At our evening meal, Saturday, March 1st, 2014, another CARE resident said: “I saw your trailer in the local paper.” My immediate response: “No way; not my trailer” (because I do not have mine advertised for sale and I assumed she meant she saw it listed…). Shortly afterward she brought me the Polk County Enterprise, Thursday, February 27, 2014, and, sure enough, page 2E has a picture of my trailer in an article titled “Polk County’s tourist industry always booming” by Karen Phillips. Here’s the article:

Polk County has been called “the gateway between the Texas forest country and the Gulf Coast” by TourTexas.com.

The “jewel nestled in the East Texas forest” is rich with natural outdoor sports including hunting, fishing, bird watching and plenty of water for boating and swimming. It is also the home of the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe, which is rich in tradition and has been part of the community for over 100 years. Tourists travel to the Native American lands to visit the TombigBee Lake campground, the Veteran’s Pavilion, and many shops where local artist wares can be found. The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe hosts many events during the year from Pow-Wows to sporting events.

Rainbow’s End, in Livingston, Texas,
became the Escapees RV Club headquarters
in April 1984.

Escapees RV Club brings a new meaning to camping, the club has something for everyone from over night to long-term living at the park. The park maintains a crystal clear swimming pool, and 11,000 square foot activity center, clubhouse and 130 full-hookup sites.The club is more than a RV park. They offer services and programs ranging from health care, adult day care, classes such as yoga, quilting and computers, line dancing, hand [sic] radio group and movie nights.

The park hosts many events throughout the year by opening their doors to local groups for events, such as forums for political leaders, non-profit groups, and civic organizations. Travelers to Polk County are able to find a wealth of activities while visiting The Escapees.

Big Thicket National Preserve and Lake Livingston State Park have nature trails, ranges of wildlife and clean fresh air. Each has amazing attributes. People traveling to Polk County can find an abundance of things to do while in the community.

Polk County Memorial Museum’s Curator Wanda Bobinger noted that the Livingston museum also is a draw for tourists. “We see many people visiting our area that are here working on genealogy projects,” she said. “They come to the museum to find information about the area and family members. We have people coming on a regular basis and are so pleased to be part of their search.”

The County courthouse has also seen its amount of tourists. The fifth courthouse in Polk County is in the classical revival style showing the brilliant columns and broad entrances with arched windows. Architectural and historical details make the Polk County Courthouse a must see during travels.

Several blocks away Locomotive No. 5, built in 1911, sits in Heritage Park. Local legend tells stories of this engine building Polk County with the many trips to and from Angelina County bringing logs, finished lumber and needed supplies to the citizens of the county seat. Historical travelers find many resources for their entertainment and to broaden historical knowledge here in Polk County.

Let’s not forget the shopping tourist. With unique shops, specialty stores, an outlet mall and the courthouse square shops there is something for everyone–wonderful antiques, quilts, crafts, quaint restaurants and so much more.

Pedigo Park is the home of Trade Days, which features over 350 vendor spaces full of antiques, crafts, collectibles and concessions. The Trade Days are held the Friday-Sunday before the third Monday of each month. This great environment welcomes families, day trippers and outdoor enthusiasts who come and enjoy a few hours at the park. Toni Fuller the events coordinator for Trade Days said, “We are pleased with the increase of not only vendors to the park, but the visitors also. We have many people on day trips that drive an hour or more just to come to the Trade Days events. They come for the event and spend the day in town visiting and having meals. The tourist dollars are increasing at the event yearly.”

The Polk County Chamber of Commerce Year-End Review states that development in tourism is growing by means of projects that will encourage tourism through events and activities. These projects would generate more sales tax along with hotel/motel tax revenue. The chamber works hand-in-hand with many businesses and organizations to bring the best out of Polk County. Each year, the chamber works toward finding new ways to enhance the tourist dollar and continues to showcase local business events.

Sydney Murphy, executive director of the chamber of commerce, noted many events in the community that have been put into the works that both promote our local business and tourism. She welcomes all citizens to come by the chamber and learn what resources are out there for the community.

Local shop owners, bed and breakfast inns, hotels, and hospitalities, host parks, lakes, churches and communities are ready to welcome visitors, tourists and guests to the community.