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Posts Tagged ‘Jefferson Texas’

Jefferson Civil War Days

April 10th, 2014 by carriagehouse

Civil War
The Great Locomotive Chase – The Andrews Raid & Naval Battle of Port Jefferson

The Historic Jefferson Railway captures the spirit of the Civil War during Pilgrimage & Civil War Weekend in Jefferson, May 3 and 4, 2014, by recreating the battle of the Great Locomotive Chase with soldiers, sailors and Marines from the North and South.  The living history camps along the Big Cypress Bayou come alive as the cannons fire and the battle rages to gain possession of the train.  The gripping tale of The Andrews Raid is the Civil War’s most fascinating railroad story.

The Great Locomotive Chase and Naval Battle of Port Jefferson will be held on Saturday, May 3, with trains departing from the Historic Jefferson Railway in downtown Jefferson at 12:00, 1:00, 2:00 and 7:00 and Sunday, May 4 at 11:30.  Ticket price is $15 Adults; $12 Children under 12; 10% senior and active military discount since there are special accommodations for military members.  Lap children under 4, free.   A portion of each ticket will be donated to the Marion County Chamber of Commerce.  We will have ticket sales online within the next few days, or call Melissa for reservations. 903-742-2041.

Friday, May 2, 2014

Friday is a day of learning for school groups, sponsored by the Marion County Chamber of Commerce, to draw attention to the history and romance of the Civil War way of life.  The Living History Camps will demonstrate Camp Life and Military Activities and includes a train ride aboard the Historic Jefferson Railway as the story of The Andrews Raid unfolds alongside the Big Cypress Bayou.  See a gunboat with real live cannon fire.

Price for Living History is $3 per student; train ride is $5 per student.  School groups – reserve now.  Call Melissa for reservations. 903-742-2041.

On Saturday, May 3 and Sunday, May 4, 2014 The Naval Battle of Port Jefferson joins the skirmish as a replica ironclad gunboat, the Virginia, fires from cannons on the banks of the Big Cypress Bayou River.  This is the largest naval civil war re-enactment west of the Mississippi and will be represented by US Naval Landing Party, Western Gulf Squadron, as well as a contingent of SeaScouts from Baytown, Texas.
See a Civil War Naval Unit that shows a seldom seen side of the Civil War.  Naval Forces were a pivotal part of the war.  As Naval Living Historians, the Squadron shows the true side of Naval and Marine life on both sides of the war, demonstrating how they dressed, lived and fought during the war.
Famous campaigns were planned and conducted for the primary purpose of capturing or destroying railroad lines of value to the enemy. On the morning of April 12, 1862, the most famous locomotive of the Civil War, the General, was hijacked by the Union civilian spy, James J. Andrews, and his men. After a nail-biting eight hours and 87 miles, the Southerners captured the General, James Andrews and several of his men.
The Merrimack was a Union cruiser, captured by the South in Norfolk Virginia, and renamed the Virginia.  The Jefferson Battle that Never Was will feature the Virginia, fighting from the banks of the river, while the Navy landing party, Marines and soldiers fight to capture the train.
Experience a true civil war naval battle aboard the Historic Jefferson Railway, the only venue available to see this re-enactment.  Reminiscent of the landing parties that aided the regular land forces, from both above and below the Mason-Dixon Line, it will be a unique experience.  Keep your seat on the train as the battle takes place on both sides of the track and from the gunboat in the river.
Take a step back in time as the Historic Jefferson Railway takes you on an excursion that circles the Piney Woods along the scenic Big Cypress Bayou.  You’ll view a Confederate Powder Magazine from the Civil War era and remains of many sites from the 1800’s still visible along the track.  The train will stop about half-way for the Naval Battle of Port Jefferson.  The antique train is a restored gas-powered Plymouth Locomotive built in 1964.  The open-canopied observation cars provide an excellent view of this exciting event along the river.

Navy Battle re-enactors can camp free at Diamond Don RV Park with lots of space, trees and plenty of amenities for re-enactors, including water, hay, split wood, restrooms and showers.  Lunch on Saturday and Sunday will also be provided to the re-enactors.  Transportation will be available from the RV Park to other events in town. Limited RV sites with water and electric are available to re-enactors in the Navy Battle at no charge. First come, first served.  Call Melissa for reservations. 903-742-2041.

See all of the Jefferson Civil War activities at www.JeffersonCivilWarDays.com The Historic Jefferson Railway train rides and battle have been arranged so that you can participate in the other major events in Jefferson, too.

Diamond Don’s 12th Annual Vintage National Motocross

April 1st, 2014 by carriagehouse

Motocross

Diamond Don’s 12th Annual AHRMA Vintage National Motocross will be held April 11-13, 2014 at Diamond Don RV Park located one mile from Jefferson, Texas. Over 800 entries are expected for this event which includes Cross Country and Trials on FridayVintage Motocross on Saturday with Post-Vintage on Sunday.

