Local Attractions & Things to Do
Discover the Best of Longview and East Texas
Best Western Regency Inn & Suites serves as your gateway to the rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and exciting attractions of Longview and the greater East Texas region. Whether you're interested in history, outdoor recreation, entertainment, shopping, or unique local events, our area offers diverse experiences that make every visit memorable.
Longview Attractions
Gregg County Historical Museum
History enthusiasts will appreciate the Gregg County Historical Museum, which preserves and presents the fascinating history of Longview and Gregg County. The museum's collections include artifacts, photographs, documents, and exhibits that tell the story of East Texas from Native American inhabitants through oil boom days to the modern era.
Exhibits cover local industry, prominent citizens, cultural development, and the events that shaped the region. Admission is free, making it an excellent value for families and history buffs. The museum provides context for understanding the area you're visiting and offers insights into the heritage that makes East Texas unique.
Great Texas Balloon Race
One of Longview's most spectacular annual events, the Great Texas Balloon Race draws thousands of visitors each summer. This multi-day festival features hot air balloon launches, evening balloon glows, live entertainment, food vendors, activities for children, and fireworks.
Watching dozens of colorful hot air balloons fill the East Texas sky creates unforgettable memories. The event typically occurs in late July, and our hotel provides convenient accommodations for balloon race attendees. Book early if you're planning to attend, as this popular event fills area hotels quickly.
Beyond the balloons themselves, the festival atmosphere includes food trucks representing diverse cuisines, local artisans and crafters, live music performances, and family-friendly activities. It's a true community celebration that showcases Longview hospitality at its finest.
Longview Museum of Fine Arts
Art lovers should visit the Longview Museum of Fine Arts, which features rotating exhibitions of contemporary and traditional art. The museum's collection includes works by regional, national, and international artists across various media. Educational programs, art classes, and special events make the museum a cultural hub for the community.
Admission is free, making this a accessible cultural experience for all visitors. Check the museum's schedule for current exhibitions and special programs during your visit.
Longview Community Theater
For live theatrical performances, the Longview Community Theater presents a season of plays and musicals featuring talented local performers. From classic dramas to contemporary comedies and family-friendly musicals, the theater offers quality entertainment in an intimate setting.
Check the theater's schedule to see if performances coincide with your visit. Attending a show provides a fun evening activity and supports local arts in the community.
Shopping in Longview
Longview Mall
Longview Mall provides a traditional indoor shopping experience with department stores, specialty retailers, dining options, and a movie theater. Whether you need to pick up items you forgot to pack, want to browse for gifts, or enjoy shopping as a recreational activity, the mall offers convenient one-stop shopping.
The food court and restaurants provide dining options when you need a break from shopping, and the cinema shows current films for those looking for entertainment.
Local Shops and Boutiques
Beyond the mall, Longview features various local shops, boutiques, antique stores, and specialty retailers. Exploring local businesses often yields unique finds you won't see in chain stores and supports the local economy. Ask our front desk staff for recommendations based on your interests.
Outdoor Recreation
Fishing, Boating, and Water Sports
East Texas is blessed with numerous lakes, rivers, and waterways that provide excellent opportunities for fishing, boating, swimming, and water skiing. Lake Cherokee, Lake O' the Pines, Caddo Lake, and other area waters attract anglers seeking bass, crappie, catfish, and other species.
Boat launches, marinas, and fishing guides are available for those who want to get out on the water. Whether you're an experienced angler or trying fishing for the first time, East Texas waters provide beautiful settings and good chances for success.
Swimming, water skiing, jet skiing, and other water sports are popular during warm months. Many area lakes feature parks with picnic facilities, playgrounds, and swimming areas perfect for family outings.
Camping and Hiking
State parks and recreation areas near Longview offer camping facilities ranging from primitive campsites to RV parks with full hookups. Hiking trails wind through East Texas forests, providing opportunities to experience the region's natural beauty.
The area's relatively mild climate makes outdoor recreation possible much of the year, though summer temperatures can be quite warm. Spring and fall provide particularly pleasant conditions for hiking and camping.
Golf
Golfers will find several courses in the Longview area offering varying levels of challenge and scenic layouts. Whether you're a serious golfer looking to play a few rounds or a casual player who enjoys occasional games, local courses welcome visitors.
Nearby Attractions
Shreveport Riverboat Casinos
Approximately 60 miles east in Shreveport, Louisiana, riverboat casinos offer gaming, entertainment, dining, and nightlife. Five riverboat casinos provide slot machines, table games, poker rooms, restaurants, buffets, and live entertainment.
Many visitors use our Longview hotel as a base for Shreveport casino trips, appreciating the value and comfort of our accommodations compared to casino hotel rates. The proximity makes it easy to enjoy Shreveport's entertainment while staying in Longview.
Tyler Rose Garden and Museums
About 35 miles west, Tyler is known as the "Rose Capital of America" and home to the largest rose garden in the United States. The Tyler Rose Garden features 38 acres with more than 500 varieties of roses. Peak bloom typically occurs in April-May and October, though the gardens are beautiful year-round.
Tyler also offers museums including the Tyler Museum of Art, Discovery Science Place (hands-on science museum perfect for children), and Brookshire's World of Wildlife Museum. The city's historic downtown features shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Marshall Historic District
About 20 miles east, Marshall boasts a beautifully preserved historic downtown with Victorian architecture, antique shops, museums, and restaurants. The Harrison County Historical Museum tells the story of this significant East Texas community.
Marshall hosts the annual Wonderland of Lights during the Christmas season, transforming the downtown into a spectacular holiday display that attracts visitors from across the region.
Jefferson Historic Riverport
The charming town of Jefferson, approximately 35 miles northeast of Longview, transports visitors to the 19th century. This former riverport town features historic homes, bed and breakfasts, antique shops, museums, and riverboat tours.
Jefferson's preserved Victorian architecture and small-town atmosphere make it a popular day-trip destination. Ghost tours, historical tours, and carriage rides add to the experience.
Dining in Longview
Longview's dining scene reflects the diversity of modern America while maintaining strong Southern and Texas traditions. You'll find:
- Texas Barbecue: Multiple establishments serve authentic East Texas-style barbecue
- Southern Comfort Food: Traditional Southern cooking featuring fried chicken, catfish, and classic sides
- Mexican Cuisine: Numerous Tex-Mex and authentic Mexican restaurants
- Chain Restaurants: Familiar names for those who prefer consistent experiences
- Local Favorites: Unique restaurants serving everything from steaks to seafood to international cuisines
Our front desk staff maintains updated lists of recommended restaurants across various price points and cuisine types. We're happy to provide suggestions based on your preferences.
Seasonal Events and Festivals
Beyond the Great Texas Balloon Race, Longview and surrounding communities host various events throughout the year:
- Spring: Art festivals, outdoor concerts, rodeos
- Summer: Balloon race, Independence Day celebrations, outdoor activities
- Fall: Harvest festivals, cultural celebrations, sporting events
- Winter: Holiday celebrations, Wonderland of Lights in Marshall, indoor events
Check local event calendars when planning your visit to see if special events coincide with your stay.
Making the Most of Your Visit
Our location provides easy access to all these attractions while offering comfortable accommodations, great value, and the amenities you need to relax after days of exploration. Start your mornings with our complimentary breakfast, spend your days discovering East Texas, and return to our pool and comfortable rooms in the evening.
Our staff knows the area well and can provide directions, recommendations, and insider tips for making the most of your visit. We're here to help ensure your East Texas experience exceeds expectations.
Book your stay at Best Western Regency Inn & Suites and start planning your East Texas adventure today. Call (903) 212-3333 for reservations and local information.