FALL/WINTER 2026
LONGVIEW AFTER DARK Across Longview, bands tune their instruments, restaurant tables fill, and date nights get underway.
Together T H RO U G H E V E RY S E AS O N
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NowLongview.com | Fall/Winter 2026
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Making the Connection When my husband and I moved to Longview in 2005, it was the simple pleasures that made us feel at home. The warmth of the people who live here helped us say goodbye to the community we were once part of and
We welcome the opportunity to look towards the future and build a community that makes us proud to call home. hello to the opportunities that await us. It is the natural warmth of being embraced into the culture of our region that shines brightly when someone asks, where’s Longview?
proud to call home. It is this story we want to share with our readers. It is our hope that you will want to experience the hidden treasurers of Longview and East Texas!! Our goal with this edition is to connect our lifestyle and introduce you to our community. We will focus on Longview’s rich culture of entrepreneurism and innovation from around the world eateries, to home design, to why businesses are flourishing in Longview. It is important to us that we help you get to know our area. Longview is a great place to live, work and play. We invite you to also call Longview home!
There is no doubt, it is our fiery spirit that led us to creating LongviewNOW! We are a strong "get things done" community. Status quo is not an acceptable term in our vocabulary. We welcome the opportunity to look towards the future and build a community that makes us
KELLY R. HALL CCE, IOM, MSL Editor and President/CEO of the Longview Chamber of Commerce
Meet the People doing Amazing Work in Longview The LongviewNOW! Podcast will give you the opportunity to meet the people who are already doing amazing work for the people of Longview. Through the Coffee Conversations with Kelly Hall, President and CEO of the Longview Chamber, you’ll hear stories about how things get done in our city, and how you can be involved in its continued growth! P R E S E N T E D B Y:
EDITOR KELLY HALL
ON THE COVER Loop 281 and Judson Roard.
WRITER MORGAN WILCOX
Published by Longview Chamber of Commerce 410 N Center St. Longview, TX 75601 903-237-4000 nowlongview.com
DESIGN BY FORBES AND BUTLER VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
VISIT THE LONGVIEW CHAMBER SITE!
LongviewNOW! | Fall/Winter 2026
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New cutting edge, first-class Recruiting Talent Toolkit to sell Longview and help companies be successful in recruiting and retaining employees! Bold Leadership. Future Focused.
FALL/W
INTER 2026
LONGVIEAW RK AFTER D s, ir instrument ds tune thehts get underway. gview, ban Across Lon les fill, and date nig tab restaurant
| E-MAGAZINE |
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• Two editions annually with rich, interactive platform • Virtual front door to attract talent • Feature pieces highlighting the livability and attractions of Longview
• Showcasing great outdoors and quality of life • Candid conversations with Longview’s leaders • Longview, Texas “Welcome Home”
• Meet people doing amazing work for Longview and hear their stories
• Easy access to relocation stats
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LongviewNOW! provides FREE tools to help YOU be successful with relocation, talent attraction and retention. Your candidates will be just a click away from a plethora of information.
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NowLongview.com | Fall/Winter 2026
FALL/WINTER 2026 Contents
14 HOME
8
FROM FLOOR TO FINISH Designing a Home with Longview's Local Experts
PULSE
4 LOCAL FLAVOR
4
Kick off with Local Flavor A Longview Guide to Building the Perfect Game-Day Spread
14 Longview After Dark There’s plenty to do. You just have to know where to look.
EXPLORE ETX
20 Hidden Gems Where Longview Shops, Creates and Connects
IN EVERY ISSUE
1
Letter from the Editor
23 Longview Education
20
25 Community Data 27 Longview Healthcare
The interactive star icon throughout this issue indicates Longview Chamber members. Click it to learn more!
8 LongviewNOW! | Fall/Winter 2026
3
EDIBLE ART SPECIALTY CAKES & COOKIES
Kickoff with
Local Flavor A Longview guide to building the perfect game-day spread
4
NowLongview.com | Fall/Winter 2026
PIZZA KING
The first signs of fall in East Texas do not always arrive with cooler temperatures. Sometimes they sound like a marching band warming up, a crowd cheering beneath stadium lights or a grill sizzling before kickoff.
Football season gives Longview a reason to gather. Fans fill the stands for the Longview Lobos, Pine Tree Pirates and Spring Hill Panthers on Friday nights, then turn their attention to college games on Saturday and professional football on Sunday. The teams may determine the schedule, but the food often determines where everyone gathers. Whether the plan is a stadium tailgate, a backyard watch party or dinner before kickoff, Longview restaurants, bakeries and caterers can help fill the table. Ordering locally also gives fans an easy way to support the businesses that serve the community throughout the year.
START WITH SOMETHING FROM THE SMOKER Few foods feel more connected to Texas football than barbecue. Brisket, sausage, ribs and pulled pork can feed a crowd, travel well and work just as easily on a plate as they do piled onto a sandwich.
and works with hosts to customize meals for events of different sizes. Grand Catering East Texas hosts another local resource when they want
a longtime Longview
the food handled from
favorite for smoked
start to finish.
sides. A combination of brisket, ribs, sausage, baked beans and potato salad can anchor a tailgate without requiring the host to spend the
also provides tailored catering
experiences, giving
Bodacious Bar-B-Q is
meats and traditional
BODACIOUS ON MOBBERLY
host's budget. Perfect Catering has served East Texas since 2008
"Some of our favorite tailgate items are ones that can be made ahead of time, like our Jalapeño Popper Dip and Southwest Cheesy
day tending a smoker.
