21 Best Things to Do in Taylor, TX

If you can't decide whether you love cool winters or hot and humid summers, then Taylor, Texas, is the perfect place for you.

Just 30 minutes northeast of Austin, this city experiences all four seasons with a comfortable climate.

The downtown area is full of quaint little shops and restaurants, while the outskirts of town offer plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy.

The city gets its name from Edward Moses Taylor, the railroad official in charge of preparing the city for the coming of the International-Great Northern Railroad.

First known as Taylorsville, it officially became Taylor in 1892.

Today, Taylor is known for its peaches, BBQ, and an annual rodeo.

Whether you're looking to explore the great outdoors or experience some of the best Texas offers, here are the best things to do in Taylor, TX:

Discover the Beauty of the Historic Downtown Taylor

The historic downtown area of Taylor is full of charm and character.

Stroll down Main Street and window shop at the unique boutiques and antique stores to find eclectic treasures and vintage finds.

Trouvaille Antiques is one of the best places to browse, with an ever-changing inventory of furniture, jewelry, and collectibles.

There are plenty of sumptuous restaurants to choose from; you can try Louie Mueller Barbecue, one of Taylor's most popular eateries.

Head to one of the restaurants like the Taylor Cafe, a local institution serving classic diner fare like burgers and fries since 1927.

Vintage clothes and jewelry are also available in some stores.

You can also find art galleries that feature local artists' works.

Have a Picnic at Taylor Park on Granger Lake

Taylor Park is a great place to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends.

The Park is on top of Texas Black Prairie's rolling hills and offers beautiful views of Granger Lake.

You can stroll through the Comanche Bluff Trail.

The Comanche Bluff Trail is an easy hike with interpretive signage along the way that tells the story of the Comanche Native Americans who once lived there.

You can go to the peak of one of the bluffs for a more strenuous workout.

The park is even more gorgeous during the spring, with wildflowers blooming, which fills the place with color.

Learn about Texas' Youngest Governor in the Moody House Museum

The Moody House Museum is a must-see for history buffs and those interested in Texas politics.

The Museum is the former home of Daniel James Moody Jr., the youngest governor of Texas.

In 1927, Moody won the governorship at the age of 33.

The Museum features original furnishings and artifacts from the Moody family, including the 1810 quilt made by the former governor's aunt and a spinning wheel sold in 1810.

The Museum is in Governor Moody's 1887 Victorian-styled home, featuring large windows and high ceilings.

If you love weddings, you'll be amazed at Nancy Robertson's wedding dress, which is also on display.

One of the upstairs rooms contains memorabilia of his battle against the Ku Klux Klan.

Visitors will also enjoy the Taylor History Room, which contains a collection of items from the people who lived in Taylor's home.

Enjoy the Great Outdoors at the Bull Branch Park

Bull Branch Park is a paradise for those who love the outdoors.

The Park has hiking and biking trails, a playground, a pavilion, and a picnic area.

You can rent the pavilion for parties and events, and the picnic area is perfect for a family gathering or potluck.

The Bull Branch Park trail is an easy hike with plenty of places to stop and take in the scenery.

The trail is also great for bird watching, as many birds call the Park home.

The 65-acre Park features a gorgeous fishing pier on Lynn Street and Davis Street, perfect for a peaceful afternoon.

You can also get active there since the Park has a nine-hole disc golf course.

Attend an Event at The Loose Screw Craft Beer House And Garden

Get a taste of something uniquely Taylor when you come by The Loose Screw Craft Beer House And Garden.

This beer bar boasts about 42 craft draft beers, as well as 4 hand-selected wines by the bottle.

Veteran-owned and operated, this facility also features cider, meads, and an extensive menu for your snacking preferences.

What makes it a visit-worthy site is its child- and dog-friendly amenities.

It also has a relaxed outdoor beer garden that features the beauty of Taylor's summer days.

You can find The Loose Screw Craft Beer House And Garden on West 7th Street.

Go on an Architectural Tour around Taylor

Taylor's history is alive with its selection of intricate buildings and notable architectural designs.

Make sure you make the most out of your historical excursion with a self-guided architectural tour.

Start off your tour at the Kemp Hotel, which now goes by the name Taylor Café, on North Main Street.

This building is one of Taylor's oldest surviving buildings.

Within the same street, find the 1889 Thompson buildings, which once housed the Taylor Meat Company.

On West 4th Street, the U.S. Post Office and I.O.O.F. buildings stand tall with their striking architectural features.

