Dine, shop, and live like a local in this charming East Texas town!
Taking a Texas day trip? If you’re looking to experience the stunning beauty of East Texas, look no further than Tyler. Its central location in the Pineywoods of Texas makes it an easy day trip from Dallas, Shreveport, and other surrounding cities. While Tyler has garnered a ton of attention as the Rose Capital of America, there’s plenty more to do in this charming East Texas town to make sure everyone has a blooming good time! If you’re day-trippin’ to Tyler, here are your must-dos for a quick visit.
Breakfast at The Foundry Coffee House
Kick off your day trip with some caffeine! Located in the heart of Downtown Tyler, The Foundry Coffee House is serving up some serious coffee and good vibes. The craft coffee is made with locally roasted beans from Porch Culture Coffee, another local establishment. Try the homemade rose syrup to commemorate your trip to the Rose Capital of America! While your order is brewing, admire local art in The Gallery and then enjoy your breakfast on the patio. If you taste an extra drop of goodness in each cup, it could be because The Foundry operates as a non-profit and gives back to local East Texas organizations. Sip sip hooray!
Stop and Smell the Roses
There’s no better place to stop and smell the roses than the Rose Capital of America! The world-famous Tyler Municipal Rose Garden features 14 acres, thousands of rose bushes, and more than 200 varieties of roses. If you’re visiting in October or mid to late May, you’ll be able to enjoy the roses at peak bloom, but with the Tyler Botanical Garden located in the same space, the garden is a beautiful place to visit year-round. Make a stop in the Rose Museum and learn more about Tyler’s rose growing industry and the pageantry of the Texas Rose Festival, which is held the third weekend in October every year. You can even purchase a rose scented candle in the Gift Shop to take home and burn when you want to reminisce on your trip to Tyler, Texas.
Cruise the Azalea District & See Historic Homes
Cruise along the brick streets to view Tyler’s famous historic districts. If you’re visiting in springtime, expect to see a floral wonderland of azaleas, tulips, wisteria, dogwoods, and more in the gardens surrounding the historic homes in the area! The annual Azalea & Spring Flower Trail happens in March and April each year.
Lunch at Stanley’s Famous Pit Bar-B-Q
There’s truly no place like Texas when it comes to barbecue. If you’re looking for a barbecue experience that will blow your mind, or at least your taste buds, head to Stanley’s Famous Pit Bar-B-Q for dinner. Voted one of Texas Monthly’s Top 50 BBQ Joints in Texas, Stanley’s is a must-eat when you’re in Tyler. Try the famous Mother Clucker sandwich while you listen to live music on the patio. And if you just can’t get enough, you can purchase their famous BBQ sauce to take home with you!
Explore Downtown Tyler’s Shopping & Culture Scene
After lunch, head back Downtown, the heart of Tyler. Grab an afternoon treat at one of the locations the Plaza Tower, then make a stop by the Tyler Visitor’s Center and gather information to plan your day and your next stay! Here you can also shop the boutique and grab a locally crafted Tyler souvenir and take a photo with our rose mural wall painted by local artist Dana Cargile. Speaking of photo spots, grab a brochure for Art Alley, along with other public art, to capture your own Insta-worthy photos. Be sure to tag #VisitTyler in all your adventures! Hit up one of the funs shops or breweries to round out your trip.
Learn about the history and culture of Tyler by visiting one of the local museums. Built in 1905, the Cotton Belt Depot is a railroad museum that showcases the St. Louis Southwestern Railroad and its Passenger Depot with displays of memorabilia, model trains, and operating layouts. Another popular attraction is the Goodman-LeGrand House & Museum, a historic home filled with antiques and memorabilia. Admission to both museums is free. While you’re in Downtown, you can also stroll the Half Mile of History, which is an outdoor loop surrounding The Square with stone plaques commemorating significant people, places, or events.
One thing people love to do in Tyler is eat, and there is no shortage of unique treats to partake in. If you’re looking for a refreshing fruity snack, stop for an afternoon treat at Paleteria Polor, where they serve unique Mexican sweets. Try the Pinas Locas, made with chunks of pineapple, orange juice, chili powder, and lime juice, served in a hollow pineapple!
Wine Tasting & Dinner at Kiepersol Estates
After a busy afternoon in Downtown, head to Kiepersol Estates to relax and savor the evening. Begin with a guided tour of the winery and distillery, then move on to The Grand Tasting Room for a wine tasting. We suggest sipping a glass of rosé on the patio as you wait on your reserved table at The Restaurant. Just like their wine, the steaks are perfectly aged. From Texas beef to fresh seafood, you will have a world-class culinary experience at Kiepersol.
Jam Out to Live Music
Texas is known for its vibrant arts and live music scene, so what better way to end your evening in Tyler, Texas than catching a concert! Check out EGuide Magazine’s Gig Guide or the Visit Tyler app to locate all the live music and entertainment happening in Tyler. From the symphony orchestra, to Texas country, to cover bands, enjoy a night out on the town listening to your favorite tunes.
