County Cottage Guidebook
Coffee Shops
This quaint coffee shop in the heart of downtown is the perfect starting point for a city square stroll. Their signature creations are unique and utterly delicious. They also have some light food options if you’re hungry for a bite.
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1948 Coffee And Juice Co
110 N College AveThis quaint coffee shop in the heart of downtown is the perfect starting point for a city square stroll. Their signature creations are unique and utterly delicious. They also have some light food options if you’re hungry for a bite.
Near the Square Downtown, this coffee shops serves up locally roasted coffee and local baked goods. With its large outdoor seating space in the back, this is the perfect spot to sit with your pup or to let your kids run around a bit. It’s a short drive from the zoo, The Discovery Science Place, and other family friendly things.
32 personas locales recomiendan
The Foundry Coffee House
202 S Broadway AveNear the Square Downtown, this coffee shops serves up locally roasted coffee and local baked goods. With its large outdoor seating space in the back, this is the perfect spot to sit with your pup or to let your kids run around a bit. It’s a short drive from the zoo, The Discovery Science Place, and other family friendly things.
This coffee shop is about ten minutes from the cottage, and offers an extensive coffee selection. Each season you’ll find unique creations curated by the staff, and scrumptious gluten free baked goods. The sleek, modern space is great for a long day of remote work.
Crema Coffee Company
2251 Three Lakes ParkwayThis coffee shop is about ten minutes from the cottage, and offers an extensive coffee selection. Each season you’ll find unique creations curated by the staff, and scrumptious gluten free baked goods. The sleek, modern space is great for a long day of remote work.
Family Friendly
Great activities for families.
Though not a free family option, this is a really wonderful indoor option for the kids. Excavate Dino bones, climb through a cave with stalagmites, explore the laws physics, and build an incredible fort in the imagination station—all things your kids can do while exploring the Discovery Science Museum. This is a full morning or afternoon option for the entire family.
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El Lugar de la Ciencia del Descubrimiento
308 N Broadway AveThough not a free family option, this is a really wonderful indoor option for the kids. Excavate Dino bones, climb through a cave with stalagmites, explore the laws physics, and build an incredible fort in the imagination station—all things your kids can do while exploring the Discovery Science Museum. This is a full morning or afternoon option for the entire family.
This well laid out Zoo is full of stunning creatures. Lions, and tigers, and boy—yeah they’ve got them! From penguins to alligators, to elephants…they are here. This is a full morning or afternoon if you’re taking your time or a couple hours if you’re walking quickly. The zoo has a wonderful outdoor covered dining area where you can eat your picnic while watching the giraffes, elephants, and other African animals. There is also a cafe if you didn’t pack your own food. The gift shop shouldn’t be missed on your way out, and don’t forget the little petting zoo for the smallest in your party.
60 personas locales recomiendan
Caldwell Zoo
2203 W Martin Luther King Jr BlvdThis well laid out Zoo is full of stunning creatures. Lions, and tigers, and boy—yeah they’ve got them! From penguins to alligators, to elephants…they are here. This is a full morning or afternoon if you’re taking your time or a couple hours if you’re walking quickly. The zoo has a wonderful outdoor covered dining area where you can eat your picnic while watching the giraffes, elephants, and other African animals. There is also a cafe if you didn’t pack your own food. The gift shop shouldn’t be missed on your way out, and don’t forget the little petting zoo for the smallest in your party.
Less than ten minutes down the road you and your family will be able to enjoy hours of indoor water fun! This is a “huge, glass-enclosed, family-friendly facility offering waterslides, a wave pool, play areas & eats.”
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Parque acuático en las Villas
18270 Singing Wood LnLess than ten minutes down the road you and your family will be able to enjoy hours of indoor water fun! This is a “huge, glass-enclosed, family-friendly facility offering waterslides, a wave pool, play areas & eats.”
This is one of the best parks in town! Paved Walkways, basketball hoops, a massive playground, and extended green space make this a perfect daytime stop! There is even workout equipment purposefully installed along the trail.