Corn Dip, both served
For an easy tailgate
our handcrafted salsa,"
spread, order smoked
said Lori Valenti, owner
meats by the pound and
of Perfect Catering. "We also love putting together sliders — smoked
add buns or tortillas,
turkey with jalapeño cream cheese, and smoked ham with raspberry
barbecue sauce, pickles
chipotle cream cheese — along with pinwheels like our green chili
and onions. Guests
and black olive, or our Italian pinwheels with sun-dried tomato wraps,
can build their own
basil cream cheese, salami, prosciutto and diced pepperoncini. For
sandwiches or tacos,
anyone grilling on site, an Angus beef hamburger bar is always a
with chips, along with
PERFECT CATERING
making it simple to serve a crowd. Those planning a larger gathering
hit — bacon, cooked mushrooms, a variety of cheeses, jalapeños,
can also ask about catering options for game-day-sized orders.
tomatoes, lettuce, pickles and grilled onion steaks, served on a good
BUILD A SPREAD MADE FOR SHARING
brioche bun with chipotle ketchup and a variety of mustards. And when it comes to make-ahead dishes, we recommend steering clear
Game-day food should be easy to carry and easy to eat between
of anything with mayo or eggs — cream cheese holds up much
conversations and plays. Dips, finger foods and other shareable
better outdoors."
dishes give guests the freedom to snack throughout the game instead of sitting down for a formal meal.
Tex-Mex is another natural fit for football season. A taco bar with meat, tortillas, rice, beans, chips, salsa
Pizza is a natural choice when feeding
and toppings lets each guest build a
a crowd. Pizza King offers a familiar
plate to suit their taste. Papacita's
Longview favorite that can be ordered in
offers catering options that include
several varieties, making it easy to please
street tacos, fajitas and other Mexican
guests with different tastes. Chick-fil-A
favorites, making it possible to serve a
trays are another convenient option,
full meal without spending kickoff in
with nuggets and other handheld
the kitchen.
favorites that guests can enjoy throughout the game. For a larger gathering, a local caterer
SAVE ROOM FOR SOMETHING SWEET
can help create a menu that fits the
No game-day table is complete without
size of the group, the setting and the
dessert, and Longview has several
FABULOUS COOKIES
LongviewNOW! | Fall/Winter 2026
5
options that are easy to serve and fun to match to a team theme. Fabulous Cookies offers fresh cookies for local pickup or delivery. A box or tray of assorted cookies requires no cutting, plates or serving utensils, making it an easy addition to a tailgate or watch party. Edible Art Specialty Cakes & Cookies creates custom cakes, cookies and cupcakes in Longview. Team colors, football designs, jerseys or mascot-inspired treats can add a personal detail to the table, especially for homecoming, senior night or a rivalry game.
The best game-day desserts are individually portioned and able to withstand the trip. Cookies, brownies and cupcakes are easier to handle outdoors than desserts that require refrigeration, cutting or extra serving pieces. "Our classic chocolate chip is always our most popular cookie, with snickerdoodle right behind it, but customers can also choose oatmeal raisin and chocolate chip pecan," according to Fabulous Cookies. "For tailgates, parties and team events, we offer cookie trays that can be customized with any mix of our four flavors, so customers are not
The bakery at The Butcher Shop offers another familiar Longview
limited to ordering individual dozens. Most orders can be filled the
option for cakes and baked treats. Ordering ahead can help hosts
same day, but for larger orders of 10 dozen or more, we recommend
coordinate desserts with the size of the crowd and the occasion.
giving us at least 24 hours' notice."
CHOOSE YOUR
A memorable spread does not need 10
Game-Day Lineup
different dishes. Choose one item from each category and let local businesses do part of the work.
THE AT-HOME WATCH PARTY
THE TEXAS TAILGATE
🏈 Brisket or sausage
from a local barbecue restaurant
🏈 Buns, pickles, onions and barbecue sauce
🏈 Baked beans and potato salad
🏈 Team-colored cookies or cupcakes
🏈 Sweet tea, unsweet tea and plenty of water
PAPACITAS
CHICK-FIL-A
THE TACO KICKOFF
THE CROWDPLEASER
🏈 Fajitas, street tacos or a
🏈 Pizza, chicken nuggets
🏈 Chips, salsa, queso and
🏈 Chips, queso and a
🏈 Rice and beans 🏈 Football-themed cookies 🏈 Tea, lemonade and
🏈 Fresh fruit or vegetables 🏈 Assorted local cookies 🏈 Tea, lemonade, water
catered taco bar guacamole
bottled water
MAKE HOSTING EASIER
or assorted sandwiches warm dip
and soft drinks
🏈 Chili, burgers or smoked meats
🏈 A warm dip and a cold dip
🏈 Sliders, pinwheels or another
handheld favorite
🏈 Cookies, brownies or cupcakes
🏈 Drinks served from a
self-serve station away from the television
Choosing local restaurants, caterers and bakeries makes hosting
The best host should be able to enjoy the game too. Order ahead,
easier while supporting the businesses that help make Longview feel
confirm pickup times and ask how many people each tray or package
like home. Football brings the community together, and local flavor
serves. Choose foods that can be prepared before guests arrive, and
gives everyone one more reason to cheer.
place the buffet where people can refill their plates without blocking the television. For outdoor tailgates, remember that East Texas can still feel like summer well into football season. Bring plenty of cold water, keep cold foods chilled and hot foods at a safe temperature, and pack containers for leftovers. Confirm school or stadium rules before bringing grills, tents, glass containers or alcohol.
