Homegrown Eats and Exploration in Waco's Countryside

Just 10 miles north of downtown Waco, Texas, is Homestead Heritage, an agrarian Christian community situated on more than 500 acres. There’s so much to explore at this sprawling estate, from artisan goods to lush gardens, an active blacksmith shop, and much more. You could easily spend the rest of your day here if you wanted to! If so, feel free to throw the itinerary out the window and follow what sounds fun.
Just here for the highlights? You must at least stop by Heritage Coffee and Cafe Homestead, their mainstay restaurant. With its tall ceiling and incredible floor-to-ceiling glass window, Heritage Coffee is the ideal spot to enjoy a specialty latte in a light and airy space. Surrounded by mature oak and pecan trees, it just might be the most beautiful coffee shop in Texas.

Homestead Craft Village, nestled within the picturesque Homestead Heritage, will immerse you into a world of handmade wonders, unforgettable experiences, and delectable dining.
Here you can shop for handcrafted items, furniture, and organic groceries, as well as enjoy horse-drawn hay rides and explore gardens, livestock areas, and an aquaponics greenhouse. The village also provides opportunities to learn traditional skills through craft shop visits, interactions with skilled craftsmen, and observing the creation of handcrafted items.
Want to learn more about the Homestead Heritage community? Take time to speak with the staff and, if you can, explore the structures surrounding Cafe Homestead.

Feeling hungry? Cafe Homestead, Homestead Heritage’s flagship restaurant, serves some of the best food in the Brazos Valley, hands down. They’re known for their locally-sourced ingredients and hand-made, high quality dishes. You truly cannot go wrong with any item on the menu!

Opened to the public in May 1991, The Dr Pepper Museum takes residence in the historic 1906 Artesian Manufacturing and Bottling Company building, a cherished National Register of Historic Places landmark known as the "Home of Dr Pepper." Step into a world of flavor and history as you embark on a journey through the timeline of America's oldest major soft drink.
Explore the museum's exhibits, which offer a glimpse into the heritage and evolution of Dr Pepper. Discover the stories behind its creation, development, and iconic marketing campaigns that have left an indelible mark on American culture. Or engage your taste buds in a blind taste test of six unusual soda flavors and be a part of the decision-making process on which ones you believe have the potential to succeed in today's market. You can also dive into the Make-A-Soda experience.

Indian Spring Park memorializes the area’s Native American heritage and the city’s beginnings along the Brazos River. Street park nearby for tasty eats at some of the city’s best food trucks. From here, you’ll have a great view of the Waco Suspension Bridge. Think it looks familiar? It was constructed by the same builders as the iconic Brooklyn Bridge.

Stop at Layne’s on your way back to Houston for a casual dinner at this College Station mainstay. Don’t be fooled by Layne’s hole-in-the-wall vibes; this eatery has a cult following and multiple locations around the state. Is it better than some national fried chicken chains? Some devotees think so. You be the judge.