Rediscover the Heart of Texas

by Todd Bertka, CDME Director, Waco Convention Center & Visitors Bureau

Have you changed travel plans this summer due to the pandemic?

You are not alone. According to surveys collected from Destination Analysts as of the end of July, 56 percent of travelers agreed that they will probably take a staycation this summer versus a vacation. And Waco is ready, when you are.

Touring in your hometown is the perfect opportunity to rediscover the Heart of Texas. Take in the beautiful natural parks, support our unique museums, attractions, and local shops. Check out the local cuisine. Treat yourself to a stay in a local hotel or B&B; hotel rates have not been this favorable in a long time. Learn why Central Texas has become a bucket list destination for millions of visitors from near and far. Take advantage of the shorter wait at restaurants and attractions while you can.

Where to start?

Cooler mornings are perfect for a game of disc golf, or a bike ride in Cameron Park or play a round of golf at the Cityowned Cottonwood Creek Golf Course, a great course for all ages and skill levels. Stroll the Riverwalk and take in the Doris Miller Memorial and the wonderful new zoo animal sculptures, or see some wildlife in the Cameron Park Zoo, Carleen Bright Arboretum, or at the Lake Waco Wetlands. Try paddle boarding or kayaking on the Brazos. Seek out the murals and sculptures that have popped up. Have a picnic at one of our neighboring state parks, Mother Neff and Lake Whitney State Parks are just minutes away. Go fish. Area lakes and rivers offer a variety of shady spots for a day of angling.

As a community, we are fortunate to have many one-of-a-kind museums and attractions. Think you’ve seen them all? Think again. All work hard to keep their experience ever evolving with new exhibits, expansions, classes, demonstrations, and events. The Dr Pepper Museum, Mayborn Museum Complex, Texas Ranger Museum, Texas Sports Hall of Fame, Waco Mammoth National Monument, Homestead Craft Village, Armstrong Browning Library and Museum, Martin Museum of Art. Each of these can only be found in The Heart of Texas! You’ll be busy for days. See for yourself why people flock to the world-famous Magnolia Market at the Silos. The cupcakes really are that good! Be one of the first to see the new shops and grounds renovations. To get special offers for locals only text ‘WACO’ to 51404. Magnolia Table offers 20 percent off to locals on Wednesdays, and you can reserve your time online. Have you taken a tour of Waco? Even native Wacoans can enjoy learning a little about the history of our city, and how it has grown. Waco Tours and Brazos Tours both offer driving tours, including stops at some neighborhood hotspots. Waco Tours and Waco

Go on a Waco foodie mission.

What has always made Waco special to Wacoans are our neighborhoods and the diverse culture they offer, and the dining options in each neighborhood are worth discovering! Pick your favorite cuisine and try all the local options. BBQ? Who has the best ribs or sauce? Mexican food? Best queso, fajitas, or margaritas. You could spend months comparing breakfast, burgers, pizza, chicken fried steak, curry, desserts, and more. Waco’s dining options are becoming more varied, with Jamaican, Indian, Middle Eastern, and soul food all available. Several restaurants offer specials for locals. Look for deals on social media. Don’t forget the food trucks!

Wineries, craft breweries, and distilleries seem to be popping up all around. Some offer site tours. All offer a relaxing atmosphere. Balcones Distilling is known worldwide as one of the best craft whisky distilleries. Ask the wineries when you can participate in harvesting and stomping grapes.

Shop

Visit your old favorites and check out some of the new. Waco has become a shopping destination for those who enjoy antiquing, collectibles, crafts, clothing, locally crafted jewelry, and art. You’ll want to make room in the trunk before heading out.

Watch for events in town like the popular “First Fridays” of each month featuring local artists and musicians and dining specials. Waco is home to some amazing talent. Venues are reopening, so be sure to follow safety guidelines and social distancing.

Need help navigating it all? There’s an app for that. Go to your app store and download the free Visit Waco TX app. It is available for Apple and Android devices and is updated almost daily with new events, restaurants, shops, and more.

Supporting local businesses, including attractions, dining establishments, shops, hotels, and artists benefits our community by boosting the economy, sustaining business, and jobs.

The Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce reports that the Leisure and Hospitality Business and Professional services are the fifth largest employer in the Waco MSA accounting for 10.1 percent of the area’s employment.

In the past few years, Waco has been the recipient of a trifecta of special designations awarded by the State of Texas: the Waco Downtown Cultural District, Film Friendly Community, and now Music Friendly Community. These designations indicate that the Heart of Texas wants to attract activity in these sectors and supports these important parts of the local economy.