MORE THAN A MEAL Game-day food does more than feed a crowd. It gives people a reason to arrive early, pull up another chair and stay long enough to catch up. The menu may change depending on the team and the week, but the purpose remains the same.
6
NowLongview.com | Fall/Winter 2026
BEFORE YOU ORDER
🏈 Confirm the number of guests and recommended serving sizes. 🏈 Ask whether the order includes plates, napkins, utensils and serving tools.
🏈 Place custom dessert and large catering orders early. 🏈 Confirm pickup or delivery times around kickoff. 🏈 Ask for reheating, chilling and food-storage instructions. 🏈 Check stadium rules before planning an on-site tailgate. 🏈 Verify current menus, pricing and availability directly with each business.
Community Strong. Business Ready.
Sparklight Business is more than an internet provider – we’re your Chamber partner and a long-time supporter of local businesses. Contact me today! Mandy Parker
833-405-1501
SparklightFiber.com/longview-chamber
FROM FLOOR
8
NowLongview.com | Fall/Winter 2026
Finish
R TO
Designing a Home with Longview's Local Experts A beautiful home rarely comes together through one big decision.
It is built layer by layer through the flooring underfoot, the lighting
overhead, the hardware in your hand and the colors and textures that connect every room. For homeowners, that can mean making hundreds of choices. Which flooring can handle a busy family? Should the backsplash blend with the countertops or make a statement? Is the light fixture the right size for the room? Will the cabinet hardware still feel current several years from now? The good news is that Longview homeowners do not have to answer those questions alone or travel far to find quality selections. Local showrooms including Designer Accents, Phillips Flooring America, Cooks Lighting & Flooring, The Gallery of Lights and Home Plus Floors offer products, experience and personal guidance for projects of nearly every size. Whether the plan is a single room refresh, a kitchen renovation or a new home from the ground up, these local experts can help turn a collection of ideas into a space that feels complete.
BEGIN WITH THE SURFACES Flooring is one of the largest visual elements in a home. It moves from room to room, influences the color palette and must stand up to everyday life. Choosing it requires more than finding a color that looks good in a sample. Homeowners also need to consider durability, maintenance, comfort and how the material will work with the rest of the house. LongviewNOW! | Fall/Winter 2026
9
Home Plus Floors Phillips Flooring America
helps customers explore carpet,
start to finish. Construction can be frustrating, especially when the
hardwood, luxury vinyl, laminate and tile, along with professional
unexpected happens but we want our customers to feel happy with
installation. Its showroom also offers tiles for kitchen backsplashes,
their project and satisfied with the service when the job is done. We
showers and other spaces. Homeowners can compare materials in
all take great pride in what we do and are grateful for the opportunity
person and receive guidance on options that fit both their style and
to work on each project." – Andrew Lattimore, General Manager
the way they live.
Cooks Lighting & Flooring
also brings flooring into a broader
Home Plus Floors has served East Texas for more than 30 years and
home-design experience. Its showroom combines flooring with lighting,
offers carpet, hardwood, laminate, tile, natural stone, vinyl and luxury
hardware, wallpaper, fabrics, custom furnishings, décor and gifts. That
vinyl tile. Its selection of mosaics and backsplash tile gives homeown-
range can be especially helpful when homeowners want to see how
ers an opportunity to coordinate flooring with kitchens, bathrooms,
major materials and finishing details will relate to one another.
showers and accent walls. The team provides creative ideas, recommendations and guidance to help customers move from inspiration to a finished design.
Once the larger surfaces are selected, smaller details begin to give the home its personality. Designer Accents specializes in the elements that people see and touch every day. Its showroom includes door and cabinet hardware, bath accessories, wallpaper, mirrors and more. With hundreds of brands and complimentary design services, the team can help homeowners find selections for a range of styles and budgets. Hardware may seem like a small decision, but it can change the entire character of a kitchen, bathroom or piece of furniture. A simple knob can feel classic, modern, playful or refined. Wallpaper can create even more impact, whether it covers an entire room, adds interest to a powder bath or brings pattern to a ceiling or accent wall. These details are also an opportunity to make a home feel personal. They can introduce color, texture and individuality without requiring a complete renovation.
"
Joanne Lewis is our lead designer...
