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Nestled in the heart of east Texas, Tyler is a charming city known for its stunning rose gardens, charming downtown area, and friendly locals. Often referred to as the “Rose Capital of America”, Tyler is home to the Tyler Municipal Rose Garden, which boasts over 38,000 rose bushes and is considered one of the most beautiful rose gardens in the country. But there’s much more to this city than just roses.
With a population of around 100,000, Tyler has a small-town feel with big-city amenities. Visitors can explore the city’s many museums, art galleries, and historic landmarks, or take a stroll through one of the city’s many parks or nature trails. The downtown area is a popular destination for foodies, with a variety of restaurants serving up everything from classic southern cuisine to international dishes.
From outdoor activities to cultural experiences, Tyler has something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at some of the city’s best hidden gems and must-try activities, so you can experience all that Tyler has to offer like a true local.
The city of Tyler, TX is known for its delicious food scene and there are many hidden gems worth exploring. Whether you’re in the mood for a cozy cafe or a unique dining experience, Tyler has got you covered.
If you’re looking for a coffee shop with a cozy atmosphere, The Foundry Coffee House is a must-visit. Located in a charming historic building, this coffee shop offers a variety of coffee blends, teas, and pastries. The ambiance is perfect for a casual meeting or a quiet place to work.
For a unique dining experience, head over to The Grove Kitchen & Gardens. This restaurant serves fresh, farm-to-table cuisine in an outdoor setting. The Grove also has its own edible garden, which provides fresh produce for the dishes. It’s the perfect place for a romantic dinner or special occasion.
Another hidden gem is Stanley’s Famous Pit Bar-B-Q. This restaurant may not have a fancy ambiance, but locals swear by its delicious smoked meats and southern sides. Make sure to try their famous brisket and jalapeno cheese sausage.
If you’re in the mood for a quick bite, head over to Roast Social Kitchen. This cafe and bakery offers a variety of gourmet sandwiches, salads, and pastries. Their sandwiches are made with freshly baked bread and local ingredients, making them a favorite among locals.
Unique local shops and boutiques
Tyler, Texas has its fair share of big-box retailers, but if you’re looking for something truly unique, you’ll want to check out the local shops and boutiques. From vintage clothing to handmade jewelry, Tyler’s local shops have something for everyone.
One of the must-visit boutiques in Tyler is “The Foundry,” a trendy shop that offers a mix of vintage and modern clothing for both men and women. They have a great selection of band tees, unique accessories, and even locally-made candles.
If you’re into handmade jewelry, you’ll definitely want to head over to “Moss,” a boutique that specializes in artisan jewelry and accessories. They offer a variety of styles, from minimalist pieces to bohemian statement necklaces.
For home decor enthusiasts, “Ye Olde City Antique Mall” is a must-visit. With over 40 dealers offering a variety of antiques and vintage items, you’re sure to find something that catches your eye. From mid-century modern furniture to vintage signs and collectibles, this antique mall is a treasure trove of unique finds.
If you’re looking for a great gift for a loved one, “Moon Rivers Naturals” is a shop that specializes in natural skincare and bath products. Their products are made with high-quality ingredients and are free from harsh chemicals and preservatives. They also offer a variety of candles and other home goods.
What’s Tyler Texas known for?
Tyler is recognized as the “Rose Capital of America” because it is one of the biggest providers of rose bushes in the nation, as well as one of the world’s leading producers. The city has one of the country’s largest municipal rose gardens. The Texas Rose Festival usually draws over 100,000 fans.
Things to do in Tyler
Tyler, TX has a lot to offer when it comes to must-visit attractions and landmarks. One of the top attractions is the Tyler Rose Garden. The garden boasts over 35,000 rose bushes across 14 acres of land. Visitors can take a stroll through the garden and admire the beautiful flowers, or attend one of the many events hosted there throughout the year. For history buffs, the Goodman-LeGrand House & Museum is a must-visit. This beautifully restored Victorian mansion offers guided tours and is home to a collection of antique furniture, clothing, and other historic artifacts.
