Waco

Waco [1] is a city in the Blackland Prairie region of north central Texas, in the United States of America. Delivery truck in Waco, Texas History Founded in 1849 near the site of an abandoned agricultural village of Waco Indians, Waco rose to prominence in the 1870's as a major junction for the transport of cattle; by 1871 between 600,000 and 700,000 head of cattle had passed through the city. As time progressed, Waco's location at the crossroads of major railroads and its location on the Brazos River helped the city grow and thrive. It is now home to approximately 125,000 residents, with 260,000 in the greater Waco MSA area. Waco has a number of worthwhile attractions. Elite Circle Grille: The Colias Brothers founded the downtown Elite Café in 1919, which was open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. This original café partly burned in 1929 then closed in 1961. Between 1929 and 1961, the Colias brothers opened a second Elite Café on Waco’s famous Circle, the famous roundabout in town. The roundabout connects Interstate 35, LaSalle, Valley Mills, and Highway 77. The café was as busy as ever at its new location and eventually turned into the Elite that we know and love today. Waco came to the world's attention, and is still remembered by many people, for the February 28, 1993 stand-off between federal agents (FBI, ATF) and the Branch Davidians, a Seventh Day Adventist offshoot religious group, led by David Koresh, the sect's leader. It resulted in the deaths of 86 people. The incident took place 15 miles outside of Waco, though - not in the city itself. When asked about the incident, most residents will answer; just realize that generally Wacoans are tired of the subject and would rather talk about something else. Waco is best known in Texas for being the home of Baylor University, the largest Baptist university in the world, chartered during the Republic of Texas. Get in By plane Passenger service into Waco goes through Waco Regional Airport (ACT). American Airlines and Continental both provide flights into and out of Waco. [2] By car Waco is on I-35, thus allowing easy access by car from Dallas and Austin. On I-35, it is a 90 minute drive south of Dallas, and a 90 minute drive north of Austin. State Highway 6 is the preferred route to reach Waco from Houston, a three-hour drive. By bus Waco has a Greyhound [3] bus terminal located in the center of downtown. By train The closest train terminal is an Amtrak Station [4] in McGregor, a small community 15 miles west of Waco on highway 84. By boat The Brazos River flows through downtown Waco and empties into the Gulf of Mexico. Reaching Waco by boat will be a challenge due to the shallowness of this river, along with frequent dams and falls. A more practical (and entertaining) way of reaching Waco by boat would be to launch a kayak or canoe at the Lake Whitney dam, (approximately 40 miles upstream) and float downstream to Waco. Get around The easiest way to travel around Waco is by car. The city of Waco does run a public transportation system, however, it has a limited number of stops and only runs during the daytime. Waco Transit [5] See This article or section does not match our manual of style or needs other editing. Please plunge forward, give it your attention and help it improve! Suggested fixes: None specified. Please use the article's talk page to ask questions if you are not sure why this tag was added and whether it is safe to remove it. Armstrong Browning Library, 710 Speight Ave. Phone: (254) 710-3566, [6]. Located on Baylor University's campus, the library contains the world's largest collection of works related to British poets Robert and Elizabeth Barrett Browning. The building contains 62 stained glass windows depicting themes from the Brownings' poetry. Cameron Park, [7]. Cameron Park consists of over 400 acres of trees, trails, and nature that sit in the heart of Waco. Upstream from downtown Waco, the park is lined by the Brazos and Bosque rivers and the trails weave deep into the forest which are perfect for running, walking, biking, and horseback riding. Stationed throughout the park are pavilions, water fountains, fire pits, and public restrooms, making the park a haven for Waco families and visitors alike. Activities: Disc Golf: 23-hole course spread throughout the park. There are baskets, concrete tees, and the variety of each hole brings a new challenge. Fishing/Boating: Using the surrounding rivers, fishing and boating have been a popular pastime in Cameron Park. Fishing holes are scattered across the bank of the Brazos River and can be accessed