New Texas Book Release!

Ten Texas Towns And Places In-Between, Field Notes From The Back Roads, K.Co Press

We are thrilled to announce our first book, "Ten Texas Towns And Places In-Between, Field Notes From The Back Roads"! This Texas photography book and travel guide is 88 pages of professional photos, local recommendations and observations from the road.

Featured towns include: Corsicana, Lampasas, Center, Hillsboro, the City of West, Athens, Mineola, Grand Saline, Nocona and Gainesville.

Places In-Between sections highlight regions near: Lindsay, Lindale, Alto, Bolivar Peninsula and Fredericksburg.

Here are some examples of what you'll find inside:

Grand Saline Main Street, Grand Saline

Athens, Texas

Downtown Gainesville, Texas

Bolivar Peninsula, Texas

Email us or visit our online store if you'd like to own a copy! The books make a great addition to your coffee table, bookshelf or travel bag, and are perfect for *realtor gifts, corporate gifts, and placement in hotel rooms, lobbies or in AirBnB rentals.

*While we are unable to offer a conventional wholesale program, we do offer competitive bulk rates, event-driven sales collaborations and other special offers for businesses.

What's next for us?

We're so glad you asked! We are already working on book two, which will publish in late October and focus on Texas' nearby neighbors in America. Between now and then we might drop a limited edition...hint hint...maybe in, let's say, August or so. So be sure to follow us on social media or join our email list if you like what we do and want to stay in touch!

Texas Travel Blog: Field Notes Vol. 5

A randomized round-up of interesting things we've seen, tried, learned and experienced on the way from here to there, in small towns in America, Texas road trip weekends and other places beyond the interstate.

Cisco, Texas

A former animal enclosure at the Old Zoo Nature Trail in Cisco, Texas.

To paraphrase from the movie "Jerry Maguire," Cisco "had me at zoo ruins. You had me at zoo ruins." Now, we are not hikers by any stretch of the imagination. There's a reason that most of our photos of small towns in America are in city centers and main streets, likely with some kind of iced-coffee destination just out of frame. But sometimes, we are inspired to lace up our most athletic shoes and explore outside. That was the case when we learned about the Old Zoo Nature Trail in Cisco, Texas. When we arrived there, it didn't disappoint. It's a distinctively northwest Texas landscape. Scrubby trees, brush and weathered stone steps take you through long-abandoned, 1920s' era animal lairs that have been left to weather the elements. As a zoo, it faced a litany of problems, as animal containment often can. The landscape, beautiful as it is for us, wasn't great for the animals kept there. But Cisco has found a way to preserve the zoo's history, and the stories that it holds and artifacts that remain there are a large part of its unique appeal.

Rusk, Texas

The Rusk Footbridge near downtown Rusk, Texas.

If you turn off of Highway 69 in Rusk, and know where to look, you'll find a beautiful patch of green with a long bridge leading through it. The Rusk Footbridge is shady and comfortable, and while it is said to be the longest footbridge in America, it's also just long enough for a quick walk that is bearable even in the stifling Texas heat, when we were there. I'd imagine in the fall or early spring, it can even be downright pleasant. Regardless, The Rusk Footbridge, in Cherokee County is a great stop to stretch your legs and get some fresh air.

One Great Shot In Baird, TX

Downtown Baird, Texas.

I have never been anywhere more like a movie set than downtown Baird, Texas. Its as if a pristine frontier town appeared through a time portal. And maybe it did! The buildings were architecturally gorgeous and in good shape, the streets were spare and mostly devoid of cars and people. But instead of feeling desolate, it gave Baird a sense of a place where things were just about to happen. We weren't able to stop for too long, so there's no telling what all we barely missed.

Misc:

Here are a few extra notes, sharing things that stand out for planning and inspiring past, recent and future trips.

This weekend is Memorial Day Weekend, and marks the unofficial start of summer, a great season to take a road trip in and around Texas, and enjoy a small town festival. We can't get to all of them, but we wish we could go to the Texas Blueberry Fest, in Nacogdoches, TX.; Jacksonville's Tomato Fest, the Sunflower Trail & Festival in Gilliam, La., the Chandler Ice Cream Fest, in Chandler, Okla., Watermelon Jubilee in Stockdale, TX.; and Roswell's UFO Festival.

