Outdoors
Tyler Rose Garden
The main attraction! What started in the 1950s as a living catalog for Tyler’s skyrocketing rose industry has bloomed into a destination the draws folks from all over. It’s a place where you can literally “stop and smell the roses!” Inside at the Tyler Rose Museum, you can learn about the famous Rose Festival and see the extravagant gowns from previous years, with their intricate details and 15-foot-long trains!
Caldwell Zoo
The Caldwell Zoo might be small, but its exhibits reach across the world! They’ve got Lions, Lemurs & Bears — OH MY! And while you’re there, stop by the African Exhibit to see the penguins which are actually a warm-weather breed!
Culture
Tyler Candy Co.
One of the best-kept secrets is that Tyler is home to the candy factory that makes those pink peanut-filled candy disks of your childhood. Along with Peanut Patties, they also make pecan logs and old-fashioned peanut brittle. Stop by the store up front of the factory for first dibs on the broken pieces and a sweet trip down memory lane!
Shorty the Squirrel
There’s plenty to see and do in the revitalized downtown, but one thing you can’t miss is the grave of Shorty the Squirrel. This beloved town squirrel lived to be 15 years old and was a local mascot until he passed. Now you can pay your respects in the town square.
ETX Brewing Co.
This brewery is bringing life back to an old downtown building, and creative new flavors to beer brews with ingredients like Lemonhead candies and Asian noodles! They even have what they call a “smoothie beer” — a little fruit and a little beer. Stop in to toast a day trip well traveled.
Food
Stanley's Famous Pit Bar-B-Q
Stanley’s opened in the 1950s, and it’s been a Tyler mainstay ever since. It specializes in East Texas ‘que, which means that at this restaurant Chopped Brisket is the way to go. You can get it piled into tacos, on a platter, but I suggest you get it on the famous “Brother in Law” sandwich. This bad boy comes with chopped brisket, hotlinks and cheese on sourdough, all smothered in sauce. Don’t knock it till you try it!
The Porch at ETX
If you find yourself hungry and at ETX Brewing Co., head next door to my cousin’s eatery for a tasty burger. The meat is ground in-house, the sauces are made from scratch and the burgers are out-of-this-world tasty! Order the “Nate Nasty” if you’re starving. It’s a beautiful mess of pulled pork, bacon, beef, mac-n-cheese, pepper jack and hot sauce that’s topped off with a fried egg. Magnificent!
