(Due to current world events, please check in with each place before heading out to ensure that they are accepting people. So your time will not be wasted.)

Educational

Blue Bell Tours & Country Store – 1101 South Blue Bell Road, Brenham, TX 77833
You used to be able to tour the ice cream factory. I think there is still a viewing area to see how the ice cream is made.

Events – Annual

Texas Renaissance Festival – 21778 Farm to Market 1774, Todd Mission, TX 77363
Like Game of Thrones? Come get your fill. Lots of events. Turkey legs included. Usually happens in October.

Food

AR•U•SHA Coffee & Tea – 126 N East St, Belton, TX 76513
Very cool space for such a small town. Great vibe in a historic building. Their specialty seems to be many different flavors of tea. Great place to meet someone or just sit back and relax for awhile. They also have some meals to order. I’ve always enjoyed the food and the tea.

Dead Fish Grill – 2207 Lake Rd, Belton, TX 76513
This is a dated restaurant with a great view of the lake. You won’t be able to catch the sunset here as the restaurant does not face that direction. But it is a very relaxing place to meet people for meals. The prices are higher than I’d prefer for the quality and amount of food. But you are paying for the view. I usually order the Shrimp N’ Grits.

El Mexicano Grill and Bar #6 – 812 E Central Ave, Belton, TX 76513
I still refer to this place as the old Bobby’s Burgers. Only longtime Belton residents will understand. 🙂 But this place has improved a lot since the beginning. I usually receive good service and a lot of food for the price when I visit here. However the last two times I wasn’t impressed with the quality of the food. They might be taking a turn, but I’d recommend their grilled meat dishes for now.

Johnny’s Steaks & Bar-Be-Que – 301 Thomas Arnold Rd, Salado, TX 76571
BBQ by people who you can tell love food and barbeque. Definitely one of my favorite places to go whenever I am in the area. I’ve never had a bad meal here. I could go on and on, but I’d recommend the BBQ Tater, Johnny’s Nachos, Bacon Wrapped Mesquite Grilled Shrimp, and the frozen margaritas. They even have days where they offer all-you-can-eat ribs and catfish! The service and the customers have always been pleasant. They also host music events.

Narunya’s – 316 E Central Ave, Belton, TX 76513
Thai food. Great service. Small spot. Locally owned. Meals are cooked to order, so please be patient. I’ve never had a bad meal here. I highly recommend the Panang Curry.

Museums

Dr. Pepper Museum – 300 S 5th St, Waco, TX 76701
Love Dr. Pepper? Learn more and check out how it all started.

Parks

Belton Lake View point – 2207 FM 439, Belton, TX 76513
A great view of the lake and sunsets from on top of the dam. Not a lot of parking. And it is pretty dangerous to try to get out of the parking lot. Definitely recommend turning only to your right when leaving. But even then, take extra caution getting out as there is a bad blind spot and the approaching cars are sometimes driving very fast.

Chalk Ridge Falls Park – 5600 FM 1670, Belton, TX 76513
There is a cute little waterfall area here and pools for swimming. There are also shaded hiking trails and a cool little suspension bridge. But beyond the falls, the park quickly becomes very remote. I’d recommend taking anything in that you’ll need and not going alone unless you feel confident if you run upon something or someone concerning. That being said, I’ve never experienced any problems here. There is also another direction you can take that will allow you to see the dam spillway. Sometimes there is a lot of water shooting out of the spillway. Also, the walk to the falls and shaded pathways can be very hot in the heat. Highly recommend dressing accordingly and taking whatever water/food you need. The path is also very rocky, so please take comfortable shoes. You’ll even feel the rocks eventually wearing on your feet if you wear sneakers. You’ll probably be in a world of pain if you try to do it in flip flops or some other similar shoe. Sometimes it can also get busy here on popular days. Save yourself the stress and either go early or on a day when there aren’t so many people. If you’re into geocaching, there used to be a few spots here.

Dana Peak – 3800 Comanche Gap Rd, Harker Heights, TX 76548
Climb up for a view of Stillhouse Hollow Lake. Very rocky trail. You’ll be in a world of pain if the soles of your shoes are too thin. There is a paid park, but you used to be able to park near the base of the Peak and hike up without having to enter the park and pay for park access. Please research accordingly if you head over.

Miller Spring Park – Miller Springs Park Rd, Belton, TX 76513
You can walk to see the water coming out of the dam spillway. I wouldn’t recommend going on the trails here alone if you are part of a vulnerable population as I’ve seen signs that homeless might hang out in the area.

Shopping

Magnolia – 601 Webster Ave, Waco, TX 76706
A fan of Chip and Joanna Gaines of Fixer Upper fame? Come visit their “mecca” in Waco. They seem to always be adding to the property. Right now they have Magnolia Home, Seed + Supply, Shops at the Silos, Magnolia Market, Silos Baking Co., Magnolia Press, Magnolia Table, and many other offerings.