downtown kilgore texas

lexkh

Loved the downtown area---so many quaint shops.The derrick display of the world's richest acre was most interesting.We particularly enjoyed seeing all the blue stars (60 or so) lighting the night sky--the stars placed at the top of all the derricks.If you have the time, find the Kilgore cemetery and look for the pumpjack at work---right there in the cemetery among the tombstones!

BobShelton

I have been here many times and have seen the transition go from the original derricks and well sites, to no derricks, back to symbolic derricks. It is a quaint little town with some disturbing history, but after their replacing some of the downtown oil derricks, it has again become somewhat of a tourist attraction.

joeyd70

This downtown has come back to life and keeps on pleasing. A coffee shop, a serious Italian restaurant, sandwich shops, frozen yogurt, rare coins, estate jewelry, home make crafts, oil derricks, antiques, art, ladies accessories, and even a barbershop. You'll miss much more if you're not there!

KennethG561

I love downtown Kilgore. It offers such a cozy, inviting atmosphere for shopping, eating, or just socializing. My favorite part of downtown Kilgore is it's most recognizable feature. The World's Richest Acre along Commerce St. is a tribute to Kilgore's rich oil history during the boom of the 30's and 40's. At Christmas time, lights line the streets of downtown and all the derricks are lit up. The City of Stars is a wonderful place to visit for a day or live for a lifetime.

scooterpop

Beautiful Historic Preservation Effort here. The Downtown Historic District was a Booming Oilfield and a Must See!!

KimW884

An okay day trip for adults. Nothing much here for kids. Kids got really bored. Frozen yogurt shop was nice.

BUDCARTER

A great place to visit. Lots of history. Everyone needs oil and this is a place that had a hand in it from the start. Plan on at lest 6 to 8 hours. BUD CARTER

debrao632

there were new remolded cafes the streets were cleaned and u could sit out side. more resturants to go an eat. great shopping

CarolDEnnis

Was in Kilgore for a week on business and would have loved to visit more, but did what I could considering we didnt get out until 5 or 5:30 each day. Ate a Char-Burger Stock-Ade one day after reading good reviews about it, and was not disapointed. They were promoting a new in-house salad dressing and I ordered a burger and a salad instead of fries - with the new dressing. Loved it. Service there was friendly. I had read about the oil derricks and the oil boom but was still astounded to see the large derricks looming over the downtown area. I got out, walked around, read some plaques. Very nice Kilgore. I understand that the derricks are all lit up during the Christmas time. I would love to go back & see that. I shot lots of pictures of the derricks over the buildings and then went back at night and shot some more pics with the tops lit up. I saw lots of stores and would have loved to shop some but time was an issue since most were closed when we'd get free in the evenings. Beautiful little downtown. Kilgore should be proud of themselves for preserving their heritage as well.

sagescrub

We were there on a Sunday and all the stores were closed, so we only drove down the street. Would have been a nice way to stretch the legs.

retiredandlivinglife

I grew up in Kilgore. I still have contact everyday with my family there. Make sure to visit "World's Richest Acre"! Believe it or not, I used to park right there to walk to my job at Christmas when I was in high school. It's downtown. Other than adding protruding street corners, it still looks the same. My generation(not telling age) has worked very hard to restore the derricks that were torn down. I grew up loving to see the stars on top of the derricks light up at Christmas time. Also, the tracks and depot are interesting. Make sure to grab a burger at The Char-Burger Stock-Ade....awesome! Grab a free bowl of pinto beans, some onion and cornbread sticks while you wait for you burger. Best in downtown, and town. Let Johnny, the owner who is cooking, how good it is before you leave.

WendyS462

Small town feel, homey, little shops, good eats, and southern hospitality...that's what you will find here. Great for just hanging out with friends...also recommend taking out of town guests...surprising little treat..

Gaultxx

I was raised in this town back in the 50's at it's peak. Downtown was busy, parking meters, traffic cop, every store full and busy. When I came back in the 80's & 90's the downtown area was almost dead. Empty store fronts, almost a ghost town. I was amazed the last time I saw the downtown area. It is busy again. There are restraunts, businesses, etc in practically every store front. They even have a nightclub and condos.It has been an amazing recovery. Way to go Kilgore.

AudreyWhitten

Lot's of shopping and dining...they even have concerts in the evening some weeks. Can't believe all of this is downtown...

SherryL112

Kilgore has really succeeded in having a great downtown.