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Whether you like solo trips or adventures with friends or family, camping is one of the best activities to get away from the routine, enjoy some time in nature, and recharge your batteries away from the bustle of the city. If you are looking for the best destinations to set up your tent near Jacksonville, TX, these are some campgrounds you should definitely check out. Pack your gear, bring some snacks, and head to these fantastic spots. 3 of the Best Campgrounds and Camping Destinations Near Jacksonville, TX 1. Angelina National Forest Spanning a territory of over 150,000 acres, Angelina National Forest was established by the U.S. Forest Service in 1936. Located along the banks of the Neches River and the shores of Sam Rayburn Reservoir, this beautiful nature reserve is an excellent destination for Jacksonville locals wanting to check out the beautiful landscapes of the area. Some popular activities here include hiking, mountain biking, fishing, boating, kayaking, canoeing, and white-tailed deer hunting. more Getting from downtown Jacksonville to Angelina National Forest by car takes a little under an hour driving southeast along route US-69. There are five different areas for campers within the territory of this national forest, with water-only, electric, and primitive campsites. Most of these sites are located not far from the shores of Sam Rayburn Reservoir and feature different amenities including running water, fire pits, grills, picnic tables, and well-maintained restrooms. 2. Martin Creek Lake State Park Located just 50 miles northeast of Jacksonville, Martin Creek Lake State Park is another excellent destination for campers looking for a quiet and beautiful nature reserve to enjoy some time away from the city. Established in 1976 and managed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, this state park covers an area of over 285 acres and offers year-round opportunities for fishing, paddling, swimming, hiking, picnicking, geocaching, boating, kayaking, mountain biking, and water skiing. Driving from Jacksonville to the entrance of Martin Creek Lake State Park takes less than an hour, following routes US-79 and TX-43. There are different campsites available in the park, as well as screened shelters and cabins. Depending on the type of site you book, you can have access to different facilities including modern restrooms, fire rings with public grills, picnic tables, water hookups, electric plugs, lantern posts, shade shelters, and hot showers. 3. Tyler State Park Featuring a 64-acre lake and endless opportunities for fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, and mountain biking, Tyler State Park is an excellent destination for a weekend escape with friends or family. This nature reserve is located a little over 40 miles north of downtown Jacksonville, making it possible to reach it in less than an hour by car. For those wanting to stay overnight, there are screened shelters, cabins, as well as full hookup, water-only, and electric campsites available. Going on memorable adventures and road trips is safer and more enjoyable in a reliable and comfortable car. If you are planning to buy a new set of wheels in the Jacksonville area, visit us at Bacon Auto County and check out the inventory of vehicles we have available for you. Image via Pixabay

There are plenty of reasons to love living in Jacksonville. The stunning natural lakes are great for boating or fishing, and the view from Love's Lookout is always worth the hike. However, when it's too hot for an adventure but you still want to go out, it's time for a trip to the ice cream shop. Try one of these great places the next time you want to cool down with a sweet treat near Jacksonville, TX. 4 Best Ice Cream Shops Around Jacksonville, TX 1. Chilango's Chilango's on East Rusk St is far from plain vanilla when it comes to desserts. This small authentic shop is bursting with fruit, flavor, and exotic treats. With a hint of Mexican flare, Chilango's is making some of the best summer delights around. Regulars rave about the excellent service and great prices. Chilango's has a number of decadent, creamy sundaes as well as refreshing fruit smoothies and slushies. The wide variety of delicious items to choose from means you can try something new every time you stop by. more 2. La Tropical A few blocks east from Chilango's on the same street, La Tropical proves that sprinkles aren't the only way to get a pop of color on your cone. Vibrant fruit is incorporated into nearly all of their special treats. Hard creams are available in several classic flavors with dairy-free options available. But the best thing here is the range of fresh and healthy combinations you can choose from. There is nothing processed about La Tropical where fresh chopped pineapple, strawberries, or melon decorate almost every dish. Their fruit waters and drinks are local favorites and make this the perfect place to come and cool off this summer. 