Taylor TexasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Taylor, Texas.
1. Vintique Mall
ANTIQUE SHOPPING HAVEN
Vintique Mall is a top-rated attraction in Taylor offering a vast collection of antiques and vintage items. Visitors can spend hours browsing through locally owned shops filled with unique treasures and collectibles. The mall provides a nostalgic shopping experience in the heart of Taylor's historic downtown area.
2. Taylor Park - Granger Lake
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Taylor Park at Granger Lake offers fishing, camping, swimming, and boating activities for the whole family. Located just 8 miles from Taylor, the lake provides a refreshing escape from city life with its natural beauty and recreational amenities. Visitors can enjoy picnicking along the shoreline or participating in various water sports throughout the year.
3. Moody Museum
GOVERNOR'S HISTORIC HOME
The Moody Museum tells the story of Governor Dan Moody's passion for justice and his legacy as Texas' youngest governor. Visitors can learn about his family and the Taylor community that helped shape his influential political career. The museum preserves the history of this important Texas figure in his original family home.
4. Texas Beer Company
CRAFT BEER DESTINATION
Texas Beer Company is a popular craft brewery located in downtown Taylor offering locally brewed beers in a welcoming atmosphere. Visitors can sample a variety of handcrafted brews while enjoying the rustic ambiance of this community gathering spot. The brewery frequently hosts live music events, making it a cultural hub for both locals and tourists.
5. Heritage Square Park
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN OASIS
Heritage Square Park offers walking paths with historic marquees featuring fascinating tales of remarkable locals like Frederick Bean "Tex" Avery, creator of famous cartoon characters. The park provides comfortable and shaded seating areas for visitors to relax and enjoy the beautiful Central Texas weather. Located in Historic Downtown Taylor, it serves as a peaceful urban retreat with educational elements about the city's past.
6. Old Taylor High
HISTORIC SHOPPING DESTINATION
Old Taylor High is a unique shopping, dining, and entertainment destination housed in the former high school built in 1923. The historic building has been renovated into an innovative and vibrant retail space while preserving its architectural character. Visitors can explore various shops and eateries while appreciating this creative adaptive reuse of a landmark structure.
7. Fannie Robinson Park
CONNECTED TRAIL SYSTEM
Fannie Robinson Park features three-mile hike and bike trails connecting all of Taylor's major parks, from Robinson Park to Bull Branch Park. Along the trails, visitors can admire local art painted on the "manhole" portals toward the south end. The park provides an excellent way to experience Taylor's natural beauty while getting exercise on the well-maintained pathways.
8. Taylor Architectural Walking Tour
HISTORIC BUILDING EXPLORATION
The Taylor Architectural Walking Tour is a self-guided experience featuring more than 25 vintage buildings, many dating back to the late 1880s. Visitors can download a map and explore at their own pace, discovering landmarks from the old railroad depot to the vintage Kemp Hotel. The tour provides fascinating insights into Taylor's architectural heritage and development through the decades.
9. Main Street and Potter's Alley
DOWNTOWN CULTURAL HUB
Main Street and Potter's Alley form the heart of Taylor's historic downtown district with artistic murals, BBQ joints, and live music venues. Visitors can peruse the 9-block downtown area where locally owned antique shops and artisan boutiques line the charming streets. The area captures the authentic character of small-town Texas while offering contemporary shopping and dining experiences.
10. World-Famous BBQ Restaurants
LEGENDARY TEXAS BARBECUE
Taylor is home to world-famous BBQ restaurants offering authentic Texas barbecue that attracts food enthusiasts from across the country. Visitors can sample slow-smoked meats prepared using traditional techniques that have been perfected over generations. These establishments represent an important part of Taylor's cultural identity and culinary heritage.
11. Film Locations Tour
HOLLYWOOD IN TAYLOR
Taylor has served as a filming location for several famous movies including Transformers: Age of Extinction, Varsity Blues, and the Texas Chainsaw Massacre series. Visitors can test their film knowledge while touring the town to identify recognizable scenes from these productions. This self-guided exploration offers a unique perspective on how Taylor's authentic Texas settings have contributed to popular cinema.
12. Berry Springs Park and Preserve
NATURAL HABITAT DIVERSITY
Berry Springs Park and Preserve features diverse habitats including oak-hickory forests, mesquite prairies, cedar brakes, and several ponds and streams. The preserve includes a Katy Prairie Restoration Site established to help restore the native grasslands of the region. Visitors can explore the wheelchair-accessible trails with interpretive signs or climb the observation tower for a 360-degree view of this natural sanctuary.
13. Local Pottery Studios
HANDS-ON ART EXPERIENCE
Taylor's local pottery studios offer visitors the opportunity to drop in for ceramics classes and experience the city's vibrant artist culture firsthand. These creative spaces provide both beginners and experienced artists with facilities to explore their artistic potential through clay. The studios contribute to Taylor's reputation as a growing arts destination in Central Texas.
14. Downtown Art Gallery
LOCAL CREATIVE SHOWCASE
Taylor's downtown art gallery showcases works from local and regional artists, providing a cultural focal point for the community. Visitors can explore changing exhibitions that highlight diverse artistic styles and mediums throughout the year. The gallery serves as an important venue for supporting creative expression and connecting artists with appreciative audiences.
15. Bull Branch Park
FAMILY RECREATION CENTER
Bull Branch Park is one of Taylor's major recreational areas connected by the city's extensive trail system. The park offers various amenities for family enjoyment, including playgrounds, picnic areas, and open spaces for outdoor activities. Visitors can appreciate the natural setting while taking advantage of the well-maintained facilities for community gatherings and active recreation.