Uncertain ride to Uncertain Texas

November 11, 6:35 AMShreveport Motorcycle Travel ExaminerMary Baker

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photo by Mary Baker

Uncertain where to ride to?  Consider Uncertain, Texas incorporated in 1961 it is a small town with only about 150 residents.  It rests along the peaceful banks of Caddo Lake, one of the best kept secrets in Texas.  According to the official web site "Steamboats, loaded with goods destined for the developing west, traveled through Caddo Lake in route to Jefferson, Texas. Because of fluctuating water levels, mooring was often uncertain."  The lake is beautiful, full of Spanish moss cypress trees and big bass hiding in the waters.  The area is respected by travelers and the views of the scenery in all its glory awaits the hopeful angler or casual passer by.   As you drive through the area, it's easy to get lost, and a GPS would be helpful in finding the establishments.  Big directional signs for the few businesses are nailed upon trees at an intersection, where one must choose which way to turn.  If not careful, travelers will find themselves back at the starting point, moving in circles if they don't know where they're going.  From Shreveport, take exit 5 off Interstate 220 and head North.  A short jaunt under the railroad trellis will take you to North Lakeshore Drive, where you can enjoy the winding road that follows Cross Lake.  Point toward Blanchard and turn left at Blanchard Furrh Road.  At Hwy 169, stop at the Longwood Grocery and enjoy a thick juicy burger, or their famous rib eye steak.  Not a city or even a town, Longwood is listed as a "populated place" in Caddo Parish. But, there is good food and even gaming machines if you'd like to try your luck at winning. 

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With a full stomach, and hopefully a fuller wallet from the winnings, take Hwy 169 North to Blanchard.   Follow the signs to Karnack.  As you cross the Louisiana/Texas state line, the highway will change to FM 1999.  Turn right on FM 34 and you're almost there.  Five miles of beautiful scenery will deliver you to the spot where the signs are haphazardly nailed to trees.  This is the tricky part.  Get out the GPS or follow the embedded map above.  Your good fortune and attention to the route will bring you to the Lighthouse Grocery & Bar.  Here, you'll feel right at home as the music plays from a modern juke box in the corner.  Possibly, owners will be cooking up some grub on the grill outside, and you can rest at the picnic table nearby while enjoying a cold drink.  If you didn't eat at the Longwood stop, then this place has the best nachos in the West.  For just about $6, you can enjoy a large mound of cheesy chips topped with salsa, jalapenos, sour cream and guacamole if you so desire. This is a popular destination for bikers, but is not well known otherwise.  You're likely to have a chat with locals as they invite you to rest a spell and share their relaxation spot.

Just up the road you'll find the Uncertain Tavern, another biker friendly establishment.  A large screen television broadcasts NASCAR and football games during the respective seasons, and there are pool tables and dart boards to help pass the time.  But, don't stay inside too long, as the beauty of the area awaits you.  If you're up for it, a ride to Jefferson, Texas is next. 

Come back soon to read about the quaint town of Jefferson, reminisce about days gone by, visit a bed and breakfast, a haunted establishment, a real old fashioned soda fountain at the General Store, and one of the best biker establishments in this part of the country - Auntie Skinner's.  And, come back later to see more pictures, including a slide show of the area.  To receive an email when the review is published, click on subscribe above. 

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