Living in Tyler means you’re never far from a beautiful rose garden or a shady spot under a pine tree, but there’s a lot more to this town than what’s in the brochures. Whether you’re new to the area or just looking for something different to do on the weekend, there are plenty of hidden gems right here in our backyard that make this corner of East Texas feel a little more like home.

Let’s start with Faulkner Park. Sure, folks know about the baseball fields, but there’s a whole quiet side of the park that’s perfect for getting away from it all. Shaded walking trails wind through the woods, and there’s a peaceful little fishing pond where you can sit a spell and forget you’re even in town. It’s the kind of place where you can hear the wind in the trees and just take a breath.

If you’re a history buff—or just like knowing the stories that came before us—head over to Camp Ford Historic Park. It’s tucked away off Highway 271 and doesn’t get a ton of foot traffic, but it’s worth a visit. The park sits on the site of the largest Confederate prisoner-of-war camp west of the Mississippi. They’ve reconstructed some of the original structures, and there are walking trails and interpretive signs that really bring the past to life.

Now if you’ve got a soft spot for animals, Tiger Creek Animal Sanctuary is something special. This nonprofit rescue is home to big cats from all over—tigers, lions, leopards—and each one has a story. It’s not a zoo; it’s a safe haven, and walking through the sanctuary gives you a new appreciation for the folks who care for these animals every day.

And let’s not forget about the treasure hunters out there. Ye Olde City Antique Mall is a maze of rooms filled with everything from vintage furniture to quirky collectibles. It’s the kind of place where you can lose track of time, find a one-of-a-kind lamp or painting, and maybe even learn a little something about the past while you’re at it.

Of course, no spring in Tyler would be complete without walking the Azalea Trail. Now, it might not be hidden exactly, but it’s easy to take for granted if you’ve lived here a while. The blooms come out in full force every March and April, lining historic neighborhoods with a splash of color that’ll make you fall in love with Tyler all over again.

Here at Conquest, we believe a big part of feeling at home is connecting with your community. So get out there and explore a bit—you just might find your new favorite spot.