If you’re in or around Athens, TX, and you’ve got a thirst for knowledge or a love for all things historical, beautiful, or just plain interesting, then you’re in for a treat. Climb into your GMC Sierra, buckle up, and take a drive to some of the best museums around!
Does Your Chevy Need a Transmission Repair?
A transmission problem conjures up visions of hefty repair bills and a long period without your car. Fortunately, these visions are mostly incorrect. The sooner a transmission problem is identified, the quicker and easier your Chevy dealer can repair it for you. These are a few signs that you’ll need to visit us for a transmission repair.
Read the rest of this entry »If you’re looking for a charming town with plenty of character and exciting tourist attractions, Athens, TX, is the perfect getaway. Gather your tribe, load everyone in a spacious Chevy Tahoe or Suburban, and head down the road to explore the town’s favorite spots below.
1. Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center
Did you know that Texans spend more money on fishing than other outdoor activities? You can learn all about it and the native aquatic creatures that live in the state’s freshwater rivers and lakes at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center at 5550 F.M. 2495 in Athens.
The center consists of a 300,000-gallon aquarium, state-of-the-art hatchery, laboratory, museum, hall of fame, and an educational facility that provides numerous educational and fun ways to learn about the Texans underwater. The aquarium exhibits offer a fascinating glimpse into the state’s diverse aquatic ecosystems, while the hatchery, one of five state fish hatcheries, helps maintain the quality of fishing in Texas.
2. Lake Athens
The scenic 1,799-acre Lake Athens, a popular spot for watersports and fishing, is roughly five miles from town at 5401 Marina Drive. Spend a day paddling, fishing, and enjoying the beautiful scenery on the open water. The lake is famous for whopper largemouth bass, some weighing in at up to eight pounds, and boasts a record catch of 14.19 pounds.
There’s also a good supply of sunfish, white bass, and crappie. Lake Athens Marina is the ideal place to start your adventure. The marina has a public boat ramp, general store, and bait shop and offers kayak and paddleboard rentals. If you want to stay overnight, Lone Star Camp has lovely modern and rustic cabins and bunk-style houses right on the lake.
3. Athens Scuba Park
The Athens Scuba Park at 500 North Murchison Street in Athens is the ultimate getaway for an underwater adventure. This all-inclusive dive facility right on a tree-lined 8-acre spring-fed lake has everything you need for an unforgettable diving experience.
With ten diving docks scattered around the lake and sunken treasures that include sailboats, airplanes, and even a bus and a truck, there’s no shortage of excitement. The park is a world-class dive site that offers diving lessons, a full-service dive shop, equipment rental, and an RV and tent campground.
4. The East Texas Arboretum and Botanical Society
Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature at the East Texas Arboretum and Botanical Society at 1601 Patterson Road in Athens. The Wofford House Museum boasts a charming Kitchen Garden that enhances the rustic charm and historical authenticity of the 1850s farmhouse. The Children’s Garden is more than just a playground; it’s also a beautiful spot to observe birds around in fountains and small ponds scattered throughout the area.
Admire the colorful flower beds in the Ruby Key Garden and stroll down the trails through lush woodlands to the Garden in the Forest with statues and fountains over a 115-foot suspension bridge to catch glimpses of bird and animal life.
Athens has terrific attractions and quite a few interesting and exciting surprises to discover. While in the area, drop by Bacon Auto Ranch for top-quality vehicles and the town’s best maintenance and repair services.
Image by Lorri Lang from Pixabay
4 Spring Activities You Can Drive to Near Athens, TX
Springtime is the best time to check out the wonders of the natural world, whether in the wild, on the farm, or in the pantry. Athens, TX has a range of opportunities for you to benefit from the season’s bounty and to inspire your adventures, so check out our list of some of the best spring activities in the area.
4 Spring Activities You Can Drive to Near Athens, TX
1. First Responders PRCA Rodeo
Held on May 28 to 29 at Henderson County Regional Fair Park and starting at 6pm, this event is sure to get your blood racing. As well as the rodeo, you’ll be able to watch BFO freestyle bullfighting and enter the raffles. And before the event there’ll also be a barbecue cook-off featuring a crawfish boil, fish fry, and bean contest, costing just $25 for all you can eat.
Tickets are available online, so book early for a spring night to remember.
2. Athen’s Farmer’s Market
If you can’t get enough of seasonal, locally-grown produce then you’ll be thrilled to hear that the Athen’s Farmer’s Market will open again in May. Held at 100 Cardinal Drive on Saturdays from 9am to 1pm, you’ll be able to source the freshest fruit, vegetables, flowers, meat, dairy, honey, and preserves, not to mention the home-made ice cream.
3. Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center
Springtime in Texas is one of the best times to fish, and you’ll get all the information you need at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center. As well as learning more about native species at the hatcheries and aquaria, you can view the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame and focus on the history and culture of freshwater fishing. Or you could explore the Wetlands Trail to find out more about aquatic habitats.
The center is located at 5550 FM 2495 and opens from Tuesday to Saturday 9am to 4pm, or 1pm to 4pm on Sundays. With the Trail Boss package on your Chevy Colorado, you’ve got all the off-road equipment you need to get over rough trails on your way to the best fishing spots, so visit the center for some extra inspiration before you head out on a trip.
4. Echo Springs Blueberry Farm
One of the biggest blueberry farms in Texas, Echo Springs will help you to celebrate one of springtime’s best features… blueberry picking! From Memorial Day, the farm will be running pick-your-own sessions for blueberry fans from 8am to 4pm every day. It’s located at 7235 FM 607, where you can also visit the gift shop, or buy blueberry-themed bakery goods. There’s also the chance to pick up a huge range of blueberry and blackberry preserves.
It’s the best time of year to get closer to nature, so look out for all the opportunities in and around Athens to appreciate the world around us. And while you’re out exploring, don’t forget to stop by and see us at Bacon Auto Ranch to appreciate our latest inventory of exciting vehicles and offers.
Image Via Pixabay
Three Impressive Features of the 2023 Chevy Traverse
The Chevy Traverse was first introduced for the 2009 model year, and since then has continued to build upon Chevy’s long legacy of durable, reliable vehicles that offer a capable and commanding driving experience. The 2023 Traverse sports a hefty amount of power under the hood, ample cabin room, and a number of safety and convenience features that make driving a breeze.
Read moreThree Impressive Features of the 2023 Chevy Traverse
1. Robust Engine Performance
The 2023 Traverse is powered by a 3.6L V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and you can really feel that power when you’re behind the wheel. With 310 horsepower under the hood and a maximum towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, you can quickly get up to speed on the highway or take a trailer with you on a camping trip and everything in between.
The Traverse in FWD offers an impressive 27 mpg highway and 18 mpg city, which is only slightly in AWD configurations at 25 mpg highway and 17 mpg in the city.
2. Tons of Cargo Space
Space is a major consideration for any vehicle, and the 2023 Traverse doesn’t disappoint. With three rows of comfortable seats that can each easily fit adults, the Traverse is ideal for hauling around your kid’s soccer team and gear or taking the entire family on an extended road trip.
The trunk has 23 cubic feet of storage space, which can be more than doubled if you fold the third row flat to an impressive 57.8 cubic feet. If you’re moving larger pieces of furniture or taking multiple pieces of luggage to a new apartment, you can fold the second row down as well to maximize your cargo space at just over 98 cubic feet.
3. Chevrolet’s Impressive Tech Suite
Chevrolet has put every bit of its technical prowess into the Traverse’s 2023 model year, and the 7-inch touchscreen infotainment center pairs wirelessly with your Android or Apple smartphone to make it easier to manage hands-free calling and more with voice command integration. Optional upgrades for the digital display in the center console include upgrading the screen to 8 inches and adding a built-in navigation service.
Beyond the interior tech, there’s a whole suite of convenience and safety features designed to keep you and your passengers safe on the road. These include a standard following distance indicator, forward collision alert, automatic emergency front braking, a lane keep assist feature, and automatic headlights and high beams. An optional 360-degree camera can also help you navigate and look out for obstacles in tight spaces.
Interested in taking 2023 Traverse out for a test drive, or have a few questions about looking for your next new SUV? Give the team at Bacon Auto Ranch a call today to schedule an appointment.
At a Glance: The 2023 Chevy Tahoe
The 2023 Chevy Tahoe is a newly improved, full-size SUV designed with the modern driver in mind. Boasting a range of powerful engines, ample cargo space, and cutting-edge technology, this SUV is one of the most popular choices on the market. Chevy has left no stone unturned to keep up with the times and offers industry-leading SUV features that provide a sublime driving experience.
Read moreAt a Glance: The 2023 Chevy Tahoe
Chevy Performance That You Can Count On
The 2023 Tahoe is ready to revolutionize the SUV market with powerful engines and grounding-breaking performance. The standard 5.3L V8 engine delivers a whopping 355 horsepower, making it one of the most capable engines in its class. Additionally, drivers can opt for the available 6.2L V8 engine that packs a punch with an impressive output of 420 horses.
Paired with a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission, the new Tahoe also provides precise steering that allows for minimal body roll. These key features ensure that every ride in the Tahoe is smooth and exhilarating. The Tahoe’s adaptive ride air suspension also ensures the vehicle remains stable on bumpy terrain.