Another great landmark is the Smith County Historical Society Museum. The museum is housed in a former Carnegie Library and features exhibits on the history of Smith County and the surrounding area. Visitors can learn about the Native American tribes that once lived in the area, the oil boom that brought prosperity to the region, and the impact of World War II on the local community.
If you’re looking for a more active attraction, head over to Tyler State Park. This park boasts over 1,000 acres of land, including a 64-acre lake perfect for fishing and swimming. Visitors can hike or bike through the park’s many trails, have a picnic, or even rent a cabin for a weekend getaway.
The Earth And Space Science Center
1411 E Lake St, Tyler, TX 75701
The Earth And Space Science Center in Tyler Junior College is one of the largest planetariums in Texas, and stargazers can enjoy multimedia presentations with changing programs. The state-of-the-art Planetarium features an engaging, full-dome video experience and the first 40′ Spitz nano-seam domed theatre in East Texas.
Exhibit areas that change on a regular basis, large plasma tv displays with live video from NASA and the Space Telescope Science Institute, and conference rooms for science classes, lectures, and public events round out the complex.
Tyler State Park
Tyler State Park Area 1 Bath House, 789 Park Rd 16, Tyler, TX 75706
Tyler State Park has a beautiful 64-acre spring-fed lake, 13 miles of biking and hiking trails, 100-foot trees, and historic structures. Swim in the lake, walk through the woods or just relax and unwind. You’ll adore this tranquil retreat in Northeast Texas!
You can boat, fish, picnic, hike, mountain bike, geocache, camp, bird watch, and study nature. There is plenty to do at Tyler State Park whether you come for an afternoon or a weekend.
There are three fishing piers and a boat ramp in the park. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Tackle Loaner Program allows you to borrow fishing rods, reels, and tackle boxes. Remember that fishing from the shore in a state park does not require a fishing license.
More than 13 miles of trails allow you to explore the Pineywoods. The Civilian Conservation Corps established the Whispering Pines Nature Trail more than 70 years ago.
Goodman-LeGrand House & Museum
Goodman Park, 624 N Broadway Ave, Tyler, TX 75702
The mansion is still furnished with the Goodman-LeGrand family’s original belongings, many of which are older than the house itself, dating back to the early 1800s. Visitors can see vintage hand-carved furniture and musical equipment, a grandfather clock, fine silver as well as crystal, hand-painted Limoges china, original garments, medical books that date back to the 1800s, Civil War-era surgical equipment and medical cases, art pieces and photographs, and many other unique and interesting objects at the museum.
Discovery Science Place
308 N Broadway Ave, Tyler, TX 75702
The museum has been serving the community since 1993 and is housed in an old car dealership. The museum has a wide variety of exhibits, including:
- A miniature television news station complete with working cameras and a mini-control board.
- Exhibits relating to physics, including a kinetic sculpture.
- Assorted goldfish in a fish tank
- A large man-made (indoor) cave with built-in rock/sediment exhibits and an earthquake simulator.
- Indoor dinosaur fossil excavation pit
- A scale model of various public buildings in Tyler and surrounding areas, including Brookshire’s Grocery Company, Smith County Courthouse, and Southside Bank.
Tyler Rose Garden and Texas Rose Festival
The state of Texas is well-known for its roses. The Texas Rose Festival in Tyler has commemorated the beauty and fragrance of roses since 1933. Captivated by a new agricultural industry, civic-minded leaders and Tyler Garden Club women established the Texas Rose Festival to publicize the rose industry, develop tourism, rejoice in volunteerism, and embody community pride. A Queen’s Coronation, a Rose Show, a Queen’s Tea, and a Rose Parade are all part of the four-day festival.
Tyler Azalea and Spring Flower Trails
The Tyler Azalea and Spring Flower Trails have become an annual spring event, with two trails winding through more than 10 miles of historic gardens and homes filled with flowering bushes and blossoms bursting with spring colors. More than 100,000 people attended the event last year. The Trail, which runs from late March to the first of April, is still supported by private citizens who invite thousands of visitors to their communities to showcase and sustain the city they adore.
