Last year we took a short weekend trip to the mysterious Caddo Lake in North East Texas at the upper end of the Piney Woods sitting squarely on the Louisiana/Texas state line. We started our journey by traveling on the older state highways through the winding rural roads and scattered Texas pine trees. It was a beautiful drive at a leisurely pace leading us to our first destination of Jefferson, Tx. A cute little town featuring an array of Bed and Breakfast’, antique stores and quaint gift shops. We enjoyed a fabulous meal at Auntie Skinners Riverboat Club and Resturant before walking down to the Jefferson General Store to quench our sweet tooth and marvel at the nostalgic products and atmosphere. I was pleasantly surprised to find the restaurant as well as the general store to be wheelchair accessible although a little crowded to navigate. The sidewalks were in decent shape with curb cut-outs where needed. We plan to return to Jefferson soon to spend more time and check out more neat places. Perhaps even stay at their Historical Hotel or one of the fancy B and B’s. As our trip continued we followed the river to Caddo Lake a beautiful, mysterious-looking landscape of enchanting moss-covered Cyprus Trees rising out of the waterways and lowlands around us. We found a small little fishing camp with a handicapped accessible room across the street from the Shady Glade Cafe and Marina in Uncertain, TX. Where we enjoyed a light meal and watched the sunset over the lake before turning in. The next morning we rose early for coffee and a hearty breakfast at the cafe before heading to our boat tour with Captain Ron’s Swamp Tours in Karnack, TX. Although not advertised as wheelchair accessible it is possible with a little assistance to maneuver from the dock to the pontoon boat. I use a Quickie powerchair which is very heavy especially with me sitting in it. Luckily there was another male passenger who was strong enough to help my husband lift me over the ledge. With a typical pushchair, you should have no problem. The tour at times felt dreamlike as if we had stepped back into some prehistoric time. The flora and fauna were so different from that on dry land and the Cyprus trees grew straight up out of the bottom of the lake and spread out above our head covered with draping Spanish moss. Wildlife was everywhere including birds, raccoons, nutria, snakes and the elusive alligator. The tour lasted about 70 minutes and was well worth the money. In fact, I’d love to do it again sometime. Caddo Lake was a perfect no stress 2-day getaway. I highly encourage others to visit this remarkable, beautiful area of North East Texas.