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Rose Rudman Park
450 Shiloh RdThis is one of the best parks in town! Paved Walkways, basketball hoops, a massive playground, and extended green space make this a perfect daytime stop! There is even workout equipment purposefully installed along the trail.
Sightseeing
This free garden is worth a visit. Tyler is the rose capital of the world, and the sprawling garden offers shaded benches as you walk, a local gardeners club garden, and beautiful coy pond. The large lawn in front of the garden is perfect for a family picnic. The indoor gift shop has lovely items to peruse and water fountains if you are thirsty. There are often events hosted in the various conference rooms so don’t forget to walk down the hall just in case.
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Tyler Rose Garden
420 Rose Park DrThis free garden is worth a visit. Tyler is the rose capital of the world, and the sprawling garden offers shaded benches as you walk, a local gardeners club garden, and beautiful coy pond. The large lawn in front of the garden is perfect for a family picnic. The indoor gift shop has lovely items to peruse and water fountains if you are thirsty. There are often events hosted in the various conference rooms so don’t forget to walk down the hall just in case.
Whether you are wanting a beautiful Sunday drive or a leisurely bike ride, this is the neighborhood you need! At Christmas the houses are lit beautifully, but the real draw is the boundless stretch of azalea plants blooming every spring and summer. “The Azalea District is Tyler’s largest residential concentration of early- to mid- 20th century dwellings. The area is divided into 36 known sections which showcase eclectic subdivisions and architectural patterns. Diverse structures include Queen Anne, Craftsman, Classical Revival, Ranch, and International style.”
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Azalea District
118-212 W Dobbs StWhether you are wanting a beautiful Sunday drive or a leisurely bike ride, this is the neighborhood you need! At Christmas the houses are lit beautifully, but the real draw is the boundless stretch of azalea plants blooming every spring and summer. “The Azalea District is Tyler’s largest residential concentration of early- to mid- 20th century dwellings. The area is divided into 36 known sections which showcase eclectic subdivisions and architectural patterns. Diverse structures include Queen Anne, Craftsman, Classical Revival, Ranch, and International style.”
Starting in November every year, this impressive drive-thru Christmas light park will take your breath away. Dress in your Christmas Jammies, bring hot cocoa in your favorite tumbler, and blare the Christmas music as you take in the vivid displays. Visit their website for the year’s opening dates, updated pricing, and hours of operation.
Santa Land
Starting in November every year, this impressive drive-thru Christmas light park will take your breath away. Dress in your Christmas Jammies, bring hot cocoa in your favorite tumbler, and blare the Christmas music as you take in the vivid displays. Visit their website for the year’s opening dates, updated pricing, and hours of operation.
Downtown Tyler is an up and coming space with new shops opening often. This is a perfect spot to grab a coffee and walk around. During the day you’ll find the perfect reading space at the local library or delicious Mexican food at Don Juan’s on the Square. At night, grab a drink at True Vine Brewing Company, or enjoy the delicious frozen offerings of Andy’s Frozen Custard. Slip into the Tyler Visitor Center to learn more about local activities. On Saturday morning you’ll almost always find something going on at the square or ETX brewing company.
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Downtown
Downtown Tyler is an up and coming space with new shops opening often. This is a perfect spot to grab a coffee and walk around. During the day you’ll find the perfect reading space at the local library or delicious Mexican food at Don Juan’s on the Square. At night, grab a drink at True Vine Brewing Company, or enjoy the delicious frozen offerings of Andy’s Frozen Custard. Slip into the Tyler Visitor Center to learn more about local activities. On Saturday morning you’ll almost always find something going on at the square or ETX brewing company.
Outdoor Experiences
Wanting to hike, bike, swim, or explore? Check out these great local options.
Tyler State Park isn’t huge, but it packs a punch. The lake is absolutely perfect for swimming on a hot day. Miles of hiking and biking trails will provide multiple days of adventure. The camp store is stocked with drinks, food, camping needs, and unique Texas gifts. You can purchase a day pass, and children under the age of 13 are no charge. Texas State Parks Pass are sold and accepted here.
