills
Wednesday, October 17, from 7 to 9 p.m.
Interabang Books(click that link for more details!)
10720 Preston Rd #1009B, Dallas, TX 75230
Open to the public (ER’s a blast! This will be fun.)

Presentation and Book Signing
Sunday, October 21, from 1 to 4 p.m.
Chandor Gardens (click that link for more details!)
711 W Lee Ave.
Weatherford, TX 76086
Open to the public. Admission is $1.00 per person
Chandor Gardens celebrates the fall season with their annual Autumn Art Walk, which features booths from local artisans, including me!

Book Signing
I will have a book table set up in Oakwood Cemetery on Sat, Oct 27 from noon-5 p.m., AND Sunday, Oct 28 from noon to 5 p.m.
Oakwood Cemetery (click that link for more details!)
701 Grand Ave.
Fort Worth, TX 76164
Open to the public – The cemetery tours are $10
This amazing annual event takes place at various times over the course of a weekend in late October. The North Fort Worth Historical Society has costumed reenactors who give tours through this beautiful garden cemetery.

N O V E M B E R  2018

Presentation and Book Signing
Saturday, November 3, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
History, Haunts & Legends Conference (click that link for more details!)
Jefferson Visitor Center
305 E. Austin St.
Jefferson, TX 75657
Open to the public – Daytime (speakers & vendors) $35
VIP, which is both Day and night time paranormal investigations at 6 locations is $75
An all day festival with several speakers, including me! It takes place in a very historic little town full of well-preserved old buildings. I usually go on at either 10 or 11 a.m.

Book Signing
Saturday, November 10, starting at 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
The Spooky Spot (click that link for more details!)
112 N. Houston St.
Granbury, TX 76048
Free and open to the public
This book signing takes place during Granbury’s monthly Girls Night Out event. Come by and say hi!
=====-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Want me to speak to your group? Just ask!(Click here for details.)

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=-

Hey, you! Want to keep up with me?

BLOG POSTS: I’ve got 650+ articles here and am constantly adding more!

READ MY BOOKS: Check out my books, including Understanding Cemetery Symbols. It’s available on Amazon in paperback and ebook form.

Want a FREE Guide to Historic Cemeteries?






Sign up below to grab your FREE Cemetery Symbolism Guide:

We respect your email privacy

Understanding Cemetery Symbols: Book & YouTube Series Trailer by Tui Snider

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Book Trailer & YouTube Series Trailer

Yee haw! I finally made a video for Messages from the Dead: Understanding Historic Cemetery Symbols. The video is actually a two-for-one deal. It’s a Book Trailer *and* a YouTube Series Preview all in one.

About the book: If you are a genealogist, taphophile, history buff or paranormal researcher, you might enjoy my upcoming book, Messages from the Dead: Understanding Historic Cemetery Symbols. Basically, it’s a field guide explaining the meaning behind historic cemetery symbols.

About the YouTube Series: Each episode of my YouTube series will focus on the meaning behind one historic cemetery symbol or interesting graveyard story.

About my obsession: I’m fascinated by historic graveyards and cemetery symbols. (And of all the presentations I give, this is the most requested topic!) In 2017, I will continue sharing a weekly article on this site about the meaning behind different cemetery symbols.

Please note: This book and YouTube series come out in 2017. To be notified when they are available, be sure to sign up for my weekly newsletter (There’s a form below the video.)

I’m a video newbie, so this video trailer took all day long to create. It was fun, though, because I love the topic. Check it out, below. And make sure your speakers are on, because I composed a theme song for it, as well. Let me know what you think:

 

 

FREE Cemetery Symbols Guide:

Would you like a FREE guide to historic cemetery symbolism? If so, click the image below:

Hey, you! Want to know when the book & YouTube Series are available?

No matter where you live in the galaxy, Tui's books can take you on a FUN adventure!
No matter where you live in the galaxy, Tui Snider’s books can take you on a FUN adventure!

FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER: For updates on my offbeat travels, historic cemetery symbols, YouTube series, speaking appearances & other fun stuff (such as postcards from the road!) subscribe to my newsletter using the form below.  You can also mix & mingle with me by clicking this link & “liking” my Facebook Author Page:

Want to read my books?

I currently have 4 books out, with plenty more on the way! 

Unexpected Texas – This is a travel guide to offbeat and overlooked places in the Dallas – Fort Worth region. (You can see photos and read travel essays on my site, as well.) More here.

