SPOTLIGHT
Cha Community
Experiencing Cha Community is an enjoyable treat. As soon as you step through the door, you’re made to feel at home; the staff is so welcoming. The warm, inviting atmosphere is a wonderful feature that this local tea shop offers. Cha Community has a great selection of flavors and drink options to choose from as well as a few tasty food items.
If you’re not a fan of tea, they also have lemonade and a deliciously creamy milk drink with strawberry puree, which happens to be my personal favorite. With the 100% sweetness option? Most definitely! While tapioca boba is the original and most common topping for these drinks, you can also try jelly toppings and popping boba options that are a fun alternative. I would recommend Cha Community to anyone who loves tea, enjoys a tasty drink featuring boba, or wants to support local businesses.
10 Things To Do This Summer In Downtown
DISCOVER THE ART TRAINS
There are currently six train statues hidden around the downtown district Each train tells a story and represents a local artist and local business Discover this beautiful tribute to Temple’s rich railroad history
SHOP IN DOWNTOWN
Downtown Temple has plenty of shops to suit your needs. Find florist shops, a dog bakery and grooming salon, antiques, and boutiques.
RING THE BELL AT THE DEPOT
Behind the Santa Fe Depot is a train where guests can climb up the stairs at the front and ring the bell. This downtown secret is a hit with young children and avid train lovers.
DINE AT A LOCAL EATERY
Temple has incredible locally owned restaurants With a range of cuisine types and flavors, you're sure to find the perfect meal
WALK THROUGH SANTA FE PLAZA
The Santa Fe Plaza is the perfect place to attend an event, enjoy a picnic, or splash in the fountains. Get ready for exciting festivities like Hot Summer Sounds and other city events held during the summer months.
10 Things To Do This Summer In Downtown
EXPLORE THE YARD FOOD TRUCK PLAZA
With plenty of outdoor seating, The Yard Food Truck Plaza allows visitors can enjoy Temple’s warm weather and dine outside when they order a meal at one of the local food trucks.
ATTEND FIRST FRIDAY
Head to downtown Temple for block parties, food and drink specials, games, shopping, and entertainment on the first Friday of every month.
ENJOY LIVE MUSIC AT O’BRIEN’S
Check out the local music scene for all genres of music, piano tunes, and open mic nights. O’Brien’s Irish Pub hosts over 100 live music events each year Listen to a local artist on your next night out
WALK THROUGH YEARS OF HISTORY
Our downtown is home to the Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum, The Children’s Museum, and Czech Heritage Museum & Genealogy Center. Discover the local culture and rich history of the city and the origin of some of Temple’s early settlers
SNAP A PHOTO WITH AN ICONIC MURAL
Our Instagram-worthy murals can provide visitors the perfect background for the trendiest photos in Bell County. These murals feature unique Temple highlights, florals, pizza, and vibrant colors. Discover our growing art scene in downtown Temple.
The Great Outdoors Of Temple
When it comes to the summer months, we find ourselves looking for fun-filled, adventurous ways to spend the days. What better adventure is there than exploring the outdoors and all that it has to offer? Here in Temple, we have the luxury of having access to many vibrant and beautiful landscapes Between the trails, lake, and parks, Temple has the outdoor experience you’ve been searching for
Relaxing Days On The Lake
A popular summer bucket list item is going to the beach and being able to stick your toes in the sand Belton Lake provides the perfect setup for roaring waves crashing along the bank, picturesque sunsets, and a comforting outdoor temperature. Though not your typical beach setting, you can find comfort and relaxation at the Belton Lake Outdoor Recreational Area and at various parks surrounding the lake. The expansive area of the BLORA has access to riding trails, paintball, a climbing wall, and a swimming pool. Have a beach day the central Texas way.
Into The Woods
Another great way to spend time outdoors is to go on a nature walk and check out a few local trails. Pepper Creek Trail is a beautiful mixture of wooded and open trail scenery. Want more outdoor hiking trails? Miller Springs Nature Center has several trail routes to hike or bike through. The landscape provides a pictureworthy backdrop for all your activity needs. Miller Springs is a nature destination you are sure to love.
Camping In Style
If you're in the mood for a true outdoor experience, go camping at one of the parks surrounding Belton Lake Some campsites include Live Oak Ridge, Cedar Ridge, and Temple Lake Park These locations feature picnic spots, campgrounds, water access points, and trails. Roast s'mores by the fire pits, swim in the lake, or hike the terrain to explore the area. With so many campgrounds in Bell County, there's plenty of sights to see. Interested in a camping trip with your pet? Grab a hammock, camping gear, and pet supplies to enjoy a weekend away with your best friend.