USE LIGHTING TO BRING THE ROOM TO LIFE Lighting is both practical and decorative. It affects how a room functions, how colors appear and how the space feels throughout the day. A well-chosen fixture can serve as a focal point, while layered lighting
She will help bring your vision to life..."
from chandeliers, pendants, sconces and lamps can make a room
"The team at Home Plus Floors is exceptional. Joanne Lewis is our
The Gallery of Lights helps homeowners explore chandeliers, pen-
lead designer and recently celebrated 30 years with Home Plus
dants, ceiling fans, wall sconces, lamps and indoor and outdoor light-
Floors. She will help bring your vision to life, navigating not only the
ing. The showroom also carries hardware, home accents and outdoor
multitude of flooring and tile options, but she'll also help you choose
furnishings, allowing customers to consider the spaces beyond the
your paint, countertops, hardware and more. She's got 'the eye'
home's interior. Whether the project calls for a statement chandelier,
and makes your space feel like YOU. Our operations staff works with
exterior lanterns or comfortable pieces for a patio, the team can help
customers and installers to ensure the project goes smoothly from
connect function with style.
10 NowLongview.com | Fall/Winter 2026
more comfortable and useful.
Designer Accents Cooks Lighting & Flooring offers another extensive lighting resource,
as flooring, cabinets and countertops. Then choose backsplash tile,
along with ceiling fans, lamps, hardware, furnishings and décor. Be-
lighting, hardware, wallpaper and furnishings that support the overall
cause the showroom includes so many parts of the home, customers
direction. Viewing samples together can reveal whether undertones,
can look at a fixture alongside flooring, fabrics, wallpaper or furniture
finishes and textures truly coordinate.
instead of making each decision in isolation. That matters because lighting should complement a room rather than
BEFORE YOU VISIT A SHOWROOM
compete with it. The finish, scale and shape of a fixture can either
Local experts can give better guidance when they understand both
connect the design or make the space feel unfinished. Local guid-
the room and the people who will use it. Bring:
ance can help homeowners select the correct size, placement and
•
Photos and videos of the space
•
Basic room measurements and ceiling height
•
Paint, cabinet, countertop or fabric samples already selected
•
Inspiration photos showing the overall style you like
feel easier at first. A few minutes of scrolling can produce thousands
•
An approximate budget
of flooring patterns, light fixtures, wallpapers and cabinet pulls. The
•
Information about children, pets and maintenance needs
•
The project timeline and any installation deadlines
style before installation begins.
BRING THE WHOLE VISION TOGETHER The abundance of choices available online can make home design
challenge is determining whether those pieces will work together in a real room. That is where local expertise makes a difference.
Ask about lead times, installation, care requirements and whether samples can be viewed at home. A flooring plank, wallpaper pattern
Consider a kitchen renovation. A homeowner may begin with durable
or metal finish can look different under the lighting in your own space
flooring that works for children, pets and everyday traffic. One of the
than it does in a showroom.
flooring's warmer tones can then be carried into the backsplash. Cabinet hardware can repeat the finish used in the lighting, while the shape of the pendants can introduce a softer element above the island. None of the pieces need to match exactly, but they should look as though they belong in the same story.
SHOP LOCAL FROM FLOOR TO FINISH Creating a home should be exciting, but it can quickly become overwhelming when every room brings another list of decisions. Longview's local home experts offer something that cannot be added
Many of Longview's home showrooms have experienced designers
to an online shopping cart: personal attention, practical knowledge
or knowledgeable team members who can help customers narrow
and a chance to see materials together before making a commitment.
the options, coordinate finishes and avoid costly mistakes. They understand how materials look under different lighting, how product dimensions affect scale and which surfaces are practical for a family's needs. Homeowners can make the most of that expertise by arriving prepared. Bring photos of the room, basic measurements and samples of anything that has already been selected, such as paint
From the flooring that creates the foundation to the lighting, hardware and wallpaper that add the finishing touches, local showrooms can help homeowners design with greater confidence. The result is more than a collection of beautiful products. It is a home that works for the people who live there, reflects their story and feels thoughtfully finished from floor to ceiling.
colors, countertops, cabinet doors or fabric. Save inspiration photos, but remain open to alternatives. A local expert may know of a product that creates the same look while better fitting the space, budget or timeline. It also helps to make selections in a thoughtful order. Begin with the elements that are most permanent or cover the most space, such LongviewNOW! | Fall/Winter 2026
11
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Plans Part D Prescription Drug Plans Individual & Family Health Insurance
CALL A LICENSED AGENT TODAY OR VISIT ONE OF OUR LOCATIONS: LONGVIEW HQ 903-295-4300 1203 W Loop 281 Longview, TX 75604
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Calling the number above will direct you to a licensed sales agent. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the Government or Federal Medicare Program. This is a solicitation for insurance.
12 NowLongview.com | Fall/Winter 2026
Driven by Safety On highways, byways, and everywhere in between.
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LONG There’s plenty to do. You just have to know where to look. As Friday evening arrives, music drifts from local patios,
the go-to for wine and conversation over a quieter table. Round
friends gather over cocktails downtown, and pickleball play-
out the list with T. Blanco’s Mexican Café, Roma’s Italian
ers take the court at Cargo. Across Longview, bands
Kitchen, El Sombrero, and Patio 903 — each with its own
tune their instruments, restaurant tables fill, and date nights
personality, whether the plan calls for margaritas on a patio, a
get underway.
plate of pasta, or a casual drink with friends. Most of these run
When someone says there’s nothing to do in Longview after dark, the answer may simply be: look again. Longview doesn’t have one nightlife district where every option lines up on the same block. But the city doesn’t shut
comfortably in the $$ range for dinner and drinks, making them easy for a regular weeknight, not just special occasions. Try somewhere new, order something you wouldn’t make at home, and stay long enough to enjoy the atmosphere.
down when the workday ends — the key is knowing what kind
FOLLOW THE MUSIC
of night you want and where to find it.