through Cameron Park. Boat ramps are also available. Nature Trails: Over 20 miles of trails are interwoven throughout the forestation of the park. Trails are clearly marked for rigorous biking/hiking as well as leisure walking. Horseback riding is permitted. Spray Park: Located at the city of the park, automatic water fountains and playgrounds are free to the public. Cameron Park Zoo, 1701 N 4th St. Phone:(254) 750-8400, [8]. Waco’s zoo is in one of the country’s largest undeveloped municipal parks. The zoo is next to the Brazos River and has 52 acres of vegetation. The walkways of Cameron Park Zoo meander through lush landscapes and natural habitat displays featuring animals from Africa, Asia, South America, North America, and Madagascar. History: Cameron Park Zoo was built in 1993 and has been expanded several times. An 1880s Texas ranch house serves as an education facility, complete with whitetail deer, turkey, and peccary display. A state of the art Herpetarium opened in 1997. Grammy Nell's Play Area opened in 1998 with a focus on nature-based play and a zero-depth splash fountain. The following year a $600,000 African lion display was built thanks to the family and friends of Sam "Jack" McGlasson. Most recently, Lemur Island opened June 28, 2002. It is home to three species of Lemurs including the Sclater's black lemur, a critically endangered species that is held in only 14 institutions worldwide. Hours: 9-5 Monday through Sat; 11-5 on Sunday/year round Admission: Adults $7, Children $5, Seniors $6, Children under 3 free. Dr Pepper Museum, 300 South 5th Street, Phone: (254) 757-1025, [9]. History: The Dr Pepper soft drink was invented in Waco in 1885 and the museum houses the original bottling plant. Attractions: The first floor of the museum explains the history of Dr Pepper, complete with the original machines, an artesian well, and an animatronic to introduce visitors to the history of Dr Pepper. The second floor displays the commercial history of Dr Pepper and other independent soft drinks, such as 7-Up and RC Cola. The third floor houses a conference center, the "Soft Drink Executive Hall of Fame", and a conference center dedicated to free enterprise as an economic system.The real highlight, though, is the vintage soda fountain on the first floor - no price of admission necessary for purchase of Dr Pepper, mixed and served straight from the tap. It's leagues better than what you can get in a can. Fact: (Note: there is no period after the "r" of Dr Pepper.) Homestead Heritage, Halbert Lane off FM 933 north of Waco, Phone: (254) 754-9600, [10]. Homestead Heritage celebrates life by sweeping you back to what life was like in the 1800's. Activities: Visit the 200-year old restored barn which offers handmade crafts, housewares and furniture. Enjoy a relaxing lunch of homegrown and homemade treats at the Homestead Farms Deli. Take a walking tour of an herb farm, 1750s gristmill, pottery barn and blacksmith shop. Mayborn Museum Complex, 1300 S. University Parks Drive, Phone: (254) 710-1110, [11]. The Mayborn Museum is located across from Baylor University and walking through, you will walk through the natural history of central Texas. Spend hours in 16 discovery rooms for hands-on learning with themes from transportation to TV news and pioneers. Explore the natural history of central Texas through walk-in dioramas of a limestone cave, a Texas forest, and the Waco mammoth dig. On the grounds of the complex is the Governor Bill & Vara Daniel Historic Village-- an 1890's village moved from Liberty, Texas with a livery, church, general store, plantation home, and other authentic historic buildings. Hours: Monday-Wednesday, Friday, Saturday-- 10:00-5:00, Thursday-- 10:00-8:00, Sunday-- 1:00-5:00 Admission: Adults: $6.00, Children (18 months to 12 years of age): $4.00, Seniors (65 years and older): $5.00 Lake Waco, Office Phone: (254) 756-5359, [12]. Lake Waco was constructed by the Army Corp of Engineers in 1929. In the last 70 years Lake Waco has grown and become the city’s primary source of water. Lake Waco offers fishing, camping, day-use recreation areas, boating, swimming, hike and bike trails, horseback riding trails, and hunting. Parking is available off Airport Road. Parking lot hours are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. The hiking trail located next to Lake Waco and opens one hour before sunrise and closes one hour before sunset. More information about how to access the trails near the lake, check here [13]. Sometimes the park holds irregular hours due to weather. Check the Army Corp of Engineers web site [14] for