When it comes to romantic day trips from Dallas, Paris TX is without a doubt one of our all time favorites. A charming town, great food, plenty of shopping, and tons of history, along with it's very own Paris, TX Eifell Tower all await visitors ready to have an unforgettable trip.
The Best Things to do in Paris Texas for Couples
Only about an hour and a half from Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex is charming Paris, TX. This lovely town makes for a wonderful getaway with your loved one.
After our December wedding in Tulum, Mexico my hubby and I were looking for a nice getaway a short driving distance from Dallas. The idea was to spend some time together, but still be able to celebrate our first Christmas as a married couple in our new Texas home.
Paris, Texas seemed like the perfect, romantic day trip from Dallas and it certainly turned out to be all we thought iit would be and more. This Texas gem of a town has become one of our favorite places to visit in East Texas. Wether you are looking for a day trip or a weekend getaway, you are sure to find plenty of things to do in Paris Texas and create lasting memories.
This post is all about one of the BEST Things to do in PARIS TEXAS for couples.
Happy Travels!
THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN PARIS TEXAS WITH YOUR SWEETHEART
Love Civic Center in Paris Tx is only 6 minutes drive from the historic downtown square and home to not just the Civic Conference Center itself, but also the Paris Eiffel Tower and the Red River Veterans Memorial. No doubt one of the first stops for visitors of this lovely town, not many may think to visit at night. but it's one of the best and most memorable experiences in the city. There is something about seeing the lights at night, taking a stroll and reflecting on the history that make a stop at Love Civic Center at night well worth the trip. We certainly loved every minute of it.
2. Paris TX Eiffel Tower
It goes without saying that the Paris TX Eiffell tower is a must see. Built in 1993, it stands 65 feet tall and YES - it has a red, cowboys hat. Welcome to Texas Y'all!
Since our visit was during December the flowers and trees were not in bloom but the area was still beautiful for photos. Texas winters are mostly mild, which means you can have a picnic most months during the year and this spot is perfect for a picnic with a significant other or the family.
The tower is officially located at 2025 S Collegiate Dr. but you can also drive to the Love Civic Center address (which was easy to find). Entry is free year round and at night it is illuminated in the colors of the American flag. When we visited in the morning it was not crowded, but there were a few couples and groups visiting. I wouldn't think it gets awfully crowded during the day but an early morning visit may be safer in order to avoid the crowds.
I love history and research, so I had seen pictures of the Red Rivel Valley Veterans Memorial, but let me tell you. None of them do it justice. Make sure you give yourself enough time to really see and appreciate it. I was frankly suprised at how much there was to see past the gate featured on most photos. Walk through to find the Ring Of Honor, which features the US Flag in the center that flies 24/7 - 365 days in the year. The comemorative pannels include the names of soldies from 4 TX counties and one Oclahoma county killed in action during WWI, WWII, Vietnam, Korean and War on Terror.
The memorial is also home to the War Dog Monument and the Gold Star Monument, so deffinitely look for those. You will not want to miss them. The sheer grandure of the memorial, the sound of the flags waving in the wind, the lights at night all made it one of my favorite spots in town. I could have spent a lot more time there and can't wait to visit again.
4. Paris TX Historic Town Square
The heart of the town is without a doubt its Historic Town Square. Paris Texas is Always a Good Idea the slogan reads and indeed it is for so many reasons. Home to adorable boutique shops, quite a few antique stores, indoor and outdoor dining, and parks there is something for everyone. The best part is that it is extremely walkable and there was enough to keep us entertained for hours.
The town hosts quite a few seasonal events and festivals, that would make for an even more memorable getaway. Those including a local Farmers and Artisan Market May through October, the Paris Texas Wine Fest in the Spring, the popular Tour-de-Paris in the Summer, perfect for both cyclists and motorised bike riders, HotHatch Chile Fest, Paris TX Baloon and Music Festival, Manequin Night, Festival of Pumpkins and a series of Christmas-themed events that run through November and December.
5. Paris TX Historic Culbertson Fountain
The historic Cubertson fountain is located in the center of Paris Tx town square and is quite the site both during the day and at night. A gift to the city in 1923 by philanthropist J. J. Culbertson, this Italian marble fountain commemorates the city’s rebirth after the devastating fire of 1916.
A symbol of new beginnings, perseverance, community and hope, the fountain is arguably one of the most romantic spots in Paris Texas.