For those who prefer their weekends with a soundtrack, Longview’s
START WITH DINNER AND A GREAT DRINK
live music scene offers more than many people realize.
Sometimes the best night out is also the simplest: a good meal, a well-made cocktail, and time to enjoy the company you came with. Downtown, Ki’Mexico ETX
brings bold flavors and an
energetic, later-running atmosphere — a solid pick if you want dinner to stretch into the evening. Judd’s Downtown serves creative American fare in the heart of the city’s cultural district, and Goung Zhou Asian Bistro
(known to most locals as GZ’s)
pairs Asian fusion dishes with craft cocktails and sake. For something more relaxed, Café Barron’s
14 NowLongview.com | Fall/Winter 2026
has long been
Cargo
GVIEW
After Dark The Bourbon Alley
leans into this most directly, combining
cocktails, live performers, and a relaxed downtown atmosphere that tends to run later than a typical dinner spot. Cargo also regularly books live entertainment alongside its games and food. One evening might bring music to a lively patio, the next an intimate downtown bar — either way, it’s a chance to hear area musicians and support local businesses without leaving town. Downtown Live adds another option each spring and fall: a free outdoor concert series that fills Heritage Plaza with music, food trucks, and drinks on Friday evenings. The Fall 2026 season runs on Fridays throughout September and October — bring a chair, meet a few friends, and let the weekend begin in the middle of downtown. Because it’s free and outdoors, it’s one of the few options here that works well
The Bourbon Alley way to experience the city’s creative side. Pair a performance with dinner downtown — Judd’s Downtown or Roma’s both sit within easy walking distance — for an evening that supports local restaurants and local artists at once.
for the whole family.
Schedules change with each season, so check upcoming per-
Lineups change throughout the season, so checking venue
formances and buy tickets before planning your night.
pages and local event calendars can make the difference
RAISE A GLASS TO EAST TEXAS
between staying home and discovering a new favorite band.
Longview and the surrounding East Texas area give wine and
CATCH A SHOW
craft beer lovers plenty of reasons to plan an evening or a
A night out can also begin when the curtain goes up.
weekend outing.
Theatre Longview brings plays, musicals, and improv comedy
In downtown Longview, Oil Horse Brewing Company pours a
to the stage throughout the year, giving audiences another
variety of locally crafted beer styles from its taproom on Tyler
LongviewNOW! | Fall/Winter 2026
15
CARGO
THE BOURBON ALLEY
THE BOURBON ALLEY
CARGO
TAPSHOT
THE LINKS INDOOR GOLF & LOUNGE
TAPSHOT
Street — a good, casual, no-reservation option if you just want a pint
“Whether you are needing a night out of the house as a family,
and conversation.
wanting to catch up with a group of friends, enjoying a date night out,
A short drive opens up more. Enoch’s Stomp Vineyard & Winery in Harleton offers wine tastings, artisan food, and vineyard views, with its Corks restaurant pairing steaks and seafood with the winery’s own
or celebrating a birthday or milestone, we are the amusement venue you are looking for,” says Tapshot co-owner Rachelle Perry. “Our activities include 36 holes of mini golf, a pickleball court, two Laser
pours. Los Pinos Ranch Vineyards in Pittsburg combines a tasting
Shot shooting simulators with 10-foot screens, and an arcade, along
room, restaurant, vineyard setting, and weekend live music. Rowdy
with a full food menu with plenty of beverage options, including our
Creek Ranch
10-tap self-serve beer wall and wine.”
in Gilmer rounds things out with an estate vineyard
producing Blanc du Bois wines, plus private tastings and tours by appointment.
At Film Alley , dinner and entertainment share the same roof: catch
These are 21-and-up outings best planned ahead — call or check
lanes, play the Redemption Arcade, or eat from the Scratch Kitchen
a movie in the dine-in theatre, try duckpin bowling on one of eight
online for current hours, entertainment schedules, and reservation requirements, since tasting rooms and small wineries tend to keep tighter hours than downtown restaurants.
want more than just a movie. Cargo rounds this category out with mini golf and pickleball on top of
MAKE THE ACTIVITY THE MAIN EVENT Not every night out has to revolve around sitting at a table. The Links Indoor Golf and Lounge
and full bar. It’s an easy pick for families, couples, or groups who
lets golfers play simulated
its food, drinks, and live music — several experiences under one roof, so no one has to carry the conversation all night alone.
courses indoors, rain or shine — good for a date night or a group
For something a little different, Longview Escape Room and Twisted
without committing to eighteen holes. Tapshot
goes bigger with
Axes (downtown axe throwing) both make for a sharp, low-cost date
36 holes of mini golf, two shooting simulators, arcade games, and a
night or group celebration — an hour of problem-solving or competi-
10-tap self-serve beer wall.
tion before or after dinner, without a big time commitment.
