Bradi Murphy | Arts & Life Editor
1. The Pullin Family Marina
Located right across the street from Baylor’s main campus, the marina provides kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddle boards, sunfish sailboats, sand volleyball and a grassy area to lay down and relax in. A Baylor ID is required to check out the equipment, but this is a great place to enjoy the warm weather. Located on the Brazos River, the water feels great and it comes with some pretty great views as well.
2. Waco Downtown Farmer’s market
On S. University Parks Dr. every Saturday morning , the Waco Downtown Farmers Market is the place to be. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. local businesses come out and sell their products. A few of the vendors are Brazos Valley Cheese, Co-Town Crepes, Dichotomy Coffee the Cheddar Box and Dairy Meadow Soaps. There is also the must-have picture in front of the “Before I die…” wall; every Instagram needs one of these!
3. Spice Village
The first walk you take up the steps of this massive shop in downtown Waco is breathtaking. With more than 90 various shops under one roof, Spice Village is beautifully unique and offers something for everyone. It’s no wonder why there’s a billboard advertising it on I-35! If you aren’t able to go your first weekend in Waco, you surely should check it out before visiting home. There’s a gift for everyone in the family and it’s almost impossible not to get yourself a little treat too.
4. Taking Artsy pictures around Waco
Waco has a lot of beautiful art that is just waiting to be captured by a camera. A few of these are Waco’s murals, including the Shepard’s Heart pantry mural on North 34th St. and the “You look nice today Wacotown,” mural on Washington Ave. The Suspension Bridge in downtown Waco is another great place to photograph. A lot of students will take pictures for formal events with the Brazos River in the background. There is also the “Branding the Brazos” sculptures; they are oversized sculptures of the bronze trail boss driving multiple longhorns across the river.
5. Cafe Cappuccino
This place is known for its massive pancakes and flavored lattes! With three locations on downtown 6th street, Richland Drive and on Hewitt Drive, this restaurant is growing fast. Cafe Capp serves breakfast and lunch and, according to their website, it was voted “Waco’s best brunch 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, & 2014.” In case you need to get some studying done while you eat, Cafe Capp has free Wi-Fi too. Don’t think twice, go check it out!
6. Cameron Park and Zoo
Cameron Park and Cameron Park Zoo are one of Waco’s most popular attractions. The park is great for taking a study break and going on a hike, or you can bring a blanket and books and study right outside. Likewise, the Cameron Park Zoo is 52 acres large and represents 300 species from around the world. Bring out the kid in you while watching the beautiful creatures and enjoy a zoo that was established in 1955.
7. Waco Hippodrome Theatre
This place has it all. New and Classic movies, plays, concerts, in-theater dining, and the Harris Creek Baptist Church. The atmosphere is one you can’t miss and perfect for those rainy days. This historic building first opened February 7, 1913. It has survived a fire in the front half of the building, multiple renovations and had to close its doors a couple of times. Wacoans love this historical building, which is located on Austin Avenue, and are excited to see what the building’s future holds!