Waco, A Friendly Taste of Central Texas’ Heartland

Folks in Waco know their gems and are more than happy to share them with visitors. This beautiful little city in the heart of Texas is lush and fertile partly in thanks to the gorgeous Brazos River and the Bosque River which meander through, providing an ambiance and an environment that attracts wildlife and birds as much as visitors.

Staying at the Waco Hilton across the Brazos River, provides the perfect hub from which to enjoy your adventure. With its Serenity bed, a good night’s sleep is nearly guaranteed. Upon arising, you’ll want to check out the breakfast buffet where made-to-order omelets are standard fare along with heart-healthy options such as lean apple sausages and egg white entrees. A perfectly maintained exercise room, pool and spa add to the comfort.

Across the street from the Hilton, you’ll want to take a walk across the historic Waco suspension bridge. Once an integral part of Waco history, this forerunner to the Brooklyn Bridge, allowed cattle ranchers the only viable way across the Brazos with their herds. A beautiful grouping of statues depicts this, at the entrance to the bridge.

While downtown, check out the world famous Dr. Pepper Museum. Wouldn’t ya like to be a Pepper too? Thousands of visitors enjoy everything Dr. Pepper while learning about Waco’s claim to fame as it was invented there. A marriage made in heaven awaits guests if they choose to belly up to the old fashioned soda counter to order a Dr. Pepper float made with the Doctor of course and Blue Bell ice cream, still Texas’ best.

You’ll want to check out the Texas Ranger Museum and Hall of Fame. Even if you don’t own a Ford Ranger and have never watched an episode of the Lone Ranger and have never heard of Bonnie and Clyde, you’ll be captivated by the history and amazement in this museum. You might not have known that many of the freedoms you enjoy today are thankfully due in part, to Texas Rangers of years-gone-by, as they shaped our very nation nearly two hundred years ago.

For a taste of the local and exotic within the animal kingdom, take at least a few hours to experience Cameron Park Zoo. A highly acclaimed, and nationally recognized zoo, this place provides habitat for animals from around the world as well as an inside look of the ecosystems and inhabitants of the gorgeous Brazos River region. An outstanding bird aviary, unique primates, and excellent reptile exhibits make this a very worthy investment of your time.

The Waco Mammoth Site showcases several woolly mammoth fossils in their entirety in an intriguing and educational setting. Still partly encased in the rocks in which they were discovered, this mind-boggling excavation site and display will give you a glimpse in to the lives of these interesting prehistoric creatures with teeth the size of shoe boxes.

Getting hungry yet? If a healthy salad and wonderful buffet of options sounds enticing then stop in at Jason’s Deli for a knock-your-socks-off salad bar as well as remarkable sandwich bar which actually offers gluten free breads and other not-typical healthy options.

If a hearty Mexican meal sounds good, then you won’t be disappointed at Ninfa’s. A local, well known resident-favorite, the Carnitas are gigantic portions and melt-in-your-mouth tender.

Allow the most time, however, for a true treat by visiting the beautiful Homestead Heritage Community of Waco where a sufficient, like-minded community, raises grass fed beef, raises organic produce, and grows and mills natural grains.

A restaurant, and several stores allow visitors a glimpse at the wholesome and delicious lifestyle these people have embraced and are gracious enough to share with lucky visitors. Go hungry and budget some fun money for picking up a few samples of their exemplary craftsmanship and art. Everything from simply exquisite hand tooled rocking chairs, hand stitched quilts, hand forged blacksmith-ed goods, homespun fibers, handwoven textiles, it is all a unique pleasure to see and to enjoy. The homemade cheeses have won world class awards and one taste and you will agree with the judges, as they are handcrafted from natural homestead-produced dairy.

You will want to take some wares home to forever remember the unique talents and spirits of these remarkable artisans. The food at the Cafe is truly top notch in every minute detail as is the warm and impeccable service. Each and every thing on this property is quality through and through and a pleasure to behold.

Warmth and hospitality flow right along with Waco’s meandering rivers. Allow a few days to catch a glimpse into the true heart of this Texas heartland.