Order a Caffe

Caffe Tazza means “coffee cup” in Italian, and the gourmet cafe is reminiscent of coffee bars found in Italy – with a bit of Texas flair. That includes brewing espresso with a genuine La Marzocco machine, which is handcrafted from Florence, Italy.

Get Wild

Beasts that include 450 mammals, reptiles and aquatic species are on display at Brookshire's World of Wildlife Museum & Country Store. Admission is free and tours are available, with the interesting venue open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Visit the Back Patio

Food and music are on the menu every Friday and Saturday night at Fresh by Brookshire's – Back Patio. Dinner items are made with the freshest ingredients, while musical acts that have performed in the recent past include Eric Moseley, Stefan Cotter and Patrick James.

Tweak Your Taste Buds

A mainstay Tyler restaurant with everything from steak to seafood is Potpourri House, with signature dishes such as strawberry spinach salad and chicken crepes. The eatery also features live music on weekends, plus Potpourri House caters events for up to 800 people. 

Enjoy the Ride

New York Zipline is ranked the best zipline in Texas, nestled in the New York community at Shultz Mountain Ranch. Its high elevation in East Texas allows guests to experience the natural beauty of the steep hillside while zipping above the trees.

Explore Goodman-LeGrand

The first property in Smith County to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places is the 1859 Goodman-LeGrand House & Museum. The free attraction is open for walk-in tours every Tuesday through Saturday, plus a multi-acre garden is on the grounds.

Head to the Roof

Jakes Tyler is a downtown steakhouse and seafood restaurant located in a 125-year-old classic exposed brick building. Amenities include a curved bar, private dining room in the cellar, live music on Fridays and Saturdays, and the option of rooftop dining.

Try the Pasta Chicken

The tastes and atmosphere of the Mediterranean are available to all patrons at Bernard Mediterranean Restaurant, with appetizers such as escargot maison and baked brie. Entrees at the popular dining destination include pasta chicken, filet mignon, veal marsala, chicken florentina and fettuccini alfredo.

Grab Your Bike

Mountain bike enthusiasts have access to several bike trails at Tyler State Park. The trails range from beginner to expert, with routes that pass near creeks as well as along hilly climbs and descents. The lake trail is especially pretty and enjoyable.

Get Some Fresh Air

Head over to the Rose Rudman Recreational Trail for walking, jogging, biking and rollerblading. By following the lengthy trail south of Shiloh Road, it will take you to Southside Park, which is an excellent place for kids to play.