A day guide to Bear Country

By Taylor Griffin
A&E Editor

While there’s plenty to see around Baylor’s property, attractions await in the city that holds its campus. From local eats to stadium seats, the city of Waco is filled with enough Texan culture and history to please any visitor.

For Family Weekend, The Lariat has compiled a list of interesting things for visiting families to do and see around the city while enjoying the company of their Baylor Bear.

9 a.m. breakfast at Cafe Cappuccino
100 N. Sixth St. #100
A great start to a busy day in Waco begins at the affectionately-nicknamed “Cafe Capp.” The frequenters rave about the bottomless coffee and sweet potato pancakes as big as the plates.

10:30 a.m. Waco Downtown Farmers Market
400 S. University Parks Drive
Hosting all local farmers and producers, this homegrown weekly event in the heart of downtown cultivates community involvement and healthy food.

11:30 a.m. Cameron Park Zoo or Dr Pepper Museum
1701 N. Fourth St.; 300 S. Fifth St.
Lions and tigers and Baylor Bears, oh my! The Cameron Park Zoo year-round houses dozens of animals and beautiful scenery. For the soda enthusiasts, families can also visit the Dr Pepper Museum, which commemorates the town where the famous 23 flavors began.

1:30 p.m. lunch at Vitek’s
1600 Speight Ave.
A Waco staple, this barbecue joint offers an array of savory goodness from chopped beef to chicken. Their crowning glory, “The Gut Pak,” is a meat-lovers’ delight with Fritos, cheese, chopped beef, beans, sausage and condiments.

3 p.m. football game at Floyd Casey Stadium
3088 Burnett Ave.
Tens of thousands will join the Baylor Line at “The Case” to back the Bears as they battle University of Louisiana, Monroe. Tailgating is as necessary as wearing the green and gold.

7 p.m. dinner at The Elite Cafe
2132 S. Valley Mills Drive
While the name may be deceiving, this city favorite fulfills all kinds of appetites at a reasonable price. Their special concoctions include Dr Pepper Baby Back Ribs and the Elvis Sandwich, a gooey mess of bananas, peanut butter and bacon between two slices of Texas toast—a true homage to The King.

9 p.m. late movie at Starplex Cinema
333 S. Valley Mills Drive
Taking in a late night movie with the family winds down a full day in Waco. Students can take advantage of their special ticket prices with a valid ID. Topping the box office, “Insidious Chapter 2” chillingly continues where its predecessor left off and is sure to incite frightful fun. (See this movie’s review on Page B8)