Adventure Is Waiting For You In Temple
Temple has a lot of wonderful areas to explore The city is rich in nature, parks, and trails With a selection this large, you are sure to find an activity you love in the great outdoors here in Temple. Outdoor activities are perfect for families, couples, and those traveling with pets. What are you waiting for? Find the perfect spot for your next outdoor adventure.
SPOTLIGHT
Lions Junction Water Park is a fun, family-friendly attraction that has quickly become a must-do activity for our family each summer. When our nephew comes to visit during the summer, we always make a trip out to the water park. He is always beaming with excitement when he sees the train-themed water activities and the splash pad. We love Lions Junction because we can float along the lazy river with our nephew or take a splash with him at the splash zone which has become one of his favorite areas of the park.
With reasonable prices and an assortment of activities, the whole family can enjoy a day at the water park. Though the park is geared more towards younger children, we’ve found plenty of ways to enjoy this great attraction with the slides, river, and pool. The memories made here are priceless and we know our nephew will think fondly on them as he grows up and we continue to take trips to Lions Junction each open season.
BUC-EE'S BUC-EE'S A ROAD TRIP GUIDE TO A ROAD TRIP GUIDE TO
The best highlight for any Texas road trip is stopping at the nearest Buc-ee’s This travel center is more than you could ever expect. Imagine this: you ’ re driving down I-35 at sunrise, feeling a little drowsy with the early morning wake up call and your stomach lets out a low growl of hunger You glance up, see the giant beaver sign in the sky, and know all your problems are about to melt away. Buc-ee’s will satisfy your hunger, alleviate your sleepiness, and spark excitement for the travels ahead With plenty of fuel, the finest bathrooms, and a large assortment of merchandise and food, Buc-ee’s is your one-stop shop for all your travel needs.
THE ESSENTIALS
One of the first things you must do at Buc-ee's is fuel your car Gas prices may be soaring, but the travel season is still in full swing. Buc-ee's, with its abundance of gas pumps, has the fuel you need to set out on your next great road trip adventure Then you can head inside for a bathroom break at the cleanest bathrooms in America Time to “potty like a rock star” as Buc-ee’s likes to say.
THE SNACKS
Located close to the entrance is the great wall of candy it is waiting to be explored All your candy dreams will come true with the gummy candies, chocolates, taffy, classic treats, and hard candies. Want something more savory than sweet? Stop by the jerky wall for an assortment of flavors and meats But the real treasure – the holy grail of Buc-ee’s- is the beaver nuggets. The original flavor is sweet, crunchy, and hits the spot, but if you want to mix it up there's plenty of other flavors to try like sea salted caramel, bold-n-spicy, white cheddar habanero, cinnamon, and white cheddar See what all the hype is about for these delectable, sweet treats.
SHOP 'TIL YOU DROP
With great shopping comes even greater self-control. You’ll find it hard to resist all the merchandise Enjoy the vast assortment of home goods, kitchen items, dog accessories, and clothing you'd never expect to find at your typical gas station. You can also find practically anything with the famous beaver mascot on it Between travel mugs and tumblers, shirts, dog bandanas, swimsuits and toys, the beaver is everywhere.
ICEE YOU LEAVING
Don't forget your large fountain drink or ICEE. Whether your go-to ICEE flavor is Dr Pepper, white cherry, or raspberry, you’ll love the chance to pour your drink and watch your cup fill with the sweet deliciousness that is this slushy drink.
SWEET BEAVER NUGGET DREAMS
Once you ' re here, you'll never want to leave. Time to start dreaming about the next time you visit Temple's Buc-ee's location Before you go, snap a photo with the beaver statue This photo op will be a perfect way to look back on the memories of your road trip. Tag your photos with @discovertemple to be featured in our photo gallery Temple’s Buc-ee’s will always be here to welcome you home
SPOTLIGHT
Chalk Ridge Falls
Chalk Ridge Falls is an incredible outdoor nature area right here in Bell County! We love to visit the area any time of the year, but we love a New Year's Day hike or early morning walk in the summer complete with a picnic near the waterfall. Chalk Ridge Falls takes you out of your everyday environment and transports you so you feel almost removed from "real life", and don't we all want a short getaway like that!
The trails are easy to navigate and my kids love walking on the suspension bridge. The waterfall and swimming area create Instagram-worthy photo ops and picturesque settings for picnics. You can hike to the falls in minutes or take some of the longer trails through the entire park. Either route you take won't disappoint!
There’s so much to see at Chalk Ridge Falls. It’s the perfect place to take in the natural local landscapes, discover wildlife, fish, or splash around and cool off in the sparkling water! Chalk Ridge Falls is worth the trip when you find yourself in Bell County. You won't regret your time there!
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