Plush Interior
The 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe can accommodate up to eight passengers, making it the ideal SUV for long road trips or busy commutes. Inside the cabin, high-quality materials are used throughout to provide exceptional comfort and support to all passengers. The available 10-way power front seats also ensure driver and passenger enjoy effortless adjustments for maximum ride enjoyment.
Another impressive feature the Tahoe offers is the available advanced trailering package. This package includes a hitch guidance system, trailer brake controller, smart trailer integration indicator, and hitch view. With these tools at hand, towing has never been easier or more efficient. Whether it’s for work or recreation, this package provides everything you need for a successful haul.
Plenty of In-Cabin Infotainment
Do you value advanced infotainment features in an SUV? If so, the 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe is the vehicle you seek! The Tahoe boasts a standard 8-inch touchscreen display that makes it easy to access your preferred apps while on the go. The intuitive interface lets you access everything from music to navigation and even climate control settings with just a few taps. Also, Bluetooth and OnStar Services are included in this package.
Another feature drivers love about the Tahoe is its USB ports, which are conveniently located in the front and rear of the cabin. This ensures all passengers can charge their devices no matter where they are seated. Additionally, the Tahoe comes with a three-month trial subscription to SiriusXM radio, so you’ll never be without your favorite tunes or talk shows while driving.
With all of these outstanding features and more, it’s no surprise the 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe is this year’s hottest SUV. Stop by Bacon Auto Ranch to test drive one today!
When it comes to great BBQ, you can’t get much better than Texas. Even smaller towns, such as Athens, TX, have an incredible selection of local BBQ joints. If you’re out in town this weekend, here are some of the spots where you’ll find the best barbecue in the area.
The Home of BBQ: 3 of the Best Barbecue Joints in Driving Distance of Athens, TX
Danny’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Q
Situated at 850 East Corsicana Street, Danny’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Q is the quintessential Texan BBQ joint. All kinds of meat are available on their massive menu, including brisket, hot links, pulled pork, and ribs, and you can order everything either by the pound, as a sandwich, or even in a taco! What’s more, Danny’s also offers daily specials every day of the week, so you can enjoy something different every time you visit.
With its massive combo platters, Danny’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Q is a perfect spot to enjoy an evening with friends, so load up all seven seats in the massive new 2023 GMC Acadia and bring everyone along to share some of the most delicious BBQ you’ll find in the area.
E&S BBQ
Set in a well-sized building at 29018 TX-19, E&S BBQ offers some of the best-slow-cooked meats that Athens has to offer. Huge platters of mixed meats are available for groups, and solo diners can opt for tacos, burritos, loaded potatoes, or meat by the pound. However, it’s the amazing variety of sides this place has to offer that sets it aside from other places. Tantalizing options include sauteed mushrooms, mac & cheese, and okra, among many other delicious choices.
Smokey B Barbecue
A lesser-known gem in the area, Smokey B Barbecue is located at 606 Maryland Drive, and you’ll smell the incredible, smokey aromas of BBQ meats as soon as you approach this food truck-style operation. If you ask any regular, they’ll tell you that it’s all about the baby back ribs here. However, this incredible place also serves tons of other meats, including juicy pork tenderloin, prime beef brisket, and chicken wings.
As Texas is America’s most famous BBQ state, it’s no surprise that there are so many incredible local BBQ joints located around towns such as Athens. All of these incredible spots are worth a visit, but the question is, which one do you go for first? Whichever you go for, drop by and visit us at Bacon Auto Ranch, where we can get your car in perfect condition, ready for your drive to these amazing spots.
Image Via Pixabay
Italian food is always a crowd-pleaser, and Athens, TX has some of the best Italian restaurants in the area. Whether you’re in the mood for classic pasta dishes or gourmet pizzas, these restaurants have something for everyone. And what better way to enjoy your Italian feast than in the comfort of a Chevy Silverado?
Drive on Over to These 3 Italian Restaurants Near Athens, TX
Roma
If you’re in the mood for classic Italian cuisine, Roma in is the place to be. Located at 500 S Palestine St, this simple and unassuming restaurant offers a full bar and a menu full of delicious pizzas and pasta. If you enjoy their bar offerings, please do so responsibly and never drink and drive.
They have daily specials that are sure to please any palate, and their dessert selection is to die for. Whether you’re dining alone or with a large group, Roma can accommodate your needs. With a warm and welcoming atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot for a casual dinner or a special occasion. So why not head over to Roma and indulge in some authentic Italian goodness?
Vetoni’s Italian Restaurant
Vetoni’s Italian Restaurant in Gun Barrel City is a classic Italian eatery that’s sure to impress. Located at 428 N Gun Barrel Ln, this restaurant boasts an indoor fountain that adds to the charming atmosphere. While closed on Mondays, the rest of the week it’s open and waiting for you to bring your own beer or wine to accompany your meal.
