Just a stone’s throw from Austin, Texas, find Taylor. A historic cotton town that was put on the map as a BBQ destination. Find a walkable downtown with a cultural arts district. At the intersection of two train lines, it was the home to Dan Moody, Texas Governor, Bill Pickett, a cowboy legend and Tex Avery, the creator of Bugs Bunny. Though now people flock to the area for quaint historic homes and small town smiles. Read on for what to do in Taylor, Texas.
What to do in Taylor Texas
Start in the historic downtown. It is easy to walk on wide sidewalks with traffic islands.
Foodie Musts in Taylor
Louie Mueller’s BBQ
As the magnet that draws most visitors to Taylor, head to Louie Mueller’s for an authentic BBQ experience. And find atmosphere is a good as the brisket. Where the walls are tinted a rich umber brown from years of the pecan wood fires.
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, like the James Beard Foundation American Classics and one of Texas Monthly’s Best BBQ Joints since 1973.
Located at 206 West Second Street. Open Monday through Saturday, closing at 6 p.m.
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Srsly Chocolate
Chocolate makes everything better.
Enjoy the sweet smell of chocolate dance across the threshold as chocolate lovers enter the retail shop and factory. Sample its bean to bar product, like the Café au Lait bar, the Hundo or 100% cacao bar, or the Reishi Mushroom bar.
Head to Srsly Chocolate’s monthly bean-to-bar class to learn chocolate making. Start with the beans for roasting and winnowing, or removal the husks, then pound it into a paste. And then the real fun begins, students create their own specialty mini-bars.
Located at 117 E. 3rd St. Open Thursday to Saturday from noon to 6 p.m.
The Kolache Shoppe
Most day trippers don’t know that Taylor is the belt buckle of the Czech Belt. The north-south strip of towns settled by Czechoslovakian immigrants over 100 years ago.
Head to the a crayon-colored bakery for authentic Czech baked goods under the watchful gaze of Elvis Presley, the shop mascot. Find kolaches in all the flavors, like cream cream, peach, strawberry and old-time prune. Aand stock up on klobasnik, the sausage-filled pastry cousin to the pig-in-the-blanket.
Located at 919 W. 4th St. Open Wednesday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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, find staples like Caesar Salad along with Chicken Fried Steak. Step out of the ordinary and sample the Shrimp Tacos or a Pear Gorgonzola Salad.
And Anglophiles 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.
Find Plowman’s Kitchen on the 9th Street side of the complex that spans two city blocks. The revitalized complex, the Old Taylor High, meshes residential with dining and entertainment.
Located at 305 W. 9th St. Open everyday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
La Scala
Enjoy upscale Italian small plates along with housemade pasta in an intimate space that caters to date nights and foodies. Peruse the wine list and save room for dessert.
Favorites include the Deviled Eggs with Guanciale and Capers or the Steak and Onions with Chimichurri to start. Then cap off your experience with the Strawberry Almond Tart or the Orange Creme Brulee.
Dinner only from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. and reservations reccommended for Friday and Saturday. Located at 203 N. Main. St.
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 light lunch items.
And new to the line up, enjoy a light weekend brunch. So order a in-house made quiche or a slice of avocado toast and sit at a bistro table.
Located at 114 W. 2nd Street. Open Monday to Friday from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 9 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
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 Saturday and Sunday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Free
Black Sparrow Music Parlor
With the vibe of a vintage honky-tonk the Black Sparrow’s old pine floors and bead board ceiling mellow the sound. Though don’t let make you think it’s all country and swing.
The speaker stacks push the sound out the door and beckon the punk crowds or the singer-songwriters. And the tiny, beaded light fixtures and books behind the bar appeal to the big band crowds.
Home to a variety of music genres, this is the destination for serious audiophiles. And true to its hometown vibe, live music fans bring their kids to the earlier shows.
Located at 113 W. 2nd Street. Temporarily Closed.
The Howard Theater
Take in a new block buster in a theater from 100 years ago. This theater has been restored and offers two screens.
Located at 308 N. Main St. Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday with several showings a day. All seats $8.
TAG120Art Gallery
A gallery showcasing the art of the local arts guild. Find a large selection of jewelry, greeting cards along with large-scale oil paintings, sculpture and photography.
Located at 120 W. Second St. Open from Wednesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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. Open Tuesday to Thursday from noon to 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from noon to 5 p.m.
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Taylor’s Art
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.
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.
Texas Beer Company Mural—Locatd inside the TBC brewery.
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
Texas Beer Company
In 2016, The Texas Beer Company settled in at the intersection of Main Street and 2nd Street. Head to the tap room for a mix of live music and camaraderie with craft brew enthusiasts. Find locally inspired brews like, Local Blonde Lager, Bill Pickett Porter and the King Grackle Stout.
Take a tour then take a swig. The Texas Beer Company hosts Brewery Tours on Saturdays from 1 p.m to 3 p.m. Get a souvenir glass along with three pours of what’s in production. Located at 1331 W. 2nd St. at the production facility. $10.
Taproom located at 201 North Main Street in the McCrory Timmerman Building. Open Tuesday to Thursday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. Closed on Monday.
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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