Image by Sayla Boutique via Instagram

Escape the Texas heat without leaving the state! Located only an hour and a half east of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, Tyler is the perfect weekend getaway to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Surrounded by pine trees and that East Texas breeze, ditch the triple digit temps for this charming summer escape. Plan to stay at an Instagram-worthy historic bed & breakfast, indulge in delicious sips and eats, enjoy some of Texas’ finest shopping and maybe even tee up on the golf courses.

Catch Some ZZZs

For a charming retreat, book a room at The Woldert-Spence Manor. This historic home has been beautifully restored to its original grandeur and features stunning stained glass windows and doors, pine-wood floors and crystal chandeliers. If you dream of being surrounded by nature, try the beautiful High Hills Farm resort. Nature trails and spa services are available on site, as well as a pool that overlooks the vineyard. For a more high-end summer escape, Kiepersol Bed & Breakfast offers one of the most relaxing and luxurious experiences in Texas. Take a dip in the hot tub with beautiful views or a romantic walk through the vineyards that are located on site

Get Your Foodie On

Start your day by grabbing breakfast at The Diner, serving fried favorites as well as gluten-free and Paleo dishes. For lunch, check out The Grove Kitchen and Gardens, a concept that has multiple dining options to suit everyone in your group: The Grove for a farm-to-table meal, Smoke Shack for Texas BBQ, Grab N’ Go home-cooked options and The Bar Lounge for cocktail hour! For dinner reserve your table at Jack Ryan’s Steak and Chophouse. From steak to crab cakes, everything at Jack Ryan’s is hand-crafted and prepared with the freshest ingredients in town.

Treat Yourself

Friday Pie-Day? Yes, please! Every Friday beginning at noon, The Foundry Coffee House serves fresh pies shipped straight from the delicious Emporium Pies in Dallas. Grab a slice before they’re all gone as well as a cup of the best coffee in town. After that sugar rush wears off, cool off AND satisfy your sweet tooth at Andy’s Frozen Custard. Beware, you might have to stand in line, but it’s so worth it. If lines aren’t your thing, swing by Sister 2 Sister Cookies for a straight from the oven, mouth-watering treat. Indulge into a White Chocolate Macadamia Nut, or stick to a Chocolate Chip cookie, all made fresh daily!

Shop ‘til You Drop

Tyler is a surprising fashion destination with retail that rivals some of the bigger cities in Texas. A local boutique favorite, Mary V’s offers high-end women’s apparel, accessories, shoes and gifts. Whether you need an outfit for a special occasion or just want some fun Kate Spade heels, Mary V’s will be your style guide!

If your style includes classic denim and forward trends, be sure to check out Jewel! Truly a hidden gem in Tyler, the Jewel carries chic clothing, accessories and features high-end jewelry from the Kismet and Rona Pfeiffer. With an entire wall dedicated to denim jeans, you are certain to find the perfect pair!

Cole and Co is an exceptionally unique store for its home décor and gift variety. Shop jewelry lines such as Kendra Scott and Lagos, tableware from Vera Wang and Waterford, and so much more! Whether you need a gift for a friend or yourself, Cole and Co has a curated selection to make your shopping easy.

More to See & Do

The Kiepersol Vineyards and Winery offer a unique opportunity to explore Texas wine, fine dining and luxury accommodations in one spot. The 63-acre vineyard produces red and white wines that capture the spirit of Texas and the distillery, with its four farmer-designed stills, gives you a taste of East Texas. If you are looking for a fun, family-friendly community brewery, check out True Vine Brewery. With special events and tastings held on site, it’s sure to be a memorable summer escape!

For the golfers in your family, you won’t want to miss Tyler. The city offers some of the finest golf courses in the state (many with a green fee you’ll love). Explore Willow Brook, designed by 40s and 50s PGA golfers. This course impresses and challenges. Eagle’s Bluff was ranked #1 of the top 100 courses in Texas and Hideaway Lake has hosted a plethora of special events and tournaments.

Grab the fam and get ready for a great weekend getaway in Tyler. Escape from the metroplex and step into a turn-of-the-century setting with all the trappings of a trendy city. No extra charge for being close by, affordable and 10 degrees cooler!