Texas is a BIG state! With over 268,000 square miles you can find many different geographic regions. From the piney woods of East Texas to the mountainous region of Big Bend, there is something for everyone. A beautiful region of Texas is the piney woods located in East Texas. The piney woods have rolling hills covered by oaks, pines, & rich bottom lands with tall hardwoods. The largest city in East Texas is Tyler with a population of 100,000 people. Tyler is the "Rose Capital of the World" with the largest rose garden in the United States. When you visit Tyler you will enjoy southern hospitality in a beautiful mid-sized town.
How do I get to Tyler, Texas?
- Drive: Tyler, Texas is located 10 miles south of Interstate 20 which is about 100 miles east of Dallas, Texas. If you choose to drive to Tyler, you will not be disappointed in the beautiful scenery that surrounds this East Texas town.
- Fly: Tyler Pounds Field has two airlines servicing the airport - American Eagle Airlines which connects to DFW Airport in Dallas, Texas & United Airlines that connects to Bush Intercontinental in Houston, Texas.
What kind of accommodations are available?
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| Residence Inn 350 W. Heritage Dr. Tyler, Texas |
- Hotel: I recommend the newly built (Fall 2014) Residence Inn ($159 per night) located in South Tyler at 350 W Heritage Dr, Tyler, TX. This hotel has an indoor pool, free parking, free WiFi, free full breakfast, & free evening reception (free beer, wine, & snacks). All 119 suites have kitchens and a pull out sofa. The size of the suites make for perfect alternatives to a typical hotel for families, it really is like a studio apartment.
- Bed & Breakfast: I recommend the Rosevine Inn ($129-$199 per night) if you are looking to stay in the heart of Tyler. It is located at 415 South Vine Tyler, Texas in the historic brick street area. If you would like to venture outside Tyler (17 miles south) I recommend Kiepersol Estates Bed & Breakfast ($160-$245 per night) Kiepersol Estates Bed & Breakfast is located at a winery/distillery. In addition there is a fabulous gourmet restaurant on the property as well.
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| Kiepersol Estates |
- Camping: You have several choices for campgrounds in the Tyler, Texas area. I would recommend a Good Sam Campground called K.E. Bushman's Camp which is located about 3 miles from Kiepersol Winery. They have 97 RV & 6 tent sites. ($30 per night for RV). If you prefer a state park, Tyler State Park (Campsites $14 - $26 per night, Cabins $50 per night, & screened shelters $28 per night) located 12 miles north of Tyler is beautiful.
What is there to do?
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| Tyler Rose Garden |
- Tyler Rose Garden: This 14 acre rose garden located at 420 Rosepark Drive Tyler, Texas is the largest in the United States. The garden is open 7 days per week from dawn to dusk and admission is FREE. Don't miss the Texas Rose Festival held the middle of October each year. If you are looking to see some beautiful gardens and get some great photographs, don't miss this budget friendly attraction.
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| Caldwell Zoo |
- Caldwell Zoo: An AWESOME zoo for such a small town! Tyler has one of the best zoos in the State of Texas. Caldwell Zoo has a diverse selection of animals, including white tigers. The zoo is located on 85 acres at 2203 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd Tyler, Texas. It is the perfect size for toddlers & small children, while still having interesting exhibits for older kids as well. It is a great way to spend 1/2 a day in Tyler, Texas. Admission is $11.50 for adults and $8 for children 12 and under. Parking is FREE!
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| Discovery Science Place |
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| Tyler State Park |
- Discovery Science Place: This hands-on science museum is great for kids aged 9 and under. There are 2 buildings of exhibits with many hands on activities for children. This is a great way to spend 1/2 a day in Tyler, Texas. Admission cost is $8 for adults, $6 for kids aged 2-12, & under 2 is free. Discovery Science Place is located in downtown Tyler at 308 N. Broadway. There is some parking beside the science place and additional parking across Broadway in the Chamber of Commerce parking lot.
- Tyler State Park: Tyler State Park is beautiful with it's 64 acre lake and 100 foot tall trees. This state park features 13 miles of trails to hike or bike, fishing, swimming, & boat rentals. There are great Ranger programs scheduled throughout the year providing fantastic learning opportunities. Tyler State Park is located at 789 Park Road 16 Tyler, Texas. Admission is $5 for Adults and FREE for children 12 years and under for a day pass.
- Bowling Alleys/Entertainment Centers/Movie Theaters: My favorite bowling alley is Green Acres Bowling Center. Recently under new management Green Acres has turned into a great place to have some good ol' fashioned family fun. Fire Mountain Amusement is a great place to ride go-karts, bumper boats, & play games. It is located south of Tyler at 14722 Highway 155 South. Tyler has several movie theaters. I recommend Times Square Movie Theater for an indoor theater and Skyvu Drive-in for a drive-in movie theater. While not state of the art theaters, both are budget friendly and stand out among typical movie theaters.
- Shopping Centers: Broadway Square Mall located at the corner of highway 69 (Broadway) and Loop 323 is a Simon Mall with 80 stores for your shopping enjoyment. The Village at Cumberland Park is Tyler's newest shopping center with new stores being added monthly. If you prefer antiques and boutiques The Potpourri House is for you!
Where is a good place to eat?
- Kiepersol Restaurant - Fine dining at it's best. Located at Kiepersol Winery 17 miles south of Tyler, this restaurant offers superb meals worth every penny!
- Stanley's Famous BBQ - A Tyler tradition for 50 years. Do not miss a chance to enjoy the best BBQ in East Texas, maybe even in all of Texas! A budget friendly option located at 525 South Beckham Tyler, Texas.
- Mercado/Pasados Mexican Restaurant - If Tex-Mex is what you crave, you will not find a better place than Mercados or Pasados. There are 2 locations, one on west loop 323 and the second on 5th street near downtown Tyler. Either choice is excellent!
- Texas Roadhouse - This chain restaurant serves quality food at a reasonable price. If you are looking for a steak you will not find a better one than at Texas Roadhouse. Kids eat free on Tuesday which will help the budget. Located at 2101 E. South Loop 323.
- The Diner - Serving the best old fashioned breakfast in Tyler. You will not be disappointed with lunch either! Located at 7924 South Broadway Suite 1000.
Are there any scenic drives from Tyler, Texas?
- Texas State Highway 155 South from Tyler to Palestine is a beautiful drive across Lake Palestine to the towns of Frankston & then Palestine.
- U.S. Highway 69 South from Tyler to Jacksonville has beautiful views of the hilly terrain of East Texas. Do not miss the Lover's Lookout for some spectacular views.
- Texas State Highway 31 East from Tyler to Kilgore is beautiful. Make sure you eat at the world famous Country Tavern just outside of Kilgore.