6. Paris Bakery
Freshly baked goods in the morning, artisan breads and comforting hot drinks are the perfect way to start a day. Paris Bakery is right on top of our list of the best things to do in Paris Texas. We drove to Pat Macy lake in after we woke up so we got to the bakery around 9:30am and I am sorry to tell you that we were too late. They still have a couple of muffins and a savory artisan bread we bought to take with us home, but most of the pastires were already sold out.
The place is no doubt a hit for locals and visitors alike, so make sure you get there early to enjoy the best selection of their sweet and savory creations. Bonus points for serving hot herbal tea with lemon and honey. The ambiance is very relaxing, the decor is quite nice and the baked goods are out of this world. A MUST try! Don't forget your bread to go. You will thank me later.
How about a night at the theater? And not just anywhere but the historic Plaza Theater, home of Paris Community Theatre. When the Plaza was first opened in the summer of 1926 it was "the last word in a picture show house.” From the architecture with it's rounded arches, tiled roof, and ornate foyer to the elegant interior decor in shades of tan, ivory and antique gold accented by the rose colored stage curtain.
Since it's opening night almost a century ago, the unique flashing PLAZA sign has lit up the square welcoming visitors. Home to the PARIS COMMUNITY THEATRE since 1976 it continues to offer quality entertainment for the community. Talk about the ideal date! As if steping back in time this impressive Art Deco-style building is not just an a place to stop by and take a photo with (although it really is quite instagrammable). The theater is so much more than that. It is history come to life. It is an experience.
If you have ever been to an oilery you know that a stop at Olive Paris is a must. If not, you are in for a treat. Since I grew up on a Mediterrenian diet, olive oils and vinegars are a staple in our home kitchen, so I make sure that I try local stores featureing oils, vinegars and spices whenever we travel. That said, I have visited many such shops but Olive Paris quite literary took my breath away.
In addition to a great selection of oils and balsamics, Olive Paris carries a lot of sauces, pickles, spices, syrups and even honey. They also offer a unique selection of summer sausages, bread mixes and cheeses. It's a great place to build your own charcuterrie basket and go for a picnic by the Paris TX Eiffel Towel or at one of the bewutiful local parks.
One of my favorite stops in Paris Texas is without a doubt Remember When Collectibles shop. Located right on the historic square this antiques and vintage store has a fantastic selection of items organized by theme in different rooms. Very accessable, the isles are quite large as to accomodate baby strollers or wheel chairs. If you are looking for comic book memorabillia or movie posters Remember When is a gold mine.
More so than the treasures it offers, Remember When is a treasure in itself. A family business, this lovely shop is a big part of what made us fall in love with the city of Paris TX, its history and most importantly the community. A historic photo is hung right by the door showing the town square as it was decades ago.
The building of where the store is located today, the Plaza Theater, the fountain in the center and of course the cars from back in the day. You feel the heart of a city that rebuilt itself after a disaster, rising from the ashes. Combined with the items it sells, Remember When offers a nostagic ride to the past and a glimpse into simpler times when talking cars existed only on the big screen.
10. Sam Bell Maxey House State Historic Site
The Sam Bell Maxey House is a historic site in Paris TX is the former home of Samuel Bell Maxey - a prominent local attorney, two-term U.S. senator, Mexican War veteran and a major general in the Confederate Army. Built in 1868 this High Victorian Italianete style home offers self guided tours Tuesday through Sunday and guided tours available by reservation only.
The home is newly restored showcasing original family furnishings, clothing, and other items. In addition to the tours I was pleasantly surprised to see that they offer fun events throughout the year like Vintage Valentine's Workshop where you get to make your own Victorian-style Valentine and Build Your Own Terranium. I love being able to not only tour this beautiful home and learn its history, but take home a momento.
11. Lamar County Historic Museum
A great stop while in town is the local history museum in Paris, TX. It houses exibits documenting Lamar County and Paris' past. It is open between 10 am - 4 pm on Fridays and Saturdays and entry is free. The museum includes historical artifacts, including a postcard display , a shoe collection, and entire rooms dedicated to the county's African American heritage and military history as well as life in Paris before the devastating fire of 1916. It also includes the Biard Cabin, built in 1846, reconstructions of a pioneer kitchen and a blacksmith shop.
