Tyler, Texas, United States
There are so many reasons to visit East Texas, and so many fun things to do in Tyler and the surrounding areas.
Whether you’re looking for fun things to do in East Texas that are free/inexpensive for the whole family, a getaway with the ladies, or a couple’s weekend away, there are fun options for everyone.
Here are a few examples of the many experiences Tyler can offer:
- The Texas Rose Festival and Tyler’s world-famous rose gardens and botanical gardens.
- The Azalea Trail in late March-early April when the Azalea, dogwood, and other wild and domestic flowers bloom.
- The many parks and lakes in Tyler that are perfect for hiking, trail riding, camping, and the lakes for boating and fishing.
- Exploring the beautiful piney woods.
- Staying in a local bed and breakfast like The Rose Cottage, which offers comfortable, clean, and centrally located lodging for Tyler’s visitors.
But you should also come for the food!
Whether it’s fine dining, local breweries, local wineries, our famous East Texas BBQ, fun food trucks, or something more, East Texas has flavors for everyone.
Here’s a little Food Guide to Tyler and some of the fantastic food and drinks Tyler and surrounding areas have to offer visitors and locals alike:
East Texas Farm to Table
The Farm to Table Movement focuses on locally grown food, and Tyler has lots to offer in this culinary area.
On your visit to historic Tyler, stop in at restaurants like The Grove, which is conveniently located on a historic farm right in the midst of the town of Tyler. The Grove features classic, casual adaptations of traditional favorites and flavors like their Pimento Cheese Turkey Melt made with homemade pimento cheese. For a nice evening out, they feature entrees like their Steak Frietes or Southern Grilled Atlantic Salmon served with smoked Gouda and fontina grits.
Check their website for their live music schedule.
Many of the Farm to Table restaurants also feature wineries, distilleries, etc.
If you want to include some tasting trips into your vacation, you have wonderful options!
Stop by Pelle Legna, a wonderful vineyard located in Tyler that’s also a winery with tastings of their Pinot noir, Sauvignon blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and more available by appointment.
You can also visit the local restaurant, winery, vineyard, AND distillery called Kiepersol. Located just outside Tyler on 63 acres, Kiepersol is an excellent stop on your East Texas Tour.
Other wineries, breweries, and distilleries to check out on your visit: Fairhaven Vineyards, ETX Brewing, Dog Tags Restaurant & Taproom, M6 Winery, True Vine Brewing, and Rose City Draft House & Bar, to name a few.
Texas BBQ!
BBQ is a Texas specialty, especially in East Texas. With so many flavors, techniques, and sauces, a favorite BBQ place is almost impossible to choose.
The most well-known in the area is Stanley’s Famous Pit BBQ – famous for good reason with tender meats, live music, and operating for over 55 years.
However, you can’t go wrong with any East Texas barbecue. Our suggestion? Take an East Texas BBQ Tour! Sample them all on your visit.
Whether it’s brisket, ribs, chicken, or all the smokey sides, these BBQ joints have you covered: Spring Creek BBQ, Poke in Da Eye BBQ, Pat Gee’s BBQ, Kuntry Boyz BBQ, Local BBQ, Humo, Bodacious BBQ, Rudy’s Country Store & BBQ, Smoked Monkey BBQ, The Purple Pig Café, and more.
Downtown Tyler Eateries…and Shopping
Downtown Tyler’s hand-laid brick streets hold an array of restaurants, cafes, breweries, bakeries, Mexican restaurants, and more. In addition, there’s a range of wonderful shops to browse while you make your way around the downtown area.
Whether it’s a visit to True Vine Brewing, a stop at The Foundry Coffee House for a hot, caffeinated pick-me-up, shopping for fresh bread at Great Harvest Bread, enjoying a Mexican culinary classic and margarita at the local favorite Mexican restaurant – Don Juan Mexican Restaurant, or satisfying a sweet tooth at Cinnaholic, historic downtown Tyler, Texas has fun, inexpensive, and delicious options for everyone.
ETX Food Trucks
Food trucks have become a convenient, often inexpensive, and delicious way to sample great food from local chefs. You can try gourmet grilled cheese at Say Cheese Tyler, great local BBQ from Poke in Da Eye BBQ, various ice cream and Italian ice options for dessert, etc. So, when you need something quick and delicious while enjoying your visit to Tyler, stop at one of our local food trucks to satisfy any craving.
Tyler, Texas, really does have everything to offer when it comes to food and drinks.
Suppose you’re looking for a family vacation, group getaway, or couple’s retreat. In that case, Tyler has all you need for making wonderful memories eating/drinking great food and drinks, shopping, exploring the historic downtown, and having adventures in the beautiful piney woods and forests of East Texas. Plan your stay today with accommodations at The Rose Cottage BnB!
