I get it. You’re rocketing down Interstate 35 with places to go and people to see. You don’t have time to stop and explore this historic town with over 93,000 residents that’s bustling with new and exciting developments. You can see everything in Temple from the highway and that’s all there is to it, right? Not exactly. And those who make time to take an exit will be treated to an educational and delicious foray into one of Texas’ hidden highway gems.
Temple Railroad and Heritage Museum
The old Santa Fe Depot is the jewel of downtown and is now a mostly comprehensive museum covering the many aspects of Temple’s history, but with a focus on its place in railroad lore. Visitors can learn how this small construction community named “Mud Town” and “Tanglefoot” turned into one of the most active hubs in Central Texas. Outside the museum visitors can walk beside numerous railcars that will soon be open for tours and one of the largest steam engines to ever run the tracks. There’s also a room inside explaining how two railroad doctors (Scott & White) decided to change the history of medical services in Texas.
Old Jody’s
This is officially the oldest restaurant in Temple and for good reason. The menu is full of country classics all made the old-fashioned way, including monstrous chicken fried steaks and burgers. The only difficulty is hitting pause on the baskets of fresh rolls that come out before the meal. This restaurant has been so popular with locals that they opened a second Jody’s location across the street and both stayed open for decades. One bite and you’ll understand why.
Miller Springs Nature Park
If you need a spot to work off those Jody’s rolls, this is the perfect place. It’s a 260-acre preserve sitting just below the Lake Belton Dam and alongside the flowing Leon River. Visitors can hike or mountain bike beside the preserve’s spring fed lakes and creeks, and below the 100-foot tall cliffs that were ripped into existence when the lake overflowed in 1992 after a few months of monumental rain.
Bird Creek Brewing
If you’re in need of a cold beverage, head to this downtown brewery and beer garden that has completely transformed an old historic building. Inside you’ll find a rotating selection of their 26 craft beers and a cozy space to kick back and relax. My favorite is the “Lamborghini Truck” Hazy IPA that the “Texas Brewers Cup” named the best in Texas in 2024. If you’re here, you’re probably NOT counting calories, so add in a giant hanging pretzel with dippable beer cheese.
Treno Pizzeria
If you’ve ever wanted to try a pizza topped with shrimp and chimichurri ranch or a pizza called the “Space Cowboy” complete with bacon, cooked spinach, and balsamic glaze, then THIS is your spot. Treno is a brick-oven pizzeria that’s not only reinventing the world’s pizza menu, but also leading the charge on reinventing downtown Temple. Their creative pies are not to be outdone by the courtyard playscape for kids or the wall of 36 self-serve brew taps. Simply put, everyone (young and old) is going to have a great time and leave extra stuffed. Just make sure you save room for their S’mores Pizza! Trust me.
So whether you follow my footsteps or forge your own path, I hope to see you on the road.
Chet Garner is the host of The Daytripper® travel show on PBS.
To view the Temple episode, visit thedaytripper.com.
Follow along on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @chettripper.