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Parque Estatal Tyler
789 Park Rd 16Tyler State Park isn’t huge, but it packs a punch. The lake is absolutely perfect for swimming on a hot day. Miles of hiking and biking trails will provide multiple days of adventure. The camp store is stocked with drinks, food, camping needs, and unique Texas gifts. You can purchase a day pass, and children under the age of 13 are no charge. Texas State Parks Pass are sold and accepted here.
This expansive lake is less than 2 mi from the cottage. Whether you are bringing your own boat or just want to lay lakeside this is a beautiful place to do it. You can even rent boats and other water thing at several local spots.
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Lake Palestine
This expansive lake is less than 2 mi from the cottage. Whether you are bringing your own boat or just want to lay lakeside this is a beautiful place to do it. You can even rent boats and other water thing at several local spots.
Want to get out on the water? Don’t have a boat? No worries! Guests of County Cottage receive a 10% discount on all marina rentals and purchases. Just tell them you’re a guest of County Cottage and your kayak, fishing equipment, boat slip, and pontoon rentals are discounted. This is a one stop shop for Lake Palestine Fun!
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Village Marina - Lake Palestine
Big Eddy RoadWant to get out on the water? Don’t have a boat? No worries! Guests of County Cottage receive a 10% discount on all marina rentals and purchases. Just tell them you’re a guest of County Cottage and your kayak, fishing equipment, boat slip, and pontoon rentals are discounted. This is a one stop shop for Lake Palestine Fun!
This local park is dedicated to all those who have experienced the loss of a child. The beautiful paths, sculptures, and pond will bring a sense of peace to any grief or anxiety you may be feeling. Take a slow walk through the park alone or with your family for some fresh air and some grounding.
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Children's Park
900 S Broadway AveThis local park is dedicated to all those who have experienced the loss of a child. The beautiful paths, sculptures, and pond will bring a sense of peace to any grief or anxiety you may be feeling. Take a slow walk through the park alone or with your family for some fresh air and some grounding.
Visiting east Texas in the summer? Lucky for you, that means blueberries are in season! This cute farm maintains their plants beautifully, and their inside shop has all the blueberry treats you could want from syrups, jams, and fresh baked goods. No animals are allowed at this farm if you’re traveling with a dog.
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Blueberry Hill Farm & Nursery
Visiting east Texas in the summer? Lucky for you, that means blueberries are in season! This cute farm maintains their plants beautifully, and their inside shop has all the blueberry treats you could want from syrups, jams, and fresh baked goods. No animals are allowed at this farm if you’re traveling with a dog.
This local park packs a punch! From miles of hiking and biking trails, to a skate park it offers a lot. For kids, there is a splash pad open during the hot summer months right next to a great playground. Baseball and soccer fields provide plenty of space for play, and the lake is the ideal spot for a romantic picnic.
12 personas locales recomiendan
Faulkner Park
410 W Cumberland RdThis local park packs a punch! From miles of hiking and biking trails, to a skate park it offers a lot. For kids, there is a splash pad open during the hot summer months right next to a great playground. Baseball and soccer fields provide plenty of space for play, and the lake is the ideal spot for a romantic picnic.
This property stretches across acres and acres. The lake is open for fishing, the beautifully manicured disc golf course is often used for official competitions, and hiking trails wind through the forest. If you are looking for some spiritual restoration, you’ll find a labyrinth and prayer path for your enjoyment. Bring your pup, your pole, or your discs for a day of exploring. (If you enjoy geocaching, there are several caches on property).
South Spring Baptist Church
17002 U.S. 69This property stretches across acres and acres. The lake is open for fishing, the beautifully manicured disc golf course is often used for official competitions, and hiking trails wind through the forest. If you are looking for some spiritual restoration, you’ll find a labyrinth and prayer path for your enjoyment. Bring your pup, your pole, or your discs for a day of exploring. (If you enjoy geocaching, there are several caches on property).
