Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Camden, Arkansas and Tatum, Texas
Camden, Arkansas, and Tatum, Texas may seem like quiet towns, but there are many hidden gems to explore while on a road trip. The trip from Camden, Arkansas to Tatum, Texas is a little over five hours, passing through fascinating sights in Louisiana before reaching the destination. Minden, LA is the halfway point, which is home to many natural wonders and is an ideal spot for a break.
Top Five Things to Do
1. Petra Cafe & Hookah Lounge - Shreveport, LA
Petra Cafe & Hookah Lounge is a top-rated spot in Shreveport, LA, and it's just an hour away from Minden. The lounge features a Middle Eastern-style decor that will allow visitors to feel relaxed while sipping tea or smoking hookahs. Additionally, they have appetizing Mediterranean food that visitors can enjoy. Petra Cafe & Hookah Lounge is a great place to hang out with friends, have a small party, or just unwind.
Interesting Fact: The name Petra refers to an ancient city in Jordan that was once the hub of Arabian trade.
2. Logan Mansion - Shreveport, LA
Logan Mansion is a breathtaking Victorian-era mansion located in Shreveport, LA. Visitors can tour the mansion's first floor, which houses 17 rooms and a grand piano. Logan Mansion was constructed in 1897 for the prosperous Logan family. The mansion now operates as a bed and breakfast, allowing visitors to experience the Old South charm.
Interesting Fact: Logan Mansion has a secret room with a hidden door that was used during the prohibition era.
3. Texas Country Music Hall of Fame - Carthage, TX
The Texas Country Music Hall of Fame is located in Carthage, TX, and will please any country music lover. The museum celebrates the accomplishments of musicians that helped shape the Texas country music genre. Visitors can view exhibits about famous country music singers from Texas like Willie Nelson, George Strait, and Miranda Lambert. The museum also features a gift shop that'll allow visitors to take home a piece of Texas music history.
Interesting Fact: The Texas Country Music Hall of Fame held its inaugural induction ceremony in 1998, where Waylon Jennings became the first inductee.
4. Jefferson Ghost Walk - Jefferson, TX
Ghost enthusiasts will enjoy the Jefferson Ghost Walk in Jefferson, TX. The tour takes visitors through Jefferson's historic district, where they can learn about the town's history and its ghosts. The tour covers several frightening areas in Jefferson, including the historic Excelsior Hotel, which is said to be haunted by various spirits. Additionally, the tours' knowledgeable guides will share facts and stories that'll send chills down your spine.
Interesting Fact: Jefferson, TX, was once home to the state mental asylum, East Texas Insane Asylum, which is now abandoned but rumored to be haunted by restless spirits.
5. Starr Family Home State Historic Site - Marshall, TX
The Starr Family Home State Historic Site is located in Marshall, TX, and showcases the lifestyle of a prosperous family in the 1860s. The house is an excellent example of the Victorian architectural style of the time, complete with period furniture that takes visitors back to a bygone era. Visitors can tour the property and hear stories about the Starr family's history and the significant role they played in Texas' early days.
Interesting Fact: James Harper Starr, the founder of the Starr Family Home State Historic Site, served as the treasurer of the Republic of Texas in the 1840s.
Conclusion
The road trip from Camden, Arkansas, to Tatum, Texas, offers many opportunities to experience southern culture. Don't forget to stop at some of the amazing sites in Louisiana, including the Logan Mansion and Petra Cafe & Hookah Lounge. As you head back into Texas, a visit to the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame is a must for any country music buff. Wrap up the exciting trip with a ghost tour of Jefferson's historic district and a visit to Starr Family Home State Historic Site. This remarkable journey took approximately five hours and is one that'll create memories that will last a lifetime.