A Foodies Guide to the Best East Texas Restaurants

A Foodies Guide to the Best East Texas Restaurants

Mill Creek Ranch Resort is one of the best RV parks and resorts in East Texas to experience the area’s distinctive charm. Our award-winning RV park in Canton, TX, perfectly mixes the East Texas natural beauty and charm with modern comforts. Our cottage rentals provide an even higher level of comfort and luxury. There are many adventures to explore in East Texas, and the best local restaurants offer a genuine Southern cuisine experience. Keep reading to learn about the 11 restaurants you should visit in the area!

The 11 Best East Texas Restaurants Near Canton

  1. Ole West Bean & Burger: This is one of the best East Texas restaurants for some good old-fashioned comfort food with no frills. They sport an impressive 4.6-star rating from over 899 Google reviews. 
  2. Street Taco Shack: Head to this spot for the best tacos around. Just take a look at their 4.7-star rating from over 546 Google reviews. 
  3. Tacos Y Mas: This is another one of the best East Texas restaurants for some tasty tacos. Don’t just take our word for it; look at their 4.5-star rating from over 178 Google reviews.
  4. Craft 64 Burgers & Sports: Come here to grab a delicious burger, craft beer, and listen to awesome live music. They have been voted as the #1 entertainment venue in Van Zandt County.
  5. Val’s Italian Restaurant & Pizza: Indulge in one of the best East Texas Italian restaurants with locations in Canton and Mineola. Check out their nice 4.4-star rating from over 829 Google reviews.
  6. The Pie Place: Treat yourself to a yummy array of homemade fried pie flavors. On Facebook, they sport a 4.7-star rating from over 19 reviews.
  7. Brothers Cafe: Come here for Southern-style home cooking. With a 4.6-star rating from over 244 Google reviews, why not give them a chance?
  8. Moma T’s BBQ: Head to one of the best East Texas restaurants to devour delicious BBQ treats. They feature an excellent 4.8-star rating from over 141 Google reviews.
  9. Easley Steakhouse: Indulge yourself in this meat-lovers paradise with a 4.5-star rating from over 609 Google reviews. 
  10. Dairy Palace: This East Texas restaurant is a must-see, from ice cream to burgers. Just look at their 4.4-star rating from over 5059 Google reviews.
  11. Jerry’s Pizza: Savor delicious pizza at one of the best pizza restaurants in East Texas. Have a look at their excellent 4.4-star rating from over 210 Google reviews. 

Experience pure Southern charm and hospitality at Mill Creek Ranch Resort!

Water Park in Canton, TX

Enjoy a Day at the Water Park in Canton, TX

Summertime is a relaxing time to enjoy the sun and just derive joy from the feeling of cool water on your skin. Splash Kingdom Water Park in Canton, TX, provides the ideal getaway for children and adults in East Texas in the intense summer heat. It may currently be winter, but now is the ideal time to start planning for your summer vacation! At our award-winning Mill Creek Ranch Resort, you and your children can participate in a wide range of activities on your summer vacation. Secure one of our plush accommodations at our RV resort in East Texas before you set out to explore the water park in Canton, TX.

About Splash Kingdom Water Park

Located off Interstate 20 between Dallas and Tyler in East Texas is Splash Kingdom. This water park in Canton, TX, is a fantastic place to visit with your family and friends. Even if you are in the area, this is an excellent site for a “staycation” or weekend trip!

 

The Canton, TX, water park is open every day from Memorial Day weekend to mid-August. Then only on weekends through Labor Day. You can purchase a 2023 season pass ahead of time. 

 

Attractions at the water park for every member of the family include:

  • A 17,000 square wave pool
  • Two multi-ride tube slides
  • Two high-speed body slides
  • A thrilling cannon-bowl body slide
  • A 900-foot-long hazy river
  • A special Kids Kingdom with a smaller 7,000 square-foot children’s pool with a fun water play structure and slides.

 

Have a fantastic lunch at the onsite diner, which serves burgers, pizzas, and other tasty treats. After a refreshing time in the water park in Canton, TX, you can drop by the adjacent family entertainment center and enjoy arcade games.