Texas Rose Horse Park offers horse shows throughout the year. This expansive facility is ideal for the animal lovers in your group. Most competition events are free to the public. They even offer horseback riding lessons if you want to get in on the fun! Visit their website for more event and pricing information.
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Texas Rose Horse Park
14078 TX-110Texas Rose Horse Park offers horse shows throughout the year. This expansive facility is ideal for the animal lovers in your group. Most competition events are free to the public. They even offer horseback riding lessons if you want to get in on the fun! Visit their website for more event and pricing information.
Food scene
If you want to stay within five minutes of the cottage, this is a casual local BBQ restaurant. This low key spot is open Wednesday-Sunday and offers a varied selection of tasty southern fare.
Smoke Monkey East Texas
19785 State Highway 155If you want to stay within five minutes of the cottage, this is a casual local BBQ restaurant. This low key spot is open Wednesday-Sunday and offers a varied selection of tasty southern fare.
On The Docks is less than a mile up the road from the cottage. You’ll find Po’Boys, baskets, and platters as well as gator bites and other unique starters. Most seating is outdoors with some limited indoor seating. Live music is a regular feature of this local space.
On The Docks Seafood Shack
18950 State Highway 155On The Docks is less than a mile up the road from the cottage. You’ll find Po’Boys, baskets, and platters as well as gator bites and other unique starters. Most seating is outdoors with some limited indoor seating. Live music is a regular feature of this local space.
We can not more highly recommend this local favorite! True Vine has it all, locally brewed beer, an extensive wine selection, live music, a play area for the kids, cornhole, dog parks, covered seating…we mean everything! And nestled in the same building, you’ll enjoy some of the best pizza you’ve ever had at Sola Bread Co.
30 personas locales recomiendan
True Vine Brewing Company
2453 Earl Campbell PkwyWe can not more highly recommend this local favorite! True Vine has it all, locally brewed beer, an extensive wine selection, live music, a play area for the kids, cornhole, dog parks, covered seating…we mean everything! And nestled in the same building, you’ll enjoy some of the best pizza you’ve ever had at Sola Bread Co.
This one of a kind venue began in the backyard of a local family. When they opened Sola, they “decided [they] would build an oven together, that [they] would bake bread together, that [they] would make it [their] mission to feed Tyler the best bread the city has ever tasted.” And boy, did they ever! Saturday mornings, Sola is the go to place for freshly baked pastries and well crafted coffee. And Tuesday through Saturday night the brick oven is putting out the most perfectly charred pizza you’ll find in town. (Gluten free muffins are available Saturdays if you need that accommodation).
10 personas locales recomiendan
Sola Bread Co
2453 Earl Campbell PkwyThis one of a kind venue began in the backyard of a local family. When they opened Sola, they “decided [they] would build an oven together, that [they] would bake bread together, that [they] would make it [their] mission to feed Tyler the best bread the city has ever tasted.” And boy, did they ever! Saturday mornings, Sola is the go to place for freshly baked pastries and well crafted coffee. And Tuesday through Saturday night the brick oven is putting out the most perfectly charred pizza you’ll find in town. (Gluten free muffins are available Saturdays if you need that accommodation).
You don’t want to miss this local favorite! This is the best frozen custard around. They have sample cones for your pups, concretes for you, and cones for the kids. It’s hard to miss this place with its unmistakable red sign!
7 personas locales recomiendan
Andy's Frozen Custard
6106 S Broadway AveYou don’t want to miss this local favorite! This is the best frozen custard around. They have sample cones for your pups, concretes for you, and cones for the kids. It’s hard to miss this place with its unmistakable red sign!
After you’ve pushed your plate away, stuffed and completely satisfied, you’ll never want to eat barbecue anywhere else! Sink your teeth into the mouthwatering Mother Clucker and you’ll instantly understand why Stanley’s was voted one of Texas Monthly's Top 50 BBQ Joints in Texas. It doesn’t get better than Stanley’s. This place is always filled with locals, good music, and great vibes. This is the only place if you’re feeling BBQ!