3. Paleteria y Neveria Chilango's 5 On North Bolton St in Jacksonville, you can find this local gem where they put their own spin on cold creams and desserts. Snack and treats are available with a hint of Mexican spice or more traditional American sweetness. Friendly service and affordable menu items are paramount at this small establishment. And their adventurous cups will have you coming back for more. You can get anything from corn to gummy worms in a dessert at Chilango's 5. Fruit platters are always available and everything is made fresh in-house. From flavored ice to candy and nut-covered cones, a treat from Chilango's 5 is sure to hit the spot. 4. Tropical Paradise Fresh Fruits & Smoothies Tropical Paradise on East Woodrow St serves some of the best cones and smoothies around. The vibrant purple of their strawberry, banana, and blueberry smoothie has made it a favorite. But if you're craving something with more of a crunch they also have homemade candy. Kids and adults can enjoy happy hour at Tropical Paradise between 2 pm-4 pm when their fruit waters are half-price. Pair your fruity drink with a sweet or salty treat, for the perfect afternoon snack. Jacksonville has a lot of things to keep you busy this summer. But when you want to slow down and cool off these are some fantastic places to grab a cold sweet treat. Make sure your vehicle is in good shape for your next trip to one of these shops by taking it in for regular maintenance at your local dealership. Contact Bacon Auto Country for more information or to schedule a service today. Image via Pixabay

As one of the most popular vehicles in Chevy's lineup, the Traverse has a solid reputation for being an excellent family vehicle. This three-row SUV is comfortable, spacious, and strong enough to haul a heavy load. This year's lineup of the Traverse is full of today's latest and greatest entertainment and safety features. Overall, drivers love the exceptional value of the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse. 4 Things Drivers Love About the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse 1. Family-Sized Interior Space The 2021 Traverse has been designed extremely well, with Chevy taking advantage of every available inch of interior space. Many drivers consider this SUV's spacious cabin to be one of the vehicle's biggest assets, especially because of the expanded legroom provided in each row. Passengers won't feel cramped on longer drives and they will love the thoughtful conveniences added to each seat, like side pockets in the door wells for personal items and extra cup holders throughout the cabin. more Whether you plan to carry camping gear, help move a kid to college, or load up building materials for your next home improvement project, the 2021 Traverse is ready to adapt to your daily needs. Drivers will find the 23 cubic feet of cargo area behind the third row to be more than enough room for groceries, luggage, or sports gear. This volume increases significantly when the back rows are folded down, with the third row offering a power-folding feature. 2. Excellent Towing Capabilities The 2021 Traverse proves its versatility with its impressive towing capabilities. Chevy has engineered this family SUV to handle a tow load up to 5,000 pounds. Drivers can activate the tow/haul mode when needed to drive more confidently while hauling, and buyers who opt to equip their model with all-wheel drive will experience improved traction and handling when driving through difficult road conditions. While not marketed as an off-roading vehicle, the 2021 Traverse is more than capable of handling extended camping vacations, long road trips, and exciting weekend excursions. 3. Agile Handling The Traverse has been built on a car platform instead of a truck platform like many larger SUVs. This smaller platform gives this midsize SUV excellent maneuverability and better handling than many of its rivals, and the exceptional agility is even further enhanced by the touring-tuned suspension dampers. Drivers will appreciate the clear outward visibility, making it even easier to anticipate steering and braking needs. 4. Strong V6 Engine The entire lineup of the 2021 Traverse comes standard with a strong and efficient V6 engine. This capable engine generates an impressive 310 horsepower, proving itself to be a powerful performer when loaded down with passengers and cargo. Drivers who are in the market for a superbly capable and spacious family vehicle can't go wrong with the 2021 Traverse. This midsize SUV has a stylish exterior, feature-filled interior, and an impressive tow rating that allows families to haul a boat or trailer to their vacation destination, undoubtedly making memories along the way. Come visit us today at Bacon Auto Country to test drive this top-rated model.

