Texarkana: local rooms, events and more

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Metro area · Texas · 145k people

Texarkana

“Twin City”

Two states, one hometown, a hundred years of Southern charm.

MaroonPine Green

Welcome to Texarkana, where the state line runs right through downtown and the sweet tea is always cold. Whether you're here for the barbecue, the piney woods, or just passing through, you'll find a friendly wave and a story to share.

Clubs for Texarkana

No clubs for Texarkana yet.

The room

Texarkana Quiet now Two states, one hometown, a hundred years of Southern charm.

One room for everyone around Texarkana. It never closes; when it's busy it splits into tables. Once you're in, you stay until you leave.

Ask the neighbours

All

A good plumber, the best tacos, a lost cat: nobody has asked yet. Be the first.

Coming up

No events in the next month. Events made in the room show up here.

Marketplace

Things for sale, free and wanted, and rooms for rent, from people around Texarkana. Sign in to sell something.

Things to do

State Line Post Office and Federal Building The only US post office that straddles two states.
Perot Theatre Historic theater hosting concerts and plays.
Texarkana Museum of Regional History Local history exhibits and artifacts.
Four States Fairgrounds Home of the annual fair and other events.
Spring Lake Park City park with a lake, walking trails, and picnic spots.
Texarkana Farmers Market Open-air market with local produce and crafts.

Outdoors Hiking in the piney woods
Outdoors Fishing on Wright Patman Lake
With kids Visit the Perot Theatre for a family show
With kids Explore the Texarkana Museum of Regional History
Evenings Live music at downtown bars
Evenings Shows at the Perot Theatre
Locals love Barbecue joints
Locals love Catfish restaurants

Through the year

Four States Fair September Annual fair with rides, livestock, and concerts.
Hope Watermelon Festival August Celebrates the city's watermelon heritage with food, music, and a seed-spitting contest.
Atlanta Chicken and Egg Festival April Chicken-themed fun, cooking contests, and a parade.
Texarkana Independent Film Festival October Showcases independent films from around the region.
Texarkana Jazz Festival June Live jazz performances at various downtown venues.

Humid subtropical with hot, muggy summers and mild winters. Rain is spread throughout the year. Best: Spring and fall are ideal, with mild temperatures and lower humidity.

Talk like a local

“Texas side / Arkansas side”: Refers to the Texas or Arkansas half of the city.
“Four States”: The broader region covering TX, AR, LA, and OK.
“piney woods”: The forested area around town, also used as a descriptor.
“slugburger”: A local hamburger patty made with a mix of beef and breadcrumbs.

Getaways

Shreveport, LA Casinos, entertainment, and the Louisiana Boardwalk.
El Dorado, AR Murphy Arts District with concerts and events.
Arkadelphia, AR DeGray Lake for boating and fishing.
Longview, TX Shopping, dining, and the Longview Museum of Fine Arts.

Local flavour

Teams

Texarkana Bandits NA3HL

Also rooting for Dallas Cowboys (NFL), Texas Rangers (MLB), Dallas Mavericks (NBA), Arkansas Razorbacks (NCAA)

Eat and drink

Slugburgers Deep-fried patties of beef and pork with flour, a local specialty
Fried catfish Often served with hushpuppies and coleslaw
Texas-style barbecue Smoked brisket, ribs, and sausage
Sweet tea The quintessential Southern drink

Where people go

State line landmarks The famous post office and downtown straddling the Texas-Arkansas border
Barbecue joints Smoky, casual spots serving brisket and ribs
Catfish restaurants Fried catfish and hushpuppies, often near lakes and rivers
Piney woods trails Hiking and nature areas among the pine forests
Hunting and fishing camps Rustic retreats for deer hunting and bass fishing

Heritage and traditions

Texarkana is proud of its unique identity as a twin city on the Texas-Arkansas border, with a rich railroad and timber history, and a vibrant arts scene anchored by the Perot Theatre and the legacy of ragtime composer Scott Joplin.

This time of year in Texarkana

Four States Fair October Fall tradition with rides, livestock, and entertainment.
Hunting season Fall/Winter Fall and winter deer and waterfowl hunting.
Four States Fair October Annual fair with rides, livestock, and concerts.
Texarkana Marathon Fall A community race through the city and across the state line.

