Wacoing

Whisky in Waco: Balcones Distillery

Texas whisky was not a thing before Balcones, as improbable as that may sound. It certainly still feels odd to Jared Himstedt. “It’s kind of a funny deal when you think of the stereotypes of the South and the Old West and cattle driving,” Himstedt said. “You just think there was a lot of whisky, right? So the fact that there wasn’t anybody doing whisky in Texas when we got started… How the heck? That’s crazy.” 

Baylor Line Newsletters

Stay up-to-date on all things related to the Baylor Family (on your terms). 

Latest

Coming Home to Waco

There’s no doubt Baylor alumni and families heading to Waco for the 2024 homecoming celebration are practicing their sic ‘ems and bear claws this week. They may even be looking to bump the fun up a notch by exploring Waco and its many offerings, both new and familiar. …

12 Free Things to Do in Waco

One of the things visitors love most about Waco is the ability to explore the wonders of this city without

6 New Hot Spots in Waco for Fall 2024

There’s no denying the growth and change in Waco, Texas over the past decade. With this rise in popularity, new Waco hot spots are constantly sprouting, bringing in plenty of new gems and expanding the city’s offerings for locals and tourists. Whether you’re just visiting or are a looking for your new favorite spot, here are some new hot spots in Waco you need to check out, including the many offerings at Hotel Herringbone, a new barbecue joint, and Common Grounds’ newest location. There’s so much to explore in Waco, Texas!

A Commitment to Inclusion: Empowering Waco’s Minority- and Women-owned Small Businesses

“The beauty of living in a community where small businesses thrive,” said Oh My Juice owner Denitia Blount, “is that it sets a place apart. Whenever I go to a town or city, I want the local flair,” she said. “I want to feel like I’m somewhere different. When you go to a chain, you aren’t seeing what makes a place great. You aren’t tapping into the people. In Waco, people are drawn by what’s homegrown and the diversity of our small businesses.” Inroads have been made in recent years to support that diversity in Waco, even though the challenges for all small business owners everywhere are significant: Inflation. Supply chain issues. Renovation costs. Demands for a quick return by lenders. The Bureau of Labor reports a third of new businesses close within their first two years. It’s worse for minority and women business owners. Blount couldn’t secure a loan to start her business in 2013 unless her husband, who has a successful nationally-recognized business, co-signed. People of color face even more discrimination and other inequities. According to a recent Bloomberg Report, eight out of ten Black-owned businesses fail within the first 18 months.  

10 Mexican Restaurants in Waco You Need To Try

One of the things we love the most about Waco is the perfect blend of American and Mexican cuisine, giving us authentic and delightful dishes with a touch of originality and unique flavors. Now, it’s time to explore the Mexican food scene that Waco has to offer us – get ready for an authentic experience, and let’s dive deep into the best 10 Mexican restaurants in Waco. Waco’s long, vibrant Latino history has created a cultural connection that is rich, vibrant, and worth exploring. This part of Central Texas belonged to Mexico after the Spanish empire took over, and then, in 1836, to the state of Texas, when it declared independence. So, it’s no surprise to find the flavors of Mexico taking over the Waco culinary scene. Whether you love tacos or fajitas, these places really know how to make delicious Mexican food. Join us as we explore the diverse and flavorful world of Mexican dishes in Waco, TX.

14 Fun & Romantic Waco Date Ideas

With its quirks, special spots, and charming scenes, Waco stands out as a wonderful city with a variety of date ideas. If you’re in the heart of Texas seeking enjoyable, romantic activities for a date in Waco, you’re in the right spot. Let’s discover 14 different fun, exciting, and romantic Waco date ideas.

The Many Murals of Waco

For years, Waco has been growing its reputation as a hub of arts and culture, and nowhere is this more apparent than on its public walls. Everywhere you turn in the City of Waco, Texas, a mural of inordinate quality is likely to greet you, offering insights into the town’s history or just being darn cute. Here are six eye-catching murals and 25 related others that make for a fun and funky treasure hunt.

The 11 Best Bars in Waco

Welcome to Waco’s lively night scene! From historic family-owned bars to modern nightlife spots, it’s time to indulge in the sweet flavors, aromas, and essences of Waco bars. From whiskey to wine and cocktails to craft beer, these bars in Waco are always worth visiting. Read here to check out the 10 best bars in Waco, TX. Hot spots include Balcones Distillery, One Day Bar, Dichotomy Coffee & Spirits, The Backyard, and Valley Mills Vineyards.

