Why is it called the "South Texas State Fair" and not the "Southeast Texas State Fair"? No one in Beaumont thinks of themselves as from South Texas. Alas, I digress. If you're going to be in Beaumont in March, head over to the fair. The main attraction is food. It's essential that you get a pork kabob from Rudy's (they have two locations) and grab a funnel cake (from whatever booth because they all taste the same). Also, if you want a fried anything they've got you covered.

Other attractions include carnival rides & games, a petting zoo, an exhibit hall, a live stock show, and an art, quilting, and photography competition.

Best of all, the professional rodeo is on Friday and Saturday nights of the opening weekend of the fair. Admission is free with admission into the fair (usually $10 an adult and $5 for kids and seniors).

Talk to a Beaumonter long enough, and they'll probably let you know that Jason's Deli was started in Beaumont. The primary location in Beaumont is on Dowlen (are you noticing a trend?) but the original location is in the Gateway Shopping Center off of the interstate. So go grab you a Papa Joe and enjoy some swirl soft serve.

After grabbing lunch at Jason's, you're in perfect shape to head downtown to see the Third Largest Fire Hydrant in the world and the largest working one (though that might be a stretch). The polka-dotted monstrosity was a gift from Disney to the Fire Museum to help promote the 101 Dalmations movie. Yes, I'm serious. Snapping a pic in front of it is must when visiting Beaumont. Check the hours, but the Fire Museum right behind it is a great visit as well.

This beautiful building was once a church and is now a research and genealogical library. It's a quick visit but pretty cool to take a peek around.

If you like historic homes, Beaumont has you covered. The ones to see are:

• John Jay French Trading Post: French was an early settler of the region once known as French Town. The home was the first two-story home in the area and the wonderfully preserved home offers a glimpse into life in the mid-1800's

• McFaddin Ward House: This turn-of-the-century mansion is a beautiful home tour.

• Chambers House: A great peek into life in the 1920's.

They don't call it Texas Tea for nothing. The year was 1901 when liquid gold came out of the ground and put Beaumont on the map. Chevron and a portion of what is now ExxonMobil started here. The museum is spread amongst multiple buildings to form a reconstructed town of the time period.

Built in 1927, the theatre was one of the premiere locations for "It's a Wonderful Life". Both Jimmy Stewart and Frank Capra attended. If you're around on a Friday check out a $5 Classic Movie Night at the theater.