As a top BBQ destination, day trippers line up for legendary brisket at Louie Mueller’s BBQ in Taylor. IN addition to BBQ, it is a destination for vintage shopping. Located east of Austin, it features a quaint downtown district with many original Victorian-era buildings. Along the way, people pass public art as they browse the unique and independently owned boutiques. Here are the best things to do in Taylor, Texas.
Top Things to Do in Taylor Texas
- Go Vintage Shopping
- See its Public Art
- Visit a Museum
- Play in a Park
- Grab a Bite
- Take the Amtrak
- Spend the Night
Salado Weekend Getaway
Go Vintage Shopping in Taylor
In a world of fast fashion and disposable furniture, shoppers, especially Generation Z, are looking for vintage or retro finds. Taylor is a hub of vintage and resale shops.
Vintique Mall on Highway 95
As a destination for antiques and vintage since 2019, the Vintique Mall is home to 50 vendors, each with its own niche. From old vinyl to mid-century furniture and home accessories to Depression glass, it’s one of the addresses that attracts vintage hounds from across Central Texas.
Located at 2121 N. Main St., Taylor. Open Monday and Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Vintique Collective in Downtown Taylor
Throwing open its doors in April of 2024, Vintique Collective is a sister location of Vintique Mall. As a female-owned business, Luisa Hincapie gave a 124-year-old building a new life as a destination for curated antiques.
With an eye toward older merchandise and fine jewelry, many vendors landed in Taylor when the Austin Antique Mall closed after 40 years in May 2024. Vintique Collective offers 25 curated vendors across two floors, located next to Louis Mueller Barbecue.
Located at 204 W 2nd St., Taylor. Open Monday and Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
KINCL House of Antiques in Downtown Taylor
Filled with antique furniture, KINCL House of Antiques has been a fixture in Taylor for years. From armoires to sideboards to étagères, this is the destination for antique furniture in Eastern Williamson County.
Located at 200 W. 2nd St., Taylor. Open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Curio Mrvosa Books and More in Downtown Taylor
For the reader and book lover, Curio Mrvosa Books and More sells new and gently used books along with vintage finds in Downtown Taylor. Owners Alyse Mervosh and Alex Cuero offer a collection of fiction and nonfiction books to satisfy their customers’ curiosity and interests.
Located at 114 N. Main St., Taylor. Open Wednesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.
More Vintage and Resale Shops
Netta’s Nook Antiques and Collectibles is located at 317 N Main St., Taylor.
Vintage Affaire is located at 106 E 2nd St., Taylor.
St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store is located at 209 N. Main St., Taylor.
Shepherd’s Heart Thrift Store is located at 121 E. 2nd St., Taylor.
Austin Weekend Itinerary
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.
Governor Dan Moody Statue–A bronze celebrating the 30th Governor of Texas, outside of the Dan Moody Museum at 9th and Main St.
Chevy Showroom–A mural depicting a vintage car showroom on the curve of a Streamline Moderne building.
Bill Pickett Statue—Find the bronze of the bull-dogging cowboy legend in front of the McCrory Timmerman Building.
Olympian Fred Kerley Mural–Originally from Taylor, Kerley won the Silver in the 100-meter at the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games. Located at 1602 North Main Street.
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.
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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 Friday from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free to enter
Where to Eat in Taylor
From legendary BBQ to a scratch-made bakery, visitors will find several places to eat while in Taylor.
Louie Mueller’s BBQ
As the winner of the James Beard Foundation American Classics this BBQ joint is a must. The diner will find the atmosphere as good as the brisket. Inside, the walls are tinted a rich umber brown from years of 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 St. Open Wednesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Flake Bakery and Larder
In an adorable bakery, Flake Bakery and Larder is the place for bagels, danishes and muffins with a weekly menu. It makes its bread in-house.
I recommend its sandwiches for lunch. And don’t forget a freshly baked cookie.
Located at 103 W 5th St, Taylor. Open Tuesday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Second Street Station
Second Street Station offers an American menu with weekend brunch, lunch and dinner options along with a wall of taps and inventive cocktails. With several TVs going, it’s the place to see the game.
Located at 201 N. Main St. Open from 11 a.m. to midnight Monday to Wednesday from 11 a.m. to midnight, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Old Taylor High
In a renovated old high school, Old Taylor High features a collection of retail and dining. Most are independently owned and range from a coffee shop to an arcade to boutique shopping to a speak easy.
Located at 410 W 7th St. Open daily, and each shop hosts its own hours.
Coffee Shops in Taylor
Ripple and Rose at 109 W 3rd St., Taylor.
Haciendo Coffee Roasters at 116 W 6th St., Taylor.
Curbside Coffee Co. at 114 W 2nd St, Taylor.
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Parks in Taylor
Murphy Park
Murphy Park is a 120-acre community park with lots of recreation options.
There’s an aquatic center with lap lanes and a kids’ area. Find a putt-putt course, tennis and pickleball courts. Find a pond with walking trails and a running track. You’ll find a pavilion and playscape.
Located at 1600 Veterans Dr, Taylor.
Taylor Regional Park and Sports Complex
Home to ball fields and a frequent spot for tournaments.
Located at 210 Carlos G Parker Blvd NW, Taylor.
Heritage Square Park and Splash Pad
Heritage Park anchors downtown Taylor and is located at the intersection of 4th and Main St. It offers a covered pavilion, an amphitheater, and a small play area. If the weather is warm out, head to the splash pad at Heritage Square.
Held every Saturday morning from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., visitors can stroll the covered pavilion in Heritage Square Park for fresh meats, local eggs and farm-fresh vegetables and flowers at the Farmers Market.
Located at 400 N. Main St., Taylor.
Fannie Robinson Park
Fannie Robinson Park features a splash pad and playscape. There is also ball fields
Located at 1009 E M.L.K. Jr Blvd., Taylor.
Pierce Park Skate Park
Kids of all ages flock to 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., Taylor.
Getting to Taylor
As the first Amtrak stop east of Austin, Taylor is at the intersection of two train lines. From Taylor, visitors can ride the rails from Dallas, Chicago or even Los Angeles.
Where to Stay in Taylor Texas
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