Stay Down the Road From The Water Park in Canton, TX

Return to your cottage rental at Mill Creek Ranch Resort after a thrilling time at the water park in Canton, TX. Our cottage rentals and RV sites allow guests to be acquitted with nature and modern luxuries during their stay. We are one of the premier East Texas RV park resorts and are just a few miles away from the Splash Kingdom. Book your stay with us today! Check our availability online

Explore One of the Best Christmas Towns in Texas

Explore One of the Best Christmas Towns in Texas

Canton Texas is one of the best towns in Texas to celebrate Christmas with its warm small town charm and enchanting Christmas activities. Canton is nestled in East Texas and is surrounded by other towns and cities with vibrant Christmas fun to explore. That’s why Mill Creek Ranch Resort put together this guide on the best things to do for Christmas in East Texas. 

 

Mill Creek Ranch Resort has an impressive selection of cabin/cottage rentals and RV Parks with many incredible amenities in Canton, Texas. From nature trails, to fishing ponds, there’s so much fun to enjoy on-site at our resort. Book your stay today at Mill Creek Ranch Resort to have the Christmas of your dreams.

Best Christmas Festivities in the East Texas Towns & Cities

  1. Canton Christmas Festival: Come and discover why Canton is one of the best Christmas towns in Texas. There will be tons of fun activities, the annual Christmas Marketplace, a parade, photo ops with Santa, live entertainment, and much more!  
  2. Enchant Magic: Become enchanted by the largest Christmas light maze in the world. Explore the story-themed maze and enjoy ice skating, live entertainment, dining, shopping, and guest star appearances from Santa & Mrs. Claus. 
  3. Canton Festival of Trees: Every year the Canton Texas Chamber of Commerce puts on this annual fundraiser where the town’s local organizations compete for the best Christmas tree.
  4. Yesterland Farms Christmas Carnival: Meet Santa, enjoy delicious holiday treats, a petting zoo, rides, a corn maze, and more in Canton, TX. This is another great Christmas celebration in one of the best Christmas towns in Texas. 
  5. Holiday in the Park at Six Flags: Experience one of the most iconic theme parks decked in holiday decorations and festive activities.
  6. Santa Land: Take a drive though one of the best East Texas Christmas lights shows in one of the nearby towns to Canton,TX.
  7. Dallas Zoo Lights: Walk through dazzling holiday lights, sculptures and decorations at the Dallas Zoo. There will also be holiday treats and a chance to meet Santa in his workshop. 
  8. Polar Express: Experience one of the best Christmas stories coming to life in one of the nearby towns to Canton, Texas. Hop on the polar express to enjoy the holiday treats and meet the characters from The Polar Express story.

Book your stay today at Mill Creek Ranch Resort to explore one of the best Christmas towns in Texas!

Spend a Night Out at the Bars in Canton Texas

Spend a Night Out at the Bars in Canton Texas

Mill Creek Ranch Resort is an award-winning RV park and resort in Canton, Texas. Canton is well known for its First Monday Trade Days, but there are also many other fun things to do in the area for a fun night out. Choose the vacation rental of your dreams from our premium selection of cottages, RV park sites, tiny houses, and yurts for rent in Canton, TX. 

During your vacation at one of the best resorts in East Texas, you’ll want to make time for a fun night out at the bars in Canton. We put together this guide to help you discover the best spots to check out in Canton for a night to remember for a lifetime!

The 5 Best Bars in Canton, Texas

  1. The Kickin Mule: With a welcoming atmosphere and hospitable staff, this is one of the must-see bars in Canton. They also have yummy food on their classic American cuisine menu. This bar sports an impressive 4-star rating on Yelp from 87 reviews.
  2. Craft 64 Burgers & Sports: Check out this Canton bar if you’re looking for great local craft brews and yummy food. They have an excellent 4-star rating on Yelp from 152 reviews.
  3. Wine Down: As the name suggests, this is one of the best bars in Canton for wine connoisseurs. With an excellent 4.5-star rating on Yelp from 8 reviews, it’s worth checking out! 
  4. The Forge Bar and Grill: Just a short drive from Canton, this is one of the best bars in the area. They have lots of live music and special events for you to check out during your vacation. With a near-perfect 4.5-star rating on Yelp from 88 reviews, you’ll want to check this bar out during your night out in Canton, TX.
  5. La Pradera Mexican Restaurant: For the best margaritas in Canton and delicious Mexican cuisine, check out this restaurant and bar. Our personal favorite is the watermelon margarita.

