3 Weekend Getaways in Driving Distance of Jacksonville, TX

If you're looking for some of the best barbecue in Texas, you'll find it in Jacksonville. When we're craving bold, smoky flavors, we head to one of these four top BBQ spots in Jacksonville, TX. 1. JW's Barbecue This family-owned business was started by a 1996 graduate of Jacksonville High School, who learned the craft of barbecue when he lived in Arkansas and couldn't get the dishes he remembered from growing up in Texas. JW's Barbecue serves smoked meats by the pound, including pulled pork, turkey, brisket, house-made sausage, and pork ribs. It also has sandwiches, specialty plates, sides, and desserts. JW's is located at 1015 East Rusk Street in Jacksonville. It's open from 11 a.m. until everything is sold out from Tuesday through Saturday. 2. Sadler's Kitchen If you're looking for down-home Texas favorites including barbecue, Sadler's is the spot. This family restaurant has been feeding the Jacksonville community since 1943. The menu features home style dishes like lasagna and creamy chicken spaghetti alongside your choice of kebabs, sliced pork or beef tenderloin, or bacon-wrapped chicken breasts. If you have room for dessert, don't skip the famous pies. Sadler's Kitchen is located at 101 South Bonner Street in Jacksonville, in a restored historic building. It's open from 4 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, and 5 to 9 p.m. on Saturday. 3. Pop's Country Store and Grill You can find some of the best BBQ in the Jacksonville area at this family-owned fuel station, which offers groceries in addition to smoked meats and a small menu of sandwiches. We recommend the barbecue sandwich featuring Pop's legendary pulled pork, along with a hot link or two if you're in the mood for some spice. Pop's Country Store and Grill is located at 10940 FM 347 North in Jacksonville. It's open from 5:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, with breakfast sandwiches on the grill for the early risers. 4. Commerce Street Drafthouse This Jacksonville staple has a widely varied menu that includes quite a few BBQ favorites. We love the loaded pulled pork baked potato for a fun twist on a classic Texas dish. Smoked chicken stars in Commerce Street's chicken salad sandwich, or you can order bangers and mash with barbecue bratwurst. Commerce Street Drafthouse is located at 401 East Commerce Street. It's open from 4 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. The Chevy Silverado has the work features you want with a comfortable cabin that's perfect for exploring Jacksonville's local barbecue scene. Schedule your test drive at Bacon Auto Country today to experience this powerful pickup. Image by Jacob Johnson from Pixabay

Load your picnic basket and head to the best picnic spots around Jacksonville, TX. With so many scenic parks and picturesque landscapes to choose from, the possibilities for a perfect picnic are endless. Just Down the Road: 3 Favorite Picnic Spots Near Jacksonville, TX 1. Lake Jacksonville Enjoy a scenic picnic overlooking the sparkling 1,325-acre Lake Jacksonville in the Neches River basin at 2700 Byrd Road in Jacksonville. Picnic benches are scattered in the shade under the mixed hardwood and pine trees along the shore, providing sweeping views over the lake's crystal-clear water. The picnic area is near the sandy swimming beach, pier, and campground. There are also three boat ramps, making it an excellent destination for swimming, fishing, paddling, and boating. Linger along the lake until early evening, when the setting sun casts a warm orange glow over the water for the perfect ending to a lovely day on the lake. 2. Love's Outlook Park Enjoy a delicious lunch at Love's Outlook Park on 43822 US 69. At 713 feet, Love's Outlook Park, with its locally sourced iron ore stone wall lining the ridge, has long been renowned for its breathtaking vistas towards the eastern horizon. On days with clear skies, it's possible to see as far as 30 to 35 miles away. Sit at one of the picnic tables and have a delicious lunch while admiring the sprawling, far-flung views over the Texas landscape. The park is also home to one of the last fire towers, listed on the National Historic Lookout Register, built by the Texas Forest Service in 1935 and remained active until 1970. A historical marker reveals the origin of Love's Lookout Park, once owned by Wesley Love at the turn of the century, and there are impeccable restrooms, vending machines, and an information center. 3. Nichols' Green Park Pack your favorite picnic lunch, pile your loved ones in your spacious Chevy or GMC, and head to Nichols' Green Park at 1215 Heritage Drive: Jacksonville's flagship park with lush meadows, beautiful wooded areas, and plenty of fun outdoor activities. After playing a round of disc golf, tennis, or basketball and watching the little ones running through the sprayers at the splash pad and swinging and sliding at the playground, take a leisurely stroll down one of the winding walking paths to find the ideal spot for a bite to eat. You can spread your blanket on the rolling green lawn overlooking the pond or get comfy in the pavilion and enjoy a lovely picnic with family and friends. Picnics are an excellent way to enjoy beautiful surroundings, and whether it's a romantic picnic for two or a fun family outing, there's something special about dining al fresco. After your picnic, drop by Bacon Auto Country to look at the new Chevrolet and GMC models and find your next reliable ride.

Are you in the market for a new pickup in Jacksonville, Texas? With so many solid options out there, it can be tough to make a choice. One way to make things easier is to narrow the field, and the best way to do that is start looking at Chevy vs GMC trucks. Both Chevy and GMC make great trucks, and they share the same parent company - General Motors - and even some of the same platforms, but they're not identical. Understanding where they differ can help you make the right choice for you. What Do Chevy and GMC Trucks Have in Common? At their core, Chevrolet trucks and GMC models share quite a bit under the hood. Both the Chevy Silverado and the GMC Sierra ride on the same full-size truck platform and offer similar engine options, cab configurations, and bed lengths. You'll find comparable towing and payload capabilities across both lineups, and both benefit from GM's engineering and safety technology. If you're focused purely on capability, either brand can get the job done. Where Chevy and GMC Trucks Differ One way to highlight the ways they differ is to look at the Chevy Silverado vs GMC Sierra comparison. GMC tends to lean into a more premium, luxurious experience. The Sierra's exterior styling features a more upscale look, and the Denali trim takes luxury truck features to a higher level with upgraded interior materials, a larger touchscreen, and distinctive badging. GMC also offers the AT4 off-road trim with serious capability for drivers who venture off-road. Chevy trucks, on the other hand, often appeal to buyers who want strong capability at a more accessible price point. The Silverado lineup includes a wide variety of trims that make it easy to find a well-equipped truck without stretching your budget. The Trail Boss trim delivers solid off-road credentials, and the High Country offers a high-end finish for those who want comfort and style. Which Truck Is Right for You? Choosing between Chevy vs GMC trucks often comes down to what you value most. If luxury finishes, premium technology, and a more distinctive look are priorities, the GMC Sierra - especially in Denali trim - is a good choice. If you're looking for a versatile, capable, and value-forward truck with plenty of trim options, Chevy trucks like the Silverado are hard to beat. Explore Both Lineups at Bacon Auto Country No matter if you're leaning toward Chevy trucks or a GMC Sierra, the best way to make your decision is to get behind the wheel. At Bacon Auto Country, you can browse current inventory, compare trims, and connect with a team that's ready to help you find the right fit. Stop by or visit us online and experience the difference for yourself.