16 NowLongview.com | Fall/Winter 2026
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LongviewNOW! | Fall/Winter 2026
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18 NowLongview.com | Fall/Winter 2026
Come Experience the Difference!
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PLAY LongviewNOW! | Fall/Winter 2026
19
W E I V G N O L E R S E E T H A W E R C , S TS C SHOP E N N O C AND
Three unique local businesses are turning shopping into an experience 20 NowLongview.com | Fall/Winter 2026
On any given afternoon in Longview, someone may be choosing a
“One of the things we hear most from
sparkling mineral from across the world, threading the first stitches
first-time visitors is, ‘I had no idea this
into a colorful needlepoint canvas or gathering around a mahjong
was in Longview!’ and we absolutely love
table with friends.
that reaction. Our hope has always been
These experiences may not be the first things that come to mind when someone thinks about shopping in Longview. That is part of what makes them worth discovering. Tucked into local shopping centers and found beyond the busiest retail corridors, specialty businesses are giving residents new ways to explore, create and connect. At The Dreaming Peddler, Stitch Longview and Alice & Elizabeth, a shopping trip can become the beginning of a new collection, hobby or tradition.
to create a little world of wonder where people can get lost for an hour or three, discover something they have never seen before, learn something new, and leave with a treasure and a story to go along with it.” Whether the goal is to find a beautiful mineral specimen, an unusual piece of jewelry or a gift with a little personality, the
Expect the unexpected at The Dreaming Peddler
experience rewards shoppers who slow down and look around.
The Dreaming Peddler lives up to its description as a unique and
Pick up a new hobby at Stitch Longview
whimsical gift shop. Its shelves and displays are filled with hand-se-
Needlepoint is enjoying renewed popularity, and Longview now has
lected crystals and minerals from around the world, fine jewelry,
a local place where experienced stitchers and curious beginners can
oddities, rarities, gifts and unexpected finds that invite a closer look.
become part of it.
This is the kind of store where
Stitch Longview is a mother-and-daughter-owned needlepoint shop
browsing is part of the fun. Shoppers
offering canvases, threads and supplies for a hobby that blends cre-
may arrive looking for a birthday
ativity with relaxation. For its owners, the business grew from a deeply
present and leave with something
personal experience.
they had never seen before. The selection appeals to collectors, curious shoppers and anyone searching for a gift that feels more personal than something chosen from a stan-
“
dard department store display. The store is especially useful when
“Stitch Longview really is a passion project for us,” the owners shared. “It was born out of a very personal season of loss after the passing of my sister, Julie. In the midst of that grief, needlepoint became a way for us to slow down, create and find beauty again. That spirit of connection and healing is exactly what we want Stitch Longview to be for our community.”
Our hope has always been to create a little world of wonder..."
the person on a gift list seems to have everything. A mineral speci-
men can become part of a collection. An unusual piece of jewelry can reflect the recipient’s personality. An oddity or rarity can become the item everyone asks about when they see it displayed at home. “The Dreaming Peddler is truly an experience, not just an eclectic gift shop. Our tagline is ‘somewhere between a museum and a dream,’ and we hope that is exactly how it feels when you walk through our doors. “Visitors can wander among giant geodes, crystals and minerals, prehistoric fossils, meteorites from outer space, fine gemstone jewelry, oddities and curiosities, classic literature, and fine art and sculpture by both international and local artists. We also create our own artisan wellness products and have an old-world apothecary filled with essential oils, herbs and teas, along with aromatherapy incense,
Needlepoint can be as simple or detailed as the stitcher wants it to be, and finished projects can become ornaments, pillows, framed pieces, acces-
sories or meaningful gifts. Part of the hobby’s current appeal is its ability to provide a break from screens and busy schedules. “Needlepoint offers a rare, quiet space to disconnect from the noise and create something meaningful with your hands,” the owners said. “The response here in Longview has been so special, especially watching younger generations discover the craft and then bring in friends and family.” That community support allowed the family to expand the business by opening a second shop in downtown Marshall. Needlepoint is also a naturally social pastime. Friends can stitch together, compare projects and share techniques. A local shop makes
luxury candles, and our Little Lantern Café where guests can grab a
that community easier to find. Instead of trying to choose materials
nostalgic soda or sweet treat while they explore.
through a screen, customers can see the colors and textures in LongviewNOW! | Fall/Winter 2026
21
“
In the midst of that grief, needlepoint became a way for us to slow down, create and find beauty again." person, ask questions and receive
reservations, guided open play, Mahjong 101 instruction and themed
guidance as they select a canvas
gatherings such as Bams & Bubbly. The social club can also host
and coordinating threads.
birthdays, bridal showers, Bible studies, team gatherings and other
For beginners, walking into
private events.
a specialty shop may feel
“We believe the best things in life are meant to be shared — a beau-
intimidating at first, but
tiful dress, a seat at the table, a good story, a new friendship. Alice &
every experienced stitcher
Elizabeth is our modern take on the neighborhood shop: thoughtfully
once had a first project.
collected, deeply personal, and always with room for one more.” — Alice & Elizabeth Team
“For a complete beginner, I always recommend start-
That mix gives customers a reason to return beyond seeing the latest
ing with something small and
boutique arrivals. They can shop, meet friends, learn
personal, like an ornament or a
the game or create a recurring tradition. Those
monogram, because the best first
who are curious about mahjong can
project is the one you’re genuinely
check the monthly event calen-
excited to finish,” the owners shared. “We hope Stitch Longview
dar to find a beginner-friendly
remains a place where this traditional art form feels fresh and where
opportunity, while regular players
everyone can create pieces that carry stories for generations
can reserve a table and bring their
to come.”
own group.
