Tyler, Texas, United States
Anyone who’s grown up in a small town knows that they have many wonderful attributes and their own unique charm that makes them hard to forget.
As urban life becomes more hectic, the lure of the quiet, quaint small town becomes even bigger. While circumstances might not permit a move to a small town, they’re the ideal place for a vacation.
East Texas has an array of picturesque small towns to visit, but one of the most special is Tyler. Surrounded by nature’s bounty and featuring a thriving downtown, historic district, and seasonal activities such as the azalea trail and rose festival, Tyler is full of great reasons to visit a small town.
Here’s a few more reasons people are choosing to vacation in small towns:
Cost
Urban areas are usually full of restaurants, stores, and hotels all competing for the most business, which naturally causes prices to be higher. Small towns don’t have that kind of competition, meaning lower costs all around. Especially if you’re looking to vacation on a budget, a small town might be the answer to a wonderful, affordable getaway. You’ll find less expensive outings, more affordable lodging, inexpensive food, and more.
Another benefit is you won’t be paying super high prices to stand in line for the next attraction—more sightseeing and less waiting.
Spending your money in a small town is also a way to keep your money local and support small businesses. The money you spend helps the local community.
Delicious Food
More and more small towns are honing their downtown and/or farm-to-table food scene. Local wineries and breweries are also becoming destinations for people to visit on their vacation. East Texas is making itself known for its’ wineries, which make a wonderful option for a vacation.
Local restaurants take pride in their food and are often a celebration of local flavors not to be missed. You’ll find there are less chain options, which we can get used to, but don’t be afraid to try something new—you’ll always be glad you did!
Texas is known for its BBQ, so why not sample the different options local restaurants have to offer?
If you’re wondering where to eat ask the locals. Locals always know where the good food is.
Diverse Range of Activities
(See something besides an amusement park or Disneyworld)
While it might be a family tradition to take your kids to an amusement park or theme park for vacation, why not try something new this year? When you visit a small town, you’ll discover that local communities have a fun, interesting range of activities for the whole family. Tyler, Texas, for example, features a zoo, a family fun center, many parks, an enormous flea market, and seasonal attractions such as The Azalea Trail, The Rose Festival in October, or the amazing seasonal Christmas light display.
Before visiting a small town, check out their Chamber of Commerce website to see what activities, concerts, and seasonal events are taking place.
Stay Somewhere Besides a Corporate Hotel
Staying in a corporate hotel you generally know the same old basic amenities to expect. When you choose to find accommodation in a small town, you’ll be amazed at the fun, interesting array of places to stay available. Many Airbnb homes like the Rose Cottage in Tyler are comfortably located downtown for easy walking distance to shops, restaurants, and other conveniences. You might also get adventurous and find options to camp, sleep in a yurt or “glamping,” tent, rent a cabin, or more.
The bed and breakfast lodging concept is straight from the heart of a small town. When visiting a small town, do your research and find the perfect lodging for you, your family, and your trip.
Shopping
Small towns have a fun, interesting array of shopping options. Many small towns are known for their antique stores. When you shop downtown, you’ll find unique shops and locally themed gifts made by local artists and craftspeople. Rather than the same cookie-cutter items in traditional box stores, when you shop in a small town, you’ll find one-of-a-kind art pieces for your home, or as gifts.
Access to Nature
Getting out of the city means more access to natural places. If you enjoy exploring the outdoors, or are interested in starting, vacationing in a small town gives you access to the amenities you want as well as closer proximity to hiking, biking, walking trails, and more.
This is especially true in places like East Texas, which features Tyler State Park for all your outdoor recreational wants; dozens of inland lakes; the piney woods, and a vast array of seasonal wildflowers that are a must-see.
While it might be tempting to stay in the same groove for your vacations, it’s worth it to explore further and plan your trip in a small town. You’ll get to try new, delicious foods; support the local community; find one-of-a-kind souvenirs; and fall in love with your lodgings, ensuring you return every year.