Caldwell Zoo
2203 W Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Tyler, TX 75702
The Caldwell Zoo has a children’s petting zoo, 2 aquariums, picnic tables, a café overlooking an African savanna, and gift stores selling authentic African items. Seasonal presentations at the zoo include a bird show, alligator feedings, giraffe meal times, and elephant demonstrations.
The zoo is still growing and changing! The South American Region of the zoo will be soon completely transformed, including the addition of new animals.
Except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day, the Caldwell Zoo is open daily Monday through Sunday.
East Texas State Fair
The 106th East Texas State Fair will be held at the Tyler fairgrounds from Friday, September 23 to Sunday, October 2. Fair food, live music, carnival rides, attractions, and livestock shows are available to visitors. Sea Lion Splash, Dale K Comedy Hypnotist, Butterfly Encounter, vintage photos, and commercial showcases are among the fair’s attractions.
Local events and festivals
One of the best things about Tyler, TX, is the plethora of local events and festivals that take place throughout the year. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s always something exciting happening in the city.
From the Texas Rose Festival, held every October, to the Tyler Azalea Trail in the spring, there are events that cater to every interest. The Rose Festival is a long-standing tradition, featuring a parade, coronation of the Rose Queen, and a variety of other events that celebrate the beauty of roses and the history of Tyler.
The Tyler Azalea Trail takes visitors on a tour of the city’s stunning azalea gardens, which are in full bloom during the spring months. It’s a great opportunity to see the city at its most beautiful and learn more about the plants that thrive in the area.
Other popular events include the East Texas State Fair, the Tyler Turkey Trot, and the Downtown Tyler Film Festival. These events bring together locals and visitors alike, offering a chance to experience the unique culture and community of Tyler.
Tyler TX FAQ
What celebrities are from Tyler Texas?
Tyler and the surrounding East Texas area are home to a variety of famous, notable singers, songwriters, entertainers, and Hollywood stars. these include Miranda Lambert (Longview, Texas), Margo Martindale and Neal McCoy (Jacksonville, Texas), Johnny Mathis and Don Henley (Gilmer TX), Matthew McConaughey (Uvalde, TX), Sissy Spacek (Quitman, TX), and Johnny Horton (Rusk, TX) . Sandy Duncan grew up in Tyler and was born in Henderson.
Who is the richest person in Tyler Texas?
An East Texas native has been designated to the Forbes 400 list of the country’s wealthiest people. Kelcy Warren, chairman/CEO of Energy Transfer Equity and chairman of Energy Transfer Partners, seems to be the 136th richest person in America, as per Forbes, with a net worth of $4.7 billion.
Why are people moving to Tyler, TX?
Tyler offers numerous choices for those seeking a peaceful home base, a slower pace than the big city, a wider range and better-paying jobs than a small town, a lower average cost of housing, as well as easy access to all of Texas’ natural beauty.
Is Tyler TX a nice place to live?
Tyler is a nice town with a low rate of crime and a large college community. Downtown Tyler has some great places for college students to learn and work. Tyler is a clean and beautiful city that offers almost everything larger metroplex areas have but in a significantly safer and easier-to-commute environment.
Is it expensive to live in Tyler Texas?
Rick of Seamless Gutters Tyler says that Tyler is one of the best places to live in the nation due to its low cost of living and rising property options. According to the Cost of Living Index, Tyler citizens have a cost of living that is only 91.9 percent of the national average.
Conclusion and final thoughts
We hope our guide to Tyler, TX, has given you some inspiration for your next adventure. From the hidden gems to the must-try activities, there’s something for everyone in this charming Texas town. Whether you’re a local looking for something new, or a visitor exploring Tyler for the first time, we hope our recommendations will help you make the most of your time here. Tyler is a fantastic destination that you won’t want to miss, and we can’t wait to hear about your experiences exploring this wonderful city!