Texas Towns To Love: Athens

Several pumpkins and gourds with orange and green mottled skin rest on the ground in an outdoor garden setting.

Named after Athens, Greece, and considered to be the “Black-Eyed Pea Capital of the World,” Athens, Texas, population about 15,000, is a small East Texas town that offers up big fun. Outdoor adventures, wine tours, family-friendly fun and a vibrant downtown await visitors to this city located near the Cedar Creek Reservoir. Brimming with fun activities year-round, Athens is just the small town destination you need for big family fun. Beautiful any time of year, Athens is a great spot for a relaxing vacation away from the busy big cities in the Lone Star State. In Athens, visitors can enjoy the slower pace of a charming small town located just an easy drive away from some of Texas’ biggest cities (such as Dallas and Austin). If you’re ready to relax and enjoy a unique downtown and a city that was one of the first “Certified Retirement Communities” in Texas, you need to make your way to Athens.

Must-do activities in Athens, Texas, in 2025

  • Sip a glass of delicious vino at one of three wineries in the Athens area. Perhaps you can enjoy a glass on the 12-acre winery with a log cabin for indoor drinking at 3 P’s in a Vine. This spot prides itself on excellent customer service and delicious wine. Next, hit up Castle Oaks Winery, where you’ll be welcomed as if you are part of the family. Visit on Friday nights and try the delicious pizza served from a wood-fired oven. Lastly, you’ll want to visit Tara Vineyard & Winery, a spot so pretty you’ll have to see it to believe it. Enjoy some award-winning wine and maybe take a tour of the stunning grounds during your visit. 
  • Enjoy the beauty of the piney woods of East Texas at the East Texas Arboretum. More than 100 acres of natural beauty, enchanting creatures, beautiful flowers and more await visitors at this Athens-area gem. Be sure to pose for some photos with the greenery and don’t forget to stop and smell the roses!
  • Embark on an adventure at New York Texas Zipline Adventures. You’ll climb and swing through the treetops at this adventure park that tests your balance and your fear of heights. You’ll enjoy the feeling of freedom as you zipline high above the ground, enjoying the view of East Texas below you.
  • Meet some interesting animals up close from the comfort of your car at the Rocky Ridge Drive Thru Safari. You’ll “take a drive on the wild side” as animals, including deer, buffalo, zebras and more, approach your vehicle in hopes of getting some of the optional animal feed you can purchase for your safari. Fun for all ages, this activity gets you engaging with the outdoors and natural surroundings any time of year! 
  • Explore the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center. You don’t have to be an accomplished fisherman to enjoy this spot. You can try to catch a fish, or you can check out the hall of fame, take a tram tour of the grounds, walk the wetlands trail and more. This spot is a fascinating place for anyone who enjoys learning about the natural world around us. 

Athens-area lodging

Ready to plan an East Texas escape? Look no further than The Chrestos for your lodging needs. Located in Kerens, Texas, the Chrestos offers up seven luxury cabins in a rural setting perfect for a getaway for any size group. Visitors can enjoy fishing, swimming, kayaking and so much more on this beautiful property. Don’t forget your smores gear for fun once the sun goes down. This is one serene spot you’ll want to visit again and again. Relaxation at its finest!