Best Western Regency Inn & Suites

Longview, Texas - Your East Texas Hotel
📞 (903) 212-3333 📍 707 N Access Road, Longview, TX

Longview Texas Area Guide

Best Western Regency Inn & Suites - Longview, Texas

Longview, Texas Area Guide

Welcome to East Texas

Longview, Texas sits in the heart of the Piney Woods region of East Texas, offering visitors an authentic taste of Southern culture, rich history, natural beauty, and warm hospitality. Whether you're visiting for business, exploring the region as a tourist, or considering relocating to East Texas, understanding Longview and the surrounding area enhances your experience.

About Longview

Longview is the county seat of Gregg County and one of the largest cities in East Texas. With a population of approximately 80,000-90,000 in the city proper and over 200,000 in the greater metropolitan area, Longview combines small-town friendliness with the amenities and services of a regional hub.

History and Heritage

Founded in 1870 with the arrival of the Texas and Pacific Railway, Longview grew from a small railroad stop into a thriving city. The city's name reportedly came from a railway surveyor who noted the "long view" from a local ridge.

Longview's modern growth accelerated dramatically in the 1930s with the discovery of the East Texas Oil Field, one of the largest oil discoveries in United States history. This oil boom transformed Longview from a modest agricultural and railroad town into a prosperous industrial city, establishing the petroleum industry presence that continues to influence the local economy today.

The Gregg County Historical Museum preserves and presents this rich history through exhibits, artifacts, and educational programs. Understanding Longview's heritage as a railroad town turned oil boom city provides context for the community's character and development.

Geography and Climate

Longview is located in the Piney Woods region of East Texas, characterized by rolling hills, dense pine forests, numerous lakes and streams, and red clay soil. This geography differs dramatically from the flat prairies, deserts, and plains that characterize other parts of Texas.

The area's climate is humid subtropical, with:

Summers: Hot and humid, with temperatures often reaching the 90s Fahrenheit (32-37°C). Afternoon thunderstorms are common, providing relief from heat and supporting the region's lush vegetation. Winters: Mild compared to northern states, with average highs in the 50s-60s Fahrenheit (10-20°C). Freezing temperatures occur but are generally brief. Snowfall is rare but not unheard of. Spring and Fall: These transitional seasons offer particularly pleasant weather, with moderate temperatures, lower humidity, and beautiful displays of wildflowers in spring and changing leaves in fall. Rainfall: East Texas receives ample rainfall, typically 40-50 inches annually, supporting the region's forests and agriculture. The rainy season generally peaks in spring, though precipitation occurs throughout the year.

Visitors should plan for warm, humid summers and pack accordingly. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Economy and Industry

Longview's economy reflects its history while evolving with modern trends:

Energy Sector: The oil and gas industry remains significant, with petroleum production, refining, and related industries providing employment and economic impact. Several major energy companies maintain operations in the Longview area. Manufacturing: Diverse manufacturing operations include industrial equipment, steel fabrication, and various production facilities. The area's transportation infrastructure and business-friendly environment support manufacturing growth. Healthcare: Medical facilities including regional hospitals and specialty clinics make Longview a healthcare hub for East Texas, employing thousands and serving patients from surrounding communities. Education: Longview Independent School District, LeTourneau University, and Kilgore College contribute to education and workforce development while employing faculty and staff. Retail and Services: As a regional center, Longview provides shopping, dining, entertainment, and services for residents and visitors from surrounding areas.

This economic diversity provides stability and opportunities while maintaining the community character that makes Longview attractive to businesses and residents.

Culture and Community

East Texas culture blends Southern traditions with Texas independence, creating a distinctive regional identity:

Southern Hospitality: Visitors consistently note the friendliness and helpfulness of East Texans. This isn't just a stereotype—genuine hospitality is deeply embedded in the culture. Religious Heritage: Churches representing various denominations are prominent in community life, reflecting the region's strong religious traditions. Outdoor Lifestyle: The abundance of lakes, forests, and parks supports a culture that values fishing, hunting, boating, and outdoor recreation. Arts and Culture: Despite its modest size, Longview supports community theater, museums, art galleries, and cultural events that enrich residents and visitors. Sports: High school football holds special significance in Texas culture, and Longview is no exception. Friday night football games are community events that bring people together. Food Culture: East Texas cuisine emphasizes Southern cooking traditions, barbecue, Mexican influences, and generous portions. Food is central to hospitality and celebration.

Education

Longview offers educational opportunities from early childhood through university level:

K-12 Education: Longview Independent School District serves the city with elementary, middle, and high schools. Several private and parochial schools offer alternative educational options. Higher Education: LeTourneau University, a private Christian university, specializes in engineering, aviation, and business programs. Kilgore College, located nearby in Kilgore, provides two-year degrees, technical training, and transfer programs to four-year universities.

The presence of quality educational institutions contributes to workforce development and provides cultural and athletic events that enrich community life.

Healthcare

Longview serves as a healthcare hub for East Texas:

Hospitals: CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Medical Center and other healthcare facilities provide comprehensive medical services including emergency care, surgery, specialized treatment, and routine healthcare. Clinics and Specialists: The medical community includes specialists across numerous fields, ensuring residents and visitors have access to quality healthcare. Urgent Care: Multiple urgent care facilities provide convenient access to medical treatment for non-emergency conditions.

Visitors can feel confident that quality medical care is available if needed during their stay.

Transportation and Accessibility

Highways: Longview's location on Interstate 20 provides excellent east-west connectivity. US Highway 259 runs north-south through the city. This highway infrastructure makes Longview easily accessible and facilitates travel throughout the region. Airport: East Texas Regional Airport (GGG) in nearby Kilgore provides commercial air service with connections to major hub airports, making Longview accessible for air travelers. Location: Longview's central position in East Texas places it within easy driving distance of multiple cities:

This strategic location makes Longview an excellent base for exploring East Texas and beyond.

Natural Attractions and Recreation

The East Texas region surrounding Longview offers abundant natural beauty and outdoor recreation:

Lakes: Numerous lakes provide fishing, boating, swimming, and water sports. Lake Cherokee, Lake O' the Pines, and Caddo Lake are particularly popular. Forests: The Piney Woods ecosystem features dense forests perfect for hiking, camping, and nature observation. Parks: City parks, state parks, and recreation areas offer picnicking, playgrounds, sports facilities, and outdoor activities. Wildlife: The diverse ecosystems support abundant wildlife including deer, waterfowl, bass, crappie, catfish, and numerous bird species, attracting hunters, anglers, and nature enthusiasts.

Why Visit Longview?

Longview offers visitors:

Learn More

For additional information about visiting Longview and East Texas:

Longview Convention & Visitors Bureau: Official tourism information, event calendars, and visitor resources Longview Chamber of Commerce: Business information and community resources Best Western Regency Inn & Suites: Our staff knows the area well and can provide recommendations, directions, and local insights. Call us at (903) 212-3333.

We invite you to discover what makes Longview and East Texas special. Let Best Western Regency Inn & Suites be your comfortable base for exploring this unique region.