Located in the heart of east Texas, 100 mi/160 km southeast of Dallas, Tyler is the "Rose Capital of America," producing more than 50% of the nation's commercially grown roses. Don't miss the beautiful Municipal Rose Garden with 500 varieties of roses and a rose museum. The Texas Rose Festival—famous not only for its flowers but also for its sequin-bedecked debutantes—is held every October. http://www.texasrosefestival.com.
The Rose Complex is a convention center and green space designed to showcase the city's best events. Phone 903-595-7228 for more information.
The AZA accredited Caldwell Zoo encompasses more than 80 acres/32 hectares on the northwest side of Tyler and is home to more than 3,000 animals housed in natural habitats. It is open year-round, and offers a variety of special programs. https://caldwellzoo.org.
If you're there late March to early April, be sure to walk the Azalea Trail, a tour of flower-filled home gardens. You might also want to make time for Tyler's historic homes. https://visittyler.com.
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