updated park closure information. Red Men Museum and Library, 4521 Speight Ave., Phone (254) 756-1221, [15]. The Red Men Museum and Library is a historical reference museum and research library pertaining to the Improved Order of the Red Men, an organization tracing its founding to 1765. The museum exhibits artifacts of historical significance such as a writing desk that belonged to Aaron Burr, a bugle recovered from the battlefield at Gettysburg, and a peace blanket that belonged to the Apache warrior Geronimo. Questions? E-mail The Red Men at info@redmen.org. Suspension Bridge University Parks Dr. between Franklin Ave. and Washington Ave., [16] The Suspension Bridge in Waco, built in 1870, was the first bridge across the Brazos River and the longest bridge west of the Mississippi River at that time. Now a walking bridge, the architecture is a token of Waco used by walkers, joggers, and is a popular spot for picture taking and having picnics. Tortilla Tossing: Wacoans have created a game consisting of tossing tortillas from the bridge aiming to hit a concrete pillar stationed in the Brazos River. Learning the art of tossing the tortilla is much more difficult than it first appears and keeps players continually coming back to the bridge. Texas Ranger Hall of Fame, 100 Texas Ranger Trail I-35 and University Parks Dr., Phone: 254-750-8631, [17]. The official museum of the Texas Rangers, this Hall of Fame contains a large amount of memorabilia from the long history of the Texas Rangers. The museum is open Monday through Sunday from 9am to 4:30pm. Texas Sports Hall of Fame, 1108 S University Parks Dr., Phone: (254) 756-1633, [18]. The museum features Texas athletes in many sports, including football, tennis, golf, baseball, basketball, horse racing, and others. The museum also houses the Southwest Conference's 75 year collection of memorabilia. The museum is open Monday through Saturday 9-5, Sunday 12-5 and Closed-Easter, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas, New Year's Day. Admission prices for Adults are $6, Seniors (60+) $5, Students $3, Active Military and Kids under 6 are free. The Alico Building, 425 Austin Ave., Phone: (254) 297-2777, [19]. When completed in 1911, this beautiful 22 story building was the tallest in the Southwest. It is still used for commercial purposes on the inside but the outside is ready for pictures anytime, day or night. Fine Arts This article or section does not match our manual of style or needs other editing. Please plunge forward, give it your attention and help it improve! Suggested fixes: None specified. Please use the article's talk page to ask questions if you are not sure why this tag was added and whether it is safe to remove it. Art Baylor’s Martin Museum of Art http://www.baylor.edu/martinmuseum/ The Martin Museum of Art is located on the Baylor campus in the Hooper-Schaefer Fine Arts Center. The art museum periodically features different artists from around the country. Outside of the actual museum, student paintings, drawings, sculptures, and more can be found displayed on the walls and in cases throughout the building. For specific exhibit information, see their website or contact them. • Address: 60 Baylor Avenue, Waco, TX 76706 • Hours:10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Tuesday – Friday, 12:00 - 5:00 p.m., Saturday • Contact: Karin A. Gilliam, director (254) 710-6390 Art Center of Waco http://www.artcenterwaco.org/ The Art Center of Waco is a gallery as well as an interactive studio where the community can indulge in their own artistic endeavors. It is a great place to learn and grow artistically. Ways to get involved with the Art Center include festivals, adult classes (like pottery, calligraphy, fabric dye, hair bows, handmade soaps, photography, holiday cards, etc.), children’s classes, and working in their Artists’ Open Studio. For more information on upcoming exhibits, visit the website listed below. • Address: 1300 College Drive, Waco, Texas 76708 Practically Pikasso http://www.practicallypikassowaco.com/ Practically Pikasso is a colorful, fun, family-and-pet-friendly atmosphere that offers a local artistic experience where you can choose your own piece on pottery and paint it however you’d like. Their friendly staff and fair prices are nothing compared to the amusement and enjoyment you’ll find when you’re painting, glass fusing, or building a mosaic with your friends. • Address: 4310 West Waco Drive Waco, TX 76710 • Hours: Monday-Saturday: Noon - 9pm, Sunday: Noon - 6pm • Contact: Koury Fadal, store manager Waco Arts Initiative http://wacoartsinitiative.blogspot.com/ Waco Arts Initiative (WAI) is a special program created for under-privileged children. Art is used as an emotional and expressive outlet for children who could otherwise not afford art supplies. WAI believes that “this poverty goes beyond economics and is a problem that every human faces within the context of their own paradigm,” and they hope to “confront the poverty of the soul through the creative arts via a program of empowerment conducted by an inspiring staff.” • Address: Kate Ross Apartments, 1115 Cleveland Ave • Program Times: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 3:30-5:00pm • Contact: Grace Ladd, program director (214-695-1338) Croft Art Gallery Croft Art Gallery is a new Waco art gallery that opened in 2009. It features all different kinds of artwork of local artists. The owner, a Waco resident, says, “I got real tired of reading negative comments from people who lived here.” With her favorite quote “Be the change you wish to see in the world” on her mind, she “decided to pursue a dream of opening an art gallery.” Whether the art is for sale or not depends on the current artists’ preferences. • Address: 712 Austin Avenue Waco, Texas • Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays Art Ambush http://artambush.com/art With eccentric, artsy taste and provocative art hanging on its walls, Art Ambush proves to be one of Waco’s hidden treasures. Excelling in professional body art (tattoos) and piercings, Art Ambush also has occasional art exhibits featuring local artists. “Art Ambush is dedicated to displaying people’s artistic talents. Different works of art by local and national artists can be seen throughout the location.” • Address: 3523 Franklin Avenue, Waco, TX 76710 • Hours: Tues.-Thurs.: 2-10pm, Fri. & Sat.: 2-12am, Sun. & Mon.: call for hours (254-752-1242) Theatre Arts Many may be surprised to learn that, although Waco is a relatively small city, it does have a moderately rich theatrical life. There are several companies that produce performances throughout the year, including the Waco Hippodrome, Baylor University Theatre, McLennan Theatre, and Waco Civic Theatre. Additionally, the Waco Children’s Theatre operates seasonally and offers a theatrical outlet to local children during the summer. The Waco Hippodrome http://www.wacoperformingarts.org/events.php • The Waco Performing Arts Company hosts a wide variety of touring shows at the Historic Waco Hippodrome Theatre each year. Since its creation, the Hippodrome has relied on the support of the Waco community in the form of monetary donations, business sponsorship, and a group of dedicated volunteers called the Hippodrome Ambassadors. In addition to hosting an array of touring Broadway shows, the Hippodrome sponsors a variety of musical events, special activities, and movie nights. Of all the theatres in Waco, the Hippodrome provides the most volume of shows and events to the public, usually offering a different event every week. For a full listing of events, and to purchase tickets, visit their Web site. Baylor University Theatre http://www.baylor.edu/theatre • The Baylor University Department of Theatre Arts is an elite program combining an excellent liberal arts education with rigorous training in both academic and artistic fields of theatre study. The department is ranked among the top 20 undergraduate theatre programs in the United States and is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre. • Academics: Maintaining a cap enrollment of 125 undergraduate majors, and a select group of graduate directing students, the department provides small, focused classes, and ample opportunities to excel in areas including acting, design, direction, dance, management and craftsmanship. • Faculty: The department supports teaching disciplines with ongoing research and artistic activities. The faculty engages a larger community of theatre scholars and artists through their extensive publications and through their work as professional actors, directors, designers, dancers, playwrights, and stage managers. • Productions: The department produces five main stage plays and two to three summer graduate plays each year in which students perform and fill a variety of production positions. These plays include at least one musical theatre offering each year and a range of contemporary and period pieces. - In alternate years the Baylor Theatre sponsors the Horton Foote American Playwrights Festival, a celebration of American playwriting. At each festival, a different playwright is honored with an award named for our visiting distinguished dramatist, Horton