Stormy Skies and Southern Charm: Our Pine Tree Lodge Stopover in Beaumont, TX

December 2024:

Nestled along the bayou in Beaumont, TX, the Pine Tree Lodge Restaurant and Bar has all the makings of a perfect Harvest Host stop. This hidden gem features a sprawling riverside location, a big ol' stage for live music, and a dance floor that just begs for boot-stomping. Unfortunately for us, Mother Nature had other plans.

The night before our arrival, an aggressive Texas thunderstorm swept through, knocking out power to the entire area. When we rolled in, the restaurant was closed, the music silenced, and our dreams of Cajun delicacies dashed. Cue sad violin music 🎻.

But hey, when life gives you thunderstorms, you explore anyway! We parked our rig in their generous lot (thanks for the overnight hospitality, Pine Tree Lodge!) and set out to soak up the charm of the place.

A Local Legend

While wandering the grounds, we were lucky enough to meet one of the owners—a sweet septuagenarian who lives on-site. She welcomed us with a warm smile and regaled us with tales of the Lodge's history, the storms it’s weathered (literally), and its role as a community hotspot. It’s clear this place isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a local institution.

International Encounters

In the parking lot, we crossed paths with fellow Harvest Host travelers - a friendly couple from Quebec. Armed with minimal English and an adorable terrier, they were navigating their RV adventure in a cozy Class B van. Between our limited French and their enthusiasm, we managed to swap travel stories, proving that laughter and hand gestures are truly universal languages. 🐾🇨🇦

Missed Tunes, But Not the Vibes

Though we missed the live music that had been on the docket for that evening, we couldn’t help but imagine the good times that stage has seen. From the scenic views to the welcoming people, this stop left us feeling grateful, even if it didn’t go as planned.

So, here’s to the Pine Tree Lodge - a place we’ll definitely revisit under sunnier skies!

Cheers!

-Chasing 78°

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