Paranormal Texas – This travel guide to paranormal hot spots and haunted lore of the Dallas – Fort Worth area. (I often research haunted sites and share my experiences on this blog!) More here.

The Lynching of the Santa Claus Bank Robber – This book tells the strange-but-true tale of a very bad Santa, a crazy crime saga from the 1920’s in which a mysterious blonde-headed woman may very well have gotten away with murder! More here.

#Review Log Cabin Guest Haus in Cisco, Texas

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Weekend getaway in West Texas

Last weekend, my husband, father-in-law, and I had a weekend getaway at the Log Cabin Guest Haus in Cisco, Texas. [Please note: While our lodging was provided free of charge and this post may contain affiliate links, the opinions expressed here are wholly my own.]

Log Cabin Guest Haus bnb in Cisco, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)
Log Cabin Guest Haus bnb in Cisco, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)

Historic cabin purchased on eBay!

This historic log cabin dates back to the 1840’s but it was not built here in Texas. BnB hosts, John and Mary Kay Williamson, purchased the building on eBay, yes, eBay! I had no idea you could buy a house on that site, but there you go. The cabin was disassembled and shipped all the way from Pennsylvania! Once it arrived in Cisco, John spent a few years reassembling it to create a rustic-yet-modern bed and breakfast inn.

I met John a couple years ago while researching my book, The Lynching of the Santa Claus Bank Robber. I arrived in Cisco with a list of museums, graveyards and people to interview, but every person I spoke to added something more to my list. It was so much fun! Dropping by the log cabin one of these impromptu additions. Although John Williamson was clearly in the middle of a hard day’s work, he took the time to give us a tour of the house and explain his plans. I was immediately impressed and have wanted to stay there ever since!

Log Cabin Guest Haus bnb in Cisco, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)
Log Cabin Guest Haus bnb in Cisco, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)

 

Logs from an extinct American tree

Any do-it-yourself types who book a room at the Log Cabin Guest Haus will enjoy leafing through the hefty photo album showcasing the Williamson’s progress as they reconstructed the building in West Texas.

One surprising and unique feature to this historic log cabin is that its rugged wooden beams are made from American chestnut. While American chestnut was plentiful in the 1840’s, a blight struck in 1904 and quickly wiped the trees out! (Excellent article about that here: American Chestnut History) Very few chestnut trees remain in America.

Log Cabin Guest Haus bnb in Cisco, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)
Log Cabin Guest Haus bnb in Cisco, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)

Modern comforts combine with rustic charm

The couple did a wonderful job of combining the rustic charm of the historic cabin with the cozy comforts of the 21st century. Sure, it’s a historic log cabin, but we had indoor plumbing, hot and cold running water, screaming fast WIFI, hot showers, great water pressure, a Keurig coffee maker, and heaters to keep us warm and dry during the rainy weekend. Plus, my father-in-law, Bob, can’t fall asleep unless the TV is on, so we were able to pop a DVD on for him each night.

And despite all the aforementioned modern conveniences, it was easy to pretend my husband and I were frontier settlers as we cozied up beneath the antique quilts and listened to rain on the tin roof. Hey, I didn’t read all those Little House on the Prairie books as a kid for nothing!

Log Cabin Guest Haus bnb in Cisco, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)
Log Cabin Guest Haus bnb in Cisco, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)

Great space for families

Cisco’s Log Cabin Guest Haus sleeps six people. In our case, Bob slept on the fold out couch downstairs. His bed was big and comfortable. My husband, Larry, and I slept in the upstairs loft, which includes another bed and has its own toilet and shower. I love that loft! Thanks to the open floor plan, we learned that Bob talks in his sleep – a LOT! So, keep that in mind with your guests.

In fact, I’d say that the Log Cabin Guest Haus is best for family and close friends. If you feel comfortable enough with the folks you’re staying with to holler out “good night, John boy” from your bed before falling asleep, then go for it. If not, maybe you should simply book it for you and your partner. Either way, it is definitely worth the stay!

Log Cabin Guest Haus bnb in Cisco, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)
Log Cabin Guest Haus bnb in Cisco, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)

Tasteful decor, like something out of a magazine

The Williamson’s are expert decorators, as well as renovators. In fact, in addition to running a bed and breakfast, theWilliamson’s own an antique shop in downtown Cisco called Log Cabin Antiques. (Are you sensing a theme?) Some of my favorite touches were the stencils on the staircase, the handmade wooden door latches, and the pattern Mary Kay painted on the wood floor in the upstairs loft. We stayed in December, so the cabin featured tasteful Christmas decorations throughout.

