Like Dallas, Waco has a restored warehouse district and revitalized downtown, but lacks Dallas' hustle and bustle. Once you get away from the highway, Waco's natural beauty is immediately at hand. Large trees line the rivers and the leaves turn a variety of colors in the fall. Waco is home to Baylor University, which gives Waco a college-town feel, and a definite prestige; Baylor University is the largest Baptist university in the world and the oldest university in Texas that still holds its original name. The soft drinks Dr. Pepper and Big Red were born here, as was comedian Steve Martin.
Stroll down the picturesque River Walk along the Brazos River, and cross the pedestrian suspension bridge from east to west Waco. The bridge is beautifully lit at night. Lake Waco offers fishing, canoeing, kayaking and other water sports.
Waco is about 90 miles south of Dallas on I-35.
