East Texas Gems in Tyler

Tyler is a small city, but it’s a welcoming oasis in east Texas thanks to its proud residents. Parks have bike paths flanked with azalea and rose bushes, and a surprisingly sophisticated downtown has a nice selection of shops and restaurants. There are also golf courses and vineyards on the city’s outskirts. While you’re in the general area, you can’t miss a shopping trip in Canton, home to the world’s largest flea market. —Stirling Kelso

Stanley's Famous Pit Barbecue

Order the ribs before they sell out at this smoked meat institution. Otherwise, opt for the mother clucker, a chicken sandwich loaded with cheddar, barbecue mayo, and topped with a fried egg.

Tyler Museum of Art

This modest museum has an impressive foundation of over 1,500 works including one of the largest collections of Mexican folk art in the U.S. Thanks to Tyler’s tightly knit family community, there are also always great programs for kiddos.

Keipersol B&B and Winery

A slew of chain hotels might have better room rates, but this sense-of-place B&B, located on a 61-acre vineyard estate, has five rooms with sumptuous linens. Wake up to a gourmet breakfast, and be sure to make reservations for a steak dinner at the neighboring Kiepersol Estates Restaurant.

Susan Robinson Jewelry

You’re treated like family at this well-curated jewelry store in the heart of Tyler. With collections ranging from well-known jewelry artists Roberto Coin and David Yurman to Texas-based designers Armenta, it’s hard to leave empty handed. Don’t worry—you’re worth the splurge.

First Monday Trade Days Flea Market

Once a small row of merchants that set up shop outside of the county courthouse on the month’s first Monday, this flea market 40 minutes west of Tyler is now the largest in the world. Despite its name, the fair moved to the weekends and today Trade Days has over 7,000 stores and stalls on 300 acres of Texas ranchland.