12. Valley of the Caddo Museum
Learn about the Caddo people, the town's history and cultural heritage in Valley of the Caddo Museum. The building is one of my favorites in Paris, TX and the exibits are changed often, so it's a fun place to visit every time you go.
13. Historic Paris Texas Walking Tour
Paris TX has a fascinating history that is quite inspiring, so a historic tour is absolutely worth it. After the 1916 fire destroyed most of the city, there were a few surviving buildings that are still standing today. The Lamar County Chamber of Commerce has a great suggested walking tour starting at the Capital One Bank Building and ending at the Culbertson Fountain.
One of my favorite stops on the list is First United Methodist Church - a historic church built in 1922. The building's architecture is truly striking. Indiana limestone, tile dome with a case copper crown and an inner dome that covers a beautiful 12 section stained glass. This impresive building was included in the National Register of Historic Places and is worth visiting.
13. Antique Mall
Drop by the Antique Mall in Paris, Texas for a great selection of vintage and antique items. We filled up the trunk with treasures I had not been able to find elsewhere. This is a very big store and a great spot to walk around.
14. Picky Piglet Boutique
One of the BEST children's attire and accessiories boutiques ever!!!! The Picky Piglet Boutique in Paris, Texas caries a wonderful selection of kid's clothing, toys and accessories. A great stop to pick up some gifts for the little ones in your life.
15. Downtown Community Park
To be honest we didn't know about the Downtown Community Park, so it was not on our lists of things to do in Paris Texas. We were driving by and happened to see it and had to pull over. What a lovely park it is. If it is not on your list it definitely should be.
16. Jaxx Gourmet Burgers
Jaxx Bergers is a must try restaurant when in town. A FANTASTIC selection of mouth watering burgers, chicken fried steak, crisp fries and onion rings, fun athmosphere. Located right on the square this is a great place for either lunch or dinner.
17. 107 Restaurant
Dinner at 107 was fantastic. The service equally so. In the evening the ambiance is lovely, so we really enjoyed our time. 107 is a restaurant and beer garden, so it offers both indoor and outdoor seating. The menu has a lot of selections and everything we ordered was cooked to perfection.
They offer some really unique items on the menu like Sashimi Nachos, a great selection of sliders, burgers, tacos, and grilled cheese sandwitches, pasta and even flatbreads. Awsome appetizers and quite a few salad options. I loved the cranberry walnut salad. When it comes to desert the fried cheesecake was the best!
18. Antique Stores in Paris Tx
In addition to the Antiques Mall we mentioned earlier, Paris TX is home to quite a few other antique stores. For those who love antiques this is a great place to look for and find some treasures.
When it comes to window displays Spanglers is one of those stores that deserves taking a selfie with. Beautiful items, gorgeous decor and such a fun place to visit.
20. Pat Mayse Lake
The drive up to Pat Macy lake early in the morning was definitely worth it even though when we visited it was quite cloudy. Visit for a picnic, camping, fishing, viewing the wild life or simply for a nice walk. The lake is also on the way to the Chocataw Casino in Grant Oclahoma, located only 15 minutes from downtown Paris, TX.
The Chocataw Casino & Resort in Grant Oclahoma is just a short 15 minutes drive from Paris, TX and it does offer live entertainment, dining, gaming, cove bar, and hotel onsite with a pool. It is open 24/7 so if you are in the mood for a late night out it's certainly a good option for a date. As we drove from Pat Mayse lake up to Grant, I loved crossing the Texas - Oclahoma border. It really is a beautiful country and makes for a great drive, especially during sunset.
22. Watch Lovely Texas Sunset
While there is so much to do and see in Paris, Texas, you will not regret taking some time to watch the sunset. Drive through East Texas, just a few minutes from town, and take in the beauty of the setting sun.
23. Spend the Night in Paris, Texas
There are quite a few lodging options both in town and the nearby. We rented a lovely home just ouside of town equiped with a kitchen, living room, two bedrooms and full bath. If you are looking for a nice place to stay in town, one of our favorites are the 1st Steet Lofts. Beautiful apartments offering modern luxury in historic Paris, TX.
Final Thoughts
There is a great variety of things to do in Paris Texas both for couples and families. We loved the food, the walks, the shopping and the history. So whether you live in the Dallas Fort Worth area or just visiting, consider taking a drive to Paris TX for a day or a weekend. I for one loved my time there and can't wait to visit again.
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Things to do in Paris Texas | Romantic Day Trips from Dallas, TX Series