Stay at One of the Best Resorts and RV Parks in East Texas

After a night out at the bars in Canton, rest your head at one of the best resorts and RV parks in East Texas. Our resort features an abundance of excellent amenities like catch and release fishing ponds, designer swimming pools, 200 acres for you to explore on the resort nature trails, and so much more. Book your stay today at Mill Creek Ranch Resort to experience the vacation of a lifetime.

A Checklist of the Best Museums in East Texas

A Checklist of the Best Museums in East Texas

East Texas is rich in history and culture, with lots of cool museums to explore. You can explore the best museums in East Texas when you book your stay at the award-winning resort and RV park, Mill Creek Ranch Resort. We offer cabin-style cottages, yurts, tiny homes, and RV sites for rent in Canton, Texas. Have a thrilling vacation when you stay at Mill Creek Ranch Resort, and follow our checklist of the best museums in East Texas.

Best Museums in East Texas Checklist

  • Blackwell House Museum: This museum is in the oldest house in Canton, Texas, and was built in 1886.
  • Camp Ford: Come and visit the historic site of what once was the largest camp for prisoners of the American Civil War west of the Mississippi River. 
  • Cotton Belt Depot Train Museum: Learn about the history and prime of the Texas railroad industry at this fantastic museum. 
  • Depot Museum: Explore eight restored buildings from the history of East Texas in this unique museum complex.
  • Discovery Place Children’s Museum: Discover the many engaging exhibits and programs at this fantastic East Texas museum the whole family will enjoy.
  • East Texas African American Museum: This is an important East Texas museum with the mission to “both preserve and transcend a painful past.” 
  • East Texas Arboretum: Explore one of the most gorgeous museums in East Texas which features lush trees, flowers, and wildlife. Then take a trip back to the pioneer days at the historic Wofford House Museum. 
  • East Texas Oil Museum: Experience what it was like to live during the oil discovery period in the 1930s when you visit the East Texas Oil Museum. 
  • Heritage Park Museum of East Texas: Step back in time at this museum with 20 restored buildings that show what life in East Texas was like from the 1800s to the 1920s.
  • Historic Aviation Memorial Museum: Check this place out to learn about how aviation has played a role in American history.
  • Historic Upshur Museum: This is one of the best museums to learn about what life was like for people living in East Texas throughout the years.
  • Naranjo Museum of Natural History: This is one of the furthest East Texas museums from Mill Creek Ranch Resort on this list, but it has tons of remarkable prehistoric fossils and exhibits to explore.
  • Grand Saline Salt Palace: Learn about the history of salt discovery and production in the world’s only building made of pure rock salt. 
  • Tyler Museum of Art: Come here to explore one of the best art museums in East Texas.
  • The Longview Museum of Fine Arts: This is another one of the best East Texas museums to enjoy the fine arts. 
  • Texas Country Music Hall of Fame: Come here to celebrate the biggest country music stars from Texas.

Book your stay today and explore the best museums in East Texas!

Spend a Day on the Lakes of East Texas

Spend a Day on the Lakes of East Texas

When you book your rental with Mill Creek Ranch Resort at one of our Canton, TX, RV parks or cabin/cottage rentals, you are surrounded by the glorious East Texas lakes. We strive to stand out from other East Texas resorts and offer guests many luxurious amenities and opportunities for adventure. A great way to spend your East Texas vacation is to take a day trip to the lake.

What To Bring to the East Texas Lakes

  1. Rain or shine, pack sun protection for a day outdoors. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends your sunscreen should be at least SPF 30, broadspectrum, and water resistant. Some sun protection people often overlook when packing is sun protection lip balm, a wide-brimmed hat, UPF clothing, and 100% UV protection sunglasses. 
  2. Don’t forget to pack an insulated cooler filled with drinks and snacks. A fun day at the lake can work up a mighty appetite and thirst. For guests that are 21+, alcoholic beverages can be a fun addition to pack, but make sure you prioritize safety. Just like you wouldn’t drive a car while intoxicated, don’t navigate a boat. 
  3. Packing towels and a dry change of clothes is a great idea. Even if you’re not planning on swimming, there’s always a chance you could get wet. If that happens, you’ll be glad that you came prepared.

How To Spend a Day on the Lake in East Texas

Fishing is always a great time, especially when you are close to the East Texas trophy bass fishing lake. Located just 30 miles away from Mill Creek Ranch Resort is the legendary Lake Fork. Maybe you’ll get lucky and set another Texas state record? Lake Fork holds 15 out of the top 20 Texas state records for largemouth bass. You can also enjoy a day of sailing when you get a boat rental from Ricky’s Boat Rentals

 

If you don’t want to make the journey to Lake Fork, you can fish at one of the eight ponds at Mill Creek Ranch Resort. We’ll even supply the poles and bait. Perhaps you can even beat the 9.5 lb. record for fish caught here from either the dock or a paddle boat. 

