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Best Places in Nac to Study Outside!

LUMBERJACKS,

I know COVID has ruined a lot of normal college activities this Fall, but one thing we still can do is be outside. As a two-time SFASU alum, I know how important it is to get some quality study hours in. If you are absolutely over being stuck inside your room or if the library is just TOO loud (which I know it can be even on the “quiet” floor), why not give studying outside a chance especially with cooler weather on its way within a month or so! 

With that in mind, I decided to brainstorm the best places & hidden gems around Nacogdoches for students to breathe some fresh, clean air and study outside. I also asked some fellow SFA alums on twitter their favorite locations to add to this list. 

FYI: This list is in no particular order and I also added a selection of places that have outdoor seating BUT may not be open to outside patrons or people yet due to COVID but hopefully they will be soon. *fingers crossed* 

*DEEP BREATH*...HERE WE GO:

Picnic Tables at Fredonia Brewery (NOT A BEER GARDEN)

At the moment, Fredonia Brewery isn’t fully open to the public (THANKS COVID AND GOVERNOR ABBOTT) but they put picnic tables behind the brew house in the NOT A BEER GARDEN. Usually on the weekends they have a food truck parked out there too! So you can do some reading, drink a can or growler or two and eat some yummy food. When they re-open eventually to the public, even sitting in the Beer Garden during the day is very relaxing and easy to get some reading done. I have done this many times!

Brendyn’s BBQ (East Main St.) 

Brendyn’s has, first of all, some of the best BBQ in East Texas. But he also has covered picnic tables off to the side of his building. You can grab a stuffed baked potato or the Gare Bear with a Peach Coke and head outside to get some good quality reading done. BONUS: Fredonia Brewery is literally a block away in walking distance. You can get some drinks and good food right next to each other. WIN-WIN! 

University Coffee (North St.)

I haven’t personally been to University Coffee myself BUT a few recent alums and grad students on my Twitter said here is a great spot. There are some tables outside in the front you can sit at and enjoy some caffeine with a breeze. 

Java Jacks (North St.) 

This is one of the best places in Nac to sit outside and study but due to COVID the inside and upstairs porch/patio is closed. I still recommend running through the drive-thru and getting a coffee to sip on while studying. I LOVE the Snickers or Nutty Irishman. When they do eventually re-open, GET THERE EARLY. It fills up quick. It is that popular. 

Picnic/Covered Tables @ Lake Nac (Lake Nacogdoches) 

There are two parks, East and West, at Lake Nac with boat ramps and swimming areas. But there are also tables to sit at. If you decide to go out there, I would bring some sunscreen just in case and bug spray BUT you will be happy with this choice especially if the sun is out and the weather is nice. Sitting by the water is one of my favorite things. Super chill. Hell if you have a rod & some bait, bring that too and enjoy some fishing off the dock. (Don’t forget your fishing license too!) Directions: Take Main St. West to Durst St. then take Durst St. literally all the way to the Lake & you will see signs for the different parks. Or click below here for more info: https://tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/fish/recreational/lakes/nacogdoches/access.phtml

Literally anywhere in the Arboretum (On Campus) 

Probably one of the most relaxing and serene options on this list. Also one of the most popular with both alumni and current students! Bring water and bug spray for sure. There are picnic tables and little areas to sit or bring your own lawn chair/hammock if you want and relax among the trees. 

1st City Cafe/Nine Flags Bar Outside Seating (Fredonia Hotel) 

Talk about chill vibes. The hotel restaurant outside seating area, especially during the day and lunch hours, might be the ‘coolest’ place to study in town. Sit near the pool, sip on some water (or my personal favorite Apple Pie Moonshine), eat some pork rinds with queso and dive right into the studying. It gets busier at night so that might not be the best time to go. 

Pecan Park (Starr St.)

Pretty simple here, I am sure most of you have been or driven by the park. And you can see there are plenty of covered picnic tables and even if you wanted to bring a blanket and relax on the grass there is plenty of grass to social distance. 

BottleCap Alley (North St) 

As one of the newer restaurants in town, not many people realize it is even there OR the fact that they have outside seating both near their bar AND out back! Lots of options here and they have decent food and good drinks to aid you in the study session. 

Grass Hills at the Football Stadium (On Campus) 

Pretty simple here as well. Hard to miss this on campus. This was another favorites of mine especially in the Fall. Bring your books, blanket & relax on the grass, there is plenty of grass to social distance. [This is contingent on the facility being open to students during COVID. It is possible it is not at the moment. I would check before committing your time to go there.]