By the way, if you like the cute little old-fashioned nightie I’m wearing in the photo, you can buy one for yourself by following this link: lace & ruffle trim nightgown. I’ve been really happy with it. It washes and wears well and it’s modest enough to wear to breakfast in the morning.

Log Cabin Guest Haus bnb in Cisco, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)
Log Cabin Guest Haus bnb in Cisco, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)

Sleep late or get up early, breakfast time is flexible

Each morning, John Williamson would deliver a wonderful breakfast cooked by his wife, Mary Kay, to our back door. The menu and delivery time were easily worked out via text message the night before.

The first morning, Mary Kay sent over a hearty egg casserole in individual ramekins, along with toast, a fruit cup and orange juice. The fridge was stocked with an array of tasty jams and preserves. I really enjoyed the peach butter – yum!

Log Cabin Guest Haus bnb in Cisco, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)
Log Cabin Guest Haus bnb in Cisco, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)

Oh, those cinnamon chip scones!

The second morning we opted for decadent cinnamon chip scones, sausages, and orange juice. Mary Kay sent 6 scones over, but we only ate 3 that morning. We saved the rest for a treat the next day, and they were a tasty reminder of our delightful West Texas getaway. I really like how the Williamson’s allow their guests to set the breakfast time of their choice. Early risers will be just as happy as those who want to sleep in and take their time enjoying the log cabin.

For our other meals, we dined at Waverly’s coffee shop and Shannon’s Burger Barn. (I will add links to my reviews of both of these eateries here soon!) For a little West Texas town, Cisco has some surprisingly tasty family-owned restaurants. We really enjoyed them both.

Log Cabin Guest Haus bnb in Cisco, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)
Log Cabin Guest Haus bnb in Cisco, Texas (photo by Tui Snider)

More info & how to book your stay at the Log Cabin Guest Haus

If you’re looking for a romantic getaway or just a break from your hectic routine, I highly recommend booking a room at the Log Cabin Guest Haus and exploring all that the friendly little West Texas town of Cisco has to offer! The three of us had a wonderful time and plan to return the first chance we get.

For more information & to book your stay: click here to visit the Log Cabin Guest Haus official website. And, remember, when you book your room, tell them Tui sent you! :)

FREE Cemetery Symbols Guide:

Would you like a FREE guide to historic cemetery symbolism? If so, click the image below:

Paris Texas Day Trip – Visit the Other Eiffel Tower

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The following is an adapted excerpt from Unexpected Texas,my fun travel guide to quirky, offbeat and overlooked places near Dallas and Fort Worth. Check it out if you are looking for fun road trips in north Texas. Also, for a *FREE* 50-page guide to ghost hunting groups and haunted history tours in north Texas, sign up for my infrequent-but-interesting newsletter by clicking here:

Why Take a Day Trip to Paris Texas?
While several Texan towns share names with European cities (London, Athens, and Dublin to name a few) what makes Paris so special is how the town plays up its French name, riffing on it like a jazz theme. As a result, Paris Texas makes a fun day trip!

Eiffel Tower Replica
Take, for example, the Eiffel Tower replica built in the early 90’s with volunteer parts and labor by a local factory, Babcock and Wilcox Co. Unlike other replicas around the USA, Paris chose to add a touch of “yee haw” to their “ooh-la-la” by topping their Eiffel Tower with a bright red cowboy hat.

Paris, TX Eiffel Tower Replica (photo by Tui Snider)
Paris, TX Eiffel Tower Replica (photo by Tui Snider)

At a height of 65 feet, the replica is pretty teeny compared to the original Eiffel Tower in that other Paris. Still, it’s much taller than anything nearby and is mighty photogenic, as you can see from my photos.

Despite several signs around town, the Eiffel Tower replica can be a little hard to find, so I’ve put the address in the trip summary at the end of this article.

Marble fountain in Paris, TX (photo by Tui Snider)
Marble fountain in Paris, TX (photo by Tui Snider)

Downtown Paris Texas: Antiques, Shopping and more
After taking some photos of the Eiffel Tower replica, set your GPS for downtown, and get ready to do some walking. The citizens of Paris have kept their little city in good shape.

Culbertson Fountain
A gorgeous marble fountain stands in the center of the historical downtown, creating a lovely centerpiece for all the Mom and Pop stores surrounding it.
Paris makes a good Texas day trip for antique lovers. Nearly every store downtown offers a free map listing at least 15 different antique shops within walking distance of town square.

