The video above takes you on a full road trip through Livingston, Texas, a small town of about 6,000 people located 75 miles northeast of Houston. It's one of those places where you can immediately feel the shift from big city to East Texas pine country — lots of trees, a slower pace, and a genuinely distinct local character. David Bridwell headed up to Livingston for a gig at Temp Creek Vineyard and spent some time exploring downtown, the local food scene, and Lake Livingston State Park along the way.
What to See in Downtown Livingston
Downtown Livingston is built around the classic Texas courthouse square, centered on the Polk County Courthouse with a gazebo sitting right beside it. The storefronts have that old brick character you find in a lot of small Texas towns — the kind of place where you can poke around for antiques, desserts, and random treasures. There's the water tower with the town's name on it, some words of encouragement painted on a wall, and even a photo-op chair set up near some local history displays. On a lazy, overcast weekend day, it's a good spot to just walk around without any agenda.
One food stop worth mentioning is the Courthouse Whistle Stop Cafe, which has a homey, original feel to it. The omelet was solid, and it's the kind of place where you'll hear some of the thickest Texan accents of any small town in the state. Of all the small Texas towns covered on this channel, Livingston stands out the most in that regard.
Is There Live Music in Livingston, Texas?
Livingston does have a live music scene, even if it's small. Here are two spots featured in the video:
- Across the Tracks — An intimate BYOB venue that features original songwriters. Multiple locals recommended it, and it has a reputation as the go-to spot for live music in town.
- Temp Creek Vineyard — A boutique wine shop and tasting room with a vineyard and pastoral setting complete with cows in the background. David Bridwell performed here to a small, attentive audience, and the vibe was relaxed — folks sipping wine next to outdoor heaters while enjoying live original music.
Lake Livingston State Park
A big draw for the area is Lake Livingston, which is technically a reservoir and the second largest lake entirely within the state of Texas. The state park offers kayaking, fishing, camping, and picnicking. On an overcast, misty day, it's a genuinely peaceful place to just sit and stare at the water. Fair warning — there may be a gator or two lurking around, so keep your eyes open. It's an easy side trip that rounds out a visit to the area, especially if you're coming up from Houston and want to feel like you've actually gotten away from it all.