Intramural Fields (On Campus)

Another easy one. There are bunch of bleachers or grass to relax on and study. Now if they are playing Intramural sports, that might be too distracting unless the sounds of flag football and softball in the background makes it easier for you to concentrate.

Starbucks Coffee Shop (North St.) 

A obvious choice is to sit outside at Starbucks but a lot if people already know about this one so you may have to fight for a table. 

Starbucks Patio (On Campus/Student Center) 

Another obvious choice is to sit outside on the patio at Starbucks in the Student Center but a lot if people already know about this one so you may have to fight for a table. 

Top Floor STEM Building Observation Terrace Deck (On Campus)

Newer option on campus and not sure how many people know there is a observation deck on the top floor of the STEM building. Quiet most likely if you are alone and if you are out there until night time, you might be able to see some stars with the telescopes. 

Chipotle (North St.) 

Within walking distance from SFA you can grab a Chipotle bowl or burrito and sit outside (IF AVAILABLE DUE TO COVID) to get some good study hours in. 

Flashbacks (Wettermark St.)

 Another walk-able option yet still not the most optimal choice is heading over to Flashbacks to sit out back at the tables. Definitely don’t go to study at night since most nights it is pretty packed with people indulging in adult beverages. I would go during the day for lunch if possible. 

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop (North St.) 

They have some outside seating BUT I mean it’s Fuzzy’s...You can expect loud crowds and plenty of distractions. If you are lucky enough though to get there when there is literally no one, there are plenty of places outside to sit and study. 

I wish some of these places were open 100% or the fact that it isn’t even a second thought to go sit inside places. Don’t get me wrong, you totally can---there are plenty of coffee shops and restaurants you can enjoy some WiFi and quiet study vibes like Nine Flags Coffee Roaster or Thumper’s, both on North St. but not all are open to 100% capacity or have very strict social guidelines. 

I hope this list helps some of you students out. As a college professor and former student, I understand the struggle it can be finding a good place to study and get your mind right to focus. I struggled with it to and had to move around across campus multiple times. Good Luck and don’t worry the cooler weather is coming to make outside studying much more enjoyable! 

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small town diner. BIG TIME FOOD.

Sitting nestled on the corner of S. Pecan and E. Pillar St, lies a quaint little diner. Dolli’s Diner to be exact. Try to find parking in front of this downtown staple. Go on, I dare you. Not because there isn’t enough but because it’s ALWAYS PACKED. You either have to be extremely lucky or hitting them at the right moment of the day because it is usually impossible! Dolli and Steven opened in 2015 inside the historic Annie Hoya building and this business hasn’t slowed down since! 

In this week’s highlight of my historic hometown of Nacogdoches, Texas, I will be giving you the run-down on Dolli’s Diner and all the glorious food-stuffs they offer & more! So,  I will talk about three main points: the food, the atmosphere, and the people. 

The Food

WHERE TO BEGIN? It is nearly impossible for me to go there and NOT order the pancakes. Day or night. Doesn’t matter, because they are that delicious. The most recent time I visited Dolli’s was with my mom when she came to visit one weekend. We, of course, went around 10am on a Sunday and you would imagine that it wouldn’t be too busy yet, you know church crowd. WRONG. Luckily we found a good spot on the street in front and walked up. There were a lot of folks waiting outside but again LUCK made it that there were two seats available at the counter! What a perfect way to spend a Sunday morning? 

So I ordered the Lumberjack (DUH, also pictured below) which is 3 flapjacks, 3 eggs, meat, and home fries. I barely finished because it was so much food! The pancakes were my starting point because they are the best I have ever had–sorry DAD! Fluffy, perfectly cooked and tasted like cake! That isn’t all they have for breakfast though! Omelets, classic favorites, and south of the border options as well! 

But moving on to the Lunch menu and I know you have to be getting hunger pains by now…. right?! So for the lunch/dinner options, you have everything from burgers to hot sandwiches to chicken and hot plates of Chicken Fried Steak and more Don’t worry there are options for the little kiddos as well. My favorites here are as follows: the Cuban, the Reuben, Patty Melt burger and of course a classic cheeseburger! There is something on their menu for everyone! Including, soups, salads, and yummy desserts! 

The Atmosphere

Did you happen to see where I said this diner is located in the HISTORIC Annie Hoya Building? Yes, you read that right. They renovated the building to accommodate the diner and some loft apartments above and boy did they do a great job! Sitting next to a small brick building, this one stands towering above it and with vastly contrasting architecture! They turned an eyesore into a bustling business and reinvigorated this corner of the downtown streets! 