Total Eclipse of the Sun (Waco’s Version)

Baylor prepares for a once-in-a-lifetime event when Waco, TX will become a prime location to view a total solar eclipse. On April 8, 2024, observers in Waco will be in that “right time and right place.” The total solar eclipse is predicted to last more than four minutes and is truly a once-in-a-lifetime event. The last total solar eclipse visible in Waco was on July 29, 1878; the next one is not anticipated until after year 3000.

The Carleen Bright Arboretum Is Back and Beautiful

Just fifteen minutes down the road, the Carleen Bright Arboretum in Woodway, TX, is named after Baylor alumna and community leader Carleen Bright. It may be the perfect place to spend a day away from campus or if you need a break. “The Jewel of Woodway” is open again after renovations, attracting butterflies and plenty of local residents.

Get Your Cowboy On: Waco’s Western Attractions

There’s more to see in Waco than the Magnolia Silos. Just off the beaten path are some hidden gems: old-school barbeque joints, dance halls built by Czech immigrants, and a general store that carries everything from pearl-button shirts to the licorice-flavored chewing gum introduced way back in 1884.

Waco’s Fall Festival Roundup

Waco is now more than just a “college town,” and these events in and around the city are sure to offer visitors unique experiences with explosive local flavor.

14 Best Coffee Shops in Waco

Coffee is for everyone – that’s what we learned by exploring Waco’s coffee scene during our trip. From a robust brew that embodies the Texan spirit to a light, sweet coffee beverage that reminds us of Southern hospitality, the local offerings are as varied as they are delightful.

21 Things to Do in Waco with Kids

Planning a family trip to Waco, TX? Check out the best 21 things to do in Waco with kids by reading this post. Whether you’re having fun in Indian Spring Park, exploring Cameron Park Zoo, or catching a concert at the Waco Hippodrome Theatre, there’s plenty of activities to fill your next family trip to Waco.

16 Best Spots for Brunch in Waco, Texas

Discover the ultimate brunch experience with our curated list of 16 spots for brunch in Waco. Adventure and flavor await at these 16 best spots for brunch in Waco, Texas. Check out tested favorites, like Cafe Cappucino and Magnolia Table, or try something new or off the beaten path, like Harold Waite Pancake & Steak and Homestead Heritage.

The Great Waco Water Watch

The City of Waco’s contingency plans for keeping water flowing for residents is top of mind as Texas sizzles in the summer sun. Lake Waco’s water levels in July 2023 are actually lower than the previous year — one of the worst on record. At the same time, twice as much precipitation has helped keep the ground saturated, allowing for reserves to build and the region’s flora to remain better hydrated. What are Wacoans to do?

A (Suspension) Bridge Over (Brazos) Water

The Brazos River’s temperamental mood swings made the cattle driving business unreliable, difficult, and frequently dangerous. In 1866, shortly following the Civil War’s conclusion, the Texas State Legislature chartered the Waco Bridge Company, granting the enterprise a $25,000 budget, not to mention essentially a local monopoly, to construct a new bridge spanning the wild Brazos. It cost the city one dollar. Well, technically.

If You Grill It, They Will Come

Hungry Wacoans and Baylor students continue to build Jake Patterson’s Yaki dreams. Teriyaki as it is known today first originated during the 1700s in Japan, and refers to food that is grilled or broiled in a glaze traditionally composed of soy sauce, rice wine, and sugar. It wasn’t until 1976, however, that the first dedicated teriyaki restaurant in the United States opened — Toshi’s Teriyaki in Seattle, Washington. And now, there’s a growing Yaki empire in Waco.

70 Years Later: The Terror of the Waco Tornado

On March 2, 2023, Waco and Baylor students took shelter under a tornado warning for approximately 12 minutes. No damage occurred and the night continued as planned. Seventy years ago, on May 11, 1953, a tornado ripped through Waco with no warning, killing 114 people and damaging 196 buildings.

Reaping the rewards: Mission Waco’s Urban REAP Program

In Texas, there is a 30-year difference between the highest and lowest life expectancies, and with earthworms, composting, aquaponics, and gardening, Urban REAP, a renewable energy and agriculture project within Mission Waco, is working to address that concerning statistic. REAP provides an educational center for children and adults alike to learn more about the world around them.

Baylor Line MAgazine

With 75 years of storytelling under its belt, the award winning Baylor Line Magazine is now available digitally. Choose your subscription to Baylor Line today to get unlimited digital access to new and archived issues or traditional annual print access.