Sour Lake murals, CavOILcade, part of a Texas fall

Sour Lake Murals

I wish I  could have experienced the bathhouses that made Sour Lake a spa resort. This little town has two bed and breakfast spots and walls of historic murals. Get a brochure on the city to learn that Sam Houston was a VIP at the springs seeking relief for his war wounds.

I finally stopped at Ernie's  Hardware in Sour Lake after years of seeing billboards. Just as I suspected, there are gift items, like flamingo socks, in there amidst brass fittings and hammers. This General Mercantile could be considered fancy, as they will sell you canvas Ernie's bags.

Ready for a fall festival?

Yes, The Pickett House is still serving heaps of fried chicken and chicken and dumplings boarding house style. Yes, it's still amazing. Consider heading up there around October 17-19 for the 26th annual Harvest Festival in Woodville. Stages will feature a Western shoot out, square dancing, book signings from Texas authors bluegrass and more than I have room to share.

On the topic, teachers can get credit by taking the Pioneer Skills for Living workshop Sept. 27 at Heritage Village Museum. For details, call (409) 283-2272.

My Texas

Texas is lovable. Do  you know how many Pinterest boards are devoted to the Lone Star State? The Josh Abbot Band has released “Small Town Family Dream,” with a cut called “FFA,” and yes, that’s exactly what you think it is. You can conjure up images of blue corduroy jackets and teens in boots. Listen also for “My Texas,” featuring Pat Green, and shamelessly working in references to Enchanted Rock, the San Antonion River Walk and more to love about Texas. “Dallas Love” is another country sound. These songs are heavy on the fiddle and can make you crave a cold one and a dance floor.

CavOILcade coming up

What’s new in fall fashion? The CavOILcade Style show will give you a first glimpse, and there’s lunch at the Pompano Club in the deal.

Here are some CavOILcade highlights:

The parade will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 11. The procession will leave Lamar State College – Port Arthur at 1500 Procter Street and travel to Houston Avenue.

The style show will begin at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 3, at the Pompano Club. The $25 ticket will include a buffet at L’Chambre Room at the Pompano Club.

The Queen’s Scholarship Coronation will be at 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at the Lamar State College-Port Arthur Theater. Tickets are $20.

For information on CavOILcade, contact Pam Trosclair at 409-983-1009,  or 409-498-1793. Tickets may be purchased at the CavOILcade office, 2901 Turtle Creek Drive, suite 420.

ddoiron@panews.com