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Lifestyle

From an eclectic, vibrant downtown brimming with restaurants and culture, to scenic, tree-filled parks and trails and family-friendly events, Longview offers something to do for everyone–and for every taste!

Downtown Longview

Downtown Longview is a premier destination for working, living and socializing. The district has undergone extensive redevelopment and restoration over the past several years and is a hub for business and leisure. The district features a mixture of professional services, restaurants, retail and museums and is home to the Gregg County Courthouse. Many unique establishments have made downtown Longview their home and have thrived from the area’s high traffic and bustling atmosphere. 

silver grizzly longview tx interior

Dining and Nightlife

Whether in need of a quick tasty bite, or enjoying an evening of food and drink, the cuisine options available in Longview provide options for every moment and mood. From familiar franchises and chain restaurant locations, to a host of local flavors, whatever you choose is certain to prompt you to pause and savor.

After Dinner Treats

Further enrich your after hours excursions through Longview’s evening and nightlife community. You can find your niche in the appeal of open-late restaurant ambience, or the comfort and connection found in our local breweries or recreational activities. No matter what kind of day you have had, you’ll find the tastes and tones of Longview after-hours guide you into a welcoming night.

Explore Nightlife

Arts & Culture

An official Texas Cultural District, the Arts!Longview Cultural District is home to museums, restaurants, parks, live music, theatre venues, and historic buildings, covering more than 320 acres, including Downtown Longview, and stretching south to LeTourneau University.

Arts!Longview Cultural District

Gregg County Historical Museum 

Officially opened as a historical museum in 1984, The Gregg County Historical Museum has a rich history with permanent and rotating exhibits and events throughout the year.

Longview Museum of Fine Arts (LMFA)

With a permanent collection of nearly 1,000 works, LMFA seeks to enrich lives and ignite a passion for the arts. The museum focuses on showcasing local artists along with temporary exhibits and hosts events throughout the year, including concerts, ArtWalk, yoga, and Magic & Mayhem.

Longview World of Wonders Museum

Longview WOW inspires a sense of wonder by giving children the experience to become lifelong learners. The museum offers educational hands-on exhibits, learning labs, special events, birthday parties, and more.

Downtown Live

Held on Friday evenings in the spring and fall at Heritage Plaza, Downtown Live is a free concert series for the entire family. The event features fun for the entire family with food trucks, beverages, and live music. 

Downtown Living

Apartments and lofts are also available downtown, including apartments located in the recently renovated historic buildings, Alton Plaza and senior community, Heritage Tower Senior Apartments.

Out and About

Time spent in nature is always time well-spent, and Longview offers a variety of outdoor activities to choose from. Take a walk or bike on one of our city trails, visit the gardens at the arboretum, or take the kids to run and play at one of our parks.

Longview Arboretum and Nature Center

Nestled in the trees and gentle cliffs, the Longview Arboretum and Nature Center encompasses 26 acres and is a haven for birds, butterflies, wildlife and indigenous flora and fauna. The arboretum hosts events such as concerts and classes throughout the year.

Longview Arboretum

City of Longview Parks and Trails

Known for its natural beauty, Longview is a city set in a backdrop of gently rolling hills and trees. Longview’s trail system covers much of the community and is under continued development and expansion, with 10 miles of scenic, wooded trails that meander through forests and around creekbeds. The city is also home to 34 city parks, including a skatepark and splash pads, with amenities including disc golf, playgrounds, sports fields, sports courts, a pool, and more.

Our Trails

Our Parks

The Balloon Capital of Texas

The Great Texas Ballon Race is a world-class event that attracts the best competitive pilots from around the US and the world. The event runs Friday through Sunday in June, with competitive balloon flights, vendors, food and drinks, live music and a balloon glow.

Great Texas Ballon Race

Maude Cobb Convention Center

Maude Cobb is a 40,000 sq ft facility with five auxiliary activity rooms and a conference room. Various events and conventions center throughout the year, and the center is available for tradeshows, concerts, weddings, banquets, training and more.

Maude Cobb

Belcher Center Performance Hall

The S.E. Belcher Jr. Chapel and Performance Center stands as Longview, Texas's top performance venue, serving both the city and nearby communities. Boasting world-class acoustics and staging, the center attracts nationally touring music groups, comedians and various additional feature productions. Since its opening in Fall 2007, the Belcher Center has become the performance home for the East Texas Symphonic Band, Longview Ballet Theatre and Longview Symphony. Local groups also rent the facility for a range of events, including fundraisers, high school graduations, dance recitals, conferences and more.

Additionally, the Belcher Center serves as LeTourneau University's chapel, hosting gatherings two times a week during the fall and spring semesters for students featuring speakers and music groups. These chapel events are open to the public, and you can find the schedule on the university website.

Belcher Center Performance Hall

State Parks & Waterways

State Parks

Several State Parks are within an hour’s drive of Longview that feature RV and tent camping, trails that range from easy to challenging for hiking and mountain biking, and include (or are nearby) many recreational lakes.

Lakes
While it may be no surprise that East Texas is home to many incredible lakes, the Longview region alone is home to dozens of lakes including several award-winning lakes for sport fishing, boating, and all sorts of aquatic fun!