The goal does not have to be perfection. Start small, choose a design
More than a place to shop
that makes you smile and enjoy watching it take shape one stitch at a time.
Shop, gather & play at Alice & Elizabeth Alice & Elizabeth combines two experiences that may seem unexpected together: a women’s boutique and a social club centered around mahjong.
The Dreaming Peddler invites shoppers to explore. Stitch Longview encourages them to create. Alice & Elizabeth gives them a place to gather and play. Each offers the personal guidance
The mother-and-daughter-owned boutique offers clothing, shoes,
and human connection that an online
bags, jewelry and gifts selected for women’s everyday lives. Beyond
shopping cart cannot provide.
the retail floor, the A&E Social Club provides mahjong tables and a private gathering space where people can play, learn and connect.
Finding Longview’s hidden gems requires a little curiosity. Follow local businesses, watch their event calendars and step inside the
Mahjong is enjoying a resurgence in Longview, bringing friends of
places you have passed but never visited. You may leave with a
different ages together around its colorful tiles. The game combines
one-of-a-kind gift, a first needlepoint project or plans to meet friends
strategy, luck and conversation, making it well suited for a girls’ night,
around a mahjong table.
a regular friend group or someone looking for a new social hobby.
The best discovery may not be something you purchase. It may be a
Alice & Elizabeth’s mahjong calendar gives newcomers and expe-
new interest, a new group of friends or a new favorite place right here
rienced players several ways to participate. Offerings include table
in Longview.
“
We believe the best things in life are meant to be shared"
22 NowLongview.com | Fall/Winter 2026
Plan Your Visit
THE DREAMING PEDDLER
STITCH LONGVIEW
ALICE & ELIZABETH
100 Tall Pines Ave, Ste 1
4775 U.S. Highway 259
Crystals, minerals, jewelry, oddities, rarities and unique gifts
Needlepoint canvases, threads and supplies
The Village Shopping Center 2002 Judson Rd, Ste 102
dreamingpeddler.com
Follow Stitch Longview/Marshall on social media
Women’s clothing, accessories, gifts and the A&E Social Club shopaliceelizabeth.com
Education LONGVIEW
GUIDE
PUBLIC SCHOOL
Longview ISD
8,120 PK, K-12 Total Enrollment
PUBLIC SCHOOL
Pine Tree ISD
4,430 PK, K-12 Total Enrollment
High School Total Enrollment: 2,208
High School Total Enrollment: 1,330
AP® Participation Rate: 53%
AP® Participation Rate: 29%
13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
97.7% Graduation Rate
98.7% Graduation Rate
Minority Enrollment: 80%
Minority Enrollment: 68%
Economically Disadvantaged: 85.3%
Economically Disadvantaged: 68%
1 of 3 High Schools In Longview Advanced Placement® Coursework and Exams LEARN MORE
PUBLIC SCHOOL
Spring Hill ISD
LEARN MORE
PUBLIC SCHOOL
UT Tyler University Academy K-12th 391 1-12 Total Enrollment
PRIVATE SCHOOL
Oak Forest Montessori School 8 Wks - K and K - *5th grade after school program This school ls modeled after what Dr. Maria Montessori called "the prepared environment," an environment which possesses order and logic. Accredited by Cognia LEARN MORE PRIVATE SCHOOL
Christian Heritage Classical School 272 PK, K-12 Total Enrollment
1,982 PK, K-12 Total Enrollment
1:20 K-5 Student-Teacher Ratio
6:1 Student-Teach Ratio
High School Total Enrollment: 611
1:25 6-12 Student-Teacher Ratio
AP® Participation Rate: 41%
100% Graduation Rate
100% Graduation Rate
13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
Attend a 4-Year College After Graduation: 80%
Attend a 4-Year College after Graduation: 87%
98.5% Graduation Rate Proficient in Reading and Math: 54% Minority Enrollment: 40% Economically Disadvantaged: 41% Advanced Placement® Coursework and Exams The Only High school in Spring Hill ISD LEARN MORE PRIVATE SCHOOL
St. Mary's Catholic School PK, 3-12
Fully accredited by the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops Education Department, Southern Association of Colleges, and Cognia. Needs -based financial services available. Only fully accredited Catholic School in Longview.
