Day Trip to Tyler Texas

Just a few minutes down the Mineola Highway (Hwy 69) you will find the town of Tyler, Texas. With about 90,000 residents, Tyler is the county seat of Smith County, and has plenty to offer for those looking to spend a day in the city.

Often called the Rose Capital of America, Tyler plays a huge part in the rose-growing industry. Nearly one quarter of the commercial rose bushes produced in the U.S. are grown in Tyler and Smith County and more than half of the rose bushes are packaged and shipped from the area. It boasts the nation's largest municipal rose garden and hosts the Texas Rose Festival each October. the Tyler Municipal Rose Garden on Front Street for 14 acres of over 400 rose varieties. Free admission.

For those seeking some cultured evening entertainment, Ballet Tyler and the East Texas Symphony Orchestra bring high quality dance and classical music to the community.

The highly-regarded Tyler Museum of Art (1300 South Mahon Ave., Tyler, TX) has a 700-piece permanent collection, as well as a popular variety of traveling exhibitions.