 Come see Lacie Carpenter and Rebel Rose on Friday evening, 7:00-9:00. This will be an outside venue.  Concessions and non-alcoholic beverages are available at the RV Park.  BYOB but drink responsibly.  Lacie says “that like the fiddlers before me, I keep the sound true, but amp it up a little with my 7 string Mark Wood fretted, yes, fretted Viper”.  She and her friends love playing bluegrass, Celtic and a little rock and roll.  Lacie is the winner of six East Texas Music Awards; but the ones she is most proud of is Fiddler of the Year 2012 and 2013.

 The weekend will be full of motocross legends, including at least seven inductees to the Motorcycle Hall of Fame.  Here is your chance to visit with and race against some of your idols: Steve Wise, Marty Tripes, Brad Lackey, Donnie Hansen, Jim Gibson, Trampas Parker, Kenny Habul, Trey Jorski, Scott Burnworth and Guy Cooper.

 Guy  Cooper, aka “Airtime”, will headline this year’s event as Diamond Don’s Legend for the weekend. He won the AMA 125 National Motocross Championship in 1990 riding a Suzuki, and he can still beat anyone on the track.  Look for him to be out in front on a replica 1984 CR 250 Honda built by Scott Sears, X-Treme Vintage YZ.

You will definitely want to see Marty Tripes 100cc Revenge Races on Saturday and Sunday.  The fastest racers in the world will be on the gate to race their 100cc vintage bikes.  Jim Gibson, Guy Cooper, Trampas Parker, Trey Jorski, and Scott Burnworth and more than 20 other past pros of motocross line up on the same gate.  What a race!!

 Tripes won the Superbowl of Motocross at the Los Angeles Coliseum in 1972, just a few weeks after turning 16.  He also won the first FIM 250cc motocross United States Grand Prix in Unadilla in 1978.  In his career, he won 11 National Championships and was inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2001.  His Revenge race reminds us of the old days of racing in the late 60’s and early 70’s.  Back in the day, the 100cc class was the toughest competition of the race day.

 Join the Sunday devotion at 7:30 am, led by Steve Wise, Steve Wise.com & Christ Ministry, and Roy Jenkins, chaplain, announcer, journalist and author of the “Dirt Bike Ike” series.  Wise succeeded in motorcycle racing beyond his wildest dreams.  He has traveled around the world sharing his faith in Christ at various churches, racetracks and special events.  Jenkins has been serving the MX racing community for over a decade and released his latest book last year,“Racing Fuel for the Spirit”.  Roy will lead the congregation in Vintage Hymns while strumming his guitar.

 The wide, flat grassy pit area offers great viewing of the racetrack that runs through the pasture and into the piney woods.  Diamond Don has created a natural terrain grass track reminiscent of the early 70’s.  The track runs through the 1880’s ruins of an old sawmill and along the Big Cypress Bayou River.   Spectators will enjoy all of the action and can camp out at the park for the weekend.

Jefferson is nestled deep in the Piney Woods of East Texas and seems frozen in time.  It is a charming town and an elegant reminder of a bygone era. There are over a hundred buildings in the city with historical markers. Many historic homes offer bed and breakfast accommodations.  Dozens of other historic buildings house museums, craft and antique shops and restaurants.

For a full schedule and event information, visit www.DiamondDon.com.

City Wide Rummage Sale

March 17th, 2014 by carriagehouse

The City-Wide Rummage Sale will be April 4 – 6 throughout the entire Historic Riverfront District. Come and browse through all of these amazing sales and find yourself that one of a kind heirloom that you have always wanted.  Most of these sales will be walking distance from the Carriage House and we still have a few rooms left for that weekend.  For more information, contact the Marion County Chamber of Commerce at 903-665-2672.

Shakespeare Under the Stars

March 13th, 2014 by carriagehouse

By the Light of the Moon!

Shakespeare Under the Stars

Celebrate Spring 2014! March 20, 21, & 22 @ 7:30 PM
The magic of Shakespeare is presented by East Texas Performing Arts, Inc. Directed by Sara Whitaker.
Tickets: $15 available at www.ETXPA.org

Or call 925-497-3915 or 847-722-8798.

Beloved scenes from Romeo and JulietRichard III, and
A Midsummer Night’s Dream featuring talented actors, an exciting sword fight, beautiful costuming, and wonderful small town ambiance at the bandstand in Otstott park.

A special treat for Jefferson residents is Pastor Jeff Taylor portraying Thisbe, the fairest maiden in all Babylonia.

True love, murder, reconciliation, family rivalry, fairies and sword fighting only begin to describe what audiences will experience.

