As I was growing up in my hometown I thought that everyone had oil derricks and pump jacks in their neighborhood. When I later moved to the big city, I found out that this was not exactly the case. The World’s Richest Acre, which is found in downtown Kilgore has transformed itself over the last few years in a concerted effort to become a tourist destination as well as a place for the community to come together. I must say that they have done a tremendous job and should be very proud of their city. I know from experience that is is not always easy to for a town that relies on the boom or bust of the oil business for the local economy to see a steady flow of retail shops and restaurants be a source of sales tax income. They have held concerts and festivals to have the citizens come downtown to convene at events and you can see the pride on everyone’s faces as they show off the results. So go to Kilgore and eat at Nanny Goat’s,Napoli’s or Granny’s to name a few and take in the beautiful lights as you are reminded of a Norman Rockwell type of Christmas because it looks pretty close. You can even grab a cup of coffee at Goodday and stroll along the streets and just take it all in. After all, there is no place like home. Visit www.kilgorechamber.com for more details.
Now you know I am totally loving you piece about downtown Kilgore. Having grown up in Kilgore and now living right outside the city, I still get little goosebumps to see how energized our downtown has become. It’s even better during the Christmas season. Tonight is the parade and tons of people will be wrapped up in their blankets, sitting in the back of their trucks watching friends and family march and float by.