Foote, one of America's foremost playwrights and screenwriters. Waco Civic Theatre http://www.wacocivictheatre.org/aboutwctstaff.html • The Mission of the Waco Civic Theatre, a non-profit organization, is to provide the Heart of Texas community with quality live theatre, to create an outlet for community education and participation in all aspects of productions, and to instill in the community a sense of pride and ownership in the theatre. • History: The roots of the Waco Civic Theatre date back to the 1920's when the work of many enlightened citizens combined to form the Waco Little Theatre (WLT), which operated from 1925 to 1936. In 1945, then chairman of the Baylor University Drama Department Dr. Paul Baker and a team of WLT participants worked to reform the organization that would take the shape of Waco Civic Theatre (WCT) three years later. • Currently: Today, WCT produces six Main Stage Productions, ranging from works by Shakespeare to Neil Simon. Additionally, aspiring local artists and youth work in partnership to produce Studio Shows that are scheduled between Main Stage Productions and other events. McLennan Theatre http://www.mclennan.edu/departments/a&s/dram/venues/ • The goal of the McLennan Community College Department of Theatre is to nurture a student's aesthetic sensitivities toward all aspects of the art of theatre, either for personal enrichment or in preparation for a career in this field. The Department of Theatre is committed to a broad-based training program that provides each student with thorough academic preparation and production experience. Students are expected to maintain an appropriate balance between classroom and experiential learning. The Department of Theatre is also committed to enhancing the cultural life of the McLennan campus, Waco and surrounding communities by providing exposure to a varied program of theatre offerings. • Academics: MCC offers freshman and sophomore-level courses in performance, technical theatre and theatre history leading toward an Associates, Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Additionally, it features a full complement of freshman and sophomore-level movement and dance courses, and provides supporting coursework within the Visual & Performing Arts Division in music, including private voice instruction for theatre majors who qualify. • Productions: MCC Theatre produces four fully mounted productions annually, including plays, musical theatre and originally conceived dance works; the Music Department mounts a fully staged opera. Waco Children’s Theatre http://www.wacochildrenstheatre.com/aboutUs.htm • Serving Waco and the surrounding central Texas area, the mission of Waco Children’s Theatre is to help young people develop confidence, self-awareness and character through the performing arts. • History: Founded in 1992, Waco Children's Theatre is a federally tax-exempt, nonprofit organization. Beginning with a vision and 35 children, Executive Director Linda Haskett, in partnership with other dedicated volunteers, continues to inspire thousands of children to discover and share their artistic gifts and talents. This vision is carried out through drama, music and physical expression. In a nurturing and accepting environment, children explore and share their creativity and uniqueness by serving behind the scenes and performing on the stage. • Currently: Waco Children’s theatre allows kids to grow through drama, music and physical expression. In a nurturing and accepting environment, children explore and share their creativity and uniqueness by serving behind the scenes and performing on the stage. This children’s stage in Waco, Texas, prepares children for the stages of life – wherever they may go. Young people gain confidence and experience self-expression through activities such as, workshops, rehearsals, set design and stage performances. They also learn the values of teamwork: trusting oneself and others, setting goals, building bridges and bringing enjoyment to others. Additional Information If you’re interested in finding out more information about any of these theatres, including their current seasons and how to purchase tickets. Would you like to learn more about the Fine Arts in Waco? Visit entertainment editor Carl Hoover’s blog at http://www.wacotrib.com/blogs/content/shared-gen/blogs/communities/sound_sight/ Music Waco Symphony http://www.wacosymphony.com The Waco Symphony entertains the greater Waco community throughout the year. Their performances are held at Waco Hall on Baylor University campus and the symphony is led by Maestro Stephen Heyde. Sunday