There's nothing better than a cup of freshly brewed coffee to get you through the day. Fortunately, East Texas has no shortage of cute cafes where coffee enthusiasts can get their caffeine fix. Whether you prefer decadent flavor combinations like peanut butter and toasted marshmallow in latte form or a classic cold brew with a shot of espresso, there are plenty of cafes delivering high-quality coffee. Here are some top coffee shops in and around Jacksonville, TX. 5 Favorite Coffee Shops in and Around Jacksonville, TX 1. YellowWood Coffee This cozy local café brews fresh coffee from locally roasted beans. Try the Wizard Ale or the spice chai latte with intricate latte art. You can also sample their inventive YinYang coffee with a special blend of medium roast Columbian Espresso and fine Assam tea. You can also never go wrong with a cup of their Planet Killer Keto Coffee with a shot of espresso and heavy cream. Other must-try menu items include smoothies, boba, Frappuccinos, and keto options. more 2. Coffee Around The Corner Coffee Around The Corner vends delicious pastries, making the perfect accompaniment to the exclusive coffee blends on the menu. Settle in at a table and try out their daily special or an Iced Latte. The café's warm and inviting atmosphere is enough to keep you coming back but do not let it distract you from their flavorful Mochas and Cappuccinos paired with a delicious waffle or chicken salad on a croissant. 3. The Daily Grind This adorable café in an old building in Rusk serves freshly made sandwiches, cakes, and rich, fresh coffee. Be sure to grab a cup of freshly brewed Caramel macchiato or an iced white Mocha with soymilk and take a seat inside the cozy shop. With outside seating available for warmer weather, you can sip an iced coffee as you enjoy a cool breeze. In addition to giving you that morning caffeine jolt, the café does lunch specials. 4. Old Magnolia This delightful hidden gem located in historic downtown Palestine offers exclusive fresh ground brewed coffee with many flavors to choose from made to order from the coffee bar. As well as making delicious coffee, their homemade sandwiches are worth writing home about. The menu also features outstanding lunch and dinner selections. Order an artfully roasted coffee on one of those laidback weekend evenings, then sit back and enjoy some live music. 5. Flying Gatto Coffee There is nothing quite like a cup of freshly brewed Caramel Machiatto from Flying Gatto Coffee to kick start your day. This locally owned café housed in what used to be a gas station serves up delicious creamy lattes, refreshing iced mochas, smooth espressos, flavorful smoothies, and homemade pastries that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. The baristas here have perfected their craft, evident in every drip of caffeinated goodness, which will have you coming back for more. Grab a delicious cup of delicious freshly brewed coffee from one of these delightful cafes anytime you are in east Texas. If you need help getting there, visit Bacon Auto Country, and we will point you in the right direction and help you get behind the wheels of an outstanding vehicle that will get you there quicker. Image via Pixabay

Located on the eastern side of the state, the city of Jacksonville, TX has a population of less than 15,000 and is known by locals as the “tomato capital of the world” for its massive production and export of tomatoes. This small city can be used as a base to go on memorable road trips and explore other urban and natural wonders in Texas and neighboring Louisiana. Invite your friends, don't forget your camera, and hit the road now. 3 Unforgettable Road Trips You Can Take From Jacksonville, TX 1. Shreveport, LA With a population of a little under half a million, Shreveport is the third most populous city in the state of Louisiana, after Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Founded in 1836 as a station along the Texas Trail, the city grew considerably after the discovery of oil in the state. Nowadays, Shreveport is a regional cultural capital and an excellent day trip destination for Jacksonville locals looking for an urban escape full of museums, cultural centers, and great food. more Downtown Shreveport is located just 110 miles east of Jacksonville, a distance that can be covered in a little under two hours by car. Most of the city's tourist spots are located within the Downtown Riverfront, which can be easily explored on foot. Some of the places you should not miss while in the city include the Sci-Port Discovery Center, the Lewis House, the Long – Allen Bridge, the Gardens of the American Rose Center monument, and the Caddo Parish Courthouse. 