Your adventure to the East Texas lakes begins when you book your rental today at Mill Creek Ranch Resort!

A Guide to Restaurants in Canton, TX

A Guide to Restaurants in Canton, TX

If you are planning to visit Canton, TX, one of the first things that come to mind is where you should eat. Texas has a rich food culture, and this city is no exception. The team at Mill Creek Ranch Resort is here to help. We’ve helped many guests staying at our award-winning resort and RV park find restaurants in Canton, TX, that they love. Without further ado, here’s a list of some of our favorite restaurants in Canton, TX. 

Popular Restaurants in Canton, TX

Whether you are visiting for business or having fun with your family, you’ll need to find some good food around Canton, TX. We’re happy to point you in the right direction; here are a few of our favorites. 

Dairy Palace

Since 1984, Dairy Palace has been an informal, family-friendly, family-owned restaurant in Canton, TX. They are open 8 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week, offering breakfast, lunch, dinner, and more than ice cream varieties from Blue Bell Creamery and Henry’s Home Made. This restaurant has long been a Canton, TX, staple and is definitely worth a stop when in the area.

Moma T’s BBQ

Texas is world-famous for its barbecue, so if you want to get a taste of it, head to Moma T’s BBQ. At Moma T’s BBQ, you’ll enjoy smoked meats and delicious sauces. Whether you want sliced brisket, ribs, or a hearty sandwich, Moma T’s BBQ has you covered. While it can be tempting to fill up on their main courses, try to save room for dessert; they offer fabulous cheesecakes and cakes that are a delightful way to end a meal. 

Val’s Italian Restaurant & Pizza

If you’re visiting Canton, TX, with your family, it’s hard to go wrong with pizza, and Val’s Italian Restaurant & Pizza is serving up some of the best pizza in the area. In addition to pizza, Val’s also offers Italian classics, like eggplant parmesan and a wide variety of pasta dishes. Val’s provides great value, tasty meals, and a family-friendly atmosphere. 

Enjoy Canton, TX, Your Way

After visiting the best restaurants in Canton, TX, come back and relax at your well-appointed accommodations at Mill Creek Ranch Resort. We offer cottage-style rentals, yurt rentals, and RV campsites in Canton, TX, allowing you to vacation your way. We can’t wait to see you! Check our upcoming availability now and book your stay with us online.

wedding venues in East Texas

Plan an East Texas Wedding at Mill Creek Ranch

There’s never an off-season for rustic weddings here at Mill Creek Ranch Resort, one of the premier four-season wedding venues in East Texas. We have everything that you’re looking for in a wedding venue and so much more, including wilderness ceremony locales, breathtaking photo possibilities, an expansive reception space, and convenient, upscale cottages. Not only is Mill Creek Ranch Resort less than one hour from the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, Tyler, and several other large communities, but we provide couples with some of the most inexpensive wedding packages in East Texas.

A Heartfelt Ceremony and Lasting Photographs

First and foremost, Mill Creek Ranch Resort has an abundance of ceremony locale possibilities ranging from an elegant garden to a contemporary country pavilion. After reciting your heartwarming vows and saying “I do,” pose for photographs across several acres of lush East Texas woodlands. Unlike most wedding venues in East Texas, we provide newlyweds with countless natural photo opportunities. Most wedding parties gather along the water’s edge, in the garden, inside the rustic banquet hall, and along our peaceful, on-site hiking trails.

wedding venues in East Texas

First-Class Wedding Venues in East Texas

You don’t become one of the premier wedding venues in East Texas without providing newlyweds with expansive, utterly-charming reception venues that feature beautiful views of the surrounding forestry. We have a working relationship with the area’s top-rated caterers and DJs who specialize in making dreams come true! After a tear-jerking ceremony and an effortless photography session, join your guests for a delicious, catered dinner inside our Grand Lodge, RV Lodge, Cabana, or Pavilion. These multi-functional rooms double as a dining hall and a late-night dance floor for those who wish to celebrate the occasion by singing and dancing to popular country hits and love songs.