Say it like a local: “fixin' to” — about to

Festivals

Four States Fair October Annual fair with rides, livestock, and concerts.
Hope Watermelon Festival August Celebrates the watermelon harvest with games and tastings.
Atlanta Chicken and Egg Festival May Honors the poultry industry with food and family fun.
Texarkana Independent Film Festival Spring Showcases independent films from around the country.
Texarkana Jazz Festival Summer Local and regional jazz musicians perform downtown.
Texarkana Marathon Fall A community race through the city and across the state line.

Landmarks with a story

State Line Post Office and Federal Building The only U.S. post office on a state line, straddling Texas and Arkansas.
Ace of Clubs House An 1885 Victorian home built by a lumber baron, now a museum.
Draughon-Moore House A restored 19th-century home showcasing local history.
Perot Theatre A restored vaudeville-era theater hosting performances.
Texarkana Museum of Regional History Exhibits on the region's railroad, timber, and cultural heritage.
Four States Fairgrounds Home to the annual fair and other community events.

Food traditions

Slugburgers A local burger made with a mix of beef and soy, served with mustard and onions.
Fried catfish A Southern staple, often served with hushpuppies and coleslaw.
Texas-style barbecue Slow-smoked brisket and ribs, a regional favorite.
Sweet tea Iced tea sweetened generously, the default drink at many meals.
Possum pie A chocolate and cream pie popular in Arkansas, often served at local diners.

Music and arts

Ragtime music Scott Joplin's legacy is celebrated, with local performances and a festival.
Blues and gospel A rich African American musical heritage in local churches and clubs.
Texarkana Symphony Orchestra A professional orchestra performing classical and pops concerts.
Visual arts and theater Galleries and the Perot Theatre support a vibrant arts scene.

A little history

1873 Founded as a railroad town, named for Texas and Arkansas.
1868 Scott Joplin, the 'King of Ragtime', was born in Linden, Texas.
1946 Bill Clinton, 42nd U.S. President, was born in Hope, Arkansas.
Late 1800s Timber and railroad industries drove rapid growth in the late 19th century.
1933 The State Line Post Office was built, straddling the border.

Rivalries

Texas side vs. Arkansas side Friendly banter about which half of the city is better.
Texarkana vs. Shreveport Local sports and bragging rights.
Arkansas Razorbacks vs. Texas Longhorns College football rivalry that splits households.

Game day Battle of the Border
Game day Fishing tournaments
Outdoors Hiking in the piney woods
Outdoors Fishing on Wright Patman Lake
With kids Visit the Ace of Clubs House
With kids Go to the public library

People speak with a Southern accent, blending Texas drawl and Arkansas twang. Common phrases include 'y'all' and 'fixin' to', and locals often refer to the state border simply as 'the line'.

Only here

The state line runs through the city, with the post office on the border.
Texarkana has two of everything: two mayors, two police departments, two school districts.
The name 'Texarkana' is a portmanteau of Texas and Arkansas.
The slugburger was invented here.

New here? A few tips

Be prepared for hot, humid summers and the occasional tornado warning in spring.
Try a slugburger, a local specialty, at a diner.
Stand on the state line at the post office—it's a fun photo op.
Embrace Southern hospitality; people are friendly and welcoming.
You'll quickly learn to say 'y'all' and 'fixin' to'.

Make this page better

Know a place, a festival, a word locals use, or something here that's wrong? Suggest it; someone at Popchat checks every one.

Nearby

Every area

Atlanta–JeffersonTexasWhere the pines meet the bayou, and history lingers in the air.HopeArkansasWhere the pines meet the watermelon patch.De QueenArkansasWhere diamonds sparkle in the pines.MagnoliaArkansasSouthern comfort, magnolia pride Kiamichi CountryOklahomaWhere the pines meet the water Mount PleasantTexasWhere the pines meet the water and the barbecue is always hot.Shreveport–Bossier CityLouisianaRed River hospitality and piney woods charm.CamdenArkansasA friendly stop on the Ouachita River.

Texarkana, TX-AR. Areas from the US Census Bureau and Statistics Canada; places from GeoNames. Local flavour was written with a model and may have mistakes. Team names identify teams; no endorsement.