56 personas locales recomiendan
Stanley’s Famous Pit Bar-B-Q
525 S Beckham AveAfter you’ve pushed your plate away, stuffed and completely satisfied, you’ll never want to eat barbecue anywhere else! Sink your teeth into the mouthwatering Mother Clucker and you’ll instantly understand why Stanley’s was voted one of Texas Monthly's Top 50 BBQ Joints in Texas. It doesn’t get better than Stanley’s. This place is always filled with locals, good music, and great vibes. This is the only place if you’re feeling BBQ!
Desiring a romantic, upscale dining experience? This converted bank is home to a classy, upscale steakhouse and bar. Whether you want a full high end dinner or are just looking for dessert and drinks after dinner downtown, this is a perfect option.
8 personas locales recomiendan
Prime 102
102 North College AvenueDesiring a romantic, upscale dining experience? This converted bank is home to a classy, upscale steakhouse and bar. Whether you want a full high end dinner or are just looking for dessert and drinks after dinner downtown, this is a perfect option.
An intimate farm to table culinary experience, Culture ETX is ideal for getting a taste of what East Texas has to offer. The menu changes based on what can be locally sourced, but the truffle fries are a must try staple.
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Culture ETX
118 W Erwin StAn intimate farm to table culinary experience, Culture ETX is ideal for getting a taste of what East Texas has to offer. The menu changes based on what can be locally sourced, but the truffle fries are a must try staple.
Shopping
Whether hunting for antique treasures or looking for a perfect wedding dress, east Texas May surprise you with its little gems.
The weekend of the first Monday of each month (confusing I know) is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. About 45min from the cottage, Canton’s First Monday Trade Days is the largest flea market in the world with over 5,000 vendors. I can’t quite communicate in words how encompassing this experience is! “Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find it here”…and it’s true!
Visit the website for tips, parking information, and walking maps. This is a must see experience!
164 personas locales recomiendan
First Monday Trade Days
800 1st Monday LnThe weekend of the first Monday of each month (confusing I know) is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. About 45min from the cottage, Canton’s First Monday Trade Days is the largest flea market in the world with over 5,000 vendors. I can’t quite communicate in words how encompassing this experience is! “Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find it here”…and it’s true!
Visit the website for tips, parking information, and walking maps. This is a must see experience!
Indoor Fun
Not sure what to do during your visit, but feeling more inclined to stay inside? We have you covered.
This is a perfect indoor option for any rainy day. Laser tag, American Ninja warrior-esque obstacle courses, a massive playground, and tons of trampolines are ideal for hours of fun!
7 personas locales recomiendan
Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park
8958 South Broadway AvenueThis is a perfect indoor option for any rainy day. Laser tag, American Ninja warrior-esque obstacle courses, a massive playground, and tons of trampolines are ideal for hours of fun!
Have you ever heard of the Texas Rose Festival? Have you seen those extravagant dresses? Want to see them up close? For only a few dollars, you can stroll through the Tyler Rose Museum while visiting the Tyler Rose Garden. The extravagance of each dresses will have you pausing in your tracks.
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Tyler Rose Museum & Gift Shop
420 Rose Park DrHave you ever heard of the Texas Rose Festival? Have you seen those extravagant dresses? Want to see them up close? For only a few dollars, you can stroll through the Tyler Rose Museum while visiting the Tyler Rose Garden. The extravagance of each dresses will have you pausing in your tracks.
This local history museum is surprisingly extensive with written material from each US president, a decommissioned Army helicopter, and much more. Located at a beautiful boarding school in Bullard, this local resource is highly educational and accessible.
American Freedom Museum
1051 N Houston StThis local history museum is surprisingly extensive with written material from each US president, a decommissioned Army helicopter, and much more. Located at a beautiful boarding school in Bullard, this local resource is highly educational and accessible.
Enjoy the arts? Enjoy a local theater production, catch a comedy show, or listen to live music. Check their website for current events.
7 personas locales recomiendan
Liberty Hall
103 E Erwin StEnjoy the arts? Enjoy a local theater production, catch a comedy show, or listen to live music. Check their website for current events.