Waco, Texas Day Trip 2006

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Waco, TX day trip!

Tony and I headed out one early morning for a quick lazy day trip to Waco, home of the Dr. Pepper Museum. There was a time where all I ever drank was Dr. Pepper. So much that on those chance occasions when I would drink something else my mind still thought it was Dr. Pepper and I'd continue drinking oblivious to anything else.

Waco is a small town famous for many things. Its home to Baylor University, home to the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame, the Texas Sports Hall of Fame, and the Dr. Pepper Museum. The name Waco comes from the Spanish word, "Hueco" pronounced "Way-co" by English speaking settlers. It means "hollowed out" or so, and it is in reference to the homes of the native tribes that lived nearby.

The birthplace of Dr. Pepper is located right in the center of Waco just off I-35. There a museum dedicated to all things Pepper invites visitors to cruise through its history and commercialization. Available for tasting is Dr. pepper made with pure cane sugar, mixed right on the spot. I had never tasted a more delicious Dr. Pepper before in my life! Also a special treat was drinking Dr. Pepper from a real glass bottle. Something that was sort of gross though were Dr. Pepper flavored jelly beans. Leaving the museum with a classic "I'm a Pepper" vintage T-shirt is a must! As is seeing the display of fake Dr. Pepper wannabees display case (Dr. Slice, Mr. Pibb, Dr. Thunder, to name a few.)

After having our fill of all things Pepper, we headed over to the Cameron Park Zoo. Its a fun little park with plenty of worthwhile animals to see. The lemur exhibit was fun except they weren't out and about much. Still I'd rather have them in as natural a state as possible than to have them in an empty cage for everyone to see like in the olden days.

Afterwards we headed over to see the Waco Suspension Bridge that crosses the mighty Brazos River. At one point it was the largest suspension bridge west of the Mississippi. It is a pretty bridge and to take a walk on. They should do more to make it a fun tourist attraction.

Before heading home we stopped to eat at a seafood restaurant overlooking the river. The food was mediocre but it was a fun way to end the day nonetheless.

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Photos

Dr. Pepper Museum
I heart Dr. Pepper.

Dr. Pepper Museum Truck
About to deliver some Dr. Pepper to the masses.

Cameron Park Zoo
Lioness on the lookout.

Meerkats!
Meerkat sentry on the lookout.

Bison
They seem sadder in a corral.

Waco Suspension Bridge
This was first opened in 1869.

Waco Suspension Bridge 2
The bridge crosses the Brazos River.

Waco Suspension Bridge 3
Kind of looks like the Brooklyn Bridge.

Tony Eating Gumbo
We ate at a seafood restaraunt overlooking the Brazos River.

The Mighty Brazos River
I guess the drought has been bad.