Explore the Roses in Tyler, Texas

Tyler, Texas is known as The Rose Capital of America, and for good reason. This charming city features an abundance of rose-themed attractions from its blossoming gardens to the annual Texas Rose Festival. If you’re interested in taking in the unique history and rosy highlights of Tyler, these destinations will deliver a well-rounded experience.

Tyler Municipal Rose Garden

The Tyler Municipal Rose Garden is a must-see during any visit to Tyler. This world-famous destination covers 14 acres with over 200 varieties of roses. The property features several distinctive gardens including the Heritage Garden, Meditation Garden, and Ida Garden. The roses are at their peak in October and mid to late May. However, the gardens also feature other flowers including day lilies and camellias, so you can find something stunning to view during winter or summer visits as well.

If you’re hosting a special event, you can choose from four different meeting spaces within the Rose Center, ranging from the 650-square-foot Azalea meeting space to the 2,800-square-foot Camellia and Bluebonnet spaces. These are popular locations for weddings and family reunions.

Location: 420 Rose Park Drive, Tyler

Hours: Dawn till dark daily

Tyler Rose Museum and Gift Shop

The Tyler Rose Museum and Gift Shop are located at the entrance to the Tyler Municipal Rose Garden. Inside, you’ll find extensive displays that illuminate the history of rose growing in Tyler. Interactive exhibits and fascinating memorabilia help bring the past to life and explain why roses are so important in this locale.

The museum also honors the iconic Texas Rose Festival. You can see elaborate gowns and costumes from past festivals and get an exciting idea of what you can expect at the next annual event.

Don’t forget to stop at the gift shop where you can pick up rose-adorned china, stationery, and home decor. You can even find garden items to inspire a rose-filled landscape of your own.

Location: 420 Rose Park Drive, Tyler

Hours: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday

Texas Rose Festival

Each year, Tyler hosts the Texas Rose Festival. This multi-day event sees the city awash in roses and bustling with excitement. The 89th Annual Texas Rose Festival will take place from October 13 through October 16, 2022. The year’s theme is “Empires of Enchantment.” Some of the festival’s features include:

• The Rose Queen’s coronation, complete with stunning staging and an engaging storyline.
• The festival ribbon-cutting.
• The Rose Presentation featuring over 7,000 blooms.
• The Queen’s Tea with the Rose Queen and her Court.
• The Rose Parade featuring over 120 entries.

Many of the town’s year-round attractions offer special experiences, displays, and offerings during the Rose Festival. If you choose one time to tour Tyler and appreciate the roses, it should be this.

The Historic Goodman-Legrand House and Museum

Originally constructed in 1859, the Goodman home began as a small four-room dwelling on nine acres of wooded land. The first occupant was a young attorney killed in the Civil War serving as a captain in the Confederacy. The home was purchased by a school teacher who lived there for about five years before selling it to a retired doctor, Dr. Samuel Adams Goodman.

Dr. Goodman sold the home to his son Dr. William Jeffries Goodman. Four generations of the family lived in the house, adding a second story and picturesque Italianate architecture around 1880 and renovating again in the Classic Revival style in 1926. Sallie Goodman was the last direct heir to live in the home. She bequeathed the land, home, and furnishings to the City of Tyler upon her death in 1939.

Today, this is one of Tyler’s best museums. You can tour the residence and view the original belongings from the Goodman-LeGrand family, many of which are from the early 1800s, predating even the house. You’ll find signs of the doctors who lived here, such as surgical tools from the Civil War era and medical books from the 1800s. The house also has hand-painted Limoges china, fine silver, hand-carved furniture, and many of the family’s original clothing. During the Rose Festival, the home displays a collection of vintage Rose Festival gowns as well.

Location: 624 N. Broadway Ave., Tyler

Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday

Roseland Plantation

The Roseland Plantation home was built in 1854 in the Greek Revival style. The residence features period antiques and carefully restored architecture. You can book a full tour of the home by appointment or stop in for afternoon tea served on antique china, silver, and crystal. Tea includes scones with Jersey cream and homemade blackberry jam, finger sandwiches, fresh fruit, and assorted desserts.

If you’re looking for charming accommodations, you can stay on the property in the Cherokee Rose Cabin, circa 1848. The log cabin features an antique bed combined with modern amenities like central heat and air, a refrigerator, a microwave, and a coffee maker.

Location: 2591 Texas Highway 64, Ben Wheeler

Rick’s on the Square

If you’re looking for a distinctive dining experience in Tyler, Rick’s on the Square is a perfect choice. You’ll find an eclectic and memorable environment. Rick’s serves an extensive menu of scratch-made dishes with everything from shaved rib-eye sandwiches to lobster Alfredo to chicken fried steak. You’ll also find a full bar with wine, beer, and cocktails.

The adjacent Black Pearl is a speakeasy-style oyster and raw bar. Stop in for craft cocktails, oysters on the half shell, and mouthwatering tapas like the tartar of beef tenderloin. Between Ricks and the Black Pearl, you’ll find an outdoor 21-plus live music venue that offers easy access to food and drink while you enjoy great bands and musicians.

Location: 104 W. Erwin, Tyler

Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Wednesday, 11 a.m. to midnight Thursday and Friday, 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday

These are among our favorite highlights for a rose-filled week in Tyler. Did we miss any must-see attractions in the city? Contact our team at Classic Toyota and let us know so we can update our recommendations.