2. Dallas, TX Part of the largest metropolitan area in Texas and the Southern United States, Dallas is an excellent urban destination that attracts millions of visitors every year coming from all over the world. The Dallas – Fort Worth metroplex has a population of more than 7,5 million, boasting skyscrapers, historical buildings, museums, cultural centers, historical monuments, and other places that make it worth exploring for a day or more. Driving to the Dallas city center from Jacksonville takes less than two hours. Although there is no doubt that Dallas is an enormous city, you will only need your car to explore a few spots outside the city center. Before that, you can start your tour with a walk around the Dallas Downtown Historic Center, checking out the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, Reunion Tower, the John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza, and the famous Dallas World Aquarium. Not far from here, you can find museums and galleries in the Arts District neighborhood. 3. Davy Crockett National Forest, TX Boasting more than 160,000 acres of territory, the Davy Crockett National Forest is popular among visitors from Houston, Dallas, and other smaller cities and towns in the area. This natural escape is the perfect spot for several outdoor activities, including camping, swimming, picnicking, boating, and hiking. Getting here from downtown Jacksonville takes a little over an hour by car, driving along route US-69 S. Before you head out on an adventure to one of these excellent day trip destinations, visit us at Bacon Auto Country and check out the deals we have available for you. Whether you are looking for a family car or a cargo truck, we have the best vehicles in the market and flexible financing plans for all our customers.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Jacksonville, TX is the place to be for exciting outdoor activities. The clear water of Jacksonville Lake is excellent for fishing, swimming, and boating. You can head off to River Run ATV Park and hit a trail in your off-road vehicle. The pristine hardwood forest at the Neches River National Wildlife Refuge provides hikers with an extraordinary outdoor experience. 5 Favorite Outdoor Activities to Enjoy Near Jacksonville, TX 1. Hiking and Birdwatching The 7,000-acre Neches River National Wildlife Refuge boasts the best preserved bottomland hardwood forest in the country. Eight marked trails wind for over 25 scenic miles through the extraordinary forest, run along the Neches River, and climb up the pines woodlands. more The trails range from one to seven miles in length with various degrees of difficulty. Hikers will hear birds in the trees, the calls of coyotes, and catch glimpses of ducks, herons, haws, and other bird species. 2. Boating, Swimming, Fishing, and Camping Grab your gear and head out to Lake Jacksonville for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Here you can sunbathe on the beach, swim, boat, fish, and camp on the shores of the 1,325-acre lake. It's a favorite fishing spot to reel in largemouth and spotted bass, crappie, perch, and catfish. There is a boat launch and a pier. The campgrounds on the shores of the lake include shelters and RV pads with water, electricity, barbecue pits, and restrooms with showers. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife around the lake. Visitors often spot bald eagles, deer, and red foxes. 3. Off-Road Trail Riding Get in your ATV, UTV, 4x4 truck, golf cart, saddle your horse, and hop on your bicycle and explore the 2,000 acre River Run ATV Park on the Neches River down miles of trails. The trails that run through woodlands and over oil field roads are for any type of off-road vehicle. Some of the tracks are really muddy, others are dry, but all offer spectacular views of the river and Big Rock. 4. Picnicking and Panoramic Views At an elevation of 720 feet above sea level, Love's Lookout Park provides spectacular views of the eastern horizon that stretches out over 30 miles on clear days. The gardens are planted with colorful perennials which attract butterflies and birds. The picnic tables and benches make this the perfect spot to appreciate the magnificent views and enjoy picnics in scenic surroundings. The park has restrooms, an information center, and vending machines. 5. Exotic Wildlife Safari See a wide range of exotic and endangered animals at Cherokee Trace on a drive-through wildlife safari on miles of trails through the hills and savannas of this 300-acre park. The animals live in habitats that closely resemble their native territories. You can watch them from the comfort of your vehicle drinking at the waterholes, roaming across open fields, and lazing under the trees in the shade. The region offers a wide range of exciting activities and adventures in beautiful surroundings that suits everyone's tastes. Contact Bacon Auto Country today and make a service appointment. One of our expert technicians will ensure that your vehicle is in perfect condition to take you on an exciting outdoor adventure.