While the former is a prime example of the Renaissance Revival style, the latter resembles the early 20th century's picturesque movement.

And there's more waiting for you on the streets of Taylor, so keep your eyes peeled.

Explore Your Creativity at Art Off Center

For a distinctive art experience, sign up for a class at Art Off Center.

Opened in 2015, this gallery specializes in ceramics and cultural art.

It offers classes, workshops, and other group events open to first-time learners and expert artisans.

From handmade pottery to wheel-thrown ceramics, your clay learning experience is endless!

The center also hosts private parties and team-building events.

Enjoy a quick tour of the facility, including its studios, and a detailed wheel demonstration on your planned projects.

Art Off Center is on Potter’s Alley.

Enjoy Live Music and Entertainment at Taylor Blackland Prairie Days

One of the city's significant festivals is the Taylor Blackland Prairie Days.

This annual event—celebrated every first weekend of May—aims to spread the cultural heritage of Taylor.

It features a variety of entertainment and activities, all in the scope of arts and crafts, horticulture, and food.

Some of the highlights of this event are a BBQ cookoff, street dancing performances, and a special kids' fest.

So, bring your whole family around for a day you won't ever forget while in Taylor.

Taylor Blackland Prairie Day takes place in the downtown area of the city.

Stroll along the Blackland Prairie Restoration Area at Taylor Regional Park and Sports Complex

Taylor Regional Park and Sports Complex offers you an outdoor family getaway within the perimeters of the city.

Located along the south section of the Blackland Prairie Ecological Region of Texas, this facility doesn't disappoint.

Its amenities include 10 lighted ball fields, 3 playgrounds, and 3 concession stands.

The area also comes with a nature preserve highlighting the Blackland Prairie restoration area of the city.

There's also a 6-acre lake and a fishing pond.

Taylor Regional Park and Sports Complex is the venue for many national tournaments and events.

You can find this facility on Carlos G. Parker Boulevard.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Bond with Your Furry Friends at Cedar Bark Park

Cedar Bark Park is great for taking your furry pal for a walk or playing fetch.

You'll find it in Cedar Park, Texas, 39 minutes from Taylor.

The Cedar Bark Park has a large grassy area where dogs can run and play, and there are trees for them to sniff around.

Cedar Bark Park is a five-acre dog park where you can let your dogs loose to run and play.

The Park also has a trail, a playground, and a picnic area for humans to enjoy.

Cedar Bark Park features drinking stations for your pups, benches, showers, and waste stations to ensure your furry friend is clean and well-groomed.

Meet New People at the Dickey-Givens Community Center

The Dickey-Givens Community Center is great for meeting new people and getting involved in the community.

Constructed in 2021, the Community Center is now available for rental for different types of events.

The Dickey-Givens Community Center is inside Fannie Robinson Park.

With an approximate size of 1,550 square feet, Dickey-Givens Community Center has a fully furnished kitchen for those who want to have their events catered.

It can accommodate up to 225 guests with chairs and 105 using tables with chairs.

The Dickey-Givens Community Center is an excellent place for weddings, receptions, family reunions, and more.

Curl Up with Your Favorite Book at the Taylor Public Library

The Taylor Public Library is a great place to read a book, research, or participate in the programs and events they offer.

The Library, built as far back as 1899 to 1900, has a beautiful old-fashioned feel with stained glass windows and hardwood floors.

There are plenty of comfortable chairs to curl up in, and the staff is always happy to help you find the perfect book.

The Library also has Wi-Fi for you to stay connected while relaxing with a good book.

The Library boasts an extensive collection of books, magazines, and newspapers and a Genealogy Room where you can research your family history.

The Library also hosts events and programs, including story times, book clubs, and movie nights.

Try Your Luck at the Mustang Creek Golf Course

The Mustang Creek Golf Course is a great place to tee off, whether you're a beginner or an experienced golfer.

The course features nine holes, 2,593 yards of golfing fun, challenging obstacles, and beautiful scenery.

The Mustang Creek Golf Course is in the heart of Bull Branch Park, so you can breathe in the fresh air, sights, and sounds of nature while playing.

The Mustang Creek Golf Course offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

So, if you need a place to practice your swing, check out the Mustang Creek Golf Course.

Chill Out at the Texas Beer Company

The Texas Beer Company is perfect for relaxing and enjoying a cold beer with friends.

The brewery has a variety of beers in its selection, including IPAs, stouts, lagers, and more.

The Texas Beer Company also has a full menu, so you can order food to accompany your beer.

