An idyllic waterfront community, Port Neches is full of Native American and Civil War history with a historic downtown that’s home to charming boutiques and local eateries. The river has been the city’s lifeline for decades with RiverFest the most prominent attraction, and a must-see festival come springtime. But any time’s a good time to visit this charming small town – here’s how to spend 24 hours in Port Neches.
Breakfast: The Avenue Coffee & Café
If your mantra is “but first coffee,” The Avenue has a full menu of creative caffeine-fueled creations from expresso shots to tea lattes and frappes. Some of the more unique blends include the Peanut Butter Mocha, Orange Cream Frappe, and seasonal flavors like Maple Bourbon Latte. And don’t miss the boudin grilled cheese – it’s a game-changer!
Relax: Port Neches Riverfront Park
Grab a fishing pole, try your hand at crabbing (just add chicken) or watch the boats roll in at this massive 27-acre park. Kids will love cooling off at “Tugboat Island” splash park in the hot summer days. There are also horseshoe pits, sand volleyball, and boat ramps for wasting way the day.
Lunch: The Feed Store
If you plan your life around feeding time like I do, you’ll appreciate the sentiment of the Feed Store. A homey little backroads café, the fried pork chop is a local favorite, as is the homemade gumbo, and beef tips, but you can’t go wrong with any of their Southern-Cajun specialties.
Get Some History: LA Maison Beausoleil Museum
An authentic Cajun house, LA Maison Beausoleil Museum “the House of Beautiful Sunshine,” is dedicated to the preservation of farm culture and the language of the Acadian people. It was transported via barge to its present location and offers a fascinating look into life as a French colonist through early 1800 relics.
Dinner: Neches River Wheelhouse
A tropical palapa and tiki hut in the middle of Southeast Texas, Neches River Wheelhouse was the dream of three friends who got tired of restaurants serving buckets of five beers that couldn’t be split evenly. So they created their own paradise – and a tropical one at that. The restaurant is known for its southern seafood like crab cakes, crawfish pistolettes, and firecracker shrimp as much as their frozen drinks that’ll have you feeling like you’re fully on island time.
Dessert: Mike’s Old-Fashioned Soda Fountain
Proudly serving Texas Blue Bell ice cream in their brownie sundaes, malts, milkshakes, and banana splits, Mike’s dishes up a sweet taste of nostalgia for the whole family. Decorated with turn-of-the-century antiques, even the TV is playing classics from another decade that feels like you’ve stepped into a time machine.
Brews and Tunes: Neches Brewing Co.
The first craft brewery in the Beaumont area, Neches Brewing was a true pioneer in Southeast Texas. With 70 different beers (about 20 on tap) and nightly live music, it’s made for locals by locals. Meant to be the community hangout, meet your friends for trivia, tunes, or karaoke while enjoying a coldie.
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