Convenient Overnight Accommodations

With 100 RV sites, dozens of upscale cottages, a tiny home, and a yurt to choose from, Mill Creek Ranch Resort unquestionably can host a small intimate wedding or a grand affair up to 150 guests. You and your guests can experience the allure of a tiny home, relax in a modern cottage, or park your RV in one of our oversized RV spots. Each overnight accommodation is a short walk from the Grand Lodge so that all guests can enjoy the weekend responsibly!

wedding venues in East Texas

Start Your Honeymoon in Canton, TX

After opening gifts with family and close friends on Sunday morning, start your long-overdue honeymoon right here in Canton, TX! Whether you’re hoping to spend another day or a whole week here at Mill Creek Ranch Resort, you’ll be steps away from adventure, relaxation, and delicious East Texas home cooking. There are dozens of things to do in Canton, TX, but we recommend receiving spa treatments at Mill Creek Spa, paddling on serene Walden Pond, exploring our 200 acres of East Texas wilderness on a bicycle, and roasting marshmallows over your private fire pit. We pride ourselves in being one of the premier wedding venues in East Texas, which is why we created three unique packages! To inquire about a potential wedding, please fill out this online form, or call us today at 1-866-488-6020.

east texas wedding venue

East Texas Wedding Venue: Finding Somewhere to Love

east texas wedding venueChoosing an East Texas wedding venue can be daunting. With so many beautiful options to choose from, you might be overwhelmed. Here are some things to consider to help you narrow down your list.

What’s your wedding budget?

This is a great place to start. Knowing how much you can spend plays a big factor in what’s available. Once you have a number, you can call the places you’re interested in for detailed information about pricing and availability. This way, you don’t waste time visiting (and falling in love with) a site you can’t afford.

What do you want your East Texas wedding venue to look like?

A beautiful setting isn’t always enough. You need to capture your style and tastes in the place you get married. Are you looking for something quaint or magical? Rustic or modern? Elegant or laid back? Choosing the right style will help guide you to the ideal location.

How many people will attend your wedding?

Your budget will also have a big impact on how many people you can afford to invite. But after that, it can be difficult to nail down a firm number. RSVPs are slow to roll in, and those who don’t respond still may show up. No matter what sized guest list you have, you’ll want to make sure that you don’t invite more people than your venue can handle.

When will you be getting married?

Summer dates tend to be more popular, and you’ll want to book your venue well in advance to make sure you get the day you want. Winter weddings will likely require an indoor affair to combat fluctuating temperatures.

Even the time of day can affect your decision, as night settings need to consider lighting options, and midday settings may need shade.

Do you want the wedding ceremony and reception at the same venue?

There are upsides and downsides to any answer. Changing locations can give the bride and groom time for pictures while the guests are entertained elsewhere, but this can lengthen the event or even loose guests. Staying at the same location allows for shorter events and tighter budgets, but it might be more difficult to find the time and space for all the activities you want to accomplish.

What event services do you need?

Some things you may want to ask your venue if they provide include:

  • Catering
  • Tables and chairs
  • Linens
  • Glassware and dishes
  • Lighting
  • Bartenders and alcohol
  • Décor
  • Music and audio/visual elements

If they don’t provide these things, then do they have vendors that they can recommend? Can you bring in your own vendors, or are you required to use ones they’ve approved?

Answering these six quick questions should significantly narrow down your list of options.

Here at Mill Creek Ranch Resort, we have beautiful gardens to accommodate many styles of ceremonies, and a choice of Grand Lodge or Pavilion for receptions. Our intimate settings can hold anywhere between 75 to 150 guests, and we have cabins available for your out of town guests. With affordable packages and tailored services for nearly any budget, our friendly staff will do our best to exceed your expectations.

Mill Creek Ranch Resort | East Texas Wedding Venue | 877-927-3439

east texas wedding venue

Our Resort is One of the Best Places to Get Married in East Texas

east texas wedding venueGetting Married in East Texas

You’re engaged! Congratulations!

Now is the perfect time to start planning your wedding in East Texas. Venues can fill up quickly, especially for more desirable dates and times. You’ll want to make that decision soon because it’s the foundation piece for most of the other wedding decisions you’ll need to make. But how do you choose the perfect spot for your dream wedding in East Texas?

Why East Texas?

Texas has a style like no other place, and venues in East Texas can easily lend themselves to using a sophisticated Texas look. These simple ideas can help you maintain a “sense of place” that stays true to the area and enhances your own style.

