7 excuses to visit Baylor this summer
I never spent a summer in Waco until after I had graduated and started my first job. My impression had been that Waco was dead during the summer, but as I quickly learned, that couldn’t have been further from the truth. Whether you’re a high school student taking a college visit, a student staying in Waco for classes, or a Baylor grad planning a trip home, here’s a look at just some of what’s happening in Waco this summer:
* Brazos Nights — Featuring artists like Thomas Csorba (a current Baylor student) and Austin-native Shakey Graves, Waco’s Brazos Nights brings food trucks and free music to the riverfront in downtown Waco. The series hosts five events throughout the summer, including one on July 4th.
* “Titanic” at the Mayborn — Baylor’s Mayborn Museum is excited to host “Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition,” featuring more than 150 artifacts recovered from the ocean floor. Tickets to the exhibit, which opens June 2, can be purchased here.
* Paddle the Brazos — If you’re looking for unique summer experiences, Waco’s got you covered. Students can check out kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and more for free at Baylor’s Pullin Family Marina. Just down the Brazos River, Pura Vida Paddle and Waco Paddle Company offer similar equipment for rent, plus kayak tours and unique classes like yoga right on the water.
* Baylor Theatre productions — Even though students are out for the summer, the show must go on! Baylor Theatre will be putting on two shows this summer: “I and You” and “Dead Accounts.” Get your tickets here.
* Milo All Day — If you left town before one of Waco’s favorite food trucks debuted its new brick-and-mortar restaurant, it’s definitely worth the trip back!
* Tour #Baylor’s hometown — Jump on the opportunity to learn more about Baylor’s home by going on one of Waco’s many tours! If you’re trying to get those steps in, Waco Walking Tours and Waco Walks are great ways to learn the city’s history on foot. If you’re just along for the ride, try Waco Tours, Brazos Tours, or Waco Pedal Tours. For a particularly unique experience, take a tour on the Brazos with Waco River Safari. Baylor football fans can get a behind-the-scenes look at McLane Stadium on a 90-minute guided tour, and fans of historic homes should check out Historic Waco Foundation’s house tours.
* Year-Round Staples — There are plenty of other events and attractions that take place year-round, but it’s nice to take advantage of these during the leisure of the summer. First Friday and the Waco Downtown Farmers Market are some of the best experiences downtown Waco has to offer. Visitors to Cameron Park Zoo will find it fares well even when compared with zoos in other major Texas cities. And of course, you can always take your extra time and visit the Magnolia Silos and recently opened Magnolia Table.
Sic ’em, #Wacotown!