The buffet option is always a hit with customers, and the garlic knots and alfredo sauce are customer favorites. It’s a great spot for families, with plenty of seating and a welcoming environment. If you’re looking for delicious Italian cuisine in Gun Barrel City, Vetoni’s Italian Restaurant is a must-visit.
Tavi’s
If you’re in search of a romantic dinner spot, Tavi’s in Seven Points is the perfect place for a date night. Located at 701 E Cedar Creek Pkwy, this cozy restaurant offers stunning views of the lake, making for a lovely ambiance. Closed on Mondays, it’s open the rest of the week and is well known for its delicious lasagna.
The prices are reasonable, and the service is top-notch, adding to the overall experience. With its intimate atmosphere and waterfront view, Tavi’s is the ideal spot for a special occasion or a memorable date night. So, why not make a reservation and treat your special someone to a night they won’t forget?
So, next time you’re in Athens, make sure to visit one of these fantastic Italian places and experience the delicious flavors of Italy. And while you’re at it, stop by Bacon Auto Ranch and check out our latest Chevy Silverado models. With its impressive towing capacity and advanced features, the Chevy Silverado is the ideal vehicle for your next road trip or outdoor adventure.
Image Via Pixabay
Load up the Chevy Silverado or Trailblazer and take the road out of Athens, TX on adventures packed with outdoor activities. Hike and bike through breathtaking woodlands wet your hook in the fourth-largest lake in Texas, cool off in the splashiest spot in the region, go off-roading through the mud, and pitch your tent on the shores of a scenic lake.
Take the Chevy and Discover These 5 Outdoor Activities Near Athens, TX
1. Explore the Beautiful Purtis Creek Prairies and Woodlands
The beautiful Purtis Creek State Park at 14225 FM 316 N in Eustace is just 11.8 miles from Athens and stretches over 1,582 acres of rolling prairies and deciduous woodlands abundant with birdlife. Put on your hiking boots, get on your bicycle, and head down the trails that cut through the woods and run along the shores of the scenic 355-acre Purtis Creek Lake.
Read more2. Pitch Your Tent at Shiloh on the Lake
Pack your camping gear in the Chevy and take a short 12.7-mile drive to the scenic 48-acre Shiloh on the Lake campground at 14638 Travis Parkway in Malakoff for an extraordinary camping adventure. Pick a full hookup or primitive campsite in Piney Woods, or pitch your tent on the shores of the beautiful Cedar Creek Lake.
Spend your days fishing from the pier, kayaking, and boating on the lake, hiking and biking through the woods, or just sticking your toes in the sand on the sandy swimming beach.
3. Go on a Fishing Expedition at Cedar Creek Reservoir
Take a 15-mile drive west on US 175 to the enormous 32,623-acre Cedar Creek Reservoir, the fourth-largest lake in Texas, for an epic fishing expedition. The water is brimming with largemouth, white, hybrid striped bass, blue, flathead, and channel catfish, and the 320-mile-long shoreline has plenty of spots to wet your hook. Texas Parks and Wildlife stock the lake annually with hybrid striped bass, and a whopper of 13.19 pounds was hooked here.
4. Cool Off at Splash Kingdom Paradise Island
There’s no need to drive hundreds of miles to the ocean if you can hop in your Chevy and catch the waves 24.6 miles away in Canton. The extraordinary Splash Kingdom Paradise Island at 18814 Interstate 20 has a 350,000-gallon wave pool where you can ride the waves on the Flow Rider, glide down thrilling waterslides into swirling pools of water, and a long lazy river if you want to kick back and relax.
5. Hit the Trails at River Run ATV Park
The 2,000-acre River Run ATV Park at 2001 County Road in Jacksonville, 37 miles away, is the ultimate spot in the region to head down the trails on horseback, in a golf cart, an off-road motorbike, or ATV, UTV, or your Chevy truck. The routes vary from hard-packed clay to slippery mud, with plenty of challenging sections, and you can ride for days without hitting the same trails twice.
Go on exciting excursions and have loads of fun outdoors. To ensure your Chevy is ready for an outdoor adventure, drop by Bacon Auto Ranch today for an expert maintenance service.
5 Favorite Shopping Spots in Athens, TX
Ready to go on a shopping spree? If you’re near Athens, TX, you’ll have plenty of places to browse and buy. Here are five favorite spots you can easily reach in your car.
1: Athens Village Center
Ever wanted a center that offers something for everyone? Then you’ll love the Athens Village Center. Nestled away at 1111 E Tyler St, this hidden gem is one of Athens’ best-kept secrets.
Whether you’re looking to buy groceries, clothing, or a gift for someone special, this diverse range of stores has what you need. The shopping center is loved by locals and offers unbeatable deals.
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