Our Book Birthday was May 24! We are officially taking orders for shipping and delivery, usually within three weeks. (But please keep in mind all the caveats and contingencies that exist in this time of supply chain chaos.)

We are starting to schedule stops for a summer book tour. If you'd like to meet us and say hi; purchase or have us sign a book, or invite us to see what's great about your town, get in touch!

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Field Notes is a post series from K.Co Press that highlights some of the places, views and experiences from our travels and day trips from Dallas that have been on our minds lately. Published and posted on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram most weeks, or add your name to our email list for future subscription delivery.

Please visit us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, where we share day-to-day inspiration, destination highlights and more, and see the art on our radar on our K.CoArts Instagram.

K.Co Press publishes guides and books that celebrate the places in-between. Our debut release "Ten Texas Towns and Places In-Between, Field Notes from the Back Roads," is out now and can be purchased in our shop. Get in touch at hello@kcoarts.com.

Travel Planner - East Texas Guide

Monthly editors' picks and recommendations for places to eat, stay, see and experience in small towns in America and places off the beaten path. We highlight a different region each month so that readers can build an itinerary! Here are our recommendations for things to do, see and experience in East Texas in June to kick off a summer of fun.

Interior of The Redlands Hotel, in Palestine, Texas.

STAY

The Redlands Hotel - Palestine, Texas

One of the prettiest parts of a very pretty Texas region, Palestine not only has many great food, cultural and outdoor options, but also a unique place to stay while you take it all in. Located at the edge of Downtown Palestine and first built in 1914 to serve railroad travelers, The Redlands Hotel is a well-preserved and comfortable place to stay in the the pines of East Texas. Its suite-style accommodations are perfect for families on East Texas road trips and singles looking for more space to relax in. While it might be tempting to stay in the building all day — it even has its own contemporary art gallery — it's worth the few extra steps to get to Eilenberger's Bakery, the Cool Cow Creamery, or to walk through the area to explore its historic facades, retro signage, murals and Bat Alley. A longer walk or quick drive gets you to Old Town Palestine, which has more public art, shopping and restaurants. Drive a bit further to the Davey Dogwood Park for beautiful views in all seasons. Return to The Redlands Hotel for dinner at Queen St. Grille for a delicious end to the day.

COFFEE BREAK

Java Jack's in Nacogdoches hits all the right notes. Excellent coffee, energetic ambiance and just a few blocks to walk or a very short drive away from downtown Nacodgoches. The Nacogdoches coffee shop's close proximity to the SFASU campus makes for some lively conversation and great people watching, and its rooftop deck is a secret-ish spot to relax and enjoy views of Nacogdoches main street.

ART

"Student/Teacher:Student/Teacher: Works by Charles Criner & Dr. John Biggers" at the Tyler Museum of Art

This art exhibition in East Texas features works on paper by notable Texas artists Charles Criner (b. 1945) and Dr. John Biggers (1924-2001). The exhibition highlights their individual artistic styles while examining Biggers’ influence on Criner’s work. In 1949, Dr. Biggers was chairman of the art department at the institution that would become Texas Southern University. Well known for his drawings and sculptures, he was also a prolific and renowned mural artist, producing art that reflects the "spirit and style" of Black people. Criner is a working, multi-disciplinary artist whose art includes paintings, drawings and contemporary printmaking. On view through August 14.

SHOP

80 Acre Market, Gilmer

Set up in a seven-bedroom house and across its rural property, this small-town shopping, entertainment and experiential lifestyle destination is the first of its kind in East Texas. 80 Acre Market's wares trend toward the classic and rustic-chic, and its special events for summer in East Texas include a Father's Day Celebration, book launches and markets with artisans, live music and food trucks.

EXPERIENCE

Texas Blueberry Festival - June 11, Nacogdoches

This annual event attracts more than 19,000 people to downtown Nacogdoches. Visitors can enjoy live music, blueberry picking, auto exhibits, shopping and blueberry-centered restaurant specials.

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About Us:

K.Co Press publishes guides, books and special editions that celebrate the places in-between. Our debut release "Ten Texas Towns and Places In-Between, Field Notes from the Back Roads," is available now. Get in touch at hello@kcoarts.com.

Please visit us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, where we share day-to-day inspiration, destination highlights and more, and see the art on our radar on our K.CoArts Instagram.