  • A natural color palette with “pops” of wildflower hues like bluebonnet, Indian paintbrush, or even buttercup pink. Texas wildflowers are famous for a reason!
  • Using popular landscape grasses and their plumes as part of your decor and in the arrangements can be both cost-effective and mood-effective. The big, showy plants are a natural to add foliage and texture, and would be stunning as part of the bridal bouquet, too.
  • Turquoise stones have long been a big part of Texas style. Perhaps a silver bolo with a turquoise in it rather than a bow tie, or a chunky turquoise necklace? Vases with turquoise accents or even giant, unrefined pieces of turquoise can up the Texas glam factor. If turquoise isn’t the right hue, perhaps you have access to granite? Large-scale pieces would add a big “Wow!” factor to your tablescapes.
  • Cowboy boots! Boots can be just the right touch to add both whimsy and style to your wedding. Bonus: your bridal party will be so much more comfortable dancing the night away at the reception!

Texas Wedding Flair

An East Texas wedding venue wouldn’t be complete without a sense of community and coming together. Your wedding could have the perfect Texas touches, but without your close family and friends near you’ll still be missing an essential ingredient. Mill Creek Ranch Resort is the perfect venue to add that crucial element to your beautiful East Texas wedding.

Out of town guests and the entire bridal party will enjoy time spent before, during, and after the wedding when they stay at our resort. With cabins available for each family or group, you and your guests have easy access to all the wedding events. During down times, your guests can get away to rest in their own cabin or relax while taking advantage of The Resort’s many activities like disc golf or horseshoes. Mill Creek Ranch Resort’s natural beauty and charm are the perfect backdrop and venue when you’re looking for the best places to get married in East Texas!

Wedding Venues In East Texas: Make Your Valentine’s Wedding Special

Wedding Venues In East Texas: Make Your Valentine’s Wedding SpecialAre you looking for wedding venues in East Texas for your fairytale spring wedding? Have you considered a fairytale winter wedding – one that happens on Valentine’s Day? There really is no other day of the year that’s so linked to romance than Valentine’s Day and there’s no other day of the year that’s better for an impossible-to-forget anniversary than February 14th. Once you make the decision to have your wedding on Valentine’s Day, the possibilities for creating the perfect romantic setting for your special day are almost endless.

♥ Stay with traditional Valentine’s colors and carry a bouquet full of pink, white and red peonies, roses, ranunculus and sweet peas. Use the same color palette for the flowers in your groom’s boutonnière and for the flowers you use to decorate your seating area and arbor.

♥ Your decor can also include Valentine’s pink, red and white; but you can add some visual interest with complementary touches of gray, coral, silver and even black. Crystal candleholders on shimmery table linens coupled with pink-hued ambient lighting will add a warm, romantic glow to your reception area and dance floor.

♥ Instead of a guest book set out pink writing paper and pencils or vintage children’s Valentine’s cards and ask guests to write “love letters” to, or about, you and your groom or about their own wedding day experiences.

♥ Make sure the playlist for your reception is full of romantic songs that will have everyone dancing cheek-to-cheek. Ask your guests to send some song ideas to you along with their RSVPs so that you can have at least a few songs playing at your reception that will honor your guests and show them how much they mean to you.

♥ Pile on the sweets. In addition to a heart-covered wedding cake filled with fresh strawberries, make sure your baker supplies your wedding guests with cupcakes with pink frosting, individual flourless cakes drizzled with raspberry sauce, and chocolate-dipped fruit.

♥ Dress the part for an old-fashioned, romantic wedding. Choose a dress and veil with lots of lace or find a dress that reminds you of 1950s movie star dresses with fitted, sleeveless bodices and full skirts. Consider a color other than icy white; try on a light pink dress or an ivory dress with a pale, pink sash. Choose varying shades of pink for your bridesmaids’ dresses and ask your groom to wear a pink tie.

When you’re looking for wedding venues in East Texas for your Valentine’s Day wedding, keep in mind that our mild, Texas weather means you could have an outdoor wedding that will create even more possibilities when it comes to decorating and lighting. At Mill Creek Ranch Resort, we are one of the finest wedding venues in East Texas and we’ll help you make your Valentine’s wedding a day to remember. Call us at (877) 927-3439 or visit us online at www.millcreekranchresort.com to find out more.