Live Music Fireside this Saturday Night

February 3rd, 2014 by carriagehouse

 

Bonfire-02The Carriage House is pleased to announce that Jim Taylor will be performing this Saturday night fireside at the Carriage House Bed and Breakfast.  Jim, an acoustic guitar player, will be singing folk hits from the 1960s and 1970s such as the Beatles, the Mamas and the Papas, and George Strait. We plan to host this event by the fire pit in the Garden Courtyard but if the weather does not cooperate, we will all sit by the fireplace in the warm and cozy parlor. So grab your favorite winter drink and join us for a sing along by the fire this Saturday, Feb 8th at 7pm.

Valentine’s Dinner at Enoch’s Stomp Winery

January 16th, 2014 by carriagehouse

Are you looking for something romantic to do for your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day.  How about a quiet dinner at one of East Texas’s most beautiful wineries.  For reservations, please call Enoch’s Stomp Vineyard and Winery at 903-240-1587.

Rail of Lights Christmas & New Year’s Train

November 18th, 2013 by carriagehouse

Christmas Rail of Lights

 

Step back in time as the Historic Jefferson Railway, an antique narrow-gauge train, embraces an old-fashioned Christmas in the country. Enjoy the lighted vignettes and hear the story of “Celebrations Around the World” aboard the train that circles the Piney Woods along the Big Cypress Bayou. The decorated historic railroad depot captures the holiday spirit complete with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

The Christmas Train opens on November 28, 2013 and runs Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday through December 22, 2013. (Closed December 1st).

Also, ring in the New Year with the Rail of Lights New Year’s Train running December 26-29 and the 31st. This ride will feature the dropping of the ball in Times Square, complete with beverages, noisemakers and a fantastic fireworks show on every train ride.

Rail of Lights Christmas and New Year’s Train

$18, First Class Enclosed Coach, plus applicable sales tax
$15, Open Coach, plus applicable sales tax
Lap Children under 4 are free
Group discounts available for 15+
Depot opens at noon each day of the Event

Christmas Trains

Thursday, November 28, December 5, 12, 19 @ 7:00
Friday, November 29, December 6, 13, 20 @ 7:00, 8:00
Saturday, November 30, December 7, 14, 21 @ 7:00, 8:00, 9:00
Sunday, December 8, 15, 22 @ 6:00

New Year’s Trains

December 26, 27, 28, 29 @ 7:00
December 31 @ 7:00, 8:00

Tickets are going fast. Buy yours online at www.RailofLights.com before they are sold out.

Spring Twilight Cemetary Tour at Oakwood Cemetary

April 17th, 2013 by carriagehouse

Have you ever wanted to hear Diamond Bessie tell her own version of what happened to her when she was murdered?  Ever been curious as to what those last few minutes were like on the Mittie Stephens as it caught fire and sank in Caddo Lake.  This Saturday, April 20 from 5pm to 7pm, come on down to Oakwood Cemetery and watch four vignettes from some of this historic graveyard’s most famous residents.  A donation of $10 per person is being requested and the tour should take an hour.

Meet Peg, The Wonder Dog!!

April 11th, 2013 by carriagehouse

Peg the Wonder DogI would like to introduce you to the newest Carriage House Bed and Breakfast team member, Peg.  Peg is a 1.5 year old Lab/ Pointer mix and she is all puppy.  This sweet girl was adopted in February from FurrEver Pets and has been working hard for the last six week on socialization and getting used to life at a B&B.

If you look closely, you will realize that Peg is a Tripawd.  The first part of her life was awful and she has been abused horribly bad.  She was eventually thrown out along side of the road and shot.  They missed…Thank you Lord.  She was picked up and taken to a vet in Gilmer where her left front leg was amputated.

She still gets a little nervous around men.  So if she doesn’t come running up to greet you, give her some time. She has come a long way in 6 weeks and will be your best friend before you leave.  She LOVES belly rubs so that is an awesome way to say Hi to her.

Perfect Time of Year to See the Critters

April 10th, 2013 by carriagehouse

Alligator at Caddo Lake

One of the questions we often get is “When is the best time of year to see the wildlife on Caddo Lake?”  The answer is right now.  In fact both Spring and Fall are the best times of year to see the wildlife on Caddo Lake.

When the nights are cool and the days are warm, the gators, turtles and other critters are pulling themselves out of the water to warm themselves.  You can often see them laying on the beaches and felled trees sunning themselves.  The handsome gentleman in the picture is a well known local named “Fraidy Cat”.

The birds are changing out season right now as well. The Winter birds are flying north again and the Summer birds are just arriving.  In early spring, many of the animals are waking up from their long winter naps and are hungry and frisky.  It is a busy active time in the swamps of Caddo Lake!!

If you are interested in getting up and close with nature, just give us a call at 903-655-9511.  We can suggest several different types of tours on Caddo Lake.  One is sure to be just the adventure you are seeking.

 

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