The video above follows a day trip through Temple TX, a historic railroad town sitting right off I-35 about 65 miles north of Austin and 34 miles south of Waco. With a population of around 80,000, Temple doesn't always land on the typical Texas travel radar, but it's got a walkable downtown, some solid food, and enough character to make a stop worthwhile — especially if you're already driving the I-35 corridor between Austin and Waco.
What is there to do in downtown Temple TX?
Downtown Temple has a good mix of old storefronts, restaurants, and a few spots to grab a drink and hear some music. The Temple Railroad and Heritage Museum is a natural starting point — the town was founded as a railroad stop back in the 1880s, and the museum honors that history. There's an actual train on display right next to it and a small park nearby, so it makes for a nice walk before you head into the downtown blocks. From there, you can wander through the area and check out the food and drink options. One standout meal was at Mexico Cafe, which serves a Mexican and Korean fusion menu — not something you run into every day in a Central Texas town this size. For drinks and live music, Corky's Wine and Beer Bar had music going during the visit.
Live music spots in and near Temple TX
- Corky's Wine and Beer Bar — A downtown Temple spot that features live music alongside its wine and beer selection. A good casual stop while walking the area.
- Kissing Tree Vineyards — Located in nearby Bruceville-Eddy, just a short drive up I-35 from Temple. It's a big open room with table seating and a surprisingly intimate feel for live performances. David Bridwell played a solo gig here to a reserved-seating crowd that was engaged and supportive the whole night.
Bruceville-Eddy itself is a tiny town with just a small strip of buildings right off the freeway — a bank, a restaurant, and Kissing Tree Vineyards tucked in there among them. It's the kind of place you'd blow right past on I-35 if you didn't know there was a reason to stop.
A solid stop on the I-35 corridor
Temple works well as a day trip from Austin or as a break on the drive between Austin and Waco. The downtown is compact enough to explore on foot, the railroad museum gives you a reason to stretch your legs, and the food options — especially that Mexican-Korean fusion at Mexico Cafe — are worth seeking out. If you time it right and catch a show at a place like Kissing Tree Vineyards, even better. After his set, David Bridwell got fed a steak by the venue, which is about as good as it gets after a gig. Check out the full video above for the walkthrough and a few songs from the performance.