(found this on Google– from their website) 

Typically on the brick walls of Dolli’s you can find local art by artists and interesting conversation starters. 

(Found on Google Images from Trip Advisor posts) 

I am happy to report that almost none of the coffee mugs are the same which is the main indicator that the food is AMAZING. My mom got a cute kitty shaped one. (see below) 

From time to time, a local balloon artist comes in and makes balloon animals and crazy objects for kids, adults and everyone in between! Just makes it a fun and quirky surprise to dinner! 

To sum up the atmosphere at Dolli’s: it is a relaxing, intriguing local hot spot that serves traditional diner food with a historic & Nacogdoches flair. 

But to really nail down the atmosphere you have to also mention the people who work there. 

The People 

When you enter Dolli’s Diner you always greeted with a smile and friendly salutation. The waitstaff here is a solid eclectic group of younger college students, middle-aged and older individuals but they all have one thing in common: they truly seem to love their job! I don’t think I have ever once encountered an unhappy person working there, busy or not! If you know Dolli, you know she is always dressed in her signature outfits/dresses, flower in her hair and apron on, working hard and never stopping unless to chat with customers and help ring up costumers bill. 

Steven, her husband, and business partner is always hot on her heels helping wherever needed as well. I am not sure I have ever NOT seen these two at the diner working. That obviously shows they love what they do and it spreads like wildfire throughout their entire staff. They wear their heart on their sleeve and I honestly can’t wait to go back for more. 

(found on google images–from Youtube) 

So, if I haven’t convinced you yet to pop by Dolli’s Diner for some pancakes, a juicy burger or some delicious malts, or to just see what all the fuss is about maybe this will: 

^ Mom’s breakfast – She ate the entire plate BTW which NEVER happens

HUNGRY YET? I know I am. 

Dolli’s Diner is open 7 days a week, Monday-Wednesday 7:00am to 5pm, Thursday- Saturday 7:00am to 8pm and Sunday 9:00am to 4pm. 

Dolli also is the General Manager of Olde Towne General Store and a soon to be open (date unknown) watering hole called Cowboy Jacks Saloon! Both downtown as well and most likely will end up on a post in the future!  

Here is the link to their facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Dollis-Diner-430346283800391/

And of course, a few more pictures to convince you more as to why you need to go to Dolli’s. 

My half destroyed Lumberjack plate— OH MY.. SO GOOD. 

Mom holding her cute coffee mug. Meowwww. 

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Oktoberfest 🍻😈 (at Fredonia Brewery) https://www.instagram.com/p/BpccrEMh5nYpiPp9cNCJ3NCFrrNb4hiIiSSs-40/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1dneqkohheynw

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Went to Dolli’s Diner. Yet again. Y’all need to try this place. THOSE PANCAKES ARE MY KRYPTONITE! 

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“Cause I’m dreaming of you tonight….” 😍🐄 #Foodie #YUM (at 1st City Cafe) https://www.instagram.com/p/BuCMKE7n1CVyOlNf-3noIvWh1X_LQuVg39EtLo0/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=hjtrvttm7jeu

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Drink. Local. Beer.

For my first post highlighting the best of the best in the Oldest Town in Texas, there was no doubt, in my mind, where I would start.

Fredonia Brewery.

Located at the corner of Hospital & Mound, where a nursery used to be, sits my favorite watering hole in Nacogdoches, just one block north of those historic brick streets. Ask almost any local in town and they can easily point you in the right direction or just follow the smells of hops that fills the air from time to time.

I will discuss the following reasons why I believe the brewery is my #1 location to visit in Nacogdoches, any time of the year: the beer, atmosphere, and of course the people who run it.

The Beer.

When the Brewery opened in March 2016, they already had a HUGE list of beers on tap. Since then they have added seasonal brews, for example like Oktoberfest (Lager) aka Marzen, brewed with German Malt & Hops or Brewberry (Cream Ale brewed with Blueberries), but always keeping the originals on the board.

Those are Banita (American Blonde Ale), Nine Flags (American Amber Ale), Angry Axe (IPA), Pine Cove (Porter), Professional Texan (Kolsch), and Bull Pine (American Pale Ale). A few others that are currently/ or have been on tap are Hefeweizen (Wheat), D.NZ (IPA, New Zealand hops brewed in America), Invictus (New England India Pale Ale), Stone Fort (Dry Stout) and a bunch of new brews: Luxurious Curb Feeler (Pilsner), and a Coffee Milk Stout (done in collaboration with Nine Flags Coffee Roasters in town) made with wood-fired roast Ethiopian Harar beans.  I hope I remembered those all correctly because there are a lot! BUT, I can say that each of these is so good in their own distinct, unique ways. They are always adding new and interesting brews! Can’t wait to see what they cook up next! 

