March 2021
The City of Canton, TX is, of course, most well known for its monthly First Monday Trade Days event. That once a month, four day event can see the quaint, small East Texas town with a population of around 4,000 balloon to an almost unbelievable 300,000 to 400,000 people making it among the largest cities in Texas if only for a weekend. Despite being famous for the largest flea market in the world, Canton, TX has much more to offer.
Historic Downtown
For 40 years now, there has been a national effort, Main Street America, to revitalize and restore historic downtowns across the country. The Texas Main Street Program operates through the Texas Historical Commission. Canton, TX is an official Texas Main Street City and is accredited under the national Main Street America program. The importance of this is that the downtown area is targeted for investment, restoration, and historic preservation.
As the official Walking Capital of Texas, downtown Canton offers year-round picturesque strolls past boutique shops, antique stores, galleries, and extraordinary restaurants among other things. Canton, TX is also a designated Preserve America Community and participates in the Texas Lakes Trail Heritage Tourism Program.
Canton Plaza Museum – Located in the old Canton Plaza Theater, is also in the heart of downtown and boasts one of the largest bell collections in the State of Texas as well as First Monday history.
Hillcrest Cemetery – The oldest cemetery in Canton with headstones from the 1860s. It's located on highway 19 and Groves Street, between the north end of downtown and the south end of the First Monday Trade Days grounds.
Blackwell House Museum – Not in downtown, but it’s the oldest home in Canton, TX built in 1886 and has been restored and decorated with period pieces. Reservations are required.
Events
Naturally, there’s the First Monday Trade Days flea market, but Canton, TX plays host to events through the year.
Tailwind Regional Ballon Fest – An annual event that got started in 2011. Hot air balloons are the stars of the show. There’s also a car show and live entertainment. And yes, you can ride in a hot air balloon as well. Those need to be reserved in advance, however.
Downtown Canton Farmer’s Market – A local producers only farmers market founded with the intent to support "the small guy who believes in the healthy practices of growing, producing and cooking". Find it on Buffalo Street across from Canton City Hall on Saturdays late April through early October.
Canton Visitors Bureau has more information on Canton, TX events.
Area Attractions
Splash Kingdom Waterpark – Aquatic summertime excitement for everyone. Slides, a wave pool, as well as a shark mascot. Open between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Yesterland Farm – An amusement and theme park for kids of all ages open through the spring and fall. Hayrides, cornfield maze, and a petting zoo are among the many features providing fun.
Outdoor Activities
Van Zandt Country Club – A beautiful, public East Texas golf course with a restaurant and even a swimming pool. For husbands that don't necessarily want to shop for 4 days straight.
Mill Creek Reservoir – Located southeast of Canton, TX, you’ll find largemouth bass and crappie just waiting to be caught. A boat ramp is available with a permit from the Canton Police Department required to use it.
Old City Lake – Fish from the pier and spots on the bank and do some swimming while you’re at it. There’s a playground and picnic areas, too.
Retirement
Canton, TX is the 41st Official Go Texan Certified Retirement Community – Cost of living, natural beauty, climate, location, safety, and the people were all among the factors (First Monday Trade Days was also noted as a benefit) that contributed to Canton’s inclusion on this list.
The City of Canton, TX may be a small community in the Piney Woods of East Texas, but it has much more to offer than its size would indicate.
Canton Shopping Guide is your resource for Canton First Monday vendors and businesses in Canton, TX. Follow us on Facebook and don't forget to leave a review on Google. We're also in Canton Marketplace at booth 35.
