A Travel Guide to Longview, Texas

Longview, Texas, the Gold Dollar City, was founded when a farmer, O.H. Methvin, offered to sell one hundred acres of his land to the railroad for the sum of one gold dollar. The conditions he had for the deal was that the railroad platt and build a town on those one hundred acres. Mr. Methvin did well on the deal when he sold the next fifty acres for five hundred dollars. The name of the town was inspired by the view Mr. Methvin had when he stood on his front porch.

Longview, Texas has several very popular festivals and events including Alleyfest and the Great Texas Balloon Race.

Alleyfest which was held in June, featured some of the best artisans and crafters from all over as well as all kinds of music featured on each night of the event. There is activities for the kids, food, and Alley Run which consists of either a 5k, 10k or one mile run. This is an event that you will surely want to visit to kick off your next summer vacation.

The Great Texas Balloon Race is a world renowned event that attracts some of the most talented, competitive pilots from across the United States as well as the world. It is usually held in July, but because of heavy rainfall and flooding this year, it had to be canceled. Next year the event will be celebrating its thirtieth anniversary. Plans are already in progress to make it the best year ever for the event. The Great Texas Balloon Race has activities for everyone including live concerts, food vendors, vendors, kids activities, and balloon glows. It is an event that keeps people coming back for more.

The Longview Jaycees Gregg County Fair kicks off in September with vendors, rides, food, petting zoos, magic shows and bands. The Jaycees help so many people, please help them to help others by attending this event.

Other events scheduled in Longview include the Longview Kennel Club All Breed Dog Show scheduled for July 28 and 29; the Christmas Parade on November 29; the East Texas Boat and RV Expo on January 25-27, 2008; the Antique Model Train Display at the Gregg County Historical Museum from December 1-29; Longview's Greggton Rotary Rodeo on April 18 and 19, 2008 as well as many, many other scheduled events.

Longview boasts three museums and four golf courses. Longview is also the gateway to several area lakes including Lake O' The Pines that is just outside of Longview, Caddo Lake in Uncertain, Texas, Lake Fork in Quitman, Texas and Martin Creek Lake in Tatum, Texas.

Take a walk through Longview's Historic district, visit a lake, enjoy one of the scheduled events or go golfing, but most of all have a fun and relaxing time visiting Longview, Texas.