Are you in search of amazing pizza in the Jacksonville, TX, area? You'll find some of the best pizza places in town on your next visit, whether you're enjoying a slice of pie with a soda or enjoying a full meal with the family. 7 of the Best Pizza Places Near Jacksonville, TX 1. Adolfo's Pizza This fantastic pizzeria is located in the Walmart Supercenter and features all your favorite pies, baked fresh to order. It's a great spot to enjoy with the family, in between shopping and errands. Adolfo's features a wonderful all-day buffet and takeout specials for large orders, all for a reasonable price. The shop is open seven days a week, and also offers a delivery service. more 2. Pit Stop Pizza Pit Stop Pizza is a terrific place to enjoy delicious deep-dish pies, fresh salads, and many tasty meals. This eatery offers a cozy atmosphere to indulge in all your favorite dishes, including custom and signature pizza, submarine sandwiches, calzones, and pasta dishes. Pit Stop Pizza features a kids' menu and family packages for large orders. It's the ideal spot to order for takeout or enjoy a meal in the dining room. All meals are served in large portions at a reasonable price. 3. Milano's Pizza Troup Texas This popular pizzeria is located in nearby Troup, TX. The diner features excellent quality pasta, baked pies, salads, and appetizers for takeout and delivery. Milano's also offers a bright, cheerful dining space to enjoy a tasty meal on the go. The restaurant's website features an interactive menu for online orders and regular updates for weekly specials. 4. Pronto Gyros and Pizza You'll love the decadent gyros and pizza featured at this eatery—this small family-owned restaurant offers authentic Italian and Greek cuisine prepared with the finest ingredients. Pronto Gyros and Pizza offers a comfortable, rustic interior to dine-in and outdoor seating. It's a fantastic place to enjoy lunch or dinner with friends or family. The menu also includes amazing German schnitzel, pasta entrees, and chef specials. Pronto's also offers a kids' menu and vegetarian options. 5. Hometown Pizza Hometown Pizza is conveniently located in nearby Jewell, TX, and open from Tuesday to Saturday. It's a great spot to enjoy homemade pizza, burgers, onion rings, and other tasty side dishes. You'll enjoy the down-to-earth, friendly service and high-quality food. 6. The Pizza House If you enjoy country-style cooking and delicious baked pies, you'll want to visit the Pizza House. The eatery features unique dishes, including Czech pizza and nacho platters with loads of tasty toppings. This fabulous diner is located in nearby West, TX, just a short drive from Jacksonville. You'll find some of the best comfort food and mouth-watering meals at this joint. 7. Frenkie's Pasta & Pizza Frenkie's Pasta and Pizza is a great place to enjoy cocktails and wine with Italian cuisine and gourmet pizza. The restaurant offers a cozy dining space and elegant sidewalk seating. You'll encounter terrific pizza joints and takeout counters in and around Jacksonville. Come see us at Bacon Auto Country and our amazing selection of new and pre-owned vehicles. Image via Pixabay

The full-size Chevy Silverado 1500 is the most popular half-ton pickup truck on the market. Its versatility of options and configurations allows drivers to choose exactly what they're looking for. With two cargo-bed sizes, three cab styles, and a number of powertrain options, the 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 can be perfectly customized to your preferences and needs while still outperforming its competition. 4 Reasons to Test-Drive the 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 1. Powerful Engine Choices With so many powertrains to choose from that supply the horsepower and torque for even the toughest jobs, you're sure to find the strength your lifestyle demands. The 4.3-liter V6 base engine produces 285 horsepower and 305 lb-ft of torque and is an impressive and capable standard option. more The 5.3-liter V8 engine has Dynamic Fuel Management technology and generates 355 horsepower with 383 lb-ft of torque. A 2.7-liter turbocharged engine maximizes efficiency while still producing 310 horsepower and 3.0-liter. An inline-6 diesel engine is perfect for big jobs, with 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. 2. Towing Capability and Payload Capacity The Silverado 1500 achieves an incredible max towing capacity of up to 13,300 pounds with the available V8 engine, 20-inch wheels, and Max Trailering Package. When equipped with the available camera and trailering technology, this truck is virtually unstoppable in its muscle and strength. The long-bed models of this full-size truck have the most cargo capacity of any vehicle in its class at a volume of up to 89.1 cubic feet. The maximum payload has an impressive capacity of up to 2,280 pounds with the long cargo bed option and available 2.7-liter turbocharged engine. 