By Kassandra Reyes
As the days get longer and nights get shorter, a day trip is a fun way to spice up your summer. Here’s an idea: jump in the car and head to a town full of Czech history and new shopping centers — Downtown Temple. After facing a 20-year period of renovation, this Texas city is ready for a revival. New and old, there is a lot to explore in this historic downtown.
Downtown Temple experienced a relapse when suburbanization pulled traffic away from the heart of the city with new shopping centers and housing, similar to what happened in downtown Bryan in the 1970s. Now, Temple is making a comeback with newly renovated buildings, shops, and museums.
After years of investments and growth, this downtown gem has gained momentum in attracting new and old visitors. “We are experiencing a renaissance,” Nancy Glover, the manager at Temple Convention & Visitors Bureau, says. After implementing 75 percent of a regional/urban design team’s recommendations, Temple has a lot more to offer than it did 20 years ago. Tourists are encouraged to check out the old Santa Fe Depot, the new and vibrant shopping hub, Temple’s restaurant district, their museums, and the residential historic district.
There is a lot to do in Downtown Temple, and everyone can find something to suit their needs. For those who want to spice things up, In the Mood Ballroom has free salsa dancing on Saturday nights. For the nifty shoppers, The Hub is the prime location with more than 40 upscale shops for everyone in the family. Afterwards, enjoy a nice dinner at Pignetti’s high-end Italian restaurant and wine bar located in the heart of the restaurant district.
For the history buffs, Glover highly recommends visiting Temple’s two museums: the Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum and the Czech Heritage Museum. Temple is also home to a genealogy library with a highly extensive collection of the Czech history and heritage in Temple, which Glover says she thinks is one of the best in the nation.
Downtown Temple also offers a self-led tour for visitors. The Temple Convention & Visitors Bureau offers pamphlets and audio devices for the tours. Glover also recommends larger groups call ahead if they desire a tour around the growing city. In addition to the acres of history in Temple, there is also a variety of photo ops like murals.
Downtown Temple, like downtown Bryan, has recurring First Friday celebrations where the historic downtown district gathers for a fun night of street music, street performers, food and drinks, and late-night shopping. Much like downtown Bryan, Temple offers its community historic and fun outings.
If you’re looking for a day trip idea this summer, consider visiting downtown Temple to experience all its history and renovations. Switch it up a little and dance, enjoy ethnic food and music, shop, and have fun with your friends and family in this flourishing town.
For more information on downtown Temple, their self-guided tours, and upcoming events, visit www.DiscoverTemple.com or contact Nancy Glover at nglover@TempleTx.gov or (254) 298-5379.
