Yo’s Top ETX Picks — The Piney List’s Local Spotlight Series

If you’ve ever wondered what makes East Texas truly special, the answer is simple: the people who call it home. Sure, we’ve got the towering pines, sparkling lakes, and charming small towns — but it’s the locals who hold the real treasure map to the best spots, hidden gems, and unforgettable experiences our region has to offer.

That’s why we’re launching something new here on The Piney List: a monthly feature where we hand the mic to an East Texan and ask them one big question — “If someone was visiting, what would you tell them to do?”

We’re calling it Top ETX Picks, and our very first guide comes from none other than Yo. Born and raised right here in the Piney Woods, Yo knows the lay of the land like few others. From the best plate of chicken-fried steak you’ll ever eat, to that little hole-in-the-wall shop you’ve probably driven past a dozen times without stopping, Yo’s picks give you the kind of insider tips no search engine could.

Each month, we’ll highlight a new local and their personal list of must-dos. Think of it as a conversation with a friend who knows all the shortcuts, all the stories, and all the places that make East Texas unforgettable.

Whether you’ve lived here your whole life or you’re just passing through, you’ll find something new to love — and maybe even a reason to stay a little longer.

So, without further ado, here’s Yo’s Top ETX Picks — the first in what we hope will be your favorite way to explore East Texas.