Accredited by TEA (Texas Education Agency) / We are a University Public Charter School
Offers Athletics and Fine Arts Accredited by Cognia LEARN MORE
LEARN MORE PRIVATE SCHOOL PRIVATE SCHOOL
Longview Christian School 456 K-12 Enrollment
29:1 Student-Teacher Ratio 100% Graduation Rate Attend 4-Year College After Graduation: 95% Offers Athletics and Fine Arts Accredited by ACSI - Association of Christian Schools International
Trinity School of Texas 255 2 year-12 Total Enrollment 6:1 Student-Teacher Ratio 100% Graduation Rate Attend a 4-Year College after Graduation: 100% Accredited by Cognia, Southwestern Association of Episcopal Schools LEARN MORE
LEARN MORE AS OF APRIL 2026
LEARN MORE LongviewNOW! | Fall/Winter 2026
23
24 NowLongview.com | Fall/Winter 2026
Community LONGVIEW
POPULATION
DATA
WORK AND EDUCATION
83,668
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE OR HIGHER, PERCENT OF PERSONS AGE 25+ (2020-2024)
BACHELOR'S DEGREE OR HIGHER, PERCENT OF PERSONS AGE 25 YEARS+ (2020-2024)
POPULATION, CENSUS APRIL 1, 2020
81,638
87.3%
23.7%
POPULATION PERCENT CHANGE APRIL 1, 2020 TO JULY 1, 2024
2.3%
POPULATION ESTIMATES BASE JULY 1,2024
$63,340
MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME (IN 2024 DOLLARS) (2020-2024)
DEMOGRAPHICS PERSONS UNDER 5 YEARS OF AGE
PERSONS UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE
PERSONS 65 YEARS AND OVER
FEMALE PERSONS
WHITE ALONE
BLACK OR AFRICAN AMERICAN ALONE
6.2%
25.1%
16.6%
51.4%
54.7%
20.6%
TOTAL HOUSEHOLDS
OWNER-OCCUPIED HOUSING UNIT RATE
MEDIAN VALUE OF OWNER-OCCUPIED HOUSING UNITS
MEDIAN SELECTED MONTHLY OWNER COSTS WITH A MORTGAGE
MEDIAN SELECTED MONTHLY OWNER COSTS WITHOUT A MORTGAGE
MEDIAN GROSS RENT
33,009
54.7%
$202,600
$1,492
$566
$1,101
HOUSING
2020-2024
2020-2024
2020-2024
2020-2024
2020-2024
2020-2024
AS OF APRIL 2026 LongviewNOW! | Fall/Winter 2026
25
Building strong, sustainable communities Look around your home, your car, the doctor’s office or the supermarket, and you’ll find products made with Eastman materials. We’re working to build a better world — today and for future generations. We’re helping solve one of the world’s greatest challenges by taking hardto-recycle plastics, breaking them down to their basic building blocks and creating new plastic materials — right here in Longview. We can do this again and again, diverting plastic waste from landfills and the environment. Our solutions aren’t the only way we’re making a positive difference. Whether we are preparing students for future STEM careers, conserving and protecting ecosystems or volunteering our time and resources, our investments reflect the rich heritage of Eastman team members around the world. We are building and strengthening partnerships and challenging ourselves to be a good neighbor, enhancing and serving the communities where we live and work.
We are proud to call Longview home for 75 years and counting!
eastman.com
26 NowLongview.com | Fall/Winter 2026
Longview’s medical corridor is a major part of the local economy and is often a reason people choose to relocate to the city. If you work in the healthcare field, need a specific type of treatment or are simply assured by the thought of having state of the art facilities and personnel at your service, you appreciate this aspect of Longview. The city’s medical facilities provide some of the most advanced healthcare services east of I-35. Two fully equipped and modern hospitals, CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Medical Center and Longview Regional Medical Center, offer care from a staff of doctors and healthcare specialists who have received national attention for their medical achievements.
Longview Regional Medical Center was awarded the
There are also dozens of medical clinics with a variety of specialties.
(2020, 2019, 2018).
America’s 50 Best Hospitals for Vascular Surgery Award™
Hundreds of physicians offer quality care in every major medical specialty. A complete range of medical services, surgical services, and emergency care are available in the heart of the city.
LRMC is a 230-bed facility, with 180 physicians and healthcare professionals. They are known for being quality-driven, and nationally recognized for chest pain and stroke care. LRMC is dedicated to great patient service, with multi-specialty clinical expertise.
CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Emergency Center NorthPark
VISIT THE LRMC SITE
CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Medical Center (CGSMC)
LOOP 281
is proud to announce that it is among the first health care
Longview Regional Emergency Center
organizations in the country to earn ClearHealth Quality Institute™ (CHQI) accreditation for telemedicine. CGSMC in Longview is a not-
Longview Regional Medical Center
for-profit, full service, acute care, 425-bed regional referral center. nR tma Eas
As one of the region’s top Level III Trauma Centers and home to the region’s first Level III NICU, it serves a vital role in the health of all
d.
the residents it serves. CGSMC Longview is also: ຸ A Certified Primary Stroke Center with 24-hour neurosurgery coverage
Rd.
N. Fourth St.
son
Jud
McC
ຸ Longview’s only Center for Robotics and Minimally Invasive Surgery
ann R
ຸ A Breast Center of Excellence
d.
Bill Owens Pkwy.
ton St.
Healthcare LONGVIEW
ຸ An Accredited Chest Pain Center with 24/7 Cardiac Cath Lab availability W. M
L AVE
AL ARSH
.
CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Medical Center
VISIT THE CGSMC SITE
LongviewNOW! | Fall/Winter 2026
27
PEOPLE LEADING PEOPLE INTO A LIFE-CHANGING, EVERY-GROWING RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST.
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