Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The town's dubious claim to fame is its seven state prisons that contain more than
13,000 prisoners at any given time. As disturbing as it is fascinating, the
Texas Prison Museum
( 936-295-2155; 1113 12th St; adult/child $2/1; noon-5pm Tue-Fri & Sun, 9am-5pm Sat)
doesn't sugar-
coat its exhibits, such as 'Old Sparky,' the electric chair once used to dispatch the con-
demned.
One of east Texas' best barbecue joints is also here. If you visit on a weekend, don't
pass up a chance to eat the slow-smoked 'Q' served by
New Zion Missionary Baptist Church
(
936-294-0884; 2601 Montgomery Rd; all-you-can-eat $12; 11am-7pm Thu-Sat)
. Some say it's a revela-
tion. If that's closed, the country cuisine at
Farmhouse Cafe
(
936-435-1450; 1004 14th St; meals
)
ain't bad either.
$7-9;