3. Multi-Camera Trailering System The Silverado 1500 boasts more camera viewing angles than any of its competition. The Multi-Camera Trailering System uses a number of cameras to make parking, driving and hitching a trailer easy and stress-free. The system features a hitch view, rear top-down view, surround view, a truck-bed view with a zoom-in feature, and a hitch-guidance system. 4. Off-Road Performance and Capabilities Every trim level of the Silverado 1500 shines with its off-road capabilities. A number of its models have a four-wheel drive variation available as an option. If maximum off-road performance is a priority, the Custom Trail Boss, and LT Trail Boss are top performers. The High Country is the leader of the Silverado pack with its amenities and capabilities. All three of these models come standard with a set of skid plates, a 2-speed Autotrac Transfer Case, and an automatic-locking rear differential. This truck hauls your family and workload on a daily basis without skipping a beat. The sleek body styling and towing capabilities make this truck a high performer both on and off the road. Regardless of the powertrain and cab size you choose, this versatile and attractive pickup will be exactly what you need for both errands and excursions. Call or stop by Bacon Auto Country today to plan a test drive and see the impressive capabilities and customizable options available for your new Silverado 1500.

Jacksonville, TX is surrounded by the huge variety of lakes, rivers, and streams that make this corner of East Texas a fisherman's paradise. There are dozens of fishing spots to discover, whether you're a seasoned pro or a novice just starting out. No matter what your level of fishing skill, there is bound to be something for you. 4 of The Best Fishing Spots Near Jacksonville, TX 1. Lake Jacksonville The closest, and by some accounts the best, the best fishing lake near Jacksonville, Lake Jacksonville is one of the more challenging lakes in the area. However, if you persevere, you can expect to find a good amount of largemouth and spotted bass. Some of the largemouth bass have been known to reach over 15 pounds! more Some of the best places to fish are along the edge of the dam or off one of the several lighted fishing piers that dot the lake. Lake Jacksonville is steeper than many of the other lakes in the region, so would-be anglers would do well to look for any deep structure or brush pile. 2. Lake Palestine Located to the west of Jacksonville, and only a little over a half an hour's drive away, Lake Palestine is a large impoundment with excellent populations of White and hybrid striped bass and catfish. There are also good populations of largemouth and spotted bass and crappie in the lake. The best places to fish are between Texas Highway 155, which crosses the lake just south of the midpoint, and the dam that marks the end of the lake at its southern end. Most of the submerged timber is at this end, which provides excellent cover for fish. 3. Striker Reservoir Located on Striker Creek, just 20 miles to the east of Jacksonville, Striker Reservoir is a great place to fish for channel catfish and black bass, of which there are great fisheries here. There are also high populations of bluegill and redear sunfish in the lake, which are particularly good for younger or less experienced anglers, making this lake a great place if you're just starting out. As the lake water here is fairly turbid, fish tend to stay in the shallows along the shores. The sunfish provide particularly fast action in the summer when they move to the shallower bed to spawn. There are several docks around the reservoir that provide good cover for fish, and many of the catfish, in particular, are found around the creeks that feed into the lake. 4. Lake Murvaul Located to the east of Jacksonville, this lake bears mention for its excellent bass fishery, which makes it a great place for a fishing day out. It's also very good for crappie, with some quite large specimens being reported. Bass fishing is best from January to march around the many lake structures. It's worth noting that you will need a valid fishing license to fish in all these lakes, and any other public water in Texas, but don't let that stop you from enjoying a relaxing day by the water. Check out Bacon Auto Country today to find out more. Image via Pixabay