Marble fountain detail in Paris, TX (photo by Tui Snider)
Marble fountain detail in Paris, TX (photo by Tui Snider)

Farmers Market
There is also a year-round farmer’s market near downtown where you can enjoy what local growers have to offer. Sadly, the Paris Bakery was closed for vacation when I made my day trip, but I’ve seen photos of their fresh pastries and they look delicious. Next time!

Paris, Texas courthouse lion carving (photo by Tui Snider)
Paris, Texas courthouse lion carving (photo by Tui Snider)

Historic Neighborhoods and Architecture
Downtown Paris, Texas features older buildings with interesting details, such as gargoyles and mosaic tiles. Don’t miss the Lamar County Courthouse, a pink granite structure decorated with intricately carved columns, smug-faced lions and other striking details.

The Historic Neighborhood of Paris, Texas is worth driving through to check out all the lovely Victorian homes and wonderful old trees. One of these historic homes, the Sam Bell Maxey House was recently remodeled and is now open as a museum.

Jesus in Cowboy Boots (photo by Tui Snider)
Jesus in Cowboy Boots (photo by Tui Snider)

Jesus in Cowboy Boots
No day trip to Paris, Texas is complete without a visit to Evergreen Cemetery, where you can see a statue depicting Jesus wearing a pair of cowboy boots.

Tales abound regarding the Jesus in Cowboy Boots, which stands atop the grave of a fellow named Willet Babcock. Some say it isn’t even supposed to be Jesus, but an angel, instead.

Another rumor claims that the sculptor was bad at depicting feet, so he chose cowboy boots in order to avoid the anatomical challenge. To see more photos of this boot-clad Jesus, check out my post: Quirky Texas: Jesus in Cowboy Boots

Solar System Model in Paris, TX (photo by Tui Snider)
Solar System Model in Paris, TX (photo by Tui Snider)

Trail de Paris
The Trail de Paris is a well-maintained public path for walking, jogging and cycling. Not only is this lovely trail heavily-wooded, but the Valley of the Caddo Star Gazer’s Club recently created a scale model of the solar system along the way. As you can see from my photo, I made it all the way to Jupiter.

Big Soup Can in Paris, TX (photo by Tui Snider)
Big Soup Can in Paris, TX (photo by Tui Snider)

“Huge” Campbell Soup Can
While researching this Texas day trip, I heard about an allegedly “huge” can of tomato soup on display in Paris. While it’s true that the entrance sign for the local Campbell’s Soup factory does feature a big can of soup, I wouldn’t quite call it huge. Still, it is worthy of a drive-by photo, especially if you are an Andy Warhol fan.

Plan your trip to Paris, Texas
Here’s a summary of addresses for the top attractions in Paris, Texas for you to use when planning your visit:

Eiffel Tower Replica: Located at Love Civic Center (2025 South Collegiate Drive, Paris, TX 75460.)

Historic Downtown Paris: The town square, featuring Culbertson Fountain, is directly across from the Paris Texas Chamber of Commerce (8 West Plaza, Paris, TX 75460.)

Evergreen Cemetery: To see the Jesus in Cowboy Boots statue, wander through the older section of the Evergreen Cemetery (560 Evergreen St, Paris, TX 75460) until you see the grave marker for Willet Babcock.

Trail de Paris: There are six trailheads, but the one at Noyes Stadium (1245 24th Street, Paris, TX 75460) has an actual address.

Sam Bell Maxey House: 812 South Church Street, Paris, TX 75460

Campbell Soup Can: You can view this at the entrance to the factory at 500 NW Loop 286 Paris, TX 75460

Paris Farmers Market:: The Paris Farmers Market (410 S.W. First Street Paris, TX 75460) is open daily from 7:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.

Paris Bakery:: 120 North Main Street, Paris, TX 75460

Please note: While all the above information is accurate as of this writing, please be aware that it is subject to change.

Want to read more?

To read about more weird, offbeat, and overlooked places, check out my best selling travel guide: Unexpected Texas.
For ghost hunting hot spots, check out my best selling travel guide to haunted places: Paranormal Texas.
For a strange-but-true tale of Texas history, check out: The Lynching of the Santa Claus Bank Robber. Happy travels!

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Tui Snider having fun on a Texas road trip!
Tui Snider having fun on a Texas road trip!