I'm planning a 4-5 day trip to fish several lakes in the Wood County area (Gilmer, Holbrook, Hawkins) sometime in the next few weeks, possibly with my wife. Where would you recommend we stay in the area that is boat friendly, has decent dining options, and isn't too far from some towns with town squares for the wife to explore when she decides not to get up and go fishing? Any other lake recommendations to fish while we're there? Not planning to hit Fork this time around, but you never know...

Check VRBO for Wood County. There is one cottage for $80 a night.

Hmmm... I haven't used VRBO before. I'll check it out... Thanks!

Quitman

Quitman is on the list to check out if we have time.

I'm thinking of staying on Hawkins. Any idea how it's fishing these days?

"Taste of Italy By The Lake". Good Italian restaraunt right on the water on Hawkins.

There is a Best Western in Mineola just south of the main drag on Hwy 69 and a bed and breakfast place too. Mineola kinda puts you in the Middle area and yes Holbrook is a little gem of a lake, haven't done real good on Hawkins but haven't been there lately (reminds me I need to take dad as its his favorite lake) you also have Winsboro and Quitman to fish too. The wife can finger shop in Mineola, Quitman, Grand Saline, Hawkins and Lindale which are all nearby. Mineola has a Jalape�o Tree, Chinese joint and a good little bbq place where 69 and 37 split off. The Italian place at Hawkins is fair at best, really ate there twice which was one to many, Olive Garden is better. Lindale has some good eats also. There's also Richie's in Hawkins if your out that way, as well as the Tea House in Quitman. Good luck to you.

I live on Holbrook so here goes. The Best Western in Mineola would be as good as any if you want a hotel. I'd also check VRBO, as you may find a nice cabin https://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals/usa/texas/piney-woods/mineola. Mineola as a real nice downtown shopping area, and Canton isn't really to far. Not much to do in Quitman/Hawkins shopping wise, but some excellent restaurants in the area. Stay the heck away from Jalapeno Tree, it's just flat bad. My recommendations would be Mexican, Peraltas in either Grand Saline or Quitman is outstanding. A Taste of Italy on Hawkins is really good, with a beautiful outdoor patio overlooking the lake. Circle M Crawfish in Big Sandy is as good as you'll get for seafood, but no air conditioning. They've got lots of seating, and always have live music going, and with the fans and open air, it's really enjoyable. Grand Saline and Quitman have The Red Dome Smokehouse, which has quite a few different items and has always been good. Lake Fork Creek Steak And Seafood in Quitman is another hole in the wall with fantastic food. Both Steaks and Seafood are top notch. If you don't mind driving into Tyler, three places really standout. High end steak and seafood at Dakota's Steaks Seafood and Chops is flat out top notch, in a beautiful restaurant. Coyote Sams Bar and Grill is another beautiful restaurant with fantastic food, much of it exotic and raised in Texas. Last but not least is a beautiful Latin restaurant, Villa Montez. Absolutely gorgeous restaurant with terrific food.

Thanks for the info folks!

Holbrook with Gilmer a close second. Forget Quitman, muddy and dangerous. Mineola is one sweet little town and friendly as heck. And yeah I would take Holbrook over Fork any day. Have fun and enjoy your stay. I wouldn't leave the area without having a chicken fried steak w- mash taters and green beans either. Just sayin'.

Booked a house on Holbrook at the end of July (dog days!)... Looking forward to it! Thanks for the input guys!