Located on the eastern edge of the Austin area, Taylor is an marries food with the arts. As a top BBQ destination, day trippers line up for legendary brisket. Afterwards, visitors can stroll the historic downtown that’s rumored to be haunted. Along the way, people pass public art as they browse the unique and independently owned boutiques. In the area flanking the downtown core, streets are lined with historic homes. Read on for the Top Things to do in Taylor Texas.
Top Things to do in Taylor Texas
As the first Amtrak stop, east of Austin, Taylor is at the intersection of two train lines trains. From Taylor, visitors can ride the rails from Dallas, Chicago or even Los Angeles.
A former Texas Governor, Dan Moody, lived in Taylor and his house is open for tours. Bill Pickett also called Taylor home and he was a a cowboy legend. A statue of Bill Pickett stands at Main and Second streets in downtown. Finally Tex Avery, the creator of Bugs Bunny, also lived in Taylor.
Foodie Musts in Taylor
Louie Mueller’s BBQ
As the winner of the James Beard Foundation American Classics this BBQ joint is a must. Diner will find atmosphere as a good as the brisket. Inside the walls are tinted a rich umber brown from years of the pecan wood fires. It is one of the top things to do in Taylor.
A multi-generational establishment, it all began with Louie Mueller in 1949. Then his son Bobbie took over and finally Wayne, the grandson, took the helm as the pitmaster. Find the accolades covering the dining room’s walls. It’s been on Texas Monthly’s Best BBQ Joints list for decades. That’s like the Academy Awards for BBQ.
Located at 206 West Second Street. Open Wednesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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La Scala
Enjoy an upscale Italian restaurant that boasts seasonal menu with housemade pasta and risotto. The intimate space caters to date nights and foodies. The specials are especially interesting. Be sure and peruse the wine list.
It is also home to the best pizza in town. Then cap off your experience with something from dessert case.
Dinner only from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. from Wednesday to Saturday, reservations reccommended for Friday and Saturday. Located at 203 N. Main. St.
Plowman’s Kitchen
Dine in a vintage high school band hall, delightfully updated with mid-century modern booths and banks of windows that let in bounties of natural light.
With a menu packed with American classics,diners will find staples like Caesar Salad along with Chicken Fried Steak. Step out of the ordinary and sample the Beet Salad or a Pear Gorgonzola Salad.
Anglophiles will delight with daily afternoon tea from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Kids can enjoy milk and fresh baked cookies any time, thanks to the on-site baker. Reservations required.
Located at 305 W. 9th St. Open everyday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Good Strangers
Along 2nd Street, fill up your favorite cuppa. Find locally roasted coffee along with in-house baked sweet and savory treats along with breakfast pastries and light lunch items.
Located at 114 W. 2nd Street. Open Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Farmers Market on Main Street
Stroll the covered pavilion in Heritage Square Park for fresh meats, local eggs and farm fresh vegetables and flowers.
Located at 400 Main St. Held every Saturday morning from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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A Dose of Culture
Taylor is home to a vibrant community of artists and creators. Enjoying the arts is one of the top things to do in Taylor, Texas.
Moody House Museum
Learn about the youngest Texas governor while walking through his boyhood home. As a district attorney for Williamson County he successfully prosecuted the Ku Klux Klan in 1924 ending with four members serving time.
He went on to become the Texas Attorney General then announced he was running for governor in 1926. Beating out incompetent “Ma” Ferguson in 1927, he was a two-term governor.
Located at 114 W. 9th St. Open Saturdays from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Free
Art Off Center
Learn to throw a pot, the artistic way. Wander down Potter’s Alley behind the McCrory-Timmerman Building, to turn a ball of clay into a vessel. The class schedule includes everything from date night projects to mommy and me classes.
Located at 116 W. 2nd Street, find Art Off Center through the double doors off Potter’s Alley and head to the basement. Reservations required.
Music On Main
During the Spring and Fall, downtown Heritage Square is transformed by live music. On the third Thursday of the month, the stage lights go on at 7 p.m. and the music follows.
Located at at 400 Main St.
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Taylor’s Art Scene
Dotted across the historic downtown find art indoors and out. The McCrory-Timmerman building on the corner of Second and Main offers the largest concentration of art in Taylor. It is one of the top things to do in Taylor.
Chevy Showroom–A mural dipicting a vintage car showroom on the curve of a Streamline Moderne building.
Painted Pianos Project–A public arts exhibit, find four painted pianos across Taylor’s historic district. Each was artist created in plein air style.
Bill Pickett Statue—Find the bronze of the bull dogging cowboy legend in front of the Texas Beer Company.
Stomp-n-Holler Mural—Find it on the Talbot Street side of the McCrory-Timmerman building.
Potter’s Alley—Find street art from several local artists along with the popular wings.
Texas Flag—Painted on the side of Louie Mueller’s Barbeque.
Gateway Mural—Welcoming all to town, find the mural with Taylor legends, Tex Avery and Bill Pickett, on the Taylor’d Flowers For You building on West Second Street.
Welcome to 4th and Main Mural—Located on the side of the Trouvaille Antiques building.
Gathering Places in Taylor
The Loose Screw Craft Beer House and Garden
Enjoy any of the 42 beers on tap, find a new favorite with a menu that’s always changing. The outdoor beer garden hosts live music on weekends. Find kids and dogs running about the grounds too.
Located at 410 W. 7th St. Open Monday to Thursday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 8 p.m.
Red Cap Cigar Lounge
Sit back in a tufted leather chair and savor a cigar in The Study. Or grab a friend and watch the game while sampling a new brand in The Loft. Find it all and more at The Red Cap Cigar Lounge.
Located at 215 N. Main St. Open Tuesday to Thursday from noon to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.
Parks in Taylor
Pierce Park Skate Park
Kids of all ages flock to the Pierce Park for an Evergreen Skate Park built flow park. Named in honor of Lt. Commander Thomas Floyd Pierce, it’s BMX and skateboard friendly.
Located at 200 E 4th St. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.Free
Heritage Square Splash Pad
If the weather is warm out, head to the splash pad at Heritage Square. This revitalized park also includes climbing structures and an amphitheater.
Located at 400 N. Main St. Free
Where to Stay in Taylor Texas
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