Sounds Sunday Sounds is a concert series by the Waco Symphony held on Sunday afternoons at 3:30 p.m. Thirty minutes prior to each show, attendees can learn about the lives of composers and their music in the adjacent concert hall. After the show attendees can visit with the symphony musicians and enjoy refreshments provided by the Waco Symphony Council. Dress for Waco Symphony performances is casual. Attendees are encouraged to “come as you are” whether that be in formal wear or jeans Baylor Symphony http://www.baylor.edu/music/orchestras Begun in 1944, the Baylor Symphony is a part of the Baylor School of Music. The Baylor Symphony is conducted by Maestro Stephen Heyde and performs in Waco Hall on Baylor campus. Each year, the Baylor Symphony performs at least four concerts, full opera production, and a children’s concert series. Notable performances include: • Piccolo Spoleto Festival in Charleston, South Carolina • National Convention of the American String Teachers Association • “Christmas at Baylor” a PBS Special that aired nationally in over 350 markets with an estimated audience of 6 million viewers A performance schedule can be found on the Baylor Symphony website. Most performances are free of charge. UpRoar Records http://www.uproarrecords.com/ UpRoar Records is a local record label at Baylor University. It is the first student-run record label and entertainment group housed in the United States in a university business school. Each fall, UpRoar Records holds auditions to find artists for the current fall year. Selecting 5 – 10 musicians/ groups, UpRoar Records then works with each artist to write, develop, rehearse, and finally record songs in a professional recording studio. UpRoar Records actively promotes their artists on Baylor campus, around the Waco community as well as in larger markets like Nashville, Tennessee and Los Angeles, California. Current UpRoar Artists include: • Jillian Edwards • David Dulcie • Zoo Studio • Drew Greenway • Brin Beaver and Jacob Hooter Common Grounds http://www.myspace.com/commongroundslive Common Grounds is a local coffee shop and site for many concerts, primarily of local artists and bands. Past Performers include: Local Artists: • Jillian Edwards • Trey Duck • Zoo Studio • Brin Beaver • Jacob Hooter • David Dulcie • Drew Greenway Christian Artists: • Waterdeep • Derek Webb • Phil Wickham • Robbie Seay Band • Shawn McDonald • Seth Philpot Rock Artists: • Canvas Waiting • Tommy Read • Loxsly • Dave Barnes • Andy Davis • Green River Ordinance • The Afters • Stephen Speaks Common Grounds is located at 11123 S 8th Street Waco, Texas 76706 (close to Baylor University). The shop offers free Wi-Fi. Do Lion's Park, 1716 North 42nd Street, Phone: (254) 772-3541, [20]. Ride on a miniature train, play putt-putt, drive a go-kart, or ride on a bumper boat. Waco Water Park, [21]. The Waco Water Park is the coolest place to be this summer for kids of all ages. Two towering water slides and two pools provide a great escape from the summer heat. Mayborn Museum [22] is on Baylor University Campus, walk across a replica of Waco's famous mammoth site, see a Comanche tipi up close or spend your day exploring the 16 themed Discovery rooms, such as the Communication Room, the Health Room and the Invertebrate Room. The Mayborn Museum Complex is the perfect place to bring the family. Learn Baylor University [23] is in Waco. McLennan Community College [24] has an active music and theater program. Texas State Technical College Buy Richland Mall, 6001 W Waco Dr (at the intersection of US-84 and TX-6), ☎ 254.776.6631. Anchored by two Dillard's stores, JCPenney, Bealls, and Sears.  edit Eat Schmaltz's Sandwich Shop, 1412 N Valley Mills Drive, ☎ (254)776-3694. Mon-Fri until 7 and Sat until 5. Local sandwich shop since 1970s. The owner wakes up every morning and makes the bread fresh - sandwiches are served warm and delicious! There are two soups served daily, one of which is always Wisconsin cheddar cheese soup  edit Dubl-R Burgers, 1810 Herring Ave, ☎ (254) 235-5577. Mon-Sat. Best. Burgers. Ever.  edit Lolita's Tortilleria, 1911 Franklin Ave, ☎ (254) 755-8008. Tuesday - Sunday until 2PM. Locally owned Mexican restaurant that serves breakfast and lunch all day, or until 2. Located downtown near many of Waco's attractions so you don't have to travel far to start off your day on a full stomach. Must try: the queso is one of a kind - looks different so don't knock it before you try it! under ten dollars.  