If you’re looking for an escape, there’s no place in Texas like the piney woods region for tranquility and natural beauty. But where to go? The quaint town of Marshall not only embraces its heritage with impressive historic sites and festive holiday celebrations, but also it offers up a lush, green landscape … practically begging to be explored.
Life moves pretty fast these days. When you stop by the Texas and Pacific Railroad Museum, located in the 1912 Ginoccio National Historic District, you’ll get the chance to sneak a peek back to the days when life moved a little slower. Marshall, as the seat of Harrison County in 1841, benefited hugely from the arrival of the railroad in the area.
But there’s more to Marshall than a history lesson—you can also get a little bit of culture at the Michelson Museum of Art. This museum features the work of Russian-American artist Leo Michelson and also showcases 20th-century American art and Chinese Opera Puppets. For the little ones, the Weisman Hirsch Discovery Room offers a bright space for hands-on activities, fostering imagination in a virtual artist’s studio. “Please,” children are encouraged to “touch everything in here!”
While you’re there, get an early start on holiday cheer. This time of year, Marshall is completely transformed by thousands of tiny bulbs illuminating the entire city during the Wonderland of Lights festival. This year’s festival (running from Nov. 24-Jan. 2) promises to be even bigger and brighter than ever, with added headline performances and family friendly attractions (read: a Texas-sized snow globe!) that would make even the Grinch feel festive.
At the end of the day, you’ll want a place to rest your head—why not do so on a registered landmark? Book a room at the Weisman-Hirsch-Beil Home, a bed and breakfast built in 1907 and currently on the national register of historic places. A room will run you between $90-$150. In the morning, you’ll wake up to a tasty treat—biscuits made from scratch by proprietor Gail Beil.
So what can’t you do in Marshall? Have a bad time. Start the holiday season off with a touch of history, culture and illumination—and you won’t have to wonder what you’ve been missing all these years.
What to See in Marshall, Texas
Wonderland of Lights
903/935-7868; www.visitmarshalltexas.org
Michelson Museum of Art
903/935-9480; michelsonmuseum.org
Marshall Depot, Texas and Pacific Railroad Museum
903/938-9495; marshalldepot.org
Weisman-Hirsch-Beil Home
903/938-5504; weismanhirschbeilhome.com