My seasonal favorite is by far the Brewberry. I love the Hefe and Curb Feeler for normal drinking days and when I am in the mood for a dark, heavy bodied pint, I go for the Porter.

They also have a home-brewed non-alcoholic root beer that is delicious for our kiddos & non-beer drinkers. I’ve heard from the main man in charge that they are throwing around some ideas on some new potential beers to add to this list.

Options for drinking: you can get a pint (plastic or glass–the glass you can bring back and refill for a discounted price) or a flight of smaller samples. They also have growlers to fill and take home in two sizes as well as a stock of cans to buy and drink at home too!

If you want a beer on a night they are not open, they have multiple beers on tap all across Nac as well as all of their main beers canned and available to buy at the local grocery stores around Nacogdoches, Houston, and DFW!

Recently, they have expanded their distribution, reaching from East Texas to Houston, Dallas and everywhere in between! For a full list of places you can find their beer on tap or the can, check their facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/FredoniaBrewery/

The Atmosphere.

Walking into the brewery, regardless if it’s mid-summer or 40 degrees outside, you immediately feel at home, or I do at least. They people, the sounds, the smells, and just the overall environment makes you feel like you are in a big city brewery but in reality, you are in Nacogdoches, Texas. It is open every Thursday night from 5-9pm for Geeks Who Drink Trivia (which I LOVE playing) and Saturday’s from 2-10pm. They have some seating inside the brewery building itself but the majority of seating is outside with picnic tables, both under the awning and under pergolas. On Trivia nights, it is packed with fellow nerds like me enjoying some pints, food from one of many local area food trucks and good company. On Saturday’s, typically they have a different food truck every week, music from local bands and artists as well as the beers on tap.

During the year, they also host events ranging from private parties to having bands play during the Blueberry Fest. The brewery will also have graduation festivities as well as numerous ticket only events like the new comedy tour & even Pot Planting.

On busy nights or events, they open the second tap room out in the large open area to lighten the line inside.

One of the first things you see when you walk inside the actual building is the where all the magic happens, those HUGE brew kettles & fermentors! Thank god you can go on a tour & Paul can explain the actual process because at first, I was LOST. (see pictures below)

Another gem inside the building is the GINORMOUS can collection! According to their website, “2400+ unique cans collected since 1959 by John Allerding and his family from Loudonville, Ohio are displayed in a glass wall in our taproom. It is a really fun attraction to check out while enjoying a pint of Fredonia Brewery beer.”

Fredonia Brewery is also very family friendly as well as doggie friendly! There are board games, jumbo Jenga and much more! Dog bowls for water are also available for the furry patrons.

The People in Charge.

Vince Beard & Paul Murray. The brewmasters of Nacogdoches.

When I say that these guys took the time and effort to perfect their brews, making sure they were perfect before opening day in March of ‘16, I am not lying. Each beer is expertly crafted (pun intended) and they do their due diligence & research prior to releasing any new brews.

They also have men & women from the Nacogdoches Brew Club who work behind the bar serving the beer, all very knowledgeable about each beer and they can help you pick out one to try! The entire group behind the scenes also helps with the entire process of brewing, canning, etc too! That is how you know you have a great product when people volunteer their time to help your business succeed.

I have known Vince for a long time, through his Fraternity Theta Chi, and I am so glad that he and Paul teamed up for this venture!

The Summary.

I highly recommend you stop in on your next trip to Nacogdoches or if you are coming to SFA for school or moving to the area, make this your “Cheers”. (NORM!!)

As you can see, I absolutely LOVE this place. It is my home away from home, where everyone knows my name (again intended) and it one of the best breweries in Texas! I have been to a bunch and can honestly say, it is my #1.

If you want some more info on the history of the name Fredonia, the brewery or to purchase some Fredonia Brewery gear/merchandise, they have a website & online store! Here is the link: https://fredoniabrewery.com/brewed-with-the-independent-spirit-that-created-texas#the-house

Stay tuned for my #2.

May the force be with you,

Alex

3/20/19 Update: 

The Fredonia just celebrated its 2nd Anniversary!!! Congrats! Here is glassware from both the anniversary party and the recent St. Patty’s Day celebration!