Whether you’re new in town or a long-time resident, a lot has changed in Temple, Texas. As businesses expand and relocate, opportunities to live, work, and play abound in a city with a vibrant downtown and thriving arts and culture scene. To take it one step further, Temple is well-connected. Strategically located on the I-35 corridor, Temple is positionally primed between Dallas and Austin with lots of great stops in between.
If you’re looking to explore the areas in and around Temple, Texas, here are five great choices to launch your day tripping adventures.
Downtown Temple
Find great dining choices and unique shopping experiences in your own backyard! Get an early start at Kolache Kitchen, renowned for their homemade Czech pastries and famous cinnamon rolls. Once you muster up the energy to shop, head to The Hub, a 22,000 square foot boutique filled with 40 shops under one roof. You’re sure to find something for everyone on your shopping list (including yourself!).
With easy access to the Santa Fe Plaza and Market Trail, downtown Temple offers a great shopping, dining, and recreation combination. We know you’re looking for local day trips now, but downtown Temple is brimming with restaurants, antique and boutique shops, cultural explorations, and even a food truck park! Keep an eye out for future blogs that dive deep into all that Temple has to offer. But for now, let’s get back to daytrips!
Austin
There’s no shortage of things to do in the Texas state capitol. In fact, you can start off any visit to Austin with a trip to the capitol building itself, second in size only to the U.S. Capitol. Gather proof of your trip by taking a selfie at the famous “Greetings from Austin” mural, located at 1701 S. 1st Street. If you enjoy the thrill of the hunt, bring a map along and take selfies at as many of Austin’s public art murals as you can along the way. Check out this handy guide for inspiration.
Once you satiate your quest for landmarks, bring your appetite to Thicket Food Park, a community-centric plaza of mobile eateries complete with a playground and frequent live music. With eight trailers on-site, Thicket is sure to please any palette.
Georgetown
While Temple’s growing downtown offers a wealth of opportunities, we also have notable Central Texas treasures in our own backyard. Georgetown, the “Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas,” lies just south of Temple and boasts a great selection of restaurants, wineries, home décor stores and clothing boutiques on the main plaza.
Regardless of age, everyone can find something they want at All Things Kids, a hybrid toy store and candy shop. Need we say more? Finish off any trip to Georgetown with a dip at the locally famous Blue Hole, which offers an easy way to cool off during Texas’ infamous summer heat.
Waco
Set your sights due north and you’ll find the charming city of Waco less than 45 minutes away. Take an adventure along the Brazos River on a Texas river cruise or travel safari-style through 52-acres of natural habitat to find your favorite animal at the Cameron Park Zoo. If you prefer to look for famous people, get to town early (and we mean before sunrise!) and head to Magnolia Market at the Silos to take in the Fixer Upper empire of Chip and Joanna Gaines. Enjoy the billboards along the way!
Salado
While you may find trouble parking in Waco, the idyllic village of Salado offers plenty of room for visitors. Located just south of Belton, Salado is known as “The Best Art Town in Texas.” Take a walking tour down the aptly-named Peddler’s Alley to Ro Shaw Clay Studio and Gallery to see the potter himself throwing clay on his wheel. While his unique works take lots of time to fire, you can purchase home décor items ready in the studio or sign-up for pottery classes. Right next door you’ll find Salado Glassworks. If you can stand the heat, grab a seat by the fire and watch owner/artist Gail Allard make magical creations from molten glass.
After you complete your artistic exploration of the village, pop over to Barrow Brewing Co., Bell County’s first microbrewery. Enjoy the carefully cultivated craft beers and dip your feet in the locally-adored Salado Creek.
In Temple, Texas, the best adventures will always lead you home. Start your journey to learn more about the opportunities that await and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates from our growing community.