In 1856 Waco, TX was a trading, shipping, and industrial center. Today, agriculture and livestock raising are important to the economy. The community is located on the Brazos River; the site had previously attracted other settlers years before the city was laid out in 1849. Rich blacklands supported cotton plantations and cattle ranches before the Civil War.
The railroad arrived in 1881. The vast Cameron Park and artificial Lake Waco on the nearby Bosque provide much recreation. Waco is the seat of Baylor University and Paul Quinn College. Points of interest include several historic homes and a reconstructed Texas Ranger fort that was built in 1837.
Accommodations
The Fairfield Inn & Suites Waco North has accomodations that include a separate sitting room, and some suites feature whirlpool suites. At the Residence Inn Waco, an exercise facility, Sport Court, and an indoor pool and spa are available.
For a change of pace, the Colonial House Bed & Breakfast, is a welcoming accommodation. The stately, two-storey, white Colonial-style home offers luxurious guestrooms.
Restaurants Ninfa's serves classic Mexican fare and is located in the heart of downtown Old Waco, in Riverfront Square.
Restaurant, 1424, is an upscale but casual eatery, with eclectic decor and a lovely outdoor patio. Poppa Rollo's accommodates groups of different sizes and is known for offering excellent pizza.
Shopping
The Sironia shop demonstrates charm in its selection of venues. The mall itself is filled with small specialty shops that offer unique food items, fashions, jewelry, antiques, gifts, collectibles, art, gardening items, and also features a superb tea room.
Richland Mall is anchored by major department stores and has specialty shops and restaurants.
Major Attractions
The Dr Pepper Museum is an amusing experience. In 1885, a young pharmacist, Charles Alderton, concocted a soda fountain drink and it became a nationally known drink. The drink was originally known as a "Waco," and was later given the enigmatic name of "Dr Pepper." The name has retained its mystery as the origin has never been discovered. It became the first major soft drink in America.
The Suspension Bridge and Riverwalk in Waco is a historic suspension bridge that spans the Brazos River. In 1866, the bridge was the first to cross a river, and thus, making wagon and rail travel across the natural boundary possible. Visitors can take a walking tour of the bridge and enjoy the views, where a network of walking and jogging trails meander along the banks of the river.
McCulloch House is a Greek-Revival home where family heirlooms are dispersed throughout the house, and they are known as the Dresden Collection.
The Mayborn Museum Complex incorporates the Ollie Mae Moen Discovery Center, the Strecker Museum and the Daniel Historic Village. The Complex brings together the resources of hands-on discovery rooms and interactive natural science and cultural history galleries.
C-Bar Stables has one-thousand-acres of full-service riding. Horse back riding lessons are available for people of all ages, as well as horse training, horse boarding, trail rides, and children's summer camps.
Written by: Karen J. Lee
