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Weâre already more than halfway through the 2025 TCCRA season, and the best news? Both Ray and Iyan are winning their classes! Woohoo! Ray races in the Over-59 Expert class, and Iyan, who jumped into his first race this year on a whim, is absolutely crushing it in the 65 Beginner class.
A Weekend Offer I Couldn’t Refuse
The last race before the summer break took place in Jefferson, Texas. Ray managed to convinceâokay, bribeâme to join them by promising a weekend filled with antique shopping, winery visits, and (drumroll please) a real bathroom and shower at the track. What girl could say no to that?
Plus, I wanted to see Iyan race. So, we packed up and hit the road early Friday morning to make the most of our time in Jefferson.
đď¸ TCCRA Action on the Track
Iyan tearing it up on the track â Awesome rookie season!!
Look at that start â 59 and he’s still got it!
Here’s one of the family â just for evidence that I was there!
đď¸ Exploring Jefferson: Museums and More
Jefferson is tucked away in East Texas, not far from the Louisiana border. The race track was set along a bayou, and there were rumors of an alligator sighting near the back part of the track. It was hot, it was steamy, and it was full of adventure.
Our first stop in town was the Gone With the Wind Museum, a personal collection curated by a passionate local. You have to call ahead to ensure itâs open, and while Ray and Iyan zipped through in about ten minutes, the charming proprietress made it worth the stop.
Next, we visited the Museum of Measurement & Timeâbasically a love letter to clocks. Fascinating but overwhelming!
đ´ Southern Flavors with a Twist
We grabbed a late lunch at Kit’s Cornbread Sandwich & Pie Bar, where every sandwich comes on cornbread instead of regular bread. It was delicious, and now I need that recipe!
We skipped dessert because Iyan had his heart set on local ice cream from Red Bus Cupcakes, served inside a bright red bus.
đž Nature Trails, Bigfoot, and Unexpected Fun
We finished the afternoon with a walk on the city nature trail, took pictures with Bigfoot (as one does), and browsed antique shops. No winery this timeâbut we didnât miss it.
đť Ghost Tours and Haunted Hotels
A quick bathroom break at the Visitors Bureau turned into a ghostly detourâpamphlets for a Ghost Tour and a Ghost Hunt caught our eye. Iyan was all in, but the 18+ hunt that ended at 3 AM? Hard pass.
Instead, we booked the family-friendly Ghost Tour at 8 PM. Ray drove us in the dually (reluctantly), and off the three of us went. It was actually fascinatingâJefferson has a wild past full of steamboats, shootouts, and ghost stories.
đ¨ The Infamous Jefferson Hotel
The grand finale? The Jefferson Hotelâan antique-laced, gloriously haunted masterpiece. The lobby mixes Victorian flair with eerie vibes, and the crucifix wall? Letâs just say, itâs unforgettable.
Just a few of the spine-tingling sights inside the famously haunted Jefferson Hotel:
Guests are even encouraged to open their doors during tours to show off their spooky roomsâand most of them did. Proudly!
𧳠Final Thoughts
Between cheering on our racers, exploring quirky museums, indulging in creative cuisine, and tiptoeing through haunted hallways, our Jefferson weekend was unforgettable.
Now, I just need to plan a girls’ trip to stay at the Jefferson Hotel. It would take days to see everything⌠and Iâm bringing my bravest friends!
Feathers and Phases 