Matteo and I drive a section of Hwy 80 in East Texas on a regular basis as his family lives out that way. We’ve driven it many times and recently decided to stop and experience some of the local attractions.
We started with a Military War Memorial in Grand Saline dedicated to all who served, in all branches. The main memorial is a brick memorial made up of three columns. Each columns hold a list of names, no wars. Also located here, are Replicas set to indicate the different branches of military. Although unknown why or when the Memorial was erected, The life sized machinery makes for awesome selfies and encourages fun and learning.
Grand Saline once known for its salt mining during the Civil War went from being Grand Saline Salt Company to a little girl with an umbrella- you guessed it! Morton Salt. One of Texas’ more unusual structures is The Salt Palace at the intersection of Hwys 110 and 80. This modern building , constructed entirely of salt blocks replaces a more modest cube that was built in 1977 for Grand Saline’s Salt Festival.
A few miles down is the Transformer Replica in Elmo, Texas (between Wilco and Tyrell) This fun little icon is the store owners way of showing his love of Transformers! A store employee said it was a replica, purchased overseas. While a replica, it still has the powerful feeling that you’d get with the real deal, and its easily accessible. Initially he had painted the wall of the store to showcase his fandom, which eventually led to his Chevron being the proud owner of this Yellow Fellow.
Next is Hams Orchard- off Hwy 80 in Terrell Tx. The most complete farm to market store in Texas. Ham Orchards has been growing & selling the sweetest peaches in Texas since 1979. Ham Orchards was established in 1979 by Dale and Judy Ham. Ham Orchards consists of 5 orchards containing approximately 10,000 trees.
- Harvesting begins in May with cling varieties and continues through mid-August
- Freestone varieties become available around the end of June
- Several varieties of white peaches and nectarines are available periodically from early June through mid-August
Great 80s Yard Sale -A 392-mile stretch of the historic U.S. Highway 80 will become the site of one of the nation’s longest garage sales. The Hi*Way 80 Sale happens twice a year, the third weekend in April and in October. Individuals along with businesses along the highway will be setting up shop for the largest garage sale that will stretch from Mesquite, Texas to Jackson, Mississippi.
This garage sale encompasses several East Texas towns, including Terrell, Wills Point, Grand Saline, Mineola, Hawkins, Big Sandy, Gladewater, White Oak, Longview, Hallsville, Marshall, and Waskom. With all kinds of businesses opening their doors and with pop-up garage sales along the route this year, you will find something to purchase, whether you need it or not! From refrigerators to crafts, to used vehicles, clothes, lawnmowers, trinkets of all kinds, furniture, and a wide variety of other things, you will find something for you!
It is a fun little stretch of highway. And while you’re out, check out the famous La Waffalata in Mineola for a tasty meal (and some banging fried green beans!). The downtown area where the restaurant is, holds local shops, theatre, and more.. Be sure to go next door and grab you a chocolate brownie shake for the ultimate finish to your day.
Enjoy your trip – With love, 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝒶𝓂𝐢𝐞 シ
