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. more 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.

Shopping for a new truck requires making several important choices to maximize daily capability. The right bed length makes a meaningful difference in productivity and utility. Finding the ideal bed configuration often gets overlooked during the buying process. At Bacon Auto Country in Jacksonville, TX, we help drivers find the perfect GMC Sierra 1500 for their needs, and we invite you to contact us for more details. Why Bed Length Matters on the GMC Sierra 1500 The GMC Sierra 1500 offers multiple bed lengths designed for specific driver requirements. Selecting the incorrect size could leave you short on hauling space or struggling to maneuver in tight spots. Understanding your options ensures the truck fits your lifestyle perfectly. Short Bed (5 Feet 8") The short bed appeals to drivers prioritizing everyday convenience. Measuring 5 feet 8", it provides a manageable footprint that simplifies parking in garages and urban lots. This configuration offers solid cargo capacity for weekend projects and light hauling. It pairs exclusively with the crew cab, maximizing rear passenger room. Standard Bed (6 Feet 6") The standard bed strikes a useful balance by providing extra room without upgrading to a full long bed. At 6 feet 6", it delivers noticeably more cargo space than the short bed while remaining manageable to drive. This fits drivers splitting time between work tasks and daily commuting. Available tie-down points and cargo management options make it a versatile everyday workhorse. Long Bed (8 Feet) The long bed delivers maximum cargo real estate for hauling large loads, lumber, or equipment. Measuring 8 feet, it accommodates full-size plywood sheets and oversized materials. This option appeals to buyers using their Sierra 1500 primarily as a heavy-duty work truck instead of a daily driver. Matching Cab and Bed to Your Lifestyle Bed length connects directly to your chosen cab style. The regular cab pairs with longer beds, the double cab provides a middle ground, and the crew cab pairs with the short or standard bed. Balancing your passenger capacity with your cargo needs narrows down your ideal Sierra configuration quickly. Visit Bacon Auto Country to Compare Configurations The right GMC Sierra 1500 bed setup depends on how you plan to use your truck. Whether you prioritize easy maneuverability, everyday versatility, or maximum cargo capacity, comparing bed lengths in person can help you make a confident choice. Visit Bacon Auto Country in Jacksonville, TX to explore available Sierra 1500 configurations, compare truck-bed dimensions side by side, and speak with our team about the hauling and towing needs that matter most to you.