Wedding Venues In East Texas: 6 Tips For A Great Outdoor Wedding

Wedding Venues in East TexasOutdoor weddings are steadily gaining in popularity and if you’re thinking about booking one of the many wedding venues in East Texas for your ceremony, there is one important thing you need to know to make your outdoor wedding a success – outdoor weddings require twice as much planning and preparation as indoor weddings. Unpredictable weather plus the natural setting are the main reasons that outdoor wedding venues in East Texas can be challenging.  Here are some tips that will ensure you’re prepared for some little and not-so-little outdoor wedding problems:

1 – Plan For Heat

This is Texas and even a winter wedding can be a scorcher.  Spring and summer ceremonies, especially, should be timed to take place right before sunset.  If that’s not possible, provide your guests with some kind of cover, in the form of a tent or parasols.  Putting your wedding program on a handheld fan is another way of helping your guests stay cool.  In addition, make sure they have plenty of options for staying hydrated and that means having containers filled with ice and bottled water, lemonade, sodas tea and even popsicles scattered around your venue.

2 – Protect Against Wind Gusts

Again, this is Texas and it’s almost always windy.  Don’t choose a frothy, lightweight fabric that can get blown up in the wind for your gown or for your bridesmaids’ gowns and to keep your veil from flying away, try veil weights. Make sure your stylist takes the wind into account when you’re having your hair done – stick to a head-hugging bun or copious amounts of hairspray.

3 – Keep Stilettos From Sinking Into The Ground

To keep stiletto heels from sinking into the ground, make sure that everyone has heel covers or make sure there is a solid surface, like a paving stone, for each member of your wedding party (and you) to stand on during the ceremony.

4 – Keep Bugs Away

Consider placing citronella candles around the seating area to keep mosquitoes away.  You can also offer small spray bottles of bug spray to your guests if you’re really expecting a problem.  Keep your food covered by using net canopies over food tables or covering individual plates with glass domes.  Make sure bugs don’t get into cold drinks by covering them with upside down cupcake papers with holes in the middle for straws.

5 – Don’t Forget A Microphone

The sounds of nature may keep your guests from hearing your officiant and you or your spouse talking during the ceremony.  Renting a basic sound system with clip-on microphones for the three of you will ensure that everyone hears your vows.

6 – Let Nature Do The Decorating

The one really big upside to having an outdoor wedding is, of course, the outdoors.  With trees and greenery around, birds tweeting and the sun setting in a beautiful palette of purples and oranges, you don’t have to make much of an effort to add to the romance of the setting.  A decorative trellis for the ceremony, some fairy lights or lanterns in the trees, your bouquet and flower centerpieces are all you need to make your wedding impressive.  

 


 

To find out more about one of the finest outdoor wedding venues in East Texas, Mill Creek Ranch Resort, visit www.millcreekranchresort.com.  To schedule your big day, call our social events manager at Mill Creek Ranch Resort at (877) 927-3439.

bachelorette weekend vacation package

Wedding Venues In East Texas: 5 Steps To A Great Bachelorette Weekend

bachelorette weekend vacation packageIf you’re a maid of honor looking for a great location for a bachelorette weekend, take a look at wedding venues in East Texas. Why are wedding venues a great idea for your bride’s pre-wedding get-together with her friends? Because wedding venues in East Texas are already set up for multiple guests, usually have great amenities and are normally situated close to the entertainment and nightlife that can make a bachelorette weekend memorable. Finding that great location is just one of many steps you’ll have to take as the chief party planner; but if you keep it simple and stick with these 5 basic steps, you’ll end up with the best bachelorette weekend ever:

1. Ask For Help
Make a list of all of the tasks you have in planning the weekend ahead of time – then ask other members of the bridal party for help with each one, whether it’s coordinating with the resort or hotel, making restaurant reservations, decorating, creating invitations, etc. Even if you’re a control freak, letting some of the decision-making fall to others and getting help means less stress for you.

2. Talk To The Bride.
Of course, she’s your friend, but don’t assume you know what she’ll want in her bachelorette weekend. Talk to her and ask her where she prefers to have her weekend, what kinds of activities she wants you to plan and who she wants (and doesn’t want) at her party. Does she want the weekend to be one, long nightclub crawl or a peaceful weekend of shopping, mani-pedis and romantic comedies? She might surprise you.

