Paris, Texas - You Have to Visit it to Believe It

Paris, the city of love and lights - if the one in France is the one you're interested in - but, if what you want to see is one of the nicest small towns in America, then its Paris, Texas you want to visit.

Located 98 miles northeast of Dallas, on the border with Oklahoma, Paris, with its population of just over 25,000, is still something of a rural outback with a bit of urban charm and an outward looking attitude that has characterized it since its founding on February 3, 1845.

A Checkered History

Built on the Central National Road of the Republic of Texas that ran from San Antonio to cross the Red River into the United States, Paris served as a main transportation node for the new nation, and was a cotton farming and cattle raising center. On the eve of the Civil War, Paris had a population of only 700, and even though it was one of the few places in conservative east Texas to vote against secession, most of the male residents served in the Confederate army.

Three times in its history, the town of Paris has been virtually destroyed by the brush fires that are common in this part of the U.S., but each time it has been rebuilt and expanded. It still serves as a railhead for lines coming into the state from the north.

Things to See and Do

The 1984 movie, Paris, Texas, although it was named for the town, was actually filmed in another location, but it did put the town on the map. And, even though it is in the most racially conservative region of the state, it is one of the first towns in northeast Texas to honor a black resident, with a bronze statue erected of Bass Reeves, an escaped slave who was the first black person appointed as a deputy U.S. marshal west of the Mississippi. Paris is also home to the controversial 12 foot statue and grave marker of "Jesus Wearing Cowboy Boots," in Evergreen Cemetery, and a replica of the Eiffel Tower with a red cowboy hat.

On the second Saturday of every October, Paris hosts the Hamfest, a gathering of amateur radio operators from all over the country. Paris is a great destination for outdoorsmen, especially those who like fishing. Pat Mayse Lake and Lake Crook offer great angling opportunities for bass and catfish. The area is also great for hunting, with dove hunting being the most popular.

Paris, Texas might not be as sophisticated as its European namesake, but for a friendly welcome and a great outdoor adventure, this is the place to go.

Where to Stay

You might be thinking that with such a small population the places to stay would be limited, but you'd be wrong. There are eleven inns in Paris, with room rates ranging from $40 to $100 per night.

Hampton Inn Paris

3563 NE Loop 286

Paris, TX 75460

http://travel.yahoo.com/p-hotel-364805-hampton_inn_paris-i;_ylt=AtD7nTTDKZRqe1mum4DAEtriphQB

This hotel is a bit on the expensive side, but it offers a wider range of services than some of the cheaper ones.

References:

http://www.city-data.com/city/Paris-Texas.html

http://inparistexas.com/