If you’re in Texas and looking for an exciting vacation option this summer, you’ll have to check out Taylor. It’s a small town with a lot to see, including beautiful parks, historic sites, great food and live music. If you are living in an RV in Texas, you’ll have no problem making the drive and finding no shortage of things to do in Taylor, Texas.
What Is Taylor, Texas, Known For?
Taylor is a city in Williamson County, Texas, with a population of about 16,267. It is located 29 miles just northeast of Austin. Taylor isn’t a big city, but you’ll find that it has a great atmosphere and lots of activities for a fun-filled vacation.
A quintessential small Texas town, some of the first things that come to mind when you think of Taylor are sunsets, fields of cotton, and horseback-riding cowboys. You’re looking at a town that’s got a long-standing reputation for its live music, artisan crafts, and delicious barbecue. It’s a diverse culture with natural beauty and lots of opportunities for discovery.
1. Learn at Historic Sites
There is a lot of history in Taylor. Visitors have a chance to have an immersive experience to learn about what makes Taylor so great.
Dan Moody Museum
One of those great historic sites is the Dan Moody Museum, which is all about the revolutionary politician and youngest Texas governor who lived in Taylor. Moody was known for his progressive attitude at the time. Early in his career, he successfully convicted four members of the KKK, who were extremely powerful and influential in the state government at the time. His perseverance in the case gained him support, propelled his political career, and earned him a place in Taylor’s history.
Heritage Square Park
Another site visitors won’t want to miss is Heritage Square Park. Located in Historic Downtown Taylor, this destination includes fascinating stories of famous locals such as famed Looney Tunes animator Frederick Bean “Tex” Avery. Take your time wandering around this beautiful park and seeing all there is to learn about Taylor, Texas history.
Architectural Walking Tour
Gain insight into Taylor’s history through its buildings in this self-guided tour. Pick up a map and walk by over 25 buildings that narrate the story of Taylor. Notable landmarks include the railroad at 201 E. 1st Street which was a centerpiece in early Taylor commerce and The Kemp Hotel which is one of the town’s oldest buildings.
2. Explore Local Food
Another thing Taylor is known for is its food, particularly its barbecue. A few of its best barbecue spots are on the infamous Texas BBQ Trail, and you won’t want to miss the opportunity to visit at least one of them.
Louie Mueller BBQ
The internationally acclaimed Louie Mueller BBQ has a long history in Taylor. Established in 1949, it features top-tier barbecue options such as brisket, sausage, ribs, pork, steaks, turkey, and chicken. This prolific restaurant has been featured in numerous publications including The Food Network and The Travel Channel.
Buckalew’s BBQ
A new addition to the Taylor barbecue scene, Buckalew’s opened in 2019 and has become a favorite on the BBQ Trail. It brings a mix of old- and new-school barbecue techniques to make for a unique experience.
Davis BBQ
If you’re looking for a combination of the traditional neighborhood grocery store and barbecue restaurant, then Davis BBQ has it all. This delicious barbecue offering in Taylor continues to gain popularity.
3. Get To Know Nature
There are so many opportunities to experience nature in Taylor. With numerous parks and wide open spaces, this is the perfect place to park your RV and enjoy the great outdoors.
Taylor Park
This is a must-see park in the city. It sits along the beautiful Granger Lake and visitors can partake in nature walking trails, 48 fully-equipped campsites, playgrounds, and a boat dock. It’s a perfect location for RV owners.
Fannie Robinson Park
Another gorgeous park with beautiful nature sites, Fannie Robinson Park offers three-mile hiking and biking trails and easy access to all of Taylor’s other major parks. It’s the perfect spot to really slow down and enjoy the peace and quiet of being out in nature.
Bull Branch Park
Bull Branch is a hotspot in Taylor and full of outdoor activities. These include a fishing pond, walking trails, an event pavilion, and picnic areas. Bring your golf clubs too, because the main attraction here is its 9-hole competitive disc golf course.
Murphy Park
Enjoy the sights and sounds at Murphy Park. Bird watching is big here with a high chance of spotting great blue herons, egrets, green night herons, and more. In addition to bird watching, this park also has a beautiful lake, swimming pools, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
4. Experience Art and Live Music
Arts and entertainment are things to do in Taylor, Texas, that you won’t want to miss. Here you’ll have no shortage of shows you can attend. Live music events are hosted throughout the year and there are multiple opportunities to check out local art.
Music on the Main
One of the big music events that takes place in Taylor is Music on the Main. Hosted by Taylor Public Arts, these events bring together local musicians and are hosted throughout the fall and spring at Heritage Square Amphitheater. Bring the whole family, pull up a chair, and experience the great talent in Taylor.
Local Art Galleries
In addition to live music, there are plenty of opportunities to become fully immersed in Taylor’s art culture. Stop by Art Off Center to show off your skills. This ceramics studio and teaching facility hosts regular art classes and events. Also check out Potter’s Alley, a walk-through of hand-painted murals around town.
Have a Fun-Filled Experience With Lots To Do in Taylor, Texas
Taylor is a thriving, vibrant city in Texas with so much to offer. There is no end of things to do in Taylor, Texas! Take your RV out for a cruise, tour the city and experience all that there is to see, enjoy a leisurely trip for a relaxing time in nature, or all of the above. To make the most of your visit to Taylor, Texas, park your RV with us at Meadow Lane RV Park!