edit Kitok's Restaurant, 1815 N 18th St., ☎ (254) 754-1801. Kitok Restaurant is a popular “hole in the wall” restaurant in Waco, Texas. The original owners, Bob and Kitok Moore, sold the restaurant but the current owners maintain the look and feel of the original Kitok restaurant. The prices are very reasonable. One of the most popular, the Lip Locker hamburger, is a double-patty cheeseburger that is a favorite among regulars. The oriental fries are also very popular. The Asian food offered at Kitok’s is also very good, but it is the burgers and fries that the restaurant is known for. The staff is friendly and attentive to your needs. The waitresses go out of their way to make your stay enjoyable and even the cooks love chatting with diners.  edit Poppa Rollos Pizza, 703 N Valley Mills Drive, ☎ (254) 776-6776, [25]. open late. “The best pizza on earth!” Poppa Rollo’s was founded in 1969 and is still thriving in Waco. They primarily serve Italian food, but also offer sandwiches and a health-lite section on their menu. The health-lite section consists of vegetarian and organic- style pizza. Poppa Rollo’s won the Outstanding Business Award in 1994 and was voted the “Pizza Pace Setter” by the National Association of Pizza Operators Trade magazine. Service tends to be brisk and somewhat rude—very New York style service. Bottom line: great food, but less friendly service.  edit Diamond Back's Texas Bistro, 217 Mary Ave, ☎ (254) 757-2871‎. Roughly 10 years old, Diamond Back's is located downtown near the Brazos River in a small historic warehouse district. Interior is tall ceilings with rustic, yet sophisticated, wood ceilings. There is a bar and upstairs seating, which includes outdoor seating. It is the best steak house in Waco, and the most expensive. An 8 oz. filet is roughly $32, and a 12 oz. filet is closer to $40, which includes a salad, but no sides. Mashed potatoes with garlic are delicious, and run $5 additional. The beef is a good cut of Angus, and delicious. It is trying to be like Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, in terms of product delivery, but has the feel of an expensive Texas bistro. Overall, worth it if you are looking to spend a ton of money on a steak. $100+ for two, including drinks and tip.  edit Clay Pot, 920 Interstate 35, ☎ (254) 756-2721, [26]. Clay Pot is an interesting change from the other Asian food establishments in Waco. The food is very affordable and there are specials offered throughout the week. The “clay pot,” the meal the restaurant is named after, can be served with several different types of meat and is one of the least expensive and tastiest dishes on the menu. Clay Pot’s decorations make it worth the visit, as Vietnamese symbols and art decorate the main room. There are both standard tables for the traditional diner, and there are lowered tables with pillow cushions available for those wishing to dine authentically. The restaurant is also b.y.o.b. yet the tea they offer with meals is free of charge and quite good.  edit George's Restaurant and Bar, 1925 Speight Ave., ☎ (254) 753-1421, [27]. 6:30 AM-12 AM. George’s, “where everybody knows your Name beer,” has been around since the 1930’s. George’s is well-known for their chicken fried steak and their extremely large serving of beer, fondly known as the “Big O,” George’s is both a great place to go before a football game for some good food or to relax at the bar with some friends after a long day. George’s has recently been named the “Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year.” In 2003, Maxim Magazine named them “Bar of the Month.”  edit Elite Circle Grille, 2132 S Valley Mills Drive, ☎ (254)754.4941, [28]. *The Menu: The atmosphere at Elite ranges from casual to formal. You can stop by the Elite for a couple of beverages and appetizers before a Baylor game, or for a formal event. People often stop by on their lunch breaks from the office or go to Elite for their weekly date night. Elite offers a variety of meals and desserts. -Appetizers include Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps, Shiner Bock Onion Rings, Fried Calamari, and more. -They also offer soups and salads, sandwiches, and an assortment of entrees: seafood, steaks, pastas, and chicken. -The dessert favorites are the “towering chocolate cake,” “pecan float pie,” the “chocolate bomb,” and the “three layer carrot cake.” Yum! Elite has easy access on and off I-35 so they are the perfect spot to stop. Testimonials: Because Elite has been around for so long, some customer’s love of Elite is as old as the restaurant itself. One couple eating at Elite fondly remembers, “Our first date, back in the sixties, was here at Elite. This place has changed so much since then, but somehow still has that magic that we remember as we fell in love in a booth over there. And we come back here at least every year to celebrate.” Another couple reports on having their first date, rehearsal dinner, and wedding reception at Elite Circle Grille. “This place is just magical for us. And the food’s great too!” Don’t forget to ask your waiter about the famous guest who dined at elite back in to 50’s! Elvis Presley, the King, is a huge part of Elite’s rich history.  