The brewery is at the historic red-brick building in the Taylor Downtown area.

Visitors curious about how the Texas Beer Company crafts its beer can tour its production brewery, which lasts for 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the group size.

The Texas Beer Company makes Taylor a great place to live, work, and play.

See a Movie at the Howard Theatre

Howard Bland built the Howard Theatre in 1924.

Formerly known as the Rita Theatre, the Howard Theatre has undergone renovation and now features digital projection and sound.

The Howard Theatre is the perfect place to see the latest blockbuster.

The theatre offers concessions, such as popcorn, candy, and soft drinks.

The Howard Theatre is a great place to relax and escape the heat.

Enjoy a Peaceful Afternoon at the Murphy Park

The Murphy Park, whose entrance is at the West Lake Drive, is a perfect place to take a stroll, relax and enjoy the scenic view of the lake with ducks in it.

The Park has playgrounds for children, picnic tables, and volleyball and basketball courts.

The Park has several Pavilions you can sit for lunch or a book.

It also offers an exercise course around the pond's perimeter for those who want to get some cardio while enjoying the outdoors.

Murphy Park also boasts two swimming pools.

Murphy Park is a great place to spend a peaceful afternoon with family and friends.

Discover Hidden Gems at the Trouvaille Antiques

Tourists who are interested in antiques and collectibles will love Trouvaille Antiques.

The shop is full of hidden gems, and the owner is always happy to help you find the perfect piece for your collection.

The Trouvaille Antiques is the perfect place to find a unique souvenir.

Trouvaille Antiques is a dream come true from owners Scott Dean and Ben Morgan, two antique enthusiasts who love the thrill of finding exceptional pieces.

The shop is filled with an ever-changing array of furniture, art, books, and more, so there's always something new to see.

The shop also features various antiques and collectibles, including furniture, art, dishes, etc.

The owners are considered Taylor's premier antique sellers, who strive to provide a unique shopping experience.

Taste the Best Barbecue in Texas at the Louie Mueller Barbecue

The Louie Mueller Barbecue is a must-try for those visiting Taylor City.

The barbecue joint has served the best barbecue in Texas since 1949.

The Louie Mueller Barbecue is a family-owned and operated restaurant.

The barbecue joint is open for lunch and dinner and serves various meats, including brisket, pork ribs, sausage, and chicken.

The Louie Mueller Barbecue also has a full bar to enjoy a cold beer with your barbecue.

The barbecue joint offers a great dining experience and a great place to eat with friends and family.

Discover Vintage Treasure in Vintique Mall

The Vintique Mall is a vintage treasure trove and is the perfect place to find unique gifts.

The Vintique Mall features various shops, including antiques, collectibles, and more.

Collectors of advertising signs will enjoy Vintique Mall's collection.

The Vintique Mall is a great place to find gifts for friends and family.

For newbies in the antique world, the Vintique Mall is a great place to start your collection.

Get Wet at the Fannie Robinson Park

The Fannie Robinson Park is perfect for cooling off on a hot day.

The Park features a splash pad with numerous jets and sprayers that provide a refreshing water mist.

The Fannie Robinson Park is also handicap-accessible so that everyone can enjoy the fun.

The 55-acre Park also boasts baseball fields, a basketball court, a pavilion, and picnic tables, making it the place to spend a day outdoors.

The Fannie Robinson Park gets its name from Taylor's first African-American female business owner.

It features a playground dedicated to her memory.

For a fun day in the sun, head to Fannie Robinson Park.

Find those Marvelous Street Arts All-Around Taylor

If you want to find some marvelous art, you're in luck, as there are all sorts of street art around Taylor.

You can take photos with four painted pianos created by four different artists in Plein Air Style near the McCrory-Timmerman building.

You can also examine the Bill Picket Statue, the first bulldogger who developed a specialized style of bulldogging that made him famous in the rodeo world.

If you're into colorful murals, then you should check out the ones on the south wall of The Gristmill, which depict scenes from Taylor's history.

And that's just a start – there are plenty of other street art and murals to be found all around Taylor.

For a bit more off the beaten path, check out the exteriors of some of the buildings downtown, featuring colorful murals that local students created.

Final Thoughts

There are various things to do in Taylor, Texas, and the list only scratches the surface.

If you want a place to eat, shop, or play, you'll find it in Taylor.

The best thing to do in Taylor is to explore everything in the city.

So, what are you waiting for?

Start planning your trip to Taylor today!

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