3. Think About Budgets And Travel Time
When choosing a location for the party, take costs and travel distances into consideration. If your guests are chipping in, make sure that you don’t price people out of the weekend by choosing a super-expensive venue. And try to choose a location that is as easy as possible for the majority of your guests to get to. You’re not going to be able to please everyone with the location, but you can try to please the guests who are most important to the bride.

4. Do Some Scouting
Once the location is decided on, it’s time for a field trip or two to find out firsthand what the venue you’ve chosen has to offer your guests. If it’s close to a city that has restaurants, bars and other entertainment, check them out and make reservations as early as possible once you know how many guests will be there for the weekend and what kinds of activities the bride wants.

5. Go With The Flow
A hitch or two in your plans is inevitable so don’t worry too much when something does go wrong. From inclement weather to no-shows to lost reservations, there are an almost endless number of reasons you might end up pulling your hair out in bunches. Just make the best of it! As long as your bride is happy and everyone has a good time, don’t sweat the things that are out of your control.

When you’re ready to start looking at wedding venues in East Texas for a bachelorette weekend, start with Mill Creek Ranch Resort. At Mill Creek Ranch Resort, you can rent cottages and cabins for your girls that have all the comforts of home with amenities that will make them feel like they’re at a five-star resort. Visit us online at www.millcreekranchresort.com to find out more about us or call us at (877) 927-3439 to make a reservation for the best bachelorette weekend ever.

Wedding Venues In East Texas
Mill Creek Ranch Resort
1880 N Trade Days Blvd
Canton, Texas 75103
(877) 927-3439

Wedding Venues In East Texas: 5 Tips For Selecting The Right Location

Wedding Venues In East Texas: 5 Tips For Selecting The Right Location

Wedding Venues In East Texas: 5 Tips For Selecting The Right LocationWhen you’re planning your wedding and trying to choose from available wedding venues in East Texas, there are quite a few things you must keep in mind besides the first things that usually come to mind like price and availability.  But since you may not know exactly what to look for in a great wedding venue, here are 5 tips that will help:

1 – Choose A Central Location

Remember your guest list and where everyone is traveling from to get to your wedding.  The venue should be as close to centrally-located as possible to get friends and relatives there easily, specifically those friends and relatives who are driving to your wedding.  For guests who will arrive by plane, the location you choose should be within a short driving distance from a medium- or large-sized airport.  Just because you might live in a large city like Dallas, remember that wedding venues in East Texas are a short drive from the city and offer rustic chic charm.  

2 – Take Travel And Traffic Into Account

Even though you’ve settled on a wedding venue that’s centrally-located, that still doesn’t guarantee it will be easy to get to.  Make sure you take a test drive from a couple of different directions to the location you’ve chosen to make sure Google Maps or a GPS will give your guests accurate and up-to-date directions.  You must also think about traffic.  If your wedding is planned for a Friday evening, any guests coming from congested areas will take longer getting to you.

3 – Keep Accommodations In Mind

Some of your guests may travel longer than others and some may just want to make a weekend of your wedding, so be sure that the location you choose either has on-site lodgings or other accommodations nearby.  Check with your guests to find out which ones will likely want to stay overnight and make reservations for rooms or cabins ahead of time.  In most cases, you can cancel fairly close to the day of the event without having to pay a penalty.

4 – Think About The Wedding Style You Want

You can narrow down your search list if you decide early the kind of wedding style you want.  Do you want an outdoor ceremony or an indoor one?  Do you want rustic or refined?  Do you want casual or formal?  Some wedding venues can offer you more than just one choice so ask the event coordinator at each venue you’re considering for photos of past weddings they’ve hosted, if available, so you can get some idea what each kind of wedding would look like at that venue.  

5 – Make Sure Your Venue Can Handle All Of Your Guests

Another question to ask the event coordinator is how many guests the site can handle.  You don’t want to have to uninvite someone because there isn’t enough room for them.  And because guests don’t always RSVP within the required time or they sometimes bring their own guests without telling you, ask how much extra you’ll be charged for surprise guests.

Take some of the worry out of your wedding by choosing one of the finest wedding venues in East Texas, Mill Creek Ranch Resort, for your wedding.  At Mill Creek Ranch Resort, you can be sure that you’ll have the wedding you’ve always dreamed of in a beautiful location with the help of an experienced staff.  Call our social events manager at (877) 927-3439 or visit https://millcreekrr.staging.wpengine.com/meetings-events/weddings/ to find out more about wedding packages at Mill Creek Ranch Resort.