edit Drink Dancing Bear Pub, 1117 Speight Avenue (Located on Speight Ave. close to 12th St., right across the street from the HEB and next door to Food For Thought.), [29]. M-R: 4-12; F-Su: Noon-12. Locally owned, small pub. Ambience isn't great, but the selection is nice. Next door is Food for Thought, from which you can get sandwiches.  edit Dublin Dr. Pepper Since Dr. Pepper originated in Waco, TX it is the "primary" drink to try. It is made using the original sweetener, pure cane sugar which makes it different than other soft drinks because basically everyone switched to high fructose corn syrup because it was much less expensive. Sleep America's Best Inn & Suites, 3829 Franklin Ave., +1 254 754-0363, Fax: +1 254 752-1318, [30]. Clarion Hotel,801 S. 4th St, +1 254 757-2000, [31]. Hampton Inn Waco South, 2501 Market Place (I-35 and Hwy 6), ☎ 254-662-9500, [32]. Located right next to shopping and restaurants in Central Texas Marketplace.  edit Hilton Waco, 113 S University Parks, +1 254 754-8484, [33]. Ramada Waco, 1001 S Martin Luther King, +1 254 753-0261, [34]. Residence Inn Waco, 501 University Parks Drive, +1 254 714-1386, Fax: +1 254 714-1386, [35]. Comfort Suites, 2700 La Salle Ave (IH 35 & LaSalle Ave. Exit 333A.), ☎ 254-537-0413, [36]. 100% nonsmoking all-suite hotel with free hot breakfast & outdoor swimming pool, located near Baylor and downtown Waco; 5 restaurants in walking distance to the hotel. Opened in 2006.  edit Econo Lodge Inn & Suites, 1430 IH 35 South (IH35 & 14th St. Exit 334), ☎ 254 752 1991, [37]. Close to Baylor. Renovated in 2008. Free Breakfast & internet. $59-149.  edit Hampton Inn Waco North, 4259 North I-35 (exit 339), ☎ 254-412-1999, [38]. The closest hotel to the Waco Regional Airport.  edit La Quinta Inn & Suites, 6003 Woodway Drive, Woodway, ☎ 1-254-772-0200, [39]. checkin: 01:00 PM; checkout: 12:00 PM. Pet friendly. $106.00 - $146.00.  edit Fairfield Inn & Suites Waco North, 4257 North I-35 (exit 339), ☎ 254-412-2535, [40]. Just a few minutes away Waco Regional Airport, Baylor University, and Downtown Waco.  edit Holiday Inn Express, 6808 Woodway Drive, ☎ 2547722227. checkin: 3pm; checkout: 11am. Indoor pool, free wifi, free hot breakfast, close to shopping and hospitals. 110-190.  edit Bed & Breakfasts Colcord House Bed & Breakfast, 2211 Colcord Ave, 254-753-6856, [41]. Colonial House Bed & Breakfast, 2301 Colonial Ave, 254-756-1968. The Cotton Palace, 1910 Austin Ave, 254-753-7294, [42]. Creekside Garden, 115 N. 25th St., 254-744-8114. Judge Baylor House, 908 Speight Ave, 254-756-0273. Stay Safe Waco has a reputation for a higher-than-normal crime rate for a small to medium size city. Visitors should exercise normal caution. That said, most violent crime occurs in residential areas, away from most areas visitors may visit. If you do find yourself in such an area (usually for dining), use normal caution. Drive with the doors locked, do not draw attention to yourself, and do not make prolonged eye contact (i.e. stare at other drivers). It is strongly advised not to be at Cameron Park at night unless you are with a large group. Waco, and Texas in general, is not frequented by pedestrians as much as a lot of other places. If you decide to walk, be careful, as the drivers are not used to pedestrians and may not see you. Tornadoes are not a frequent occurrence in Waco, but when they do hit, they tend to be very strong. Do not panic if a tornado warning is issued. If such a warning is issued, turn on the local news and keep updated. The weatherperson will explain what cautions need to be taken, and who should take them. If the weatherperson, any hotel staff, or public officials give you directions, follow them. It should go without saying that you should not go outside during a tornado. See the Tornado Safety section for more information. Get out Clifton - 20 minutes west on Route 6 is this small town which is very proud of its Norwegian heritage. Routes through Waco Dallas/Fort Worth ← Hillsboro ←  N  S  → Temple → Austin Abilene ← Coleman ←  W  E  → Fairfield → Mansfield This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!